[K3PZN-List] Sweepstakes Operating Event this Weekend

[Curt Milton]

This is a general bulletin to invite and exhort you all to participate in this classic operating event sponsored by the ARRL.  This weekend is the Phone (SSB) version.  


The event is literally a cross between traffic handling and contesting.  Each contact is a detailed exchange with this protocol:

(serial number) (classification) (your callsign) (2 digit year first licensed) (your section)

The (classification) is formally called the Precedence.  An example is A for a low power (~ 100 watt) station and B for much higher power - there are many more classes, including U for those using internet spots.  

The (year) is formally called the Check


Example:  


1 A WB8YYY 76 MDC  (only the first number changes between contacts)

It starts at 2100 UTC Saturday and runs through 0259 UTC Monday. 


Solar activity is such that even a small station can achieve Worked-All-States (and Provinces too) in this partial weekend.  If this is your interest, you might consider operating in the U class to take advantage of help in finding KH6, KL7 or chasing all those 7 and 0 calls.  Note folk will be exchanging their section with many states having multiple sections.  


It is best to use some kind of contesting logging program, so you don't call a station you have already worked - remember protocol!  Let me know if you help with this.  

Choose the HF bands where your station works best.  Note if 20m sounds like madness, consider the other bands for example.  Those closer states might be best found on 80 or 40m.  


CUL Curt