[SFDXA] The ARRL Contest Update for April 9, 2014

Wed Apr 9 17:09:38 EDT 2014

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The ARRL Contest Update

April 9, 2014
Editor: Ward Silver, NØAX <mailto:rate-sheet at arrl.org>
/Contest Update/ Archive <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/>
Contest Calendar <http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html>
ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/>
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&i=2014-04-09&t=t>
IN THIS ISSUE

  * CQ Asia - JA Int'l DX CW and Worked All Provinces of China <#Contests>
  * State of the States - NM, GA, MI, NE, ND, VE3 QSO Parties <#Contests>
  * New Call in the SCP Log <#News>
  * Juno Says You're Five-Nine-Nine! <#Newsweek>
  * SO2R Beginners Video <#Sights>
  * ARRL VHF Certificates - All Caught Up! <#Results>
  * Power Supply Design Utility <#Tech>
  * Tip-Top Scope Talk Tips <#Techweek>
  * Peer Review <#Conversation>

NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO

Did you or your club participate in February's School Club Roundup? 
(Final results <http://www.b4h.net/arrlscr/scr_scores201402.php> have 
just been released, by the way!) If you did, why not follow up with 
April 20^th 's SSB edition of the ARRL Rookie Roundup 
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>? A contest just for new hams, grab 
the microphone and call "CQ Rookie Roundup" (non-Rookies call "CQ 
Rookies"). You can use your regular logging program or maybe give In The 
Log's <http://inthelog.com/> cloud-based logbook a try.

BULLETINS

No bulletins in this issue.

BUSTED QSOS

Nothing to see here, either...move along!

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information <#Contests> for all contests follows the 
Conversation <#Conversation> section

*April 12-13*

  * NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW (Apr 9)
  * CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Tests (Apr 9)
  * EU Spring Sprints--CW
  * Japan International DX Contest--CW
  * New Mexico QSO Party
  * Georgia QSO Party
  * Yuri Gagarin DX Contest--CW
  * International Vintage Contest
  * Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon
  * VHF Spring Sprints (Apr 15)

*April 19-20*

  * */ARRL Rookie Roundup--Phone/*
  * Lighthouse Spring Lites QSO Party (Apr 17)
  * Holyland DX Contest (Apr 18)
  * TARA Skirmish Digital Prefix Contest
  * ES Open HF Championship
  * Worked All Provinces of China
  * CQMM DX Contest--CW
  * EU Spring Sprints--Phone
  * Michigan QSO Party
  * EA QRP Contest--CW
  * Nebraska QSO Party
  * North Dakota QSO Party
  * Ontario QSO Party
  * Feld-Hell New Member Sprint
  * YU DX Contest--CW
  * Run For the Bacon--CW (Apr 21)
  * Low Power Spring Sprint--CW (Apr 21)

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

The Super Check Partial (SCP) database has a new administrator, Stu 
Phillips K6TU. All of the files and processes have been transferred to 
Stu by outgoing administrator, Bob WA1Z, who says, "Going forward, 
please continue to send Stu your contest logs after every contest to the 
same email address - logs at supercheckpartial.com 
<mailto:logs at supercheckpartial.com>. SCP files will continue to be 
released via the supercheckpartial.com website. I'd like to thank Stu 
for taking over and everyone else who expressed interest in helping out. 
I'd also like to thank George K5TR, who donates web server space for 
SCP, for the technical assistance he provided us during the transition 
process."

Is this your radio's new front panel? It might be if you are a FlexRadio 
owner! This is the Flex touch-screen controller being exhibited at the 
Visalia DX Convention. (Photo by N6TV)

Simone Wilson MØBOX has volunteered to become the BARTG Contest Manager. 
She also adjudicates all the RSGB Club Championship contests 
<http://bartg.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/hfreadcal.pl>. (Thanks, BARTG Chairman, 
Roger G3LDI)

WRTC 2014, Inc., is pleased to announce that it has received a 
significant financial contribution in the form of a Colvin Award Grant 
<http://www.arrl.org/colvin-award-grants>. Managed by the ARRL, the 
Colvin Award is funded by an endowment established by Lloyd D. Colvin, 
W6KG (SK). The Colvin Award is conferred in the form of grants in 
support of Amateur Radio projects that promote international goodwill in 
the field of DX. (Thanks, WRTC2014 Co-Chair, Doug K1DG)

Rovers and portable stations need to know the grid square of their 
locations at a moment's notice. There are a number of location-aware 
apps for smartphones to do the job. George W1LVL recommends the free 
/Ham Square 
<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ham-square/id400450610?mt=8>/ app for 
iPhone users (see above). A similar app, /Grid Locator 
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domsoft.gridlocator>/, will 
do the job for Android phone users.

Barry W2UP, an opthamologist, posts a caveat about using 
over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses as suggested in the previous 
issue. "If you currently wear prescription glasses with astigmatic 
correction, the OTC readers are not a good solution, as they only 
partially correct your vision. While not doing any physical harm to your 
eyes, the image will remain blurry and can cause headaches. You can 
measure the distance from your eyes to the monitor and bring that 
information to your eye doctor. He can then write you a prescription for 
the proper lenses." That description also fits your editor's eyesight!

Ross KB8NTY contributes news of the Time and Date website 
<http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/> that provides information on 
holidays and observances from around the world, in addition to other 
international tidbits. The site offers world clocks, time zones, solar 
and lunar calculations, timers, calculators, apps, and more! This helps 
Ross determine when amateurs of a specific needed country may be "off" 
at home and on-the-air during a normal work week schedule - insights of 
which we in the US may not normally be aware.

 From far and near came IOTA Contest Manager, Don G3XTT, and Locust QSO 
Sponsor, Rick (aka "The Locust") K6VVA to enjoy the Visalia DX 
Convention. (Photo by N6TV)

50 years ago on March 27, 1964, the magnitude 9.2 "Good Friday" 
earthquake ripped through Alaska and Amateur Radio was there as 
described in this video <ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA72rw8xezg> and 
/Anchorage Daily Times /story 
<http://www.adn.com/2014/03/25/3393879/picture-of-devastation-forgotten.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1>. 
(Thanks, Mark N7XYO)

*Web Site of the Week* - Many of you may recall participating in the 
Juno experiment last October 9th, where we all went key down 
simultaneously on 10 meters to slowly send "HI" in Morse to the Juno 
satellite, during its fly-by of Earth. Well, the results have been 
published, and it clearly heard us according to this JPL news release 
<http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2013-360>! This 
4.5-minute video <http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/?id=1262> features a 
number of hams and a second, shorter video 
<http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/?id=1263> includes audio from Juno's 
receiver. But will Juno QSL? (Thanks, Bob N6TV)

WORD TO THE WISE

*/Update/ *- keep your software, firmware, hardware, and wet-ware (that 
stuff in between your ears) up to date. Agreed, change can be 
uncomfortable, but keeping up with the times will often pay dividends 
you aren't expecting.

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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

For SO2R (Single-Op, Two Radios) beginners, WRTC2014 competitor Ash 
KF5EYY has posted a video <http://www.kf5eyy.info/> using audio from 
this year's Russian DX Contest to show what can be done with an SO2R 
setup. The video is intended to make it simple for beginners to understand.

"Not even a day and a half of snow days took us off the air ... couldn't 
give up 10 hours of operating time just because we had no school." The 
K1BBS Burr and Burton Amateur Radio Club had a great time in the 
February School Club Roundup!

Tim Duffy K3LR will preview Contest University (CTU) and other contest 
related activities at the 2014 Dayton Hamvention in an April 20^th 
webinar <https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/639254738>. The show 
begins at 9 PM EDT (Monday, April 21^st at 0100 UTC) and will be 
archived by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation <http://wwrof.org> 
for future viewing. (Thanks, Ken K4ZW)

A lunar eclipse <http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/pittsburgh> 
will be visible from most of the US will occur on the evening of April 
15^th . Gee, has anyone alerted the EME operators of the impending 
fadeout? On the website, enter your city's name and find out the times 
at your location! (Thanks, Tim K3HX)

You might not know that famed actor Marlon Brando was licensed as KE6ZPH 
here in the USA and FO5GJ while in Tahiti, using the name "Martin 
Brandeaux" to preserve his privacy on the air. A couple of photos of his 
station from the 1980s are available online 
<http://www.ea1uro.com/web2/foro/index.php?topic=2003.0>. I'll bet he 
coulda worked somebody! (Thanks, Fernando EC1AME and Amateur Radio 
Newsline's <http://www.arnewsline.org> Report 1911)

RESULTS AND RECORDS

The backlog of ARRL Contest awards continues to shrink: 2012 ARRL EME 
Contest certificates were mailed March 20, 2012 ARRL 10 GHz & UP Contest 
certificates were mailed March 27, and 2013 ARRL January VHF Contest 
certificates were mailed March 28. Former Contest Branch Manager, Sean 
KX9X, notes "This eliminates the backlog of VHF contest certificates. We 
are now within our standard distribution window for ARRL VHF Contest 
awards beginning with the 2013 June VHF Contest. We will begin 
processing those once we have eliminated some HF certificate backlog. 
You can always track the ARRL contest awards processing status online 
<http://www.arrl.org/plaques-and-certificates>, as well."

Are we having fun yet? Yes! (L-R) Saraj KU6S, Jim K6JS, and Alan K6SRZ 
were enjoying the Northern California Contest Club's hospitality suite 
on Friday night in Visalia. (Photo by N6TV)

Final results of the February edition of the School Club Roundup 
<http://www.b4h.net/arrlscr/scr_scores201402.php> are now posted thanks 
to the efforts of the Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club (LIMARC) and 
web host Bruce WA7BNM.

The listing 
<https://www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests/files/RAC%20Canada%20Winter%252> 
of the 708 electronic logs received for the 2013 Canada Winter Contest 
is now posted. Log categories are based on contents of logs submitted 
and paper logs are not included. (Thanks, RAC Winter Contest Manager, 
Sam VE5SF)

The Alabama Contest Group announces the publication of results for the 
2013 Alabama QSO Party <http://www.alabamaqsoparty.org/>. Plaques and 
certifications will soon follow. (Thanks, Jim KC4HW)

The Straight Key Contest Club publishes a regularly updated set
participation statistics and records for the Weekend Sprintathon (WES) 
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/wes-stats.html> 
contest. Have at it, straight key enthusiasts! (Thanks, WES Awards 
Manager, Gene KL7GLL)

The raw scores 
<http://concursos.ure.es/en/puntuaciones-reclamadas-eapsk63/> from last 
month's EAPSK63 contest are now online. (Thanks, Jesus EC1KR)

OPERATING TIP

So you are tuning around the bands and hear a station calling "CQ TEST" 
and maybe working stations but there is no indication in which contest 
they happen to be engaged. You can always make an inspired guess and 
just send them a signal report and a made-up serial number - or just ask 
them - but how do you /really/ figure it out without calling? Start by 
downloading a Contest Corral <http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar> PDF 
or log on to WA7BNM's <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal> or SM3CER's 
<http://www.sk3bg.se/contest> contest calendars. See if you can 
determine what the stations are exchanging - is it a number that changes 
or is it a fixed value or code? How many elements are there in the 
exchange? Note the location of the station calling CQ - perhaps there 
are more of them in the same part of the band. Now look at the contest 
listings and see if you can match them with a listed contest - you will 
probably be able to narrow the choices down to one or two contests. Jump 
in and give it a try! (Thanks for the idea - Ken KX6X)

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2014-04-09&p=1>
TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

Designers of power supplies have a friend in the /Power Supply Unit 
Designer II <http://www.duncanamps.com/psud2/index.html>/ software, 
available from Duncan Amplification. Designed for vacuum tube audio amp 
supplies, it is a natural tool for RF amplifier designers, too. You can 
look at waveforms and other behavior on a cycle-by-cycle basis, too. The 
program is described in more detail in this eight-page article 
<http://www.dhtrob.com/overige/pdf/dhtrob_psu.pdf>.

Another new product seen at Visalia is the new Elecraft PX3 panadapter 
for the popular KX3 transceiver. (Photo by N6TV)

Kris N5KM contributed a link to Tindie <https://www.tindie.com/> - "it 
has a lot of interesting "maker" gadgets, kits, and components that 
would be useful for hams."

The magnetic canopy of sunspot AR2017 erupted on March 29th, producing 
an impulsive X1-class solar flare right in the middle of CQ WPX SSB, 
causing a Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance (SID) and shutting down the 
bands for a while. Impressive, wasn't it? More information about this 
flare which produced a rare "magnetic crochet 
<http://spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=29&month=03&year=2014>" 
is available on the Spaceweather website.

What do you mean, you "dropped the capacitor drawers"? For those 
unexpected times when a lot of components have to be sorted, here's a 
circuit from /EDN magazine 
<http://edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4429592/Simple-capacitance-meter-bins-parts>/ 
that will "bin" capacitors quickly and easily. Keeping the parts boxes 
from tipping over is up to you, though.

Did you have a little fun on April Fools' Day? Here's another /EDN/ 
magazine article 
<http://edn.com/electronics-blogs/anablog/4311370/Pranking-bosses-friends-and-competitors-> 
about some classic pranks from, on, and by famous electronic industry 
figures!

*Technical Web Site of the Week* - Getting used to using an oscilloscope 
can be difficult because of all the specialized terminology. Tektronix 
tackles those trepidations with an online glossary 
<http://techonline.com/directory/tektronix/docs/4424772/A-Z-of-Oscilloscope-Measurement-Terms> 
on the subject.

CONVERSATION

Peer Review

I have just returned from a weekend in Visalia, California attending the 
International DX Convention <http://www.dxconvention.org/>. The weather 
sure made it tough on the airlines to get me there as a line of 
thunderstorms shut down the Dallas-Fort Worth airport about the time I 
was scheduled to make my final flight of the day to Fresno. It turned 
out to be a long night. Luckily, about the time folks were getting to 
the gate area, I happened upon Craig K9CT and Jerry WB9Z also headed 
west. Mike K9AJ and his wife joined us as the evening lingered on.

Taking home the Visalia convention's "Youngest Ham" prize, Dylan KK6IFZ 
was all smiles as Dan N6ERD handed him the boxes. (Photo by N6TV)

This sort of travel tale is not unknown or even unusual these days, but 
rarely do you get to share the adventure with fellow travelers having so 
much in common! What could have been a typical boring 
stuck-in-the-airport affair turned into hours of conversation on a 
variety of interesting topics, not the least of which were accounts of 
Jerry's and Craig's recent DXpedition to FT5ZM. As it turned out, they 
sailed right through the area in which teams are searching for the 
missing "Flight 370" and it's a remote and lonely place! Even if the 
airlines didn't, we certainly covered a lot of ground before finally 
pulling into the hotel just before sunrise.

The convention, of course, was just getting started on Friday as 
travelers from all continents finally dropped their bags at the front 
desks and started shaking off their jet lag. Of the several-hundred 
registrees, dozens of overseas and overland visitors graced the roll 
call. The nice thing about the Visalia convention is that it is 
relatively focused (mostly HF DXing and contesting) and both large 
enough to attract an international clientele and small enough to see 
just about everybody while you're there.

Frequent contributor to the /Contest Update/, Bob N6TV has published his 
terrific set of 2014 Visalia DX Convention photos 
<http://bit.ly/Visalia2014>, a few of which are included in this issue 
for your enjoyment. As you can see, the convention is mostly about 
having a good time - a goal that was fulfilled many times over. And 
thanks to the sponsoring Southern California DX Club for their 
hospitality and hard work on our behalf. The Northern California DX Club 
gets its chance next year - the bar gets raised a bit every time.

Showing no wear-and-tear from their polar path trip, Thomas SM3DMP (L) 
and Jan-Eric SM3CER had a great time in Visalia, combining it with a 
cross-country trip back to the East Coast afterwards. Happy travels! 
(Photo by N6TV)

Ham radio is about personal relationships along with technical 
achievement and operating skill. While the Visalia event has an 
international-sized profile, there are surely a number of similar events 
in your region. Whether they attract hams from around the world or 
around the town, there is so much more to them than just the latest (or 
the oldest) gear! Quiet conversation or raucous hilarity, take your 
pick, it's all there for the taking.

Don't miss out - take the opportunity to spend a day (or two!) with your 
local ham gatherings. If you are new to the hobby or to the town, take 
the opportunity to volunteer your services to the organizers - it's a 
great way to meet folks and become part of the team! For those of us 
with more miles under our belts, help a new ham join in and become part 
of the great ham family. All it takes is a handshake and a smile.

73, Ward NØAX

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CONTESTS

*9 April through 22 April*

An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral in PDF format 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar> is available. Check the sponsor's 
Web site for information on operating time restrictions and other 
instructions.

*HF CONTESTS*

NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW, from Apr 9, 0030Z to Apr 9, 0230Z. Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-14. Monthly on 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Wednesday local time 
(alternating). Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and NAQCC mbr nr or power. Logs 
due: 4 days. Rules <http://naqcc.info/>

CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Tests--CW, from Apr 9, 1300Z - See website. 
Multiple time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Twice monthly on 2nd and 4th 
Wed, 28 to 38 kHz above band edge. Exchange: Name, member number or 
S/P/C. Logs due: 2 days. Rules <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>

EU Spring Sprints--CW, from Apr 12, 1600Z to Apr 12, 1959Z . Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-14. 3.550, 7.025, 14.040 MHz. Exchange: Both call signs, 
serial, name. Logs due: 15 days. Rules <http://www.eu-sprint.com/>

Japan International DX Contest--CW, from Apr 12, 0700Z to Apr 13, 1300Z 
. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, JA prefecture or CQ Zone. Logs 
due: 30 days. Rules <http://jidx.org/>

New Mexico QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 12, 1400Z to Apr 13, 
0200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, CW-1.82, 3.55, 7.045, 14.05, 21.05, 
28.05, 50.095; SSB-1.85, 3.815, 7.26, 14.28, 21.38, 28.38, 50.13 MHz. 
Exchange: Call sign, name, and NM county or S/P/C. Logs due: Apr 30. 
Rules <http://www.newmexicoqsoparty.org/>

Georgia QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 12, 1800Z - See website. Multiple 
time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, CW 1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 
21.045, 28.045, 50.095; Phone 1.865, 3.810, 7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 
28.450, 50.135 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or GA county. Logs due: May 
15. Rules <http://www.georgiaqsoparty.org/>

Yuri Gagarin DX Contest--CW, from Apr 12, 2100Z to Apr 13, 2100Z . Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, ITU Zone. Logs due: May 14. Rules 
<http://gc.qst.ru/en>

International Vintage Contest--Phone,CW, from Apr 13, 1200Z to Apr 13, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RS(T), grid square. Logs due: May 
30. Rules <http://www.contestvintage.beepworld.it/>

Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Apr 13, 1200Z to Apr 14, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if 
member. Logs due: 5 days. Rules <http://www.skccgroup.com/>

VHF Spring Sprints--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 15, 7 PM to Apr 15, 11 
PM. Bands (MHz): 222. Exchange: Grid square (6-character preferred). 
Logs due: 14 days. Rules <http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints>

Lighthouse Spring Lites QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 17, 0001Z 
to Apr 22, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. See website. Exchange: ARLHS 
number or serial, name, S/P/C. Logs due: 12 days. Rules <http://arlhs.com/>

Holyland DX Contest--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 18, 2100Z to Apr 19, 
2100Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RS(T), serial or Israel district. 
Logs due: May 31. Rules <http://www.iarc.org/>

TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital, from Apr 19, 0000Z to Apr 19, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix. Logs due: May 
17. Rules <http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html>

ES Open HF Championship--Phone,CW, from Apr 19, 0500Z to Apr 19, 0859Z . 
Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RS(T), serial, dupes OK once/hour. Logs 
due: May 10. Rules <http://www.erau.ee/>

Worked All Provinces of China--Phone,CW, from Apr 19, 0600Z to Apr 20, 
0559Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RS(T) and serial or province 
abbreviation. Logs due: 7 days. Rules <http://www.mulandxc.org/>

CQMM DX Contest--CW, from Apr 19, 1200Z to Apr 20, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 
3.5-28. Exchange: RST, continent, and category. Logs due: Jun 30. Rules 
<http://www.cqmmdx.com/>

EU Spring Sprints--Phone, from Apr 19, 1600Z to Apr 19, 1959Z . Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-14. 3.730, 7.050, 14.250 MHz. Exchange: Both call signs, 
serial, name. Logs due: 15 days. Rules <http://www.eu-sprint.com/>

Michigan QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 19, 1600Z to Apr 20, 0400Z . 
Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. CW 45 kHz from band edge,Phone 3.825, 7.200, 
14.250, 21.300, 28.450 MHz. Exchange: Serial and MI county or S/P/C. 
Logs due: 30 days. Rules <http://www.miqp.org/>

EA QRP Contest--CW, from Apr 19, 1700Z to Apr 20, 1300Z . Bands (MHz): 
3.5-28. Exchange: RST, category, M if EA QRP member. Logs due: 30 days. 
Rules <http://www.eaqrp.com/>

Nebraska QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 19, 1800Z to Apr 20, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, 144, CW 1.805 and 35 kHz above band 
edge,Nov/Tech--10 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.915, 3.865, 7.265, 
14.265, 21.365, 28.465, 146.460 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), NE county or 
S/P/C. Logs due: May 31. Rules <http://www.qcwa.org/chapter025.htm>

North Dakota QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 19, 1800Z to Apr 20, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, CW 1.850, 3.550, 3705, 7.050, 
14.050, 21.050, 28.050; Phone 1.870, 3.850, 7.250, 14.270, 21.350, 
28.450; VHF+/Digital per band plan. Exchange: RST and ND county or 
S/P/C. Logs due: May 15. Rules <http://www.w0nd.com/>

Ontario QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 19, 1800Z - See website. Multiple 
time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, 144, CW 30 kHz above band edge; 
Phone 1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260, 14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; 
VHF-SSB: 50.130, 52.540, 144.205, 146.550 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or 
Ontario QTH. Logs due: May 18. Rules <http://www.va3cco.com/>

Feld-Hell New Member Sprint--Digital, from Apr 19, 2000Z to Apr 19, 
2200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Exchange: RST, 
S/P/C, Feld-Hell member nr. Logs due: 7 days. Rules 
<http://www.feldhellclub.org/>

YU DX Contest--CW, from Apr 19, 2100Z - See website. Multiple time 
periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and ITU zone. Logs due: 30 
days. Rules <http://www.yu1srs.org.rs/dl/yudx/yudxmain.html>

ARRL Rookie Roundup--Phone, from Apr 20, 1800Z to Apr 20, 2359Z. Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: Both calls, name, check, S/P XE# or "DX". Logs 
due: See web. Rules <http://www.arrl.org/contests>

Run For the Bacon--CW, from Apr 21, 0200Z to Apr 21, 0400Z. Bands (MHz): 
1.8-28. Monthly on 3rd Sunday night (local). Exchange: RST, S/P/C, 
Flying Pig nr or power. Rules <http://www.fpqrp.org/>

Low Power Spring Sprint--CW, from Apr 21, 1400Z to Apr 21, 2000Z . Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, grid square, power category. Logs due: 30 
days. Rules <http://www.hamradio.sk/>

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

VHF Spring Sprints--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 15, 7 PM to Apr 15, 11 
PM. Bands (MHz): 222. Exchange: Grid square (6-character preferred). 
Logs due: 14 days. Rules <http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints>

New Mexico QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 12, 1400Z to Apr 13, 
0200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, CW-1.82, 3.55, 7.045, 14.05, 21.05, 
28.05, 50.095; SSB-1.85, 3.815, 7.26, 14.28, 21.38, 28.38, 50.13 MHz. 
Exchange: Call sign, name, and NM county or S/P/C. Logs due: Apr 30. 
Rules <http://www.newmexicoqsoparty.org/>

Georgia QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 12, 1800Z - See website. Multiple 
time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, CW 1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 
21.045, 28.045, 50.095; Phone 1.865, 3.810, 7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 
28.450, 50.135 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or GA county. Logs due: May 
15. Rules <http://www.georgiaqsoparty.org/>

Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Apr 13, 1200Z to Apr 14, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if 
member. Logs due: 5 days. Rules <http://www.skccgroup.com/>

TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital, from Apr 19, 0000Z to Apr 19, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix. Logs due: May 
17. Rules <http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html>

Nebraska QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 19, 1800Z to Apr 20, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, 144, CW 1.805 and 35 kHz above band 
edge,Nov/Tech--10 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.915, 3.865, 7.265, 
14.265, 21.365, 28.465, 146.460 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), NE county or 
S/P/C. Logs due: May 31. Rules <http://www.qcwa.org/chapter025.htm>

North Dakota QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 19, 1800Z to Apr 20, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, CW 1.850, 3.550, 3705, 7.050, 
14.050, 21.050, 28.050; Phone 1.870, 3.850, 7.250, 14.270, 21.350, 
28.450; VHF+/Digital per band plan. Exchange: RST and ND county or 
S/P/C. Logs due: May 15. Rules <http://www.w0nd.com/>

Ontario QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 19, 1800Z - See website. Multiple 
time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, 144, CW 30 kHz above band edge; 
Phone 1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260, 14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; 
VHF-SSB: 50.130, 52.540, 144.205, 146.550 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C or 
Ontario QTH. Logs due: May 18. Rules <http://www.va3cco.com/>

Feld-Hell New Member Sprint--Digital, from Apr 19, 2000Z to Apr 19, 
2200Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Exchange: RST, 
S/P/C, Feld-Hell member nr. Logs due: 7 days. Rules 
<http://www.feldhellclub.org/>

LOG DUE DATES

*9 April through 22 April*

  * April 9 - RSGB Commonwealth Contest
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2014/rberu.shtml>
  * April 10 - ARS Spartan Sprint <http://www.arsqrp.blogspot.com/>
  * April 10 - Wisconsin QSO Party <http://www.warac.org/wqp/wiqp_rules.htm>
  * April 12 - SARL 80m QSO Party
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20140101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2014.pdf>
  * April 12 - CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/onair.html>
  * April 12 - NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint
    <http://naqcc.info/sprint201404.html>
  * April 13 - BARTG HF RTTY Contest
    <http://s3.spanglefish.com/s/7850/documents/contests/hf/rules/bartg-hf-rtty-contest-rules.pdf>
  * April 13 - NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
  * April 13 - Montana QSO Party
    <http://www.fvarc.org/sites/default/files/library/2014%20MT%20QSO%20Party%20Rules.pdf>
  * April 14 - RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2014/r80mcc.shtml>
  * April 15 - Virginia QSO Party
    <http://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2014_VQP/2014_VQP_Rules.html>
  * April 15 - Classic Exchange
    <http://www.classicexchange.org/jan14ann.html>
  * April 15 - F9AA Cup, SSB
    <http://www.site.urc.asso.fr/urchaut-6/om-6/131-trophee-f9aa.html>
  * April 15 - Loule Carnival HF Contest
    <http://www.radionoticias.com/noticias/concurso-carnaval-de-loule-hf-13022014.html>
  * April 15 - LZ Open 40m Sprint Contest
    <http://www.lzopen.com/lzocc40/indexF.htm>
  * April 17 - NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>
  * April 19 - PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest
    <http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/31-flavors>
  * April 19 - Texas State Parks on the Air
    <http://tspota.com/site/page?view=rules>
  * April 20 - CLARA HF Contest
    <http://www.clarayl.ca/index.php/claracontestrules>
  * April 20 - EA RTTY Contest <http://concursos.ure.es/en/eartty/bases/>
  * April 20 - QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party
    <http://www.qrparci.org/contests/spring-qso-party-2014>
  * April 20 - SKCC Weekend Sprintathon
    <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/>
  * April 21 - Louisiana QSO Party
    <http://laqp.louisianacontestclub.org/laqso_rules.htm>
  * April 21 - 144 MHz Spring Sprint
    <https://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/2014-information>
  * April 21 - 15-Meter SSTV Dash Contest
    <http://contests.wsstvc.org/rules/>
  * April 22 - QCWA Spring QSO Party
    <http://www.qcwa.org/2014-qso-party-rules.pdf>
  * April 22 - RSGB RoPoCo SSB
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2014/rropoco.shtml>

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