[PaQSO] TIPS FOR OUT OF STATE OPERATION IN PAQP

[Kyle Chavis]

High placing out-of-state Ops:

1.  Do you find that calling CQ is effective or do you rely on S and P?

____________
Both, run while you can when the rate drops S&P when rate drops change
bands, S&P while looking for a run frequency. This should work well for
80/40 meters. Don't forget the higher bands, you should be able to make a
few contacts there but I wouldn't spend much time unless the rate is good. I
usually hit 80/40 meters hard and give a quick tune on 160/20. I haven't had
much luck with 15 or 10, especially using QRP.


2.  Judging from last year's out-of-state standings, it seems like the top
     scoring stations run about 1/3 CW and 2/3 SSB.  Is this the norm?  Or
     have there been years when a station using only CW has placed in the
     top 5 out-of-state stations?

____________
Just guessing I would say that's a norm, more SSB ops than CW ops in my
opinion and the ratio seems about right.


3.  Is there much activity on 160 meters, SSB and CW?
____________
Having not operated the contest in a long time I'm not really sure but I
would think that it would be some activity on 160m. Wouldn't think many of
the mobiles will be running on 160 but you never know.


I guess the one thing I always do is set a goal for myself. For a example
beating last year's score, setting a new record, working all PA counties,
making 500 Qso's, etc... The PA QSO PARTY has always been a blast!! Lots of
contacts to be had with 40 meters packed with Pennsylvania RF. Depending
upon my schedule I hope to operate this year, I'm in the process now of
rebuilding the station and hope to participate in more contests this season.
One think for sure you won't have to worry about is having fun in this
contest, it's on each band and mode!
73,
Kyle