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Contesting Presentations

The following collection of presentations are collected from various contributors of the DFW Contest Group over the last several years.  Many of the presentations have been delivered at HamCom as part of the W5 Contest Forum breakout sessions.  Click on the image of the slide deck to download the presentation.


Taking your Contesting to the Next Level

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Presented by Jim Spaulding, W0UO at HamCom 2012

This presentation covers how to take your contesting to the next level.  Intended for anyone who wants to improve their contesting skills. Covers equipment, antennas,, basic and advanced contesting skills and some strategy.


N1MM Logger+ Contest Logging Software

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Presented by Dave Greig, N3BUO at HamCom 2015

An overview of the new N1MM Logger+ contest logging software including screen shots.  Gives a history of N1MM Logger Classic and details of the newest overhaul N1MM Logger+


DXLab

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Presented by Dave Greig, N3BUO at HamCom 2015

An overview of the DXLab Suite of applications.  DXLab offers 8 standalone applications that work best together as a suite.  Includes Transceiver Control, Logging, Spot Collection, Propagation, QSL routes, DX & QSO Mapping, etc.


Basics of SO2R Operation

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Presented by Randy Farmer, W8FN at HamCom 2014

This presentation covers basic concepts of SO2R station setup and operation. It addresses fundamental elements of SO2R  operation and station design for CW and SSB modes. Digital modes are somewhat different and out of scope of this presentation.


Propagation and Antenna Selection for Contesting

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Presented by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at HamCom 2014

This presentation focuses on one specific issue - the required elevation angles – a parameter that’s often ignored. Addressing this issue usually leads to stacking Yagis. We’ll see why stacking is needed, the advantages and a real-life example. 



Contesting Strategies

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Presented by Larry Hammel, K5OT and Jim Spaulding, W0UO at HamCom 2014

The objective of this presentation is how to develop an operating strategy along with specific tactics for two popular contests from W5.  ARRL Sweepstakes covered by K5OT and CQWWDX covered by W0UO


160 Meter Contesting

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Presented by Jim Spaulding, W0UO at HamCom 2014

This presentation is intended for operators who are relatively new to 160 meters and who may have an interest in contesting on that band.  The information presented will be of use to anyone interested in working DX on 160 meters as well.



Contesting with Restricted Space Antennas

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Presented by Dick Weber, K5IU at HamCom 2013

The goal of this presentation is to provide good data to assist in making a fact based decision regarding compromise antenna choices.  Antenna designs covered assume no tower, limited space, and low height (25-35 ft)


Contest Station Design and Engineering

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Presented by Randy Farmer, W8FN at HamCom 2013

This presentation covers the hardware aspects of good contest station design.  Topics include the quality of your transmitted signal, ability to hear well in adverse environments, ergonomics, good station layout and testing.


Contest Operating Best Practices

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Co-Presented by Jim Spaulding, W0UO and Tom Horton, K5IID at HamCom 2013

An overview of the importance of keeping up your QSO "rate" by discussing both Running "CQ'ing" and Search & Pounce Techniques.  Also discusses setting goals before each contest and good time management.


Why Contesting?

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Presented by Eric Silverthorn, NM5M at HamCom 2013

An introduction to contesting and why contestors operate.  Disputes the myth that you have to be a big station to compete and gives an overview of the many types of contests to help beginners decide what is right for them


World RadioSport Championship 2014

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Presented by Doug Grant, K1DG at HamCom 2013

An overview of the goals of and the behind the scenes details of bringing the WRTC Championship back to the USA in 2014


VHF Contesting

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Presented by Marshall Williams - K5QE at HamCom 2014

This presentation is an introduction to VHF contesting including frequencies used, fundamental station requirements and contest specifics.  Also has a section on operating mobile as well as a section on meteor scatter communications.


CQ WW DX Contest - "Classic Overlay"

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Presentation by W0UO on the new CQ WW DX Contest - "Classic Overlay" rules. 

Summary of the rules for the new Classic Overlay category with some strategies for picking the best 24 hour period to operate beginning on slide 6.


Top Band Distance Challange (Stew Perry)

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2013 Top Band Distance Challenge by W0UO

This presentation is a short overview of the  rules for the 2013 Stew Perry Top Band Distance Challenge with a little bit of strategy at the end.