[Elecraft] RE: K3 & CQWW

[Dave Agsten]

I agree that there were quite a few stations running ultra high speed CW. They should slow down a bit or at least answer a station replying at a slower speed. I'm not sure just what the definition of really slow speed is these days, but some operators, myself included, love to use a straight key. The K3 has a jack just for my straight keys in addition to having one for paddles. Are we QRMing these contest stations by using a straight key? If so, too bad. They can choose not to answer, but we certainly have the right to reply.....at any speed. There are many times when contest stations QRM those who are just on to operate and are not participating in the event. An example of that would be SSB on 160 spreading out all the way down to the low end.

Speaking of those ultra high speed CW stations, I have to wonder if they are in a radio contest or a computer contest? Isn't the computer doing most of the operating. I don't know, since having the PC run the show, as far as contest exchanges are concerned, is of absolutely no interest to me.  Does the computer copy and select the calling station? ( I have no idea?? ) If it does, then it really is a computer contest and not a ham radio contest.

C'ya in the ARRL 160

73,
Dave N8AG