[WVDXA] BS7H QRT TIME

[Dave Heil]

I agree with all that Bert has put forth.  I'm not a full QSK guy 
though.  I'm a semi-QSK guy with things set up so I can hear between 
word elements.  My Orion is set up pretty much the way Bert's FT-1000MP 
"Field and Stream" is set up.

Here's what you may be up against.  The way I handled some of the 
pileups from Africa was as follows:  I'd CQ and announce that I was 
listening up 5 KHz.  The pileup would always grow in size to encompass 7 
to 10 KHz.  I might stay on a frequency for several QSOs until the horde 
discovered my listening frequency, then I'd spin the dial up to near the 
top edge and work a couple.  If the horde found me, I might spin clear 
back to the bottom of the pile.  When I was found, I might move back to 
the top or somewhere in the middle and stay until I was spotted.  I 
might move frequency randomly after every QSO.

In short, if the op on the BS7H end of the pile is doing it like I've 
described, it may be very difficult to discern a pattern.  As an 
addendum:  If a guy became a pest and called on top of the station I 
responded to, I became very good at dodging and ignoring him--even if he 
was very, very good at spotting my listening frequency.  I might dodge 
him for an entire evening or I might relent and work the guy after a 
half-hour or so.

73,

Dave K8MN

N8NN wrote:
> Pete -- When propagation allows, I always search for the stations the DX 
> is working.  I don't bother transmitting until I can find the station he 
> is working.  When I find it, I use that freq to call the DX.  I'll stay 
> there for a couple of calls until I am sure the DX station has moved on, 
> and then I stop transmitting and start hunting.
>  
> Sometimes I can "guess" where the DX is going to listen next based on 
> his "pattern, but that seldom works for me (and it never works for 
> OH2BA..!!).  I continuously monitor the DX cluster for hints on where 
> the DX is listening, and try those frequencies.  Sometimes I have no 
> choice but to call blindly, but that never works for me!
>  
> If the DX is weak and not working stations in my area, I don't waste my 
> energy calling him.  I don't have a "big gun" station.
>  
> I always use full QSK on CW.  QSK allows me to stop wasteful 
> transmitting when the DX is transmitting, and it allows me to get into 
> the rhythm of the DX station.  I never transmit after the DX station 
> sends "5NN" since he already has a contact and it's not me.  That's 
> prime time for searching for his contact station who is probably sending 
> "5NN" also.  I wait for the DX stations to send "R" or "TU" or "UP" or 
> whatever he's using to signal he is listening for another contact. 
>  
> I always send CW at the same speed as the DX station.  I figure he has 
> chosen a speed that makes operating comfortable for him.  I use a memory 
> keyer to send my call.  That saves on the fingers.
>  
> I always use dual receive with a stereo headset -- DX station in one ear 
> and the search receiver in the other ear.  I use a narrow filter on the 
> DX station appropriate to band conditions.  I use a wide filter on the 
> search receiver, usually 2.4 KHz, so I can more easily find the stations 
> working the DX.
>  
> I don't tail-end, send partial calls, or try to bust a QSO.  The key is 
> getting into the rhythm of the DX station and being on the correct 
> frequency for him to hear me.
>  
> 73, Bert N8NN