[Elecraft] K3 CW decoder and CQ CW contest

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,12/1/2014 5:52 AM, dmb at lightstream.net wrote:
> But PLEASE DO develop the habit of using the characters "DE" to preface
> the sending of your callsign, whether calling CQ or in exchange with
> another station.

NO, NO, NO! (CAPS added for emphasis). When a contester (or DXpedition) 
is running (calling CQ), we EXPECT to hear YOUR callsign, and we start 
typing that call in the entry window. Lots of calls begin with D, so 
when someone sends DE, we must backspace. DON'T send his call first -- 
he knows his call -- only send yours. Same problem with typing. Further, 
sending the old CW elements like DE, K, KN, and QSL during a contest are 
time-wasters equivalent to "please copy" on SSB. Most good contesters 
use "TU" or "R" and end a QSO by sending "TU" followed by their callsign.

Another rule -- NEVER resend anything that the other station has copied 
correctly. If the other station sent your call correctly when he 
responded to you, don't send it again. Send it again ONLY if you think 
he got it wrong.

Count me among those who HATE cut numbers other than for 5NN.

73, Jim K9YC