Last participation in this contest was in the winter of 2023. Since time is an issue right now I just participated in the early morning of Saturday and Sunday before I had to go. Main goal was training my CW skills. I was using the IC-7300 @100W and my inverted-L with autotuner. Of course I only used my ears and brain to decode. I even called CQ a few times with some success. Average transmission speed at my side was 20wpm. I'm not able yet to decode a complete callsign the first time I hear it but after repeating two or three times I'm able to complete the callsign. Even with speeds up to 30wpm or higher.
The PACC will be more difficult as the DX is sending progressive numbers. Of course I'm training numbers as well as the abbreviated ones like T for 0, A for 1 and N for 9. But if it goes too fast I will not be able to decode, that will be my worst nightmare in the contest. Anyway, I should relax, it is just a game...
2 comments:
Good morning Bas you are at a very important and challenging step in the world of CW contesting. A time when you are calling CQ, head copying code, typing it down and adjusting to speeds. This is a time when you will reap the fruits because of your practicing. You are very correct serial numbers can be a challenge BUT not to long ago so was hearing S from an H. It's all about practice and I remember very well the butterflies when calling CQ. As for speeds yes there are those who will not slow down but most do and just ask for repeats. As you say the most important part to remember is...it's just a game. Some do take it to seriously and I don't allow them to bother me. I will be in the PACC and hope to hear you and make contact again.
73,
Mike
VE9KK
As always, tnx for your comment Mike. Yes indeed it is an important step for me and very challenging. Hope to work you in the contest, that would be great. QRP section is always a mixed section so I will also do some SSB. Although I will get most points with CW. We'll see how the number copying goes. 73, Bas
Post a Comment