Sprint Skills Development

I spent the later half of the evening researching sprint skills. Afterall, this is my first NCJ CW Sprint contest in more than a decade. The Sprint Survival Web Page offered insightful operating information. For example, if you are entry-level one might operate within the upper 10 kHz of 20, 40, and 80 meters.

Why?

First, proficiency and confidence are key elements in this competition. Let's look at the Sprint as stepping into the heavy weight boxing ring for the first time. I need solid operating skills. In contrast, given my extensive leave from the contesting arena, it is unwise to immediately step in without intensive training.

Secondly, there is a pattern to the NCJ contest exchange and currently KA3DRR is limited. I do not have an interface between the computer and FT100 or a memory keyer at this moment. Subsequently, given the automation of most contest stations, 90% of my exchange is manually driven which increases the probability of exchange mistakes. Executing the exchange is fundamental to Sprint and so is exchange efficiency.

The difference in exchange exists between calling CQ and search and pounce (SP). When calling CQ and a station responds my exchange looks like this -

W6ZIP KA3DRR NR 01 Scot Ca
then W6ZIP responds
KA3DRR 01 John Ca W6ZIP

I follow-up with a thank you (TU) or a 'dit' or a 'dah' as suggested by N6TR's article. My response confirms our contest Q and importantly both a point and/or multiplier. Additionally, W6ZIP identified his callsignth and is prepared for a contest Q. What happens when one engages during an SP? The exchange pattern is modified as follows -

KA3DRR W6ZIP NR 01 John Ca
then KA3DRR responds
W6ZIP 01 Scot Ca KA3DRR

Subsequently, I'm prepared for temporary lease of the frequency and the next contest Q. Overall, the exchange tasking takes practice and the upper 10 kHz offers an opportunity to improve one's learning curve.

Likewise, the Sprint's unique QSY rule (e.g. if one calls CQ and works a station, one must QSY at least 5-kHz before calling again) equalizes the contest environment. This is especially helpful for low-power stations running basic antenna systems (e.g. random wire) like KA3DRR. No one station can run a frequency during Sprint.

Furthermore, the fast and furious that is sure to take place below 14.050, 7.050, and 3.550 is an opportunity. One can SP below the fifties and call CQ above as a skill development method. The Sprint Survival Web page suggests less QRM and slower code speeds in the fifties as well.

KA3DRR goal(s) for this contest?
1. Finish the contest
2. Produce more than 100 Qs
3. Produce more than 25 mults
4. Utilize memory functions on the Yaesu FT100
5. Practice search and pounce techniques
6. Call Cq at least 20 percent of the total 240 minutes

I'm looking forward to the Sprint challenge and gaining valuable insight into the next stage of improvement for KA3DRR low-power at 25 watts.

More to follow...

Reference:
National Contest Journal (n.d.). The Sprint Survival Page Retrieved on February 9, 2007 from http://n6tr.jzap.com/sprint.html.

KA3DRR Mission and Goal Statement

The mission of KA3DRR is communication of my RadioSport activities, casual operating experiences, and award successes such as DX Century Club (DXCC) and Worked All States (WAS). The means to achieve my mission is 25-watts into a doublet.

Scot's blogging model, on the other hand, is based on sport's writing and the human touch. The perspective of KA3DRR's blog is rooted in his passion and excitement for RadioSport, casual operating, chasing DX, award achievement and sports in general.

Amateur Radio at low-power, low-profile beginning at the bottom of the solar cycle is challenging but not without its successes. Scot's goal is to demonstrate through example the fun and excitement of Amateur Radio while living in a dense suburban setting. Furthermore, Scot is currently building his condo contest station at his location near Pismo Beach, California. He hopes that such an endeavor will inspire others as well.