Turn off distractions like texting, Facebook, e-mail, TV, broadcast radio, etc. More Butt-in-Chair-Operating-Time = more contacts. And if you already have logging software installed, make sure you have the latest upgrades and support files installed and working. This only wastes time and leads to more mistakes. And finally - don't get into the habit of hearing a station, writing his call and info down on paper, and then entering it in the computer. Hint: If it doesn't, the problem is in your setup, not the program itself. After you enter a few dozen fictitious contacts, make sure that the program will produce a Cabrillo file with an accurate score and summary. Get to understand the entry window, and what other windows you might or might not want open during the contest. You might want to start a 'fake contest' - select CQWW, for instance, and enter some calls. Get it now, connect your rig, and spend a little time with it. There is a bit of a learning curve involved, so you don't want to wait until the last minute to install it and familiarize yourself with it. It also interfaces with just about any modern HF radio you might own. It's updated regularly, and has an extremely active online support community. My personal choice is the N1MM Logger It's free and has an amazing array of features. Note that by tradition, in a contest everyone has a 59 or 599 signal. Since I live in the Eastern US, I'm in Zone 5, so I would send '59 05'. In the CQWW, for example, you send them a signal report and your CQ 'Zone'. Simply, that's the information you will give to the other station and he/she will give to you. Understand what bands you can use, what your entry category will be, and what the 'exchange' is. What? You still haven't passed your General Class License test? Take a look at my tips for passing here. If you're new to HF, or contesting, here are ten tips for you. With just a bit of effort, you can often get your Worked All States, or DXCC Award, in a single weekend. But I do enjoy getting on the air and working stations all over the US and the world.

Squarely in 'Peanut Whistle' territory, for sure, compared to many others. My modest station includes a 100W HF rig and a wire antenna up about 30 feet. New to Contesting? Here are some tips for you.

Best ham radio contest logging software