[WIham] 222 MHz Spring Sprint, Tuesday, April 20, will be from 7 PM - 11 PM Local Time

Sun Apr 18 17:48:24 EDT 2010

2010 Spring VHF/UHF Sprints 
Hosted by

John Kalenowsky, K9JK

with organizational support from

the Central States VHF Society (csvhfs.org)

It is our pleasure to announce the 2010 Spring VHF/UHF Sprints.
 Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if only in a small way. The rules have intentionally remained simple, and the focus of these FIVE events continues to be for single operator, single transmitter entries, both "fixed", "rover" and "Rookie".

A SIGNIFICANT change for 2010 will be the implementation of "Distance Scoring" for all 5 of the Spring Sprint Bands/events. While the details are still being worked out, this seems like a natural idea to try in these events just as the Spring Sprints were a testing ground for the implementation of Grid Square Locators as the Multipliers back in their first year, 1983.

The "Rookie" classification IS continued for 2010, to ENCOURAGE 'first-time' participants, from their own stations OR as "guest-op" at an "experienced" station to introduce newcomers to weak signal vhf/uhf operations which, hopefully, will 'whet' their interest in such and lead to their participation in the future. This is NOT intended to be multi-op, the "Rookie" operator is expected to be the voice behind the mic, hand on the key/keyer, hands on the keyboard, PTT, tuning knobs and rotor controls. When an experienced operator is present for a "Rookie", their role IS to be "Guidance", NOT operating. Clear identification of Rookie entrants is requested by comments in the SOAPBOX: lines for Cabrillo formatted logs or on the Summary Sheet for paper logs. The detail should identify who is the "Rookie" and list any "experienced" operator(s) who was(were) present.

Please note that, for 2010, the shortened log submission date windows remain and consider the following change an EVEN STRONGER encouragement for electronic log submissions using the Cabrillo format. While paper logs will continue to be accepted, the policy that anyMAILED logs MUST be RECEIVED by the log deadline for each band that was started in 2009 continues, so those who submit by Mail MUST allow for the post office transit time (probably a week early to be certain, which still allows participants a full week to process logs from a 4 or 7 hour event). There have not been THAT many "paper" logs and generally, they've had smaller numbers of QSOs but I'd really appreciate if "paper" log submitters at least CONSIDER TRYING the "Web-to-Cabrillo" as described in Rule 7.2.2. If you MUST mail your entry, DO NOTE the log submission MAIL address in 7.3.2.

A summary sheet which includes your total contacts, multipliers and calculated score WILL BE required with Paper Logs (see sample at: http://springsprints.googlegroups.com/web/vhfsprintsummary.pdf). Such summary info is not required for electronic logs but may be included in the SOAPBOX: area of the Cabrillo formatted log if participants so desire. Be sure to include the grid square you operated from in either your log or summary sheet.

SPONSORS?? This is still the 2009 info...I'm slowly getting going for 2010 sponsors and will be contacting past sponsors shortly. Most of the 2008 Sponsors have renewed their sponsorship for 2009 and I've FINALLY (as of May 4th), created/updated the 2009 Sponsorship page which can be viewed by clicking here. If interested in becoming a prize sponsor or sponsoring a plaque for the events in 2009 (or in the future), please email me at:springvhfuhfsprints at gmail.com

** Log submissions for 2010 (once the events start) may be viewed here. **

** Awards for 2007 through 2009 may be viewed here. The complete scores databases for 2007 through 2009 can be viewedhere.

Wishing you the very best of VHF! 73,

John Kalenowsky, K9JK

________________________________

1. Object: To work as many amateur stations in as many 2 degree by 1 degree grid squares as possible, using authorized amateur frequencies on the 50, 144, 222, 432, 902 MHz and above bands.

2. Contest Period:
2.1. - 144 MHz
The 144 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Monday, April 12, 2010.
2.2. - 222 MHz
The 222 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.2.3. - 432 MHz
The 432 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.
2.4. - Microwave (902+)
The Microwave Sprt will be on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 6 AM until 1 PM local time. This includes all Amateur frequencies above 902 MHz. Please include band data in summaries and logs. NOTE: use of Liaison Frequency is encouraged.2.5. - 50 MHz
The 50 MHz Sprint will be from 2300Z Saturday, May 8, until 0300Z Sunday, May 9, 2010.

3. Exchange: Grid-square locator - PLEASE EXCHANGE and LOG SIX-Character Grid Locators where possible. Correct exchange of FOUR-Character Grid Locator (and call signs) is the minimum requirement for a valid contact but we'd REALLY like to see SIX-Character locators exchanged and recorded in the submitted logs.

What's that, you say you have no clue what your SIX-Character Grid Locator is?

To assist you with that, AFTER reading the instructions that follow, please click here.

The click above will take you to a Google Map showing the borders of the 20-degree by 10-degree "MAJOR Grid" of "EM" as well as parts around it. IF you know your FOUR-character Grid Locator (also known as "MINOR Grid"), you can enter it in an entry box at the bottom of the page, which may get you closer to where you want to be looking. In any case, you can then navigate as well as Zoom in and out using the controls at the upper left of the screen.

When you click a point on the map, however, the Latitude and Longitude of that point ALONG WITH THE SIX-Character Grid Locator (also known as "sub-grid") for that point will pop up in a text balloon and the border of the SIX-Character Grid Locator will be shown. If there is good aerial photo coverage in your neighborhood, you might even be able to find your house!

This is provided as a service to the Amateur Radio Community by Laurent/Larry Haas, F6FVY, using the Google Maps API. Thanks to Larry and Google! Try it, I think you'll like it!

4. Scoring:
STILL WORKING OUT THE DETAILS.

Scoring will be distance based, 1 point per kilometer, for 2010.

It would certainly make things easier if EVERYONE knew, exchanged and logged SIX-Character locators but it is likely more certain that there will be participants that only know their FOUR-character locator. In such a case, RECORD what the other station actually SENDS as their Grid Locator even if JUST the FOUR characters. DO NOT use "look up" systems in logging programs, such as Ham Radio Deluxe has or can be done with Super Check Partial files...RECORD what the other station sends (it IS okay if what your lookup 'matches' what they sent but be sure to CHANGE it if they send something different).

I am not aware of MANY Logging Programs that have this scoring capability but the KEY item needed is that the program CAN record SIX-character Grid Exchanges and produce a proper CABRILLO formatted log file.

Rovers can be worked again as they enter a different "Grid Square" (Grid-4) but it is hoped that Rovers will have capability to know their SIX Character SUB-grid locator and give that as their report. "Dupes" will be allowed with Rovers (from different sub-grids in the same Grid-4 locator) but only the LONGEST single path length will be counted for a given Grid-4.

5. Reporting: Electronic Logs (Cabrillo format ONLY) must be received via e-mail or paper logs WITH summary sheet RECEIVED via Mail no later than following deadlines (roughly two weeks after the close of each event): 
5.1. - 144 MHz - April 27, 2010 
5.2. - 222 MHz - May 5, 2010 
5.3. - 432 MHz - May 13, 2010 
5.4. - Microwave (902+) - May 17, 2010 
5.5. - 50 MHz - May 25, 2010

6. Awards:
6.1. Certificates/Plaques (if sponsored) will be awarded as follows:
6.1.1. TOP FIVE individual scores for each of the five Sprint "band" events (Single-Op Fixed, Rover and Rookie will be considered for this ranking).
6.1.2. TOP FIVE cumulative Single-Op Fixed scores (adding scores together by callsign used from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.3. TOP FIVE cumulative Rover scores (adding scores together by callsign used from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.4. TOP FIVE cumulative Rookie scores (adding scores together by callsign used from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.5. If a plaque is not sponsored for a particular finish above, a certificate (similar to what other VHF Contest sponsors provide) will be sent. "Specialty" plaques will also be considered (such as for best finish in a region) if anyone wants to sponsor such (and can provide a clear criteria). Please contact John regarding that. To view what plaques have been sponsored (and criteria) for 2010, click here
6.2. Prizes: As they are sponsored, prizes will be awarded based on criteria of the sponsor. As an example, the simplest criteria will be "random drawing from all logs received." To view what prizes have been sponsored (and criteria) for 2010, click here

7. Submission of Logs:
7.1. By submitting a log, participants confirm that they have observed all contest rules, as well as all regulations established for amateur radio in their country and that their log submission is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Participants further agree to be bound by the decisions of the Spring Sprint host(s), sponsor(s) and scoring team.

7.2. Electronic Logs:
7.2.1. The "Cabrillo" log format is now the standard for the Spring Sprints.
7.2.1.1. Use the following text for the "CONTEST:" line in the header of the Cabrillo Log file:
For 144 MHz, use CONTEST:
> VHF-SPRINT-144MHZ-SPRING
>For 222 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-222MHZ-SPRING
>For 432 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-432MHZ-SPRING
>For "Microwave" (902 MHz & Up), use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-MICROWAVE-SPRING
>For 50 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-50MHZ-SPRING7.2.1.2. Until logging programs with 'official' support for these events become available, the closest format is probably for the June or September ARRL VHF QSO Parties (as long as the logging program knows how to handle SIX-Character Grid Square exchanges). It may be necessary to manually edit the "CONTEST:" line in the file and Claimed Score is pretty much "guaranteed" to be incorrect since scoring is now based on distances as opposed to the "traditional" QSOs time Multipliers but the QSO data should be correct.
7.2.1.3. E-mail logs to:  springsprintlogs at gmail.com  preferably using a "Plain Text" e-mail format, with ONLY "your call" and the "band" in the subject line (WA2FGK 144 -or- K3TUF MICROWAVE for example) and with the log file as an attachment named "<your call>.LOG" (e.g. W9GKA.LOG)

 7.2.2. "Web-to-Cabrillo": Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, has graciously agreed to provide 'web forms' to facilitate generation and AUTOMATIC SUBMISSION of Cabrillo-formatted logs for the Spring VHF & Up Sprints at the http://b4h.net/cabforms  web site that he maintains. You may have to scroll down the homepage a bit to the "Other Contests" area to find the ones for the Spring VHF Sprints and they may not be there until just before the actual contests. PLEASE consider using these to generate and submit electronically instead of submitting a paper log. MANY THANKS to Bruce!

7.3. Paper logs:
7.3.1. Paper logs must include a Summary sheet and the log sheets themselves should include the following information:
Band (in MHz, e.g. 50, 144, 222, 432, 902. For above 902, change to GHz, e.g. 1.2, 2.3, 3.4, etc.)
>Mode (e.g. CW, PH, FM, RY)
>Date/Time (UTC Date and Time are strongly preferred but "local" are acceptable and it is usually apparent which was used when logs are received)
>Callsign SENT (can be listed at the top of a page OR on each line)
>Grid Locator SENT (PLEASE give your SIX-character locator when known AND send it as your exchange)
>Other Station's Callsign
>Other Station's Grid Locator (PLEASE ask for and record SIX-character when the other station provides it BUT, if the other station only reports FOUR-character, record the 4 characters)7.3.2. "Snail Mail" paper logs to:
2010 Spring Sprints
>c/o Chuck Towner, W9KQJ
>PO BOX 73
>PALATINE, IL  60078-0073
Questions ? Email springvhfuhfsprints at gmail.com
This page last updated February 27, 2010 jk version b10