Speak Out: Getting ready...
Operating a contest seriously requires no small amount of preparation. Other than real "improvements" to the station (like installing new antennas) what steps do you take to get ready for a full effort? Do you have a checklist? What's on it? Do you try to get some extra sleep ahead of time? What else?
201 opinions on this subject.
Enter your opinion at the bottom of this page.
[Speak Out Home Page]
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
<--
Page 21
Enter your opinion about Getting ready...:
The opinions expressed within Contesting Online Speak Out are those of the
contributor, and not necessarily that of Contesting Online. Contesting Online
simply provides a forum for people to express their opinions on
various amateur radio contesting subjects of interest.
Do you have an idea for a Speak Out topic?
Email our Speak Out Manager
with your ideas.
|
