Posted by
Bill Coleman-2 on
Nov 13, 2005; 2:16pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/ARRL-November-Sweepstakes-CW-tp383479p383485.html
On Nov 7, 2005, at 11:19 AM,
[hidden email] 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...
A couple of things here.
First, congratulations for joining the contesting community.
Contesting is a lot of fun, although it does take practice and
experience to become proficient.
Second, virtually NO ONE uses a computer to receive code in a
contest. Send, yes, receive, no. The extremely good operators have no
problem copying 25-40 wpm code in their head.
Third, one way to operate a contest like SS when there are lots of
QRQ signals on the air is to find a strong station and listen to him
over and over, pick out his callsign letter by letter, then the
exchange until you have just about everything. Then call him. When he
replies, you'll already have most of the content for the exchange.
This works in every contest except the Sprint.
Forth, contest exchanges at 20-25 wpm are nothing to be ashamed of. I
often run with my computer set at 24-26 wpm, since this is where I am
comfortable copying responses. My paddles are set to about 20-22,
since I can't physically send faster without making lots of errors.
If you want to work exchanges at slower speeds, get on and call CQ at
the speed you are comfortable, especially higher in the band. If
calling CQ doesn't work, you can call the QRQ ops and say PSE QRS.
Most will oblige.
Personally, I call many ops in contests, but the super QRQ ops going
40+ wpm, I just tune by. I'm not there yet.
Keep practicing!
Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail:
[hidden email]
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901
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