[PVRC] Preps for this weekend's contest

[Bill Axelrod]

Thanks Ed.


73...   Bill

On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 4:09 PM Ed Kerns <edkerns at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Bill,
>
> Regarding sending 73:  Ed Muns, W0YX, has had several presentations
> discussing when a FTx contact is complete.  Some operators mistakenly
> believe a QSO is not complete without the 73.  This is unlike other contest
> modes and may result from the rote use of automatic sequences introduced in
> WSJT-x.  W0YX calls it the "Paradox of the Two Generals" and results in a
> higher 'not in log' rate for FTx contests.  Several slides on this are in
> WOYX's 2023 Contest University presentation online (and previous years)
>
>
> https://www.contestuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RTTY-FT4-FT8-Digital-Contesting-2023.pdf
>
>
> His advice is:
>
> "Develop skill to dynamically change message, e.g., use the Alternate
> F1-F6 keys in WSJT-X
>
> Always log the QSO when receiving a RRR, RR73 or 73 message.
>
> Always log the QSO when sending RRR, RR73 or 73 message.
>
> Look for a clue that your message was not received, e.g., your QSO partner
> re-sends his report."
>
>
>
> The clue is usually an additional transmission, so you will want to send
> another transmission yourself to make sure the QSO is completed.
>
>
> Experience has shown that in FTx contesting it is always advisable to
> watch if a further transmission is desired by the other station.
>
>
>
> The rote expectation of "73" reduces rates.  This is not a fault of the
> FTx mode, but results from operating practices.  Hopefully, those current
> practices will evolve to faster practices in the future as the mode is more
> commonly used in contesting.  Maybe, if we don't automatically send 73
> ourselves, which implies we expect an additional transmission, it will
> contribute to a trend for improving practices.  Ed Muns, W0YX, is a notable
> guide.
>
> 73,
>
> Ed, N1EK
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* pvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net <pvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on
> behalf of Bill Axelrod <bill at axelrods.org>
> *Sent:* Thursday, June 8, 2023 11:05 AM
> *To:* PVRC <pvrc at mailman.qth.net>; PVRC NC <pvrcnc at mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject:* [PVRC] Preps for this weekend's contest
>
> How do I turn off that final TX5 (73) transmission?  The WSJT manual says
> it is an option but doesn't say how to do that.  At least that I can find.
>
> From a not-big time FT8 user.
>
> 73...   Bill K3WA
>
>