[Elecraft] OT: "/XX" observations

[Ken G Kopp]

My situation is perhaps a bit "unique".  As a contester I view
calls in the 7th call area as a bit more "in demand" than some
others.  Being in Montana (MT) adds a bit more to the "scarce"
mix.  The same seems to be true in DX'ing.

Since I have a "zero" call. I always sign "/7" in contests, but
never in day-to-day operation.  The thinking is probably "oh,
there's a "zero" ... there are plenty of them and I'll get him
later", but a "seven" is a "better get him now, while I can".

Factor into this that in a CW contest one would never send
"Montana" as a section identifier, but instead sends "_ _  __"
(MT) which is often heard as "MO" (long dash as CW shorthand
for "O"), placing me in an incorrect section (MO) in the other
guy's log.

But this can be an "advantage" when the DX is calling by call
areas.... "de /7K0PP" or "de K0PP/7".  (:-))

Yes, it's the price I pay for not having a "seven" call for the
last 35 years, BUT with my last name would -you- change
my call? (:-)  BTW, there are 50+ "Kopp" hams out there.

73!

Ken Kopp - K0PP