Hi Tom,

As has been said, you will make a lot more contacts CQing than s and p.
It's just a matter of timing  and practice is the only way to get better.

On SSB I always repeat the other guys info and type it in as I say it.

When KA3ABC calls me I type in his call as I say it back to him, then give
my exchange.  He comes back with his exchange "You're 59 number 126".  I say
"Thanks for the 126" as I type the number in.  If I think there is a chance
I got the number wrong I'll end with "QSL?" He will either say "QSL" or make
a correction.  Then I go  to "QRZ".

I also prefer headphones.   I've used computer in 1 ear and radio in the
other, but right now I run both in both ears and adjust  volume to suit my
preference.  As Dave said, the more you trust your typing the less you will
need the computer voice.

For ssb a voice keyer makes  things faster and you don't lose track of
serial numbers.

Have fun, look for me in the contest. .
Steve KW3A
[log in to unmask]
----- 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
>
>
>
>