[SFDXA] Pete

Wed Sep 4 10:31:48 EDT 2019

 Can someone update me on Pete's condition?
TU es 73,
Dave, W4DN     On Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 9:10:25 AM EDT, Bill <bmarx at bellsouth.net> wrote:  

Preview

If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2015-09-23

The ARRL Contest Update

September 23, 2015
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=2015-09-23&t=t>
IN THIS ISSUE

· CQWW RTTY <#Contests>

· QSO Gold Rush <#Contests>

· No one re-mains neutral over grounding issues <#News>

· Norman Rockwell's teenage neighbors <#Newsweek>

· The LU say! <#Sights>

· ARRL DX and RTTY results are ready <#Results>

· Growly RFI <#Tech>

· Stub the line <#Techweek>

· Adaptation <#Conversation>

NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO

For a total-immersion contest weekend, the 48-hour CQWW RTTY contest 
<http://www.cqwwrtty.com/> (September 26) is your target. If you put in 
a significant effort, you'll likely be hearing phantom RTTY signals in 
your head for a few hours after the contest. During the contest you'll 
hear RTTY signals throughout the RTTY/data sub-band on most bands, which 
can crowd CW into lowest band segments. Be mindful of the RTTY/data 
sub-band upper edges to make sure you stay legal.

In these days of declining sunspots, there is always the chance that ten 
meters /could/ be open next week. If it is, NRAU has a ten-meter 
mode-stravaganza to explore.

The California QSO Party is on October 3. There will be an abundance of 
activity, with 58 California counties providing some of the multipliers. 
It's good training for the November ARRL Sweepstakes, as the exchange is 
similar.

BULLETINS

Dave, NN1N informs: "Matt Wilhelm, W1MSW, has moved-on from the position 
of Contest Branch Manager at ARRL to pursue other opportunities. Matt 
gave us an excellent 17 months - catching us up all the way to current, 
which was not an easy task. He recruited Frandy Johnson, N1FJ to assist 
as well, and I want to thank both Matt and Frandy for their work. The 
Contest Manager's job is not easy and relies on the good work of many to 
produce results. We will be evaluating the position's requirements and 
responsibilities in the near term before moving ahead. Dan, N1ND, Ward, 
N0AX, and Dave, NN1N will keep the workflow going in the meantime.

Randy, K5ZD recently noted "The CQ WW DX Contest Committee is conducting 
a survey to gather feedback from participants about the contest. An 
invitation email with a link to the survey has been sent to everyone who 
submitted a log in the 2014 SSB and CW contests. The responses will help 
us improve the contest and make important decisions about the rules. 
Please see the blog post 
<http://cqww.com/blog/2015-cq-ww-dx-contest-participant-survey> with the 
details. The number of responses has slowed to the point that we are 
going to move up the end date of the survey to September 25, 2015 (next 
Friday). If you would like to respond please do so now. If you have 
already responded, thank you."

BUSTED QSOS

Hmm, log from last time must not be scored yet.

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section

*September 24*

  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * RSGB 80m Club Sprint, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/rsprint.shtml>

*September 25*

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

*September 26*

  * CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY
    <http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_contests/cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest/cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest_rules/2015_cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest_rules.pdf>
  * Maine QSO Party <http://www.qsl.net/ws1sm/Maine_QSO_Party.html>
  * Texas QSO Party <http://www.txqp.net/>
  * AGCW VHF/UHF Contest
    <http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/vhf-uhf-contest>

*September 27*

  * Texas QSO Party <http://www.txqp.net/>
  * UBA ON Contest, 6m <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>
  * Classic Exchange, Phone
    <http://www.classicexchange.org/sep15/sep15ann.html>
  * Peanut Power QRP Sprint <http://www.nogaqrp.org/PeanutPower/rules.pdf>

*September 29*

  * Classic Exchange, Phone
    <http://www.classicexchange.org/sep15/sep15ann.html>
  * 220 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2015FallSprintRulesRev1.pdf>

*September 30*

  * 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>

*October 1*

  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>
  * SARL 80m QSO Party
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20150101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2015.pdf>

*October 2*

  * NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
  * YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest
    <http://ylrl.org/index.php/contests-and-dx-awards>

*October 3*

  * TARA PSK Rumble Contest
    <http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_rumble_rules.html>
  * 15-Meter SSTV Dash Contest <http://contests.wsstvc.org/rules/>
  * German Telegraphy Contest
    <http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/german-telegraphy-contest-dtc>
  * Oceania DX Contest, Phone <http://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/rules.pdf>
  * TRC DX Contest <http://www.trcdx.org/trcdxc/index.html>
  * Russian WW Digital Contest
    <http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules>
  * International HELL-Contest
    <http://www.darc.de/de/referate/ukw-funksport/hf-hell-wettbewerb/teilnahmebedingungen/>
  * California QSO Party <http://www.cqp.org/Rules.html>
  * 4 State 4x4 QRP Sprint <http://www.4sqrp.com/>
  * FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint <http://fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints>
  * WAB HF Phone <http://wab.intermip.net/Contest%20Rules.php#HFRules>

*October 4*

  * International HELL-Contest
    <http://www.darc.de/de/referate/ukw-funksport/hf-hell-wettbewerb/teilnahmebedingungen/>
  * UBA ON Contest, SSB <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>
  * RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/r2128.shtml>

*October 6*

  * ARS Spartan Sprint <http://www.arsqrp.blogspot.com/>

*October 7*

  * Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>
  * CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>
  * 432 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2015FallSprintRulesRev1.pdf>
  * UKEICC 80m Contest
    <http://www.ukeicc.com/which-contest/contest-rules/ukeicc-80m-contests-rules>

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

In discussions of shack layout and construction, issues of where and how 
to run electrical power inevitably crop up. The History of Residential 
Electrical Wiring in the US 
<https://www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/eli_GFCI_history.pdf> paints the 
picture of how electrical standards in the US have evolved, and can help 
illustrate why there has been such variety over time in something as 
mundane as a 220v branch circuit.

An article in the Wall Street Journal recently discussed how repairing 
electronic goods 
<http://www.wsj.com/articles/we-need-the-right-to-repair-our-gadgets-1441737868> 
is better than throwing them away, and how the practice should be more 
mainstream. The author of the article found that manufacturer policies 
and lack of technical information to enable repairs introduce obstacles. 
Why does it cost $200 to fix something with a 69 cent part? Overhead! 
Someone has to be available to diagnose the problem, sometimes using 
complex, expensive, equipment, and information that may be expensive to 
produce and maintain. The repair facility rent isn't free; stocking 
parts requires infrastructure... (Charles Mount)

The WWROF <http://wwrof.org> is sponsoring a webinar entitled "WRTC 2018 
Update <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3567078872821998082>" 
on Sunday, October 4, 2015 @ 1900 UTC. Topics include an overview of 
WRTC 2018, recent news, rules, and a discussion of the new Worked All 
Germany contest as a qualifying event.

According to a recent article in Scientific American, people are more 
likely to cheat at the end of a competitive activity 
<http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-are-more-likely-to-cheat-at-the-end/>. 
One of the causes cited is that some of the test subjects anticipated 
regretting a missed opportunity to cheat the system.

Jay Allen, VY1JA, has been stalwart in bringing the Yukon to the 
airwaves over the past 70 years. To help Jay continue to do so, but also 
reduce the technical and operational demands placed on Jay, a number of 
amateurs are collaborating to upgrade VY1JA to be fully accessible 
remotely 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/remotely-controlling-vy1ja-station-in-yukon-territory-a-win-win>. 
Most recently, Gerry, W1VE, set up a gofundme page 
<https://www.gofundme.com/vy1ja-help> to raise additional funds to 
accelerate the effort and build on early successes, and it's inspiring 
to see the donations and comments made by the donors. As of this 
writing, their initial funding goal was been surpassed in just 10 days!

While searching the 'net for a low-cost GPS source for use in his 
reverse beacon network node, Bill Hein, CEO of Force 12 Antennas, came 
across some GPS references made by Leo Bodnar, M0XER 
<http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=107&products_id=234>. 
These units are used in professional auto racing applications. Bill Hein 
bought one for his node, and also obtained US distribution rights for 
the units... the first ones will have landed by now, and he's able to 
take pre-orders 
<http://www.force12inc.com/products/gps-locked-precision-frequency-reference-low-jitter-gps-clock-450-hz-to-800-mhz-output.html>.

ARES/RACES volunteers have activated 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/ares-races-volunteers-activate-for-california-wildfires> 
in support of the response the California wildfires; the devastation to 
property and lives is extensive. At least one resident amateur radio 
operator was a victim 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/california-radio-amateur-is-wildfire-victim>, 
and the wildfires have claimed the American Museum of Telephony in 
Mountain Ranch, California, as a casualty 
<http://www.networkworld.com/article/2983390/smartphones/california-fire-ravages-telephony-museum.html>. 

If you're dealing with rig signals from a K3, you might find a "DB15 
D-SUB VGA male plug 15pin port Terminal Breakout PCB Board" search on 
eBay will give you an interesting way to quickly connect into some of 
the lines. Winford.com <http://winford.com> also has a number of 
breakout-type boards that could help with interfacing needs. (Ralph N5RZ)

"I can't hear you now." - EMI levels can be so great that modern, 
every-day devices like cellular phones are affected 
<http://spectrum.ieee.org/telecom/wireless/electronic-noise-is-drowning-out-the-internet-of-things>... 
which can be an impetus to getting the underlying cause fixed. (Mark K6UFO)

If you use a standing desk, you may have spent long hours fretting over 
the choice of the right clothes to wear while standing at it. You are 
not alone 
<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/fashion/what-to-wear-at-a-standing-desk.html>.

**

*Web Site of the Week* - Carl and Jerry Stories 
<http://www.copperwood.com/carlandjerry.htm>

Reading them on paper only enhances the charm of the Carl and Jerry 
stories that John Frye wrote for /Popular Electronics/ between 1954 and 
1964. Yes, they're dated, but they're also a heck of lot of fun to read, 
as the duo get involved in situations that always require some 
application of electronics, but ultimately are about humanity. A number 
of the stories are available to read online, but reading the book 
collections is a great way to spend a winter afternoon.

WORD TO THE WISE - Galling

Galling is wear or damage occurring when two materials exhibit friction 
and/or adhesion between each other. Metals that depend on their oxides 
to inhibit corrosion, for example aluminum and titanium, as well as some 
softer steels, are prone to galling. If you're doing tower work with 
stainless steel hardware, it's recommended that you use some type of 
anti-seize compound on the threads to reduce the potential for galling.

Galling can also be the description of the experience of not placing in 
a top-ten spot because you forgot to send in your log.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2015-09-23&p=0>
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Members of the LU Contest Group at their fifteenth anniversary. 
(courtesy LU8ADX)

On September 5, the LU Group Contest celebrated its 15th anniversary at 
a get together in the city of Villa María, Córdoba. One hundred and ten 
amateurs, many of them contesters, were present and included the 
participation of Radio Club Villa Maria LU1HYW 
<https://www.facebook.com/RadioclubVillaMaria>, AMSAT Argentina and 
ICOM. The event drew from all parts of Argentina and colleagues from 
Uruguay, Chile and Brazil.

Some WKCs - Standing L-R: LT1F LU4DX CX6DRA CE3CT LU1FAM LU5DX LU1AEE 
LU8ADX. Front L-R: LU3DX CE2MVF LU2FE (courtesy LU8ADX)

There were 12 presentations given by LU1BJW, LU1CGB, LU1DCX, LU1DZL, 
LU1FAM, LU1FP, LU3HY, LU7HZ LU8ADX, LU9EFO, M6SEJ / ZZ5JKL, along with a 
display of DXCC QSL cards and certificates assembled by LU3HBO. (Diego, 
LU8ADX)

Like Vinyl LP Records, Audio Cassettes are enjoying a bit of a 
renaissance. Here's a nice video on what it is like running and being in 
the last audio cassette factory 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMTpvr9HXeI>.

RESULTS AND RECORDS

The full results Results article (PDF) for 2015 ARRL DX CW is now online 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles>; The Top Ten History for 
the ARRL DX Phone Contest 
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20Records/2014/ARRL%20DX%20Phone%20Top%20Ten%20History%20-%202014.pdf> 
has also been added to the ARRL contest results web site.

Worth waiting for! The full 2015 RTTY Roundup results article is now
online at www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles>. There are opportunities 
for interested parties to sponsor RTTY Roundup plaques in future 
contests - contact Jeff, WK6I if you're interested.

Kevin, W9GKA, informs that the Distance Scoring Working Group has 
'back-tested' different distance scoring models on the Top 10 SOHP logs 
from the September 2010 VHF QSO Party, and some results look promising. 
If you're interested in the effort, you can join view the public web 
site <https://sites.google.com/site/vhfdistancescoring/>, and see some 
preliminary results 
<https://sites.google.com/site/vhfdistancescoring/home/reports>.

August 2015 NAQP SSB contest preliminary results have been posted to the 
NCJ web site <http://www.ncjweb.com>. If you entered the contest, check 
your results and let the contest manager <mailto:ssbnaqpmgr at ncjweb.com> 
Bill, AC0W, know if you find something that doesn't seem right before 
September 26. You should verify your category, and make note if there's 
a large QSO count or score change from what you submitted. "Reminder 
these are just preliminary results, the final results may have some 
minor score adjustments."

OPERATING TIP - Signal reports during contests

Unless a contest sponsor says they are going to actually check signal 
reports as part of the exchange, it's generally a waste of effort to 
provide any report other than 59 or 5NN. During contests, the signal 
report is in reality used to frame the useful portions of the exchange. 
In marginal signal conditions, using anything other than 59 or 5NN may 
hinder the effective copying of the other useful parts of the exchange. 
Also, if you use 5NN for the signal report on RTTY, you are sending at 
minimum four 5-bit characters instead of the optimum three.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2015-09-23&p=1>
TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

In a recent discussion of coax stubs on the TowerTalk reflector, Frank, 
W3LPL, explained why harmonics of your transmit frequency may sound 
"growly" in a nearby receiver:

Those "growly" signals you're hearing are harmonics of your transmitted 
signal generated by unintentional radiators, especially switching power 
supplies. This type of RFI -- sometimes called "flooding" -- is caused 
by solid state devices flooded by intense RF fields (your transmitted 
signal) in which they were not intended to operate. The unintentional 
radiator produces harmonics of your transmitted signal mixed with the AC 
power line or digital signals that are normally present in the 
unintentional radiator.

Common unintentional radiators of harmonics of your transmitted signal 
include many of the newer compact "wall wart" DC power supplies and 
susceptible power supplies in devices such as antenna rotators.

The control box for the Ham series and T2X rotator is a well-known 
source of re-radiated "growly" harmonics. Smart phone chargers are among 
the most common unintentional radiators of your harmonics in your home 
and neighborhood.

As you rotate your transmitting and receiving antennas you will notice a 
considerable variation in the signal strength of the "growly" harmonics 
you've observed. It's likely that your harmonics will be free of 
"growly" signals in some directions.

Another tool for pulling signals out of the noise -- you can build a 
mechanical audio filter for CW listening, in the form of a tuned speaker 
enclosure resonating at your rig's CW center frequency 
<http://kd1jv.qrpradio.com/resonatespkr/CWSPKR.HTM> (KD1JV)

You may not see it on late night TV, however here's a list of the top 10 
algorithms of the 20^th Century and why they're considered such 
<https://www.siam.org/pdf/news/637.pdf>.

Communication is about transmitting information between two points. The 
actual recording or changing of a single bit of information takes a 
theoretical minimum amount of energy - Landauer's principle 
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landauer%27s_principle> proposes a lower 
bound for this amount of energy. At room temperature, this is about 
0.0172 eV.

Topband season is here in the northern hemisphere! K1LZ has some 
practical beverage antenna advice: 
www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html 
<http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html> (K1LZ via Topband)

Though the intended use is for a camera, a low-band vertical could in 
theory be used with the Fotokite 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYHnvXZFR0E>. The Fotokite is a 
tethered drone with a camera. The drone part, powered through the 
tether, could stay up for a long time.

When a transistor fails, but there are no direct replacements available, 
you may be able to find your own substitute using this guide from EDN 
<http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4429969/Choosing-Transistors>. The 
article may help you understand the characteristics that matter for the 
circuit in question. (Jeff, AD6MX via QRP-L)

If you need an oscilloscope or signal generator in the audio range, your 
smart phone may have an app for that 
<http://www.instructables.com/id/OscilloPhone-Use-your-Smartphone-as-an-Oscilloscop>. 
Don't forget that your laptop can also do this with appropriate sound 
input/outputs, and there are plenty of open source or free applications 
to generate or manipulate waveforms (for example, Audacity 
<http://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/>).

Audacity <http://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/> is also useful to 
prepare your voice macros for your contesting logging program.

EDN has a nice article on how MOSFETs can be used modulator applications 
<http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4440016/Single-MOSFET-circuits-gate---modulate>. 
More generally, their application as on-off switches have wide 
modulation applicability from DC through RF. (Ward, N0AX)

The Class E Radio web site <http://www.classeradio.com/> describes an 
abundance of amateur experimenter activity - MOSFETs are used 
extensively throughout the transmitter and modulator designs described 
on the site. QST also featured a construction article for a CW Class E 
amplifier a number of years ago.

You can use a good network analyzer and a belt sander to adjust phasing 
lines on the higher (VHF, UHF) frequencies, according to Dave, K1WHS. 
(via the Elecraft mailing list)

Bob, N6TV, writes:

"I've just completed a large update to VE3NEA's Rig Definition files 
<http://dxatlas.com/OmniRig/Files/RigIni.zip> for modern Icom radios 
supported by his Omni-Rig <http://dxatlas.com/OmniRig> universal radio 
control program, which is used by Win-Test, Ham Radio Deluxe, Faros, and 
many other programs. The update includes new and updated files for the 
following Icom models and firmware versions:

IC-7000

IC-7000v2

IC-7100

IC-7100e4

IC-7200

IC-7200v2

IC-7410v2

IC-7600

IC-7600v2

IC-7700

IC-7700v2

IC-7800

IC-7800v3

IC-7850

IC-7851

IC-9100v2

Among other improvements, the latest Icom firmware for the "high end" 
models (IC-7600 and above), now support reading and setting VFO B 
directly from contest software, clearing the RIT, and using the radio's 
built-in USB sound card as a voice keyer. The new rig definition files 
also automatically set Icom CI-V Transceive OFF, eliminating the 
requirement to do that manually to use OmniRig.

Win-Test users can also use the radio's sound card for voice keying, as 
well as the internal CW keyer and Morse generator, using custom LUA 
Script extensions I've written and posted to my web site, 
http://bit.ly/wtscripts."

N3FJP reminds that his N3FJP WAE contest logging program 
<http://www.n3fjp.com/wae.html> provides QTC management.

N1MM Logger+'s version 12.03.00 and later requires certain ICOM radios 
(e.g. IC-7600, IC-7700, IC-7800, IC-9100, this list may not be 
exhaustive 
<http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Supported+Radios#IC-7600_using_address_7A_hex>) 
to use more recent versions of the ICOM firmware which include a 
get-split command. If you recently updated N1MM Logger+ and your radio 
is no longer recognized, check N1MM Logger+ release notes to see if your 
radio model has such a requirement, and that your radio is up to date.

The NRAO published some pointers on electric fence construction and 
maintenance to minimize RFI <http://www.gb.nrao.edu/IPG/Fence.shtml>.

Rigetti, a quantum computing startup, is looking for a RF/Microwave 
design engineer 
<http://rigetti.com/careers/rf-microwave-design-engineer> with (from 
reading the job listing) practical design and build experience. The 
desired qualifications are interesting reading.

*Technical Web Site(s) of the Week* - Stubs!

While operating W7DX in the Salmon Run contest last weekend, members of 
our team were discussing inter-station interference and coax stubs. A 
quick internet search turned up Jim, K9YC's Q&A for coax and coax stubs 
(PDF) <http://audiosystemsgroup.com/Coax-Stubs.pdf>. In addition to an 
explanation of the important quality characteristics of coax and a 
summarization of the theory behind the use of stubs, Jim has provided a 
nice collection of pointers to information so that you can go as deep as 
you like.

N3RR completed a big project to add stubs to his station, and was kind 
enough to share his project details with everyone (PDF) 
<http://users.erols.com/n3rr/>. This 46 page PDF serves as his own 
station documentation, but also shows the thought and work that goes 
into a project like this.

CONVERSATION

Adaptation

My contest season started last weekend as I joined Dick, K7BTW and Adam, 
K7EDX for a multi-op at K7BTW's station near Olympia, Washington. Our 
mission was to make W7DX, the Washington State Salmon Run bonus station, 
well represented with CW and Phone on the bands. As the first contest of 
the season, it's also an opportunity for a shack shakedown to make sure 
we're ready for the rest of the season.

As we've worked together before, last weekend's effort came together 
easily enough over the summer with just a few discussions at the end of 
our monthly WWDXC club meetings, and some additional day-before emails.

As a group, we've tried different Salmon Run operations over the years: 
in the beginning a home station with one radio and three ops, other 
years included a beach cabin field-day style with 5+ ops and three 
stations, a home station with two transmitters in one location with 
digital in another over the internet with multiple ops, and even tent 
camping field day style low power with 2 ops on an island. We had a 
'friendly heavy competition phase' over a number of years with Nick, 
K7MO and Harry, K7LAZ pulling off ever more elaborate (weekend) 
expeditions to Washington's less populous counties to provide a rare 
mult. Nick and Harry beat us every time as I recall, but we all had a 
fun time and it inspired everyone to try harder.

The last few years, we've joined up with Nick for some contests, and 
this year he and Valerie, K7VAP, were the digital side of W7DX located 
in nearby Tacoma.

Year to year individual participation and commitment ebbs and flows from 
real-life concerns intruding into our hobby, like health issues that 
preclude staying up all night, spousal commitments on the 2nd day, 
medications that could be incompatible with tower climbing, moving 
/into/ town ... the list is infinite. We adapt. We get more operators 
involved so each of us can lose less sleep over the weekend. Salads 
appear on the contest weekend food menus. We operate at others' QTHs. No 
matter what the obstacle, we adapt. Well, except decaf. Never decaf. 
What I have come to appreciate more and more about radio contesting is 
that individually, we can mold our efforts in any contest to balance our 
resources and capabilities.

73, Brian N9ADG

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2015-09-23&p=2>
CONTESTS

*24 Sep - 7 Oct 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*

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>, Sep 23, 1300z to 
Sep 23, 1400z, Sep 23, 1900z to Sep 23, 2000z, Sep 24, 0300z to Sep 24, 
0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + Member No., 
non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: September 26.

RSGB 80m Club Sprint, CW 
<http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/rsprint.shtml>, Sep 24, 1900z to 
Sep 24, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; [other station's call] + [your call] 
+ [serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: October 1.

NCCC RTTY Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Sep 25, 
0145z to Sep 25, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; Serial No. + 
Name + QTH; Logs due: September 7.

NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Sep 25, 0230z to Sep 
25, 0300z; (see rules); Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; 
Logs due: September 27.

CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY 
<http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_contests/cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest/cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest_rules/2015_cq_ww_rtty_dx_contest_rules.pdf>, 
Sep 26, 0000z to Sep 28, 0000z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; 48 
States/Canada: RST + CQ Zone + (state/VE area), All Others: RST + CQ 
Zone; Logs due: October 2.

Maine QSO Party <http://www.qsl.net/ws1sm/Maine_QSO_Party.html>, Sep 26, 
1200z to Sep 27, 1200z; CW, Phone; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; ME: 
RS(T) + county, non-ME: RS(T) + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: October 12.

Texas QSO Party <http://www.txqp.net/>, Sep 26, 1400z to Sep 27, 0200z, 
Sep 27, 1400z to Sep 27, 2000z; All; Bands: All, except WARC; TX: RS(T) 
+ County, non-TX: RS(T) + (state/province/country/MM region); Logs due: 
October 31.

Classic Exchange, Phone 
<http://www.classicexchange.org/sep15/sep15ann.html>, Sep 27, 1300z to 
Sep 28, 0700z, Sep 29, 1300z to Sep 30, 0700z; 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.

Peanut Power QRP Sprint <http://www.nogaqrp.org/PeanutPower/rules.pdf>, 
Sep 27, 2000z to Sep 27, 2200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 40, 20, 15m; RS(T) + 
(state/province/country) + (peanut no./power output); Logs due: October 15.

Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>, Sep 
30, 0230z to Sep 30, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + 
(state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: September 25.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>, Sep 30, 1300z to 
Sep 30, 1400z, Sep 30, 1900z to Sep 30, 2000z, Oct 1, 0300z to Oct 1, 
0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + Member No., 
non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: September 26.

UKEICC 80m Contest 
<http://www.ukeicc.com/which-contest/contest-rules/ukeicc-80m-contests-rules>, 
Sep 30, 2000z to Sep 30, 2100z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; 4-Character grid 
square; Logs due: September 30.

NRAU 10m Activity Contest 
<http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>, Oct 1, 1700z 
to Oct 1, 1800z (CW), Oct 1, 1800z to Oct 1, 1900z (SSB), Oct 1, 1900z 
to Oct 1, 2000z (FM), Oct 1, 2000z to Oct 1, 2100z (Dig); CW, SSB, FM, 
Digital; Bands: 10m Only; RS(T) + 6-character grid square; Logs due: 
October 15.

SARL 80m QSO Party 
<http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20150101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2015.pdf>, 
Oct 1, 1700z to Oct 1, 2000z; SSB; Bands: 80m Only; RS + Serial No. + 
Grid Locator or QTH; Logs due: October 8.

NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Oct 2, 0230z to Oct 
2, 0300z; (see rules); Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs 
due: September 27.

YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest 
<http://ylrl.org/index.php/contests-and-dx-awards>, Oct 2, 1400z to Oct 
4, 0200z; CW, SSB, Digital; Bands: Any; Serial No. + RS(T) + (ARRL 
Section/province/country); Logs due: November 2.

TARA PSK Rumble Contest 
<http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_rumble_rules.html>, Oct 3, 0000z to 
Oct 4, 0000z; PSK; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10,***6m*; W/VE/JA/VK: 
Name + Call Area, Other: Name + Country; Logs due: October 31.

15-Meter SSTV Dash Contest <http://contests.wsstvc.org/rules/>, Oct 3, 
0000z to Oct 4, 2359z; SSTV; Bands: 15m Only; WSSTVC-Member: RSV + "W" + 
4-digit member no., non-Members: RSV + Serial No.; Logs due: October 19.

German Telegraphy Contest 
<http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/german-telegraphy-contest-dtc>, 
Oct 3, 0700z to Oct 3, 1000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40m; DL: RST + LDK, non-DL: 
RST; Logs due: October 17.

Oceania DX Contest, Phone <http://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/rules.pdf>, 
Oct 3, 0800z to Oct 4, 0800z; Phone; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RS 
+ Serial No.; Logs due: October 31.

TRC DX Contest <http://www.trcdx.org/trcdxc/index.html>, Oct 3, 1200z to 
Oct 4, 1200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; TRC Members: RST + 
"TRC", non-TRC Members: RST + ITU Zone No.; Logs due: October 11.

Russian WW Digital Contest 
<http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules>, 
Oct 3, 1200z to Oct 4, 1159z; BPSK63, RTTY; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 
10m; UA: RST(Q) + 2-character oblast code, non-UA: RST(Q) + QSO No.; 
Logs due: October 9.

International HELL-Contest 
<http://www.darc.de/de/referate/ukw-funksport/hf-hell-wettbewerb/teilnahmebedingungen/>, 
Oct 3, 1600z to Oct 3, 1800z (80m), Oct 4, 0900z to Oct 4, 1100z (40m); 
Hell; Bands: 80, 40m; RST + QSO No.; Logs due: October 18.

California QSO Party <http://www.cqp.org/Rules.html>, Oct 3, 1600z to 
Oct 4, 2200z; CW, Phone; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, *6, 2m*; CA: 
Serial No. + County, non-CA: Serial No. + (state/VE area/country); Logs 
due: October 31.

4 State 4x4 QRP Sprint <http://www.4sqrp.com/>, Oct 3, 1700z to Oct 3, 
2100z; Any; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; 4SQRP Members: RST + 
(state/province/country) + 4x4, Non-Members: RST + 
(state/province/country) + power; Logs due: October 15.

FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint 
<http://fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints>, Oct 3, 1700z to Oct 3, 
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: November 2.

WAB HF Phone <http://wab.intermip.net/Contest%20Rules.php#HFRules>, Oct 
3, 1900z to Oct 4, 1900z; Phone; Bands: 20, 15, 10m; British Isles: RS + 
serial no. + WAB square, Other: RS + serial no. + country; Logs due: 
October 25.

UBA ON Contest, SSB <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>, 
Oct 4, 0600z to Oct 4, 1000z; SSB; Bands: 80m Only; ON: RS + Serial No. 
+ ON Section, non-ON: RS + Serial No.; Logs due: October 25.

RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest 
<http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/r2128.shtml>, Oct 4, 0700z to Oct 
4, 1900z; CW, SSB; Bands: 15, 10m; UK: RS(T) + Serial No. + UK District 
Code, non-UK: RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: October 19.

ARS Spartan Sprint <http://www.arsqrp.blogspot.com/>, Oct 6, 0100z to 
Oct 6, 0300z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + 
(state/province/country) + Power; Logs due: October 8.

Phone Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>, Oct 7, 
0230z to Oct 7, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + 
(state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: September 25.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <http://www.cwops.org/cwt.html>, Oct 7, 1300z to Oct 
7, 1400z, Oct 7, 1900z to Oct 7, 2000z, Oct 8, 0300z to Oct 8, 0400z; 
CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name + Member No., 
non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: September 26.

UKEICC 80m Contest 
<http://www.ukeicc.com/which-contest/contest-rules/ukeicc-80m-contests-rules>, 
Oct 7, 2000z to Oct 7, 2100z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; 4-Character grid 
square; Logs due: September 30.

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

AGCW VHF/UHF Contest 
<http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/vhf-uhf-contest>, 
Sep 26, 1400z to Sep 26, 1700z (144), Sep 26, 1700z to Sep 26, 1800z 
(432); CW; Bands: 144 MHz, 432 MHz; RST + "/" + Serial No. + "/" Power 
class + "/" + 6-character grid locator; Logs due: October 12.

UBA ON Contest, 6m <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>, 
Sep 27, 0700z to Sep 27, 1000z; CW, Phone; Bands: 6m Only; ON: RS(T) + 
Serial No. + ON Section, non-ON: RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: October 18.

220 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2015FallSprintRulesRev1.pdf>, Sep 
29, 1900z to Sep 29, 2300z; not specified; Bands: 222 MHz; 4-character 
grid square; Logs due: October 13.

432 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2015FallSprintRulesRev1.pdf>, Oct 
7, 1900z to Oct 7, 2300z; not specified; Bands: 432 MHz; 6-character 
grid square; Logs due: October 21.

LOG DUE DATES

*24 Sep - 7 Oct 2015*

*September 25, 2015*

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

  * SKCC Sprint
    <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekday_sprint/>

*September 26, 2015*

  * Arkansas QSO Party <http://www.arkqsoparty.com/#%21rules/c205y>

  * FOC QSO Party <http://g4foc.org/qsoparty/>

  * Feld Hell Sprint
    <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprints/hell-on-wheels-sprint>

  * Ohio State Parks on the Air
    <http://www.ospota.org/ospota/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/OSPOTA-Rules2015-13Dec.pdf>

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

*September 27, 2015*

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

  * BARTG Sprint 75
    <http://s3.spanglefish.com/s/7850/documents/contests/sprint75/rules/current/bartg%20sprint%2075%20rules.pdf>

  * Kulikovo Polye Contest <http://www.kpctest.ru/?pg=content/ruleen>

  * Run for the Bacon QRP Contest <http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/>

  * Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW <http://www.sactest.net/blog/rules/>

  * WAB 144 MHz QRO Phone
    <http://wab.intermip.net/Contest%20Rules.php#OtherRules>

  * SARL Field Day Contest
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20150101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2015.pdf>

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

*September 28, 2015*

  * SARL VHF/UHF Analogue/Digital Contest
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Document_Store/CONT_20150101_SARL_Contest_Manual_2015.pdf>

  * WAE DX Contest, SSB
    <http://www.darc.de/referate/dx/contest/waedc/en/rules/>

*September 29, 2015*

  * YO DX HF Contest <http://www.yodx.ro/en/english>

*September 30, 2015*

  * AGCW Straight Key Party
    <http://www.agcw.org/index.php/en/contests-and-cw-activities/straight-key-party-htp>

  * Hawaii QSO Party <http://www.hiqsoparty.org/Rules/HQP/HQPRules.html>

  * ALARA Contest <http://www.alara.org.au/contests/>

  * IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB

  * Pirate QSO Party <http://pirateqsoparty.weebly.com/rules.html>

*October 1, 2015*

  * Kansas QSO Party <http://www.ksqsoparty.org/rules/KSQPRules2015.pdf>

  * New Jersey QSO Party <http://www.k2td-bcrc.org/njqp/njqp_rules.html>

  * RSGB 80m Club Sprint, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2015/rsprint.shtml>

*October 3, 2015*

  * Colorado QSO Party <http://ppraa.org/coqp>

*October 4, 2015*

  * Washington State Salmon Run
    <http://www.wwdxc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-Salmon-Run-Rules.pdf>

*October 5, 2015*

  * 144 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2015FallSprintRulesRev1.pdf>

*October 6, 2015*

  * G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest
    <http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html>

*October 7, 2015*

  * All Asian DX Contest, Phone
    <https://www.jarl.org/English/4_Library/A-4-3_Contests/2015AA_rule.htm>

  * Tennessee QSO Party <http://tnqp.org/rules/>

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