It may be unwise to restrict speeds in the Ladder competition too much* The
30-minute format demands top performance throughout . It's a real sprint in
both the athletic and radio sense -- let's be cautious about diluting it.
[Interesting that there's apparently no issue with Speed-Talkers in the SSB
Sprint . I guess there are none; perhaps no ex-auctioneers in the group.
:-) ]
------------
* Could we hear from some of our regulars who don't necessarily go 38
wpm? KE0G, NR1X, K6NV, N4DW, and others come to mind . how bad, or how
good, is it for you to work the speed demons? Maybe K7SS and NO3M are
pushing the envelope on speed. At some point the higher speed sacrifices
rate because some folks won't call you.
--------------
We could formalize SNS with score reporting etc if that action would
encourage others to join. I've had trouble getting volunteers, Mike, W9RE,
being a notable exception. [The Advisory Group members do a lot of work,
but I like to keep the AG work sporadic to address special issues] If any
of you want to help run the Ladder, please speak up. . there's much to do .
For example: we need a volunteer to establish and track records now that
we have a constant format.
We've suggested that ops "slow to the speed of the responding station.", but
frankly some of the top NAS ops are against doing that in the NA Sprints and
other contests. They have a point.
Growth: I am less concerned about the "population" of NS Ladder and NS than
some others. With an average of over 50 stations submitting reports each wk
of NSL-9 and over 100 call-signs appearing in NSL-9, we are double the
minimum number necessary to sustain the characteristic high rate for no
same-band dupes. We are gaining ground however . . the 3830 comments for
NAS this week are filled with kudos to NS/NS Ladder, even from some who
don't or can't participate; Steve, K6AW comes to mind.
One of my interests that you'll hear about shortly. . . to figure out why a
sizeable group of NS'rs have low variability in their week-to-week scores,
but others, including me, have wildly fluctuating scores. Look for a
writeup in the next week, probably on the blog, nsladder.blogspot.com .
73 Bill n6zfo
On Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Ted Bryant <> wrote:
> Right on, DanWA and Booga!
>
> Here is a thought for "regular" non-Ladder NS nights - suppose we
> voluntarily limit the cw speed to maybe 25-28 wpm as a stepping stone up
> from the SNS. While it still may stretch some folks a bit (not necessarily
> a bad thing) it is far less intimidating than the "normal" 35 wpm. This
> might further encourage the newer folks to jump into the next ladder.
>
> In the Sprint last night during the last half hour I noticed several
> "big-gun" sprinters CQing at around 28 wpm trying to coax QSO's out of the
> slower stations. If it worked for them...
>
> It was good to work MANY of the NS gang last night.
>
> 73, Ted W4NZ
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* nccc-blue- [mailto:nccc-blue-]*On
> Behalf Of *Jim George
> *Sent:* Sunday, September 12, 2010 1:08 PM
> *To:* Dan; 'NS'
> *Subject:* Re: [NCCC-blue] sprint ... whew...i think i got whiplash!
>
> I think DanWA is right. It is hard to make the jump into the NA Sprint. For
> one, you have to master the QSY rule and the sequencing rules that are
> designed to announce the call sign of the "frequency owner" at the end of
> the contact. For another, the speeds in the NA Sprint definitely are fast,
> 32-35 minimum and 38 typical.
>
> The NS Ladder has become an excellent "training league" for the Sprint.
> It'a like AA and AAA combined in terms of minor league baseball, with more
> interesting mult rules and a typical speed range of 30-32 minimum and 35-38
> max. The Ladder has become more competitive and more aggressive as it has
> gained participation and traction.
>
> The Slow NS is a fantastic idea, and the 18 WPM opening speed with the
> classic QSY rules and proper sequencing provides an "instructional league"
> of D and A league with a baseball reference.
>
> It all makes sense. Perhaps everyone one of us who enjoys the NS and the
> Sprint should make a personal commitment to get one new operator into the
> SNS this year. That would continue to prime the pump and expose a new group
> to how much fun this is.
>
> Jim N3BB
>
> At 09:00 AM 9/12/2010 -0700, Dan wrote:
>
> hi guys.... writing this to the NS reflector and cw guys on the street
> corner gang (3775 at 9:30 pac. nitely) ..
>
> last nites sprint was great fun for those that were in it... but i think
> there's another very large group of players that
> WANT to be in it, but find it too fast or intimidating... lots of CW fans
> who would love to be in the fast lane...
>
> i know sprint has become an exclusive club...with barriers to entry... its
> the way its been for years...so it goes.
> so sending this to pals who wanted to play but werent able to totally get
> in the groove... and Ill bet there are many others
> that we all know, that are in the same boat.
>
> so... along comes the NS, and it too, is now a fast lane event..
>
> well then along comes the SNS at 0200 as a slower version of the NS... and
> the barriers to entry are opened up.
>
> i really think doing the SNS, and then a few minutes later dipping toes in
> the NS itself at 0230 will be the entry KEY TO THE GAME
> for lots of pals.
>
> so.... see you on thursday nites at 7:00 pm (til daylite savings
> disappears, then 6:PM) in the SNS and some NS.
> W9RE manages it... (thanks Mike !!)
> heres his missive........ please pass this to guys who want IN to the fun.
>
>
> also here is the info on the NS reflector, which is good fun as well and a
> great place to share info and ask.
>
> NCCC-Blue mailing list
> (http://www.kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/nccc-blue)
> Post to: nccc-
> Manage your subscription at:http://www.kkn.net/mailman/options/nccc-blue
> Archives at:http://www.kkn.net/mailman/private/nccc-blue/
>
>
>
> 73 DanWa K7SS
>
>
> ***************************************************************************************************************************
>
> Announcing the NCCCs (Northern California Contest Club) weekly Thursday
> night running of the SNS.
>
>
>
> The Slow Speed NS practice is from 0200z to 0215z (Friday UTC, Thursday
> local time). Thats starting at 10:00pm EDT, 9:00pm CDT, 8:00pm MDT and
> 7:00pm PDT, local time Thursday.
>
>
>
> Since activity has really taken off in both the NS and the SNS, I am
> recommending that the regular stations drag your feet for a second or two
> (remember to wait for an aknowledgement) before dumping in your call to a CQ
> to see if a newbie is answering the same CQ. It has been brought to my
> attention that it is difficult (especially with current conditions) that
> small stations (wires and stealth antennas) have a hard time getting the
> jump balls. If you dont hear a CQ send a CQ and dont worry about the
> couplet since this is only practice and hopefully an introduction to sprints
> for newbies. I think stations might answer a CQ more likely than call CQ
> themselves. With that said remember that newbies are listening get up the
> nerve to jump in so dont hesitate to make Qs.
>
>
>
> A special thanks to the high speed regulars who make the SNS go!
>
>
>
> Bands will be 20 40 80 meters (around 3537 to 3543 and 7037 to 7043) and
> 160 around 1815. Recommended maximum speed of 23 WPM.
>
>
>
> NS 0230z to 0300z this week regular NS Sprint Rules CW except See N6ZFOs
> announcement.
>
>
>
> NS Home: http://www.ncccsprint.com/default.htm
>
>
>
> Sites to help everyone for sprint contests.
>
>
>
> http://www.contesting.com/articles/198
>
> http://n6tr.jzap.com/sprint.html
>
>
>
> Mike W9RE
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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