Competitive Contesting Class
The Swamp Fox Contest Group (SFCG) and South Carolina DX Association (SCDXA) are sponsoring a Competitive Contesting class Saturday August 18th in Gray Court, South Carolina. Its goal is simple. To help those already familiar with contesting improve their scores. To achieve that goal operating techniques, station design choices, and contest radio characteristics will be presented.
Please Note: This is not a beginner’s class. People choosing to attend should have previously participated in contests or serious Field Day efforts. They will already be familiar with how a contest style contact is conducted and now want to figure out what they can do differently to help achieve competitive state, regional, and national scores. Skills discussed can be used for Field Day but will be focused on participating in contests happening throughout the year. Heavy emphasis is placed on HF SSB operations, however much of the information to be presented is common to all types and modes of contesting.
Kevan Nason, N4XL, will present topics which include the following:
- Methods to make contacts flow more efficiently
- Breaking through pile ups
- HFTA and take off angles
- Improving your Search and Pounce technique
- Tips on Running stations
- Using N1MM+ contest logger tools to increase contact rate per hour
- Internet sources to help with your self-improvement efforts
Most importantly, for those of you not yet in the know the “Big Secret” used by all the highest scoring contesters will be revealed! It is virtually impossible to be a top contester without incorporating this critical knowledge into your personal operating style.
SCDXA member K9JDP is graciously opening his large shack for the class. It’s located in Laurens County at 3056 Greenpond Rd, Gray Court, South Carolina 29645. Kickoff is at 8:30 AM. We'll discuss contesting for about 5 hours. There will be an additional 60-minute break in the middle for lunch meaning we should be done by 3:00. "GT’s Quick Stop" is just a few minutes away. They serve pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, BLT's and BBQ sandwiches. If you would rather bring your own meal Jim has a full kitchen in the shack with a stove, refrigerator and microwave. Bottled water will be available.
It is recognized that a class on August 18th will conflict with the NAQP SSB contest which many like to participate in. After looking at facility scheduling requirements and other conflicts this proved to be the best date.
Seating is limited to 25 people. Contact Kevan Nason, N4XL, for registration or additional information. The class was first presented last spring and was well received. Attendees gave many positive comments. There are currently no plans for a third, so if interested you are encouraged to register now rather than waiting.
Contact Information:
Kevan Nason, knason00@gmail.com
SFCG, https://www.swampfoxcontestgroup.com/
SCDXA, http://www.scdxa.org/
The
Swamp Fox Contest Group also offers a beginners class in contesting. So far, we have held two successful well attended classes, one in Columbia SC and another in North Charleston, SC. We are continuing to offer the class per request. If there are enough interested parties arrangements can be made to schedule a class. The course is
geared toward any amateur who is interested in contesting, but doesn’t know
much about how to actually do it. It will be focused heavily, but not
exclusively, on HF contesting. Although equipment and antenna use specific to
contesting will be discussed, it is expected that students will be licensed
amateurs with a working knowledge of radio communications.
Topics
presented during the course will include:
- History of, and reasons to, add contesting to your ham radio activities
- Types and modes of contesting including HF/VHF/UHF, SSB, CW, and RTTY contests.
- Selection and operation of equipment and antennas used in contesting
- How to effectively “Run” or “Search and Pounce”
- Use of the free N1MM+ logging program
- Preparing for, operating, and post-contest activities.
- Selection of the advanced subject topics is yet to be determined.
The course could help you or your club in upcoming Field Day operations.
Contact Info:
Dave Fuseler, NJ4F
Treasurer, Swamp Fox Contest Group
nj4f@arrl.net
843-647-0101
Want to learn CW or just need brushing up on your CW skills?
Dave WN4AFP has set up a User Group called Swamp Fox Contest Group on the Learn CW Online (LCWO) website. All members are encouraged and welcome to join the group for some serious CW fun!