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   http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2014-02-12   
      
   The ARRL Contest Update   
      
   February 12, 2014   
   Editor: Ward Silver, NOAX   
      
   IN THIS ISSUE   
    *  DX Calling You - ARRL DX CW Contest   
    *  Really Lower Sideband - CQ WW 160 SSB   
    *  ARRL Contest Branch Turnaround   
    *  Band Charts by G3NRW   
    *  Rovin' with the Grid Pirates   
    *  ARRL September VHF Results by K1TEO   
    *  Wintertime and the Climbin's Not Easy   
    *  Folding Up Antennas   
    *  The Boundary Problem, Part One   
      
   NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO   
      
   If you like CW DX, the ARRL's International DX CW Contest keeps the DX aiming   
   in your direction. With propagation so good lately, this might be a good   
   weekend to spend on the radio. I never fail to recommend the North American   
   QSO Party events and there's a good one for new RTTY operators next weekend.   
      
   BULLETINS   
      
   The ARRL Field Day rules and information packet is now available online.   
   (Thanks, Dan N1ND)   
      
   BUSTED QSOS   
      
   No errors to report in the previous issue.   
      
   CONTEST SUMMARY   
      
   Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section   
      
   February 15-16   
      
    *  ARRL International CW DX Contest   
    *  NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW (Feb 12)   
    *  CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Tests (Feb 12)   
    *  PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint (Feb 14)   
    *  Russian WW PSK Contest (Feb 14)   
    *  Feld-Hell Bingo Sprint   
    *  Maine 2m FM Simplex Challenge   
    *  Run For the Bacon--CW (Feb 17)   
    *  Semi-Automatic Key Evening (Feb 19)   
      
   February 22-23   
      
    *  North American QSO Party RTTY   
    *  CQ WW 160 Meter SSB (Feb 21)   
    *  REF Contest--Phone   
    *  SARL Youth Day Sprint--Phone   
    *  UBA Contest--CW   
    *  North Carolina QSO Party   
    *  CQC Winter QSO Party   
      
   NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST   
      
   There have been some changes in the ARRL Contest Branch following the January   
   23rd resignation of Mike DeChristopher, N1TA, as ARRL Contest Manager. Former   
   Contest Branch Manager, Sean Kutzko, KX9X, catches us up on the situation.   
   "Since Mike's resignation, a team of ARRL staffers, including former Contest   
   Managers Dan Henderson, N1ND and myself, have come together to address the   
   needs of the Contest Branch until a replacement is found. Dave Patton, NN1N,   
   is managing this team.   
      
   "Our efforts are directed as follows:   
   1) Eliminate the backlog of overdue awards certificates and plaques;   
   2) Keep normal day-to-day Contest Branch functions running on schedule;   
   3) Restore the "customer service" side of the Contest Branch to superior   
   levels.   
      
   "With the help of several ARRL staffers in the Awards Branch, we have sent out   
   over 5,000 awards certificates in the last two weeks, including the 2012 CW   
   and Phone Sweepstakes, the 2012 September VHF Contest, the 2012 August UHF   
   Contest, the 2013 RTTY Roundup. 1,100 certificates for the 2012 10 Meter   
   Contest were just sent to the ARRL mail room and should go out by the middle   
   of the week. In addition, plaques for the 2012 CW Sweepstakes and 2013 RTTY   
   Roundup were shipped. 2012 Phone Sweepstakes plaques were ordered last week   
   and will be shipped within three weeks. We will continue to aggressively work   
   on the backlog of overdue awards and hope to be caught up soon. You are   
   welcome to monitor our awards progress at www.arrl.org/plaques-a   
   d-certificates which is updated regularly.   
      
   "We do not foresee any delays in publication of contest results online or in   
   QST. In addition, several results tables, log checking reports and databases   
   have been uploaded to www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles in the last two   
   weeks.   
      
   "Finally, we are working together to take care of customer service inquiries   
   to the Contest Branch and reply as rapidly as possible. We are disappointed   
   with the delays in communications and awards fulfillment that contesters have   
   experienced. The past few months have not been up to ARRL standards; we   
   apologize for this and are working hard to correct it.   
      
   "If you have any specific questions or inquiries of the ARRL Contest Branch,   
   feel free to contact either Dave Patton, NN1N at nn1n@arrl.org or Sean Kutzko,   
   KX9X at kx9x@arrl.org at any time. We thank you for your continued patience   
   while we address these issues." (ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager, Sean   
   Kutzko, KX9X)   
      
   Updated rules for the 2014 CQ WPX Contests have been posted, including a new   
   category - Multioperator, Single-Transmitter, Low Power. The rules have also   
   been reformatted in a similar fashion to what was done for the CQ World Wide   
   Contest rules last fall. The intent is to clarifying long-standing positions   
   for the contest. (Thanks, CQ WPX Contest Director, Terry N4TZ)   
      
   The WRTC-2014 committee has announced three of the four sponsored teams for   
   this coming July's competition:   
      
    *  The "Latitude 13" team of Tom Georgens, W2SC/8P1A/8P5A and Dave Mueller,   
       N2NL/NH2T. So named because the locations from which the two operators   
       usually compete are both at 13 degrees latitude.   
    *  "RadioTeam Azores" sponsored by the Azores Tourism Association consists   
       of contesting legends Martti Lane, OH2BH, and Ville Hiilesmaa, OH2MM,   
       both frequent operators from the Azores.   
    *  The "Brazil-Bulgaria Friendship Team" is sponsored by a consortium that   
       includes The Araucaria DX Group, Triumph IESA Infrastructure AS, the Sao   
       Paulo section of LABRE, K1LZ, and the Bulgarian Federation of Radio   
       Amateurs (BFRA). They have appointed Soni Leite, PY1NX, and Atasnas   
       "Nasko" Koitchev, LZ3YY/LZ9R, as their team.   
      
   The fourth and final Team Sponsorship will be made available through an   
   auction to be conducted March 8, 2014. Anyone interested in participating in   
   the auction should contact WRTC Chairman, Doug Grant, K1DG, as quickly as   
   possible to register.   
      
   DX Engineering is now the exclusive source for KD9SV Products Low Band receive   
   transformers, preamplifiers, antenna switching units and other products. KD9SV   
   Products for Low Band receiving antenna systems are well-known and have been   
   used by DXers and contesters for over 25 years.   
      
   JVC Kenwood has purchased the E.F. Johnson Company. EFJ has been manufacturing   
   radios for a long time and you'll see the hamfest vintage equipment tables   
   loaded with Johnson Rangers and Vikings and Thunderbolts while their Matchbox   
   antenna tuners are still doing the job in antenna systems across the land.   
   Lately, EFJ has been better known for its P25 VHF/UHF equipment used in public   
   safety communication systems.   
      
   Bill K3WA found this interesting QSOMap web site in development that will take   
   ADIF or LoTW logs and create a world map with pins. You apply various filters   
   such as band, mode, and so forth. Bill used it to map out his QRP DXCC   
   contacts, for example.   
      
   To celebrate 35 years of the founding of the Cayman Amateur Radio Society, its   
   members have been authorized by the ICTA to use ZF35 prefixes through January   
   19, 2015. Make sure your CTY files are updated to handle the new prefixes!   
      
   Tom K1KI discovered this article about scanning your brain on overload. Does   
   this count as a decoder?   
      
   If you have an old URL for the AMSAT website, you may find incomplete website   
   and broken links. Following a hacking incident some time ago, the new site   
   (www.amsat.org) was rebuilt and is operating properly. Refresh your bookmarks,   
   if necessary. (Thanks, AMSAT VP of Operations, Drew KO4MA)   
      
   Web Site of the Week - Ian G3NRW has updated the Band Utilization Charts for   
   30 meters, 60 meter UK allocations, and 160 meters. He asks to be notified by   
   email if you know of anything that needs updating. He reminds us that these   
   charts are not band plans, they are just indicators of actual band utilization.   
      
   WORD TO THE WISE   
      
   Jump ball - what happens when a North American Sprint QSO ends and several   
   stations call to make the QSO and acquire the frequency. See the Operating Tip   
   section for more about Sprint-style operation.   
      
   SIGHTS AND SOUNDS   
      
   Terry W8ZN and Andy K1RA activated the Grid Pirates Contest Group call sign   
   K8GP as a rover in the ARRL January VHF Contest and put together a musical   
   video exploration of the highways and byways on their route. The full story is   
   online, too.   
      
   The rarely seen Beamed Phantasatron tube would certainly have made a nice   
   final amplifier in the shack. Very final. (Thanks, Bob N6TV)   
      
   Speaking of tubes, the Los Boludos website shows a whole family of uses for   
   vacuum tubes! (Thanks, George K5TR)   
      
   RESULTS AND RECORDS   
      
   The extended writeup by Jeff K1TEO for the ARRL September VHF Contest has been   
   published on the Contest Results Articles page. Part of the catching up   
   process noted above, Log Checking Reports are now available for the 2013 ARRL   
   June VHF and August UHF contests.   
      
   While some ARRL RTTY Roundup log submitters received "late" notices from the   
   email log-handling robot software on the final day before the deadline, all   
   RTTY Roundup logs were accepted through Friday, February 7th. If you have any   
   question about whether your log was accepted, check the ARRL's Logs Received   
   page to be sure your log is listed there.   
      
   Ray ND8L reminds us that many sponsorship opportunities remain for 2013-2014   
   CQ WW RTTY plaques and 2014 CQ WW WPX plaques. The cost for these attractive   
   plaques for US categories is $65.00. For the plaques that must be shipped   
   internationally the cost increases to $75.00.   
      
   OPERATING TIP   
      
   The North American Sprint contests are different than the usual contests and   
   take a little getting used to for new sprinters. Here are a few tips:   
      
    *  Call CQ! If the action is just too fast and furious, find a clear spot   
       and call CQ. Somebody will find you! Don't forget that after calling CQ   
       results in a QSO you have to move 5 kHz before you can CQ again or 1 kHz   
       to call someone else.   
    *  At the end of a CQ, follow your call with "NA" on CW or "Sprint" on   
       phone so other sprinters don't assume you're calling some other station.   
    *  If you can set up your logging software this way or just remember to do   
       it, follow the sprint conventions sending your call sign in the   
       exchange: If you called CQ and are responding to a caller, send their   
       call followed by your call, number, name, and QTH. If you are responding   
       to a CQ'ers exchange, send your call at the end of your exchange. Doing   
       so alerts the other sprinters that you will be inheriting the frequency   
       and...jump ball!   
    *  Don't forget to acknowledge that you received the information in the   
       exchange. On CW, send "R" or something long enough to be heard through   
       the din. On phone, "Thanks" will do. If you don't acknowledge or send   
       something too short (like a single "dit") the other station may not log   
       your QSO, resulting in a Not-In-the-Log (NIL) for you!   
      
   TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION   
      
   Double-up on tower safety in the winter! Faults and failures don't wait for   
   good weather and sometimes you just have to climb in the cold. If you do,   
   Kelly Hill from RCR Wireless wrote up this helpful article about cold weather   
   tower work. (Thanks, Eric W3DQ)   
      
   How much air flow is enough through an amplifier tube or tube chimney? Roger   
   K8RI suggests just start by measuring pressure drop across the tube using the   
   simple manometer design in the ARRL Handbook. If the pressure drop is right,   
   then by definition you have the right amount of air flow. You might not want   
   to run a blower at full throttle all the time since they can be pretty noisy.   
   Roger's solution is to use a temperature sensor in the exhaust air to control   
   a high/low setting for the blower. A switch to put the blower on HIGH will be   
   helpful during digital operation.   
      
   John G4ATA's nice web page on low-band 4-squares and other arrays has been   
   updated after a period of inactivity. He has plans for a new 4-square on 40   
   meters for a portable operation in the CQ WPX Phone contest and will be   
   testing it during the preceding Russian DX Contest.   
      
   During my recent visit to the Arecibo Observatory, I noticed some new antennas   
   at the bottom of the big dish shown in the photo at right. I dropped an email   
   to Dr. Jim Breakall, better known as WA3FET, who explained his latest project.   
   "There are 3 crossed-dipoles for 5.1 MHz and another 3 for 8.175 MHz forming   
   an array that will beam energy up to a net mesh reflector that will hang from   
   the 3 big towers. This "cassegrain" reflector will then reflect energy back   
   down to the 1000-foot dish and beam 100s of megawatts up to the ionosphere to   
   modify it. Each of the dipoles is fed from a 100 kW transmitter giving a total   
   transmitted power of 600 kW. With the gain of the dish even at HF, that   
   produces 100s of megawatts." I wonder if he could split the difference and get   
   on 40 meters during Sweepstakes!   
      
   Three projects caught my eye in recent emails from the Instructables website.   
   The first is a Foot-Operated Hold-Down Tool that I can easily see being used   
   in the antenna shop. Anyone who has hauled a big piece of equipment in the   
   trunk will get some ideas from the article on Configurable Cargo Blocks. And   
   if you really want to protect your bike-mounted radio, our favorite Pelican   
   case makes an appearance in this handlebar-mounted basket for radio geeks!   
   (Thanks, Frank KR1ZAN)   
      
   Any teachers of analog circuit design reading this issue? I know you're out   
   there...I have been such an instructor and enjoyed this flyer from Analog   
   Devices features their tools for helping students effectively learn analog   
   design. Whether you use the Analog Devices gear or not, there is plenty to   
   consider about the types of tools to use.   
      
   For HFTA users who haven't dealt with MicroDEM in a while, HFTA's author, Dean   
   N6BV observes that USGS changes the data access websites for terrain data   
   fairly frequently. This causes MicroDEM to fail or get the wrong stuff. Dean   
   suggests "that you do a complete re-install of MicroDEM -- I suggest that you   
   first uninstall the version you have on your computer now. Then go to   
   www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/microdem/microdemdown.htm and download   
   the "Complete MICRODEM Install". Run it, followed by downloading the latest   
   executable microdem.exe. This should properly install all the various files   
   that MicroDEM needs to function properly." John VA7JW has written an   
   impressive how-to guide for HFTA and MicroDEM beginners that is worth   
   reviewing. There is also a Potomac Valley Radio Club webinar on the process   
   that has been archived by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation. USGS has   
   confirmed that they have discontinued the GeoTIFF data format that contained   
   the needed .GIF file, as a cost-cutting measure. For the moment, at least, you   
   can still get un-updated GeoTIFF. The default format is ArcGrid, just as it   
   used to be direct from USGS, but you can modify your data request to change to   
   GeoTIFF. (Thanks, Pete N4ZR)   
      
   Technical Web Site of the Week - This Microwaves & RF magazine article on   
   using origami paper-folding techniques to compress antennas is a great example   
   of innovative thinking.   
      
   CONVERSATION   
      
   The Boundary Problem, Part One   
      
   As technology continues to drive widespread change throughout ham radio,   
   radiosport is by no means immune. In fact, radiosport is on the "bleeding   
   edge" of those changes in many instances. While adopting and inventing new   
   technology is an important aspect of radiosport -- and of ham radio, generally   
   -- it also presents continual challenges to our assumptions about how   
   competitions are defined and organized.   
      
   A lot has changed since the early days of contesting when the edgy technology   
   discussions were about 2 meter AM alerting channels and learning to hold the   
   logging pencil while you sent code with a Hallicrafters HA-1 electronic keyer   
   and single-lever paddle. Yet by and large, our categories are still more or   
   less as they were a half-century ago with the sometimes-grudging addition of   
   "assisted" classifications that create more confusion than clarity.   
      
   Onward into the 21st century -- do the new technologies of ubiquitous data and   
   computer-controlled multi-radio shacks require a completely new game?   
   Certainly, novel types of contests can and will be created but it's still   
   necessary to agree on the basic definitions and relationships. That's usually   
   where the trouble, er, fun begins. Addressing these questions is the topic of   
   this multi-part series with the intent of encouraging discussions of where and   
   how we go forward from here.   
      
   The basic architecture of radiosport contesting is defined by the following   
   things; boundaries, the information that crosses them, the equipment within   
   those boundaries, and the operation of that equipment.   
      
   Boundaries are the standard lines-on-a-map that have been around a long time.   
   For instance, the CQ World Wide Contest rules require all of the equipment to   
   be within a 500-meter diameter circle and the ARRL's Affiliated Club   
   Competition rules specify a 175-mile diameter circle for Unlimited and Medium   
   clubs. Circles seem popular! We understand physical boundaries but what about   
   other types? Abstract sorts of boundaries might also apply to off-site   
   computing services or data-sharing in cyberspace somehow. Future contests will   
   have to address these and similar issues.   
      
   Information means any data or signals pertaining to other stations   
   participating in the contest. This is a more inclusive way of referring to all   
   of the radio signals, spotting information, Internet messages, telephone   
   calls, etc that relate to what a station is doing, on or off the air. Contest   
   rules can limit what information can be produced (power limits, bands of   
   operation), what information can be received (limits on spots and non-radio   
   communications like telephone calls), and specify what information must be   
   exchanged and recorded. Contest rules can restrict the information allowed to   
   cross boundaries, as well, and in either direction -- either incoming or   
   outgoing.   
      
   Equipment is any device or program used to generate, process, transmit, or   
   receive information. Another broad group, this includes everything from the   
   antenna to the software used to log contacts. Some contests place no   
   restrictions on equipment -- use whatever you have. Other contests restrict   
   the use of certain types of equipment, such as automated decoders or lockout   
   devices. Stations consist of equipment within a boundary defined by the   
   contest sponsor.   
      
   Operation is the exercise of a control function on any of the equipment or use   
   of information to affect a submitted log or score. In other words, how the   
   equipment and information are used in order to produce the contest entry.   
   Operators are the entities (human or otherwise) that engage in operation.   
   Well, duh! Why that fine distinction? Some contests might restrict the use of   
   automated devices that perform control functions, such as spotting other   
   stations. Or perhaps the rules specify whether the operator must be physically   
   located within the station boundary.   
      
   That's plenty to get us started. It seems awfully basic but so are bricks and   
   that's what buildings are made of. Creating a sturdy building requires good   
   bricks and a plan for using them. And that's where we will pick up the thread   
   next time!   
      
   73, Ward NOAX   
      
   CONTESTS   
      
   12 February through 25 February   
      
   An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral in PDF format is   
   available. Check the sponsor's Web site for information on operating time   
   restrictions and other instructions.   
      
   HF CONTESTS   
      
   ARRL International CW DX Contest--CW, from Feb 15, 0000Z to Feb 16, 2359Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, state/province or power. Logs due: Mar 18.   
   Rules   
      
   North American QSO Party RTTY--Digital, from Feb 22, 1800Z to Feb 23, 0600Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: Name and S/P/C. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW, from Feb 12, 0130Z to Feb 12, 0330Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 3.5-14. Monthly on 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Wednesday local time   
   (alternating). Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and NAQCC mbr nr or power. Logs due: 4   
   days. Rules   
      
   CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Tests--CW, from Feb 12, 1300Z - See website. Multiple   
   time periods. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Twice monthly on 2nd and 4th Wed, 28 to 38   
   kHz above band edge. Exchange: Name and member number or S/P/C. Logs due: 2   
   days. Rules   
      
   PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint--Digital, from Feb 14, 8 PM to Feb 15, 2 AM.   
   Bands (MHz): 1.8-7. 1.807, 3.580, 7.070/7.035 EU/7.028 JA (MHz). Exchange:   
   Name, OM or YL, S/P/C. Logs due: Feb 28. Rules   
      
   Russian WW PSK Contest--Digital, from Feb 14, 2100Z to Feb 15, 2100Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and oblast code or serial. Logs due: 15 days.   
   Rules   
      
   Feld-Hell Bingo Sprint--Digital, from Feb 15, 2000Z to Feb 15, 2200Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, Feld-Hell   
   member nr. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   Run For the Bacon--CW, from Feb 17, 0200Z to Feb 17, 0400Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28. Monthly on 3rd Sunday night (local). Exchange: RST, S/P/C, Flying Pig   
   nr or power. Rules   
      
   Semi-Automatic Key Evening--CW, from Feb 19, 1900Z to Feb 19, 2030Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 3.5. Exchange: RST, serial, first year of bug use. Logs due: Mar 15.   
   Rules   
      
   CQ WW 160 Meter SSB--Phone, from Feb 21, 2200Z to Feb 23, 2200Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8. Exchange: RST and state/province or CQ zone. Logs due: 5 days. Rules   
      
   REF Contest--Phone, from Feb 22, 0600Z to Feb 23, 1800Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28.   
   Exchange: RS and French dept or serial. Logs due: 15 days. Rules   
      
   SARL Youth Day Sprint--Phone, from Feb 22, 0800Z to Feb 22, 1000Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 7. Exchange: RS and age. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   UBA Contest--CW, from Feb 22, 1300Z to Feb 23, 1300Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28.   
   Exchange: RS, serial, and ON province. Logs due: 2 weeks. Rules   
      
   North Carolina QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Feb 23, 1500Z to Feb 24,   
   0059Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 50, 144, CW 3.54, 7.04, 7.14, 14.04, 21.04, 28.04,   
   50.04, 144.04; Phone 3.86, 7.26, 14.26, 21.36, 28.36, 50.16, 52.04(FM),   
   144.26, 146.58(FM) MHz. Exchange: NC county or S/P/C, RS(T) optional. Logs   
   due: 15 days. Rules   
      
   CQC Winter QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Feb 24, 0100Z to Feb 24, 0259Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 3.5-14. 3.560, 7.040, 14.060 MHz. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C, name, CQC nr   
   or power. Logs due: 30 days. Rules   
      
   VHF+ CONTESTS   
      
   Feld-Hell Bingo Sprint--Digital, from Feb 15, 2000Z to Feb 15, 2200Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, Feld-Hell   
   member nr. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   Maine 2m FM Simplex Challenge--Phone, from Feb 16, 1700Z to Feb 16, 2100Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 144, FM simplex frequencies only. Exchange: Call sign, power,   
   city name. Logs due: 15 days. Rules   
      
   North Carolina QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Feb 23, 1500Z to Feb 24,   
   0059Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 50, 144, CW 3.54, 7.04, 7.14, 14.04, 21.04, 28.04,   
   50.04, 144.04; Phone 3.86, 7.26, 14.26, 21.36, 28.36, 50.16, 52.04(FM),   
   144.26, 146.58(FM) MHz. Exchange: NC county or S/P/C, RS(T) optional. Logs   
   due: 15 days. Rules   
      
   LOG DUE DATES   
      
   12 February through 25 February   
      
    *  February 13 - QRP Fox Hunt   
    *  February 14 - CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest   
    *  February 15 - Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW   
    *  February 15 - WAB 1.8 MHz Phone   
    *  February 15 - QRP Fox Hunt   
    *  February 15 - CWops Mini-CWT Test   
    *  February 15 - NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint   
    *  February 16 - NCCC Sprint Ladder   
    *  February 16 - SKCC Weekend Sprintathon   
    *  February 17 - 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB   
    *  February 17 - SARL Field Day Contest   
    *  February 18 - AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest   
    *  February 18 - Hungarian DX Contest   
    *  February 19 - ARRL January VHF Contest   
    *  February 19 - RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data   
    *  February 20 - Russian PSK WW Contest   
    *  February 22 - Feld Hell Sprint   
    *  February 22 - SARL Youth Day Sprint   
    *  February 23 - Run for the Bacon QRP Contest   
    *  February 25 - RSGB 1st 1.8 MHz Contest   
      
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   Subscribe to NCJ - the National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features   
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   QSO Parties.   
      
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   Free of charge to ARRL members: Subscribe to The ARRL Letter (weekly digest of   
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   Reprint permission can be obtained by sending email to permission@arrl.org   
   with a description of the material and the reprint publication.   
      
   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS   
      
   ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information from WA7BNM's Contest   
   Calendar and SM3CER's Contest Calendar.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   The ARRL Contest Update is published every other Wednesday (26 times each   
   year). ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their   
   Member Data Page as described at http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/.   
      
   Copyright (c) 2014 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved   
      
   www.arrl.org   
      
      
      
   )\/(ark   
      
   One of the great tragedies of life is the murder of a beautiful theory by a   
   gang of brutal facts. --Benjamin Franklin   
      
   --- FMail/Win32 1.60   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.71)