[PaQSO] Which digital mode

[Michael Coslo]

On Sep 29, 2010, at 11:38 PM, Bill Sheehan wrote:

> 
> I did a whopping 5 of the PSK-31 Q's last year, but I'll admit,
> they were HARD !!! VERY HARD !!!
> 
> I plan to stick with RTTY this year.
> IF things get REAL desperate, I may try some PSK.



Contesting using PSK is very challenging, bragfile or no.

Whereas if there is a pileup in the other modes, you can pick something out and maybe direct the pileup by narrowing down the prospective callers, on PSK if you have 10 people calling back at you, there isn't anything to see, because the computer has to hear some phase shifting to produce anything, and it isn't like FM with the strongest signal winning the battle.

The best way to Contest PSK in my opinion is to use a superbrowser, everyone calls a couple CQs, everyone watches,  maybe putting some of their exchange info in the CQ, then they work each other cooperatively. Things like calling CQ and acting as if there is a pileup already,  narrowing the likely OPs that will call back. This is a very different approach when compared to the competitive nature of most of what we do, where the 800 pound gorilla wins.

The whole approach is so different. High power is bad, signal quality is a lot more important, and cooperation is key.

If I get the time between now and the party, I might set up my system to do  some PSK mobile in the party. Obviously while I'm parked!

Yeah, there are a lot of people who have bragfiles of significant length - you're probably getting some contacts with people that aren't in the party. But PSK is kind of a mode onto itself, and the users are usually pretty relaxed, and I think the lengthy equipment lists are just another part of learning about what the other OP is using.

- 73 de Mike N3LI -