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The ARRL Contest Update
Published by the American Radio Relay League
********************************************
November 21, 2012
Editor: Ward Silver, N0AX
==> IN THIS ISSUE
- All Hands At the Key - CQ WW CW
- Digital Everywhere - TARA RTTY, 10 Meter RTTY, SARL Digital
- New Categories for ARRL VHF+ Contests
- Propagation Resources Galore
- Tower Know-How by W2GD and K4ZA
- ARRL June VHF and Aug UHF Online Writeups
- Antenna System Wisdom from W3LPL
- Electronic Component Reference Collection
- Gain Damaged
NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO
The biggest CW DX contest of the year - CQ WW CW - is here! You can
work a lot of DX with just a modest station on CW and the bands will be
full. Know your CQ zone and have at it!
The following weekend is a day-night doubleheader of the 10 Meter RTTY
Contest in sunlight and the ARRL 160 Meter Contest - another CW
festival - in the dark hours. I hope you have a full coffee pot!
BULLETINS
A weekend fire at the V26B station destroyed the shack and caused the
host, Roy V21N to suffer some smoke inhalation from which he recovered
overnight - best wishes, Roy! Thus, V26B will not be active this
weekend but operator Bud AA3B plans on lashing a station together and
operating with an alternate V26 call sign. Elsewhere, impassable roads
have resulted in the cancellation of the planned V47NT activity in CQ
WW CW by Andy N2NT. Hurricane Sandy also did major damage to the QTH of
CO8LY , destroying his ham
shack and home.
BUSTED QSOS
A golden issue last time - perhaps that will translate to a low error
rate for you editor in his contest adventures!
CONTEST SUMMARY
Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section
Nov 24-25
- CQ World Wide CW Contest
- SKCC Straight Key Sprint
- Top Band Sprint
Dec 1-2
- ARRL 160 Meter Contest--CW (Nov 30)
- TARA RTTY Mêlée
- Top Operators Activity Contest--CW
- AWA Bruce Kelly QSO Party--CW
- 10 Meter RTTY Contest
- SARL Digital Contest
- ARS Spartan Sprint--CW (Dec 4)
==> NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST
We've just gotten used to the idea of Low Power categories for
Unlimited and Multioperator entries in ARRL HF contests - how about for
VHF+ contests? Yes, two new categories have been added there, too,
beginning with the ARRL January VHF Contest
. First is the 3-Band category in
which participants are limited to 100 W or less on 6 and 2 meters, and
50 W or less on 70 cm. This category is just right for those sporting
an "all-band, all-mode" rig! To encourage new hams to give VHF+
contests a try without having to buy new equipment, the FM Only
category allows operation with 100 W or less on the 6 meter, 2 meter,
1-1/4 meter, and 70 cm bands. Experienced VHF+ contesters will want to
include FM capability to work these new stations. Remember to upgrade
your logging software and operating aids to add these new categories
well in advance of the January contest date.
Along with the FM-Only category, the ARRL Rookie Roundup
offers yet another path to contest
enjoyment on HF. The December 16th edition is the contest's CW event
and is a great six hours of fun, encouraging the new hams to give their
new-found Morse methods a try. If your club has been active in the
other fall contests, here's an opportunity to keep the ball rolling by
encouraging members to operate. Don't forget that individual operators
can form teams! It will keep them in shape for the January North
American QSO Parties , too.
A new release of the Super Check Partial database files is now
available with 44,295 calls in the
MASTER.DTA file and 11,939 calls in the MASTERTTY.DTA file. You still
have to copy what they send on the air, though! Make sure your CTY file
of prefixes is also up to date well
in advance of contests, big and small. (Thanks, Bob WA1Z)
The FCC has just released a new NPRM
that solicits comment regarding the creation of the new amateur band at
135.7-137.8 kHz and proposes to upgrade the amateur allocation from
1900-2000 kHz to primary status. There is quite a bit of other material
addressing allocation through microwave. Watch for more detail on the
ARRL website over the next week or so. In the
meantime, changes to Part 97.301 and 97.303 are on pages 108 and 109 of
the referenced NPRM document.
Don NR7X wrote a good article in Electronic Design
about Amateur Radio in disasters. While the general thrust of the
article is to educate non-ham readers, he raises a particularly
important point for hams, "One can't just get a license, wait for a
disaster, and show up," reminding us all of the need for training and
practice. Contests are good operating training but you still need to
know about emergency procedures and practices in your area. He also
notes that as an incentive for training and practicing "You will learn
useful stuff." (Thanks, Mike KA5CVH)
The following books on early wireless technology are recommended by
Dave W6NL:
- Hugh G. J. Aitken, "Syntony and Spark: The Origins of Radio," J.
Wiley & Sons, 1976 and "The Continuous Wave: Technology and American
Radio, 1900-1932," Princeton Univ. Press, 1985.
- George C. Southworth, "Forty Years of Radio Research," Gordon &
Breach, 1962. It's about the AT&T experiments with short wave radio in
the late 1920's that used a ham station and a ship to plot skip zones.
- Gerald F. J. Tyne, "Saga of the Vacuum Tube," Howard W. Sams & Co.,
1977.
If the worldwide spotting networks are flooding your band map to a
distracting degree, here is a tutorial by
Wayne WA1PMA on using VE7CC's CC User spotting
network management software. More than just filters, the software is a
tool set for making the spotting network give you the information you
need. (Thanks, John K3TN)
Ian G3NRW has updated his 160m Band
Utilization Chart
. It now
shows the JT9 dial frequency at 1.8395 MHz. Send Ian any updates or
additional details you might have. He also publishes a 30m Band
Utilization Chart
, a UK 60m
Band Utilization Chart
, and
sponsors the Top Band Digital Group
(TBD160).
With new licensees lining up for tickets, Fred K3ZO reports that the
Thai telecomm authority (NBTC) has not changed the regulations which
require an 8 wpm Morse test in order to upgrade to HF status. Building
on May's successful exam session, 32 new hams were recently licensed
and most of them should appear on the HF bands soon. Assuming they are
just getting started, be gentle with them if they show up during CQ WW
CW!
What international events happened when the cook dropped the
Thanksgiving dinner? Why, the downfall of TA, the destruction of BY,
the ruination of SV, and the ascendance of HA! A tip of the Contest
Update cap to our friends around the world on the occasion of the
American Thanksgiving holiday.
Web Site of the Week - WorldRadio Online
propagation columnist, Carl K9LA has some great propagation resources
on his web site
including downloadable PDF copies of both NM7M propagation books and a
slide presentation showing an update on Cycle 24. Carl is also busy
working on the ARRL Handbook's
chapter on Propagation and is the author of the annual IARU HF
Championship results. More
propagation resources have been published by Steve G0KYA, including a
downloadable PDF eBook "Understanding LF and HF Propagation
".
You can also get regular propagation bulletins
as part of your
ARRL membership.
WORD TO THE WISE
A question this time - there is a specific slang term for the parts
left over after a piece of equipment has been reassembled but runs fine
without them. Does anyone know that term (no fair just making one up
and naughty ones are not appreciated) and have any documentation of it?
==> SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
The latest online webinar is a presentation by tower and antenna mavens
John W2GD and Don K4ZA, "...outlining things we've learned from almost
100 years of combined experience, focusing on safety, cost-savings, and
problem-solving." The date is Wednesday, December 12, at 9 PM EST
(Thursday, Dec 13th at 0200 UTC) and registration
is free, courtesy of
the World Wide Radiosport Operator's Foundation
(WWROF). (Thanks, Ken K4ZW)
And you wondered why they were called paddles
?
(Thanks, Kirk K4RO)
I think all the little pistols out there can identify with this song
by NT8K.
(Thanks, Tim K3LR)
Finally, those of you who frittered away hours and hours in the
pre-Dungeons and Dragons era by programming the Game of Life
and experimenting with
different starting patterns (this is somewhat autobiographical) will
enjoy and marvel at the new floating-point implementation of the called
Smoothlife
.
==> RESULTS AND RECORDS
Lots of activity at the ARRL Contest Branch Bar and Grill - manager
Sean KX9X reports that online, expanded writeups for the June VHF and
August UHF Contest have been posted
. In addition
certificates for the 2011 160 Meter, 2011 10 Meter, and 2012 RTTY
Roundup contests are either shipped or about to be shipped. Keep an eye
on award status for ARRL contests online
! Meanwhile, over at the
Log Submission Corral, the numbers just keep rising: even with
hurricane Sandy's depredations, 1259 CW Sweepstakes logs were received
before the deadline and 960 Phone Sweepstakes logs have been received
thus far.
CQ World Wide Contest Manager, Randy K5ZD reports, "The raw scores
for CQWW SSB 2012 have been updated
to correct a multiplier
scoring problem with some Zone 2 stations. Thanks to KF2O and W2JU for
making inquiries that resulted in helping us find the score calculation
error. We currently have 7999 logs received."
OPERATING TIP
The joy of socks? Siggi TF3CW suggests wearing knee-high compression
socks to reduce
leg swelling from sitting for long periods of time in a contest. (and
maybe in a plane, too) These thin socks improve leg circulation. Don't
forget Alan K6SRZ's suggestion of taking a low-dose aspirin to reduce
the probability of blood clots, as well. I confess to wearing some
extra-special pairs of hand-knit socks for contests - thanks, Mom!
==> TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION
Frank W3LPL checked in with some solid engineering advice for antenna
systems. "In the real world, receiving (or transmitting) problems are
often caused by faults rather than by inadequate design. The most
common problems are connectors and deteriorated coaxial cable caused by
poor installation practices and moisture entry. Faults are best found
through regular inspections, rather than (as many of us do) waiting for
the fault to become so severe that it's obvious. A resistance
measurement of your transmission line performed inside your shack takes
only a few seconds and will reveal many of the most common faults. A
VSWR sweep with an MFJ-259 or your favorite instrument is also very
useful. VNA (vector network analyzer) and TDR (time-domain
reflectometer) measurements are also very helpful if you have that
capability (you should!). Keep records of your measurements so that
changes will be apparent. Any change is cause for an investigation."
Many of us use surplus ½-inch CATV hardline for long cables to antenna
farms. Stan K5GO describes his method of attaching a PL-259 to the line
- "I use about six inches of .625" OD (5/8") x .058"-wall tubing slit
about 2.5 inches and four times on either end to fit over the back of
the PL-259 and outer jacket of hardline and used some hose clamps. (It)
takes about ten minutes start to finish and cost is minimal. A little
Penetrox, some Scotch 88, a soldered center conductor and I've not had
a problem in eight years." (Thanks, Stan K5GO)
If you need an audio mixer in the shack or elsewhere, Don W3FPR
recommends the inexpensive Behringer or Xenyx 802 model. "It is a small
pro-type mixer, but you can mix up to 2 stereo channels, plus 2 mono
channels plus one "tape.CD" input - each with individual level
controls. The output is headphone level. It (also has) faders and a
three-band equalizer for each channel." Terry WA0ITP also found a
website with several good mixer designs
if you like
rolling your own.
Use caution when using a compressed-air antenna launcher made of PVC.
Grant KZ1W warns that, "...minor damage can escalate into ruptures and
high-energy flying slivers and fragments...Handling damage can be
concealed, cold is bad since the plastic gets brittle, and heat is bad
because the pressure rating is significantly reduced. Making [the gun]
from Schedule 80 PVC pipe is probably safer, since the pressure ratings
are much higher (and) the fittings much stronger. Good solvent gluing
is extremely important as a 4" PVC cap on a pressure tank at 80psi has
about 1000 lbs of force on it."
In researching some old magazine articles, I stumbled on a home
do-it-yourself project you just don't see much these days. The October
1924 QST article by 7AGI (before the days of prefixes) is titled "A
100-Foot Wooden Tower" and not much besides a saw and common hand tools
was required. It was designed to hold wire antennas, not beams, and no
word is given on whether it was climbable or not. The method of
erection? A 40-foot gin pole!
Here are some more modern do-it-yourself projects:
- Sparkfun LogicBlocks
kit for the young experimenter in the family
And from the Instructables website:
- An Internet connected control knob
- Removable tablet and phone car mounts
- A USB flash "diskette"
Recognizing that switch-mode power supplies can cause a lot of RFI,
this EDN magazine article
describes a power supply intended for use in mobile radio receivers.
Trying to protect delicate receiver front ends from the marauding
signals of a legal-limit RF amplifier a fraction of a wavelength away
can be a challenge. This front-end saver design
shows how OK1RR solves the problem. (Thanks, Jose EA7BJ)
Where do you go to look up information about components and other bits
of electronics, especially when you're not near your workbench library?
The Radio-Electronics
website answers
a lot of those needs with this online collection of reference tables
and compilations.
Technical Web Site of the Week - Stu K6TU has released an online
propagation mapping and prediction tool you just
won't be able to stop using! It uses the VOACAP prediction engine on a
speedy server to generate hour-by-hour frequency coverage maps based on
your specified geomagnetic conditions, the date, and your station
characteristics. The web-based user interface is well-done and the
results are fascinating!
==> CONVERSATION
Gain Damaged
Fans of Pink Floyd may remember the song "Brain Damage
" about band leader
Syd Barrett's descent into insanity. Sometimes Sunday afternoon of a
48-hour contest can feel a little like that - albeit thankfully
temporary and quite reversible. At any rate, if you hit The Wall
and the interference starts to
Meddle with you...here are some
new words you may find useful, courtesy Dr Beldar.
The QRM is multi-path.
The QRM is multi-path.
It takes chordal hops and scatters back and laughs
Got to work the echoes off the back.
The QRM is in the calls.
The QRM is in the calls.
The band map shows a list of needed mults galore
And every hour the spotting net brings more.
And if the sunspots peak many years too soon
And if there is no tower on the hill
And if the band explodes with signals like a zoo
I'll work you off the dark side of the moon.
The QRM is in my head
The QRM is in my head
You raise the gain, the filters change
Attenuate them till they're tame.
The mike is stuck
I've thrown away the key
There's someone in my log but it's not me.
And if the thunderstorms clamor in your ear
You call and no one seems to hear.
And if the mode you're on hears signals you can't tune
I'll work you off the dark side of the moon.
73, Ward N0AX
==> CONTESTS
21 November through 5 December 2012
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
CQ World Wide CW Contest--CW, from Nov 24 0000Z to Nov 26 2400Z. Bands
(MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and CQ zone. Logs due: Dec 21. Website:
cq-amateur-radio.com
SKCC Straight Key Sprint--CW, from Nov 28 0000Z to Nov 28 0200Z.
Monthly on the fourth Wednesday UTC. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange:
RST, S/P/C, name, SKCC nr or power. Logs due: 5 days. Website:
www.skccgroup.com
Top Band Sprint--Phone,CW, from Nov 29 0000Z to Nov 29 0600Z. Bands
(MHz): 1.8. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, ARCI number or Power. Logs due: 14
days. Website: www.qrparci.org/contests
ARRL 160 Meter Contest--CW, from Nov 30 2200Z to Dec 2 1600Z. Bands
(MHz): 1.8. Exchange: RST and ARRL/RAC section if US/VE. Logs due: Jan
1. Website: www.arrl.org/contests
TARA RTTY Mêlée--Digital, from Dec 1 0000Z to Dec 3 2400Z. Bands (MHz):
1.8-28. Exchange: RST and State/Province or serial. Logs due: Jan 1.
Website: www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_melee_rules.html
Top Operators Activity Contest--CW, from Dec 1 1600Z to Dec 2 1559Z.
Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RST, serial, and TOPS/PRO number. Logs
due: Dec 31. Website: www.procwclub.yo6ex.ro
AWA Bruce Kelly QSO Party--CW, from Dec 1 2300Z to Dec 2 2300Z.
Multiple operating periods. Bands (MHz): 3.5,7. Exchange: RST, Xmtr
type, power, name. Logs due: 30 days. Website: www.antiquewireless.org
10 Meter RTTY Contest--Digital, from Dec 2 0000Z to Dec 2 2359Z. Bands
(MHz): 28. Exchange: RST and state or province or serial. Logs due: Dec
15. Website: www.rttycontesting.com
SARL Digital Contest--Digital, from Dec 2 1300Z to Dec 2 1600Z. Bands
(MHz): 3.5-14. Exchange: RST and serial. Logs due: 7 days. Website:
www.sarl.org.za
ARS Spartan Sprint--CW, from Dec 4 0200Z to Dec 4 0400Z. Monthly on the
first Monday evening local time. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RST,
S/P/C, and power. Logs due: 2 days. Website: www.arsqrp.blogspot.com
VHF+ CONTESTS
SKCC Straight Key Sprint--CW, from Nov 28 0000Z to Nov 28 0200Z.
Monthly on the fourth Wednesday UTC. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange:
RST, S/P/C, name, SKCC nr or power. Logs due: 5 days. Website:
www.skccgroup.com
==> LOG DUE DATES
21 November through 5 December 2012
- November 21 - Illinois QSO Party
- November 21 - RSGB 80m Club Sprint, SSB
- November 22 - JARTS WW RTTY Contest
- November 24 - Feld Hell Sprint
- November 25 - High Speed Club CW Contest
- November 25 - SARL Field Day Contest
- November 25 - Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- November 25 - EANET Sprint
- November 26 - 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital
- November 26 - WAE DX Contest, RTTY
- November 30 - W/VE Islands QSO Party
- November 30 - SYLRA Contest
- December 1 - CQ-WE Contest
- December 1 - OK/OM DX Contest, CW
- December 1 - YO International PSK31 Contest
- December 3 - RSGB 2nd 1.8 MHz Contest, CW
- December 3 - EPC PSK63 QSO Party
- December 4 - Ukrainian DX Contest
- December 4 - ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB
- December 4 - NA Collegiate ARC Championship, SSB
==> ARRL INFORMATION
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==> 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) 2012 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved
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