[Elecraft] Contest Reflections

[Doug Person]

To some degree there is a bit of speed snobbery out there. I too am 
comfortable as 13-15 wpm.  Too often, someone will return on my cq at 
about 20.  I do my best but it just isn't fun.  I can't copy in my head 
and I have arthritis in my hands and can't write faster than about 15.  
The best solution is to join FISTS and work lots of FISTS stations.  
These guys and girls are a real pleasure and helped me make cw an 
enjoyable mode to operate.

73 - Doug --K0DXV

Sam Morgan wrote:
> 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?
>