Operating NS

Basically, NS is like the NCJ NA CW Sprint.  In addition, the multipliers are counted on each band, so the band-multiplier strategy of NAQP comes into play.  The other rule modifications don't effect an operating strategy as much: dupes count, 100 watt maximum power, 160 meters as a fourth band, and the 5kHz QSY rule relaxed to 1kHz.

Beginner Strategy

Because of the QSY rule, no more than two stations can be worked on given frequency before tuning at least 1KHz away.  This can be confusing and disconcerting for the new contester, or a contester new to sprint contests.  In addition, the order of the exchange elements is recommended to be different depending upon which of the two QSOs is being worked on the frequency.  This adds further confusion and often frustration for the newcomer.

However, once a QSO is established on a frequency, it is likely that a series of QSOs to continue on that frequency, with different stations only there for 1-2 of those QSOs.  Therefore, a newcomer can listen on the frequency, copy the QSOs and get into the rhythm of the exchanges before jumping in.  There is no need to frantically tune around the band as stations are jumping from one frequency to another.

Marc, W6ZZZ, offers the following suggestion assuming you can switch bands quickly (160m/80m/40m/20m) without a lot of fiddling around and retuning:

1. Pick your "best" band, the one where you feel "strongest" be it 20m or 40m. Assume it is 40m for the following discussion.
2. Sweep 40m from about 030 to 050 and make all the contacts you can (at whatever speed you can do this). Go for accuracy and ask for fills if you need it. Also if you do a S&P QSO and then call CQ about 3 times with no answer start S&P again.
3. Sweep 20m.
4. Sweep 40m.
5. Sweep 80m.
6. Sweep 40m.
7. Sweep 160m (1805-1820kHz).
8. Go back to step 2 if you still have time left.

Ken, N6RO, said: "Strategy in this version of NS is the hardest yet!" and "Multiplier strategy is now the name of this game."

01 Aug 2007 15:05 -0700