[Elecraft] [OT] CW speed and decoders and SS

[Richard HIll]

Hi David, you did not mention that you used a contest logger.  I used N1MM.
It allows entry of the exchange parts in any order.  I had to listen to
running stations several (OK, many) times to get the exchange down and
confirmed before I tried to make contact. I could get the precedence, check,
section entered, and then get the serial number and enter the first numbers
and then could concentrate on the final number or two.  N1MM made it
tolerable for me.

I worked a couple of clear, moderately fast signals, but mostly concentrated
on the slower ops.  I sent at 20 wpm, because I hear it better than 18 wpm.
I suspect most requests to me to repeat were due to conditions or QRM at the
operator's location, but did get repeat requests for my 02 check.  I'm
really at 13-15 wpm and working up.

I got nowhere in the early going, and had my best copy late at night when
things slowed down in general, and stations were more spread out.

I know lots of operators capable of running at 40+ wpm.  It is just a
language to them.  Ops who prefer high speed often seem to have trouble with
slower speeds--I think they doze off between letters <grin>.

I also know of high speed ops who send at 20 wpm for accuracy and to reduce
repeats.

I did not ask anyone to QRS.  I figure I'm slow and need to avoid
interrupting their rhythm.  If I call them and they are running at 30 wpm, I
should be able to copy them.  If they call me and I'm running, then I expect
them to call at near my speed.

73

NU6T
Rich

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of David Wilburn
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 5:27 AM
To: elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] [OT] CW speed and decoders and SS


What blew me away trying to get into my third CW contest was the speed
everyone was running.  Additionally I had not dealt with sequential
exchanges before, and wanted to listen to one first to get the "feel" of
the exchange.  But it was all too fast.

The concept of answering folks at what they sent, was few and far
between in my experience.  I heard some folks consistently sending
slower (meaning 20-25) only to be answered by much higher rates.  They
still worked them, so they were capable of higher than they were sending
(seems quite possible) or they had help.

Decoders must be useful, the K3 has one.  With the many years of being
licensed that copied that I copied in the exchange, I completely believe
that many folks are sending and copying at the higher speeds.  But I
have a hard time buying that "all" of them are.

Are they using the MFJ decoder or the various software programs?  Is
there one that works better than the other?  I have every intention of
continuing to build my code speed, but if I am going to continue to try
to do CW contesting I need to do something to reduce the frustration
factor.  There were stations that I passed over as too fast to even
start getting the info.  Others I asked for QRS.  Most did, some didn't.

Overall it was a learning activity, I'm glad I took the time to
experience it, but frustrating because I couldn't fully participate.
--

David Wilburn
dave.wilburn at verizon.net
K4DGW
K2 S/N 5982


_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com