[HCRA] Calling All Rookies -- and Non-Rookies, Too! Get On the Air for the ARRL Rookie Roundup

[Jim - KK1W]

OK gang, how many HCRA members will be on the air April 18th?


HCRA if firmly behind this mini-contest as we feel it offers a fantastic
opportunity for the noob (Rookie) to try out some HF operating. To that
extent we are asking our experienced members to take on the roles of mentor,
and/or station owner and offer their services to anyone looking to have fun
in April.


Need some help operating? One of our mentors can visit your shack, review
your setup and be there to assist.


Don't have HF equipment? Some of our mentors will be offering a loaner rig
just for the contest.


Don't have an HF station? Check the list for some "Open Shacks" where you
can go to operate. Unfortunately the rules don't allow for a multi-operator
class so only one person per station - at least for 2010.


So, what's your excuse now?


Stay tuned for a list of mentors/loaners/open shacks. In the meantime please
drop a note back to our email list indicating your intention to operate in
Rookie Roundup and what, if any, assistance you may need.


I would ask anyone on the HCRA list that would like to mentor or contribute
please respond with your offering as well. By keeping this discussion alive
and on the list we will all be up to date on the who, what and where. 


I'll start off by offering the use of my station to the first 'Rookie' that
gets in touch with me.


After the March meeting I will set-up a web page that will assemble all the
bits of information gathered from the list.


'73 and remember - the best way to have fun in this hobby is to get out
there and do something! The full text of the ARRL announcement is copied
below.


Jim, KK1W


 


 


Calling All Rookies -- and Non-Rookies, Too! Get On the Air for the ARRL
Rookie Roundup


The ARRL Rookie Roundup is designed to help newly licensed amateurs build
their operating skills on HF. It is a contest specifically for those new to
Amateur Radio, similar to the ARRL Novice Roundup that ran from 1952 until
1995. The Rookie Roundup brings the fun and Elmering of the old Novice
Roundup into the 21st century. Three Rookie Roundups will be held each
calendar year: SSB in April, RTTY in August and CW in December.

The Rookie Roundup will be scored 100 percent in real time through the
www.getscores.org scoring system. There are three ways to participate: by
using your favorite logging software with the real time scoring support, by
downloading a simple logging program from the www.getscores.org Web site or
by logging your contacts directly into a www.getscores.org Web page. No
separate logs are required -- it all happens online in real time and final
scores will be available online within hours of the end of the contest! More
information is available on all of these options at www.getscores.org. Of
course, you can get on the air and make contacts without logging them, but
you won't have as much fun!

Who Can Participate? 
Any ham licensed for 3 years or less qualifies as a Rookie. If you were
licensed in 2008, 2009 or 2010, you can compete in the 2010 Rookie Roundup.
Non-Rookies may only work Rookies, while Rookies may work everybody. A major
part of the success of this contest will be non-Rookies getting on the air
and working the Rookies, just as in the Novice Roundup. Just like in the
Novice Roundups of years past (when Novices could work anyone and
non-Novices could only work Novices), Rookies may work anyone, be they
Rookie or non-Rookie; however, non-Rookies are limited to only working
Rookies.

Entry Categories 
Single Operator Rookie, limited to a maximum of 100 W. Spotting assistance
or using call sign and frequency alerting systems is allowed, but
self-spotting or asking somebody to spot you is not. All Rookies must
identify themselves as a rookie. Example: "Kilo Bravo One Quebec Alfa
Whiskey, Rookie." Non-Rookies only need give their call; no designation is
needed.

Awards 
Certificates will be available for all participants to download. The top
five high scores from each US call area, Canadian province and Mexican call
area will be recognized on their certificate. No national winners will be
recognized. 

Go to www.getscores.org for more information on how to participate. Be sure
to check out the April 2010 issue of QST for complete rules and other
information. The Rookie Roundup -- a fun event for all amateurs!