EUROPE LOOKS TO KEEP EDGE IN 2007 CQWW RTTY DX CONTEST

By Jamie Dupree NS3T 

After watching European ops snag victories last year in the Single Op High and Low power categories, a host of North American ops hope to turn the tables in 2007.

"Yes, I plan on a full effort again this year from the N3HBX Superstation," says Tyler Stewart K3MM, who finished second last year to ER4DX (UT5UDX.)

"My basic strategy for any RTTY contest is to maximize SO2R efficiency." Stewart told radio-sport.net that "means keeping a transmitter on the air almost all the time, essentially providing close to the same potential performance as a multi-two in any other mode."

Stewart last year knocked out over 3 million points as he made close to 2200 contacts from his post outside of Washington, D.C.

While Stewart takes aim at the top, last year's fourth place finisher also has dreams of a number one finish as a guest op.

"First I was thinking of a modest low power effort from my home station," said Yuri Onipko VE3DZ. But then, VE3SY's station became available. "So I decided to take it over and try to improve my last year's World 4th score."

Onipko says his game plan is nothing special, just common sense contesting.

"I don't have any special strategy. Just follow the band conditions," said Onipko, who agreed with K3MM on one thing. "SO2R is a must in order to achieve a good score."

Another US op who is fine tuning his RTTY game is Jerry Rosalius WB9Z, who finished 14th in high power last year.

"I am planning a serious effort in CQ WW RTTY," said Rosalius, who has been doing a lot of work on his antenna farm at home.

"Yes, I have been busy with antenna work this summer," said the Illinois ham. A top goal was something better on 40 meters.

"My old 3 element, W2PV design, full sized 40 has been retired for a 4 element full sized OWA at 140 feet! It really plays!"

Don't forget the rules for this contest, where not only are countries multipliers, but the individual states in the US and the provinces in Canada.

"Obviously, in the morning I would stay more on 20 meters to Europe and hunt for DXCC multipliers," says Onipko VE3DZ.

"But in the late afternoon and early morning it's good to work as many US stations as possible...in short, balance is the answer."

Looking to find that special balance from the Carribean is Alfredo Velez WP3C, who finished fifth in the world in single operator low power in 2006.

"I will be working in the same category," said Velez. "I always try to work the 48 hour contests as they are my favorite contests."

Obviously, this year's contest is not at the best time in terms of sunspot numbers, but for Velez, the answer is simple if things get slow.

"I think if propagation affects me on one band, I just change to another band," said Velez.

"Bad conditions affect everyone, but generally favor the bigger stations," argues Stewart K3MM.

"#1 USA and maybe NA should be doable, but not World, unless no one serious shows up."

Stewart though came pretty close last year, as he and some other top ops try to ring the CQWW RTTY bell in 2007.