Collected Wisdom and Lessons LearnedCollected Wisdom and Lessons Learnedfor thefor the
Little PistolLittle Pistol
Collected Wisdom and Lessons LearnedCollected Wisdom and Lessons Learnedfor thefor the
Little PistolLittle PistolDan Zeitlin, K2YWE (K3AU)Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE (K3AU)
Revised July 2007Revised July 2007
Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE (K3AU)Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE (K3AU)
Revised July 2007Revised July 2007
Copyright 2006, 2007All rights reservedDan Zeitlin, Annapolis, MDFree use with prior permission
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p2
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all those who shared their thoughts with me directly and through review, especially K4ZW, K3ZO, K3RA, K3MM, and KE3Q, and to the many who continue to educate me by example.
Thanks to W3LPL and K3RA for awakening my competitive instincts and introducing me to PVRC.
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p3
Agenda
• What’s this about?
• Who is K2YWE?
• Elements of Success
• Preparation
• Contest Basics (refresher)
• Strategy
• Station Considerations
• Antennas
• Software
• Operating Tips and “Best Practices”
• SO2R
• Resources
• Summary
• Appendix A – Interfaces and Accessories
• Appendix B - Best Practices Collection
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p4
What’s a Little Pistol?
A Little Pistol in this context is
• Low Power
• Single Op
• Modest Antennas Wires, maybe a low Beam NOT big towers and/or stacks
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p5
What’s this about?
Objective
• Improved Scores for Little Pistols (LP)
Intended Audience
• Modest low power HF stations
• Parts may apply to VHF/UHF+
How?
• Make the most with what you have
• Adopt successful operating practices
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p6
About Dan
• Licensed in 1956 (KN2YWE) Mostly CW. Mixed rag chewing and DXing
• Limited casual contest background Occasional FD and Sweepstakes
• 1996 FD with dyed-in-the-wool contesters Broke the ice. I took the bait. Fell in with a bad crowd.
• Little part of “Big Gun” team for a few years Same crowd at W3LPL. Set the hook, reeled me in.
• Little Pistol home station 100W, wire antennas and recently a small low tribandersmall low tribander Occasional guest Op elsewhere, usually K3DIusually K3DI
• CARA/PVRC FD team Primarily 80 CW
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p7
Elements of Little Pistol Success
• The Right Frame of Mind
• Preparation
• Practice
• Attention to Detail
• Perseverance
• Learning from Others
My observations are relevant to most successful endeavors
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p8
The Right Frame of Mind
QRL!
Don’t forget it is a competition““it's a jungle out there” it's a jungle out there” . . . . . . dede N6TR N6TR
You will not be alone““. . . contesting skill includes the ability to tolerate high . . . contesting skill includes the ability to tolerate high levels of QRM, and if you can't do that, you might as well levels of QRM, and if you can't do that, you might as well hang it up.“ hang it up.“ . . . . . . dede K3ZO K3ZO
Think Big““If you think and act like you’re a big dog, If you think and act like you’re a big dog, you will convince most of the pack that you will convince most of the pack that you are, although you may get bitten you are, although you may get bitten once in a while.” once in a while.” . . . . . . dede K2YWE K2YWE
Don’t forget it is a competition““it's a jungle out there” it's a jungle out there” . . . . . . dede N6TR N6TR
You will not be alone““. . . contesting skill includes the ability to tolerate high . . . contesting skill includes the ability to tolerate high levels of QRM, and if you can't do that, you might as well levels of QRM, and if you can't do that, you might as well hang it up.“ hang it up.“ . . . . . . dede K3ZO K3ZO
Think Big““If you think and act like you’re a big dog, If you think and act like you’re a big dog, you will convince most of the pack that you will convince most of the pack that you are, although you may get bitten you are, although you may get bitten once in a while.” once in a while.” . . . . . . dede K2YWE K2YWE
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p9
Preparation
• Have a strategy – write it downProvides baseline guidance Try to optimize within your constraints
Modify as needed in “battle”
• Reassess your strategy during the contest Expect to change the details
Take radical departures only if you have good reason to, like one or more of your baseline assumptions was wrong
“Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.” . . . Sun Tzu
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p10
INSERT key seems to stick!
PreparationGet your act in order before the performance
• Check your set-up well before the start Antennas, Hardware, Software, support files
Set appropriate software defaults
Provide enough time for fixing any problems
• Be well rested for the contest
• Listen day(s) before to get a feel for Condx
• Have a simple means to restart software What did I call this file . . .?
Re-use the same name for the currentcontest files. Rename after the contest.
Skip Next -Contest Basics
Jump to “Strategy”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p11
• Rules are published well in advance
• Valid contacts exchange two-way information Contest rules define the specific information
• Final score is composed of two pieces QSO points – Based on number of valid contacts
• Points per contact may vary
Multipliers – Based on a unique characteristic• Usually location - State, Country, Zone, Grid
Total Score is QSO points times the MultipliersTotal Score = “Q pts” x “Mults”
Same stations may provide multiple Qs or Mults• Contacts on different bands or modes may each count
Contest Basics
31 W6IXB 59 59 SCV32 W5AFX 59 59 STX
31 W6IXB 59 59 SCV32 W5AFX 59 59 STX
Individual contest rules spell everything out, including scoring
Skip Contest BasicsJump to “Strategy”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p12
Scoring Example
Pts/QSO may differ within some contests Might be different by mode, or by local or “DX” QTH
Band QSOsPoints/
QSOQSO
PointsMults
160 2 3 6 280 15 3 45 840 25 3 75 1020 35 3 105 2515 5 3 15 410 2 3 6 2
252 X 51 = 12,852 Total Score
Simple Multi-band contest
Skip Contest BasicsJump to “Strategy”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p13
Sample Exchange (CQ WW HF Contest)
• “CQ TEST PA0LOU” PA0LOU calling CQ contest
• “K3AU” K3AU responds
• “K3AU 599 15” PA0LOU sends the callsign he is responding to, then exchange of RST and Zone
• “599 5” K3AU sends his exchange
• “TU PA0LOU” Thanks K3AU and waits for next station to call
Results in one “Q” for each station, and a multiplier if the other station’s zone or country has not yet been worked on this band (CQ WW)
Stations try to exchange required info as efficiently as possible
Skip Contest BasicsJump to “Strategy”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p14
• More Q’s are key to producing higher scores Q’s and Mults are both important but . . .
Q’s fuel the engine, Mults provide the turbo boost
• Operating Time is fixed, so Rate must go up!
• Concentrate on achieving Higher Rates
• Rate Drivers
• Successful Running is best rate generator
Being Heard and Hearing others• At fixed power level, this mainly means better Antennas
Efficiency - Less wasted time in and between QSO’s• Look to Operating Practices and Shack Arrangement
Attracting the other stations• Operating Practices
High Level Thoughts . . .Some reasoning to frame the problem
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p15
Strategy
• Class Selection Band(s), modes, assistance, number of Ops, … Leverage your strengths
• Bands and Modes Which, when?
• Propagation What’s best for Q’s and Mults
• ON/OFF times selection Time limits Meals, sleep, “real life” periods
• Operation CQ vs. S&P Rates, Speeds and Timing
Having a game plan pays off during the contest
SOA, MUF,S&P,
rates, snacks . .
.
Q’s, Mults, Bones . . .
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p16
• Focus on making the most Q’s Block out expected S&P and Run times, ground rules
Balance with occasional short checks for Mults
• Base primarily on expected Propagation Range of prediction tools are available
• QST or CQ tables – simplest
• Models – most complex, better
• “Rules of Thumb”
GeoClock can help real-time, especially on 160m and 80m
Temper predictions with your own observations
• Allow for time-of-day considerations What’s going on elsewhere in the world
StrategyRemember that maximizing Q’s is primary to success
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p17
• Choose OFF times at lowest expected Q rates Base on your own or other station history
Don’t forget minimum OFF time rules
• Try to ensure using your full time allotment
• Allow possibility you may want a late slot Don’t get caught short of time at the end
I usually leave a late half-hour insurance slot
It’s tricky, considering the bullet above
• Synch with your personal needs (duhh)
ON/OFF TimesMake the best use of your time
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p18
• Set an average rate you want to achieve (Total Q’s) / (Operating Hrs)
• Set minimum rates you’ll accept Acceptable rate will vary over the contest period
• Include minimum rates in your Strategy
• Make a change if you drop below the Rate Change Freq, Band, Mode
Swap Running and S&P
Chase some Mults Change your shirt
Rate RulesSetting Rate Rules helps you achieve QSO goals
1,000/24 =4000-04z 6004-08z 4508-12z 30 12-16z 4016-20z 5020-24z 25
1,000/24 =4000-04z 6004-08z 4508-12z 30 12-16z 4016-20z 5020-24z 25
Change Something !
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p19
• Be thoroughly familiar with your software A contest is not the time for first trial
Gain familiarity in day-to-day use
Exploit helpful features
Use practice programs and modes
Modify settings to suit your style
• Be comfortable with Run techniques Practice with a simulator
Try to operate “run style” (5NN MD DAN BK . . . TU)Pick a day with a good conditions on your best band
Use the Best Practices mentioned later in this presentation
Contest Hound Practices with CT
PracticeIt may not make you perfect, but it will make you better!
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p20
Station Improvements
• Assess Station Strengths and Weaknesses Take band by band inventory based on performance history
• Attack Weaknesses with biggest payoffs first Incrementally fill in the holes
Expect Antennas to rank high
Don’t forget to pick “low hanging fruit”
• Assess your Operating Practices Bounce your operation against the Best Practices (later)
Adjust accordingly
• Improved Antennas & Running payoff most But every improvement counts – they all add up
Put method behind your madness
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p21
My Experience
• Operating Practices Better exploited software features (Bandmap, SCP, …)
Discovered and incrementally adopted “Best Practices”
Biggest single payoff in Operation was Running
• Started Running – Had assumed not possible for an LP
• My running rates improved with experience and trials
• Station Improved antennas – eventually migrated to monobanders
• None exotic – Delta loop, bent dipole, and lazy U wires
• Recent addition of small Yagi made a big difference
Made shack changes for better” operating efficiency” . . .
Performance improved with incremental changes
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p22
“Better Operating Efficiency”
Boom Mic & Footswitch
Life is
Good!
Footswitch & Prop
Mic Prop
No Help!
Ugh!
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p23
Station Improvements at K2YWE
• Footswitch Frees hands for undisrupted keyboard use CW - Quick T-R transition without listening to QSK noise
• Boom Mic Less fatigue, freedom to move, respond to local “QRM” . . .
• Antenna Switching Quick band changes. Replaced connector swaps.
• Added or Improved Antennas More chance to sustain Run, snag S&P Q’s with less calls Make more “second” tier QSOs
• “Sensible Rearrangement” of Equipmentuipment More efficient, less effort to operate . . .
Improvements aimed at higher rates
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p24
Antenna Improvements
• What assets exist to hang antennas on?
• Use all the property lines to full advantage
• Try to design a system using monobanders
• Add/change antenna to help your weakest band
• Consider fixed antenna with gain to EU or West
• Enable a new band, like 160m for New Mults and more Q’s during slow times
• Put up even a minimal Yagi if possible
Be innovative within your constraints
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p25
270 ft Horiz Loop Two 40m Deltas Two 40m Deltas and160/80m Vertical(s)
vg vg vggd gd gdok ok okp p pvp vp vp
160 80 40 20 15 10 160 80 40 20 15 10 160 80 40 20 15 10
40m Delta, 80m Dipole, 40m Delta, 80m Dipole160m Lazy-U 160m Lazy-U, C3SS
vg vggd gdok okp pvp vp
160 80 40 20 15 10 160 80 40 20 15 10
Antenna Growth at K2YWEBegan with Multi-band loop with uneven performance and a lot of tuning.Made incremental improvements to fix deficiencies
CurrentSystem with better and more balanced performance
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p26
K2YWE Antenna FarmetteSqueezed in three wire monobanders and a 12’ boom tribander
You can sure cram a lot in 1/5th acre, XYL willing!
80m Droopy-End Dipole
125’
75’
40m
In
v D
elt
a
160m “U”
Force 12 C3SS
(12’ boom 24ft max element)
40m Delta serves as 160-80m Rx only and Aux Ant for 20-15-10m Small tri-bander
on a 45’ AB-577 “rocket launcher”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p27
Software (S/W)
• Use your Radio and Keying interfaces Build or buy and integrate them if you haven’t already (Appendix A) It’s very hard to make and sustain high rates without them
• Recommended S/W Setup (CT shown) WORKDUPES - BANDMAP Window CORRECT call signs - RATE Window Super Check Partial - SCP Window Stop on auto CQ - SCORE Window
• Spotting Network? View as a strategic decision Can be a valuable asset, especially in S&P Remember caveats about wasting time chasing Mults Some contests force you into Unlimited category
Use a contest-oriented program and set it up to facilitate high rates
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p28
My FavoriteSoftware Features
Skip All butBandmap
Skip all AllDetail- Jump to
Best Practics
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p29
Dupe Alert (CT screen)
Check for duplicate entries is automatic upon callsign entry
TI3TLS
Alert as DUPE with time & date of previous QSO
TI3TLS
Skip All butBandmap
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p30
Matches callsign fragments against database created from recent contest logs and current logged contacts . . . anywhere in the callsign
Check Partial Call (CT screen)
Call fragments yield possible known contester callsigns
Skip All butBandmap
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p31
the Bandmap (CT and N1MM screens shown)
• Tells you who is on what frequency, if worked before, and if needed as QSO or multiplier
• Data is entered by hand or
automatically from spots
• Map updates periodically
to expunge stale data
• Own frequency can
be ‘centered’ or scrolled
The bandmap saves time in Search & Pounce mode
Skip BandmapJump to
SO2R
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p32
the Bandmap - CT
21:24:48
Current TransceiverFrequency
NeededMult in White
NeededQSO in Blue
AlreadyWorkedin Black
FrequencyTime Entered into BandmapCall
Radio tuned to N4CWNo # or on black bar indicates Worked beforeGoing to tune up to K2YWE, a needed QSO
Radio tuned to N4CWNo # or on black bar indicates Worked beforeGoing to tune up to K2YWE, a needed QSO
*
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p33
Radio tuned up to K2YWE and blue indicates Needed QSOIntend to work K2YWE
Radio tuned up to K2YWE and blue indicates Needed QSOIntend to work K2YWE*
the Bandmap - CT
21:25:03
Current TransceiverFrequency
NeededMult in White
FrequencyTime Entered into BandmapCall
NeededQSO
AlreadyWorkedin Black
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p34
21:25:15Worked and logged K2YWEStatus changed to ‘Worked’ and time updatedIntend to next work WA6AQQ, a needed Mult
Worked and logged K2YWEStatus changed to ‘Worked’ and time updatedIntend to next work WA6AQQ, a needed Mult
the Bandmap - CTFrequency
Time Entered into BandmapCall
Updated Time & Status
NeededMult in White
AlreadyWorkedin BlackCurrent
TransceiverFrequency
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p35
21:25:38
the Bandmap - CT
Radio tuned up to WA6AQQ# and red bar indicates Needed Mult
Radio tuned up to WA6AQQ# and red bar indicates Needed Mult
Current TransceiverFrequency
Frequency Call
NeededMult
AlreadyWorkedin Black
Next NeededQSO in Blue
Time Entered into Bandmap
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p36
Tips and Best Practices
“Best Practices” are what successful competitors say works for them.
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p37
Some CW Tips* - CW
• Do not be intimidated by stations too fast for you to copy.
Start with the slower stations higher in the band.
Don't worry if you have to hear a call several times to get it.
As the contest goes on your will improve!
• Call CQ high in the band at a speed comfortable for you.
• Don’t be shy about sending QRS.
Most stations will slow down to your speed.
• Try moving frequency a bit if you can’t seem to be heard.
Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band are set very narrow.
Don’t let your code speed keep you from enjoying CW contests
*Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p38
Some Phone Tips
• Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics “Duck Soup” are poor phonetics for “D S”
• Maintain a “friendly sense of urgency” in your QSOs
Chattiness will slow your rate and lose you contacts.
• Do not be intimidated by stations talking fast or unintelligibly.
Firmly ask until you get all the exchange info. Use “again?”
It is usually better to ask for one piece of missing info at a time.
• Listen to what is on your frequency when working split.
If you can hear it, you can better time your call or defer until later.
Apply these basic Phone tips for starters
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p39
• Every point counts! There’s no such thing as “not worthwhile” When things are slow, call for “anybody”
• A rule of thumb strategy Work bands that may close first. Move with propagation. This often means 10-15-20 in a.m. then 40-80-160 later on. Try running rather than chasing spots when high bands are open. Go after the Mults when 20 has slowed, but 40 hasn't opened yet.
• Keep multipliers in mind “Move” Multipliers if you can do so efficiently Have frequencies on each band set up for quick jaunt Balance the effect on rate and total score when chasing Mults
Best Practices Basics* - OverallOverall
*Some of these tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p40
The Master Callsign Data Base is not the Bible
Verify the callsign of the station you're working BV6U and 5C8N are not real callsigns (6V6U and HC8N).
Don't log them that way.
Always HEAR the call that the station is signing and log it correctly.
Best Practices Basics* - OverallOverall - continued
*Some of these tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”
You mean that’s a busted call?
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p41
“ “fresh meat”fresh meat”• S&P rates can be high early in the contest
Everyone is fofor you. You can quickly hop fromquickly hop from station to station with little fear of Dupes. You are usually safe to callsafe to call first and fill-in the call at the QSO end.
• Use early S&P to find a spot to CQ You can maintain a high rate while searching for a clear spot. It beats the alternative of establishing a frequency before the Test
• Be sure to try CQing late in the contest You will be new to many of the stations that have been CQing all along. They will be seeking to squeeze out the last few QSOs.
• Repeat only what is missing when asked for a fill Repeating known parts wastes time and possible “clear spots.”
• QRL? . . .
Best Practices Basics - OverallOverall - continued
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p42
Do you really want to ask QRL?
“Can anyone honestly believe that there is a single KHz anywhere in the relevant portion of the 20 meter band that is NOT in use somewhere in the world during the CQWW?” . . . de K3ZO
Pick a “clear” spot and CQ without “QRL?” You will only invite others to take the frequency by asking.
You’ll find out quickly enough if the Freq is in use by calling CQ.
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p43
Best PracticesGeneral
• Use K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE" - modify as sensible
If you can't get a station after calling TWICE, move on
If he doesn't ID after transmitting TWICE, move on
• Don’t waste time repeatedly calling DX that has moderate Sigs when the band is otherwise quiet from their part of the world
They are probably “opening the band” with lots of ERP
• Enable and use the band map in your logging software
• Insist on fills until you get all the info. Use “Again?” on phone
• Keep the width of an SSB signal in mind Be sure you are away enough from strong stations running
not to be covered by a pileup you can’t hear
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p44
Running
• Use the widest IF bandwidth you can stand Less chance to miss off-freq callers, especially on CW
• Don’t break a run pulling one station through Your rate will suffer if you take too long
You will drive away impatient waiting stations
• Use only a quick ‘Thanks’ if stations are waiting They know your call. Don’t waste time on it.
Throw in your call every few Q’s for the uninitiated
• Send complete exchange with a partial call Nearly all will correct you, good Ops without a missing a beat
Fix the call during his transmission
more Best Practices . . .
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p45
more Best Practices . . .Running - continued
• Call CQ when bands are dead for the day or worked out
• Call CQ when the band is active if you are able to find a frequency and hold it
• Always work Dupes ("WORKDUPE" in CT)
• If you can't drag a station's call through after trying TWICE, ignore him and start calling CQ again. This is part of K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Modify "TWICE" to suit
your station capabilities and contest circumstances.
• Enable call sign correction in your software. This will send the corrected call as part of your goodbye message ("CORRECT" in CT)
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p46
more Best Practices . . .Running - continued
• Speed up if your run is being sustainedThis is especially true in contests like SS where the exchange includes your call sign. Slow back down appropriately
• Hit the SEND key as soon as the call is in your head. Finish typing in the log during the automated response or while talking
TR can do this automatically after 4 characters
• Move Multipliers to other bands if you have the time Pick frequencies in advance
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p47
more Best Practices . . .Running - continued
• If another station calls CQ on your frequency, try "QRL" or "Frequency in use, QSY"
• Don't engage in extended frequency fights
If QRL/QSY fails, it almost always pays to move
Sometimes you can move up or down a bit in order to lessen the QRM and still hang on to "your" frequency
• NEVER NEVER NEVER acknowledge a "jammer". NEVER. Just keep your pace, and don't change your tone of voice on phone or even synchronize your calls to his QRM.
Often throwing in a few fake Q’s will discourage the jammer
The Complete Best Practices CollectionAppears in Appendix B
The Complete Best Practices CollectionAppears in Appendix B
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p48
A Word About Single Op 2 RadioEveryone has their own idea of an efficient SO2R layout . . .
K1PT S02R Setuptwo radios, two computers “Special” contest switch at
DF0WA
S02Rone computerAn earlier two radio
setup(no PC)
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p49
• It’s easy for SO2R to be a distraction
• KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) is key Start with a bone simple independent setup - rigs and logs Use SO2R only when things are slow
• CQ #1, S&P #2 • Alternate CQs• Modify your setup operation with experience
• Many top Ops swear by it (i.e. N6TR) It has potential to add significantly to your score
• Some don’t use it at all (i.e. K3ZO)
p.s. I’m at stage one - less than five SO2R contacts per contest - dbz
SO2RSave SO2R until you have nearly exhausted other improvements
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p50
• If the IF is being "pumped" by stations nearby (and in the AGC bandpass) trying running with
your AGC OFF”. . . de K3RA
• Noise limiters can cause noise or clicks when “pinged” by strong adjacent signals. Turn off
unless you have no choice.*
Miscellaneous Receiver TricksHints and Kinks that you may not have considered
*On the Yaesu 1000MP, turn the adjustment knob full CCW, even when both NLs are off.
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p51
• Multi-Op Station Opportunities K3DI in Arnold – Dick Wilder WX3B in Frederick - Jim Nitzburg
• Help (order not significant!) K3RA – Rol Anders KE3Q – Rich Boyd KD4D – Mark Bailey K2YWE – Dan Zeitlin K3ZO – Fred Laun W3LPL – Frank Donovan ND3F - Brian, VHF+
• Single Op Opportunities Often “unused” stations are available Post a query on the PVRC reflector
Local PVRC ResourcesThere is ample opportunity and willing help available locally
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p52
Contest Organizations, Calendars, Info, and Sponsors Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC) pvrc.org Contesting.Com contesting.com Frankford Radio Club (FRC) frc-contest.org CQ Magazine (CQWW, WPX, and others) cq-amateur-radio.com National Contest Journal – NCJ (QSO parties, Sprints, more) ncjweb.com ARRL (Sweepstakes, Field Day, DX, UHF/VHF, more) arrl.org/contests SM3CER Calendar sk3bg.se/contest WA7BNM Calendar hornucopia.com/contestcal VK4DX vk4dx.net
Contest Logging Programs CT k1ea.com NA datomonline.com TR Log trlog.com Writelog writelog.com N1MM pages.cthome.net/n1mm AC6V’s Logger Links* ac6v.com/logging.htm
Internet Links
“includes non-contest loggers
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p53
• Prepare and pay attention to detailPrepare and pay attention to detail Remember Sun Tzu Remember Sun Tzu
• Adopt proven Best PracticesAdopt proven Best Practices Don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep what works for you.Don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep what works for you.
• Run, big dog, runRun, big dog, run Try to Run if at all possibleTry to Run if at all possible
• Start now making incremental changesStart now making incremental changes Make an improvement list and work it downMake an improvement list and work it down
• Strategies are importantStrategies are important Pick and plan the contests. Use the plan for guidance.Pick and plan the contests. Use the plan for guidance.
• There are lots of resources to help youThere are lots of resources to help you Just askJust ask
“ “ It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ”It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ”
Little Pistols Little Pistols cancan successfully compete successfully compete
You You cancan do well with a modest station do well with a modest station
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p54
Interfaces and Accessories
Appendix A
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p55
Can be from rig or computer. RS-232, parallel, or discretes
Switch Relays and Point Rotors
Antenna & Rotor
TNC or Internet using RS-232 cable or no H/W at all (Telnet, etc)
Annunciate and track needed Mults and QSOs
Spots
Varies with DVP type, but interface itself is not complicated
Send CQ and Exchanges with DVP or card
Voice “Keying”
Simple interface, usually to parallel port
Send CQ, Exchanges, keyboard CW, paddle CW
CW Keying
Varies from RS-232 cable alone, to simple electronic interfaces
Track & control Freq and Mode, maintain Bandmap
Radio
ComplexityFunctionalityInterface
Hardware InterfacesH/W interfaces vary in complexity
Plans and parts for home building are readily available
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p56
1K2N2222, 2N2219 . . .
1K2N2222, 2N2219 . . .
P/O LPT1
Typical Parallel Port Keying Interfaces
DVP and Band Data discrete outputs are also available on parallel ports.10K
PADDLE A 12
PADDLE B 13
PADDLE CENTER 14KEYER
PADDLE
GND 18
STROBE 1
KEY DRIVE 17
Low-levelpositivePTT to rig.Grounded onPTT keyed.
Low-levelpositive centerkeying to rig.Grounded onkey down.
GND 18
STROBE 1
PTT DRIVE 16
0.01uF
0.01uF
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p57
Opto-Isolated Interfaces
DVP and Band Data discrete outputs are also available on parallel ports.
GND 18
STROBE 1
PTT DRIVE 16 Low-levelpositivePTT to rig.Grounded onPTT keyed.
10KPADDLE A 12
PADDLE B 13
PADDLE CENTER 14KEYER
PADDLE
GND 18
STROBE 1
KEY DRIVE 17
P/O LPT1Low-levelpositive centerkeying to rig.Grounded onkey down.
1K
1K
Replacing transistors with Optos can improve RF immunity
4N25, 4N35, 4N37 …
4N25, 4N35, 4N37 …
0.01uF
0.01uF
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p58
Typical Serial Radio Interfaces
Many older Rigs, especiallyYaesus, need level translation
Most newer Rigs only need a simple cable
to PC to TransceiverRS-232 to TTLRS-232 to TTL
TTL to RS32TTL to RS32
+/- 12VRS-232
5v / 0v TTL
to PC to TransceiverRS-232+/- 12VRS-232
+/- 12VRS-232
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p59
MAX-232 IC 5V/RS-232 CAT Interface
For older Yaesu and other rigs with 5V TTL I/O
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p60
Discrete 5V/RS-232 CAT Interface
Transistors replace IC as TTL/RS-232 level-shifters
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p61
Some inexpensive foot switches
The one I use(cheap)
$ 8.70
$ 6.95
Best Buys, Baynesville (Balto) and other electronics stores also have inexpensive foot pedals meant for games or music.
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p62
Best Practices Collection
Appendix B
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p63
Best Practices Collection
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating1 Assume a Big Dog attitude. • If you act like a big dog, most will believe you.
If they bite back painfully, you can find other turf.2 Maintain a “friendly sense of urgency” in your
QSOs• Chattiness will slow your rate and lose you contacts.
3 Always work Dupes (in CT “WORKDUPE”) • You may not be in their log • It usually takes more time to rebuff than work.
4 Enable and use the bandmap feature of your logging software.The Bandmap allows you to mark stations on the fly.
• If you need to check back later, the bandmap will have the call sign and frequency noted for you. • You’ll waste less time waiting for stations to ID or on calling Dupes.
5 In general, use K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Modify "TWICE" to suit your station capabilities and contest circumstances:• If you can't get a station after calling TWICE, move on. • If he doesn't ID after transmitting TWICE, move on.
• Your time can be better spent increasing your rate. • A Multiplier is usually not be worth the lost Q's spent trying. • You can put him in the bandmap to check back later.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating1 Assume a Big Dog attitude. • If you act like a big dog, most will believe you.
If they bite back painfully, you can find other turf.2 Maintain a “friendly sense of urgency” in your
QSOs• Chattiness will slow your rate and lose you contacts.
3 Always work Dupes (in CT “WORKDUPE”) • You may not be in their log • It usually takes more time to rebuff than work.
4 Enable and use the bandmap feature of your logging software.The Bandmap allows you to mark stations on the fly.
• If you need to check back later, the bandmap will have the call sign and frequency noted for you. • You’ll waste less time waiting for stations to ID or on calling Dupes.
5 In general, use K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Modify "TWICE" to suit your station capabilities and contest circumstances:• If you can't get a station after calling TWICE, move on. • If he doesn't ID after transmitting TWICE, move on.
• Your time can be better spent increasing your rate. • A Multiplier is usually not be worth the lost Q's spent trying. • You can put him in the bandmap to check back later.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p64
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - continued6 Do not waste time repeatedly calling DX stations
that have moderate signals when the band is otherwise quiet from their part of the world. This is likely to happen when big guns are just “opening the band” or “keeping it open.” Try another time.
• Many stations running high power will be heard when propagation is poor, but will not hear you despite elaborate antennas.• Remember that 1.5kW vs. 100W is about the difference between S-7 and S-3.
7 Try moving frequency a bit if you can’t seem to be heard.
• Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band are set very narrow.
8 Move Multipliers if you have the time. • Pick frequencies in advance.
• Quick way to gain Multipliers • Many Ops will go with you.
9 Try sending only the missing or wrong part when correcting your call or exchange (“Fill”). • The response to K3A? should be “ABC” (several times if necessary) since the K3 wasn’t in question. • Similarly, in SS if the query is for your Check, avoid sending the entire exchange
• The time you spend sending known info is wasted. • You may squander a clear interval or QSB peak on resending known information.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - continued6 Do not waste time repeatedly calling DX stations
that have moderate signals when the band is otherwise quiet from their part of the world. This is likely to happen when big guns are just “opening the band” or “keeping it open.” Try another time.
• Many stations running high power will be heard when propagation is poor, but will not hear you despite elaborate antennas.• Remember that 1.5kW vs. 100W is about the difference between S-7 and S-3.
7 Try moving frequency a bit if you can’t seem to be heard.
• Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band are set very narrow.
8 Move Multipliers if you have the time. • Pick frequencies in advance.
• Quick way to gain Multipliers • Many Ops will go with you.
9 Try sending only the missing or wrong part when correcting your call or exchange (“Fill”). • The response to K3A? should be “ABC” (several times if necessary) since the K3 wasn’t in question. • Similarly, in SS if the query is for your Check, avoid sending the entire exchange
• The time you spend sending known info is wasted. • You may squander a clear interval or QSB peak on resending known information.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p65
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - continued10 Listen to what is on your frequency when
working split. • If you can hear it, you can better time your call or defer until later.
11 Call CQ when the band is active if you are able to find a frequency and hold it.
• You will usually beat your S&P rate without difficulty. • An exception is the start of the contest when everyone is new for you, and your S&P rate can be very high.
12 Call CQ when the bands are dead for the day or worked out near the end of the contest.
• That’s when the stations that have been CQing will S&P for “fresh meat.”
13 Do not inquire if the frequency is busy before CQing. • You’ll find out soon enough if it is.
• QRL? announces to others that it’s clear at your end.• Someone else may well jump in and CQ.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - continued10 Listen to what is on your frequency when
working split. • If you can hear it, you can better time your call or defer until later.
11 Call CQ when the band is active if you are able to find a frequency and hold it.
• You will usually beat your S&P rate without difficulty. • An exception is the start of the contest when everyone is new for you, and your S&P rate can be very high.
12 Call CQ when the bands are dead for the day or worked out near the end of the contest.
• That’s when the stations that have been CQing will S&P for “fresh meat.”
13 Do not inquire if the frequency is busy before CQing. • You’ll find out soon enough if it is.
• QRL? announces to others that it’s clear at your end.• Someone else may well jump in and CQ.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p66
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - Phone14 Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics.
• “Duck Soup” are poor phonetics for “D U”• The whole idea of phoenetics is to eliminate ambiguity by standardization. • Non-native english speakers may not understand a "home made" alphabet.
15 Do not be intimidated by stations talking fast or unintelligibly. • Firmly ask until you get all the exchange info. Use “again?” • It is usually better to ask for one piece of missing info at a time.
• The QSO is not worth anything to you if it's wrong (busted).• "Again" is quick and universally understood.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating - Phone14 Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics.
• “Duck Soup” are poor phonetics for “D U”• The whole idea of phoenetics is to eliminate ambiguity by standardization. • Non-native english speakers may not understand a "home made" alphabet.
15 Do not be intimidated by stations talking fast or unintelligibly. • Firmly ask until you get all the exchange info. Use “again?” • It is usually better to ask for one piece of missing info at a time.
• The QSO is not worth anything to you if it's wrong (busted).• "Again" is quick and universally understood.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
S
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p67
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning16 Use the widest IF bandwidth you can stand • Less chance to miss off-freq callers, especially
on CW 17 If another station calls CQ on your frequency
and fails to respond to your QRL-QSY message, carry on for a while to see if he leaves. But, don’t do this for very long.
• Even though he is not hearing you, if you are being heard by others he may not get many responses and may give up after a few minutes. No one likes to waste time.
18 Don’t engage in extended frequency fights • Try “QRL” or “Frequency in use, QSY.” If that fails, it almost always pays to move. • Sometimes you can move up or down a bit in order to lessen the QRM and still hang on to “your” frequency.
• It costs you QSO time. • You may be in QRM at the other end.
19 Don’t break a run to pull one station through • Your rate will suffer if you take too long • You will drive away impatient waiting stations
20 If you can't drag a station's call through after trying TWICE, ignore him and start calling CQ again. • This is part of K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Again, modify "TWICE " to suit your station capabilities and contest circumstances.
• Running has to do with how fast you can accurately pull a call and get it into the log. You don’t want your rate to slow down or other callers to lose interest. • Equally important, on a crowded band you have to transmit a lot to keep "your" frequency clear.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning16 Use the widest IF bandwidth you can stand • Less chance to miss off-freq callers, especially
on CW 17 If another station calls CQ on your frequency
and fails to respond to your QRL-QSY message, carry on for a while to see if he leaves. But, don’t do this for very long.
• Even though he is not hearing you, if you are being heard by others he may not get many responses and may give up after a few minutes. No one likes to waste time.
18 Don’t engage in extended frequency fights • Try “QRL” or “Frequency in use, QSY.” If that fails, it almost always pays to move. • Sometimes you can move up or down a bit in order to lessen the QRM and still hang on to “your” frequency.
• It costs you QSO time. • You may be in QRM at the other end.
19 Don’t break a run to pull one station through • Your rate will suffer if you take too long • You will drive away impatient waiting stations
20 If you can't drag a station's call through after trying TWICE, ignore him and start calling CQ again. • This is part of K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Again, modify "TWICE " to suit your station capabilities and contest circumstances.
• Running has to do with how fast you can accurately pull a call and get it into the log. You don’t want your rate to slow down or other callers to lose interest. • Equally important, on a crowded band you have to transmit a lot to keep "your" frequency clear.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p68
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning - continued21 Use only a quick "Thanks" or "TU" without your
call sign or QRZ if stations are waiting to work you (You heard multiple callers). • Throw in your call once every few Q’s for the uninitiated. • Keep it up until there are no more responses, then build back to your “full” QRZ message and CQ. • If you get no response after working the first station this way, try sending your call and TEST” before resuming to a full CQ.
• Most waiting stations will know your call. Don’t waste time on it.• Minimizing the time stations have to wait for you will help to keep the impatient ones hanging around and will increase your QSO rate.
• Less experienced contesters may not realize you are waiting for them. “TEST” will alert them you are ready for another station to call.
22 When the call sign of a responder is questionable, send a complete exchange using the questionable call. Then correctit during his exchange transmission.• You can use SCP to help guess incomplete calls first round. • Make sure you have it right before you let him go.
• Nearly all stations will correct you on their transmission, good Ops without a missing a beat. • It saves the time of an extra exchange devoted only to getting the call sign right. • You can always revert to “normal” means if this practice fails.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning - continued21 Use only a quick "Thanks" or "TU" without your
call sign or QRZ if stations are waiting to work you (You heard multiple callers). • Throw in your call once every few Q’s for the uninitiated. • Keep it up until there are no more responses, then build back to your “full” QRZ message and CQ. • If you get no response after working the first station this way, try sending your call and TEST” before resuming to a full CQ.
• Most waiting stations will know your call. Don’t waste time on it.• Minimizing the time stations have to wait for you will help to keep the impatient ones hanging around and will increase your QSO rate.
• Less experienced contesters may not realize you are waiting for them. “TEST” will alert them you are ready for another station to call.
22 When the call sign of a responder is questionable, send a complete exchange using the questionable call. Then correctit during his exchange transmission.• You can use SCP to help guess incomplete calls first round. • Make sure you have it right before you let him go.
• Nearly all stations will correct you on their transmission, good Ops without a missing a beat. • It saves the time of an extra exchange devoted only to getting the call sign right. • You can always revert to “normal” means if this practice fails.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating
K2YWE Little Pistol 6-2007 - p69
Best Practices Collection (con’d)
Got More?
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning - continued23 Enable call sign correction in your software
(“CORRECT” in CT) . This will send the corrected call as part of your goodbye message.
• Stations want assurance you have logged them correctly. This will keep them from asking QSL?
24 Speed up if your run is being sustained. This is especially true in contests like SS where the exchange includes your call sign. Slow back down appropriately.
• Stations waiting will usually know your info. • More stations will be inclined to wait for shorter times.• Your rate will go up with speed (duh).
25 Hit the SEND key as soon as the call is in your head, and finish typing it into the log during the automated response or while talking.
• If your fingers are like mine, they slightly lag my brain so that I am still typing when the other station stops sending. • This Best Practice reduces the lag between when the other station finishes calling and when you respond. The typing and SENDing overlap increases rate.
26 When running, NEVER NEVER NEVER acknowledge a "jammer". NEVER. Just keep your pace, and don't change your tone of voice on phone or even synchronize your calls to his QRM.
• With no response, he can't be sure he is even bothering you, and it isn't any "fun" for him if he doesn't get a reaction.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALERunning - continued23 Enable call sign correction in your software
(“CORRECT” in CT) . This will send the corrected call as part of your goodbye message.
• Stations want assurance you have logged them correctly. This will keep them from asking QSL?
24 Speed up if your run is being sustained. This is especially true in contests like SS where the exchange includes your call sign. Slow back down appropriately.
• Stations waiting will usually know your info. • More stations will be inclined to wait for shorter times.• Your rate will go up with speed (duh).
25 Hit the SEND key as soon as the call is in your head, and finish typing it into the log during the automated response or while talking.
• If your fingers are like mine, they slightly lag my brain so that I am still typing when the other station stops sending. • This Best Practice reduces the lag between when the other station finishes calling and when you respond. The typing and SENDing overlap increases rate.
26 When running, NEVER NEVER NEVER acknowledge a "jammer". NEVER. Just keep your pace, and don't change your tone of voice on phone or even synchronize your calls to his QRM.
• With no response, he can't be sure he is even bothering you, and it isn't any "fun" for him if he doesn't get a reaction.
BEST PRACTI CE RATI ONALEGeneral Operating