Elecraft

Contest Settings

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Tim Seed

Contest Settings

Fellow Hams,
Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so please no “Contests should be banned”.

But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs

This is what I have been doing -

0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is too wide.
2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
3) Disable PreAmp

What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)

Attentate (Just thought of this)
NR Settings ?
Notch filter ?

Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together the common suggestions.

Many thanks,
Tim A45WG
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NK7Z

Re: Contest Settings

Hi,

I use a Genovation keypad connected to the P3, and hence the K3, for
all contesting... It allows built in macros to be fired with a single
keypress into the K3... See:

http://nk7z.net/adding-an-external-keypad-to-the-k3/

for more info on the keypad.

I switch between very wide for listening around, and then zoom to
narrow... The steps are as follows:

1. As wide as possible, scanning around, zero in close to station by
hand.
2. Hit ALIGN button on Genovation Keypad. This centers the signal in
the passband, and on the spot frequency set in the K3 via macros.
2a. If split, hit the SPLIT +5 button, on the Genovation, this puts
the radio in split, moves the DX to the left edge of the P3
screen, and then adjusts the span of the P3 to 6 KHz. I can then
see the openings, and the stations answering the DX. Lets me find
a hole in the crowd to answer in as well.
3. If too much QRM hit the Filter button on the Genovation Keypad,
this narrows the bandwidth to any filter selected using one button
press.
4. Enter data to log by hand, or if via spot it is already there.
5. Hit the NK7Z button on the keypad, this sends my call at a
selected CW speed, or triggers the memory if in SSB.
6. If station answers, hit the EXCHANGE button on the software,
or the keypad.
7. Press Wide bandwidth on keypad, then Goto 1. CLear SPlit if
needed.

The Genovation has the following filters set up on it:

2800, 1000, 750, 500, 300, all of which can be selected with a single
key press, for each mode.

If I want NB/NR, I hit the button on the keypad for NB/NR, but I
normally don't use either. Same for attenuation.

Once you get used to the keypad, it is like playing a piano, I can
operate the K3 and never even touch the radio... Wonderful for
contests...

--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 17:07 +0400, a45wg wrote:

> Fellow Hams,
> Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest (CW),
> now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so please
> no “Contests should be banned”.
>
> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
>
> This is what I have been doing -
>
> 0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> 1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
> too wide.
> 2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> 3) Disable PreAmp
>
> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
>
> Attentate (Just thought of this)
> NR Settings ?
> Notch filter ?
>
> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together the
> common suggestions.
>
> Many thanks,
> Tim A45WG
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Chester Alderman

FW: [cwops] RE: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of 'Chester Alderman' [hidden email] [cwops]
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 11:25 AM
To: 'a45wg'
Cc: 'CWOPS'
Subject: [cwops] RE: [Elecraft] Contest Settings

Hi Tim,

I am not an 'expert' contester but I do enjoy the competition! First and foremost I think settings for contesting are 'personal'; what works for me, may not work for you. I use a K3 feeding an Alpha 9500 amp which feeds a 2-el 40m yagi and a 16-el tribander, both made by Optibeam and are up 70' and 80'.

For CW contesting today, get a really good contest program; I use N1MM+ and find it to be a really well written and very well supported contest program (and it is written specifically for contesting only!!), and it fully supports the Elecraft xcvr' s. N1MM+ will key the K3 directly via the DTR line on your PC RS232 interface cable, up past a little over 100 wpm! For my K3 I turn RIT on and use 'CLEARRIT' macro to reset the rcvr when people answer my CQ slightly off my frequency. While I normally run QRQ QSO's for chats, I find best results for contesting is to set my sending speed around 28 to 34 wpm. My K3 is loaded with narrow roofing filters especially useful for CW operations and I select the 250hz 8-pole filter and vary the DSP filter between 350hz and 200hz . Since I run an amplifier, I choose to sit on one QRG and call CQ mostly and only QSY when my Q rate drops below about 50 Q's per hour. When the Q rate drops, I then change to S&P, looking for any multipliers I have not yet worked. (N1MM+ will automatically show you how many Q's that one multiplier is worth!)

Since I live on ex-farm land and on 15 acres, I seldom need to use the pre amp or the Attenuator and hardly ever need the NR and have no need for the notch filter. Hopefully others who have a large noise issue can supply you with their NR settings. Since you have an 'exciting' DX call sign, the 10 to 20 hz DSP filter setting that you use is probably necessary because of the large numbers caller's you have to your CQ. You might want to try varying your DSP 'SHIFT' to help dig out a readable call sign, in the midst of the QRM, when you get many callers.

I hope this will me a little helpful along with the other responses you will receive!

73 and good contesting,

Tom - W4BQF

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of a45wg
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 9:07 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Contest Settings

Fellow Hams,
Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so please no “Contests should be banned”.

But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs

This is what I have been doing -

0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is too wide.
2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
3) Disable PreAmp

What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)

Attentate (Just thought of this)
NR Settings ?
Notch filter ?

Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together the common suggestions.

Many thanks,
Tim A45WG
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

On Sun,3/20/2016 6:07 AM, a45wg wrote:
> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs

On CW, my IF bandwidth is usually set around 250 Hz for Search and
Pounce, a bit wider for Running (calling CQ) so that I don't miss
off-frequency callers. When QRM is really bad, I'll go as narrow as 150
Hz to copy a weak signal, but return to a wider setting when I'm
finished with that weak station. When in S&P mode, I use XIT to move my
TX a few hundred Hz off of zero beat to separate my call from others.
When in Run mode, I use RIT (but not XIT) to tune in off-frequency callers.

Virtually all "contesters" use a contest logging program of some sort. I
use N1MM Logger Plus, which is freeware. It is the most popular contest
logger both because it is very good, and because it is free. Most other
contest loggers are shareware. Contest loggers send messages that we
pre-program before the contest (call CQ, send our exchange, send fills),
check that a station we want to call is not a Dupe, and maintain the
log. For SSB contests, the logger can play back voice messages that you
recorded before the contest. For most SSB contests, I only record CQ
messages. After the contest, it will automatically produce the Cabrillo
file, a plain text file that is sent to the contest organizers to enter
our score.

I try to avoid use of the NB, because it generates clicks and band noise
from strong off-frequency signals. If band noise is bad, I DO use NR to
pull out signals close to the noise level, and if the band is noisy, I
leave it on all the time, because it takes the NR a few seconds to
adjust to band noise and compensate for it. Whether or not to use the
preamp or attenuator depends on band conditions. Generally the preamp is
needed at its highest setting on the higher bands (6, 10, 12, and 15M),
less often on 20M, rarely on 40M and below. On the lower bands, the
ATTENuator should often be used.

I use the P3 extensively, with the SVGA option, to find activity on a
slow band (like 10, 15 when they are marginally open), and to find a
"hole" in which I can call CQ.

For some contests where it is permitted, or is permitted for the class I
want to enter, I'll use the Cluster system to help me find stations to
work. When I do that, I use VE7CC's excellent freeware CCluster software
to filter spots. For most contests, I choose to see spots FROM stations
within about 1,000 miles from me (I'm near San Francisco, so I choose
all of W6, W7, VE7, VE6, NM, and CO), but I also choose KH6, KL7, and
MD, because that gets me spots that show the stations in my area that I
can't hear, but who I have to fit in between when I'm looking for a CQ
frequency. Most contest loggers can be set to show those spots on a
vertical band map, and to color code them to show them as a multiplier,
not yet worked, already worked, non-workable in this contest.

Contest loggers can be set to send CW on the serial port (including a
USB serial port), or using a dedicated keyer called a WinKey. WinKey is
sold as a kit, and is easy to build. On some computers, keying via the
serial/USB port can be choppy, and the WinKey solves that problem.

That's all I do during contests -- no fancy keyboards or other tools. I
don't use K3 memories at all -- I use only those in the logging program.

Welcome (back) to contesting. It's the "on the air" activity I enjoy
most. You would probably also enjoy joining a local contest club if
there is one. I see from your website that you are considering LOTW. By
all means DO put your log on both eQSL and LOTW. It saves those who want
your QSL a lot of money for postage, and it saves both of you a lot of
time. Some awards accept one or the other, but usually not both.

73, Jim K9YC
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Jeff Kinzli

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

Tim,

You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending on how
bad the pileups are.

Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as needed to
discern signals.

Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded, i.e.
you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really loud.

For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it seems to
allow for better hearing of weak signals.

YMMV, 73 de N6GQ

On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Fellow Hams,
> Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so please no “Contests should be banned”.
>
> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
>
> This is what I have been doing -
>
> 0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> 1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is too wide.
> 2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> 3) Disable PreAmp
>
> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
>
> Attentate (Just thought of this)
> NR Settings ?
> Notch filter ?
>
> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together the common suggestions.
>
> Many thanks,
> Tim A45WG
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

NK7Z

Re: Contest Settings

Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic range to
blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a KW, and
if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak DX, it
hurts...
--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 12:51 -0700, Jeff Kinzli wrote:

> Tim,
>
> You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending on how
> bad the pileups are.
>
> Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as needed to
> discern signals.
>
> Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded, i.e.
> you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really loud.
>
> For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it seems to
> allow for better hearing of weak signals.
>
> YMMV, 73 de N6GQ
>
> On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > Fellow Hams,
> >                 Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
> > spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest
> > (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so
> > please no “Contests should be banned”.
> >
> > But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
> >
> > This is what I have been doing -
> >
> >         0)      Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> >         1)      Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
> > too wide.
> >         2)      Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> >         3)      Disable PreAmp
> >
> > What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
> > am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
> >
> >         Attentate (Just thought of this)
> >         NR Settings ?
> >         Notch filter ?
> >
> > Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together
> > the common suggestions.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> >                         Tim A45WG
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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wayne burdick

Re: Contest Settings

Administrator

If you run with AGC off, you'll probably want to use CONFIG:AF LIM to establish an upper volume limit. See AF LIM in the menu listings.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Mar 20, 2016, at 4:11 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic range to
> blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a KW, and
> if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak DX, it
> hurts...
> --
> 73's, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
>
> For software/hardware reviews see:
> http://www.nk7z.net
>
> For MixW support see:
> https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
>
> For SSTV help see:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
>
>
> On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 12:51 -0700, Jeff Kinzli wrote:
>> Tim,
>>
>> You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending on how
>> bad the pileups are.
>>
>> Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as needed to
>> discern signals.
>>
>> Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded, i.e.
>> you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really loud.
>>
>> For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it seems to
>> allow for better hearing of weak signals.
>>
>> YMMV, 73 de N6GQ
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Fellow Hams,
>>> Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
>>> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest
>>> (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so
>>> please no “Contests should be banned”.
>>>
>>> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
>>>
>>> This is what I have been doing -
>>>
>>> 0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
>>> 1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
>>> too wide.
>>> 2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
>>> 3) Disable PreAmp
>>>
>>> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
>>> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
>>>
>>> Attentate (Just thought of this)
>>> NR Settings ?
>>> Notch filter ?
>>>
>>> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together
>>> the common suggestions.
>>>
>>> Many thanks,
>>> Tim A45WG
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Dave Hachadorian-2

Re: Contest Settings

I used to operate CW with AGC OFF, but a loud signal would come
along and trigger the AF Limiter, which causes gross distortion.

Now I operate CW with fast AGC , AGC SLP = 0, and AGC THR = 20.
It's almost as good as no AGC , and you don't have to worry about
the AF Limiter.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 4:23 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Contest Settings

If you run with AGC off, you'll probably want to use CONFIG:AF
LIM to establish an upper volume limit. See AF LIM in the menu
listings.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Mar 20, 2016, at 4:11 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic
> range to
> blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a
> KW, and
> if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak
> DX, it
> hurts...
> --
> 73's, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
>
> For software/hardware reviews see:
> http://www.nk7z.net
>
> For MixW support see:
> https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
>
> For SSTV help see:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
>
>
> On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 12:51 -0700, Jeff Kinzli wrote:
>> Tim,
>>
>> You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending
>> on how
>> bad the pileups are.
>>
>> Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as
>> needed to
>> discern signals.
>>
>> Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded,
>> i.e.
>> you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really
>> loud.
>>
>> For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it
>> seems to
>> allow for better hearing of weak signals.
>>
>> YMMV, 73 de N6GQ
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Fellow Hams,
>>> Having not Contested for over 5 years - I
>>> just had
>>> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX
>>> Contest
>>> (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of
>>> tea so
>>> please no “Contests should be banned”.
>>>
>>> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up
>>> their rigs
>>>
>>> This is what I have been doing -
>>>
>>> 0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
>>> 1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20
>>> (hz?) is
>>> too wide.
>>> 2) Vary where I am listening up and down a
>>> little
>>> 3) Disable PreAmp
>>>
>>> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other
>>> stations I
>>> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR
>>> ??)
>>>
>>> Attentate (Just thought of this)
>>> NR Settings ?
>>> Notch filter ?
>>>
>>> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put
>>> together
>>> the common suggestions.
>>>
>>> Many thanks,
>>> Tim A45WG
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list:
>>> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list:
>> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list:
> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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NK7Z

Re: Contest Settings

I ceased using the limiter for that reason as well... I have been
playing with the AGC to get that sort of clamping as well...
--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 17:29 -0700, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

> I used to operate CW with AGC OFF, but a loud signal would come
> along and trigger the AF Limiter, which causes gross distortion.
>
> Now I operate CW with fast AGC , AGC SLP = 0, and AGC THR = 20.
> It's almost as good as no AGC , and you don't have to worry about
> the AF Limiter.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Yuma, AZ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wayne Burdick
> Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 4:23 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Contest Settings
>
> If you run with AGC off, you'll probably want to use CONFIG:AF
> LIM to establish an upper volume limit. See AF LIM in the menu
> listings.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Mar 20, 2016, at 4:11 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >
> > Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic
> > range to
> > blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a
> > KW, and
> > if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak
> > DX, it
> > hurts...

Ed Muns

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

Wayne, is hardware AGC still "on" when (software) AGC is set to "off"?

73,
Ed W0YK
On Mar 21, 2016 00:23, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> If you run with AGC off, you'll probably want to use CONFIG:AF LIM to establish an upper volume limit. See AF LIM in the menu listings.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Mar 20, 2016, at 4:11 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic range to
> > blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a KW, and
> > if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak DX, it
> > hurts...
> > --
> > 73's, and thanks,
> > Dave (NK7Z)
> >
> > For software/hardware reviews see:
> > http://www.nk7z.net
> >
> > For MixW support see:
> > https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
> >
> > For SSTV help see:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
> >
> >
> > On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 12:51 -0700, Jeff Kinzli wrote:
> >> Tim,
> >>
> >> You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending on how
> >> bad the pileups are.
> >>
> >> Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as needed to
> >> discern signals.
> >>
> >> Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded, i.e.
> >> you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really loud.
> >>
> >> For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it seems to
> >> allow for better hearing of weak signals.
> >>
> >> YMMV, 73 de N6GQ
> >>
> >> On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Fellow Hams,
> >>>                 Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
> >>> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest
> >>> (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so
> >>> please no “Contests should be banned”.
> >>>
> >>> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
> >>>
> >>> This is what I have been doing -
> >>>
> >>>         0)      Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> >>>         1)      Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
> >>> too wide.
> >>>         2)      Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> >>>         3)      Disable PreAmp
> >>>
> >>> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
> >>> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
> >>>
> >>>         Attentate (Just thought of this)
> >>>         NR Settings ?
> >>>         Notch filter ?
> >>>
> >>> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together
> >>> the common suggestions.
> >>>
> >>> Many thanks,
> >>>                         Tim A45WG
> >>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>> Elecraft mailing list
> >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> >>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >>>
> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> Elecraft mailing list
> >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> >> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >>
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> >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> >
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> ______________________________________________________________
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John K3TN

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

Hi, Tim - From an AGC perspective, I use the same approach K6LL does, seems to work well for all cases except when I am running, get spotted and get hit with a dozen stations all calling zero beat on the exact same frequency. That is the scenario where I occasionally back off the RF gain or adjust the Shift control off of my 600 hz pitch frequency a bit. As a fairly rare DX station in a contest, you will probably hit that condition more often.

On pre-amp/attenuator, for conditions here on the East Coast, I have the pre-amp on for 10 and 15m, usually off for 20, always off for 40 and 80. During a 160M contest, I will turn on the attenuator on 160M but for most multi-band contests I find it is usually not necessary there. But, conditions where you are will likely be very different.

I leave all NB/NR off for contests, with lots of loud signals on bands they seem to add more noise than they remove. Since the notch filter is manual for CW, I never use it and certainly never in contests.

On the PVRC mailing list we had an interesting discussion about filter bandwidth and CW pitch - generally pitch or center frequency between 400 and 600 hz was preferred, much feeling that lower meant that when adjusting RIT you would be causing a larger % frequency change in the signals and thus differentiating more. I usually run my 500 hz filter, rarely going lower unless there is some multiple snuggled between two loud running stations!

Of course, there is always the Fred K3ZO data point, though he isn't a K3 user: he believes in leaving his filters wide open for CW contests and does the filtering between his ears... That only works if you have a similar CPU between your ears!

73 John K3TN

N1EU

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

Hardware AGC is ALWAYS on. It simply protects the ADC from dynamic range
overload and doesn't come into play until signals are s9++.

73, Barry N1EU

On Mon, Mar 21, 2016 at 8:34 AM, Ed Muns <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wayne, is hardware AGC still "on" when (software) AGC is set to "off"?
>
> 73,
> Ed W0YK
> On Mar 21, 2016 00:23, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > If you run with AGC off, you'll probably want to use CONFIG:AF LIM to
> establish an upper volume limit. See AF LIM in the menu listings.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> > On Mar 20, 2016, at 4:11 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > > Be very careful with the AGC off... The K3 has enough dynamic range to
> > > blow your ears up pretty well.. I have a neighbor that runs a KW, and
> > > if he comes up on my frequency, while I am listening for weak DX, it
> > > hurts...
> > > --
> > > 73's, and thanks,
> > > Dave (NK7Z)
> > >
> > > For software/hardware reviews see:
> > > http://www.nk7z.net
> > >
> > > For MixW support see:
> > > https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
> > >
> > > For SSTV help see:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
> > >
> > >
> > > On Sun, 2016-03-20 at 12:51 -0700, Jeff Kinzli wrote:
> > >> Tim,
> > >>
> > >> You might also consider "riding the RF gain" route, depending on how
> > >> bad the pileups are.
> > >>
> > >> Turn AGC off, turn up the RF gain, and modulate RF gain as needed to
> > >> discern signals.
> > >>
> > >> Be careful though, in this mode AF gain is mostly unbounded, i.e.
> > >> you'll hurt your ears and/or headphones if a signal is really loud.
> > >>
> > >> For me, I use that mode sometimes when signals are weak, it seems to
> > >> allow for better hearing of weak signals.
> > >>
> > >> YMMV, 73 de N6GQ
> > >>
> > >> On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:07 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>> Fellow Hams,
> > >>> Having not Contested for over 5 years - I just had
> > >>> spent the past 24 hours participating in the Russian DX Contest
> > >>> (CW), now I realise that Contests are not everyone’s cup of tea so
> > >>> please no “Contests should be banned”.
> > >>>
> > >>> But I would be interested in how other contesters set up their rigs
> > >>>
> > >>> This is what I have been doing -
> > >>>
> > >>> 0) Narrow Filter enable (500 Hz)
> > >>> 1) Very narrow Bandwidth at times even 10-20 (hz?) is
> > >>> too wide.
> > >>> 2) Vary where I am listening up and down a little
> > >>> 3) Disable PreAmp
> > >>>
> > >>> What other steps can I do to make my life (and the other stations I
> > >>> am working easier - I forgot how many times I sent R7?? or NR ??)
> > >>>
> > >>> Attentate (Just thought of this)
> > >>> NR Settings ?
> > >>> Notch filter ?
> > >>>
> > >>> Appreciate any input - if you wan to PM me - I will put together
> > >>> the common suggestions.
> > >>>
> > >>> Many thanks,
> > >>> Tim A45WG
> > >>> ______________________________________________________________
> > >>> Elecraft mailing list
> > >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > >>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> > >>>
> > >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > >>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> > >> ______________________________________________________________
> > >> Elecraft mailing list
> > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > >> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> > >>
> > >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> > > ______________________________________________________________
> > > Elecraft mailing list
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> > >
> > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> > > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> >
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> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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a45wg-2

Re: Contest Settings

In reply to this post by Dave Hachadorian-2

Fellow Hams,
Many thanks for the guidelines and suggestions…. I will try and experiment with some/all of those suggestions.

I had been running with AGC Off - but after having being deafened by the POPs of several RU using Kw - I went back to AGC Slow - I never knew about the limit setting for the AF Output !! (Time to read the manual again).

Likewise great info on the various Settings & Operating Modes.

Being a slightly ‘exotic call’, does mean in Contests your rarity increases (I am sure that also works for US stations in different ITU Zones - and a lesser extent CQ Zones) - so I 95% of the time have to “Run” a frequency. Because I almost never do S&P, I do not use the cluster or any other spotting utilities (skimmer, Reverse Beacon Network) - so I can enter the un-assisted section (if there is one) - However should you operate in “Run” mode - then you cal really tell when you have been spotted on the cluster systems - as the increase in traffic is exponential. Often too much to cope with. I would normally work a split - something laughable in contest mode.

Recently I think that the “smart contesters” are increasingly using the Reverse Beacon Network (or their own skimmers) - with at least 3 stations always calling me within 2 CQ's after QSY-ing. Interestingly a well known German Dx contester - would always wait 10 minutes after I QSY-ed…. and the general melee had calmed down. I do use the RBN network the day prior to the contest - to try and get a feeling of how well my signals are getting out to various parts of the world. Alas Asian/Africa seems to be a little lacking in spotting stations - so it is rather a US/EU centric propogation exercise - but interesting nevertheless.

Despite sending at 25 WPM - and I can happily receive at that, it often seems that stations with 1.5KW of power, into some monstrous 4x4x4 12 Element Array “farm” can only QRS to 32.5 wpm instead of their normal 33 wpm…. Fortunately I do not have to log some of my rather choice comments.

Many thanks for the most excellent suggestions - this list, as well as the radios it supports continues to amaze and enthral me.

Regards

Tim - A45WG, Muscat. Sultanate of Oman.

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