Friday afternoon observations

[Bill Axelrod]

It's Friday around 4 PM.  Like many of us, I've updated all my software,
removed the rust from my microphone, set up N1MM for the CQ WW SSB contest.

I'm sure there are some of us sitting in front of their computers and
watching the clock just waiting for 0001Z to start the contest.

So, what to do until then?  Perhaps it's time to think ahead to
next weekend and get ourselves prepared for the CW November Sweepstakes.

There's rules to review and lots of good experience posted on our PVRC
website.

I was talking with one of our local guys about the SS and he talked about
how it always takes him some time after the contest starts and a number of
QSOs for him to become comfortable with the long exchange.  And I realized
that happens to me too.  I've been doing the CW SS since 1962 - yet I still
need some time to acclimate.

Many of us use Morse Runner to keep our CW speeds up.  There's a new
version out now.  It includes the Sweepstakes.  It provides very
realistic.  After a while you can even forget your using Morse Runner and
not a radio.  So, I'm using it for at least 15 minutes a day every day
until the SS.

You may find it helpful.

73...   Bill K3WA