[Elecraft] EQP Proposed Rules Revision

[Bob Patten]

Hello Elecrafters,
     Many of you know me and that I am obsessed with contesting.  I have 
participated in each of the Elecraft QSO Parties since
its inception and have strongly suggested a couple of rules changes 
following each.  Wayne, N6KR took note of my interest and
asked my help in revising the rules for the 2006 EQP.  So while on 
Thanksgiving holiday in Vermont for a few days, I used some
spare time to compose a suggested set of rules which appear below.  
These are not a final draft!!!  Wayne and I request that you
examine them closely and make any suggestions for further improvement.  
Please e-mail me directly with your suggestions: n4bp at bellsouth.net
Depending on volume, I can't promise to answer every e-mail, but rest 
assured that I will carefully read each one, take notes, and
later summarize to the Elecraft Reflector.

The major changes from the original format:
1. New exchange - RST, S/P/C, and Elecraft rig and S/N (or power for 
non-Elecraft).  The name was replaced with S/P/C,
but feel free to extend the QSO and share name and other non-contest 
comments.
2. Suggested frequencies - loosely follow the QRP calling frequencies, 
but with enough range to take high power stations
off the calling frequencies.
3. Scoring - S/P/C mult added.  I think most will agree that it's fun to 
watch the contest score grow as each new entity is worked.
4. A power multiplier is applied which levels the playing field for all 
power levels.
5. Overall - the format follows fairly closely that used for the ARCI 
QSO Parties, MI QRP contests, and SOC Marathon Sprint.
This format has worked well for many years and is already implemented in 
existing contest software.

                2006 ELECRAFT QSO PARTY (EQP) RULES

Object: To have fun, work old and new friends, work new S/P/C's 
(States/Provinces/Countries)
        for awards, and optionally collect some Elecraft rig serial 
numbers. 
        Open to everyone - no Elecraft rig required.

When: 1500z March 11 to 1500z March 12, 2006 (second full weekend in March).
      You can operate any number of hours during this period.

Bands: Use 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 Meters ONLY.

Suggested Frequencies (Loosely based on QRP calling freqs):

CW:  1805-1815, 3555-3580 (incl 3579 xtals), 7035-7045, 14055-14065, 
21055-21065, 28055-28065

SSB: 1905-1915, 3980-3990, 7280-7290, 14280-14290, 21380-21390, 28405-28415

DIGITAL: PSK31 - commonly used frequencies (e.g. near 14070)
         RTTY  - commonly used frequencies (except 7075-7085 to avoid CW 
stations near 7040)

Multiple Contacts with Same Station:
                       Each station may be worked on each mode and each band
                       for QSO credit.  The three modes are CW, SSB, and 
Digital.

Exchange:
Elecraft rig users:    RST, S/P/C, rig, serial # (e.g. "559 CA K2 NR 3000")
Others:                RST, S/P/C, power output  (e.g. "559 FL 5W")

QSO Points(All modes): Elecraft s/n logged = 5 points
                       Different continent = 4 points
                       Output power logged = 2 points
                                               
Multiplier:            S/P/C total for all bands and modes.
                       The same station may be worked on all bands and modes
                       for QSO points and S/P/C credit

Power Multiplier:       CW/Digital Modes:    SSB PEP:
                        0 - <250mW = X15     0 - <500mW = X15
                       250mW - <1W = X10    500mW - <2W = X10
                           1W - 5W = X7        2W - 10W = X7
                               >5W = X1            >10W = X1

                       Highest power used at any time on any mode 
determines multiplier.
                       Please limit power to 100W maximum.

Score:                 QSO points X S/P/C's X Power Mult

Submission Info:       Name, Callsign, S/P/C, Score Summary, Station 
Equipment
                       Send to: eqp at elecraft.com by April 12
                       Also include soapbox, but no logs (EQP is based 
on honor system)

Awards: ???  Certificate for top US and DX entries?

Additional Important Notes:
                       1. No cross-mode QSOs
                       2. Packet use is encouraged during the contest.  
Feel free to
                          spot stations calling "CQ EQP".
                       3. Avoid nets and FISTs frequencies.  When using 
QRP calling
                          frequencies, use QRP power (5W or less for 
CW/Digital,
                          10W PEP or less for SSB).
                       4. Have longer QSOs than just EQP exchange if you 
wish.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What are S/P/C's???
A: States (U.S.)/Provinces (Canada)/Countries (DXCC list)

Q: Do I need to use an Elecraft rig or contact stations so equipped?
A: No, But Elecraft rig users should send their rig types and serial 
numbers.

Q: Is there any incentive to work stations who are using Elecraft rigs?
A: Yes.  QSOs count five points and also count toward Elecraft CC and 
WAS awards.

Q: How do I call CQ so people will know I'm participating?
A: Call "CQ EQP"

Q: Can I work a station more than once per band?
A: Yes, once per mode (CW, Digital, and SSB).
 
Q: Can I count QSOs made on six meters and above.
A: No. EQP is HF only at present.

Q: What if I change power output during ther contest?
A: Use the power multiplier for the highest power used.

Q: Can I use more than one transceiver during the contest?
A: Absolutely!  Experimentation with different rigs, modes, and antennas 
is encouraged.
   Take the rig outside and use a random wire.  Invite a friend or 
family member to
   try making a contact.  Make a few Qs from your couch using a KX1.

Q: 24 hours?  Seems awfully long for a QSO Party.
A: Many contests run 48 hours!  We want everyone throughout the world to 
have
   a good chance at band openings.

Q: Is there software available for the EQP?
A: The rules closely resemble the ARCI and MI QSO Parties, as well as 
the SOC
   Marathon Sprint.  DOS based NA and TRLOG as well as Windows based 
N1MM Logger and
   others support these contests and will therefore work with the EQP.  
See other links.

-- 
73,     Bob Patten, N4BP                Plantation, FL

E-Mail: n4bp at arrl.net                   Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp
QRP ARCI #3412    SOC #1    ARS #799    SMIRK #6625          FISTS #7871