Re: VP6DX scraping the bottom
Locked
12
12
 
|
Yah Doug... But what a barrel, eh!? !!!
Joe - W1AIU Doug, KR2 wrote: They must have worked everybody by now.... Just worked them on 20cw using 300 milliwatts output from the K3. Too much fun! de Doug KR2Q Did I tell you that I LOVE the K3 QSK? _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
Yeah, and I even stopped trying to grab them on 10 meters this evening. 10
didn't open to Wichita at all from Ducie. Was watching the DX cluster and all of a sudden everyone was spotting 6 meter stuff. I jumped on 6 and worked a gaggle of stations from Ohio to New Jersey and then down the East Coast. the NJ station was on SSB and the rest on CW. The beacon frequencies sounded like a VP6DX pileup on the first day of operation. W0EB > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Stofko > Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 8:07 PM > To: [hidden email]; [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > > Yah Doug... But what a barrel, eh!? !!! > > Joe - W1AIU > > Doug, KR2 wrote: > > They must have worked everybody by now.... > > Just worked them on 20cw using 300 milliwatts output from the K3. > > Too much fun! > > de Doug KR2Q > > Did I tell you that I LOVE the K3 QSK? > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
It might be easy for you but 10W in Northern Europe into a wire dipole is not enough to crack the pile ups.
I have given up trying to work them. |
|
|
Don't know what all this 'milliwatts to a piece of wire' and disappearing pile-ups is all about. I managed to work 'em on 20m cw yesterday (26th) and the pile-up seemed as big as ever and required my K3/Acom 1000/qsk combo to do it in the limited time at my disposal.
Problem here has been conditions - often VP6DX has been audible when the working stations have not, and that makes things so much more difficult. And the qsk with the K3/Acom 1000 and the single keying line works just fine....... 73, Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF
|
|
|
In reply to this post by AD6XY
I managed on 80m SSB at 07:25z the other day. Ok is was 120w, but I got a
good 59, so I think 10 might have made it. G3YMC has had a 5w CW QSO - ok, he has to be a No.1 QRP guy, but it's possible to do. On 26/02/2008 21:00, "AD6XY - Mike" <[hidden email]> sent: > > It might be easy for you but 10W in Northern Europe into a wire dipole is not > enough to crack the pile ups. > > I have given up trying to work them. -- A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness. -Elsa Schiaparelli, fashion designer (1890-1973) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote:
> I managed on 80m SSB at 07:25z the other day. Ok is was 120w, but I got a > good 59, so I think 10 might have made it. > I tried, for an hour. There was simply no chance against all the stronger, mainly Southern Europeans trying for their 3rd or 4th band contact. When they did come up a bit stronger and some of the Eastern EU faded, they went off to 7.29MHz to work the USA. All this was SSB. CW was not an option for me as unfortunately, VP6DX never seemed to slow down in their CW for those of us limited in ability to around 15WPM. I can see why as they make more contacts that way, but the speed they were going it was nearly impossible for me to tell what was going on, when to call etc. Mike _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
I see, well CW not done here at all yet!
Not good operating on their part if they don't slow down. Most Dxpeditions do slow down and take it easier towards the end, for those who may not have a 'Big Gun'. Also (forgive me if I'm teaching you to suck eggs), don't rely upon the Dxcluster, because by the time it gets there, there will be 100s trying to talk to them. You need to search and pounce. It took me about 20 mins when I did it. On 27/02/2008 13:18, "Mike Willis" <[hidden email]> sent: > David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: >> I managed on 80m SSB at 07:25z the other day. Ok is was 120w, but I got a >> good 59, so I think 10 might have made it. >> > I tried, for an hour. There was simply no chance against all the > stronger, mainly Southern Europeans trying for their 3rd or 4th band > contact. When they did come up a bit stronger and some of the Eastern EU > faded, they went off to 7.29MHz to work the USA. All this was SSB. CW > was not an option for me as unfortunately, VP6DX never seemed to slow > down in their CW for those of us limited in ability to around 15WPM. I > can see why as they make more contacts that way, but the speed they were > going it was nearly impossible for me to tell what was going on, when to > call etc. > > Mike -- Hofstadter's Law: The time and effort required to complete a project are always more than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: VP6DX scraping the bottom
|
|
In reply to this post by AD6XY
AD6XY - Mike wrote:
> It might be easy for you but 10W in Northern Europe into a wire dipole is not > enough to crack the pile ups. > > I have given up trying to work them. Haven't even heard them at 63 deg N in Norway. LA4RT Jon _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by M0XDF
Well yes, I was glad to make a QSO, DXCC number 223 on QRP. But I would certainly not say it was easy and it took quite a few mornings before I managed it. I also made quite an effort on 80m and 30m CW though didn't quite make it although a couple of times I got the impression the op was hearing me but couldn't quite read my call (but that is pure speculation from my part). The thing which has amazed us over here in the UK is the phenomonal strength of their signals. This morning they were peaking 599 on the meter on 80m, and my antenna is lousy to work anything on 80m never mind a chap in the Pacific.... As for working spit, that is the way, and the only way you will make a QSO. DXPeditions simply do not work co-channel and although a 25kHz split is rather more than the norm it worked well in this case. Obviously the KX1 falls down here though and cannot do such a wide split. As for speed, 25-35wpm is the norm for most of HF dx and contest work and that is the speed you need to get competent at, sorry. 73/72 Dave G3YMC K2 #2298 |
Re: VP6DX scraping the bottom
|
|
In reply to this post by AD6XY
Mike,
If of any interest to you VP6DX was peaking here on 40m short path around 08:20Z (CW contact at 08:14Z and SSB at 08:51Z), and strong on 15m short path for a good hour during our afternoon (CW contact at 16:48Z before SSB contact at 16:37Z). Have heard them on 40m long path during the afternoon after working them, but the EU QRM was rough! I have not tried the other bands. Glad to have got my shack moved just in time :-) Good luck! 73, Geoff GM4ESD Mike Willis <[hidden email]> wrote on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:18 PM > I tried, for an hour. There was simply no chance against all the stronger, > mainly Southern Europeans trying for their 3rd or 4th band contact. When > they did come up a bit stronger and some of the Eastern EU faded, they > went off to 7.29MHz to work the USA. All this was SSB. CW was not an > option for me as unfortunately, VP6DX never seemed to slow down in their > CW for those of us limited in ability to around 15WPM. I can see why as > they make more contacts that way, but the speed they were going it was > nearly impossible for me to tell what was going on, when to call etc. > > Mike _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by g3ymc
That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get competent at.
It's the speed that many people may be competent at but not all of us. If you guys are going to continue to tell people that they need to get competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. If people (especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling to slow down and give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we be willing to want to continue to learn CW? So we can become one of the rest of the elitist snobs who won't slow down for someone? I remember when I was at 5WPM and it was almost impossible to get someone to talk to me! Heck I knew it was slow even I was thinking it was painful when it was as fast as I could go. Now I'm up to 11 to 13WPM and its easier to find people to talk to but if someone is calling CQ at 5WPM that's the guy I'm all over trying to talk to at HIS speed as that's a new guy to be brought into the fold. If we keep running people off from CW and telling people to get proficient at 25-30 WPM that's the attitudes that gets CW dropped from the test requirements! </rant> -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of G3YMC Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:36 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom M0XDF wrote: > > > G3YMC has had a 5w CW QSO - ok, he has to be a No.1 QRP guy, but it's > possible to do. > > Well yes, I was glad to make a QSO, DXCC number 223 on QRP. But I would certainly not say it was easy and it took quite a few mornings before I managed it. I also made quite an effort on 80m and 30m CW though didn't quite make it although a couple of times I got the impression the op was hearing me but couldn't quite read my call (but that is pure speculation from my part). The thing which has amazed us over here in the UK is the phenomonal strength of their signals. This morning they were peaking 599 on the meter on 80m, and my antenna is lousy to work anything on 80m never mind a chap in the Pacific.... As for working spit, that is the way, and the only way you will make a QSO. DXPeditions simply do not work co-channel and although a 25kHz split is rather more than the norm it worked well in this case. Obviously the KX1 falls down here though and cannot do such a wide split. As for speed, 25-35wpm is the norm for most of HF dx and contest work and that is the speed you need to get competent at, sorry. 73/72 Dave G3YMC K2 #2298 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Re%3A-VP6DX-scraping-the-bottom-tp15682281p15714471.ht ml Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
Brett Howard wrote:
> That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get competent at. > It's the speed that many people may be competent at but not all of us. If > you guys are going to continue to tell people that they need to get > competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. If people > (especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling to slow down and > give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we be willing to > want to continue to learn CW? It depends on what 'competent' is. There's a big difference between being able to carry on a conversation at 25-30 wpm and being able to make a contest/dx QSO. In fact, contests are a very good place to improve your CW ability. You hear the same exchange over and over again, and ultimately you begin to pick things out. Maybe a 5 wpm operator will not be able to make the leap to copying his own call at 25 wpm, but probably a 15 wpm operator can. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Joe Stofko-2
I finally had a chance to work VP6DX on Monday. I listened to them on 30, 40, and 80 meters. While listening I heard them slow down to 15 wpm or so more than once on each of the bands. It did take me a while to become acclimated to the higher speeds. I am not normally a contester so it takes a little getting used to for me to copy contest speed code.
I agree we should slow down for those who run more slowly but there are times when it is just not possible to do so. It is difficult to change speed on a bug rapidly. It is also not simple to go very slowly with paddles. I don't have a straight key hooked up to any of my rigs but there is one on the bench. I should make the circuit for allowing access to both my paddles and my straight key. When I began relearning Morse code I used my paddles at 15 wpm with spaces added between the characters. When I slow down I use the Farnsworth method just as I learned it. Soon I will be training a number of local amateurs and will start using my straight key on a regular basis. However, I cannot use it for very long without causing problems for my wrist and arm. A bad break of both bones above my right wrist stopped any attempt at gaining my Novice ticket in 1967. Paddles were the only way I could use CW on a long term basis. In 1967 I had not heard of keyers and was not able to train myself in the use of a Vibroplex bug. My amateur ticket would have to wait until 2001. Kevin. KD5ONS -----Original Message----- >From: Brett Howard <[hidden email]> >Sent: Feb 27, 2008 3:44 PM >To: 'G3YMC' <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] >Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > >That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get competent at. >It's the speed that many people may be competent at but not all of us. If >you guys are going to continue to tell people that they need to get >competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. If people >(especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling to slow down and >give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we be willing to >want to continue to learn CW? So we can become one of the rest of the >elitist snobs who won't slow down for someone? > >I remember when I was at 5WPM and it was almost impossible to get someone to >talk to me! Heck I knew it was slow even I was thinking it was painful when >it was as fast as I could go. Now I'm up to 11 to 13WPM and its easier to >find people to talk to but if someone is calling CQ at 5WPM that's the guy >I'm all over trying to talk to at HIS speed as that's a new guy to be >brought into the fold. If we keep running people off from CW and telling >people to get proficient at 25-30 WPM that's the attitudes that gets CW >dropped from the test requirements! > ></rant> > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
I did 5WPM with a set of bencher paddles as I was getting started and when
someone is calling CQ at 5WPM I just click the WPM - button on the trusty ole K1 a few times and boom I've got 5WPM paddles. Its weird at times but heck at that speed you just have to make sure to not let off before the last dit or dah. Personally I take pride in working with the slower guys as I know how frustrating it is when you're slower. I was screaming about it just a little bit ago and I'm by no means fast at all now! -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Kevin Rock Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:18 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom I finally had a chance to work VP6DX on Monday. I listened to them on 30, 40, and 80 meters. While listening I heard them slow down to 15 wpm or so more than once on each of the bands. It did take me a while to become acclimated to the higher speeds. I am not normally a contester so it takes a little getting used to for me to copy contest speed code. I agree we should slow down for those who run more slowly but there are times when it is just not possible to do so. It is difficult to change speed on a bug rapidly. It is also not simple to go very slowly with paddles. I don't have a straight key hooked up to any of my rigs but there is one on the bench. I should make the circuit for allowing access to both my paddles and my straight key. When I began relearning Morse code I used my paddles at 15 wpm with spaces added between the characters. When I slow down I use the Farnsworth method just as I learned it. Soon I will be training a number of local amateurs and will start using my straight key on a regular basis. However, I cannot use it for very long without causing problems for my wrist and arm. A bad break of both bones above my right wrist stopped any attempt at gaining my Novice ticket in 1967. Paddles were the only way I could use CW on a long term basis. In 1967 I had not heard of keyers and was not able to train myself in the use of a Vibroplex bug. My amateur ticket would have to wait until 2001. Kevin. KD5ONS -----Original Message----- >From: Brett Howard <[hidden email]> >Sent: Feb 27, 2008 3:44 PM >To: 'G3YMC' <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] >Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > >That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get competent at. >It's the speed that many people may be competent at but not all of us. If >you guys are going to continue to tell people that they need to get >competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. If people >(especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling to slow down and >give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we be willing to >want to continue to learn CW? So we can become one of the rest of the >elitist snobs who won't slow down for someone? > >I remember when I was at 5WPM and it was almost impossible to get someone >talk to me! Heck I knew it was slow even I was thinking it was painful when >it was as fast as I could go. Now I'm up to 11 to 13WPM and its easier to >find people to talk to but if someone is calling CQ at 5WPM that's the guy >I'm all over trying to talk to at HIS speed as that's a new guy to be >brought into the fold. If we keep running people off from CW and telling >people to get proficient at 25-30 WPM that's the attitudes that gets CW >dropped from the test requirements! > ></rant> > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Joe Stofko-2
Field Day is a good example of this. One can start at 10 wpm and end up working stations at 20 wpm or better. Start at the high end of each band and work the slower operators who tend to congregate there. Work slowly down the band until you can no longer copy the blistering speeds. Move to the next band as the day progresses. Repeat the procedure. By the last few hours of the last day you will find yourself dipping deeper into the low end of the bands. You have now progressed rapidly up the scale in just a few days of effort. You will be surprised at your gain in comprehension and ability. Now try the next contest!
Kevin. KD5ONS -----Original Message----- >From: Vic K2VCO <[hidden email]> >Sent: Feb 27, 2008 3:59 PM >To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]> >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > >Brett Howard wrote: >> That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get competent at. >> It's the speed that many people may be competent at but not all of us. If >> you guys are going to continue to tell people that they need to get >> competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. If people >> (especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling to slow down and >> give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we be willing to >> want to continue to learn CW? > >It depends on what 'competent' is. There's a big difference between >being able to carry on a conversation at 25-30 wpm and being able to >make a contest/dx QSO. In fact, contests are a very good place to >improve your CW ability. You hear the same exchange over and over again, >and ultimately you begin to pick things out. > >Maybe a 5 wpm operator will not be able to make the leap to copying his >own call at 25 wpm, but probably a 15 wpm operator can. >-- >73, >Vic, K2VCO >Fresno CA >http://www.qsl.net/k2vco Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Joe Stofko-2
I just checked my K2's keyer does not go below 9 wpm.
Kevin. -----Original Message----- >From: Brett Howard <[hidden email]> >Sent: Feb 27, 2008 4:23 PM >To: 'Kevin Rock' <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] >Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > >I did 5WPM with a set of bencher paddles as I was getting started and when >someone is calling CQ at 5WPM I just click the WPM - button on the trusty >ole K1 a few times and boom I've got 5WPM paddles. Its weird at times but >heck at that speed you just have to make sure to not let off before the last >dit or dah. Personally I take pride in working with the slower guys as I >know how frustrating it is when you're slower. I was screaming about it >just a little bit ago and I'm by no means fast at all now! > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
True... My K1 goes to 8 but with spacings 8wpm is pretty good.
-----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Kevin Rock Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:43 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom I just checked my K2's keyer does not go below 9 wpm. Kevin. -----Original Message----- >From: Brett Howard <[hidden email]> >Sent: Feb 27, 2008 4:23 PM >To: 'Kevin Rock' <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] >Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > >I did 5WPM with a set of bencher paddles as I was getting started and when >someone is calling CQ at 5WPM I just click the WPM - button on the trusty >ole K1 a few times and boom I've got 5WPM paddles. Its weird at times but >heck at that speed you just have to make sure to not let off before the last >dit or dah. Personally I take pride in working with the slower guys as I >know how frustrating it is when you're slower. I was screaming about it >just a little bit ago and I'm by no means fast at all now! > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Brett Howard
Go to http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/ and download Morse Runner. It is a really good program for picking up a little speed - plus, it's a lot of fun. The next time you are confronted with someone sending high speed in a contest or dxpedition you will be far better equipped to handle it. None of us started out at 35wpm and in a contest where the nature of the beast is to make as many contacts as possible, you are not going to convince too many contesters to slow down - except maybe on the second day in the waining hours :-). I also heard Ducie on several bands sending at pretty slow speeds. On 20 meters with wall to wall NA and EU they were going at a really good clip, though. Thats the way it is - life is rough sometimes but thats the reason hams improve their skills. Tom, AK2B |
|
|
In reply to this post by Brett Howard
----- Original Message ----- From: "Brett Howard" <[hidden email]> To: "'G3YMC'" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:44 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VP6DX scraping the bottom > That's just bogus! Its NOT the speed that you need to get > competent at. > It's the speed that many people may be competent at but > not all of us. If > you guys are going to continue to tell people that they > need to get > competent at 25-35 then you can simply kiss CW goodbye. > If people > (especially DX an DXpedition type stations) are unwilling > to slow down and > give new CW ops some of the fun contacts then why would we > be willing to > want to continue to learn CW? So we can become one of the > rest of the > elitist snobs who won't slow down for someone? > > I remember when I was at 5WPM and it was almost impossible > to get someone to > talk to me! Heck I knew it was slow even I was thinking > it was painful when > it was as fast as I could go. Now I'm up to 11 to 13WPM > and its easier to > find people to talk to but if someone is calling CQ at > 5WPM that's the guy > I'm all over trying to talk to at HIS speed as that's a > new guy to be > brought into the fold. If we keep running people off from > CW and telling > people to get proficient at 25-30 WPM that's the attitudes > that gets CW > dropped from the test requirements! > Brett and All, Well I wouldn't call it bogus, but it may not be as bad as you think. I think what G3YMC was trying to tell you is that, at least for the most part, in contests or DXpeditions, the ops are going to go at about that speed as a general rule. Some may slow down some, but most won't. But it's not all that bad really, particularly if you are in the 11 to 13 wpm range. And it doesn't necessarily mean you have to send that fast, but you may have to copy that fast. However, all you really need to be able to recognize at that speed is your call, his call, and your report. Now, recognizing "599" or "5NN" at 25 wpm, even though your regular level is only around 11 to 13 wpm, isn't really that hard. Also, you might have to listen several times to finally figure out the other station's callsign before you call him, but you should be able to put it all together eventually. On rare occasion it might be too difficult, but generally I think you can do it. During the DX contest a couple of weeks ago I worked EE5E, in Spain, and that took me a couple of times I must admit. It might have thrown you completely. Most of the time though, it's much easier than a whole pocket full of dits like that. As for your callsign, you should be able to copy it much faster than your normal level of competency. If you aren't comfortable with that statement, and if you have a keyer with a memory, put your call into memory and listen to it at a higher speed until it sounds very familiar to you. After all, you don't even have to be able to write that down--just recognize it. You have to appreciate that contests and DXpeditions are all about making the most contacts possible. It's all about "score" or "total". They want to make 3, or even more, contacts per minute if possible. That's called the "run rate" I think, and it is a big topic of conversation among rabid contesters. If they have to slow down a whole bunch, and very often, they are losing points. Not everyone plays the game that way, but a lot of them do. Many of them will slow down for you. And something else--if your signal isn't too great, some may just bail out on you for that as well. You just have to accept the fact that in those situations you might not be able to complete the QSO, and go on to the next one. It's not like a regular QSO where courtesy would call for the other station to slow down for you. Instead it's the "Indy 500", and you just have to get your engine cranked up if you want to win, but that doesn't mean you can't run slower and still be a part of the race. By the way, I was very impressed with how often the VP6DX guys did slow down or stick with a hard-to-copy signal until the contact was confirmed both ways. So try to understand the other side's objectives, and keep working on your skills. Nobody is trying to run you off from CW, but if you really want to participate in a contest, or work a DXpedition, you have to give them a little slack about allowing them to achieve their goals. Your goal needs to be to improve your skills to the extent possible so you don't slow them down to a point where they can't achieve theirs. In the meantime, you can "game" the process somewhat by learning to recognize your call and sig reports at faster than your usual speed, and taking enough time on the contact beforehand to figure out their call. I'd probably recommend you use some sort of memory keyer as well so you can send out your call, and your report to them, at something faster than 13 wpm. You may not like that advice, but I think it's realistic. The critical thing is that you are able to recognize your call and sig report when it is sent at a higher speed. If you can't do that, you are probably asking to be frustrated. I think you can do it! Dave W7AQK _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: VP6DX scraping the bottom (QRS)
|
|
In reply to this post by Brett Howard
On Wednesday 27 February 2008 04:23:19 pm Brett Howard wrote:
> Personally I take pride in working with the slower guys as I > know how frustrating it is when you're slower. More than half of my QSL cards for Worked All States CW from England are from novices I contacted in 1979 - 1980 between 21.1 and 21.2 MHz. One YL thanked me on her card for slowing down to her 5 wpm and she has been a friend ever since. I have half a dozen or so cards from USA novices where I was their first DX and one who was probably terrified because I was his first ever contact. It's sad listening to the silence in that band segment these days. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962 -- _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
«
Return to Elecraft
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |