Subject: Field Contest Tips
From: James R. Duffey (jamesd1@flash.net)
Date: Tue May 02 2000 - 22:12:18 EDT 

The recent QRPTTF prompted me to suggest the following tips/check list
for field contesters. I am sure others can contribute more useful tips.

1. Be sure that you have a log book and dupe sheets. Even if you intend
to use a computer for logging it is useful to have a backup. In a pinch,
gas receipts, margins of road maps, abandoned school papers (or not
abandoned, ask Barbara), and Lottaburger bags can all be used as logs.
If worse comes to worde work the contest without logging. Its legal and
better than not working the contest. I won't tell.

2. If you paper log clip boards are very useful in keeping paper from
blowing around. Otherwise look for appropriate sized rocks.   

3. Mechanical pencils are useful and don't dull. I put a couple in my
bag before I leave. The BIC disposable ones are useful and cheap.

4. Be sure that your battery is fully charged. Measure the voltage.
Trust me on this one. Bring a bigger battery than you think you will
need. Trust me on this one as well.

5. Put new batteries in everything that has batteries. Even if you
changed them last week. Trust me on this one too.

6. A cheap watch with 24 hour capability is a good thing to throw in
with your field gear and keep there. In a pinch you can work the contest
without putting time down (heresy). If you are close to a car check the
car clock every so often and put that time in the log if you forgot your
clock or don't have a watch. This works.  

7. If you use a keyer bring a straight key along for a backup.

8. Use your keyer memories. I put a CQ TEST in one memory, the exchange
in another, and a TU 72 QRZ TEST de KK6MC/5 (use your own call) in
another. My keyer has three memories. You might want to put "de KK6MC/5
KN" (use your own call here too) if you have an additional memory. I
send the RST manually, but if you have several memories you could put a
variety of exchanges each with a different RST. You don't have to use
all the RSTs, 599, 579, 559, 449, 339 should do it :^). Harbor Island
sells an add on memory kit for keyers with no or limited memory. While
the keyer is sending information use the time to fill out the log, add
to the dupe sheet, or check out the bikini babes.
 
9. Run a propagation program before the contest to see where and when to
expect band openings. This will prevent you from wasting time on dead
bands.

10. Be sure to use dupe sheets, particlarly on contests where SPCs count
on each band. It is too easy to not work some one that you thought you
had worked before because you had already worked him on another band and
his call seemed familar. (Is that clear??) I think there is a dupe sheet
in the QRP archives. I use one that K5FO (remember him??) posted to the
list many years ago. If you have more than a logbook page full of
contacts in a contest duping from memory is impossible. The third time
you call soemone you have already worked they get upset.

11. If you have the capability, switch bands when you seem to have
worked everybody on the band you are on. If the band seems empty when
you QSY call CQ for a few minutes. This technique netted me AL0HA and a
WL7 on 10 M as wel as N0QT/NA5N on 40M in the recent QRPTTF.

12. Manage your time. If you have called CQ for more than 3-5 minutes
without a response, search and pounce. Vice versa if you have been
S&Ping. If neither technique works, then switch bands. This will prevent
you from going too long without a contact.

13. Diehard contesters will tell you the way to win contests is to keep
the QSO rate up. This is easier said than done, but the time management
tips in 11 will help. I always have trouble getting SPCs. Some say if
you keep the rate up the SPCs will take care of themselves, but is worth
waiting for a rare SPC when you are S&Ping, particularly in a QRP
contest. Tips anyone??    

N. Make a check list to be sure that you pack everything you use. Revise
the check list after every operation. 

O. A small kitchen step stool/step ladder is very useful in erecting
antennas.

P. A long stick with a hook at the end is useful in manuevering the
antenna around obstacles.

Q. Look for operating positions in your normal travels. I like high
spots with picnic shelters for operating positions.

R. A folding chair is useful.

S. So is a cushion.

T. The Spartan Sprints, first Monday of each month, are useful for
contest dry runs. Try out computer logging, battery capacity, and
antenna erection in these quick contests. I recommend them highly. 

U. I take a small tool kit with me. I use the diagonal cutters most
often. A multimeter is useful to check battery capacity and solar cell
charging status. Don't let your kids know where this tool kit is.

V. A rain coat is always a good thought even if the sky is clear when
you leave. Some plastic sheet (drop cloth) to cover the equipment is
also a good thought.   

W. Treat yourself to a nice meal after the contest. You deserve it. I
suggest green chile chicken enchiladas and a Negra Modelo. If you are
not too far from home take the significant other out as well.   

I hope that this is of some use. Maybe I should repost it before Bubba.
- Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5  

James R. Duffey KK6MC/5
30 Casa Loma Road
Cedar Crest, NM 87008