Contests

1
Contests

• Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE
• March 2004

2
Agenda

• Why Bother?
• Another Perspective
• Basics
• Strategies
• Contest Loggers and Interfaces
• Getting Started
• Resources
• Summary

3
Why Bother?
People have various reasons for not participating
in contests . . .

• What are yours?

4
Why Bother?
Common reasons for not participating in contests
are . . .

• Not interested in competition

• Too time consuming

• My station is too modest to compete

• 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

• Contests are intimidating

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

• Contest practices are uncivilized

• ?

5
Why Bother?
Common reasons for not participating in contests
are . . .

• Not interested in competition

• Too time consuming

• My station is too modest to compete

• 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

• Contests are intimidating

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

• Contest practices are uncivilized

• ?

6
Participate, but Dont Enter
There are benefits in participating without
actually competing
7
Improve ease of operation or station efficiency
8
Improvements yield everyday benefits
Contest improvements translate to easier
day-to-day operation

• 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

9
Improve ease of operation or station efficiency
Efficiency is a personal thing . . .
K1PT S02R Setup two radios, two computers
Special contest switch at DF0WA
An earlier two radio setup (no PC)
EA5DFV
10
Participate, but Dont Enter
There are benefits in participating without
actually competing

• Change of Venue. . .

11
Participate, but Dont Enter
There 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!

12
Logs Its Your Call
Log choices are wide open if you dont intend to
enter

• Dont maintain a log at all
• Keep a partial or full log, but dont score it
• Keep a log and score it, but dont 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

13
Contest Logging Options
Paper works, but logging programs make life a lot
easier

• Paper OK if you dont have many Qs or dont
  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

Log
14
Another Perspective

The reasons not to participate may not be so
strong . . .

• Other non-competitive benefits

• Not interested in competition

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

• Too time consuming

• Look a contest QSO as a means to an end

• Hello-goodbye contacts are boring

• Contests are intimidating

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

• Contest practices are uncivilized

• Maybe not . . .

• My station is too modest to compete

15
Little Pistols can successfully compete
You can do well with a modest station

• 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
• Its not the size of your station, its how you
  use it

16
Contest Basics
Individual contest rules spell everything out,
including scoring

• 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 SCV 32 W5AFX 59 59 STX
17
Entry Classes
There will be a class that suits you best

• 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 (gtlow 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

SOA
18
Contest Operating Modes
Choose a mix of operating modes

• Search and Pounce (SP) 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 SP 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

19
Strategies
Planning ahead pays off during the contest

• 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. SP
• Rates
• Speeds and Timing

Advanced selection for Single Ops - Two Radio
(SO2R) or not?
20
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

21

• Contest Logging Programs

22
Contest Logger Functions
Contest features add visibility and increase
efficiency

• 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

Basic, no hardware interface needed Requires one
or more hardware interfaces
23
Beyond Basic Contest Functions
H/W interfaces are not necessary, but enable
useful functionality

• 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)

24
Popular Contest Programs
Loggers vary in capability and in hardware
requirements

• 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

() purchased
Requires Pentium class PC
25
Popular Contest Programs (cond)
Loggers vary in capability and in hardware
requirements

• 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-specifi
  c
• Generally not as sophisticated

() purchased
26
CT Screen
CT is representative of DOS contest logging
programs
27
TRLog Screen
The TR format is not much different from CT
28
WriteLog Screen
Windows-based WriteLog has a more modern user
interface
. . . but is essentially functionality the same
29
N1MM Screen
N1MM has a modern user interface and the usual
features
30
CT - Basic Entry Window
QSO data is entered on one line and can be edited
QSO Number
Band
Time Entered
Call
Received Exchange
Mode (SSSB)
New Multiplier (KUSA)

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

31
CT Check Country
One keystroke provides entity, heading, and
multiplier information
Same country QSOs, with bands and times
Country (entity)
Needed Mult on this band
Distance
Local Sunset/Sunrise
Heading
32
CT Dupe Alert
Check for Dupe is automatic on callsign entry
Alert as DUPE with time date of previous QSO
33
CT Check Partial Call
Call fragments yield possible known contester
callsigns
Matches callsign fragments against database
created from recent contest logs and current
logged contacts
anywhere in the callsign
34
CT Rate Window
Rate info can help you make tactical decisions or
score yourself
Rate chart gives a rate overview hour by hour
Shows real-time QSO/hour and related rate
information
35
CT Summary Score
A snapshot of your score is available any time
Shows real-time QSO and Mult totals, and computes
score
36
the Bandmap
The bandmap saves time in Search Pounce mode

• 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

37
the Bandmap
Time Entered into Bandmap
Frequency
Call
Already Worked in Black
Current Transceiver Frequency
Needed QSO in Blue
Needed Mult in White
212448
38
the Bandmap
Time Entered into Bandmap
Frequency
Call
Already Worked in Black
Current Transceiver Frequency
Needed QSO
Needed Mult in White
212503
39
the Bandmap
Time Entered into Bandmap
Frequency
Call
Already Worked in Black
Current Transceiver Frequency
Updated Time Status
Needed Mult in White
Worked and logged K2YWE Status changed to
Worked and time updated Intend to next work
WA6AQQ, a needed Mult
212515
40
the Bandmap
Time Entered into Bandmap
Frequency
Call
Already Worked in Black
Current Transceiver Frequency
Next Needed QSO in Blue
Needed Mult
Radio tuned up to WA6AQQ and red bar indicates
Needed Mult
212538
41
Hardware Interfaces
H/W interfaces vary in complexity
Plans and parts for home building are readily
available
42
Typical Parallel Port Keying Interfaces
P/O LPT1
Low-level positive center keying to rig. Grounded
on key down.
1K
2N2222, 2N2219 . . .
KEY DRIVE 17
0.01uF
STROBE 1
GND 18
1K
PTT DRIVE 16
Low-level positive PTT to rig. Grounded on PTT
keyed.
2N2222, 2N2219 . . .
0.01uF
STROBE 1
GND 18
DVP and Band Data discrete outputs are also
available on parallel ports.
43
Opto-Isolated Interfaces
Replacing transistors with Optos can improve RF
immunity
P/O LPT1
Low-level positive center keying to rig. Grounded
on key down.
1K
KEY DRIVE 17
0.01uF
STROBE 1
4N25, 4N35, 4N37
GND 18
1K
PTT DRIVE 16
Low-level positive PTT to rig. Grounded on PTT
keyed.
0.01uF
STROBE 1
4N25, 4N35, 4N37
GND 18
DVP and Band Data discrete outputs are also
available on parallel ports.
44
Typical Serial Radio Interfaces
Many older Rigs, especially Yaesus, need level
translation
Most newer Rigs only need a simple cable
45
MAX-232 IC 5V/RS-232 CAT Interface
For Yaesu and other rigs with 5V TTL I/O
46
Discrete 5V/RS-232 CAT Interface
Transistors replace IC as TTL/RS-232
level-shifters
47
Some inexpensive foot switches
The one I use
48
DX/Contest Cluster Connections

• 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

49
Local Area DX/Contest Cluster Nodes

• (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.

50

• Getting Started

51
Getting Started
There are enough contests to find one that suits
you

• 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

52
Getting Started (cond)

• 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! SP at
  first.
• Get post-contest scoring assistance if you need
  it

53
Getting Started - Tips from the Experts
Overall

• 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.

Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC
Cookbook
54
Getting Started - Tips from the Experts
CW

• 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.
• Dont be shy about sending QRS
• Most stations will slow down to your speed.
  
• Try moving your frequency a bit if you cant seem
  to be heard.
• Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band
  are set very narrow.

Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC
Cookbook
55
Getting Started - Tips from the Experts
Phone

• 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
  QSOs
• Chattiness will slow your rate and lose you
  contacts
• Call CQ where you wont 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.

56
Local Resources
There is ample opportunity and willing help
available locally

• 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

57
Internet Links

• 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
• AC6Vs Logger Links
  ac6v.com/logging.htm

includes non-contest loggers
58
Summary

• There are benefits to participation without entry
• Awards, Checkouts, Setups, Learning, QTH escape
• Basic scoring and operation is not complicated
• Rules, Qs, Mults, SP, 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!