[Elecraft] Contest Settings

[Dave Cole]

Hi,

I use a Genovation keypad connected to the P3, and hence the K3, for
all contesting...  It allows built in macros to be fired with a single
keypress into the K3...  See: 

http://nk7z.net/adding-an-external-keypad-to-the-k3/

for more info on the keypad.

I switch between very wide for listening around, and then zoom to
narrow...  The steps are as follows:

1.  As wide as possible, scanning around, zero in close to station by 
    hand.
2.  Hit ALIGN button on Genovation Keypad.  This centers the signal in 
    the passband, and on the spot frequency set in the K3 via macros.
2a. If split, hit the SPLIT +5 button, on the Genovation, this puts    
    the radio in split, moves the DX to the left edge of the P3 
    screen, and then adjusts the span of the P3 to 6 KHz.  I can then 
    see the openings, and the stations answering the DX.  Lets me find 
    a hole in the crowd to answer in as well.
3.  If too much QRM hit the Filter button on the Genovation Keypad, 
    this narrows the bandwidth to any filter selected using one button 
    press.
4.  Enter data to log by hand, or if via spot it is already there.
5.  Hit the NK7Z button on the keypad, this sends my call at a 
    selected CW speed, or triggers the memory if in SSB.
6.  If station answers, hit the EXCHANGE button on the software, 
    or the keypad.
7.  Press Wide bandwidth on keypad, then Goto 1.  CLear SPlit if 
    needed.

The Genovation has the following filters set up on it:

2800, 1000, 750, 500, 300, all of which can be selected with a single
key press, for each mode.

If I want NB/NR, I hit the button on the keypad for NB/NR, but I
normally don't use either.  Same for attenuation.

Once you get used to the keypad, it is like playing a piano, I can
operate the K3 and never even touch the radio...  Wonderful for
contests...

-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info


On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 17:07 +0400, a45wg wrote:
> Fellow Hams,
> 		Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest (CW),
> now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so please
> no “Contests should be banned”.
> 
> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs 
> 
> This is what I have been doing - 
> 
> 	0) 	Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> 	1)	Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
> too wide.
> 	2)	Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> 	3)	Disable PreAmp
> 	
> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
> 
> 	Attentate (Just thought of this)
> 	NR Settings ?
> 	Notch filter ?
> 
> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together the
> common suggestions.
> 
> Many thanks,
> 			Tim A45WG
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