[Wswss] Hams Will SPRINT on 70cm/432MHz On Wednesday Evening

[n6ze at aol.com]

2011 Spring 432 MHz Sprint 

Please try to spend some time with the Spring 2011 70cm/432MHz Sprint on Wednesday evening and PLEASE submit your log to show additional activity/interest in the Spring Sprint and especially show amateur radio activity! 
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NOTE: Most activity will be on 446,0 MHz FM Simplex and 432.100 +/- MHz SSB/CW. In Ventura Co, N6ZE plans to be on the air from about 8:30 PM - 10 PM.
 
The following narrative which describes the 70cm/432MHz Spring Sprint procedures and log submission is a shortened version of  >>>>http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/2011-announcement-rules<<<<;   written by John Kalenowsky, K9JK, and with additional minor additional comments by Pete Heins, N6ZE. 
The following narrative which describes the 70cm/432MHz Spring Sprint procedures and log submission is a shortened version of  >>>>http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/2011-announcement-rules<<<<;   written by John Kalenowsky, K9JK, and with additional minor additional comments by Pete Heins, N6ZE. 
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 70cm/432 MHz band. 
2. Contest Period: The 432 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. 
3. Exchange: Grid-square locator - 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.
The quickest way to determine your SIX-Character Grid Locator is by checking your callsign data at >>>>www.qrz.com<<<< or >>>>http://hamcall.net/<<<< . Unless you have a Post Office Box listed in your address, the SIX-Character Locator is normally accurate. 
Another way is to use a GPS which is Grid Locator enabled, such as some Garmin Nuvi or Etrex GPSs. 
A third way to determine SIX Character locators is >>>>http://f6fvy.free.fr/qthLocator/fullScreen.php?locator=DM04<<<<. When a spot is clicked on the map (and it definitely helps to zoom in), the 6-character locator for that spot will "pop up". (Use your own Four Grid Locator if you do not live in DM04) 
4. Entry Classifications:
Fixed: Please refer to ARRL Contest Rules
Rover: Please refer to ARRL Contest Rules
Rookie: a 'first-time' participant, from their own station OR as "guest-op" at an "experienced" station to introduce newcomers to weak signal vhf/uhf operations. 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. The detail should identify who is the "Rookie" and list any "experienced" operator(s) who was(were) present.
5. Scoring: Number of QSOs times the sum of total distances worked. 1 point will be received for each kilometer of distance between each station worked. (Note: If a station in DM04ne completes a contact with another station which is also in Grid DM04ne, a distance of 1 Km is assigned.)
Some participants 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. 
Rovers can be worked again as they enter a different "Grid Square" (Grid-4: e.g. DM03, thence DM04) 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. 
6. Reporting: Electronic Logs (Cabrillo format ONLY) must be received via e-mail by May 12, 2011. 
7. Awards and Additional Information: Certificates will be awarded. Please refer to >>>>http://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/2011-announcement-rules<<<< for full info about certificates and other Sprint info.
8. Submission of Logs:
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.
Electronic Logs:
The "Cabrillo" log format is now the standard for the Spring Sprints. The following url is to be utilized for the Spring 2011 70cm Sprint:  >>>>http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/spring432sprint_cab.php<<<<  .  (Paper logs sent by U.S. Mail are still permitted, but discouraged!) 
To calculate the Kilometer distance between the SIX Character Grid Locators, the following url is easily utilized: >>>>http://www.chris.org/cgi-bin/finddis<<<<.
(For the past several years, Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, has maintained >>>>http://b4h.net/cabforms<<<< for most amateur radio contests.)


Please use the following format/labeling on the Cabrillo Form: 
Band: 432 MHz (even if you use 446 MHz!) 
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)
Questions? Email springvhfuhfsprints at gmail.com