[SFDXA] The ARRL Contest Update for February 11, 2016

Thu Feb 11 07:45:40 EST 2016

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The ARRL Contest Update

February 11, 2016
Editor: Brian Moran, N9ADG <mailto:contest-update 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=2016-02-11&t=t>
IN THIS ISSUE

  * New HF Operators: ARRL School Club Roundup, CQ WPX RTTY, ARRL DX,
    and more <#NewHF>
  * Bulletins: No Contest University at the International DX Convention
    in April, CQ WW Contest seeks new Director <#Bulletins>
  * Contest Summary <#ContestSummary>
  * News: Police use AM Radio to Bust Grow Operations, DX Engineering's
    572B Tubes, and more <#News>
  * Website of the week: http://danariely.com <#WebsiteOfTheWeek>
  * Word to the Wise: Flooded Cable <#Word>
  * Sights and Sounds: Tower Climbing, the Quiet Zone, and more <#Sights>
  * Operating Tip: Use Challenges to Develop Skills and Operators
    <#OperatingTip>
  * Technical Topics and Information: USB Isolators that didn't work out
    so well, and more <#Tech>
  * Conversation: Impedance Mismatch
    <#Conversation>
  * Contests in Detail <#Contests>
  * Log Due Dates <#LogsDue>

NEW HF OPERATORS -- THINGS TO DO

A reminder from last time: The ARRL School Club Roundup 
<http://www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup> started February 8, and runs 
through February 12. The weekend of February 13, the CQ WPX RTTY 
<http://www.cqwpxrtty.com/> contest will be dominant. This contest is 
fun because call sign prefixes are the multipliers. A nice way to verify 
that everything is ready to go in your station is to participate in the 
NCCC RTTY Sprint on Thursday evening (US time zones).

The weekend of February 20, the ARRL International DX Contest, CW 
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx> figures prominently. If you are a 
contester and a DX chaser, this will be the place to be that weekend.

BULLETINS

The International DX Convention <http://www.dxconvention.org/> in 
Visalia, CA will *NOT* feature a Contest University this year 
<http://www.dxconvention.org/news.html>. There */will/* be a one-hour 
Contest Forum, chaired by Ward, N0AX, on Saturday, April 16.

The CQ WW Contest is looking for a new Director 
<http://cqww.com/blog/k5zd-stepping-down-as-director-of-cq-ww-contest/>. 
Randy, K5ZD, who has been exemplary in this role since 2012, is actively 
seeking a replacement, as his career demands have increased. The 
contesting community has benefited from Randy's leadership as the 
contest's log scoring capabilities and integrity of the results have 
improved. Thank you, Randy! Randy has posted a description of the role, 
and qualifications of potential new Directors, on the CQWW Blog 
<http://cqww.com/blog>.

BUSTED QSOs

Last month, I mentioned the "Carolina Weekend" and a BBQ prize drawing. 
Marty Young, W4MY, writes: "Please note that to be eligible for the 
drawing contestants must submit a log to BOTH NC and SC QSO parties 
occurring on consecutive days, SCQP on Feb 27 and NCQP on Feb 28."

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section

*February 11*

  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>

*February 12*

  * NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>

*February 13*

  * CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest <http://www.cqwpxrtty.com/rules.htm>
  * SARL Field Day Contest
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/Members/DoDocDownload.aspx?X=20151130131559djqp8afPgb.PDF>
  * Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW <http://jsfc.org/apsprint/aprule.txt>
  * SKCC Weekend Sprintathon
    <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/>
  * Dutch PACC Contest <http://pacc.veron.nl/>
  * OMISS QSO Party <http://www.omiss.net/Facelift/qsoparty.php>
  * FISTS Winter Unlimited Sprint
    <http://fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints>
  * RSGB 1st 1.8 MHz Contest
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2016/r1st-160m.shtml>

*February 14*

  * KCJ Topband Contest
    <http://www.kcj-cw.com/contest/16_toptest_rules_e.pdf>
  * PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint
    <http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/valentine-sprint>
  * Balkan HF Contest <http://balkan-hf.hamradio.ro/rules>
  * Classic Exchange, Phone
    <http://www.classicexchange.org/jan16/jan16ann.html>
  * Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge
    <http://www.2metersimplexchallenge.com>

*February 16*

  * Classic Exchange, Phone
    <http://www.classicexchange.org/jan16/jan16ann.html>

*February 17*

  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>
  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening
    <http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/semi-automatic-key-evening>

*February 18*

  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2016/r80mcc.shtml>

*February 19*

  * NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>

*February 20*

  * *ARRL International DX Contest, CW* <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx>
  * SARL Youth Day Sprint
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/Members/DoDocDownload.aspx?X=20151130131559djqp8afPgb.PDF>
  * Russian PSK WW Contest
    <http://www.rdrclub.ru/russian-ww-psk-contest/49-rus-ww-psk-rules>
  * Feld Hell Sprint
    <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprints/leprechaun-sprint>
  * AWA Amplitude Modulation QSO Party
    <http://www.antiquewireless.org/awa-amplitude-modulation-qso-party.html>

*February 22*

  * CQC Winter QSO Sprint
    <http://www.coloradoqrpclub.org/contests/winter16.htm>
  * Run for the Bacon QRP Contest <http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/>

*February 24*

  * SKCC Sprint
    <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekday_sprint/>
  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>
  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * UKEICC 80m Contest
    <http://www.ukeicc.com/which-contest/contest-rules/ukeicc-80m-contests-rules>

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

RFI from hydroponic growing lights has markedly increased over the past 
few years. Now police are using that RFI to detect and bust illegal 
marijuana growing operations 
<http://www.policeone.com/drug-interdiction-narcotics/articles/8224280-How-cops-are-catching-grow-ops-with-AM-radios>. 
(K4KYV via RFI reflector)

DX Engineering <http://www.dxengineering.com> is now sourcing 572B 
<http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-572b> power tubes: "572B tubes 
are found in several new Ameritron Amplifiers, including the celebrated 
AL-572 and the AL-811HD. They are also common in a wide range of vintage 
RF amplifiers. Used in pairs, DX Engineering 572B tubes are capable of 
generating up to 600 watts of RF transmit power; quads will produce 
1,200 watts"

Tom, N4TL, has assembled a checklist of NPOTA codes (PDF) 
<http://www.rars.org/ARRL%202016%20%20NPOTA%20Codes.pdf> to assist in 
the National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) operating event 
<http://www.arrl.org/npota> that is running all year.

In sprints <http://ncjweb.com/north-american-sprint/>, one has to keep 
things moving. This could be a good desk solution 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Hamster-Wheel-Standing-Desk/>. (Ward, N0AX)

High-tech headsets and coordinated clocks sound like something we'd use 
in a multiop, but they are just part of the overall technology the NFL 
uses for football games 
<http://www.wired.com/2016/02/all-the-gear-super-bowl-50-refs-will-use-to-call-the-game/>. 
One unfamiliar name mentioned in the article, Vokkero (the article 
references a slightly different spelling), makes headsets which may have 
a contesting application.

There's some sort of glitch that's causing many find-my-phone 
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fsp.android.phonetracker&hl=en> 
applications to point to one geographical location. Unfortunately, the 
address belongs to someone's home 
<http://fusion.net/story/214995/find-my-phone-apps-lead-to-wrong-home/>, 
and the people living there have become accustomed to visits at all 
hours of people, including law enforcement personnel, seeking the 
missing cell phones.

One company thinks that reaching this generation's engineers 
<http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?doc_id=1328839> may require different 
communication techniques than those used in the past. While the article 
is not revelatory, keeping some of these tips in mind may improve your 
club's communication with younger members.

Royal Bank of Scotland is "crowdsourcing" the choice of the historic 
figure to be printed on Scotland's £10 note. Voting closed on February 
7, however one of the candidates was James Maxwell 
<https://www.facebook.com/royalbankofscotland/photos/pcb.949135458527768/949135258527788/?type=3> 
(Facebook link). (James, AJ3K via N0AX)

Tektronix turned 70 years old 
<http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1328832> last week, and also 
did some remodeling on its logo.

The 2014 WRTC event required 65 portable generators (including backups) 
to power the stations. The contest sponsors chose the Honda EU2000is 
<http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/2016-January/112487.html>, 
which were found to be RFI free on 40 meters -10 meters, and only a 
small amount of noise on 80 meters. (Dennis, N6KI)

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the 
South-Southwest in clear US skies through late February. [Photo credit: 
NASA/JPL-Caltech]

If you get up early this month, you may be able to simultaneously see 
Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter 
<http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2016-018> in the pre-dawn 
sky.

*Website of the Week* - http://danariely.com

Dan Ariely is a behavioral economist, and the author of /Predictably 
Irrational/, and /The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty/ 
<http://danariely.com/books/the-honest-truth-about-dishonesty/>. His 
research interests include the motivations and psychology behind 
cheating, including how it can be discouraged. In 2012, he wrote an 
article for the Wall Street Journal entitled /Why We Lie/ 
<http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304840904577422090013997320> . 
The article discussed his research findings of why people cheat, and how 
cheating can be discouraged. One simple deterrent: providing a moral 
reminder to not cheat before an opportunity to cheat is presented. This 
can be as simple as asking participants to provide a signed statement 
along the lines of, "I promise that the information I am providing is 
true" before the information is elicited, rather than after.

Perhaps we'll see logging programs providing the option to display a 
dismissable dialog box with a similar message before generating and 
submitting contest log files.

WORD TO THE WISE-- *Flooded Cable*

When running conductors under ground, they can be subjected to damage 
from water intrusion, rodents, gardening, or even just the weather. 
Flooded cable has a gel or liquid that discourages the intrusion of 
water by displacing it and the gnawing of rodents by being unpleasant 
tasting.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2016-02-11&p=0>
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Mike, VE3GFN, active Toronto contester and author of the Little Pistol 
Page in the National Contest Journal, performing maintenance work on the 
6M Yagi on his 40-foot tower. Also visible is a Cushcraft A4S tribander.
[Photo courtesy of Richard Synergy]

Ever wiser! Mike, VE3FGN shares some wisdom about tower work: "At 75, 
I've taken to ensuring I have a babysitter around when I climb. I've 
also expanded the climbing harness system I use, so that I'm always tied 
to the tower, even when climbing up or down (well, almost always!). It 
does slow down the climbing process, however!"

David, WA1OUI, sends a link to a video detailing the human implications 
of living in the National Radio Quiet Zone 
<https://youtu.be/I35z9Borplw>. "It's about the thousands of square 
miles around the National Radio Telescope in West Virginia [Including 
parts of Virginia and Maryland /-- Ed/.] that must be radio emission 
free, and what that does to the inhabitants: no cell, microwave, Wi-Fi, 
ham radio or anything!"

OPERATING TIP

**

New multiop team Landon, AF5OD, and Darron, KG5ABL, sweating it out 
during the Roundup. [Photo courtesy of Joel, W5ZN]

*Use Challenges and Teams to Develop Multi-op Skills*

Joel, W5ZN, used a challenge and reward to develop new operator skills 
in his local radio club:

"The Rookie Roundup <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup> has proven to 
be an excellent modern day replacement for the Novice Roundup of years 
past. The format and activity is excellent, but the entries have been 
single op! This year in the Rookie Roundup -- CW in December I 
challenged my local club to learn CW and the reward would be the 
opportunity to operate from my station. Two "Rookies" took the challenge 
and chose to operate as a multiop, assisting each other with the effort 
finishing with an outstanding score and pride of accomplishment.

So, here is my challenge to all of you multiops, or multiop-capable 
stations: Get some Rookies to your station for a multiop Rookie Roundup 
effort!"

TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

"After having issues with USB ports in radios and computers getting 
damaged by voltage surges, I bought some USB Optoisolators. 
Unfortunately, in their unshielded, plastic cases, they generate radiate 
excessive noise at RF frequencies in my environment." -- Steve, N2IC

Here's an interesting party trick (well, it depends on the party): 
Generating electricity from cardboard, pencil, and teflon tape 
<https://www.elektormagazine.com/news/generate-electricity-with-cardboard-a-pencil-and-teflon-tape> 
! It generates enough energy to power an LCD display.

Rusts on the surface of non-exotic iron materials can be removed with a 
little salt and electrolysis 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Remove-Rust-Easily-and-Effectively-With-Salt-and-E/>. 
(Ward, N0AX)

Steel bluing <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_%28steel%29> and 
browning also provide some protection against conventional rusting.

Here's a DIY smartphone mount 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Universal-SmartPhone-Car-Mount/>. Scale 
it up or down for your device. (Ward, N0AX)

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2016-02-11&p=1>
CONVERSATION

Impedance Mismatch

For a number of years, a group of non-ham friends and I have gone on an 
annual ski trip. Usually, we look for reasonable snow and inexpensive 
accommodations about one month before an agreed upon week, alternating 
between US locations and Europe locations since some members live in the 
UK. This year, we planned two months ahead, finding a place in the area 
of Val Gardena <http://www.valgardena.it/en/>, Italy.For the first time 
ever for this group, I would bring along some ham gear, a portable 
antenna (SteppIR CrankIR) and radio (Elecraft KX3), renting skis instead 
bringing my decade-old pair of Salomons. I planned to use the radio in 
the early evenings, and on any day that we didn't ski.

Checking out the ARRL web page <http://www.arrl.org/cept> for guidance 
on requirements for operation in CEPT countries, one thing I needed was 
an original copy of my amateur license.That's easier now that the 
"originals" can be printed at will from the FCC site 
<https://www.fcc.gov/help/how-obtain-official-authorizations-uls>. Check.

Another item required was proof of citizenship. My passport satisfied 
this requirement.

The last document required was a "DA 11-221 
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/DA-11-221A1.pdf>," which is 
the FCC's public notice about the requirements of operating under CEPT.I 
loaded the PDF from the ARRL website onto my phone.

Figuring out my callsign prefix during the trip required some work. I 
found IW5EDI's page on operating in Italy 
<http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio-reference/foreign-ham-operations-in-italy> 
to be very helpful, and between Google maps and a call area map of Italy 
<http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio-reference/tourist-ham-radio-in-italy> I 
was able to determine that I'd be IN3/N9ADG.

As the trip grew closer, I thought about how to pack everything.I 
settled on putting the CrankIR, coax, ski clothing, and one ski boot in 
checked luggage (one free on British Airways), the other boot, ski 
helmet, and regular clothing in a roll-on, the KX3 and associated cables 
in my laptop's backpack, to be stowed under seat. Everything fit well, I 
even had room for a Tokyo High Power HL-50b 50 W amplifier and switching 
power supply in the checked luggage. My thermal underwear worked as 
packing material. The checked luggage weighed 49.9 lbs, just under the 
limit of 50.

The trip from Seattle to the Italy was hassle free. The KX3 went through 
security screening inside my backpack. My checked luggage didn't have 
the usual friendly notice of inspection from TSA.Nobody asked to see any 
documents or asked about the extra gear.

The people I ski with have worked in various roles in the technology 
industry, and are acquainted with the concept of ham radio, though only 
one of our group had actually seen what was involved. As I unpacked, I 
received some good-natured ribbing about nerdiness. Imagine "breaker 
breaker one nine good buddy" spoken with a British accent.I took 
everything out of the suitcases and backpack...and there it sat.

For the first 3 days, in the early evening during the time I'd thought 
I'd be operating, our group would be reliving our day's adventure, 
planning the next, or catching up on life's happenings, discussing the 
issues of the day, and it just didn't seem appropriate to put on 
headphones and be on the radio, a solitary activity.

On the fourth evening, I finally set up the CrankIR, enlisting the help 
of a college friend in the assembly, and lashed it to a wooden bench 
just outside our chalet.Running the coax in through the window, I 
realized that I forgot a coax jumper between the radio and the amp. 
10-15 W would have to do (the higher power level was possible with beta 
KX3 firmware).

Turning on the radio 90 minutes after sunset, I was faced with S8-S9 
noise on 40 meters.Not very encouraging. The noise attracted onlookers 
as I tried to find signals on the band. Tuning up above 7.020, I heard 
"CQ TEST" being called by a handful of loud stations. Perfect! What 
contest was this? Doesn't matter! The exchange was RST and serial 
number.The onlookers were intrigued. "What's he saying?" Oops, missed 
the call. "You can understand that?"

I worked an IU9 and a UA6, called a couple of other stations who didn't 
hear me... then turned it all off and rejoined the group.

There's a time and place, and this was neither.

Three nights later, I packed it all away without having turned it on again.

Coming back to the US, security screening at Heathrow airport was much 
more interested in the gear, and they could tell they had an enthusiast 
on their hands. They only needed about 20 minutes of explanation.

That's all for this time, don't forget to send your 
contest-update-worthy tips and techniques to contest-update at arrl.org 
<mailto:contest-update at arrl.org>

73, Brian N9ADG

CONTESTS

*11 Feb - 24 Feb 2016*

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

*HF CONTESTS*

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>, Feb 11, 0300z to 
Feb 11, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + 
Member No., non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: 
February 13.

NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html> , Feb 12, 0145z 
to Feb 12, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; 
Logs due: February 14.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm> , Feb 12, 
0200z to Feb 12, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: February 13.

NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html> , Feb 12, 
0230z to Feb 12, 0300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, *6m*; Serial 
No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: February 14.

CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest <http://www.cqwpxrtty.com/rules.htm> , Feb 13, 
0000z to Feb 14, 2359z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + Serial 
No.; Logs due: February 19.

SARL Field Day Contest 
<http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/Members/DoDocDownload.aspx?X=20151130131559djqp8afPgb.PDF> 
, Feb 13, 1000z to Feb 14, 1000z; CW, SSB, Digital; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 
20, 15, 10m; RS(T) + Number of transmitters + Category (see rules) + 
Province (or "DX"); Logs due: February 21.

Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW <http://jsfc.org/apsprint/aprule.txt> , 
Feb 13, 1100z to Feb 13, 1300z; CW; Bands: 40, 20m; RST + Serial No.; 
Logs due: February 20.

KCJ Topband Contest 
<http://www.kcj-cw.com/contest/16_toptest_rules_e.pdf> , Feb 14, 1200z 
to Feb 15, 1200z; CW; Bands: 160m Only; JA: RST + Prefecture/District 
Code, non-JA: RST + Continent Code (AF,AS,EU,NA,OC,SA); Logs due: March 14.

SKCC Weekend Sprintathon 
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/> , 
Feb 13, 1200z to Feb 15, 0000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 
*6m*; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE"); Logs 
due: February 21.

Dutch PACC Contest <http://pacc.veron.nl/> , Feb 13, 1200z to Feb 14, 
1200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; PA: RS(T) + province, 
non-PA: RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: March 15.

OMISS QSO Party <http://www.omiss.net/Facelift/qsoparty.php> , Feb 13, 
1500z to Feb 14, 1500z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RS + 
(state/province/DX) + (OMISS No. if member); Logs due: March 1.

New Hampshire QSO Party 
<http://www.w1wqm.org/nhqso/NEW_HAMPSHIRE_QSO_PARTY_RULES.pdf> , MOVED 
TO SEPTEMBER. See last issue.

FISTS Winter Unlimited Sprint 
<http://fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints> , Feb 13, 1700z to Feb 13, 
2100z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; FISTS: RST + 
(state/province/country) + first name + FISTS No., non-FISTS: RST + 
(state/province/country) + first name + power; Logs due: March 14.

RSGB 1st 1.8 MHz Contest 
<http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2016/r1st-160m.shtml> , Feb 13, 1900z to 
Feb 13, 2300z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160m Only; UK: RST + Serial No. + 
District Code, non-UK: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: March 2.

PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint 
<http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/valentine-sprint> , 
Feb 14, 0000z to Feb 14, 2359z; PSK31; Bands: 160, 80, 40m; Name + 
(OM/YL) + (state/province/country); Logs due: February 28.

Balkan HF Contest <http://balkan-hf.hamradio.ro/rules> , Feb 14, 1200z 
to Feb 14, 1800z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40m; RS(T) + QSO No.; Logs due: 
February 21.

Classic Exchange, Phone 
<http://www.classicexchange.org/jan16/jan16ann.html> , Feb 14, 1400z to 
Feb 15, 0800z, Feb 16, 1400z to Feb 17, 0800z; AM, SSB, FM; Bands: 160, 
80, 40, 20, 15, 10, *6, 2m*; Name + RS + (state/province/country) + 
rcvr/xmtr manuf/model; Logs due: November 30.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm> , Feb 17, 
0200z to Feb 17, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: February 18.

Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf> , Feb 
17, 0230z to Feb 17, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + 
(state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: February 19.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html> , Feb 17, 1300z to 
Feb 17, 1400z, Feb 17, 1900z to Feb 17, 2000z, Feb 18, 0300z to Feb 18, 
0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + Member No., 
non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: February 20.

AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening 
<http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/semi-automatic-key-evening> 
, Feb 17, 1900z to Feb 17, 2030z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + Serial No. 
+ "/" + 2-digit year first used a bug; Logs due: March 15.

RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW 
<http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2016/r80mcc.shtml> , Feb 18, 2000z to 
Feb 18, 2130z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: February 
25.

NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html> , Feb 19, 0145z 
to Feb 19, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; 
Logs due: February 21.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm> , Feb 19, 
0200z to Feb 19, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: February 20.

NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html> , Feb 19, 
0230z to Feb 19, 0300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, *6m*; Serial 
No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: February 21.

*ARRL International DX Contest, CW* <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx> *, Feb 
20, 0000z to Feb 22, 0000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; W/VE: 
RST + (state/province), non-W/VE: RST + power; Logs due: March 22.

* SARL Youth Day Sprint 
<http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/Members/DoDocDownload.aspx?X=20151130131559djqp8afPgb.PDF> 
, Feb 20, 0800z to Feb 20, 1000z; SSB; Bands: 40m Only; RS + age; Logs 
due: February 27.

Russian PSK WW Contest 
<http://www.rdrclub.ru/russian-ww-psk-contest/49-rus-ww-psk-rules> , Feb 
20, 1200z to Feb 21, 1159z; BPSK31, BPSK63, BPSK125; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 
20, 15, 10m; RU: RST + 2-letter oblast, non-RU: RST + Serial No.; Logs 
due: February 26.

Feld Hell Sprint 
<https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprints/leprechaun-sprint> 
, Feb 20, 2000z to Feb 20, 2159z; Feld Hell; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 
10m; (see rules); Logs due: February 27.

AWA Amplitude Modulation QSO Party 
<http://www.antiquewireless.org/awa-amplitude-modulation-qso-party.html> 
, Feb 20, 2300z to Feb 21, 2300z; AM; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; Name + 
(state/province/country); Logs due: March 22.

CQC Winter QSO Sprint 
<http://www.coloradoqrpclub.org/contests/winter16.htm> , Feb 22, 0100z 
to Feb 22, 0259z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; Member: RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + CQC member no., non-Member: RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + power; Logs due: March 23.

Run for the Bacon QRP Contest <http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/> , Feb 22, 0200z 
to Feb 22, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + 
(state/province/country) + (Member No./power); Logs due: February 28.

SKCC Sprint 
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekday_sprint/> , Feb 
24, 0000z to Feb 24, 0200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + 
(state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./power); Logs due: February 26.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm> , Feb 24, 
0200z to Feb 24, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + 
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: February 25.

Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf> , Feb 
24, 0230z to Feb 24, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + 
(state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: February 12.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html> , Feb 24, 1300z to 
Feb 24, 1400z, Feb 24, 1900z to Feb 24, 2000z, Feb 25, 0300z to Feb 25, 
0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + Member No., 
non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: February 27.

UKEICC 80m Contest 
<http://www.ukeicc.com/which-contest/contest-rules/ukeicc-80m-contests-rules> 
, Feb 24, 2000z to Feb 24, 2100z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; 4-Character grid 
square; Logs due: February 24.

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge 
<http://www.2metersimplexchallenge.com>, Feb 14, 1700z to Feb 14, 2100z; 
FM; Bands: 2m; Name + City/Town + Power; Logs due: 0359 UTC, February 29.

Also see SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, NCCC Sprint Ladder in HF section.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2016-02-11&p=2>
*LOG DUE DATES*

*11 Feb - 24 Feb 2016*

*February 11, 2016*

  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>

*February 12, 2016*

  * Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>

*February 13, 2016*

  * WAB 1.8 MHz Phone
    <http://wab.intermip.net/Contest%20Rules.php#OtherRules>

  * QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>

  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>

*February 14, 2016*

  * NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>

  * AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest
    <http://www.antiquewireless.org/awa-linc-cundall-memorial-cw-contest.html>

  * NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>

  * North American Sprint, CW <http://ncjweb.com/Sprint-Rules.pdf>

  * UBA DX Contest, SSB
    <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/uba-dx-contest-rules>

  * NAQCC CW Sprint <http://naqcc.info/sprint201602.html>

*February 15, 2016*

  * REF Contest, CW
    <http://concours.ref-union.org/reglements/actuels/reg_cdfhf_dx.pdf>

*February 17, 2016*

  * Black Sea Cup International <http://bscc.ucoz.ru/index/0-21>

  * RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2016/r80mcc.shtml>

*February 18, 2016*

  * NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>

*February 20, 2016*

  * Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW <http://jsfc.org/apsprint/aprule.txt>

*February 22, 2016*

  * 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB
    <http://www.ten-ten.org/index.php/activity/2013-07-22-20-26-48/qso-party-rules>

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information from WA7BNM's 
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