On 6/28/2012 8:54 PM, Kevin Anderson wrote:
> To do so, this means I'm calling CQ. In fact, I am only comfortable (and
> enjoy) operating in a contest if I can get a frequency and call CQ. If I
> have to operate only in search and pounce mode, then I don't like to operate.
> I don't know why, but when I call CQ, I have all the confidence in the world
> and seem to be able to pick out calls and exchanges just fine. But when I
> operate S&P, for some reason I can't, and seem to second guess myself all the
> time; my confidence, and my rate, goes into the toilet, and I don't enjoy the
> contest at all. Strange, but that is how I am.
You are not alone. I know other ops who feel
the same way.
One time, my young bride was in the shack and
listening to a pileup trying to contact an
exotic DX station. A fellow I know from Arizona
put out his call, at first with enthusiasm and
in an upbeat tone. Then again, but without
the upbeat tone. After that, again, but now
without the enthusiasm. A bit later, again,
but with a hint of sarcasm. Then, again with
a clear tone of annoyance, and finally with
definite disgust.
I asked him about it a couple of days later when
we both checked into a friendly SSB net, and he
said he HATES trying to bust a pileup. He
admitted he quickly gets impatient, to the point
of aggravation, if he does not get through on
the first or second call.
So... for that reason, he, too, would rather
call CQ than answer CQ.
My bride giggled at his obvious progression
from hopefulness to frustration, and she said
she was on his side.
While I like the "thrill of the hunt" - I also
prefer holding a frequency and calling CQ.
I can take whatever call I want, and I don't
have to fight with other guys to make the contact.
During the recent Museum Ship Weekend, which is
not a contest, I tried to take the mobile,
portable and QRP stations first as I know how
much harder it is for them to fight through the
louder stations, and I figure the louder stations
will easy to grab at any time. I am often amazed
at how well a guy can do with only 5 or 10 watts
and a small, portable antenna. Some of the low
power, portable crowd have a LOT of pluck.
One of my joys at operating at Field Day is that I usually get to use
headphones with attached boom microphones and foot switch - a setup that
I have yet to afford at home -
Please feel free to contact me off list
or on, as you deem most appropriate, to
discuss affordable headset solutions. I
am a headset junkie (heck... everybody
needs a vice of some sort... although I
admit I have several.) It is very easy
and affordable to add a good headset to the
rig without breaking the bank. I have headsets
ranging from $10 to $300 and keep up on the
market trends and I think I could help you
achieve a good result for the price of a
couple of pizzas. (I don't say pizza and
beer, because I don't advocate giving up
the beer, even for a good cause ...)
I would be glad to make some suggestions
if you like.
_______________________ K8JHR ________________________
,./
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