XPost: rec.radio.info

********************************************
The ARRL Contest Update

Published by the American Radio Relay League ********************************************

August 18, 2021

Editor: Brian Moran, N9ADG <contest-update@arrl.org>

IN THIS ISSUE

- New HF Operators: NAQP, SARTG WW RTTY, QSO Parties Galore, WW Digi DX
- Contest Summary
- News: Earthquake Relief Frequencies, OhQP, KSQP, Switching PS RFI,
and more
- Word to the Wise: Meteor Scatter
- Sights and Sounds: RBN, Contest Forum at PNWDXC, Inexpensive Balun
Kit
- Results: Georgia QSO Party
- Operating Tip: Have A Contest Operating Plan
- Technical Topics and Information: Circuit Pattern Trading Cards,
Analog Meter Emulation with LED Displays, Radiosonde Reception with SDR Hardware, and more
- Conversation: Multi-Operator Techniques for the Single Operator
- Contests
- Log Due Dates

NEW HF OPERATORS -- THINGS TO DO

Here we go! "Contest season" is about to take off. It's a good time to
get the outdoor projects wrapped up, and make sure everything is ready.
For SSB, try this weekend's North American QSO Party
<http://ncjweb.com/naqp> Phone contest. For digital, the SARTG WW RTTY
Contest <http://www.sartg.com/contest/wwrules.htm> is a good choice,
especially if you get ready for it with Thursday's NCCC RTTY Sprint <https://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html> practice. If you're newly
licensed, try the ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>, on Sunday.

The weekend of August 28, there are a number of QSO parties - Hawaii <https://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/>, Kansas
<https://www.ksqsoparty.org/>, Ohio <https://www.ohqp.org/>, and W/VE
Islands <http://usislands.org/qso-party-rules/>. In 2021, the Hawaii
QSO Party will allow grid squares to be exchanged for those modes that
don't support the "normal" exchange of location, so you can use
FT4/FT8, in addition to SSB and CW. For an exclusively FT4/FT8 contest,
try the World-Wide Digi DX Contest <https://ww-digi.com/> (hint: FT4
completes contacts more quickly, however there's usually more activity
on FT8, which is a pity during a contest).

BUSTED QSOS

Jim, KE0NRE, wrote asking about the weight of the Burst 2000A amplifier mentioned in the last Contest Update: "I'm confused. Does it weigh 14
pounds or 15 kg?" Well, Jim, I was the confused one, as the amplifier
weight is mentioned on the manufacturer's website as 17 kg!

Dave, K3ZJ, also noted the discrepancy, and also noted: "I would
suggest that the SPE 1.5K is lighter at 21 pounds (9.5 kg) with full
U.S. legal power output. The JUMA1000 also is a good one, with a known
and reliable history and support. (With) 1000 watts, it weighs 12.5
lbs. (5.5 kg)."

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section

19 Aug - 1 Sep 2021

August 19

- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>
- EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>

August 20

- QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/summer_rules.htm>
- NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
- NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>

August 21

- SARTG WW RTTY Contest <http://www.sartg.com/contest/wwrules.htm>
- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest <http://www.arrl.org/10-ghz-up>
- Russian District Award Contest <http://rdaward.org/rdac1.htm>
- Keyman's Club of Japan Contest <https://kcj-cw.com/contest/rule/2021_42_kcj_dx_.pdf>
- Feld Hell Sprint <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprints/spooky-sprint>
- North American QSO Party, SSB <http://www.ncjweb.com/NAQP-Rules.pdf>
- CVA DX Contest, CW <http://cvadx.org/regulamento/>

August 22

- SARTG WW RTTY Contest <http://www.sartg.com/contest/wwrules.htm>
- ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>

August 23

- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>

August 24

- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>
- RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>

August 25

- SKCC Sprint
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekday_sprint/>
- Phone Weekly Test - Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>
- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>

August 26

- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>
- EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>

August 27

- QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/summer_rules.htm>
- NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
- NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>

August 28

- Hawaii QSO Party <http://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/>
- ALARA Contest <http://www.alara.org.au/contests/>
- YO DX HF Contest <http://www.yodx.ro/en/>
- World Wide Digi DX Contest <https://ww-digi.com/>
- W/VE Islands QSO Party <http://usislands.org/qso-party-rules/>
- Kansas QSO Party <https://ksqsoparty.org/rules/KSQPRules2020.pdf?1>
- Ohio QSO Party <http://www.ohqp.org/index.php/rules/>
- CVA DX Contest, SSB <http://cvadx.org/regulamento/>

August 29

- Kansas QSO Party <https://ksqsoparty.org/rules/KSQPRules2020.pdf?1>
- SARL HF CW Contest
<http://www.sarl.org.za/public/contests/contestrules.asp>

August 30

- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>
- QCX Challenge <http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html>

August 31

- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>
- QCX Challenge <http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html>
- RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>

September 1

- Phone Weekly Test - Fray <http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>
- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
<http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/>
- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- UKEICC 80m Contest <https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php>
- G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest
<http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html>

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

Following Earthquake in Haiti, Radio Amateurs Asked to Keep Frequencies
Clear <http://www.arrl.org/news/following-earthquake-in-haiti-radio-amateurs-asked-to-keep-frequencies-clear>.
Net-net: Please keep these frequencies clear in IARU Region 2: 3750
kHz, 7150 kHz and 14330 kHz.

The Ohio QSO Party <https://www.ohqp.org/> is on August 28, from noon
to midnight ET. Please note that some sources may have provided a
different date, however August 28 is the date for 2021, confirmed by
Jim, K8MR, the OhQP Chairman. (Jim, K8MR)

The Kansas QSO Party <https://www.ksqsoparty.org/> during the August 28
weekend has added a Rover category for 2021. Work special 1x1 stations
to spell KANSAS, QSOPARTY, SUNFLOWER, and YELLOWBRICKROAD to earn
antique US postage stamps with radio/electronic themes. Collect all
nine of the original stamps, and you can earn a KSQP T-shirt. There are
even special awards for the highest scoring Ohio and Hawaii log
entries. As always, see the rules for details.

When hunting down a pesky RFI noise source, remember that gear does not
have to be on to generate RF noise. The switching power supplies that
are part of today's electronics often continue to operate even when the
device appears to be off. The only way to be reasonably sure a
line-operated device's switching power supply is not operating is to
unplug the device from the wall.

Like ripples in a three-dimension space-pond, radio signals emanating
from Earth since the inception of wireless broadcasting could have
reached 75 other star systems <https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/our-radio-signals-have-now-reached-75-star-systems-that-can-see-us-too>,
according to Discover Magazine. There are that many star systems within
100 light years of Earth. It's unclear whether aliens would be
listening for signals using AM. Perhaps they switched to FT8 years ago.

Frank Maynard, NF8M, recommended an article on Guitar Magazine's
website about how the global shortage of chips and other resources is
affecting the supply of electronic tube equipment <https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/panic-on-availability-of-vacuum-tubes-mike-matthews-future-valve-amps/>.
Frank comments: "Not news to most hams who have been buying
new-old-stock tubes for years. Fortunately, most of us are good at
hoarding these things!"

Cycle 25 could be big, and early <https://www.kb6nu.com/predictions-call-for-solar-cycle-25-to-be-big-early>! According to Spaceweather.com, "Solar Cycle 25 is heating up faster
than expected. <https://spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=03&month=08&year=2021>"

The ARRL has a web page that will calculate RF exposure <http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-now-provides-free-rf-exposure-calculator>, per the new FCC rules. "Under the new FCC rules, some amateurs need to
perform routine station evaluations to ensure that their stations
comply with the RF exposure rules. This can be as simple as running an
online calculator to determine the minimum safe distance between any
part of your antenna and areas where people might be exposed to RF
energy from your station. Although amateurs can make measurements of
their stations, evaluations can also be done by calculation."

Peter, DF1LX, has written a tool for N1MM Logger+ called n1mm_toolbox <https://df1lx.darc.de/n1mm/>. It's a 64-bit Microsoft Windows
application that provides the following functionality:

- Warns when operating outside of designated "contest-preferred
segments" for IARU Region 1
- "Call Sign Alert" - a file of call signs can be provided; if a spot
is received with that call sign, it will be displayed in a small
window, and that spot can be tune in the logger
- Time On/Off display in a window
- Countdown timer to contest start
- Record and play audio files

According to Joe Taylor, K1JT: "WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc4 has a bug that
prevents normal use of messages that include compound or nonstandard
call signs. For this reason we are making a public Release Candidate
WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc5 after an unusually short interval. The RC5 release
candidate is now ready for download by beta testers <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html>. On Windows the installation package also includes MAP65 3.0.0-rc5."

QRP Labs' August 2021 Newsletter <http://qrp-labs.com/newsaug2021.html>
is available on their website. New products include the QCX-Mini, a
refinement of their very popular QCX transceiver (over 15,000
shipped!), as well as upcoming new designs for their balloon
transmitter.

Gary, ZL2IFB, suggested a follow-up to the last issue's operating tip
of knowing when to change frequencies:

"It's worth taking a look at the DX Cluster before moving. In
particular, if you are spotted, hold out for a few minutes longer to
mop up anyone chasing your spot. The Info window in N1MM Logger+
prominently displays any DX spots for your call sign, including
comments that can be worthwhile too (for example: skimmer reports and
notes such as "long path," "only sig on band," or "raspy auroral").

Another thing to do before moving is check your contest notes. Did you
plan to be on a specific band around this time for a short opening?

As to where to move next, the choices include:

Search and pounce or perhaps look for a better CQ frequency, on the
same band. You might just find another multiplier or bonus as the band
dies and propagation swings away - for example Western Europeans and
those North Atlantic islands may still be workable after the central
and Eastern Europeans have dropped out.

Check the number of spotted QSOs and multipliers available on other
bands for clues about where the points are. Normally we QSY one band LF
or HF, but it may be worth moving two bands, especially towards the
last third of the contest and around grayline when it is worth the
investment of time and effort to chase multipliers.

QSY to bed or take a comfort and coffee break to get your energy levels
up for the next session. If you're tired and flagging, now might be a
good time to hand over to a keen fresh op with a new strategy and bags
of enthusiasm.

WORD TO THE WISE

Meteor Scatter

A propagation mode
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST%2520Binaries/nt0z.pdf> that takes
advantage of the ionization trails left by extraterrestrial debris
burning up after entering the Earth's atmosphere. Every day, meteor
scatter opportunities exist for contacts on 10 meters, 6 meters, and 2
meters at distances between 500 to 2300 kilometers, especially during
the morning hours. During meteor showers, there may be hundreds of
"pings" per hour. WSJT-X's MSK144 mode is typically used for meteor
scatter communications, though the newer shorter-duration Q65 <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Q65_Quick_Start.pdf>-12A
mode may see increasing use. To get started, try Parker Radio
Association's Simple Guide to Meteor Scatter / MSK144 <https://www.parkerradio.org/community/general/simple-guide-to-meteor-scatter-msk-144>.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Bob, N6TV, posted to the Reverse Beacon Network email reflector: "In
June the Spokane DX Association invited me to give a talk about the
Reverse Beacon Network. It's the same talk I gave at Dayton Contest
University a few times, so many of you may have already seen it. But at
the end there was a live demo of the RBN beta website and the DJ1YFK
site, which may be new to some of you. Here's the Standard RBN
Presentation <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2OopLjT_w0&t=109s&ab_channel=SpokaneDXAssociation>,
and the Demo video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2OopLjT_w0&t=2892s&ab_channel=SpokaneDXAssociation>."
Mel, N7GCO, coordinates the varied presentations for the Spokane DX Association.

Mike, W7VO, was the chair of the Contest Forum at the Willamette Valley
DX Club's virtual Pacific Northwest DX Convention <http://wvdxc.org/Club/W7VO.mp4>. Other panelists included Bill, AC0W,
Bart, W9JJ, and Jim, KI7Y. The first topic discussed was the ARRL
Contest Advisory Committee's recent activity. If you'd like to
understand the reasoning and impetus for changes to future ARRL
Contests, this is a must watch.

EA3GRN tests an inexpensive balun kit <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnWZkolrGlk> from China in his YouTube
video. Though it's in Spanish, it's possible for non-Spanish speakers
(like me) to get the gist by turning on the translated closed
captioning feature in YouTube.

RESULTS AND RECORDS

The results of the 2021 Georgia QSO Party results have been published <https://gaqsoparty.com/ResultsPage.html> according to Jeff, KU8E,
Georgia QSO Party Director. The 2022 Georgia QSO Party will take place
on April 9-10, 2022, the second full weekend in April.

OPERATING TIP

Have A Contest Operating Plan

Be a "conscious contester" for bigger scores. If you're in it to do the
best you can, make a plan for the times that you operate during the
contest period. Make your plan in 30 minute or 1-hour intervals, taking
into account past instances of this contest, the current sun spot
cycle, and other factors such as past 3830scores.com reports (e.g.
"took advantage of a late night opening to Asia on 20 meters") to help
you decide what bands to be on, where to point your beam, and where to
look for needed multipliers. Plan to gather more information during the
contest to help you make decisions. Think of it this way: If you had to
write down instructions for someone that was operating your station on
how to operate in the contest, those directions would be the plan.
Write the plan down. Consult it during the contest. Take notes as
necessary to modify it for the next time. Plan to have fun.

TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

These look like a lot of fun: "Circuit Pattern Trading Cards <https://www.adafruit.com/product/1474>" - Like flash cards for various
types of popular circuits. From the description: "brush up on
techniques and discover time-tested patterns...Each card has a
schematic and short description of a common circuit pattern in
electronics. Topics covered include digital, analog, and power
electronics. There are 32 cards in total, all unique."

Here's a project on Hackaday.IO: an emulation of an analog panel meter
using an LED Display <https://hackaday.io/project/181004-digital-vu-meter-with-analog-physics>
and modest CPU. The key part is that the "needle" drawing "moves like
an analog needle with mass and spring oscillations." Could be just the
thing to add some style to your next project that has a display, and
data that could be displayed this way.

Radiosonde launches can be observed and decoded using RTL-SDR hardware,
and the radiosonde_auto_rx repository by projectthorus <https://github.com/projecthorus/radiosonde_auto_rx/releases/tag/v1.5.5>. Radiosonde data is used in weather forecasting, and shared among
nations by international agreement.

If your Microsoft Windows 10-based computer's drive failed and needed replacement, could you restore the OS quickly from your backups to the
new drive? This article shows how to use the Windows media creation
tool <https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-use-the-windows-media-creation-tool-to-create-a-windows-10-iso-file/>
to make an ISO file <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_disc_image>
that can be "burned" to a DVD, or put onto a USB stick, to restore your
legally licensed Windows 10 to your machine.

Gpsd is a system program found in many Linux distributions, in some
phones, and as a component in some software packages. A bug has been
identified that may cause an inadvertent jump in time for some version
of gpsd in October, 2021, due to the way that leap seconds are handled.
In this case, the issue arises because an anticipated leap-second did
not occur. Here's the discussion about the issue <https://gitlab.com/gpsd/gpsd/-/issues/144>; since gpsd is open source, derivative works of gpsd could contain this issue as well.

CONVERSATION

Multi-Operator Techniques for the Single Operator

"Multi-One and Multi-Two Contesting <http://ncjweb.com/bonus-content/Thompson.pdf>" by Craig, K9CT, and
originally featured in November/December 2019 NCJ <http://ncjweb.com/>
isn't just for multi-one and multi-two contesters! Much of the
article's advice and insights can be used by operators in any category,
and especially those operators that are contemplating trying
single-operator, two radio (SO2R) operating. I heartily encourage you
to read the article in its entirety.

Every operator can benefit from knowing their contest goals: "Are you
out to win it all, to win your area, zone, section or state? Do you
want to set a personal best? Do you want to set a record? Who are your competitors and can you beat them?" The need to "assess your goals...
and then build a station capable of achieving them" is valid for any
operator. The same for needing to know how to win: "You must know the
rules, have high ethics, and be capable of high rates and maximizing multipliers. It is extremely important that you know the propagation
for your location, that (you) have the needed experience... and that
you design your station to be as automated as possible with the best
affordable technology."

Successful station building is a universal need. Craig suggests being methodical about how to do it, starting with the big-ticket items,
"Give some thought to the size of the property, arrangement of towers
and antennas, feed line losses, and filters. Do a careful analysis,
band by band" but eventually getting to the smallest of details that
can make or break a station, such as operator comfort and station
layout. Will all of the details combine, and then just fade into the background, as the operator is allowed to focus on the logging screen?

Equipment selection is critical for multi-operator stations, where inter-operating-position interference will reduce scores. There's no
reason to not take advantage of Craig's advice to choose radios that
have "...low transmitted noise, produce a clean signal, and have a
great CW waveform" -- he suggests to carefully read the Product Review
articles in QST.

In low-rate hours, Craig suggests that searching and pouncing may be
more effective than trying to run, especially when multiple operating
positions can do this simultaneously with a lockout. For single
operators, learning how to tune a second VFO for new stations between
calling CQ on the run frequency is more work than just calling CQ, but
adds points. Practice makes it less difficult.

And finally, Craig also mentions that for those that are not able to
create their own station, it's entirely possible to use a service such
as Remote Ham Radio or BeLoud.US to operate remotely using a station in
a good or great location, with top-tier equipment. It was easy and
effective in 2019 when the article was originally published, and with
two more years of improvements in technology, in 2021 the remote
experience is even better.

That's all for this time. Remember to send contesting related stories,
book reviews, tips, techniques, press releases, errata, schematics,
club information, pictures, stories, blog links, and predictions to contest-update@arrl.org

73, Brian N9ADG

CONTESTS

19 Aug - 1 Sep 2021

An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral <http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar> is available as a PDF. Check the sponsors' website for information on operating time restrictions and
other instructions.

HF CONTESTS

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 19, 0300z to
Aug 19, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 21.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 19, 0700z to
Aug 19, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 21.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Aug 19, 1700z to Aug 19,
1900z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: August 24.

EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>, Aug 19, 1900z to
Aug 19, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40m; EACW Member: RST + Member No. +
Nickname, EA non-Member: RST + Nickname + EA province, non-EA: RST +
Nickname + DXCC prefix; Logs due: August 21.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/summer_rules.htm>, Aug 20,
0100z to Aug 20, 0230z; CW; Bands: 20m Only; RST +
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: August 21.

NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>, Aug 20, 0145z
to Aug 20, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH;
Logs due: August 22.

NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Aug 20,
0230z to Aug 20, 0300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; Serial No. +
Name + QTH; Logs due: August 22.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Aug 20, 2000z to
Aug 20, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm,
Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: August 22.

SARTG WW RTTY Contest <http://www.sartg.com/contest/wwrules.htm>, Aug
21, 0000z to Aug 21, 0800z and, Aug 21, 1600z to Aug 22, 0000z and, Aug
22, 0800z to Aug 22, 1600z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST +
Serial No.; Logs due: September 12.

Russian District Award Contest <http://rdaward.org/rdac1.htm>, Aug 21,
0800z to Aug 22, 0800z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RU:
RS(T) + District code, non-RU: RS(T) + QSO No.; Logs due: September 6.

Keyman's Club of Japan Contest <https://kcj-cw.com/contest/rule/2021_42_kcj_dx_.pdf>, Aug 21, 1200z to
Aug 22, 1200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; JA: RST + prefecture/district code, non-JA: RST + CQ zone; Logs due: September
11.

Feld Hell Sprint <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprints/spooky-sprint>,
Aug 21, 1600z to Aug 21, 1759z; Feld Hell; Bands: (see rules); (see
rules); Logs due: August 24.

North American QSO Party, SSB <http://www.ncjweb.com/NAQP-Rules.pdf>,
Aug 21, 1800z to Aug 22, 0559z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m;
NA: Name + (state/DC/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: August
29.

CVA DX Contest, CW <http://cvadx.org/regulamento/>, Aug 21, 2100z to
Aug 22, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + type/UF(see
rules); Logs due: September 15.

ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>, Aug 22,
1800z to Aug 22, 2359z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; NA: Name +
2-digit year first licensed + (state/province/XE area/DX); Logs due:
August 25.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Aug 23, 0000z to
Aug 23, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm,
Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: August 29.

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>, Aug
24, 0100z to Aug 24, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; RS
+ age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: August 25.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Aug 24, 1700z to Aug 24,
1900z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: August 24.

SKCC Sprint
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekday_sprint/>, Aug
25, 0000z to Aug 25, 0200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; RST
+ (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE"); Logs due: August
27.

Phone Weekly Test - Fray
<http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>, Aug 25, 0230z to
Aug 25, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: August 27.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 25, 1300z to
Aug 25, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 28.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 25, 1900z to
Aug 25, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 28.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 26, 0300z to
Aug 26, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 28.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Aug 26, 0700z to
Aug 26, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 28.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Aug 26, 1700z to Aug 26,
1900z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: August 31.

EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>, Aug 26, 1900z to
Aug 26, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40m; EACW Member: RST + Member No. +
Nickname, EA non-Member: RST + Nickname + EA province, non-EA: RST +
Nickname + DXCC prefix; Logs due: August 28.

QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/summer_rules.htm>, Aug 27,
0100z to Aug 27, 0230z; CW; Bands: 20m Only; RST +
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: August 28.

NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>, Aug 27, 0145z
to Aug 27, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH;
Logs due: August 29.

NCCC Sprint Ladder <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Aug 27,
0230z to Aug 27, 0300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; Serial No. +
Name + QTH; Logs due: August 29.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Aug 27, 2000z to
Aug 27, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm,
Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: August 29.

Hawaii QSO Party <http://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/>, Aug 28, 0400z to Aug
30, 0400z; CW, Phone, Digital; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; HI:
RS(T) + QTH, non-HI W/VE: RS(T) + (state/province), DX: RS(T); Logs
due: September 13.

ALARA Contest <http://www.alara.org.au/contests/>, Aug 28, 0600z to Aug
29, 0559z; CW, Phone; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; ALARA: RS(T) + Name, non-ALARA: RS(T) + Serial No. + Name + (whether YL/OM/club station);
Logs due: September 30.

YO DX HF Contest <http://www.yodx.ro/en/>, Aug 28, 1200z to Aug 29,
1200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; YO: RS(T) + county,
non-YO: RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: September 5.

World Wide Digi DX Contest <https://ww-digi.com/>, Aug 28, 1200z to Aug
29, 1200z; FT4/8; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; 4-character grid
square; Logs due: September 3.

W/VE Islands QSO Party <http://usislands.org/qso-party-rules/>, Aug 28,
1200z to Aug 29, 0300z; CW, Phone, Digital; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15,
10, 6m; Islands: RS(T) + USI/CISA Island Designation (see rules for
digital), Non-Islands: RS(T) + (state/province/country)(see rules for
digital); Logs due: September 30.

Kansas QSO Party <https://ksqsoparty.org/rules/KSQPRules2020.pdf?1>,
Aug 28, 1400z to Aug 29, 0200z and, Aug 29, 1400z to Aug 29, 2000z; CW,
SSB, Digital; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; KS: RS(T) + county,
non-KS: RS(T) + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: October 1.

Ohio QSO Party <http://www.ohqp.org/index.php/rules/>, Aug 28, 1600z to
Aug 29, 0400z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; OH: RS(T) +
county, non-OH: RS(T) + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: September 27.

CVA DX Contest, SSB <http://cvadx.org/regulamento/>, Aug 28, 2100z to
Aug 29, 2100z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RS + type/UF(see
rules); Logs due: September 15.

SARL HF CW Contest
<http://www.sarl.org.za/public/contests/contestrules.asp>, Aug 29,
1400z to Aug 29, 1700z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; RST + Serial No.; Logs
due: September 3.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Aug 30, 0000z to
Aug 30, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm,
Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: September 5.

QCX Challenge <http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html>, Aug 30, 1300z to
Aug 30, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: September 5.

QCX Challenge <http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html>, Aug 30, 1900z to
Aug 30, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: September 5.

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>, Aug
31, 0100z to Aug 31, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; RS
+ age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: September 1.

QCX Challenge <http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html>, Aug 31, 0300z to
Aug 31, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: September 5.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Aug 31, 1700z to Aug 31,
1900z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: August 31.

Phone Weekly Test - Fray
<http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>, Sep 1, 0230z to
Sep 1, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: August 20.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Sep 1, 1300z to
Sep 1, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 21.

VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest <http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/>,
Sep 1, 1700z to Sep 1, 2000z; FT8; Bands: (see rules); 4-character grid
square; Logs due: September 6.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Sep 1, 1900z to
Sep 1, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: August 21.

UKEICC 80m Contest <https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php>, Sep 1, 2000z
to Sep 1, 2100z; ; Bands: 80m Only; 6-Character grid square; Logs due: September 1.

G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest
<http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html>, Sep 1, 2300z to Sep 3, 2300z;
CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; FISTS: RST + (state/province/country) +
name + FISTS No., non-FISTS: RST + (state/province/country) + name +

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