Contesting - it's time to give it a try

Some people hate Contests, while others thrive on them. One thing I firmly believe is that contesting is the single biggest driving force that is pushing the technological development of our radio equipment.

To be in the very top contest scores you need very good equipment and very good skills. However, to have fun, and that's what Amateur Radio is all about, you just need a modest HF station, some free time, and maybe an understanding spouse!

Contesting from your home station has many positive features. If you are intent on building on the number of countries that you have worked, you can quickly add countries to your DXCC tally in a DX contest, for example. This will help you work towards certificates that you are probably working on.

I want to stress that in order to have fun, just get in there and do it. You don't have to be a world-class expert to have fun.

The object of each contest is to work as many stations as possible, in as many different areas as possible, on as many bands as possible, and all within a given time period (usually over 24 or 48 hours on a weekend).

Contest scores are usually calculated by totalling the number of QSOs you make and multiplying that number by the number of areas that you have worked (multipliers). The multiplier is very important for sure. The rules for each contest are usually published in amateur magazines like AR, available on the www (do a Google search), or just ask a local club member.

A contact in a contest is brief and fast. Stations usually exchange signal reports and maybe serial number, state, or a zone number.

It is imperative that you know what to send and also what to expect. If you don't know, simply ask one of the stations you encounter in the contest what he needs for an exchange from you. Most will tell you simply and politely.

Because the exchange is so brief and highly formatted, you will find that when working CW you can send and receive at speeds you never thought possible because you have a reasonably good idea of what is being sent to you. Contest calls are short and the exchange brief. You should send only what is necessary, no extra information, names or good luck wishes. Keep it short and simple.

The best HF conditions are always in the spring and autumn
seasons. So now is the time to make preparations; pick out a couple of contests, and make your plans. If you are on the air and hear a contest going full force, jump in and help out some of the stations.

Have fun. I do.

Chris Edmondson, VK4AA

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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