[SMCARA] ARRL SweepStakes this weekend (SSB)

[Tom Shelton]

If you'd like to join in the fun (BTW - you can work WAS and WAC in a single
weekend with this one), here's the summary.

 

Full rules and operating guide here:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest-Operating-Guides/2015/2015%20ARRL%20N
ovember%20Sweepstakes%20Package%20-%2030%20Sep%202015.pdf

 

 

Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 Meters

 

Start Time: Saturday, Nov 21, 2100Z (4:00 PM EST)

End Time: Monday, Nov 23, 0300Z (Sunday, Nov 22, 10:00 PM EST)

Work no more than 24 of the 30 hours (minimum 30 minute off times).

 

Exchange: Serial No. + Precedence (Q/A/B/U/M/S) + [your call sign] + Check +
ARRL/RAC Section

                Precedence: Q=Single Op, QRP (<= 5W). A=Single Op, Low Power
(<= 150W) unassisted, Single Op, B=High Power (>150W) unassisted.
U=Unlimited and is for people using spotting assistance.  See the rules for
other precedence definitions.

                Check: Year first licensed (2 digits).

 

Exchange Example:  ND3N in Maryland working Single Op, Low Power,
Unassisted, working AA6MZ in Los Angeles County, California, who is Single
Op, QRP, unassisted.

 

ND3N calls: CQ Sweeps ND3N ND3N CQ

AA6MZ calls: AA6MZ (Phonetically)

ND3N calls: AA6MZ 137A ND3N 86 MDC

AA6MZ calls: ND3N 55Q AA6MZ 88 LAX

ND3N callss: TU QRZ Sweeps - and logs the contact

AA6MZ logs the contact

 

There are a lot of variations on this, so listen to a couple of exchanges
and you'll get the individual operator's rhythm and style.

 

QSO Points: 2 points per QSO

Multipliers: Each ARRL/RAC section and VE NT (Northwest Territory) once,
regardless of band

Total Score = Total QSO Points * Total Multipliers.

 

Operating suggestions - Start right at 4:00 on 40 meters and move to 80
meters about 2 hours after sunset.  Work at least until midnight.  Get up
early (my alarm clock is set for 4:00 AM) and work either 80 or 40 meters
until shortly after sunrise.  Switch to 20 when it opens to US.  15M may be
good, but don't expect a lot from 10M.  Your mileage may vary.

 

If you want to submit a log for this contest (you don't have to if you don't
want to), GenLog is a free, easy to set-up and use, contest logging program:
http://www.qsl.net/w3km/  Of course you can also use HRDLog, Logger32, or
any of a number of other softwares.  I'll be using N1MM+ as my DVK/Logger.  

 

As always, I'm only a text, phone call, or e-mail away if you need some help
with the rules, station set-up, operating, or submitting your log.

 

Tom Shelton, ND3N

(240) 434-3811