[SFDXA] The ARRL Contest Update for April 8, 2015

Wed Apr 8 08:40:38 EDT 2015

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The ARRL Contest Update

April 8, 2015
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/>
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IN THIS ISSUE

  * 3-1/4 meters - 144 and 222 MHz VHF Sprints <#Contests>
  * Sino-wavelengths - Worked All Provinces of China <#Contests>
  * The Color of Contesting - FQP <#News>
  * Striking News from NASA <#Newsweek>
  * Station Planning Webinar <#Sights>
  * CQ WW SSB - Results Released <#Results>
  * Tech Portal for Proto Techs <#Tech>
  * SimSmith Summary <#Techweek>
  * Oh, Nothing... <#Conversation>

NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO

Have you been licensed three years or less? If so, put some "shack time" 
on your calendar for April 19^th and the ARRL Rookie Roundup 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-rookie-roundup-returns-ssb-event-is-sunday-april-19>'s 
SSB edition. Everybody will be looking for the "rookies" so call "CQ 
Rookie Roundup" and see who answers! Or tune around and call if you'd 
rather jump in that way. For those of us OTs (Old Timers), we'll be 
calling "CQ Rookies".

BULLETINS

Beginning with the June /QST/, there will be a new trail boss in the 
Contest Corral as Bruce Draper, AA5B takes the reins. Contest managers, 
please note that Bruce will be collecting data directly from the online 
WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal> services 
so make sure your information is correct on that website.

BUSTED QSOS

Dick K4XU notes that the FOC (First-class Operator's Club) Spring and 
Fall QSO Parties are open to anyone. It's only the FOC Marathon (first 
weekend in February) that is restricted to members-only.

CONTEST SUMMARY

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

*April 11-12*

  * Japan International DX Contest--CW
  * Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon
  * New Mexico QSO Party
  * Georgia QSO Party
  * Yuri Gagarin DX Contest--CW
  * International Vintage Contest
  * VHF Spring Sprints (Apr 13)
  * NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW (Apr 15)

*April 18-19*

  * */ARRL Rookie Roundup--Phone/*
  * Holyland DX Contest (Apr 17)
  * TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest
  * ES Open HF Championship
  * Worked All Provinces of China
  * CQMM DX Contest--CW
  * Nebraska QSO Party
  * Michigan QSO Party,
  * EA QRP Contest--CW
  * North Dakota QSO Party
  * Ontario QSO Party
  * Feld-Hell New Member Sprint
  * YU DX Contest--CW
  * Run For the Bacon--CW (Apr 20)
  * VHF Spring Sprints (Apr 21)

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

An orange ogre? No gear, no rage - a goner! The Florida QSO Party 
<http://floridaqsoparty.org/> will once again be featuring what is 
becoming a popular activity within state QSO parties - the 1-by-1 
Spelling Bee. Contact Florida 1x1 stations and spell "Orange" for extra 
fun. Orange you glad their state isn't known for raising cauliflower? 
(Thanks, Chris WF3C)

The rules for the ARRL June VHF Contest <http://www.arrl.org/june-vhf> 
have been updated to reflect the changes which now allow self-spotting 
for ARRL VHF+ contests. There is also an FAQ to help explain the changes 
and what information can and cannot be exchanged online. (Thanks, ARRL 
Contest Branch Manager, Matt W1MSW)

Come in, Mom, hello, Mom - I am QRPU and need a priority check-in with 
Net Control! (Thanks, Dan K7SS for the scan of this old photo from 
yesteryear.)

The 2015 Dayton Hamvention Contest University course schedule 
<http://www.contestuniversity.com/attachments/2015_CTU_CLASSES.pdf> has 
been posted. This all-day series of courses covers everything - 
technical, operating, ergonomics, ethics...everything a contester needs 
to know!

The friends-of-CW organization, FISTS, has a new web URL for their North 
American chapter. You can find links to FISTS chapter around the world 
at www.fistsna.org/links.html <http://www.fistsna.org/links.html>.

The Delaware QSO Party <http://www.fsarc.org/qsoparty/qsohome.htm> 
recently changed dates to the same weekend at the regional 7QP (7^th 
District QSO Party) and NEQP (New England QSO Party) as well as the 
Indiana QSO Party. If you work Delaware stations, be aware that the 
Delaware sponsors require a /separate /log without contacts from the 
other contests mixed in. Also, the county abbreviation NEW can be 
confused with counties from the other contests. Both issues should be 
resolved for the 2016 contest. (Thanks, Rich WD3C)

The 21st Annual PNWVHFS Conference <http://www.pnwvhfs.org/> is now 
accepting online registration for the October 10-11 event to be held in 
Issaquah, Washington. (Thanks, Barry K7BWH)

Dave W9PA reports that after changing his popular TELNET server domain 
from w9zrx.net to w9pa.net in 2012, he has dropped the w9zrx.net domain, 
effective 30 March. Thus, cluster users will no longer be able to log on 
to dxc.w9zrx.net for spots. He requests that logging software authors 
and those who maintain lists of cluster servers please drop w9zrx.net 
and update their information to the new w9pa.net.

Sprechen sie Deutsch und English? If you have some time to translate an 
article or two from the DARC magazine /CQ DL/, there are a few which 
would make good projects for topics for the /ARRL Handbook /or /ARRL 
Antenna Book./ Please contact the book's editor <mailto:n0ax at arrl.net> 
(NØAX) if you are interested in helping out.

Now that's a hot spot! If you want to take a look at what's in store for 
you during lightning season, this NASA map (see story at left) shows 
where lightning can be found. (Image courtesy of NASA)

Dick K6KR was outside when the FedEx delivery man drove up and asked 
about the tower - Rohn 55 with 4 monobanders and 70 feet tall. After 
Dick said it was antennas for amateur radio, the delivery man thought a 
moment and asked, "what does a professional one look like?"

*Web Site of the Week* - No flash in the pan, NASA has published a new 
lightning map 
<http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=85600&src=eoa-iotd> 
for those of you interested in putting up some towers. Be glad you don't 
live in the Serengeti!

WORD TO THE WISE

*/Muntzing/* - the practice of removing components until the device 
stops working as a way of production cost-cutting. Madman Muntz 
<http://www.analog.com/library/analogdialogue/archives/49-04/RAQ_116.html> 
was famous for selling TVs for less than $100 "back in the day" when the 
usual set cost significantly more. And generally lasted considerably 
longer without a visit from the TV repairman, but let's not quibble.

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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation <http://wwrof.org/> is 
presenting a webinar 
<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8051720717106218497> by Craig 
Thompson, K9CT on "Planning Your Contest Station," on April 15^th at 
0100 UTC. (That's Tuesday evening in North America.) Craig will reveal 
lessons learned from building the K9CT contest station through the 
process of finding land, selecting the antennas, and the shack layout. 
Craig's wisdom is a must for anyone looking to build a contest station 
or improve their existing station. (Thanks, Ken K4ZW)

In case you didn't make the trip to Finland for the Contest Club of 
Finland's annual holiday DX and Contest Cruise, you can still view some 
of the great presentations online on the OH DX club's website 
<http://www.ohdxf.fi/uutiset.html?49>. Jukka OH6LI takes on contest 
stations of 2020, there is a presentation on WRTC-2018 by the German 
delegation, plus some solar savantry by OH1ZAA and OH6BG. (Thanks, Jukka 
OH6LI)

RESULTS AND RECORDS

The April 2015 issue of /CQ Magazine/ <http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com> 
containing the results for the 2014 CQ WW DX Contest SSB is now 
available for electronic subscribers via Zinio. The scores are available 
from the online database <http://www.cqww.com/results.htm> on the CQ WW 
web site. (Thanks, CQ WW DX Contest Director, Randy K5ZD)

I'm sure you can spot the current sunspot cycle out of this rogue's 
gallery but take a look at the Solar Activity Report 
<http://www.solen.info/solar/>website for a lot more about this and 
other cycles.

If you have old contest logs on paper or in spreadsheet format and would 
like to convert them to ADIF for logging programs, including Logbook Of 
the World, W8TN has written /BasicLog 
<http://www.w8tn.com/software.htm>/ to ease the process using a 
spreadsheet. (Thanks, Paula K9IR)

I've seen lots of posts on various reflectors, blogs, and personal media 
pages about receiving a plaque for one's contest efforts - 
hip-hip-hooray! Now take a minute to send a note of thanks to the plaque 
sponsor. Thank-you notes are apparently so rarely received that when one 
does show up, it is remark-worthy. Don't skimp on showing your 
appreciation to that someone who made your day!

OPERATING TIP

Get radioactive! The Contest Club of Ontario offers the sCCOre Award 
<http://www.va3cco.com/sccore/sccore.htm> to its members based on a 
yearly tally. All eligible contest scores from January 1 to December 31 
count towards the award for that year. Initial sCCOre awards and 
endorsements are processed once a year and are cumulative. This is a 
great way to encourage and sustain interest and activity - check it out! 
Another great year-long activity enhancer is the "QSO every day" 
approach typified by the Hampden County Radio Association's 
<http://www.hcra.org/zb/mar15.pdf> Q-a-Day Contest. Whatever you choose 
to do, keep the fun building by encouraging folks to get on the air 
frequently. Activity breeds more activity and better operating skills. 
(Thanks, Mike VE3GFN and Tom K1KI)

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TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

So - you have interested someone in ham radio through your description 
of technical adventures on the airwaves. There are lots of individual 
specialty websites - here's a new tech portal 
<http://www.arrl.org/tech-portal> from the ARRL that opens doors to many 
ARRL technical resources, even for non-members. Its goal is to introduce 
ham radio from the techie's perspective while not drowning them with a 
"ham radio firehose" - at least not right away. Send those proto-hams 
right over!

 From the latest ARRL Propagation Bulletin <http://arrl.org/bulletins>, 
ARLP014, comes this link to a graphic comparison 
<http://www.solen.info/solar/images/comparison_recent_cycles.png> of the 
latest four solar cycles. The site has plenty of solar analysis, data, 
and images to keep the most ardent and solar-philic ham enthralled. Not 
more than a click away, you can also find this interesting site which 
maintains a worldwide digital ionogram database 
<http://ulcar.uml.edu/DIDBase/>. Check the station list for the location 
of each project or facility. (Thanks, Perry WY1O)

To be sure you follow rules about self-spotting via a /CW Skimmer 
<http://www.dxatlas.com/cwskimmer>/, both /CW Skimmer/ and /Skimmer 
Server/ software have built-in protection against self-spotting, so long 
as you enter your call sign on the Operator tab in either program. 
Because of the change in the design of /RTTY Skimmer Server/, this easy 
solution is not available. Happily, there are two quick and easy 
solutions: (1) Enter your own call in the Bad Call list on the Filters 
tab of the Aggregator and (2) Add your call to the black.lst text file 
found in C:Users[your login]AppdataRoamingAfreetReference (Thanks, Pete 
N4ZR)

In the latest issue of the DKARS Magazine 
<http://downloads.dkars.nl/DKARS%20Magazine%20201504.pdf> shares news of 
/RXGen/, a signal source with stable and calibrated output, flat from 
2MHz to 2400MHz with an absolute level accuracy of +/-0.5dB. This is a 
valuable aid for aligning receivers and preamplifiers, cable and 
accessory testing, filter response measurement and more.

Just in time for the Field Day Festival of Cable Snarls comes this 
snarl-stopper for ac power cords - a do-it-yourself extension cord reel 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Extension-Cord-Reel/> seen below. And 
when you're repairing (or decommissioning) a gadget which didn't make it 
home alive, consider pointing this Instructable on de-soldering 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-trick-for-desoldering-through-hole-componen/> 
through-hole parts at someone just getting into electronics through the 
take-apart door.

Made from a spare wire spool and some hardware-store electric outlet 
parts, this extension cord holder from Instructables 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Extension-Cord-Reel/>is the reel thing!

On the subject of making your CQ and exchange audio messages as clean 
and effective as possible, you might want to check out an audio editing 
program, such as /Audacity/. Jim K9YC posted a video 
<http://nccc.cc/misc/RecordingVoiceMessages-K9YC.wmv> how-to for using 
/Audacity/ in this way so there's no reason to let badly recorded audio 
cut your intelligibility and, consequently, your QSO rate! (The video is 
a 300 Mbyte download, so it might not be a good choice for a dial-up 
connection...)

After you do record crisp messages, Bill K4XS points out that you should 
listen to your transmitted audio with a second receiver - not the RF 
monitor in the transmitting radio. You can transmit into a dummy load at 
low power and listen to what you sound like on the air. Adjust your 
audio channel controls until your signal sounds clear and does not splatter.

If your MFJ-259B antenna analyzer took a hit or required repair, Tom 
W8JI posted this set of instructions 
<http://www.w8ji.com/mfj-259b_calibration.htm> on calibrating these 
popular units.

Using microwave oven high voltage (HV) diodes is an inexpensive way to 
make a high-voltage rectifier for a homebrew amplifier but how do you 
test them? Using the diode test function of a multimeter won't work 
because the HV diodes are usually made from a string of 1kV diodes. 
Every regular silicon diode creates a 0.6V of forward voltage drop, 
totaling 3 V or more from typical units. This causes the multimeter to 
read "open." Use a forward power source of 10 V or more, limited with a 
1 kohm resistor, to test these rectifier strings. (Thanks, Val LZ1VB)

Rohde & Schwarz has released another detailed, informative application 
note, "Intermodulation Distortion Measurements on Modern Spectrum 
Analyzers 
<http://www.rohde-schwarz-usa.com/rs/rohdeschwarz/images/1EF79_1E-IntermodDistortionMeasur.pdf>". 
While most of us don't make such measurements on a regular basis, the 
introductory sections on the theory of intermodulation and spectrum 
analyzer architecture are excellent resources for the interested reader.

*Technical Web Site of the Week* - The free Smith Chart software 
/SimSmith <http://ae6ty.com/Smith_Charts.html>/ is now up to version 
11.3. The new software has improved its on-screen markers and plotting 
functions, sweep functions, and new error and text-editing windows. If 
you haven't tried this software, check it out!

CONVERSATION

Oh, Nothing...

Every parent knows that phrase, the usual response to "What are you/they 
doing down/in/over there?" Come to think of it, so do most spouses of 
hams! While sometimes nothing = getting into trouble, it can just as 
easily be nothing = tinkering. Ah yes, tinkering, defined as screwing 
around with something mechanical, electrical, buildable, 
re-programmable, or disassemble-able, or just about anything-else-able 
that holds an interest for us.

Recently, Tom K1KI sent me a link to the /New York Times/ article 
"Learning through Tinkering 
<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/opinion/learning-through-tinkering.html>," 
presenting some ideas about how kids learn better and more broadly when 
not led too closely through pre-planned activities. The basic idea is to 
teach them how to use some tools and train them on certain skills, then 
give them a problem and let them figure out the rest on their own. Many 
of us grew up more or less in that environment; a shop, a garage, at a 
computer terminal, in a basement, in a barn - you get the idea.

Although the idea doesn't work for everyone, it frees the kids to 
explore if they wish and doesn't seem to hurt those more comfortable 
with step-by-step learning. There needs to be some of both - kids and 
learning processes. Ham radio is no different: building a step-by-step 
Heathkit was for many the launch pad to low orbit of building things 
from magazine directions. Escape velocity to the design-and-build 
reaches of outer space sometimes followed.

Team of students + general requirements + freedom to innovate = rather 
unique robot design. (Photo by NØAX)

I am not suggesting that we throw out traditional instruction in favor 
of "free-range self-teaching" - both are necessary for certain stages of 
growth. In fact, an alternating sequence of open-ended exploration 
followed by closely focused instruction is a great path to follow. 
Growing minds (of any age) need guidance just like they need room to 
maneuver. The high-school students in the Maker Space club I mentored 
were happy to just take things apart for a while. Soon I pointed out to 
them there were enough parts to make a dc power supply - but that took 
some equations and some instruction and some Heathkit-style 
hand-holding. Then it was back to unsoldering components for a while.

The robotics competition I mentioned in the previous issue provides 
fertile ground for the student teams to stretch their mental legs while 
getting some focused direction from mentors and judges. The students 
didn't have to have any engineering training or background - just a 
willingness to work through a problem. Ham radio can be a lot like that, 
with interest building gradually from "that looks like fun" through, 
"How does that work?" to getting a license and on to station-building 
and operating. The Elmers among us are responsible for supplying 
guidance as needed but not so much as to stifle the natural creative 
tendencies and turn what should be play into an adult-sanctioned (and 
dominated) chore.

What comes out the other end? Projects like those of a Boy Scout 
<http://www.courant.com/community/plainville/hc-plainville-airport-radio-0404-20150403-story.html> 
who put the local airport comm channels on a low-power AM broadcast 
channel so folks could listen to the traffic from their cars in the 
parking lot. It really doesn't have to be all about ham radio - just get 
them going however you can. Teach them the basics, turn them loose, then 
answer questions and feed them resources - even stuff to just tear 
apart. And maybe you'll hear that classic response to your curiosity 
between bursts of static, drilling noises, and the rattle of tools on a 
bench - "Oh, nothing..."

73, Ward NØAX

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CONTESTS

*8 April through 21 April 2015*

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*

*/ARRL Rookie Roundup/*--Phone, from Apr 19, 1800Z to Apr 19, 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>_

Japan International DX Contest--CW, from Apr 11, 0700Z to Apr 12, 1300Z 
. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, JA prefecture or CQ Zone. Logs 
due: 30 days._Rules <http://jidx.org>_

Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Apr 11, 1200Z to Apr 12, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on the Saturday following the 
6th of the month. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if member. Logs 
due: 5 days._Rules <http://www.skccgroup.com>_

New Mexico QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 11, 1400Z to Apr 12, 
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: 14 days._Rules 
<http://www.newmexicoqsoparty.org>_

Georgia QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 11, 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 11, 2100Z to Apr 12, 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 12, 1200Z to Apr 12, 
1800Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RS(T), 4-char grid square. Logs 
due: May 30._Rules <http://www.contestvintage.beepworld.it>_

NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW, from Apr 15, 0030Z to Apr 15, 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>_

Holyland DX Contest--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 17, 2100Z to Apr 18, 
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 18, 0000Z to Apr 18, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix. Logs due: May 
16._Rules <http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html%20>_

ES Open HF Championship--Phone,CW, from Apr 18, 0500Z to Apr 18, 0859Z . 
Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RS(T), serial, dupes OK once/hour. Logs 
due: May 1._Rules <http://www.erau.ee>_

Worked All Provinces of China--Phone,CW, from Apr 18, 0600Z to Apr 19, 
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 18, 1200Z to Apr 19, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 
3.5-28. Exchange: RST, continent, and category. Logs due: 30 days._Rules 
<http://www.cqmmdx.com>_

Nebraska QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 18, 1200Z to Apr 19, 
2300Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50+, 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>_

Michigan QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 18, 1600Z to Apr 19, 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 18, 1700Z to Apr 19, 1300Z . Bands (MHz): 
3.5-28. Exchange: RST, category, M if EA QRP member. Logs due: 30 
days._Rules <http://www.eaqrp.com>_

North Dakota QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 18, 1800Z to Apr 19, 
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 18, 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 19._Rules <http://www.va3cco.com>_

Feld-Hell New Member Sprint--Digital, from Apr 18, 2000Z to Apr 18, 
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 18, 2100Z - See website. Multiple time 
periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and ITU zone. Logs due: 30 
days._Rules <http://yudx.yu1srs.org.rs>_

Run For the Bacon--CW, from Apr 20, 0200Z to Apr 20, 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>_

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

VHF Spring Sprints--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 13, 7 PM to Apr 13, 11 
PM. Bands (MHz): 144. Exchange: Grid square (6-char preferred). Logs 
due: 14 days._Rules <http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints>_

VHF Spring Sprints--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 21, 7 PM to Apr 21, 11 
PM. Bands (MHz): 222. Exchange: Grid square (6-char preferred). Logs 
due: 14 days._Rules <http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints>_

Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Apr 11, 1200Z to Apr 12, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on the Saturday following the 
6th of the month. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if member. Logs 
due: 5 days._Rules <http://www.skccgroup.com>_

New Mexico QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 11, 1400Z to Apr 12, 
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: 14 days._Rules 
<http://www.newmexicoqsoparty.org>_

Georgia QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 11, 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>_

TARA Skirmish Dig Pfx Contest--Digital, from Apr 18, 0000Z to Apr 18, 
2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: Name, prefix. Logs due: May 
16._Rules <http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html%20>_

Nebraska QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Apr 18, 1200Z to Apr 19, 
2300Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50+, 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>_

Ontario QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Apr 18, 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 19._Rules <http://www.va3cco.com>_

Feld-Hell New Member Sprint--Digital, from Apr 18, 2000Z to Apr 18, 
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

*8 April through 21 April 2015*

  * April 8 - ARRL International DX Contest, SSB
    <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx>
  * April 9 - ARS Spartan Sprint <http://www.arsqrp.blogspot.com/>
  * April 9 - SARL 80m QSO Party
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20150101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2015.pdf>
  * April 9 - QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * April 10 - Wisconsin QSO Party <http://www.warac.org/wqp/wiqp_rules.htm>
  * April 11 - FOC QSO Party <http://g4foc.org/qsoparty/>
  * April 11 - QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * April 11 - CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * April 12 - NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
  * April 12 - NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
  * April 12 - Montana QSO Party
    <http://www.fvarc.org/sites/default/files/library/2015%20MT%20QSO%20Party%20Rules.pdf>
  * April 13 - RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/r80mcc.shtml>
  * April 14 - F9AA Cup, SSB
    <http://www.site.urc.asso.fr/urchaut-6/om-6/131-trophee-f9aa.html>
  * April 14 - Idaho QSO Party <http://idahoarrl.info/qsoparty/rules.htm>
  * April 14 - QCWA QSO Party <http://www.qcwa.org/2015-qso-party-rules.pdf>
  * April 14 - Louisiana QSO Party
    <http://laqp.louisianacontestclub.org/laqso_rules.htm>
  * April 14 - LZ Open 40m Sprint Contest
    <http://www.lzopen.com/lzocc40/indexF.htm>
  * April 15 - RSGB Commonwealth Contest
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/rberu.shtml>
  * April 15 - Virginia QSO Party
    <http://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2015_VQP/2015_VQP_Rules.html>
  * April 16 - NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>
  * April 18 - Texas State Parks on the Air
    <http://tspota.com/site/page?view=rules>
  * April 19 - UBA Spring Contest, 6m
    <http://www.uba.be/hf/contest-rules/spring-contest>
  * April 19 - PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest
    <http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/31-flavors>
  * April 19 - QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party
    <http://www.qrparci.org/contests/spring-qso-party-2014>
  * April 19 - SKCC Weekend Sprintathon
    <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/>
  * April 20 - CLARA Chatter Party
    <http://www.clarayl.ca/index.php/claracontestrules>
  * April 20 - 15-Meter SSTV Dash Contest
    <http://contests.wsstvc.org/rules/>
  * April 20 - EA RTTY Contest <http://concursos.ure.es/en/eartty/bases/>
  * April 21 - RSGB RoPoCo SSB
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/rropoco.shtml>

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