[Boatanchors] AWA Old Tyme Radio Test Jan 26-27 and 29-30th

[AI2Q]

Just a reminder gang:

A lot of vintage QRP and QRO rigs will be on the air for the upcoming Antique Wireless Association's CW test on January 26-27 and January 29-30.

Dubbed the Linc Cundall Memorial OT Contest, ops usually use old transmitting and/or receiving equipment (usually stuff prior to 1946). Modern rigs are also welcomed, although non-AWA-member contacts get no points in the "contest." 

You will, however, be treated to hearing some very unusual notes, from raspy self-rectified rigs, to chirpy drifty free-running 1920s oscillators and the like! A lot of old time rigs run from batteries, and many are one or two watt peanut whistles, for sure.

I hope to be on the air with my 1938 replica 6L6 rig, which you can see here:

http://users.adelphia.net/~alexmm/1930/OT_rig.htm

My receivers will include a 1939 Hammarlund HQ-120-X and a 1934 National HRO.

The rocks I have on hand put me on 3552-3554 (using an ancient Eidson jumbo xtal holder that lets me adjust the pressure on the rock, and change it freq across that span), as well as 3586, 7037, 7042, and 7049. Not sure if I'll fire up on 20-M yet. Will have to see what quartz I can scrounge up.

The exchanges take place on 160, 80, 40 and 20 meters.  Folks usually call "AWA" instead of "CQ," although some call "CQ AWA."

The event starts at 6 PM EST (2300z) on Wednesday and ends at 6 PM EST on Thursday, and is repeated (for a total score) on the weekend dates.

Frequencies are 1800-1820, 3550-3580, 7030-7050, and 14060-14070, but many ops listen a bit outside these limits as well.

If you hear participating stations, the exchanges will likely be something like: "RST," and year of rig, i.e. "TX 38" and "RX 39," for my 6L6 rig and Hammarlund receiver, respectively. If you're using modern gear, you'd send "MOD."

QSO points per contact by zone:

E to E or W to W 1 point
E to W or W to E 2 points
E, W to DX or DX to DX 3 points

E is US call areas, 1,2,3,4,8 and 9 and VE1, VE2, and VE3
W is areas 5,6,7,and 0 plus VE4, VE5, VE6 and VE7.

Equipment multiplers:

Modern TX and RX (after 1946) = 1
Old TX or RX     = 2
Old TX and RX    = 3

Power multiplers (based on input to final amplifier or oscillator):
0 - 4.9 watts = 4
5 - 24.9 watts = 3
25 - 100 watts = 2
100 watts and higher = 1

Logs to: W1FPZ.

Learn a bnit more at http://www.antiquewireless.org/amrad.htm and http://www.antiquewireless.org/otb/awanews.htm

I'd be happy to answer any questions. Please listen for the AWA ops! In past years this event has been a blast, and some Dx stations have been on, too. 

CU there. Tks. 

Vy 73, AI2Q, Alex in Maine  QRP-L #687
http://users.adelphia.net/~alexmm/ai2q.htm