30 Ham Radio Contesting Tips by K9JY

30 Ham Radio Contesting Tips:

1. Schedule your Contests. The really great thing about contesting is they are regularly scheduled — regardless of great propagation, DXpeditions or the mood of the sun.
2. Create a contest goal. Goals are good and help motivate you while participating.
3. Contest on your terms. Contest for and be motivated by your reasons. Not everyone is out to win the contest; it could be you want to learn a new mode.
4. Have an operating plan. Having a plan provides you guidance for the contest and a baseline to compare against reality in the midst of battle.
5. Test equipment before the contest. You do want your stuff to work, right?
6. Update Multiplier Files. Downloading the latest ensures you won’t miss a juicy multiplier during the contest.
7. Read the contest rules. You’d be surprised how often this bites you — even experienced contesters.
8. Work a contest one month before the real contest. The sun rotates once a month (27 days)…so work a contest the month before to experience the propagation you will have before the one you really want to concentrate on later.
9. Test ergonomics. Sitting in a chair contesting a long while will test how well your station is laid out for operating.
10. Have a guest op checklist. What should you bring as a guest op?
11. Compete with a partner. Work a contest with someone in your club (together or at your individual stations). Discuss what worked and what didn’t about the contest……More

Check this great article from K9JY:

Photo: OH8X