Hi Ci,
You're probabaly correct in commenting about computer
generated code. Many of the popular contest logging
programs do send the exchange, I'm not sure if many
(or any) copy the incoming exchange.
I found I used my straight key a fair amount to fill
in missing data (usually "CK" or "SECT"). If someone
was sending slow, I'd drop my speed down. Generally, I
operated between 20 and 26 WPM. That seems to be a
good rate that didn't require a lot of repeats.
Sometimes I go a bit faster, but rarely much over
30WPM. You start running into a lot of repeated
information, or miss Q's because folks are intimidated
("I can't copy that"), QSB, QRN or QRM figures in.
I'm a little better off antenna-wise than many, but no
where close to most of the "top" stations, who do tend
to operate faster mostly because they are always solid
copy.
There are a number of sprints (NCCC Thursday nights,
NAQCC 80/40, various state QPs) where you can hone
your skills. The best thing is to jump right in IMHO.
Don't beat yourself up for the first hour or so and
you'll find the groove.
SS and NAQP are a bit more challenging than say CQWW
DX or ARRL DX, from an exchange point o' view. If
everything were easy, it wouldn't be fun...
73 and CU in the 'tests!
Julius
n2wn
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