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Greg and others, <br>
<br>
I don't have a lot of experience with the CQWW SSB. The kickoff of
the contest season for me is the CWSS, which is only one week
later. I wish I knew enough to tell people how to maximize contest
scores, but I don't. On the other hand, I've made some dumb mistakes,
particularly in the CWSS, that in the past have without question hurt my
score, so I thought I'd pass a few of them along for those who might be
interested. They have general application to all contests.
<br>
<br>
1. Don't wait until Sweepstakes Saturday morning to make your final
preparations. This is so obvious but so true for SS and any contest. I
can't tell you how many times I've been messing with antennas, or with
the computer, or with switches, etc., right up to the starting bell.
Pretend SS -- or CQWW -- starts a week early and have everything set up
and in operation a week ahead. Then you'll be ready at the starting bell.
<br>
<br>
2. One year I decided to "reward" myself on Sunday afternoon by
eating the left-over Halloween chocolate. Bad idea!! I guess I got on a
sugar high to the point that when the evening came around, I was at the
other end of the spectrum. I wasn't looking for mults, I was looking for
the contest to end. I felt lousy! Be careful about what you eat. In fact,
eat as little as possible -- and nothing unusual. <br>
<br>
3. Especially in the CWSS, you can keep your code speed up in the contest
early hours when you're working all the "regulars," but knock
it down a few notches on Sunday when you are looking for the "casual
QSO" stations who will make the difference in your score. <br>
<br>
4. Don't get discouraged when band conditions are in the tank and you are
plodding along. Conditions may very well be lousy all over -- or they
could actually be better where you are than where your competitor is.
<br>
<br>
FWIW,<br>
<br>
- Jay/K4OGG<br>
<br>
At 04:41 AM 10/6/2000, greg richard wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite cite> <br>
<font size=2>Time to get some chatter on the reflector about the contest
season..</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>The CQ WW SSB contest is less than 3 weeks away. Time
to get the suggestions going about what </font><br>
<font size=2>preparations should be made between now and
then.</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>My list:</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>1. update the .CTY file (when available) and then check it
BEFORE I log the first contact during the contest.</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>2. Check all antennas to verify they work. CQP
(California Qso Party this weekend is a good time to do this and still
have time to work out any problems)</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>3. Clear the weekend with the wife.</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>4. Start watching WWV numbers and packet spots if not on the
air checking out the bands.</font><br>
<br>
<br>
<font size=2>What are some of yours?</font><br>
<br>
<font size=2>Greg K4NO</font></blockquote><br>
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