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<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>Caros colegas ñão são fresquinhas mas estão frescas
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>Um Abraço</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>73</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>ACViegas</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>CT2IXQ</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt Tahoma">
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #f5f5f5">
<DIV style="font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=memberlist@www.arrl.org
href="mailto:memberlist@www.arrl.org">ARRL Web site</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, April 10, 2013 5:31 AM</DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=ct2ixq@rep.pt
href="mailto:ct2ixq@rep.pt">ct2ixq@rep.pt</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> The ARRL Contest Update for April 10,
2013</DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
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<P><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 85%">If you are having trouble reading this
message, you can see the original at:<BR><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2013-04-10">http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2013-04-10</A></SPAN>
<P><IMG border=0 alt="The ARRL Contest Update"
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/nlcuhead.gif"></P>
<DIV class=issueblok>
<DIV style="FLOAT: right">April 10, 2013</DIV>Editor: <A
href="mailto:rate-sheet@arrl.org">Ward Silver, NØAX</A></DIV>
<DIV class=linkblok>
<DIV class="toplink tl32"><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/"><I>Contest Update</I>
Archive</A></DIV>
<DIV class="toplink tl33"><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html">Contest
Calendar</A></DIV>
<DIV class="toplink tl31"><A href="http://www.arrl.org/">ARRL Home
Page</A></DIV></DIV><A class=nlad
href="http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&i=2013-04-10&t=t"
target=_blank><IMG class=nlad border=0 alt=Ad
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<TR vAlign=top>
<TD id=edcont><A name=toc01></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>IN THIS ISSUE</DIV>
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in">
<LI><A href="#Contests">Drift Up to the High Plains - ND, SD, NE QSO
Parties</A>
<LI><A href="#Contests">But Wait - There's More! MT, NM, GA, ON QSO
Parties</A>
<LI><A href="#News">Chinese DX Contest Hits the Airwaves</A>
<LI><A href="#Newsweek">All-new 3830 Score Reporting Website</A>
<LI><A href="#Sights">How Close is Too Close?</A>
<LI><A href="#Results">Your Mug Shot - Comin' Right Up!</A>
<LI><A href="#Tech">Buffer that SDR</A>
<LI><A href="#Techweek">Free of Bias?</A>
<LI><A href="#Conversation">Any Category Imaginable</A></LI></UL>
<P class=subhead>NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO
<P class=default>If you got your license in the past three years - the <A
href="http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup" target=_blank>ARRL Rookie
Roundup</A> is for you and April 21<SUP>st</SUP> is the SSB edition. Grab
a microphone and have at it! Thanks to Bruce WA7BNM, results will be
compiled and published automatically on the <A
href="http://www.b4h.net/arrlrr/index.php" target=_blank>online web
page</A> immediately following the score submission deadline. If you
aren't a Rookie - find somebody who is and show them how to give HF a try!
Clubs - here's a great pre-Field Day training opportunity for a multi-op
or a team challenge - how about a PVRC team versus an NCCC team?
<P class=subhead>BULLETINS
<P class=default>There has been a frequency shift for the <A
href="http://www.arrl.org/frequency-measuring-test" target=_blank>ARRL
Frequency Measuring Test</A> (FMT) taking place this evening (April
10<SUP>th</SUP> in North America) as announced by event manager, Connie
K5CM: "I have been monitoring the 80 meter FMT frequency and it seems the
frequency I chose is problematic for QRM...the new reference signal will
be exactly on 3598 kHz and the FMT signal near 3600 kHz." If you're not
doing anything this evening, why not test your frequency measuring
capabilities? It begins on 20 meters at 10:30 PM EDST.
<P class=subhead>BUSTED QSOS
<P class=default>Nothing particularly terrible was reported from the
previous issue.
<P class=subhead>CONTEST SUMMARY
<P class=default><A href="#Contests">Complete information</A> for all
contests follows the <A href="#Conversation">Conversation</A> section
<P class=default><B>April 13-14</B>
<UL>
<LI>NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW (Apr 10)
<LI>CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Test (Apr 10)
<LI>EU Spring Sprints--CW
<LI>Montana QSO Party
<LI>Worldwide EME Contest
<LI>Japan International DX Contest--CW
<LI>New Mexico QSO Party
<LI>Georgia QSO Party
<LI>Yuri Gagarin DX Contest--CW
<LI>International Vintage Contest
<LI>Run For the Bacon--CW (Apr 15)
<LI>VHF Spring Sprints (Apr 16)</LI></UL>
<P class=default><B>April 20-21</B>
<UL>
<LI>ARRL Rookie Roundup--Phone
<LI>Holyland DX Contest (Apr 19)
<LI>TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital
<LI>ES Open HF Championship
<LI>Worked All Provinces of China
<LI>CQMM DX Contest--CW
<LI>EU Spring Sprints--Phone
<LI>Michigan QSO Party
<LI>EA QRP Contest--CW
<LI>Nebraska QSO Party
<LI>South Dakota QSO Party
<LI>North Dakota QSO Party
<LI>Ontario QSO Party
<LI>Feld-Hell New Member Sprint
<LI>YU DX Contest--CW</LI></UL><A name=toc02></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST<A
name=News target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=default>From the <A href="http://dailydx.com/"
target=_blank>Daily DX</A>, "K7SO, Doc, makes note of the upcoming April
20/21 <A href="http://www.mulandxc.org/144#more-144" target=_blank>Worked
All Provinces of China</A> (WAPC) Contest as "a good opportunity to pick
up some new China provinces". This first full running of the contest
follows last October's initial test and places China front-and-center on
the international radiosport roster. <A
href="http://www.mulandxc.org/110#more-110" target=_blank>Results</A> from
the October contest are posted and this is a great opportunity to meet a
lot of new contest call signs on the air!
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/W5AC%20100%20Year%20Plaque%20-%20by%20N0AX.jpg">
<P class=caption>Congratulations to the Texas A&M Amateur Club,
W5AC, on their 100th birthday in 2012. Very few clubs can claim that
kind of longevity - way to go! (Photo by NØAX)
<P class=caption></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default>Congratulations to Terry Zivney, N4TZ who was <A
href="http://cqnewsroom.blogspot.com/" target=_blank>just named</A> the
new Director of the CQ WPX Contest program! Terry is a very active
contester, including as a competitor in WRTC2010. Terry says in his CQ
press release, "As a long-time low power contester I especially appreciate
the WPX contest because its unique mix of exotic DX and plentiful domestic
contacts ensures that great fun will be had by all participants regardless
of the propagation conditions. I look forward to harnessing the momentum
this contest has developed under the leadership of K5ZD and respecting the
legacy of former directors K6AW, N8BJQ, and W8IMZ." Thanks, as well, to
Randy K5ZD for managing both the WW and WPX contest programs until a new
WPX Director could be named.
<P class=default>Pete N4ZR needs a volunteer, too: "I've been running the
<A href="http://www.conteststations.com/" target=_blank>World HF Contest
Station Database</A> since 1999. Thanks to donated server space from W2QO
and programming help from NF4L, my duties as admin have been limited to
the updating process (entries are changed manually based on input from
stations). Recently, however, my other interests and involvements are such
that I have not been able to keep up with the flow of additions and
changes, much less work on improvements to the site. Instead of feeling
guilty, I've decided to see if someone would like to take over for me." <A
href="mailto:n4zr@contesting.com" target=_blank>Contact Pete</A> if you're
interested in helping - he estimates it would take about 15 minutes per
week of on-line effort.
<P class=default>To QNZ or not to QNZ? There's no need to dither about it
because wiggling the Big Knob has been automated! Effective with version
13.04.02, the <A href="http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php"
target=_blank>N1MM logging software</A> team has "added a Telnet Window
option to "Add small random offsets to incoming CW spots". This will add
or subtract 30 or 60 Hz randomly to incoming CW spots to help spread out
pileups for the running stations that you call. THE DEFAULT IS ON. You can
turn it off permanently by toggling the option."
<P class=default>Here's an interesting event coming up at the Dayton
Hamvention: The Friday morning <A
href="http://www.hamvention.org/files/2013_Forum_Details.pdf"
target=_blank>TAPR Forum</A> will include a <A
href="http://tinyurl.com/KD2BMH-SDR-Handheld" target=_blank>presentation
by KD2BMH</A> on the handheld Software Defined Radio (SDR) Whitebox
transceiver project. The low-power 144 and 440-MHz radio supports a
variety of digital modes, as well as AM, FM, and SSB. Chris will be
showing the radio from 9:15-11:00 AM in Room 1.
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/DESpole%20-%20Innovantennas.jpg"
width=250 height=150>
<P class=caption>Yes - it <I>is</I> supposed to look that way! The
new <A href="http://www.despole.com/" target=_blank>Despole </A>from
Innovantennas combines an open-sleeve feed element with a little
creative geometry to provide high-performance 20-15-10 meter
performance in a small footprint.</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default>If you aren't making the trek to the <A
href="http://www.hamvention.org/" target=_blank>Dayton Hamvention</A> from
the West Coast, the San Mateo edition of the wildly popular <A
href="http://makerfaire.com/" target=_blank>Maker Faire</A> could serve as
a substitute - although without all the cool radio bargains. Held on the
same weekend as the Hamvention, the event attracts many thousands of
people to the more than 1000 "maker" booths and demonstrations of
Do-It-Yourself - everything from home cooking to giant Tesla coils and the
like!
<P class=default>James W. Cutler, KF6RFX, Assistant Professor, Department
of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan (developers of the
successful RAX cubesat mission) invite amateur satellite operators to
participate in the <A href="http://gs.engin.umich.edu/gs_survey/"
target=_blank>Ground Station Survey</A>. The engineering team is
collecting information on global ground station availability to improve
satellite communication capabilities. Their goal is to survey existing and
underutilized ground antennas to improve satellite communication
opportunities. (From <A href="http://amsat.org/" target=_blank>AMSAT</A>
bulletin ANS-090)
<P class=default><A href="http://www.zianet.com/qrp/qrpttf/2013.htm"
target=_blank>QRP To The Field (QRPTTF)</A> is about three weeks away and
the theme this year is "Happy Trails". That is, operating from some
historic trail. Contest sponsor, Paul NA5N, reports that there will be
several <A href="http://www.sota.org.uk/" target=_blank>Summits On the
Air</A> (SOTA) activations and other interesting stations on the air
during this outdoor event.
<P class=default>Just how <I>did</I> we get our original ham bands? Back
before WARC was a gleam in our eyes, A. L. Budlong, W1BUD wrote a couple
of articles explaining it all - the August and September 1959 issues of
<I>QST</I> tell the tale in "Geneva - 1959" in the <A
href="http://www.arrl.org/arrl-periodicals-archive-search"
target=_blank>online <I>QST </I>archives</A>.
<P class=default>Hams were recently credited with the "un-discovery" of an
island. Huh? Gene N7EO found this interesting <A
href="http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blogland/2013/mar/15/pacific-island-bigger-manhattan-vanishes/"
target=_blank>article</A> about how some hams looking for a DXpedition
location determined that the intended destination...wasn't!
<P class=default><A name=Newsweek target=_blank></A><B>Web Site of the
Week</B> - There is a brand-new score reporting service at the improved
and upgraded <A href="http://3830scores.com/"
target=_blank>3830scores.com</A> website constructed and managed by Bruce
Horn, WA7BNM. Instead of waiting for emailed score summaries, it just
takes one click to get a full report. (A final summary will still be
emailed out to the 3830 reflector.) Not only is there a new format, but
you can set your preferences so you don't have to enter your email
address, club, call sign, operator, etc every time. You can also view a
summary of contest activity from any call sign, including for the
operators of multi-op entries, for the past few years, and compare
activity from contest-to-contest, too. This has been in the works for a
while. As Bruce relates, "It's something that I had thought about doing
for the last 5 or more years, but never had found the time to finish it."
I can hardly believe that 3830 started 15 years ago and can't imagine
radiosport without it, not being able to share and compare claimed scores
within minutes of the contest! A big tip of the contester's cap to WA7BNM.
<P class=subhead>WORD TO THE WISE
<P class=default><B><I>Deadline</I></B> - something not to be missed,
particularly when it applies to your hard-won contest logs. Log submission
deadlines are tightening up "considerable" all around the radiosporting
world so don't procrastinate! The 5-day deadline for WPX SSB logs doesn't
seem to be hurting participation, though - the <A
href="http://www.cqwpx.com/logs_received_ssb.htm" target=_blank>CQ WPX
Logs Received Page</A> shows 5219 in the database at publication time!<A
name=toc03></A>
<DIV class=addiv><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=0"
target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Ad
src="http://www.arrl.org/nladredir.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=0"></A></DIV>
<DIV class=itemTitle>SIGHTS AND SOUNDS<A name=Sights
target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=default>How much does not being zero-beat in a pileup matter,
anyway? Listen to these four short samples and see which pairs of tones
are easier to separate: <A href="http://www.kkn.net/~n2ic/zerobeat.wav"
target=_blank>0 Hz separation</A>, <A
href="http://www.kkn.net/~n2ic/20hz.wav" target=_blank>20 Hz</A>, <A
href="http://www.kkn.net/~n2ic/40hz.wav" target=_blank>40 Hz</A>, and <A
href="http://www.kkn.net/~n2ic/60hz.wav" target=_blank>60 Hz</A>. Now
imagine sorting those tones for 48 hours straight! Where do you think your
signal would be the easiest to copy?
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/Suns%20Quiet%20Corona%20-%209%20April%202013%20-%20NASA-SDO.jpg">
<P class=caption>This image taken by the Solar Dynamics
Observatory's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument at 171
Angstrom shows the current conditions of the quiet corona and upper
transition region of the Sun. Given predictions...we might have to
get used to it! (<EM>Image Credit:
NASA/SDO</EM>)</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default><A href="http://www.amsat.org/"
target=_blank>AMSAT-NA</A> has also announced a dedicated <A
href="http://www.youtube.com/AMSATNA" target=_blank>YouTube channel</A>
for videos on and about amateur satellite operations. These will include
demonstration videos as well as presentations at the AMSAT-NA Dayton
Hamvention Forum and yearly General Membership Meeting and Symposium. The
channel also links to the AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-DL channels for additional
views and perspectives. (From AMSAT bulletin ANS-097)
<P class=default>I can identify with the sentiments expressed in this
remix of "<A href="http://www.wimp.com/beengineer/" target=_blank>I Want
To Be An Engineer</A>" by Only Won. (Thanks, Tim K3LR)<A name=toc04></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>RESULTS AND RECORDS<A name=Results
target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=default>Participation pins and Clean Sweep mugs for the 2012 ARRL
Sweepstakes contest were shipped on April 2nd. Look for them to start
arriving soon! (Thanks, ARRL Contest Branch Manager, Sean KX9X)
<P class=default>With the arrival of April CQ Magazine comes the results
from CQ WW SSB 2012 - months earlier than in previous years! That means
the <A href="http://www.wrtc2014.org/qualifying/qualification-standings"
target=_blank>updated WRTC-2014 event scores</A> are now posted, adding
scores from over 10,000 operators! In other scoring news, 41 scores in the
"Junior" and "Silver" categories for 2011 All Asian DX CW and 24 scores
for 2011 All Asian DX SSB were revised along with an operator change in
the RDXC 2012 contest. Official results for 47 of the 55 qualifying events
are now included and over 29,000 different operators have submitted scores
in those events. (Thanks, WRTC-2014 Team Selection Director, Dan, K1TO)
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/Tubes%20for%20Amp%20Builders%20-%20by%20N0AX.jpg"
width=250 height=188>
<P class=caption>Mmmmmm...tubes! Do we have any amplifier builders
out there? On display at the Houston Hamfest, this collection of
ceramic and copper sure caught the eye! (Photo by
NØAX)</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default>CQ WW Director, Randy K5ZD checks in to let us know that,
"The final log checking reports for all entries in the CQ WW DX CW Contest
2012 are now available. An email with a link to the report has been sent
to everyone who submitted a log with more than 25 contacts." If you didn't
receive your report, it might be due to a bad email address (or check your
spam filter's quarantined messages) so <A href="mailto:k5zd@cqww.com"
target=_blank>contact Randy</A> with the year, mode, and call sign of your
entry. By the way, more participation records for CQ WW were also set with
8,181 logs submitted for SSB and 7,214 for CW! With the SSB results are
now in the April issue of <I><A href="http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/"
target=_blank>CQ Magazin</A>e</I>, CW WW results will be in the May issue.
<P class=default>The <A href="http://www.rdxa.com/"
target=_blank>Rochester DX Association</A> is pleased to publish the
results of the 2012 New York QSO Party, held last October. Thanks for all
the hard work, Bruce KC2QLJ and Paul K2DB, NYQP Coordinator and Advisor.
<P class=subhead>OPERATING TIP
<P class=default>Back up! It's not so much an operating tip as a
management tip so you don't lose the results of your operating. Larry K8UT
presents an aggressive strategy for backing up your data in the April 2013
issue of the <A href="http://pvrc.org/newsltrs.htm" target=_blank>PVRC
Newsletter</A>.<A name=toc05></A>
<DIV class=addiv><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=1"
target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Ad
src="http://www.arrl.org/nladredir.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=1"></A></DIV>
<DIV class=itemTitle>TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION<A name=Tech
target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=default>The use of an external SDR receiver as a panadapter
requires acquiring the IF signal from the main radio. To isolate the two
radios and prevent loading of the main IF, it's a good idea to use a
buffer amp as shown in this modification for the IC-910H VHF/UHF radio by
<A href="http://www.vk2dag.com/Docs/IC-910%20SDR%20Mod.pdf"
target=_blank>VK2DAG</A>. (Thanks, Les N1LF)
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/3900%20pF%20Cap%20-%20by%20N0AX.jpg"
width=225 height=300>
<P class=caption>Do you think a 3900-pF capacitor with a 20-amp
rating at 3000 kHz is sufficiently beefy for the amateur bands?
(Photo by NØAX)</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default>It's bug-nest-building season again north of the Equator
and the wee beasties will be investigating every suitable home, including
antenna traps and other outdoor enclosures with drain holes. Keep the
little buggers on the right side (that would be the OUT side) of your
electronics by covering the hole with a little piece of window screen.
Electrical tape or an outdoor glue will hold it securely. (Thanks, Brian
K3KO)
<P class=default>Talk about hand tools - here's the <A
href="http://blog.makezine.com/2013/02/26/tool-tales-the-pump-drill/"
target=_blank>pump drill</A> - one of the oldest of all and it still might
have an application in the field!
<P class=default>For building that new receiving array, Frank W3LPL
recommends these inexpensive 24-volt microwave <A
href="http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16510"
target=_blank>SPDT RF relays</A> sealed in a DIP package from Electronic
Goldmine as having superb isolation. It takes only 8 milliamps to drive
the coil.
<P class=default>Roger VE3ZI notes that he uses some surplus hardline with
an aluminum outer and a solid copper inner conductor. In the cold
temperatures of the Ontario winters, the different thermal expansion
characteristics of the two metals causes the copper conductor (which
expands and contracts more) to pull a contact completely out of a
connector! To keep this from happening, form the hardline into an S-bend
next to the connector. If there is a joint between two cable runs, make
one bend on each side of the joint.
<P class=default>"<A
href="http://www.designnews.com/author.asp?section_id=1368&doc_id=248351&dfpPParams=ind_184,bid_272,aid_248351&dfpLayout=blog"
target=_blank>Antenna 4 Has No Base Current</A>" is the title of a recent
<I>Design News</I> magazine "Sherlock Ohms" column. Anyone who has
wrestled with technical problems will enjoy reading through these
engineering detective short stories.
<P class=default>As camping, fishing, and gardening take off, watch for
sales and specials of materials that also make good "ham stuff". For
example, fishing tackle boxes, fencing wire, rope, and other outdoor
recreation supplies are all useful around the shack and antenna farm!
<P class=default><A name=Techweek target=_blank></A><B>Technical Web Site
of the Week</B> - A bias tee allows you to send dc on a coax feed line
without affecting RF signals on the same feed line. The general design
parameters are discussed in this <A
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_tee" target=_blank>Wikipedia
article</A>. For use with Beverages, Les W2LK recommends using 0.1 µF
capacitors and 100 µH inductors rated for the load current. If you want to
use ac current instead of dc, check out the <A
href="http://www.ameritron.com/support.php?productid=RCS-4"
target=_blank>Ameritron RCS-4</A> remote coax switch circuit.<A
name=toc06></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>CONVERSATION<A name=Conversation
target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=subhead>Any Category Imaginable
<P class=default>Recent exchanges on the <A
href="http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/CQ-Contest"
target=_blank>CQ-Contest Reflector</A> have mulled over the possibilities
of less than full-time categories in major contests. Would that encourage
more participation? Would it hurt participation by reducing the incentive
to operate longer? Would the usual competitive operators jump on the
opportunity to win yet another category? It's hard to say without trying.
<P class=default>Doug KR2Q posted some statistics from a recent CQ WW CW:
<UL>
<LI>~50% operated for < 10.5 hours
<LI>~75% operated for < 19 hours
<LI>~90% operated for < 30 hours
<LI>~95% operated for < 36 hours</LI></UL>
<P class=default>In addition, Chris DL8MBL (with the help of KD6MHW) <A
href="http://www.dl8mbs.de/40984/45289.html" target=_blank>reviewed open
logs</A> to see how long people actually operated and tried <A
href="http://www.dl8mbs.de/40984/47701.html" target=_blank>different
methods</A> of calculating what is considered "on" and "off" time. As you
can see, most contesters don't enter even the big contests for anything
close to full-time.
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 7px 10px" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0
width=250 align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG border=1 alt=""
src="http://www3.arrl.org/nl/cu/image/Contest%20Update%20-%202013%20Apr%2010/AC7A%20and%20VU2PTT-%20from%20AC7A.jpg"
width=250 height=228>
<P class=caption>Thomas AC7A (L) and Prasad VU2PTT recently got
together for a nice Mexican lunch...in Bangalore! Prasad has been
busy putting the VU multiplier in a lot of North American logs over
the past few years! (Photo by AC7A)</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=default>This could be because we are getting older and less able
to park our rear ends in the shack chair for long periods. It could be
because everyone is busier and has less time to devote to contesting. Who
knows? Yet there certainly seemed to be a lot of interest in the
short-term categories. I'm sure contest sponsors watched the discussion
with interest.
<P class=default>Adding categories to a contest is not free - even if all
of the administrative effort is volunteered. Software needs to be
rewritten and debugged. Reports and results tables get changed, along with
records which now have before-and-after dates. New certificates and any
other awards need to be generated and delivered. So adding a category
requires some consideration of practicality. And then there is the
inevitable follow-up, "If you created THAT category, why not MY category?"
<P class=default>Trey N5KO came up with the idea of the "extended line
score" some years ago in which, along with the data used by the sponsor to
populate the existing categories, additional data would be published as
information. No awards would be based on the extra data but it would be
public if anyone was interested. With today's online publishing tools,
making the data available as a downloadable table has never been easier.
We already see some great things being created from public logs, as well,
by websites such as <A href="http://www.cqcontest.ru"
target=_blank>cqcontest.ru</A>.
<P class=default>The extended line score already exists for some contests
- take a look at recent <A
href="http://www2.darc.de/ukw-funksport/ukw/Ergebnis/mai-2012a.txt"
target=_blank>results</A> of a DARC VHF+ contest. The data for each score
includes:
<UL>
<LI>Call Sign
<LI>DOK Location ID
<LI>Grid Square (6 char)
<LI>QSOs
<LI>Points (Score)
<LI>Best DX Call Sign
<LI>Best DX Grid Square
<LI>Best DX Points
<LI>Power Used
<LI>Height of Antennas
<LI>Elevation of Station
<LI>Antennas Used
<LI>Operator Call Signs</LI></UL>
<P class=default>The result tables are published in order of just one of
those bits of data - Score. The rest is available to the contesters to
sort and arrange however they wish. Operating time would be just another
column in the table. If public logs were available, operating time could
even be calculated from the logs.
<P class=default>We have "contests within a contest" that play by the
existing rules to compete in a new way. Isn't that just about the same
thing as a new category, anyway? Why not compromise? Most contest sponsors
are already short of administrative resources so why not just publish more
data - at zero cost beyond creating the table - and let the contest
community create the categories? WRTC has used this approach to qualify
the participants based on published scores. If there turns out to be
sufficient interest, the sponsors may consider adding the category.
<P class=default>How can you tell if there is sufficient interest? I
suppose the tongue-in-cheek response would be to watch for arguments about
it - then you have a category. What categories could you create? With the
fertile minds and programming skills in the contest community, the sky is
truly the limit if given the data - any category you can imagine.
<P class=default>73, Ward NØAX<A name=toc07></A>
<DIV class=addiv><A
href="http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=2"
target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Ad
src="http://www.arrl.org/nladredir.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-04-10&p=2"></A></DIV>
<DIV class=itemTitle>CONTESTS<A name=Contests target=_blank></A></DIV>
<P class=default><B>10 April through 23 April</B>
<P class=default>An expanded, downloadable version of QST's <A
href="http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar" target=_blank>Contest Corral
in PDF format</A> is available. Check the sponsor's Web site for
information on operating time restrictions and other instructions.
<P class=default><B>HF CONTESTS</B>
<P class=default>ARRL Rookie Roundup--Phone, from Apr 21, 1800Z to Apr 21,
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: Both calls, name, check, S/P XE# or
"DX". Logs due: See web. <A href="http://www.arrl.org/contests"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<HR>
<P class=default>NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW, from Apr 10, 0030Z to Apr
10, 0230Z. Monthly on 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Wednesday local time
(alternating). Bands (MHz): 3.5-14. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and NAQCC mbr nr
or power. Logs due: 4 days. <A href="http://naqcc.info/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Test--CW, from Apr 10, 1300Z to
Apr 10, 0400Z. Multiple operating periods, twice monthly on 2nd and 4th
Wed. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Frequencies (MHz): 18 to 28 kHz above band edge.
Exchange: Name, member number or S/P/C. Logs due: 2 days. <A
href="http://www.cwops.org/onair.html" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>EU Spring Sprints--CW, from Apr 13, 1600Z to Apr 13,
1959Z . Bands (MHz): 3.5-14. Frequencies (MHz): 3.550, 7.025, 14.040.
Exchange: Both call signs, serial, name. Logs due: 15 days. <A
href="http://www.eu-sprint.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Montana QSO Party, from Apr 13, 0000Z to Apr 15, 0000Z.
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50-432. Exchange: S/P/C or MT county. Logs due: 7
days. <A href="http://www.fvarc.org/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Japan International DX Contest--CW, from Apr 13, 0700Z to
Apr 14, 1300Z . Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, JA prefecture or CQ
Zone. Logs due: 30 days. <A href="http://jidx.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>New Mexico QSO Party, from Apr 13, 1400Z to Apr 14,
0200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Frequencies (MHz): CW-1.85, 3.55, 7.045,
14.05, 21.05, 28.05, 50.095; SSB-1.85, 3.815, 7.26, 14.28, 21.38, 28.38,
50.13. Exchange: Call sign, name, and NM county or S/P/C. Logs due: May 4.
<A href="http://www.swcp.com/~n5zgt" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Georgia QSO Party, from Apr 13, 1800Z to Apr 14, 0359Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Frequencies (MHz): CW
1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045, 28.045, 50.095; Phone 1.865, 3.810,
7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450, 50.135. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or GA
county. Logs due: May 15. <A href="http://www.georgiaqsoparty.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Yuri Gagarin DX Contest--CW, from Apr 13, 2100Z to Apr
14, 2100Z . Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, ITU Zone. Logs due: May
14. <A href="http://gc.qst.ru/en" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>International Vintage Contest, from Apr 14, 1200Z to Apr
14, 1800Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Frequencies (MHz): Multiple operating
periods. Exchange: RS(T), grid square. Logs due: May 30. <A
href="http://www.contestvintage.beepworld.it/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Run For the Bacon--CW, from Apr 15, 0200Z to Apr 15,
0400Z. Monthly on 3rd Sunday night (local). Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange:
RST, S/P/C, Flying Pig nr or power. <A href="http://www.fpqrp.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Holyland DX Contest, from Apr 19, 2100Z to Apr 20, 2100Z.
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RS(T), serial or Israel district. Logs due:
May 31. <A href="http://www.iarc.org/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital, from Apr 20,
0000Z to Apr 20, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix.
Logs due: May 17. <A
href="http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>ES Open HF Championship, from Apr 20, 0500Z to Apr 20,
0859Z . Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RS(T), serial, dupes OK once/hour.
Logs due: May 21. <A href="http://www.erau.ee/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Worked All Provinces of China--Phone,CW, from Apr 20,
0600Z to Apr 21, 0559Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RS(T) and serial or
province abbreviation. Logs due: 7 days. <A
href="http://www.mulandxc.org/144" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>CQMM DX Contest--CW, from Apr 20, 1200Z to Apr 21, 2359Z.
Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RST, continent, and category. Logs due: Jun
30. <A href="http://www.cqmmdx.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>EU Spring Sprints--Phone, from Apr 20, 1600Z to Apr 20,
1959Z . Bands (MHz): 3.5-14. Frequencies (MHz): 3.730, 7.050, 14.250.
Exchange: Both call signs, serial, name. Logs due: 15 days. <A
href="http://www.eu-sprint.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Michigan QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1600Z to Apr 21, 0400Z .
Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Frequencies (MHz): CW 45 kHz from band edge, Phone
3.825, 7.200, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450. Exchange: Serial and MI county or
S/P/C. Logs due: 30 days. <A href="http://www.miqp.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>EA QRP Contest--CW, from Apr 20, 1700Z to Apr 21, 1300Z .
Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RST, category, M if EA QRP member. Logs
due: 30 days. <A href="http://www.eaqrp.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Nebraska QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21, 1800Z.
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, Frequencies (MHz): CW: 1.805 and 35 kHz above
band edge,Nov/Tech--10 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.915, 3.865, 7.265,
14.265, 21.365, 28.465, 146.460. Exchange: RS(T), NE county or S/P/C. Logs
due: May 31. <A href="http://www.qcwa.org/chapter025.htm"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>South Dakota QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21,
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Frequencies (MHz): CW - 3.58, 7.035, 14.07;
Phone - 1.845, 3.855, 7.180, 14.255, 21.355, 28.455 on SSB; RTTY - 3.585,
7.038, 14.075, 21.075; PSK - Clg Freq. Exchange: RS(T) and SD county or
S/P/C. Logs due: Jun 1. <A href="http://www.w0blk.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>North Dakota QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21,
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144. Exchange: RST and ND county or S/P/C.
Logs due: May 15. <A href="http://www.w0nd.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Ontario QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21, 0500Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144. Frequencies
(MHz): CW 30 kHz above band edge; Phone 1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260,
14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; VHF-SSB: 50.130, 52.540, 144.205, 146.550.
Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or Ontario QTH. Logs due: May 18. <A
href="http://www.va3cco.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Feld-Hell New Member Sprint--Digital, from Apr 20, 2000Z
to Apr 20, 2200Z. Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange:
RST, S/P/C, Feld-Hell member nr. Logs due: 7 days. <A
href="http://www.feldhellclub.org/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>YU DX Contest--CW, from Apr 20, 2100Z to Apr 21, 0500Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and ITU
zone. Logs due: 30 days. <A
href="http://www.yu1srs.org.rs/dl/yudx/yudxmain.html"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default><B>VHF+ CONTESTS</B>
<P class=default>VHF Spring Sprints, from Apr 16, 7 PM to Apr 16, 11 PM.
Bands (MHz): 222. Exchange: Grid square (6-character preferred). Logs due:
14 days. <A href="http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Worldwide EME Contest, from Apr 13, 0000Z to Apr 14,
2400Z. Bands (MHz): 10G+. Exchange: TMO/RS(T) and "R". Logs due: Jul 14.
<A href="http://www.dubus.org/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Montana QSO Party, from Apr 13, 0000Z to Apr 15, 0000Z.
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50-432. Exchange: S/P/C or MT county. Logs due: 7
days. <A href="http://www.fvarc.org/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>New Mexico QSO Party, from Apr 13, 1400Z to Apr 14,
0200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Frequencies (MHz): CW-1.85, 3.55, 7.045,
14.05, 21.05, 28.05, 50.095; SSB-1.85, 3.815, 7.26, 14.28, 21.38, 28.38,
50.13. Exchange: Call sign, name, and NM county or S/P/C. Logs due: May 4.
<A href="http://www.swcp.com/~n5zgt" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Georgia QSO Party, from Apr 13, 1800Z to Apr 14, 0359Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Frequencies (MHz): CW
1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045, 28.045, 50.095; Phone 1.865, 3.810,
7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450, 50.135. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or GA
county. Logs due: May 15. <A href="http://www.georgiaqsoparty.org/"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital, from Apr 20,
0000Z to Apr 20, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix.
Logs due: May 17. <A
href="http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Nebraska QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21, 1800Z.
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, Frequencies (MHz): CW: 1.805 and 35 kHz above
band edge,Nov/Tech--10 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.915, 3.865, 7.265,
14.265, 21.365, 28.465, 146.460. Exchange: RS(T), NE county or S/P/C. Logs
due: May 31. <A href="http://www.qcwa.org/chapter025.htm"
target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>North Dakota QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21,
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144. Exchange: RST and ND county or S/P/C.
Logs due: May 15. <A href="http://www.w0nd.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A>
<P class=default>Ontario QSO Party, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 21, 0500Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144. Frequencies
(MHz): CW 30 kHz above band edge; Phone 1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260,
14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; VHF-SSB: 50.130, 52.540, 144.205, 146.550.
Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or Ontario QTH. Logs due: May 18. <A
href="http://www.va3cco.com/" target=_blank>Rules</A><A name=toc08></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>LOG DUE DATES</DIV>
<P class=default><B>10 April through 23 April 2013</B>
<UL>
<LI>April 10 - <A href="http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/rberu.shtml"
target=_blank>RSGB Commonwealth Contest</A>
<LI>April 11 - <A href="http://www.warac.org/wqp/wiqp_rules.htm"
target=_blank>Wisconsin QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 12 - <A
href="http://www.sarl.org.za/Documents/SARL_Contest_Manual_2013_Issue_11.pdf"
target=_blank>SARL 80m QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 13 - <A href="http://www.cwops.org/onair.html"
target=_blank>CWops Mini-CWT Test</A>
<LI>April 13 - <A href="http://naqcc.info/sprint201304.html"
target=_blank>NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint</A>
<LI>April 14 - <A href="http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html"
target=_blank>NCCC Sprint Ladder</A>
<LI>April 15 - <A href="http://www.classicexchange.org/jan13ann.html"
target=_blank>Classic Exchange, CW</A>
<LI>April 15 - <A href="http://www.classicexchange.org/jan13ann.html"
target=_blank>Classic Exchange, Phone</A>
<LI>April 15 - <A
href="http://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2013_VQP/2013_VQP_Rules.html"
target=_blank>Virginia QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 16 - <A href="http://k5cm.com/okqp2013rules.pdf"
target=_blank>Oklahoma QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 16 - <A
href="https://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/2013-announcement-rules"
target=_blank>144 MHz Spring Sprint</A>
<LI>April 16 - <A href="http://www.lzopen.com/lzocc40/indexF.htm"
target=_blank>LZ Open 40m Sprint Contest</A>
<LI>April 16 - <A href="http://www.qcwa.org/2013qso-party.htm"
target=_blank>QCWA Spring QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 17 - <A
href="http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/r80mcc.shtml"
target=_blank>RSGB 80m Club Championship, SSB</A>
<LI>April 18 - <A href="http://naqcc-eu.org/sprints/rules/current.pdf"
target=_blank>NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint</A>
<LI>April 20 - <A href="http://www.podxs070.com/31-flavors"
target=_blank>PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest</A>
<LI>April 20 - <A
href="http://www.clarayl.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=71"
target=_blank>CLARA HF Contest</A>
<LI>April 21 - <A
href="http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/"
target=_blank>SKCC Weekend Sprintathon</A>
<LI>April 21 - <A
href="http://www.fvarc.org/sites/default/files/library/2013%20MT%20QSO%20Party%20Rules.pdf"
target=_blank>Montana QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 21 - <A
href="http://www.qrparci.org/contests/spring-qso-party-2013"
target=_blank>QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party</A>
<LI>April 23 - <A
href="http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/rropoco.shtml"
target=_blank>RSGB RoPoCo SSB</A></LI></UL><A name=toc09></A>
<DIV class=itemTitle>ARRL Information</DIV>
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<DIV class=itemTitle>ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS</DIV>
<P class=default>ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information
from <A href="http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal" target=_blank>WA7BNM's
Contest Calendar</A> and <A href="http://www.sk3bg.se/contest"
target=_blank>SM3CER's Contest Calendar</A>. </P></TD>
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<P>The ARRL Contest Update is published every other Wednesday (26 times
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