[Fists] 13-15 September FISTS North America's Get Your Feet Wet Weekend

[Graham Smith]

GET YOUR FEET WET WEEKEND 
http://fists.org/operating.html#feetwet

Despite all the controversy about licensing and requirements, there are a
lot of new hams who are intrigued with the code after passing their 5WPM. 

But, like we all were (or are!), they are intimidated and nervous about
getting on the air. They've had bad experiences on Field Day or other
contests and QSO's where people won't QRS (slow down), and they are getting
frustrated. We don't want that to happen! We want to encourage and nurture
these new CW operators. The Novice RoundUp used to be a good forum for this,
but the Novice concept is obsolete. Something needs to be implemented that
would include all classes of newcomers and give them a friendly place to
learn the ropes. 

The 2013 Get Your Feet Wet Weekend will be 0000Z Friday September 13
(Thursday local) through 0000Z September 16, 2013. 

The focus is on sending slowly and clearly and sending the exchange in
order. No memory or programable keyers or code readers are allowed
-human-powered transmissions only. Certificates will be sent out to the top
three scorers in each category free of charge.  

The rules: Operate under one of two categories for the entire event,
Newcomer or Experienced. You can be licensed a long time but still be a
Newcomer to CW or contesting. You're on the honor system: Choose whichever
describes your ability. 

Suggested calling frequencies are 3.558, 7.110, 14.110, 21.110, and
28.110.If you don't hear anyone, go ahead and call. Get your feet wet and
jump in with a CQ FC on a clear frequency. YOU are there listening; chances
are someone else is listening and waiting to hear a CQ, too. 

Call CQ FC. 

The Exchange: Callsign/N (newcomer) or Callsign/E (experienced), RST, Name,
QTH, FISTS number or power, last two digits of the year licensed. 

Example: WZ8C/E, 599, Nancy, MI, 0379, 88. 

Count 2 points for working someone out of your category, 1 point for working
someone in your category 

Multipliers are number of stations that were licensed during the last   six
years. For example   in 2012, it would be stations licensed in 2007-2012, in
year 2013 it would be stations licensed in 2008-2013, and so on. 

Stations may be worked once per band for points, but their multiplier only
counts once. 

No WARC bands. 

Contacts must be 2-way human-keyed CW (Iambics are fine - just no
computerized or memory keyers). 

LOG SUBMISSIONS: 

All log entries must be received 30 days after the Sprint to be considered
valid. 
Sending the logs is what counts, and they will be spot checked for accuracy
and correct scoring procedures. 
Logs not sent to the proper address will not be considered for entry.

All logs MUST contain the following information to be considered for entry;
Your name and call sign. Your FISTS number if a member. Entry class. Your
claimed score. List of claimed multipliers.
The entry form is the best way to record this information.

ELECTRONIC LOGS: 

We will accept E-logs in standard, Text, Excel, ADIF, Word, or ASCII text
files. If you're not sure about your format, please contact me before the
contest entry deadline.

Logs within 30 days to: email (Text, Excel, ADIF, Word, or ASCII format) to
feetwetlogs at fists.org 

PAPER LOGS: 

Send log and forms to:

Feet Wet Log
c/o Curtis Gidding KC9UNL
109-B West Tomaras Ave.
Savoy, IL
61874 


73 de Graham G3ZOD FISTS #8385
FISTS Membership Secretary
http://fists.co.uk