[Elecraft] Contest Reflections

[Sam Morgan]

J F wrote:
> Doug,
> 
> 1.  QSK.  This is user skill level dependent.  If you
> do 20 wpm or less, the K2 QSK may be fine for you. 
> During contesting, I am going at least 32-34 wpm, and
> not uncommonly at 40wpm.  At these speeds and during a
> contest, I NEED to hear everything immediately (that
> is what top-end contesting is about).  So not hearing
> between dits at "slow" contest speeds of 32 wpm is an
> issue for me.  
snip
> *** I would argue that this is not "skill level"
> dependent, but user preference. 
snip
> I listen to some of the folks cranking at
> over 35WPM and don't see any advantage when you look
> at the repeat rates. Maybe time is saved with non
> relevant items or repeatable items like CQ TEST or
> 5NN, but unless conditions or you have a killer
> signal, high speed means high repeat rates.
> 
perhaps stretching the topic a bit,
but here's my, low speed, 2nd class commoner's 2 cents on the "top-end 
contesting" game.

My cw qso speed is a comfy 13-15wpm.
I can sorta copy (75%) at about 20-22wpm.
When I participate in the (other than qrp) contests, like the wpx,
it's strictly to see if/where I can be heard and to hand out a few points.
I can cope with the 25wpm and under guys just fine.
I figure it only enhances my learning.

Above that I have to listen to the guy as many times as it takes,
sometime 10 or more, just to get his call and the exchange info,
so when/if I answer him he won't have to deal with my requests for repeats.

If he isn't rare dx that I want to see if I can be heard by.
(Not for certificates, but just for my own satisfaction that I was heard)
I don't even bother with him.

Is that a fun way to contest? no.
Do I get fed up with the 40wpm (sic) big contesters? often.
Do I usually just blow them off and they don't get my contact for points?
You better believe it.

Just another view of how the fast ones often fail to serve themselves well by 
going so bloody fast. More power to them that they are capable of doing so. I 
just wonder how many q's they miss out on in doing so?

-- 
GB & 73's
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan