Hello all, Thanks to Nizar's message and then having it reinforced by John's Chauvin's message, I downloaded N3FJP CQDX contest software and after I got back to the cabin Saturday evening, gave the 'event' a shot.
I only operated 3 hours, but I had a lot of fun. Right away, I figured I need to learn how to use the keyer built into my rig (IC-7300) and then after giving my callsign about 20 times before getting a 59 and zone number, I need to get the hexbeam I bought from Mr. Bartosh (Thanks again, BTW!) up asap. And then, hopefully, my amp will come back in operating condition. Next time, the event will be the only thing I have to do on the calendar that weekend. Until this weekend, the only two events/contests I've ever put any effort into were a VHF/UHF contest in 2012, and the Museum Ships weekend in 2015 and 2016. I'm probably never going to come close to winning any of these event/contests, but if they ever have one where you total a club's scores, then maybe I might make a difference. I also learned some tricks over the weekend. One operator had a very cute sounding girl record his "CQ Contest CQ Contest" message, which I'm sure generated a LOT of traffic his way. I'm sure what he did was within the rules, but not sure if it was fair. It was funny to hear how 'dead' the air would become when the op would suddenly would answer another operator's 59 + zone number reply. And then after saying 'QRZ' the cute girl would come back on. My girlfriend will be making some keyer messages next time I see her. I'll be digging into the regular and Nifty manuals for my rig over the next few weeks. John and Nizar, thanks for the incentive. 73, Rob, KC5RET On Tue, Oct 25, 2016 at 6:10 PM, John Chauvin via BVARC <[email protected]> wrote: > I would like to reinforce what Nizar said. > > I hate to use the word "contest" because for most of us, the CQWWDX event > this weekend is not a contest but rather, an event. You can operate for a > couple hours or you can operate for 24 (as allowed of the 48 hour window). > When I work it, I don't win any awards. What I do succeed in is working a > few new countries, and probably a bunch of new band-countries (same country > worked before, but on a new band). Rest assured, I won't be on-the-air for > 24 hours. I usually work for 2 or 3 hours, with a few coffee, stretching > and necessity breaks, and then take a 1 or 2 hour break. Also, since the > 24 hours can be anywhere in the 48 hour period, I might go to sleep for 4 > or 5 hours, then wake at 1AM and work 80 or 40M. To further prove that I'm > not competitive (besides my awful scores) is that I have an old amplifier > that I use, but it can "only" put out 300-500 watts (depending on the > band). Once you go over 100W, you are in the "high power" category whether > you transmit 105W or 1500W. There's no in-between category. So, if I were > trying to be competitive, I would certainly be at a disadvantage when the > "heavyweights" are running a full 1500W and working the full 24 hours > allowed. The moral here: Do It! Don't be intimidated. Just "compete" > with yourself and don't worry about others. Who cares about "them." > > Nizar recommended the N3FJP software because, for non-contesters (like > me), it is easier to set up and get started than other more > complex/comprehensive software (N1MM is often mentioned). Here's a minor > correction to the info about AC Log (by N3FJP). AC Log is the general > logging program whereas you should use N3FJP "contest specific" N3FJP log > for the CQWWDX event. It will set you back $9. It's an easy download and > a 2 or 3 minute setup. Call me if you get stuck (very unlikely). Later, > should you choose, you can secure the whole suite of N3FJP contest specific > logs, plus AC Log, plus a lot of other special logs (more than 100 in all) > for $50 BUT YOU RECEIVE FULL CREDIT FOR any previously purchased logs. > Furthermore, any future updates on any specific logs that you previously > purchased are free and any new software N3FJP comes out with is free if you > purchased the full suite. There are no maintenance or annual fees. > > So, be the "last of the big time high rollers" and drop $9 of the N3FJP's > CQWWDX software. Go to N3FJP.com . If you have any questions on this, > feel free to contact me (phone and e-mail is in the Roster on BVARC.com. > > So, go for it! To steal a phrase from The Radio Hotel, I'll "see you on > the air" this weekend. > > Don't wait until Friday afternoon to do this. It takes a few hours to get > the password after you submit the funds (PayPal or Credit Card) as N3FJP > doesn't do this full time and has a real job but is specifically promptly > available before major contests. > > Good luck, be laid back and ENJOY yourself. > > Tnx es 73 > de John, K5IZO > > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Nizar Mullani via BVARC <[email protected]> > *To:* [email protected] > *Cc:* Nizar Mullani <[email protected]> > *Sent:* Tuesday, October 25, 2016 6:30 AM > *Subject:* [BVARC] CQ WW SSB contest this weekend > > This is a great weekend for working a lot of foreign stations whether you > collect countries or not. A lot of stations will be on the air from all > over the world starting at 7 pm CST on Friday till 6:59 pm on Sunday. > > Most of the foreign stations will have big antennas and great operators > who can pick out weak signals. So, give them a call and send them a simple > 59 04 exchange. 59 is the RS and 04 is our CQ zone. You can read the > instructions at this web site http://www.cqww.com/rules.htm . > > The contest runs for two days. Come Sunday, a lot of the big stations will > be looking to work new stations. So, even if you don't have a good antenna, > give them a call. If you hear them, they will most likely hear you. > > Europe should be open for us during daylight hours on 15 and 20 meters. > Try South America in the afternoon on 10 meters. Asia opens up for us in > the evening hours on 15 and 20 meters. 40 and 80 meters are great for night > time operation. > > If you want to keep a log and compete in this contest, contact me or N5XZ > or K5HM if you need help with logging programs. AC Log has a low cost > version that you can purchase. > > 73 and have fun working the world this weekend. Get on the 10 meter net at > 8 pm tonight on 28.488 MHz if you need more information. > > Nizar K0NM. > > > > _______________________________________________ > BVARC mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > BVARC mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > >
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