Contests Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE March 2004 Agenda Why Bother? Another Perspective Basics Strategies Contest Loggers and Interfaces Getting Started Resources.

ContestsDan Zeitlin, K2YWE

March 2004

Agenda

• Why Bother?

• Another Perspective

• Basics

• Strategies

• Contest Loggers and Interfaces

• Getting Started

• Resources

• Summary

Why Bother?

What are yours?

People have various reasons for not participating in contests . . .

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

• Contest practices are “uncivilized”

Why Bother?Common reasons for not participating in contests are . . .

“…When someone first listens to contests, it sounds like gibberish and can be very intimidation to someone who doesn't know how to do it ‘right’".

Speed, Exchanges, Jargon, Logs

• Not interested in competition

• My station is too modest to compete

• Contests are intimidating

• ?

• Too time consuming

Why Bother?

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

• Contest practices are “uncivilized”

“…When someone first listens to contests, it sounds like gibberish and can be very intimidation to someone who doesn't know how to do it "right".

Speed, Exchanges, Jargon, Logs

• Not interested in competition

• My station is too modest to compete

• Contests are intimidating”

• ?

• Too time consuming

Common reasons for not participating in contests are . . .

Participate, but Don’t EnterThere are benefits in participating without actually competing

• Check out antennas or equipment performance

• Learn more about propagation

• Non-Contest Awards

WAC, WAS, DXCC, WAZ, WPX, Grids, . . .

• Improve ease of operation or station efficiency

Improve ease of operation or station efficiency

Boom Mic & Footswitch

Life is

Good!

Footswitch & Prop

Mic Prop

No Help!

Ugh!

Improvements yield everyday benefits

• Footswitch Phone - Frees up hands to doodle, diddle. or . . . CW- Allows quick T-R transition without listening to QSK noise

• Boom Mic Freedom to move your head, respond to local “effects” . . .

• Antenna Switching No-hassle band hopping at your pleasure

• Added or Improved Antennas More reliable QSOs

• “Sensible Rearrangement” of Equipment Less effort to operate

Contest improvements translate to easier day-to-day operation

Improve ease of operation or station efficiency

K1PT S02R Setuptwo radios, two computers

Efficiency is a personal thing . . .

An earliertwo radio setup (no PC)

“Special” contest switch at DF0WA

EA5DFV

• Hone operating skills

Participate, but Don’t Enter

• Check out antennas or equipment performance

• Learn more about propagation

• Improve ease of operation or station efficiency

• “Change of Venue”. . .

• Non-Contest Awards

WAC, WAS, DXCC, WAZ, WPX, Grids, . . .

There are benefits in participating without actually competing

Participate, but Don’t EnterThere are benefits in participating without actually competing

Portable or Roving Operation

• Get away from: RFI and EMC problems Antenna restrictions Geographic shortcomings

• Enjoy: Quieter QTH Better Geographic Location Different Antennas

• Have Fun!

Logs – It’s Your Call

• Don’t maintain a log at all

• Keep a partial or full log, but don’t score it

• Keep a log and score it, but don’t send it in

• Submit a “check log” – no score, no entry Helps the log checkers Helps build the contest database Learn the format and how to send it in

Log choices are wide open if you don’t intend to enter

or go “all the way”

• Keep and submit an entry log Decide after the contest Most contest administrators compute your score for you

more later

• Paper – OK if you don’t have many Qs or don’t submit an entry Tedious to check for duplicates (“Dupes”) Easy to make mode and band mistakes Many contests require electronic submissions

• Homebrew Automation Depends on sophistication Should Dupe check and score

• Contest Logging Programs Automate all “basic” functions Add features during and post-contest

Contest Logging OptionsPaper works, but logging programs make life a lot easier

• Contest practices are “uncivilized”

Look a contest QSO as a means to an end

How about part-time? Adjust goals, multi-op, contribute to club

• Not interested in competition Other non-competitive benefits

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

Maybe not . . .• My station is too modest to compete

Some people are rude. Ignore them, they are in the minority.

Another PerspectiveThe reasons not to participate may not be so strong . . .

•

• Too time consuming

• Contests are intimidating• They can be at first, but you can tame them. Some tips later.

• Measures and levels of competition vary Personal Goals Two or more selected competitors Club or Team entry Change the goals depending on the contest

• Prepare and follow through There are many contests. Pick ones with the best fit. Maximize your assets Pay attention to detail Develop your skills Add to Club Score as well as stand alone

• Operate at a more competitive station Be part of a Multi-Op team Borrow” a station

“It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it”

Little Pistols can successfully compete

“

You can do well with a modest station

Contest Basics

• Rules are published well in advance

• Valid contacts need two-way information exchange 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 Multipliers

Total Score = “Qs” x “Mults”

Same station may provide multiple Qs or Mults

• Contacts on different bands or modes

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

• Typical Entry Class Elements Number of Ops (Single, Multi) Number of Simultaneous Transmitted Signals

• One• Two (Multi-Two)• More than two (Multi – Multi)

Power Level• Low (usually 100W limit)• High or Unlimited (>low up to max legal)• QRP (usually 5W limit)

Mode (Phone, CW, Digital modes Mixed). Bands (Single or All) With or without spotting Assistance Special (CQ has classes for Tribander + Single Wires, Rookie)

• Most entries are Single Op, All Band, Low or High Power

Entry ClassesThere will be a class that suits you best

“SOA”

Contest HoundRunning Europe on 15m

SSB

• Search and Pounce (S&P) mode Tune, find new station, make contact, move on Permits multiple opportunities to copy exchange info Permits chasing multipliers Can generate high rates, but rates diminish with time May use Spotting Assistance Bandmap is a valuable S&P time saver

• Run mode Call CQ, make QSO, QRZ for next QSO Repeat CQ as needed Generates highest rates if you can “hold” frequency Working Mults is incidental Must ask for repeat if info is missed Computer logging is a must, automated sending nice. Rates will diminish as band becomes “worked out”

Contest Operating ‘Modes’Choose a mix of operating modes

Strategies

• Class Selection Number of Ops, transmitters, power level, bands

• Bands and Modes Which, when?

• Propagation Best for bands and Mults

• ON/OFF time selection Time limits Meal, sleep, “real life” periods

• Operation CQ vs. S&P Rates Speeds and Timing

*Advanced selection for Single Ops - Two Radio (SO2R) or not?

Planning ahead pays off during the contest

SOA, MUF,S&P,

rates, snacks . .

.

Q’s, Mults, Bones . . .

VHF/UHF/+ Roving

VHF/UHF/+ Rovers generate good scores with modest stations

• How it Works Grid squares are multipliers Rovers travel to different squares “Set up” near grid corners Work fixed and roving stations

• Competitive Benefits Be a Needed multiplier(s) Enjoy Quiet locations Operate from High terrain

• What it Takes Simple mobile setup to shack-on-wheels Single or multi-Op

Contest Logging Programs

Common Program Features

Band/Time/QSO/Mult logging

Real-time “Dupe” checking

Serial number sequencing, if required

Partial callsign and exchange help

Real-time score and statistics

Frequency logging & Bandmap

Automated CQ and Exchange sending

Spotting Q and Mult alerts

Other (Beam Headings, Rig Control, …)

Post-contest checks, log generation, editing, and statistics

Contest Logger FunctionsContest features add visibility and increase efficiency

Basic, no hardware interface neededRequires one or more hardware interfaces

Useful added functionality Radio - Mode and frequency tracking, bandmap maintenance

• Varies from RS-232 cable alone, to simple electronic interfaces

CW Keying - Send CQ, exchanges, keyboard CW, paddle CW• Simple interface, usually to parallel port

Voice “Keying” - With DVP or card, send CQ and exchanges• Vary with DVP arrangement, but interface itself is not complex

Spots - Annunciation and track needed Multipliers and QSOs • TNC or Internet using RS-232 cable or no H/W at all (Telnet, etc)

Antenna & Rotor - Relay Switching, Rotor Control• Can be from rig or computer. RS-232, parallel, or discretes

Interfaces can be purchased or homebuilt Plans and parts are readily available (more later)

Beyond Basic Contest FunctionsH/W interfaces are not necessary, but enable useful functionality

DOS Programs - All run well on 486x computers

CT (now free)• Most popular to date• Established as DOS-based (CT for WIN* also available)• Large user support base. Little author support• Moderate effort to learn, but training program is available

TR Log ($)• More flexible than CT• Clever input “descrambler”• Requires substantial training effort• Supports over 60 contests, including RTTY

NA ($)• Very similar to CT (CT-based)• Large user group and excellent author support• User-customizable contest templates. More standard VHF/UHF • Supports RTTY

Popular Contest ProgramsLoggers vary in capability and in hardware requirements

*Requires Pentium class PC

($) = purchased

Windows Programs - Require Pentium class PC

Writelog ($)

• Current frontrunner Windows contest program of choice• Very versatile• User-friendly Graphic User Interface• Supports 30+ contests, including RTTY and PSK

N1MM (Currently free) - snapshot of work in progress

• Full-featured. Gathering user info. Threatening Writelog for lead• Proofing on PII-233 (written in VB 6.0)• Supports 70+ contests, including RTTY and PSK• No contest statistics

Others (free & $)

• Mainly non-contest loggers or contest/mode-specific• Generally not as sophisticated

Popular Contest Programs (con’d)

Loggers vary in capability and in hardware requirements

($) = purchased

CT ScreenCT is representative of DOS contest logging programs

TRLog ScreenThe TR format is not much different from CT

WriteLog ScreenWindows-based WriteLog has a more modern user interface

. . . but is essentially functionality the same

N1MM ScreenN1MM has a modern user interface and the “usual” features

CT - Basic Entry Window

QSO Number Band Time Entered

Call

Mode (S=SSB)

Received Exchange

}

Cursor

• TAB advances entry line fields• Shortcut keys for editing, entry, band and mode changes• Auto fill-in of data received from contact entry on other bands

QSO data is entered on one line and can be edited

New Multiplier (K=USA)

CT – Check CountryOne keystroke provides entity, heading, and multiplier information

Distance Local Sunset/SunriseHeading

Country (entity)

Same country QSOs, with bands and times

Needed Mult on this band

CT – Dupe Alert

Alert as DUPE with time & date of previous QSO

Check for Dupe is automatic on callsign entry

CT – Check Partial Call

Matches callsign fragments against database created from recent contest logs and current logged contacts

Call fragments yield possible known contester callsigns

anywhere in the callsign

Rate info can help you make tactical decisions or ‘score’ yourself

CT – Rate Window

Shows real-time QSO/hour and related rate information

Rate chart gives a rate overview hour by hour

CT – Summary Score

Shows real-time QSO and Mult totals, and computes score

A snapshot of your score is available any time

the Bandmap

• 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

the Bandmap

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

*

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

21:25:03

Current TransceiverFrequency

NeededMult in White

FrequencyTime Entered into BandmapCall

NeededQSO

AlreadyWorkedin Black

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

FrequencyTime Entered into BandmapCall

Updated Time & Status

NeededMult in White

AlreadyWorkedin BlackCurrent

TransceiverFrequency

21:25:38

the Bandmap

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

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

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

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

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

MAX-232 IC 5V/RS-232 CAT InterfaceFor Yaesu and other rigs with 5V TTL I/O

Discrete 5V/RS-232 CAT InterfaceTransistors replace IC as TTL/RS-232 level-shifters

Some inexpensive foot switches

The one I use

• Telnet Internet w3lpl.net (local) wr3l.net (local) k1ttt.net (east coast)

• TNC Audio in/out from TNC to PC. Usually simple cable. Vertical antenna is best to ‘hear’ other users W3IP in Crownsville W3YOZ in South AA County WR3L in Essex W3LPL in Glenwood

DX/Contest Cluster Connections

(Frequencies in MHz)

• W3LPL Glenwood MD 145.590 441.250 w3lpl.net• W3IP Crownsville MD 145.570• WR3L Baltimore MD 145.610 440.950 wr3l.net• N3RR Rockville MD 145.510 441.325• K3SKE Frederick MD 144.930 441.125• W3YOZ West River MD 144.910• W3TOM Accokeek MD 145.770• N1WR Lusby MD 145.690• N4OHE Mt.Weather VA 145.710 446.025• NE3H Harrisburg PA 144.970 *• W3BD S Mountain PA 145.630• N4SR Woodbridge VA 145.630 *• W4XP Bull Run Mt 144.990• K4JA Callao VA 145.090 *

This system is sponsored by the Potomac Valley DX Spotting Network,except "*" are independently funded by each SYSOP.

Local Area DX/Contest Cluster Nodes

Getting Started

Getting Started

• My Favorites North American QSO Parties (NAQP) - Short and friendly

• Separate Phone, CW, RTTY contests• Only 12 hours long with 10 hours operating limit• 150 watt power limit• Exchange is Name and QTH

CQ World Wide (CQWW) - If a place exists, a station there be there• Separate Phone, CW, RTTY contests• Single band entry option• 48 hours• Simple fast exchange – “RST” and CQ Zone

• ARRL Sweepstakes, DX, 10m, 160m, Field Day, VHF/UHF

• State QSO Parties

• Foreign Contests

There are enough contests to find one that suits you

Getting Started (con’d)

• Make use of available resources Help with Rules, Operation, Interfaces, Logs, … Introductions as visitor or guest operator

• Visit a single or multi-op operation Try to visit before a contest to get the “lay of the land” Come during contest operations and watch, or more

• Join with someone else and operate at their shack Simple part-time effort with a friend (new or old!) Volunteer to help at a Multi-Op station Practice with the logging program, if used

• Select a contest and put in some time on your own Learn the exchange and basic rules. Select your class. Pick a logging program (if desired) and practice in advance Sketch out a band and operating time strategy Listen to the exchanges and jump in! S&P at first. Get post-contest scoring assistance if you need it

• You can contribute points to your club no matter what.

• Be aware of the value of a multiplier to your score. In the beginning of a contest, multipliers seem worth less because you have so few QSOs to "multiply them against. At the end of the contest you will see they are worth more.

• Verify the callsign of the station you're working. S52PK and 5C8N are not real callsigns. Don't log them that way. Always HEAR the call that the station is signing and log it correctly.

• A bit of strategy – Work bands that may close first and move with propagation. This often means 10-15-20 in a.m. then 40-80-160 later. 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.

Getting Started - Tips from the Experts*Overall

*Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”

Getting Started - Tips from the Experts*

• Do not be intimidated by stations going too fast for you to copy.

Start with the slower stations high in the band.

Don't worry if you have to hear the call several times to get it.

As the contest goes on you will improve.

• Call CQ high in the band at a speed that is comfortable for you.

Don’t be shy about sending QRS

Most stations will slow down to your speed.

• Try moving your frequency a bit if you can’t seem to be heard.

Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band are set very narrow.

CW

*Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”

Getting Started - Tips from the Experts

• Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics

• 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.

• Maintain a “friendly sense of urgency” in your QSOsChattiness will slow your rate and lose you contacts

• Call CQ where you won’t interfere as well as be able to hear well. Be aware of the bandwidth and direction of your sideband.

• 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.

Phone

• the Potomac Valley Radio Club• Multi-Op Station Opportunities

K3DI in Arnold – Dick Wilder WX3B in Manchester k - Jim Nitzburg

• Help (order not significant!) K3RA – Rol Anders K2YWE – Dan Zeitlin KE3Q – Rich Boyd K3ZO – Fred Laun W3LPL – Frank Donovan W4XP - Chuck Watts, VHF+ W3IKE – IKE Lawton, VHF+

• Op Opportunities K2YWE (me) – Dan Zeitlin

Local ResourcesThere is ample opportunity and willing help available locally

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

Summary

• There are benefits to participation without entry Awards, Checkouts, Setups, Learning, QTH “escape”

• Basic scoring and operation is not complicated Rules, Q’s, Mults, S&P, and Run

• Little Pistols can compete Pay attention to detail at home or elsewhere

• Strategies help Plan the contest, and use the plan for guidance

• Contest Loggers and Interfaces make life easier Lots to choose from.

• Take the first step! Pick a contest, get prepared, join in

• There are lots of resources to help you People, organizations, and links

Try it, you might like it!