[SMCARA] Contests

[Tom Shelton]

Hi All...

We've got some fun contests coming up this month.

Here are a couple of note:

May 22, 1200Z (0800 Local) to May 23, 1200Z (0800 Local)
EU PSK DX Contest - http://eu.srars.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=48
80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands
PSK63 mode only
Exchange is RST and Serial Number

The European PSK Club has the honour to invite radio amateurs from all over the world to participate in the EU PSK DX Contest 2010. The objective of the contest is to establish as many contacts as possible between radio amateurs around the world by using the BPSK63 mode. Everybody can work everybody for QSO and multiplier credit. The 7th contest will be held from 12:00 UTC on 22.05.2010 to 12:00 UTC on 23.05.2010. The rules and other information can be found at our website. Since this year it is strictly BPSK63 contest, no other modes are allowed. The maximum output power is 100 watts. Recommended frequencies are: 80 meters (3.580 - 3.590 MHz), 40 meters (7.040 - 7.050 MHz), 20 meters (14.070 - 14.080 MHz), 15 meters (21.070 - 21.080 MHz), and 10 meters (28.070 - 28.080 MHz). All the very best and see you all in the EU PSK DX Contest 2010!

May 29, 0000Z (May 28, 2000 Local) to May 30, 2400 (May 30, 2000 Local)
CQ WW WPX Contest - www.cqwpx.com
80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands
CW Only
Exchange is RST and Serial Number
The WPX contest is based on an award offered by CQ Magazine for working all prefixes. Held on the last weekend of March (SSB) and May (CW), the contest draws thousands of entries from around the world.

Contesting brings out the best and the worst operators in the world.  You'll hear people (lids) intentionally try to Jam your signal or tune up their amplifiers on the air (QRM).  You'll hear others calling stations while they are working someone else.  These are examples of the worst kinds of operators.  But then you'll hear an operator taking time to work a weak station or call just for QRP.  In the middle of the night, you'll hear contestors take a break and ragchew with other contestors about the contest.  You'll hear a contestor taking time to explain the contest to a new-comer and coach them through the exchange.  You'll hear stations that QSY from a good operating frequency because they are too close to someone else and they don't want to QRM anyone.  You'll hear a station that decided to work on a single band calling CQ over and over again after the band has closed and listening for that momentary opening for one just one more QSO.  These are examples of the best kinds of operators - and the good news is that they vastly outnumber the number of the poor operators.

Good contestors make for good Hams.  In my experience these are the guys who are the first to volunteer in their local clubs.  These are the guys who sign up for RACES/ARES.  They have the cleanest signals on the air because they are continually optimizing their stations.  

Tom Shelton 

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