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Top Contesting Secrets: Break Through Pile-Ups Like a Pro!

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by W1DED, Jan 23, 2025.

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  1. W1DED

    W1DED Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page



    Randy Thompson, K5ZD, is fresh off logging over 6,000 QSOs in the World Wide Award program and brings serious—and seriously helpful—advice for anyone looking to sharpen their contesting skills. Joined by Chris Hurlbut, KL9A, this episode of Contest Crew dives deep into how operators can break through pile-ups, improve their rate, and avoid common pitfalls.

    Randy doesn’t hold back as he shares his observations from the front lines of massive pile-ups, offering tips like calling off-frequency, timing your calls strategically, and sending your call only once (seriously—just once!). His candid feedback, bordering on venting, gets a playful counterpoint from Chris, who offers a virtual hug to lighten the mood. Together, they keep the conversation engaging, blending sharp contesting insights with humor.

    Chris brings his own seasoned perspective, recalling stories of operators like KR2Q who excel with minimal power, and adds tips for navigating two simultaneous pile-ups. From recognizing your call when it’s returned to setting up crisp, clear audio for phone operations, this episode is packed with practical advice for both new and experienced contesters.

    By the end, Randy’s “therapy session” turns into an insightful guide for anyone looking to up their game in ham radio contests.

    Join the conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more episodes like this!


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    KF2ZZ and NF5Y like this.
  2. KC2JYD

    KC2JYD Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page

    Great information. Thanks for sharing. 73!
     
  3. DD1HV

    DD1HV Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Good content! Found it to be interesting. Always learning new things.73
     
  4. NS8S

    NS8S Ham Member QRZ Page

    That goes for popular nets for folks trying to get on the list! Great information!
     
  5. VE3YW

    VE3YW Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Good info. Would have been good if you had of touched on the art of working split and what part of the spread to send your call. I like working the top or bottom end of the split range as the QRM is only on "one side" of your tx freq.
    OR listen for a 59 (599) being sent TO the DX and camp on that freq knowing it will be heard by the DX station. Good DX
     
  6. N5FTY

    N5FTY Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    One thing that drives me crazy is when someone makes a contact. then ask the operator for his call sign!!
    YOU SHOULD KNOW HIS CALL SIGN BEFORE YOU CALL!!!!
     
    K0UO, KF2ZZ, W6QW and 1 other person like this.
  7. KF2ZZ

    KF2ZZ Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Hmm..

    I feel that pileups are caused by a lack of "Air Traffic Control."
    The station being called should moderate better and the stations calling be more considerate.

    It's not the number of QSO's - but the quality of establishing them.
    Better operating etiquette all around would be most welcome.

    :rolleyes:
     
  8. KB9SIR

    KB9SIR Ham Member QRZ Page

    sometimes you hear someone for quite a while but you can't quite get the call completely but could ask them to say it slower when you get their attention. Ive read the etiquete rules but sometimes you can vary a bit.
     

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