[MAMS] ARRL June VHF Contest, 1800 UTC Saturday, 6/13 - 0259 UTC Monday, 6/15/15
Mark Thompson via MAMS
mams at mailman.qth.net
Sat Jun 13 09:20:38 EDT 2015
About ARRL June VHF Contest
For amateurs in the US and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Stations outside the US & Canada (and their possessions) may only work stations in the US (and its posessions) and Canada.Stations in KH0-9, KL7 & KP1-KP5, CY9 and CY0 count as W/VE stations and can be worked by DX stations for contest credit.
Overview
- Dates The second full weekend in June. Begins 1800 UTC Saturday, runs through 0259 UTC Monday (June 13-15, 2015).
- Bands All authorized frequencies above 50 MHz (6 Meters).
- Log Submission Deadline Entries must be e-mailed or postmarked no later than 0300 UTC Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Late logs may be designated as check logs only. Electronic submissions in the Cabrillo format may be e-mailed to JuneVHF at arrl.org.
- Contact Information For contest information contactcontests at arrl.orgor (860) 594-0232
- Awards Awards: Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: Single Operator. Top Single Operator Low and High power entry in each ARRL/RAC Section. Top Single Operator Low and High power on each band (50, 144, 222, 432, 902, 1296 and 2304-and-up categories) in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Note: Since the highest score per band will be the award winner for that band, an entrant may win a certificate with additional single-band endorsements.) For example, if W1INF has the highest Single-Operator all-band score in the CT Section and his 50- and 222-MHz scores are higher than any other CT single operator's, he will earn a certificate for being the single-operator Section leader and endorsements for 50 and 222 MHz. Top Single-Operator Portable in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Single-operator Portable entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) Top Rover, Limited Rover and Unlimited Rover in each ARRL Division and Canada where significant effort or competition is evident. (Rover entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) Top Multioperator score in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Multioperator entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) Top Limited Multioperator in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Limited multioperator entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) Plaques, if sponsored, will be awarded in the following categories: Top Overall Single Operator (both High and Low Power) scorers. Top Overall Single Operator Portable scorer. Top Overall Rover, Limited Rover and Unlimited Rover scorers. Top Overall Multi-Operator scorer. Top Overall Limited Multi-Operator scorer. The leading scorer in each entry category for each ARRL Division, Canada, and DX (non-W/VE) station.
- June VHF log sheet ARRL VHF Contest Log Sheet
- June VHF summary sheet June VHF Contest Paper Summary Sheet
- Power Limits By Category Single Operator, High Power:1500 Watts PEP or the maximum allowable power level established by the national licensing authority of your country, whichever is lower. Single Operator, Low Power:50 MHz and 144 MHz--200 W PEP.222 MHz and 432 MHz--100 W PEP.902 MHz and above--50 W PEP (effective 2012) Single Operator Portable:Ten (10) W PEP output or less.Portable power source.Portable equipment and antennas. Single Operator, 3 Band:50 Mhz and 144 MHz: 100 W PEP or less.432 MHz: 50 W PEP or less. Single Operator, FM Only:50 144, 222 and 446 MHz: 100 W or less. Multioperator:1500 Watts PEP or the maximum allowable power level established by the national licensing authority of your country, whichever is lower. Limited Multioperator:1500 Watts PEP or the maximum allowable power level established by the national licensing authority of your country, whichever is lower. Rover:1500 Watts PEP or the maximum allowable power level established by the national licensing authority of your country, whichever is lower. Limited Rover:50 MHz and 144 MHz--200 W PEP.222 MHz and 432 MHz--100 W PEP.902 MHz and above--50 W PEP. (effective 2012) Unlimited Rover:1500 Watts PEP or the maximum allowable power level established by the national licensing authority of your country, whichever is lower.
- Results Results from previous June VHF QSO Parties
- FAQ : 2015 VHF+ Rule Changes Allowing Assistance For All Categories
Q: What are the new rules regarding assistance in VHF+ contests?
A: Rule 1.16 was added to the General Rules For ARRL Contests Above 50MHz, which allows all entrants, regardless of category, to use spotting assistance to identify stations that are available for contacts and to announce (self-spot) their availability for contacts. Various other rules were also amended to ensure they did not contradict rule 1.16. To ensure the visibility of the new rule, complimentary rules will be added to individual contest rules (ex. Rule 7.1 in the June VHF Contest Rules).
Q: Does this mean I can spot myself?
A: Yes. As long as your self-spot conveys only the information allowed in rule 1.16.
Q: What happened to the rule that allowed rovers to use APRS?
A: The APRS rule became redundant with the addition of rule 1.16 and was removed. Using APRS to announce your position is allowed under the new rule.
Q: Can I use Internet chat rooms, Facebook, Twitter, text messages, telephone calls, APRS, etc. to announce my frequency or to find a frequency where someone else is operating?
A: Yes. All of these methods (and more) are allowed for all operating categories as long as they are not used to “…facilitate the completion of any contact once the contact has commenced. This means such assistance may not be used to convey receipt or non-receipt of any required element of the contact or to request a repeat of any required element of a contact.” In other words, announce your frequency and location, etc but once the contact begins, you may not use any non-amateur means to complete it.
Q: I was chatting with another station online (Internet) and we established a frequency to try and work each other. I’m pretty sure the contact was complete, but it was a tough copy. The other station is still online, can I confirm that they logged me without having to try and make contact via the radio again?
A: No, “…assistance may not be used to convey receipt or non-receipt of any required element of the contact or to request a repeat of any required element of a contact.” You must copy all required information during the contact without using non-amateur means of communication.
Q: I’m still confused and I have questions about a specific scenario, who can I ask?
A: If you have any questions about the 2015 rule change or about the VHF+ contests in general, please contact Contest Branch Manager Matt Wilhelm, W1MSW, via email w1msw at arrl.org or (860) 594-0232.
- Cabrillo Templates for the New SO3B and SOFM Categories The 2013 June VHF Contest now includes two new categories: Single Operator, 3 Band and Single Operator, FM Only. Here are examples of Cabrillo log headers to enter the new categories.If you are going to copy/paste these templates into your own Cabrillo log, please be sure to substitute your own station info! Single Operator, 3-Band:START-OF-LOG: 3.0
CONTEST: ARRL-VHF-JUN
CALLSIGN: W1AW
LOCATION: CT
OPERATORS: W1AW
CATEGORY-ASSISTED: NON-ASSISTED
CATEGORY-BAND: VHF-3-BAND
CATEGORY-MODE: MIXED
CATEGORY-OPERATOR: SINGLE-OP
CATEGORY-POWER: LOW
CATEGORY-STATION: FIXED
CATEGORY-TRANSMITTER: ONE
CLAIMED-SCORE:
CLUB:
SOAPBOX:
SOAPBOX:
NAME: W1AW
ADDRESS: 225 Main St
ADDRESS: Newington, CT 06111
QSO: 50 PH 2013-06-08 1900 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 144 PH 2013-06-08 1922 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 432 PH 2013-06-08 1924 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 144 PH 2013-06-08 2220 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM14
QSO: 144 PH 2013-06-08 0043 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
QSO: 432 PH 2013-06-08 0043 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
QSO: 50 PH 2013-06-08 0359 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
END-OF-LOG: Single Operator, FM Only:START-OF-LOG: 3.0
CONTEST: ARRL-VHF-JUN
CALLSIGN: W1AW
LOCATION: CT
OPERATORS: W1AW
CATEGORY-ASSISTED: NON-ASSISTED
CATEGORY-BAND: VHF-FM-ONLY
CATEGORY-MODE: FM
CATEGORY-OPERATOR: SINGLE-OP
CATEGORY-POWER: LOW
CATEGORY-STATION: FIXED
CATEGORY-TRANSMITTER: ONE
CLAIMED-SCORE:
CLUB:
SOAPBOX:
SOAPBOX:
NAME: W1AW
ADDRESS: 225 Main St
ADDRESS: Newington, CT 06111
QSO: 50 FM 2013-06-08 1900 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 144 FM 2013-06-08 1922 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 432 FM 2013-06-08 1924 W1AW FN31 WD5USA EM04
QSO: 144 FM 2013-06-08 2220 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM14
QSO: 144 FM 2013-06-08 0043 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
QSO: 432 FM 2013-06-08 0043 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
QSO: 50 FM 2013-06-08 0359 W1AW FN31 AF5Q/R EM04
END-OF-LOG:
Full Contest Rules
Full Contest Rules (Download PDF)
1. Objective: To work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees by 1 degree grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Foreign stations work W/VE amateurs only. 2. Date and Contest Period: The second full weekend in June. Begins 1800 UTC Saturday, ends 0300 UTC Monday (June 13-15, 2015).3. Entry Categories: 3.1. Single Operator: One person performs all transmitting, receiving, spotting, and logging functions as well as equipment and antenna adjustments. Only one transmitted signal per band is permitted at any given time. Non-contact-producing activities as described in Rule 7.1 are not considered transmitted signals for the purpose of applying this rule.3.1.1. Single Operator Low Power:3.1.1.1. Power limits on any band may not exceed the following:3.1.1.1.1. 50 MHz and 144 MHz--200 W PEP.3.1.1.1.2. 222 MHz and 432 MHz--100 W PEP.3.1.1.1.3. 902 MHz and above--50 W PEP.3.1.2. Single Operator High Power: Power limits on any band exceeds the limits for the Single Operator Low power.3.1.3. Both Single Operator High and Low Power stations compete for all-band and single-band awards.3.1.4. Overall and single-band winners are recognized in awards offered.3.2. Single Operator Portable:3.2.1. Ten (10) W PEP output or less.3.2.2. Portable power source.3.2.3. Portable equipment and antennas.3.2.4. Single Operator Portable stations must operate from a location other than a permanent station location.3.2.5. Single Operator Portable stations may not change locations during the contest period outside of the original 500-meter diameter permitted circle.3.3. Single Operator, 3-Band: 3.3.1. Restricted to 50, 144 and 432 MHz. 3.3.2. Power limits are 100 W PEP on 50 and 144 MHz, 50 W PEP on 432 MHz.3.4. Single Operator, FM Only 3.3.1. All QSOs must be made using Frequency Modulation (FM). 3.3.2. Restricted to 50, 144, 222 and 440 MHz. 3.3.3. Power limits are 100 W on all bands.3.5. Rover: A rover consists of no more than two operators that move among two or more grid squares during the course of a contest. An operator may perform any or all rover functions, but a driver's function shall be limited to driving the vehicle. Drivers may be switched out during the event. Any number of observers is also allowed, however observers may not perform any rover function at any time. Rover vehicles with only one occupant are allowed to perform all functions listed above.3.5.1. A rover vehicle may transport only one station using a single call sign. An exception is provided for in "General Rules for All ARRL Contests" number 3.5 (Family Rule).3.5.2. A rover may not operate with more than one call sign.3.5.3. Rover vehicles must transport all the equipment, power supplies, and antennas used at each operating site.3.5.4. Rovers MUST sign "rover" on Phone and /R on CW and digital modes after their call sign.3.5.5. All Rovers are encouraged to adopt operating practices that allow as many stations as possible to contact them.3.5.6. Rover operators may submit separate logs for single operator (fixed station) in addition to their rover entries. Rovers submitting a score for inclusion in a club competition must also include a secondary summary sheet indicating the portion of the score that counts for the club score if any of the QSOs submitted take place outside of their club's territory.3.5.7. A rover may not make more than 100 QSOs with any other one rover.3.6. Limited Rover. Same as the "Rover" class above, but competes using only the lowest four bands available for any given contest. Output power limits shall be the same as those defined for the Single Operator Low Power category (3.1.1)3.7. Unlimited Rover. Same as “Rover” class above, but Unlimited Rovers may use more than two operators and are exempt from rules 3.5.3 and 3.5.7.3.7.1. Unlimited Rover scores may NOT be applied to a club score for Club Competition.3.8. Multioperator:3.8.1.Multioperator (Unlimited): Stations submit logs with more than four bands used.3.8.2.Limited Multioperator: Stations submit logs with a maximum of four bands used. (Logs from additional bands used, if any, should be included as checklogs.)4. Exchange: Maidenhead grid-square locator (see www.arrl.org/grid-squares) 4.1. Exchange of signal report is optional. 5. Scoring: 5.1. QSO points: 5.1.1. Count one point for each complete 50- or 144-MHz QSO. 5.1.2. Count two points for each 222- or 432-MHz QSO. 5.1.3. Count three points for each 902- or 1296-MHz QSO. 5.1.4. Count four points for each 2.3 GHz (or higher) QSO. 5.2. Multiplier: The total number of different grid squares worked per band. Each 2 degrees by 1 degree grid square counts as one multiplier on each band it is worked. 5.3. Final score: Multiply the total number of QSO points from all bands operated by the total number of multipliers for final score. 5.4. Rovers only: The final score consists of the total number of QSO points from all bands times the sum of unique multipliers (grid squares) worked per band (regardless of which grid square they were made in) plus one additional multiplier for every grid square from which they successfully completed a contact. 5.4.1. Rovers are listed in the contest score listings under the Division from which the most QSOs were made.6. Reporting: 6.1. Entries may be submitted as follows: 6.1.1. Electronic submissions in the Cabrillo format may be emailed to JuneVHF at arrl.org 6.1.2. Hand written paper logs or diskettes mailed to June VHF, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. 6.1.3. Web entries submitted via the web-based applet. 6.2. Entries that have been electronically generated must submit their log file in the Cabrillo file format. Paper print outs of electronic files are not acceptable substitutes. 6.3. Entries must be emailed or postmarked no later than 0300 UTC Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Late logs may be designated as checklogs only. 7. Miscellaneous: 7.1 All entrants, regardless of category, are permitted to use spotting assistance or nets including but not limited to DX-alerting nets, internet chat rooms, APRS and other packet, reverse beacon networks and repeaters to identify stations available for contacts and to announce (self-spot) their availability for contacts. Announcements shall be limited to call sign, location, band or frequency, mode and–if applicable–transmitting sequence and listening direction. These methods of spotting assistance may also be used to coordinate antenna peaking prior to initiation of the contact and to explain contest rules, such as the exchange required, for those who need clarification. Such assistance may not be used to facilitate the completion of any contact once the contact has commenced. This means such assistance may not be used to convey receipt or non-receipt of any required element of a contact or to request a repeat of any required element of a contact. 7.2. Stations may be worked for credit only once per band from any given grid square, regardless of mode. This does not prohibit working a station from more than one grid square with the same call sign (such as a Rover). 7.3. Only one signal per band (6, 2, 11/4, etc) at any given time is permitted, regardless of mode. 7.4. Multi-operator stations may not include QSOs with their own operators except on frequencies higher than 2.3 GHz. Even then, a complete, different station (transmitter, receiver and antenna) must exist for each QSO made under these conditions. 7.5. Forms may be obtained by: 7.5.1. Downloading the form [PDF] 7.5.2. Sending an SASE with 2 units of postage to June VHF Form Request, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. 8. Awards: Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: 8.1. Single Operator 8.1.1. Top Single Operator Low and High power entry in each ARRL/RAC Section. 8.1.2. Top Single Operator Low and High power on each band (50, 144, 222, 432, 902, 1296 and 2304-and-up categories) in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Note: Since the highest score per band will be the award winner for that band, an entrant may win a certificate with additional single-band endorsements.) For example, if W1INF has the highest Single-Operator all-band score in the CT Section and his 50- and 222-MHz scores are higher than any other CT single operator's, he will earn a certificate for being the single-operator Section leader and endorsements for 50 and 222 MHz. 8.2. Top Single-Operator Portable in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Single-operator Portable entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) 8.3. Top Rover, Limited Rover and Unlimited Rover in each ARRL Division and Canada where significant effort or competition is evident. (Rover entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) 8.4. Top Multioperator score in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Multioperator entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) 8.5. Top Limited Multioperator in each ARRL/RAC Section where significant effort or competition is evident. (Limited multioperator entries are not eligible for single-band awards.) 8.6. Plaques, if sponsored, will be awarded in the following categories: 8.6.1. Top Overall Single Operator (both High and Low Power) scorers. 8.6.2. Top Overall Single Operator Portable scorer. 8.6.3. Top Overall Rover, Limited Rover and Unlimited Rover scorers. 8.6.4. Top Overall Multi-Operator scorer. 8.6.5. Top Overall Limited Multi-Operator scorer. 8.6.6. The leading scorer in each entry category for each ARRL Division, Canada, and DX (non-W/VE) station.9. Other: 9.1. See "General Rules for All ARRL Contests" and "General Rules for ARRL Contests on bands above 50 MHz (VHF)"
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