[PaQSO] CW SPEED

[Kay Craigie]

In the PA QSO Party, when I'm hunting & pouncing I try to match the
speed of the station who's running the frequency. If somebody's going
well up in the 30's, I probably won't call him because I probably won't
be able to copy him.

When I run a frequency in this contest, it's probably not faster than
about 22 wpm, which seems to be a good balance between moving things
along vs. scaring off newcomers. I'd like to see CW remain a part of
this contest for a long time, because I enjoy it (not to mention the
score boost). Seems to me that one good way to kill off the CW activity
in this "Friendly Contest" would be to show how fast we can work each
other, so the newcomers who might be willing to try some CW contacts
will be so in awe that they will QSY back to phone. What welcomed me get
into CW operation in this contest was the classy operators who would
readily QRS. They were willing to put helping me make the Q above
showing off and above keeping their own rate up. Some of them are on
this reflector. You know who you are. Thank you!!

I use computer-generated CW. It's what works best for me. It's the most
fun for me. If the best thing for you is a straight key, bug, paddle, or
QLF device, go for it.

73 - Kay N3KN