[WIQPmail] How to Improve My WIQP Performance

[Tom Macon]

Hi, Scott –
Thanks for your posting … It sounds like you’ve put some thought into your operation and I think you’ve got a lot of things covered. 

Here’s my take on it: basically it’s Q’s times mults, so you need to maximize both. For max Q’s, you need to run whenever possible. S&P will probably give you 40 – 60/hr, while running should give you twice that, assuming enough people can hear you. Of course, CW counts twice, so do that whenever you can.

To maximize mults, you need states plus counties. The best way to get states is on 20, so try to spend time there early when it’s most active. 40 is the bread and butter band, both for counties and eastern states later on. Keep an eye on 80, especially if 40 isn’t living up to expectations. Some years I have been surprised by the number of northern counties I can pick up during the last ½ hour on 80.

Of course, all of this is highly dependent on conditions, so be agile and keep asking, “can I do better somewhere else?”
-Tom, K9BTQ

From: WIQP-Mail [mailto:wiqp-mail-bounces at warac.org] On Behalf Of Scott Zastoupil via WIQP-Mail
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2018 12:40 PM
To: Wisconsin QSO Party Reflector
Cc: Scott Zastoupil
Subject: [WIQPmail] How to Improve My WIQP Performance

All,

I would like to pick the brains of other on operating strategy for the WIQP.  I realize this may be like asking to see your poker hand, but it can't hurt to ask.  hi hi.

The WIQP has been something that I look forward to every year and has become very addictive.  My entry is single fixed at home.  In the past I have focused on QRP with ~75% CW and 40 and 80.  Mostly operating search and pounce. 

While this is a competition of sorts, I treat it like many other things I do as a competition against myself.  I ask myself "how can I improve since the last time".

So I am wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom on how I can improve my personal best.  With that in mind I will be operating fixed, low power, in Wisconsin.  I am thinking of changing to "low" power to compete with a larger group of people instead of the QRP x4 CW multiplier.  I feel like the next area of focus should be getting more Q's by running (calling CQ) on 40 and 20 now that I will be running a higher power instead of QRP.  My antenna system consist of wires and have specifically installed a NVIS 40 meter dipole and have been experimenting with ground wire reflectors.  It feels like the Q's out of state for total contacts is what I'm missing.  My approach is incremental improvements instead of trying to change too many things at once.

What are your guys thoughts on how to improve?
- More calling CQ?
- Focus mostly on CW?
- More time on 20 meters?
- Introduce technique XYZ (fill in the blank)?
- Better track the mobile stations.  I rely on N1MM spotting in my log and remind myself to check back often.  Not the best system, but not sure how to improve.
- SO2R.  (Not sure I'm ready for that)
- Shorter CW callsign (done.  Was KB0KFX/9.  New call is half the dits/dahs)

Ideally I wouldn't be asking this question at the 11th hour, but I'll do what I can.

I'd appreciate any feedback.  Thank you!


Scott
KX9RT
Waupaca County