Stuck at around 80 QSOs/hour average rate in major contests and looking to break into triple digits consistently. Station runs K3 + Expert 1.3K-FA, TH7DX at 60ft, and N1MM+. Rate seems to plateau during prime time hours when everyone's running.

QSO rate - the number of QSOs per hour - is almost everything in contesting, but I'm struggling with the mechanics of maintaining momentum. Currently doing mostly S&P with occasional short CQ runs when I find clear frequencies.

Specific questions: How do you maintain rate during slow periods? What's the optimal balance between running and S&P? Should I focus more on SO2R techniques, or are there single-radio strategies I'm missing? Even at 60 Q/hour you'd work 2,880 stations in 48 hours - at 30/hour that's still 1,440 stations.

Time spent calling CQ can be used to locate stations on an auxiliary receiver. Even without full SO2R, I use an old receiver with simple headphone switching to find multipliers while running. SO2R benefits include more productive use of time, less boredom during slow times, and easier multiplier moving.

Your rate plateau might be technique, not equipment. High powered and rare stations get significant advantage by "running" - calling CQ and working stations one after another on the same frequency for very high QSO rate. Focus on finding good run frequencies and holding them longer. Don't give up a frequency after just 2-3 CQs with no answers.

What's your CQ timing and message length? I increased my rate 20% just by shortening my CQ to "CQ TEST N0CALL" and reducing delays between transmissions. Even a rate of 15/hour (only one QSO every 4 minutes!) still nets 720 contacts - every second counts in maintaining rhythm.