[GreenKeys] Greenkeys in the January 2018 RTTY Roundup

[David Tumey]

Hello List members,
Yes, we are getting close to the 2018 RTTY RU, for me the focus is in finishing up a new 15M dipole.
Nice to see the chatter about the contest, we are lucky to have Jeff Stai helping to make all this a reality - so whatever the members decide vis-a-vis where to have our discussions, make sure Jeff is part of that!
This will be my 3rd RU using heavy metal and I really start getting excited around this time of the year.
Here is what I can tell you first-hand about the experience:
1.  It will be the most fun you have had with your teletype.2.  It is easier than you think - as long as your receiver has good FSK filtering you will be able to work stations well - even though it sounds like bedlam and at first it can be frustrating and you will want to throw up.3.  TEST YOUR SETUP - well in advance of the contest, i.e., start working on it now - and make sure it works on-air, exactly how you plan on using it.  Try a few QSOs with friends.  If it doesn't work one-on-one it certainly will not work for the RU.4.  Service your machine before you start - if it hasn't been cleaned/lubricated in a few years, now is the time.  Check your ribbons.5.  Be patient - take some time carefully tuning and copying a station you want to work before you work it - fortunately TTYs are too heavy to pick up and throw across the room.6.  Set a goal - first time out, try for 100-150 contacts (with our own category, that is actually quite competitive now).7.  If you have a tape punch/reader - make a tape loop for your CQs since you will be sending a lot of them.8.  To get started, try the bottom of the sub-band working your way up - when you hear a strong station, tune it carefully and answer after you have established robust copy.  Once you have mastered the reply (10-15 contacts), find a clear spot and start sending CQ's - or not - replying is just as much fun.9.  Save your paper.  I normally run out about 10 feet, tear it off, flip it over and use the other side.10.  Paper logs will really eat your time - best to get a nice software logging program - particularly one that can grab your VFO frequency automatically and store that along with the other particulars.11.  Avoid duplicates like the plague.  If you worked a station do not work them again, it really pisses the OPs off.  If you get a good logging program, you can check before you hit transmit - my logger turns the callsign BOLD RED if I have already worked the station.  It is really easy to forget a call in all the mayhem.12.  Keep an eye on your transmitter/linear temps - stuff gets hot working a lot of RTTY - read your owners manual with regard to max operating power and don't exceed it.
If you have questions about using 8-bit machines feel free to contact me -or- if you are really being authentic with a 5-bit monster, vacuum tube TU's and a spark-gap transmitter, Wayne Durkee has a setup that works supremely well, and I am sure he will be happy to tell you how to do it.  Don't wait until the eve of the contest!
GL and remember - just have some freakin' fun.--daveW5DT


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