[Elecraft] ARRL November Sweepstakes CW

[Bill Coleman]

On Nov 7, 2005, at 11:19 AM, BPCI at aol.com wrote:

> I am a newcomer to all of this, and I am wondering if there is any  
> place
> left in contesting for those of us who choose not to have a  
> computer send code
> or receive code--ie just used for logging. I am working on getting  
> my speed up,
>  but I couldn't participate due to my inability to copy the high  
> speed CW
> used by  what I assume are mostly computers sending code. Am i off- 
> base here? I
> do enjoy  the QRP contests I have entered since these seem to use  
> "manually"
> generated  exchanges at slower speeds (20 - 25 WPM). Thanks for any  
> advice...

A couple of things here.

First, congratulations for joining the contesting community.  
Contesting is a lot of fun, although it does take practice and  
experience to become proficient.

Second, virtually NO ONE uses a computer to receive code in a  
contest. Send, yes, receive, no. The extremely good operators have no  
problem copying 25-40 wpm code in their head.

Third, one way to operate a contest like SS when there are lots of  
QRQ signals on the air is to find a strong station and listen to him  
over and over, pick out his callsign letter by letter, then the  
exchange until you have just about everything. Then call him. When he  
replies, you'll already have most of the content for the exchange.  
This works in every contest except the Sprint.

Forth, contest exchanges at 20-25 wpm are nothing to be ashamed of. I  
often run with my computer set at 24-26 wpm, since this is where I am  
comfortable copying responses. My paddles are set to about 20-22,  
since I can't physically send faster without making lots of errors.

If you want to work exchanges at slower speeds, get on and call CQ at  
the speed you are comfortable, especially higher in the band. If  
calling CQ doesn't work, you can call the QRQ ops and say PSE QRS.  
Most will oblige.

Personally, I call many ops in contests, but the super QRQ ops going  
40+ wpm, I just tune by. I'm not there yet.

Keep practicing!


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901