[SJDXA] 160 SSB operations

[Bob Schenck N2OO]

SJDXA MEMBERS;

Since we are expecting a few new ops this weekend, I thought it would be
appropriate to write up a quick review on our setup, our operation, and
strategy.

Might be a good review for the regulars too.

 

We will again be using the standard setup with three Elecraft K3's plus a
spare.

There are 3 operating positions.

1.       RUN: This is the K3 set up primarily for running on a particular
frequency calling CQ.

2.       MULT: This K3 is set up to primarily "chase and hunt down" new
stations to work with an emphasis ALWAYS on new multipliers.

3.       SLAVE: This K3 does NOT transmit. It is set up to the right of the
RUN station. The primary function for this person is to "assist" the RUN op
by listening to all 6 beverages for stations answering our CQ, and to HELP
the run op copy callsigns.

 

Our set up uses ONE amplifier that is automatically selected by the first K3
to key up. (The device that does this is called an Acom 2S1). If the RUN
station is transmitting, the MULT station will not be able to key up until
the RUN stations stops transmitting. Our setup SHOULD allow us to transmit
ALMOST anywhere on 160. However the further up the band, the more there is a
chance for an AMPLIFIER trip out due to mis-match. Generally, we should be
able to transmit up to around 1.940 khz without issues. If we NEED to go
higher to get a 10 pointer or new mult, we can use the tuner to tweak the
match. But we try not to do that if we can avoid it since we run two radios
simultaneously jumping between freqs. Quick QSO's will limit any strain on
the amp.

Each position has access to TWO sets of receive antennas. We have a total of
6 beverages pointing NE, N/S, NW, W, SW, E. They are quite directional. You
will probably NOT hear most Europeans on anything but the NE beverage
(sometimes the N/S or E will help). 

The second "set" of receive antennas is a Hi-Z 4 square. This is primarily
only set to use NE during all times that Europe is coming in. There is only
one box for access to change directions between the run and the mult ops.
This is good to try when you are having some difficulty hearing a European
calling. Each radio will have a COAX switch to give you access to either set
of receive antennas. Sometimes the 4 suqare hears better than the beverage.
Rely on it as a backup but always start out using the beverages.

 

The RUN op is trying to hold a frequency and continually call CQ and work
people. 

The SLAVE op has an important job to communicate to the RUN op who is
calling and which beverage is best. The RUN op must trust the SLAVE op.
Sometimes, the RUN op works someone he does not hear but the SLAVE op does
hear. The SLAVE op should always try to listen on any/all beverages that the
RUN op is not using. The Slave op should visibly watch what direction the
RUN op is using.

The MULT op is constantly checking spots AND tuning the band for new
stations to work. 

 

IMPORTANT: Our new setup using K3's make it much easier to hear while the
other radio is transmitting. You can actually not even tell that the other
radio is transmitting if you aren't right on his frequency. That's how good
the K3's are at reducing or eliminating adjacent strong signals. As such,
this can cause some limited confusion. The proper thing to do is to keep all
transmissions as short as possible. We will be utilizing F Key access to the
voice keyers in the K3's which will be set up with appropriate short
messages. More on this later.

 

TRANSMIT ANTENNAS: The "ARRAY" has three options accessed by throwing a
switch that is located between the MULT and the RUN radio positions. These
are Northeast, West and Omni. We have learned that from the start of the
contest and straight through to around 2-3 AM it is best to just leave this
set to NE. It transmits quite well in all directions for our use. Only
switch to West if absolutely needed. Also, it is proper to switch to WEST
after 2-3 AM after Europe propagation closes down after European Sunrise is
over. Although OMNI is available, it does not match up that well and we have
found that it is not normally beneficial to use. So, try not to use it.
Stick with NE or W. WARNING!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! NEVER SWITCH THE
TRANSMIT ANTENNA WITHOUT DIRECT EYE COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER TRANSMIT
OPERATOR. HOT SWITCHING CAN DAMAGE THINGS. AGAIN.. DO NOT SWITCH THE
TRANSMIT ANTENNAS UNLESS BOTH OPS ARE TOGETHER. TAP THE OTHER OP ON THE
SHOULDER IF YOU HAVE TO.. THEN COMMUNICATE AGAIN, WHEN YOU RETURN IT BACK.
COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. 

 

Remember one important thing. We will have one of the strongest signals on
the band. That is sometimes hard to remember because of each of us is so
used to being that "puny weak guy" operating from our home stations. Usually
while operating from the 160 super station in West Creek, you really don't
have to scream and repeat often. Keeping transmissions short and sweet works
fine BUT speak clearly. And it also gives the other op (mult or run) ample
opportunity to not break his rhythm much. Cooperation is imperative. Eye
contact is also good to do. I like to keep an eye on the amplifier to see if
the other op is transmitting. As I said, you don't always hear them.
Especially when we are using the voice keyers. 

 

Phonetics: We should always use phonetics. We should use November two
Charlie Whiskey. If having trouble getting through to somebody, then MAYBE
try CANADA WASHINGTON.  Nothing else needed. Don't use weird ones. 

LOGGING: We will be using Win TEST. This program is very easy to use. It is
similar to N1MM so anyone who has used N1MM should feel comfortable. WinTEST
actually emulates some of the old features from CT by K1EA. But uses similar
features from N1MM. In any event, it's easy to use. One thing that we will
have set up in Win TEST this year is that we will be able to actuate the
K3's Voice Keyer memories M1, M2, M3, M4 by using the F keys of the
keyboard. 

F1 will be our general CQ.

F2 will be the exchange (59 New Jersey)

F3 will be simply  "Thanks! November two Charlie Whiskey QRzed"

F4 will be "November two Charlie whiskey"

 

Again, if you record any memory channels, be CLEAR. Do NOT slur letters or
words together. 

 

STRATEGY:

This contest is our really only "serious" annual CLUB event. We are in it to
try to win it. We have won this contest several times over the years
(USA-Multi-Op), going back to our very first entry in 2004. To win, we must
park all of our egos at the door and work as a team. As such, if you are
uneasy about serious contest operating, but you want to contribute and
learn, may I suggest that you spend some time in the SLAVE radio position.
Another good time to operate is during the daytime hours when things are
slow. Arnie W2OB will be our primary daytime op again this year but he
always welcomes helpers. Maximum operating time is 40 hours. The contest
starts at 2200 UTC on Friday (5pm). It ends on Sunday at 2200utc (5PM). So,
we can operate straight through from 2200 UTC Friday through 1400 UTC (9am)
on Sunday morning and take the rest of Sunday daytime) off. As such, that is
what I will recommend that we do this year. So, the Saturday daytime crew
will remain on the air all day this year.  

While operating, do NOT be afraid to ask for help from your SLAVE op. If the
SLAVE op needs help, he should ask someone who is not operating (who he
thinks might be able to hear better) to take over at least for the one QSO.
This is also true for either the RUN or MULT op. If you hear a signal, but
you are just having trouble pulling it out, let someone else give it a try,
especially if it is something we need. Multipliers are VERY important in
this contest. Missing one multiplier can lose the contest. So, get help if
you need help.

 

LOGGING: ACCURACY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. A BUSTED CALL WILL hurt THE FINAL
SCORE. Here is why:

XI. Penalties and Disqualification: Logs will be cross-checked and penalties
will be applied at the committee's discretion for contacts determined to be
bad or busted. The bad QSO is removed and a penalty of two more equivalent
QSOs is applied to the points only. No penalty should be applied for unique
QSOs unless they are deemed excessive. A log may be disqualified for
violation of amateur radio regulations, unsportsmanlike conduct, or claiming
excessive unverified contacts.

 

DUPES: WORK ALL DUPES!!!!!!! VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!  DON'T WASTE TIME
TELLING SOMEONE WE WORKED THEM BEFORE. WE MUST ASSUME THAT IF THEY ARE
CALLING US THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE US IN THEIR LOG. JUST WORK THEM AGAIN. THE
LOG WILL HANDLE IT.

IF THE MULT OP TRIES TO WORK SOMEONE WHO IS DEFINITELY NOT IN OUR LOG, BUT
THEY TRY TO SAY THAT WE ARE A DUPE,  THEN QUICKLY TELL HIM THAT WE DON'T
SHOW THE QSO AND ASK TO WORK THEM AGAIN. QUICKLY AND POLITELY. 

 

I will try to select the best ops for the right times to man positions on
the stations. 

 

It looks like we will have a nice showing Friday night. A little lighter on
Saturday night.

We especially need ops for overnight through dawn. If you can stay
overnight, there is a couch and a loveseat in the back room. Otherwise,
previous participants have been known to bring cots and sleeping bags to get
some shuteye and naps. 

Please let me know if you will be staying overnight. I will be there both
nights overnight.

 

 

If anyone has any questions, fire away.

 

We will be meeting at the site Thursday morning around 9:30 AM to check the
beverages and do some initial setup work with a break for lunch at the
Chinese Buffet in Waretown leaving around 11:45 AM. Returning around 2PM.

We will be at the site on Friday starting around 9:30 AM also, but staying
all day to do complete the setup. Marty W2CG and Danny W2NO will be down to
help with the computer setups etc. Contest starts at 5PM (2200UTC).

 

See you soon!

 

 

See ya' in the Pileups!

73!

Bob Schenck, N2OO

President SJDXA

GO SJDXA!!! www.sjdxa.org

 

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