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Collected Wisdom and Lessons Learned for the Little Pistol

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1 Collected Wisdom and Lessons Learned for the Little Pistol
General Notes – READ THIS This presentation is meant for contesters that want to improve their scores. It is not meant to be a basic introduction to contesting, and makes assumptions that the audience has basic contest knowledge. However, this version does contain a short tutorial/refresher on how contests work and are scored, as well as a few other basics to accommodate the occasional non-contester that might be subjected to the presentation. Those sections can be skipped by clicking the appropriate hyperlink button at the lower right of the slide. The home button on each slide links back to the agenda, which contains hyperlinks to the various sections I have other presentations mean to entice non-contesters into the fold, as well as teach the basics. This presentation created for me to give, so there is significant content not on “paper.” If the potential presenter has not heard my pitch, then my notes attempt to give a flavor of what I intended or try to add to each slide. Experienced presenters, and audiences for that matter, will tell you that reading slides to the audience is certain to put them to sleep. Finally, there is a significant amount of animation in the presentation. Don’t click too quickly – you may miss something! At the least, take a slow browse through the entire pitch to see what’s worth waiting for and what is not. Animation – some is timed and delayed, some works on clicks. The presentation needs to be played in Presentation Mode or as a PPS. 73 and GL, Dan Z K2YWE (K3AU) Collected Wisdom and Lessons Learned for the Little Pistol Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE (K3AU) Revised March 2014 Copyright 2006, 2007,2012, 2014 All rights reserved Dan Zeitlin, Annapolis, MD Free use with prior permission

2 Agenda What’s this about? Who is K2YWE? Elements of Success
Preparation Contest Basics (refresher) Strategy Station Considerations Antennas Software My favorite Software Features Operating Tips and “Best Practices” SO2R Conclusion Appendix A - Best Practices Collection Appendix B – Selected Contest Loggers

3 What’s this about? Objective Improved Scores for Little Pistols
Ways modest stations can improve their scores Objective Improved Scores for Little Pistols Intended Audience Modest HF stations, especially low power BUT - Principles & Tips apply universally How? Make the most with what you have Adopt successful operating practices Virtually all of this presentation applies to high power big-time stations too. It’s just focused on Little Pistols, because brute force is usually not an option. Much like in sailboat racing, Little Pistols should be able to outscore may of high power stations that don’t know how to “point the boat in the right direction” or “make it go fast.”

4 Who am I? Licensed 1956 in White Plains, NY
Licensed in always a little pistol Licensed 1956 in White Plains, NY Mostly CW, very little contesting until 1995 1995 Field day with W3LPL, K3MM, and K3RA Got “hooked” on contesting, joined PVRC A few years education at W3LPL MM Contesting from home since Occasional Op at MM stations Modest 100W home station Learned from many good Ops Moderate Success (K2YWE/K3AU) Top ten US & World finishes Regional firsts Skip Results

5 Top home station finishes
Some success is possible with a small station CQ WW nd US, 3rd NA, 9th World, 1st 3-Area 3.0M CQ WW nd US, 4rd NA, 5th World, 1st 3-Area 2.1M CQ WW th US M CQ WW nd US, 1st 3-Area 1.2M CQ WW th US, 1st 3-Area 1.0M CCQ WW th US, 1st 3-Area 1.2M ARRL DX nd W/VE ,1st Atlantic Div, 1st MDC 1.8M ARRL DX th US - Imputed, forgot to send in log! 0.7M ARRL DX th W/VE 1.6M ARRL SS th W/VE, 1st Atlantic Div, 1st MDC 148K ARRL SS th W/VE, 2nd Atlantic Div, 1st MDC 154K still lots of room for improvement

6 Elements of Little Pistol Success
Same principles that apply to most successful endeavors The Right Frame of Mind Preparation Attention to Detail Practice Improvement and Learning Perseverance

7 The Right Frame of Mind Don’t forget it is a competition
“it's a jungle out there” de N6TR You will not be alone “. . . contesting skill includes the ability to tolerate high levels of QRM, and if you can't do that, you might as well hang it up.“ de K3ZO Think Big “If you think and act like you’re a big dog, you will convince most of the pack that you are, although you may get bitten once in a while.” de K2YWE Accept the environment, and jump into the fray. Show nor fear! QRL!

8 Preparation Have a strategy – write it down
“Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.” Sun Tzu Have a strategy – write it down Provides baseline guidance Try to optimize within your constraints Modify as needed in “battle” Reassess your strategy during the contest Expect to change the details Take radical departures only if you have good reason to, like one or more of your baseline assumptions was wrong Strategy is simply a framework. Depart from it and change it as your environment or assumptions changed. It simply provides guidance.. Strategy is kind of like Store Policy. The store policy is “we don’t cash checks,” but when the bosses wife comes in with a check to cash, we adapt.

9 Preparation Check your set-up well before the start
Get your act in order before the performance Check your set-up well before the start Antennas, Hardware, Software, support files Set appropriate software defaults Provide enough time for fixing any problems Be well rested for the contest Listen day(s) before to get a feel for Condx Have a simple means to restart software What did I call this file . . .? Re-use the same name for the current contest files. Rename after the contest. Key seems to stick! Listen days(s) . . . Sailing the race course before a sailboat race starts allows the competitor to understand the winds and currents to make use of them during the race. Similarly, checking condx in advance of the contest on different days, bands, and times, will give you a leg up on those that haven’t and help set you strategy. Have a Simple … I learned form W3LPL to always call my contest startup file for ANY contest at hand “Contest.” and change the name afterwards. That way there is no confusion during the contest. Skip Next - Contest Basics Jump to “Strategy”

10 Review of Contest Basics
Individual contest rules spell everything out, including scoring Rules are published well in advance Valid contacts exchange two-way information 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 = “Q pts” x “Mults” Same stations may provide multiple Qs or Mults Contacts on different bands or modes may each count 31 W6IXB SCV 32 W5AFX STX Basic stuff that you can skip (click) if everyone is a contester Skip Contest Basics Jump to “Strategy”

11 High Level Thoughts Some reasoning to frame the problem Q’s fuel the engine, Mults provide the turbo boost Both are important More Q’s are key to producing higher scores Operating Time is fixed, thus Rate must go up! Concentrate on achieving Higher Rates Rate Drivers Successful Running is part of rate generation Being Heard and Hearing others At fixed power level, this mainly means better Antennas Operating Efficiency - Less wasted time in & between QSOs Look to Operating Practices and Shack Arrangement Attracting the other stations Operating Practices

12 Strategy Class Selection Bands and Modes Propagation
Having a game plan pays off during the contest Class Selection Band(s), modes, assistance, number of Ops, … Leverage your strengths Bands and Modes Which, when? Propagation What’s best for Q’s and Mults ON/OFF times selection Time limits Meals, sleep, “real life” periods Operation Run vs. S&P Rates, Speeds and Timing SOA, MUF, S&P, rates, snacks . . . Q’s, Mults, Bones . . .

13 Strategy Focus on making the most Q’s
Remember that maximizing Q’s is primary to success Focus on making the most Q’s Block out expected S&P and Run times, ground rules Balance with periodic short checks for Mults Base primarily on expected Propagation Range of prediction tools are available “Rules of Thumb” QST or CQ tables – simplest Models – better Temper predictions with your own real-time observations Gray Line info can help, especially on 160m and 80m Allow for time-of-day considerations What’s going on outside your area

14 ON/OFF Times Choose OFF times at lowest expected Q rates
Make the best use of your time Choose OFF times at lowest expected Q rates Base on your own or other stations’ history Don’t forget minimum OFF time rules Ensure using your full time allotment Allow possibility you may want a late slot Don’t get caught short of time at the end I usually leave a late half-hour insurance slot It’s tricky, considering the statement above Sync with your personal needs (of course)

15 Rates Rules Set an average rate you want to achieve
Setting Rate Rules helps you achieve QSO goals Set an average rate you want to achieve (Total Q’s) / (Operating Hrs) Set minimum rates you’ll accept Acceptable rate will vary over the contest period Include minimum rates in your Strategy Make a change if you drop below the Rate Change Freq, Band, Mode Swap Running and S&P Chase some Mults some animation here Change your shirt Change Something !

16 Contest Hound Practices Win-Test
It may not make you perfect, but it will make you better! Be thoroughly familiar with your software A contest is not the time for first trial Gain familiarity in day-to-day use Exploit helpful features Use practice programs and modes Modify settings to suit your style Be comfortable with Run techniques Practice with a simulator (Morse Runner) Try to operate “run style” (5NN MD DAN BK TU) Pick a day with a good conditions on your best band Use the Best Practices mentioned later in this presentation Contest Hound Practices Win-Test Most people wouldn’t enter a sports tournament without practicing between events. Radio sports is no different. Train for it and you start out ahead of 75% of the other competitors. Another boring sailboat analogy. We used to go out and perform 30 or 40 of the most difficult maneuvers in practice. We certainly had an advantage over those crews that just encountered them once or twice during a race and never practiced them.

17 Station Improvements Assess Station Strengths and Weaknesses
Put method behind your madness Assess Station Strengths and Weaknesses Take band by band inventory based on performance history Attack Weaknesses with biggest payoffs first Incrementally fill in the holes Expect Antennas to rank high Don’t forget to pick “low hanging fruit” Assess your Operating Practices Bounce your operation against the Best Practices (later) Adjust accordingly Improved Antennas & Running payoff most But every improvement counts – they all add up

18 My Experience Operation Station
Performance improved with incremental changes Operation Exploited software features (Bandmap, SCP, …) Discovered and incrementally adopted Best Practices Started Running Had assumed not possible for Little Pistol Running rates improved with experience Learned when and when not to try running Station Improved antennas – eventually migrated to monobanders Not exotic – Delta loop, bent dipole, and lazy U wires Added low small triband Yagi* - made a big difference Made shack modifications for better operating efficiency . . . *F12 C3SS (2 el each band) 13m high

19 “Better Operating Efficiency”
No Help! Ugh! Mic Prop Life is Good! Footswitch & Prop Boom Mic & Footswitch Details of my personal phone operation evolution. I’m a CW OP. Was not prepared for a phone contest. Needed too many hands to hold the mike near my mouth, push the PTT, and enter data in the computer log. Desk mike with PTT on base - nice unit, but a pain. I needed more sets of hands. Added a “stand” (books), then a footswitch, and finally a boom set. – ahh! (Applause sound from the computer at end of animation)

20 Station Improvements at K2YWE
Improvements aimed at higher rates Footswitch SSB - Frees hands for keyboard use CW - Quick T/R transition without listening to QSK noise Boom or Headset Mic Less fatigue, freedom to move, respond to local “QRM” Antenna Switching Quicker band changes. Connector Swap -> Switches -> SixPack Additional or Improved Antennas More chances to sustain Run, snag S&P Q’s with less calls More “second tier” QSOs Rearrangement of Equipment More efficient, quicker, easier operation Examples of contest-driven changes that are enjoyed every day as well, and the perhaps obvious benefits.

21 Antenna Improvements What assets exist to hang antennas on?
Be innovative within your constraints What assets exist to hang antennas on? Use all the property lines to full advantage Add/change antenna to help your weakest band Try to design a system using monobanders Consider fixed antenna with gain to high QSO area Enable a new band, like 160m New Mults and more Q’s during slow times Put up even a minimal Yagi if possible

22 at 45’ on an AB-577 “rocket launcher”
K2YWE Antenna Farmette Squeezed in three wire monobanders and a 12’ boom tribander 80m Droopy-End Dipole 125’ 75’ 40m Inv Delta 160m “U” Force 12 C3SS (12’ boom 24ft max element) 40m Delta serves as m Rx only and Aux Ant for m K9AY Small tri-bander at 45’ on an AB-577 “rocket launcher” Began with Multi-band loop and uneven performance. Made incremental improvements to fix deficiencies.

23 Software (S/W) Use the Radio and Keying interfaces
Use a contest-oriented program and set it up to facilitate high rates Use the Radio and Keying interfaces Build or buy and integrate them if you haven’t already It makes sustaining high rates much more possible Recommended S/W Setup (CT keywords SHOWN) WORKDUPES - BANDMAP & ANNOUNCE Windows CORRECT call signs - RATE Window Super Check Partial - SCP Window Stop on auto CQ - SCORE Window Spotting Network? It’s a strategic decision Can be a valuable asset, especially in S&P Does not alleviate you from confirming all entries Be careful not to get caught up in chasing Mults Thee settings are in synch with the Best Practices later in the presentation

24 Typical Logger Screen (N1MM)
Contest loggers provide tactical information and control Skip All but Bandmap

25 Software Features Most Useful to Me
You can skip to the bansmap if everyone is used to computer dupe checking and using super check parioal (SCP). The bandmap is worth going over, since many people don’t use it. It’s a real boon for S&P. Skip all All Detail- Jump to Best Practics Skip All but Bandmap

26 Rate (N1MM and CT screens)
QSO Rate provides feedback on how you are doing Helps check performance against expectations Remember about setting rate goals? Aids in making S&P/Run and band decisions Skip All but Bandmap

27 Check Partial Call (N1MM screen)
Call fragments yield possible known contester callsigns The animation helps to explain that fragments anywhere are detected. It is important to point out that this is an aid to help make decisions on what you hear or think you hear. You should not take these callsigns “to the bank.” Matches callsign fragments against database created from recent contest logs and current logged contacts . . . Skip All but Bandmap anywhere in the callsign

28 Check Partial Call (N1MM screen)
Call fragments yield possible known contester callsigns The animation helps to explain that fragments anywhere are detected. It is important to point out that this is an aid to help make decisions on what you hear or think you hear. You should not take these callsigns “to the bank.” Matches callsign fragments against database created from recent contest logs and current logged contacts . . . Skip All but Bandmap anywhere in the callsign

29 Bandmap (CT and N1MM screens shown)
The bandmap saves time in Search & Pounce mode Shows who is spotted on what frequency, if worked before, and if needed QSO or multiplier Data is entered by hand or automatically from spots Map updates periodically to expunge stale data Useful for Dupe or “check later,” even if unassisted. Skip Bandmap Jump to SO2R

30 Avail Mults & Qs (N1MM screen)
Available Mults & Qs provides aids in band change decision Band-by-band info on number of new Mults and Qs spotted. Supplements propagation info “Point and shoot” listing of spots Jump to spot if interfaced with radio Skip Bandmap Jump to SO2R

31 Tips and Best Practices
“Best Practices” are what successful competitors say works for them.

32 Some CW Tips* - CW Don’t let your code speed keep you from enjoying CW contests Do not be intimidated by stations too fast for you to copy. Start with the slower stations higher in the band. Don't worry if you have to hear a call several times to get it. As the contest goes on your will improve! Try moving frequency a bit if you can’t seem to be heard. Often receiver bandwidths in a crowded band are set very narrow. Spotted frequencies put everyone on the same frequency Call CQ high in the band at a speed comfortable for you. It’s sometimes OK to send QRS During Run when you get QRQ response (you can also ignore) During S&P when the CQing station has “run dry” *Some tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”

33 Some Phone Tips Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics
Apply these basic Phone tips for starters Use conventional or unmistakable phonetics “Duck Soup” are poor phonetics for “D S” Use Standard or “Common Use” phonetics (countries, cities . ..) Maintain a “friendly sense of urgency” in your QSOs Chattiness will slow your rate and lose you contacts. 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. 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.

34 Best Practices Basics* - Overall
Every point counts! There’s no such thing as “not worthwhile” When things are slow, call for “anybody” A rule of thumb strategy Work bands that may close first. Move with propagation. This often means in a.m. then later on. 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. Keep multipliers in mind “Move” Multipliers if you can do so efficiently Have frequencies on each band set up for quick jaunt Balance the effect on rate and total score when chasing Mults Explain that the value of a mult is not really evident when your Q count is low at the beginning of a contsts. But it will become obvious how much they count when you get more contacts in your log. Moving mults is a skill that ahs to be acquired. Pay attention so se if you need the station on another band. Ask to QSO there if it makes sense. *Some of these tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”

35 Best Practices Basics* - Overall
Overall - continued Verify the callsign of the station you're working BV6U and 5C8N are not real callsigns (6V6U and HC8N) Don't log them that way. Always HEAR the call the station is signing and log what you hear Animation – some delayed, some on clicks You mean that’s a busted call? The Master Callsign Data Base is not the Bible *Some of these tips are courtesy of the 1999 YCC “Cookbook”

36 Best Practices Basics - Overall
Overall - continued S&P rates can be very high early in the contest Everyone is for you. You can quickly hop from station to station with little fear of Dupes. You are usually safe to call first and fill-in the call at the QSO end. Use early S&P to find a spot to CQ You can maintain a high rate while searching for a clear spot. It beats the alternative of establishing a frequency before the Test Be sure to try CQing late in the contest You will be “fresh meat” to many that have been CQing all along. They will be seeking to squeeze out the last few QSOs. Repeat only what is missing when asked for a fill Repeating known parts wastes time and possible “clear times.” QRL? . . . “fresh meat” Watch the fresh meat come in !

37 Do you really want to ask QRL?
“Can anyone honestly believe that there is a single KHz anywhere in the relevant portion of the 20 meter band that is NOT in use somewhere in the world during the CQWW?” de K3ZO One Approach . . . Pick a “clear” spot and CQ without “QRL?” You will only invite others to take the frequency by asking QRL? You’ll find out quickly if the Freq is in use by calling a short CQ. This is very controversial. Many hams feel that not asking is rude. You Decide. Use “QRL?” if you have any doubts or are thin-skinned! Mouse click through this one, one panel at a time. It’s an important point.

38 Best Practices General
Use K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE" – modify “twice” as sensible If you can't get a station after calling TWICE, move on If he doesn't ID after transmitting TWICE, move on Don’t waste time repeatedly calling DX that has moderate Sigs when the band is otherwise quiet from their part of the world They are probably “opening the band” with lots of ERP Enable and use the band map in your logging software Check for dupes in S&P as well as for new Mults and Q’s Insist on fills until you get all the info. Use “Again?” on phone Don’t log the QSO without complete info. “Sorry, No QSO” Keep the width of an SSB signal in mind Be sure you are far enough from strong stations running not to be covered by a pileup you can’t hear “Twice” doesn’t need to be exactly twice for everyone. My signal is smaller that Fred’s – my rule is three or four . . Point is in S&P it wastes time, and when running people will tire of waiting for you and disappear, breaking your run. .

39 more Best Practices . . . Running
Use the widest IF bandwidth you can stand Less chance to miss off-freq callers, especially on CW Don’t break a run to pull one station through Your rate will suffer if you take too long You will drive away impatient waiting stations Use only a quick ‘Thanks’ if stations are waiting They know your call. Don’t waste time on it. Throw in your call every few Q’s for newcomers Send the full exchange with a partial call Nearly all Ops will correct you, good ones without a missing a beat Fix the call during his transmission

40 more Best Practices . . . Running - continued
Call CQ when bands are dead for the day or worked out Call CQ when the band is active if you are able to find a frequency and hold it Always work Dupes (set software to allow) You might not be in his log and it’s usually quicker If you can't drag a station's call through after trying TWICE, ignore him and start calling CQ again. This is part of K3ZO's "Rule of TWICE." Modify "TWICE" to suit your station capabilities and contest circumstances. Enable call sign correction in your software. This will send the corrected call as part of your goodbye message

41 more Best Practices . . . Running - continued
Speed up if your run is being sustained This is especially true in contests like SS where the exchange includes your call sign. Slow back down appropriately Hit the SEND key as soon as the call is in your head Finish typing in the log during the automated response or while talking Some programs can do this automatically after n characters Move Multipliers to other bands if you have the time Picking frequencies in advance makes it easier

42 The Complete Best Practices Collection
more Best Practices . . . Running - continued If another station calls CQ on your frequency, try "QRL" or "Frequency in use, please QSY" Don't engage in extended frequency fights If QRL/QSY fails, it almost always pays to move Sometimes you can move up or down a bit in order to lessen the QRM and still hang on to "your" frequency NEVER NEVER NEVER acknowledge a "jammer". NEVER. Just keep your pace, and don't change your tone of voice on phone or even synchronize your calls to his QRM. Often throwing in a few fake Q’s will discourage the jammer The complete list is worth looking at. The Complete Best Practices Collection Appears in Appendix A Skip SO2R Jump to Practices List Skip SO2R Jump to Loggers Skip Loggers Jump to Conclusion

43 A Word About Single Op 2 Radio
Everyone has their own idea of an efficient SO2R layout . . . K1PT S02R Setup two computers Radio A/B switch at DF0WA K2YWE two computers Fun stuff DF0WA’s switch in the vise usually draws a few chuckles - Hey, it’s exactly where he want it. That’s what counts. Old Collins station usually draws some comments. I do point out that most of us mortals are closer to my station, on the lower right. An earlier two radio setup (no PC) N2IC one computer

44 SO2R It’s easy for SO2R to be a distraction
Save SO2R until you have nearly exhausted other improvements It’s easy for SO2R to be a distraction KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) is key Start with a simple setup Use SO2R only when things are slow CQ A - S&P B or Alternate CQs Modify your setup and operation with experience Most top Ops swear by it Potential to add significantly to your score Some don’t use it at all p.s. I’m at level one – a few SO2R Q’s per contest - dbz The top bullet says it all

45 Internet Links Contest Organizations, Calendars, Info, and Sponsors
SM3CER Calendar sk3bg.se/contest WA7BNM Calendar hornucopia.com/contestca Contesting.Com contesting.com National Contest Journal – NCJ (QSO parties, Sprints, more) ncjweb.com ARRL (Sweepstakes, Field Day, DX, UHF/VHF, more) arrl.org/contests CQ Magazine (CQWW, WPX, and others) cq-amateur-radio.com Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC) pvrc.org Frankford Radio Club (FRC) frc-contest.org Contest Logging Programs N1MM pages.cthome.net/n1mm\ Win-Test win-test.com Writelog writelog.com CT & CTWin k1ea.com TR Log, TR4W tr4w.com

46 “ It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ”
Conclusion Little Pistols with modest stations can successfully compete Prepare and pay attention to detail Remember Sun Tzu Strategies are important Pick and plan the contests. Use the plan for guidance. Adopt proven Best Practices Don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep what works for you. Run, big dog, run Try to Run if at all possible Start now making incremental changes Make an improvement list and work it down There are lots of resources for help Just ask “ It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ” Apendices Follow

47 Appendices Appendix A - Best Practices Collection Appendix C – Selected Contest Loggers Skip to PVRC Link

48 Link to Best Practices Best Practices appendix is available at
Follow the links News&Photos Presentations K2YWE PowerPoint on Contesting - Best Practices

49 Best Practices Collection
Appendix A Best Practices Collection

50 Best Practices Collection

51 Best Practices Collection (con’d)

52 Best Practices Collection (con’d)

53 Best Practices Collection (con’d)

54 Best Practices Collection (con’d)

55 Best Practices Collection (con’d)

56 Best Practices Collection (con’d)
Got More?

57 Selected Contest Loggers
Appendix B Selected Contest Loggers Skip Loggers Jump to Conclusion

58 Popular Contest Logging Programs
Similar capabilities with varying implementations All run under Windows OS Need varying amounts of learning to fully utilize N1MM (Free) Most popular Win logger. Continuous cooperative development Win-Test ($) Many features and options. Easy transition for CT users. Writelog ($) Popular Windows full-featured contest program. TR4W (Free) Very flexible. Behavior taken from popular TR DOS program. CTWin (Free) – Grandaddy of them all Windows character mode version of DOS program.

59 Popular Contest Programs (con’d)
Facilitate operating, logging, and exploiting opportunities Contesting-specific with advanced features Band Maps with S&P “point & shoot” SO2R Support (and Multi) Spotting through a Telnet connection Radio, CW & voice keying, and rotator Interfaces Sound card support Most provide sound card voice keyer Some provide sound card Receive recording Some support external voice keyer control Varying levels of RTTY and PSK31 support are provided Most generate and read digital modes using the sound card Some provide only logging functions

60 N1MM by N1MM et. al. (N1MM, N2AMG, K3CT, N2IC, NA3M)
Newest and most popular Windows contest logger Cooperative project with multiple participants/coders. Over 200,000 lines of code and growing Mainly Visual Basic & Access Large user community Requires fast machine and substantial RAM Multiple Configurable Windows 110 supported contests Allows User-Defined contests Sound card voice keyer Pre-record files RS-232, Parallel, USB support Free

61 Win-Test by F5MZN Mature written-for-Windows high performance contest logger Efficient code with minimal processing and memory requirements Strong CT keystroke emulation Over 100 supported contests Sound card voice keyer Built-in editor RS-232, Parallel, USB support ~$70 (50€) Proceeds support Radio Amateur Club de Kourou contest activities, including FY5KE (French Guiana).

62 Writelog by Contesting Software, LLC
Mature written-for-Windows high performance contest logger Efficient code with minimal processing and memory requirements Single Main Window 110 supported contests Also GP logging Sound card voice On-the-fly recording RS-232, Parallel, USB support $30 (incl 1 yr updates) Previous $18

63 TR4W by UA4WLI New Win version of mature world-class adaptive contest logger Small and fast 100% Windows API code Only 100,000 lines of code in 160KB of memory Win version with same features as successful TRlog by N6TR N6TR provided TRlog source code as basis Continuously adding more features Over 140 supported contests S&P/Run Mode Adaptive Sound card voice keyer Exceptional functionality RS-232, LPT, USB support USB I/O includes log backup Free!

64 CTWin by K1EA Win version of first serious contest logger, still in use Uses Windows character mode. Minimal system requirements Win version with same features as original premier CT logger Includes extensive set of utilities Contest support files actively maintained by AD1C & WA1Z No longer supported by K1EA User Group support Supports all major contests and a few others No new contests to be added, no changes to existing contests Limited user-defined contest capability RS-232 and LPT I/O USB with converter Controls some voice keyers* Free! Not generally recommended for new starts because new contests are not being added, but Good if you have old computer hardware Good to know as guest Op in existing station *SM3WMV S/W Voice Keyer

65 N3FJP by N3FJP [Info Only – Not Recommended]
Basic contest logger – Easy, but lacks important functionality Recently re-written in C#.NET (was VB6) Single resizable Main Window 52+ supported contests ( State QPs and more) Also GP logging Sound card voice RS-232, Parallel, USB support No Band Map*, Limited Spot Window No dupe or mult indicators . . . Limited Partial Call Check – Only dupes No SO2R support Excellent personal customer service $49 all programs or $ 9 each contest separately *Band Map option available in old VB version

66 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/contestca Contest Logging Programs CT & CTWin k1ea.com TR Log, TR4W tr4w.com Win-Test win-test.com Writelog writelog.com N1MM pages.cthome.net/n1mm\ “includes non-contest loggers

67 “ It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ”
Conclusion Little Pistols with modest stations can successfully compete Prepare and pay attention to detail Remember Sun Tzu Adopt proven Best Practices Don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep what works for you. Run, big dog, run Try to Run if at all possible Start now making incremental changes Make an improvement list and work it down Strategies are important Pick and plan the contests. Use the plan for guidance. There are lots of resources for help Just ask “ It’s not the size of your station, it’s how you use it! ”

68 Link to Best Practices Best Practices appendix is available at
Follow the links News&Photos Presentations K2YWE PowerPoint on Contesting - Best Practices


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