ARRL November Sweepstakes CW

[N6JW]

In a message dated 11/7/05 11:19 A.M. EST,  
WU7R wrote:
 
I am a newcomer to all of this, and I am wondering if there is any place  
left in contesting for those of us who choose not to have a computer send
code  
or receive code--ie just used for logging. I am working on getting my speed
up,
 but I couldn't participate due to my inability to copy the high speed CW
used by  what I assume are mostly computers sending code. Am i off-base
here? I
do enjoy  the QRP contests I have entered since these seem to use "manually"

generated  exchanges at slower speeds (20 - 25 WPM). Thanks for any
advice...Ci,
 WU7R
 
 
Well, I am certainly no expert contest operator either, so take my comments
with a grain of salt.
 
I don't think many contest operators (at least good ones) use a computer to
RECEIVE code.  The human ear and brain still leaves current technology in
the dust in any situation, less than perhaps 'closed loop' conditions.
 
However, I suspect almost all serious contesters use the computer software
to send the exchange, call CQ, and for many other tasks as well.  The
automation of these tasks cuts down the workload for the operator.
 
Is it possible to do all this manually?  Sure, just use a paddle and the
internal K2 keyer, and send away.  Or, if you are REALLY nostalgic (or
masochistic!) use a straight key.
 
However . . . it IS possible to use the K2's CW memories to good effect to
simulate computer type operation--without a computer, with a few
limitations.  Here is one way to do it.  And, as long as you don't think
using computer software is playing foul, then I don't think this is cheating
either!:
 
1.    Use one memory (say Number Pad Key 8) for your call.  Record at a
comfortable speed, and you can then send at any speed you like, with the
keyer speed key.  To send, press Key 9 and then Key 8.  To record, Hold Key
9 and press Key 8.
2.    Use another memory (say Number Pad Key 0) for the part of the exchange
that does not change: e.g.  "Q N6JW 69 ORG" [I add a TU at the end, because
I only work S&P]
3.    You can also use another memory (say Number Pad Key 7) for the serial
#.  This will have to be reprogrammed for each contact.  But if you operate
S&P (Search and Pounce) you might find it easier and faster to reprogram a
memory after each contact than fumble with sending it manually and then
pressing a button on the K2.  So program this key e.g.:  "R NR 125".
 
Then to operate:  listen for a station to work (perhaps get the exchange
ahead of time, if you are having a hard time with the speed); after the CQ
send your call by pressing K2 Key 9 and then Key 8 (if you have programmed
it as above); when you hear your call come back, all you need to do is press
Key 9 (to send a CW memory) and then HOLD the key with the serial number
(say Key 7) and while it is sending press the key with the rest of the
exchange (say Key 0), and it will automatically follow the serial number
with the rest of the exchange.  Of course you must first go into the menu
and set the RPT to 000 so there will be no delay between the TX of the two
memories.
 
Now you can reply to the sending station at any speed you like!  But be
careful, because if the sender asks for a repeat you have to copy the
request at the speed sent, and send the fill at a speed you can send with
the paddle!
 
So, if you are "up a creek without a paddle" (i.e. without computer) for the
next CW contest, you can still play, semi-automatic, as it were.
 
Hope some of these ideas might be helpful to some,
 
73
John, N6JW
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