|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
1-10 of 12 messages
|
Page 1 of 2
Next
|
|
Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by N2ICZ on April 16, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ok...so it took me 25 years to actually work a contest/sprint, and I really enjoyed it. It was the NA QRP CW monthly sprint.
I must say, I had some misconceptions about how simple I thought the process would be. I was wrong... Jeesh...there's a lot going on. And...I got confused after a couple of QSO's. As such, I decided to sit back and just listen to the flow of the sprint.
Would it be wiser (as a beginner) to sit rockbound for a while and call CQ? Is just doing that frowned upon, i.e. is it considered monopolizing the frequency, etc. Or, do I need to move around the clear frequencies. Or should I also mix it with the hunt and pounce technique ( when I feel confortable with that)Is there any specific contest protocol?
BTW, I have a new appreciation for you contest guys... Good stuff.
Thanks and 73,
Larry
N2ICZ
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by KG6MZS on April 16, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
HI Larry;
I'm certainly no expert but AFAIK the words "spring" and "beginner" don't really go together.
In a sprint contest you can't sit rockbound on a frequency as once one has made a contact, one is compelled to switch frequencies. That is what a sprint is, I think.
IMO "search and pounce" is the easiest way to participate in contests. But if you want to call CQ there is no easier way that calling CQ in your state's QSO party. As the calling station *you* can set the pace. Once you find a clear frequency you *can* sit rockbound - if you can hold it.
HTH
73 de Eric KG6MZS
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by K9GTJ on April 16, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I think trying to do a combination of search and pounce and calling CQ is what is necessary unless you are a big gun or have a rare location. (What defines a big gun in QRP CW?)
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by KB9CRY on April 19, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Would it be wiser (as a beginner) to sit rockbound for a while and call CQ
Search and Pounce is best for the beginner.
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by W5ESE on April 20, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
> I'm certainly no expert but AFAIK the words
> "sprint" and "beginner" don't really go
> together.
"Sprint" only means that it is a short contest;
two hours. It doesn't imply anything about the
pace of the contacts.
> In a sprint contest you can't sit rockbound on
> a frequency as once one has made a contact, one
> is compelled to switch frequencies. That is what
> a sprint is, I think.
What you are saying is true of the National Contest
Journal Sprints.
But the originator of this thread mentioned that
it was a QRP Sprint, so that leads me to believe
he is referring to the North American QRP CW
Club's monthly sprint. I don't think the National
Contest Journal sponsors a QRP-only Sprint.
The NAQCC Sprint rules are here:
http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/sprint_rules.html
and there isn't a requirement to change frequencies
after completing a contact.
> Would it be wiser (as a beginner) to sit
> rockbound for a while and call CQ? Is just doing
> that frowned upon, i.e. is it considered
> monopolizing the frequency, etc. Or, do I need to
> move around the clear frequencies. Or should I also
> mix it with the hunt and pounce technique ( when
> I feel comfortable with that). Is there any
> specific contest protocol?
The NAQCC contest you participated in is an
excellent one for beginning contesters.
It's not considered bad practice to park on a
frequency and call 'CQ'. You will probably earn
your best score by spending part of your time
"searching and pouncing", and part of your time
calling 'CQ'. Some operators only do one or the
other style of operating, so to have a shot at
working them all, you would need to do both.
73
Scott
W5ESE
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by KG6MZS on April 20, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>>The NAQCC Sprint rules are here:
>>http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/sprint_rules.html
>>and there isn't a requirement to change frequencies
>>after completing a contact.
[Johnny Carson voice] I did not know that. [/Johnny Carson voice]
Thanks. I thought a sprint was, by definition, a contest where the stations were compelled to change frequencies.
As a relative new guy to amateur radio I can say that a fast-paced contest can be very intimidating to a beginner.
As KB9CRY said: I found searching and pouncing to be an easy, no-stress way for a beginner to make the contact.
73 de Eric, KG6MZS
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by W4HIJ on April 23, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I guess I'm a fellow contest "beginner" I've worked a few and enjoyed them but I don't take things too seriously. I'm certainly not out to win anything..hi hi..
I just use the search and pounce method. I can tune in a station, listen for a bit till I get the flow" of how he is operating and then drop my call in. I make the contact and then move on. I'm sure that's not very conducive to a high score but as I said I'm not real serious about it.
Maybe someday I will find myself on the other end and start working stations rapid fire like so many do, but I can't imagine doing it anytime soon.
73,
Michael, W4HIJ
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by KG6MZS on April 24, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I remember the first time I called CQ in a big contest. I was overwhelmed immediately. I felt like couldn't copy the exchanges fast enough. With a little practice I've gotten better, but I've really gained a lot of respect for contesters that can handle the traffic gracefully for long periods of time. It is quite a skill do be able to do it with a smile in your voice. I think that is a rare talent. DXers or contesters that don't *sound* grumpy sure make the whole deal much more fun and inviting to the new guys.
73 de Eric, KG6MZS
|
| |
|
RE: Just Call CQ as a beginner?
|
Reply
|
|
by N5XM on June 21, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Definitely Search and Pounce. Your pace will improve over the course of a contest, and if you want to try to send CQ, give it a shot here and there. It takes a lot more concentration when you first start doing contests, but you will improve with time. Most contesters will be patient with you, but when you run into someone who thinks he's God's gift to CW, just move on and don't sweat it one bit. Be patient with yourself and good luck! I hope to work you on Field Day. n5
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
Forum, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Forum Manager.
|
|
|
