hi john, it is a little tricky, but to stay in one place generally speaking
is still most efficient way. Depending on the logging program, there are
definitely some tricks to help make things run smoother. First thing would
be to put down call when you first get it, then when they are giving you
info, mark it down as it is being given. If you are the one calling cq and a
person comes back to you, enter their call immediately when they come back.
Give your info and then enter their stuff and finish that qso in the log.
When they turn it back to you already enter that qso and be prepared to move
on. normally i'll say something like, "thanks and good luck and in the same
breath go back to QRZ contest from W4CI. All this may be obvious to you but
not necessarily to all. Some regs have voice samplers built into them and
then while transmitting your info can be finishing up with entering his info
into log. This is much simpler on cw when most everyone uses memory keyers
and can be typing in log while keyer sends your info; all a matter of timing
anyway. Know the short cut for wiping out qso if you loose the guy or
turnsout to not be going back to you so can ditch them quickly and move on.
hope this isn't covering everything you already know but just sometimes I've
seen and used. not a bigtime contester myself but done some over the years
and fairly successful at times. have often found where logging for yourself,
once you get the timing down, can be much better than having someone help
out on cw of sideband. On either, quite often you will have two people
calling you and the logger may write down one at first and you going for
another. have had loggers when i'm in cw contest and don't even know the
code and will be calling out the info to them to punch into log. This, most
often is more of a hastle than what its worth although better than nothing
if you don't have a log that you can enter info in yourself. once you get
use to logging program, think i'd only listen to computer when you think may
have made a mistake or when need to look back over something. otherwise
wouldn't even use the synth computer info. have fun, 73, Dave W4CI
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 9:35 PM
Subject: a contesting question


> Hi, folks:
>
> I know there are some veteran contesters out there, so hopefully I can get
> an answer to a small question I have.
>
> My contesting experience thus far has been rather limnited, but I am
getting
> into it more and more.  In fact, this coming week-end, for the NAQP ssb
> contest, I'll be part of a team for our local club.
>
> My main strategy for contesting has typically been "search and pounce".  I
> find that this gives me enough time to get info entered into my logging
> program, without causing others to wait for what I have to do.
>
> However, I would like to become more proficient at CQing, and having folks
> come to me.  I understand that this is the best way to rack up contacts.
>
> My problem is this:  By the time I work with my logging program to enter
> info from an answered CQ, a full second or two has elapsed, which makes
> things not proceed very smoothly.  In other words, I find myself
struggling
> with listening to both the rig and the computer speech screen reader at
the
> same time.  I guess one solution to this would be to get someone to log
for
> me.  The other solution might just be practice!
>
> Does anyone have any brilliant suggestions or strategies that have worked
> for them?
>
> I'm simply trying to make my responses to CQ's more efficient.
>
> Thanks as always for your help.
>
> Best 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ