[Elecraft] Cool Maidenhead Grid Contest for 160 m

Sun Dec 14 17:05:59 2003

At long last, I'm installing some internal options for my K2, including the 
160 m/receive antenna module.  I intend to try it out the K2 with a way-cook 
contest for 160 m.  (Do I remember correctly that the firmware for the K1 
will also handle 160 m and that some K1 owners have put that band on a 
2-band module?) The Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge is not one of 
those boring "bzzzzzz   dah-dit  dah-dit" contests where almost eveyone 
hands out fibs in the guise of signal reports.  The exchange is a four-digit 
Maidenhead grid.  To calculate your Maidenhead grid, go to:
<http://www.arrl.org/locate/grid.html>.

ARRL members can download a relevant QST article:
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/tis/info/pdf/18929.pdf>.

Notice that the contest has a QRP category with a special multiplier and 
bonus points.

RULES
                EIGHTH STEW PERRY TOPBAND DISTANCE CHALLENGE

1. Contest period:  1500Z December 27th to 1500Z December 28th, 2003.
   Operate for a maximum of 14 hours.

2. Bands and mode: 160 meters CW only.

3. Categories: Single operator or multi-operator.  Remote or packet
   spotting shall not be used.  Transmitting and receiving antennas
   shall be located at the same QTH.

4. Exchange: Four character grid square (i.e. CN85).

5. QSO Points: The number of QSO points for each contact depends on the
   distance between the two stations.  This is computed by taking the
   distance between the centers of the two grid squares.  Count a minimum
   of one point per QSO and an additional point for every 500 kilometers
   distance.  For example, a QSO with a station 1750 kilometers away will
   count for 4 QSO points.  No additional distance for long path is allowed.

   Special QRP QSO bonus.  For each QSO you work with a QRP station that
   we receive a log for, you will receive a 2X QSO point bonus.

   Do not worry if your logging software does not compute the QSO points.
   Our automated log checking software does this.

6. Score: Final score equals the total number of QSO points.  There is
   no multiplier for different grids worked.  Stations running 5 to 100
   watts output multiply their score by 2.  Stations running less
   than 5 watts multiply their score by 4.  Scores will be grouped by
   category.

7. Reporting: Your log can be sent via the internet to [email protected]
   using the Cabrillo format before January 31st, 2004.  Paper entries can
   be mailed to BARC 15125 SE Bartell Rd; Boring, OR  97009.  If possible
   please provide an electronic copy of your log.

8. Plaques will be awarded for categories we have sponsors for.  To
   volunteer to sponsor a plaque, contact Lew Sayre, W7EW at
   [email protected].  A list of the plaques sponsored can be found on
   the web at http://jzap.com/k7rat/stew.html.  Certificates will also
   be sent to the high scores in each grid field (first two letters of
   the grid).  This service is provided by Jim, K1PX.

9. Results are published on the web in September.  Look for an
   announcement on the topband and contest reflectors.

72,

J. Bruce Prior N7RR
Kairos Research
853 Alder Street
Blaine, WA  98230-8030
360-332-6046

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