N4EMG SP Challenge
Inspiration is like a circuit board with many pathways. Ed, N4EMG at CQ From North Carolina mentioned one RadioSport skill classified as search and pounce (SP) in his recent post. SP is typically defined as spinning one's transceiver dial searching for stations that are not in the log. SP requires patience and a developed listening ability.
In addition, one must identify type of RadioSport event where point structure is either influenced by Q-count or multiplier count. I model my strategy like a financial market place seeking the best time budget during a given event. For example, despite my previous theory, I'm most productive both in Q-count and multiplier count during the first day of the event.
Ed suggested a successful contesting tactic as butt in chair (BIC) time and the Northern California Contest Club recently gave me the moniker, Iron Butt. The moniker is spot on for this low-power, low-profile RadioSport operator. RadioSport demands significant BIC time and mastering the art of SP requires thousands of dial rotations and hundreds of hours of listening. I'm learning to balance the technique of listening and transmitting. Furthermore, I noted financial resources are channeled into equipment and antennas however an ergonomically sound chair is often overlooked in the shackadelic. Comfort is another variable in the success equation much like running a marathon. One does not skimp on running shoes.
An international event like CQ WorldWide differs from a national event like the California QSO Party (CQP). I have to ask myself, "What is the potential of my station given the rules and point structure?"
Ed, N4EMG started the momentum, "[A]re really high scores possible using only search and pounce with modest equipment?"
His question is a personal challenge. I concluded that my station configuration fits our SP model during an international event like CQ WorldWide. In contrast, operating CQP is a call CQ and allow multipliers to flow into my log. The difference is point and rule structure. Additionally, the core of any RadioSport station, is one's antenna system and location. Home owner association (HOA) rules are an engineering challenge and not an excuse. I like to frame this as, "How do I beat the system within the system."
My solution was low-power, low-profile and my RadioSport strategy developed from this beginning. I believe Ed's question is an important one for an operator striving to improve his or her station, innovate, or build a station within modest means albeit in an HOA/CC&R defined neighborhood.
Will operators rise to the challenge? Are really high scores possible using SP technique with modest equipment? Inspiration is contagious. Low-power, low-profile just received a challenge transmitted through ham radio's blogosphere.
73 from the shackadelic.
