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Speak Out: Getting ready...

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kr2q on 2003-08-19
1. Figure out my category of entry

2. Check the existing records

3. Set my goals based on the sunspots

4. Walk the coax runs looking for problems

5. Check the SWRs (if they are too flat, something is wrong)

6. Get on the bands a couple hours before the contest to confirm my starting spot (which band)

7. Remind myself to trust my instincts, which are the result of decades of experience.

8. Remember that HONESTY is the best policy and cheating, even for one contact, COMPLETELY voids my effort, ie, be true to myself. An honest 2nd place score is WAAAAY better than a false first place score.

Anonymous on 2003-08-18
All of my real prep is done months in advance. I have a 'modification freeze' one month before contest season starts (Sweepstakes for me). The only changes allowed are to actually FIX things that break.

That included things like simple cable-dress in the back of the rigs (RFI is not fun in the middle of a contest) and contest SW revision updates - they are frozen one month before contest season and they are NOT changed until the season ends.

I run full power on all bands and all modes several times to check for RFI issues, even if I *know* they are OK.

I do not change my schedule at all; I eat the same food, go to bed at the same time and I shy away from caffeine for as long as possible. Of course, I go to bed LATE on the big night.

I backup my computer SW and files onto a ZIP disk. I actually have practiced pulling the plug on the PC, re-booting and re-starting the SW. I actually practice going onto the emergency generator each fall. I found I cannot boot my PC on just the UPS if the monitor is ON, I must boot the PC, THEN turn on the monitor. I run my PC on the UPS to check the UPS's capacity every fall. Once, I was in for a BIG SURPRISE when it lasted two minutes instead of 20!

I re-check all my cheat-sheets for tuning the amps and transmatches on each antenna and band.

I have backup methods of computer keying, both from the LPT and COM ports and can switch between then in the event of failure in seconds.

I have a 100% backup PC loaded with the exact same files and programs, ready to go. I can transfer the working file (log) and put it into service in 10 minutes.

I have two radios and amps and normally run SO2R but can press either into full service in the event of failure.

I have a cheat sheet for full re-config of each radio in the event of total erasure of settings.

I have never had a failure in a contest but that day is coming and I think I'm ready.

I am waaaaay too anal, I know, I know.

73, Steve N4SL

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