Plan Band & Propagation Strategy
2 hoursReview solar indices and band openings for contest weekend targets.
Field context
This workflow is part of 4 niche fields
Complete guide for dx contest entry — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Review solar indices and band openings for contest weekend targets.
Estimate required gain and power for weak-signal DX paths on each band.
Tune amplifiers, filters, and antenna switching for rapid band changes.
Run search-and-pounce or run frequency with logging software integration.
Compare QSO rate by band and note openings for next contest.
Size power and antenna gain for target DX paths.
Estimate baseline path loss to distant stations.
Compare beam options for contest multiplier zones.
Predict usable band openings by distance and MUF.
Set band-pass filters to reject adjacent-band QRM.
Common CW/SSB segments during major contests.
| Band | CW (kHz) | SSB (kHz) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 m | 3500–3800 | 3800–4000 |
| 40 m | 7000–7300 | 7300–7600 |
| 20 m | 14000–14350 | 14350–14800 |
Steady QSO rate builds score; chase rare ones when rate slows.
Use limiter or lower AF gain — contest pileups are loud.
RF exposure accumulates during long CQ runs — rotate operators or reduce power.