A Pre-Contest Checklistfrom Tim EI8IC
on October 25, 2001
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about this article!
With CQWW SSB fast approaching, I thought some might be
interested in my own Pre-Contest Checklist :
Pre-Contest Checklist:
Set the computer clock to the correct date and exact GMT time.
Caps Lock and Num Lock set as required.
Configure Logging Progam for this contest.
Load the CW or Voice Memories, and listen to them through the
rig.
Prepare the Keyboard Overlay sheet.
Simulate five qsos on computer, then erase log file.
Check computer is on same band and mode as transceiver.
Print out full Contest Rules, and re-read them.
Print out latest Propagation Forecast for the bands needed.
Print out Contest Bandplans from EI8IC's pages.
Print out Announced Operations from NG3K's pages.
Print out your Logging Program command-set.
Prepare Floppy Disc or SmartDrive for log dumps.
Visual check of all antennas and cabling.
Check rotators are calibrated and functioning.
Test station on all bands, noting for any RFI.
Check the position of all knobs and switches, especially:
#
Attenuator
# Noise Blanker
# RIT
# Vox Delay
# Split
Frequency
# Upper/Lower Sideband
Tape card behind linear amplifier and ATU controls, and mark all
tuning positions in coloured text.
Un-plug the shack telephone, and turn on answering machine.
Gather together all contest necessities:
# Notepad and
pencils
# Spare headphones and microphone
# Eyeglasses
#
Throat Lozenges
# Damp cloth and towel for accidents
# Food
and Drink
# Clean clothes for mid-contest shower
# Torch and
spare operating-light bulbs
# Box of fuses and test-meter
Check location of all backup-equipment and cables.
Review past contest logs and magazine results.
Plan strategy, and prepare band change and off-time plan.
Feed the cat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post-Contest Checklist:
Make a backup of the log on floppy disc.
Make a backup copy of the log on another computer.
Don't try to edit the log whilst you are tired.
Unplug all power and antenna plugs.
Respond to answering-machine messages.
Feed the cat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Please visit the
EI8IC Contesting Website. **
Recently re-written, with over 50
new pages of information
for all HF Contesters, including Budget
Contesting, Beginner's
FAQs, Graphical Bandplans, and Big Gun
Contest Stories.
All this and more at
www.qsl.net/ei8ic/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| A Pre-Contest Checklist |
Reply
|
| by dl1mgb
on October 29, 2001 |
Mail
this to a friend! |
No matter how well you're prepared, if you have
a cold at the test weekend, you can have a look at your
station and drink tea. So happened at the CQWW SSB 2001....
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| A Pre-Contest Checklist |
Reply
|
| by K5KG on
November 10, 2001 |
Mail
this to a friend! |
Add to the contest checklist:
Review
prior years' scores and set band by band goals for this year.
Post these goals at the operating position.
Plan off
times and get agreement (as necessary) with your xyl (or
someone's xyl!) about break and eating times.
I am
sure I could come up with more pre and post contest ideas if I
gave it more thought. Maybe I will!
73, George, k5kg
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| RE: A Pre-Contest Checklist |
Reply
|
| by n8ik on
November 30, 2001 |
Mail
this to a friend! |
Both pre- and post- contest: Take XYL out to
dinner. But don't tell her she's "5 and 9, QSL?"
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