XPost: rec.radio.info

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

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

September 29, 2021

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

IN THIS ISSUE

- New HF Operators; CQP, Oceania & TRC DX, Russian WW Digital,
Makrothen RTTY, QSO Parties
- Contest Summary
- News: ARDF Championships, Canary Eruption Frequency Disruption,
Traveling with Electronics, CQP, Contest Intervals, Nevada QSO Party,
RTTY Frequencies, and more
- Word to the Wise: Dummy Load
- Sights and Sounds: MORTTY/TinyFSK Setup with N1MM Logger+, K3LR
Interviews K1AR, Bottom Cycle Blues, Diversity Reception
- Results: North American CW Sprint CW Preliminary Results, Hawaii QSO
Party,
- Operating Tip: Visual Aids are OK
- Technical Topics and Information: Old Android Phones Find New Life as
Antenna Rotator Controllers, OSL All-in-One, KA9Q-Radio Package, Simple
FT8 Transceiver
- Conversation: Cut Contacts
- Contests
- Log Due Dates

NEW HF OPERATORS -- THINGS TO DO

The California QSO Party is this weekend, sponsored by the Northern
California Contest Club <http://nccc.cc/>. With 58 counties, and radio
clubs that activate the rare counties with enthusiasm, it's a great
weekend to be on the radio. Do well enough and you could qualify for a
grape prize: "The top 20 CA and top 20 non-CA Single-Operator/Single-Operator-Assisted entrants will receive a
personalized bottle of NCCC Private Reserve California Wine...Winners
under the age of 21 will instead receive a non-alcoholic personalized
award." Jeff Stai, WK6I, owner of the Twisted Oak Winery <https://www.twistedoak.com/>, generously supports this event. DX
opportunities include the Oceania DX Contest
<https://ocdx.contesting.com/> (Phone) and the TRC DX Contest <https://trcdx.org/rules-trc-dx/>. Continue to polish your RTTY skills
in the Russian WW Digital Contest <http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules>,
which only allows RTTY and BPSK63.

The weekend of October 9, the Makrothen RTTY
<https://www.pl259.org/makrothen/> returns - it's a distance-based RTTY contest, with four-letter grids as the exchange. The CW portion of the
Oceania DX Contest <https://ocdx.contesting.com/> complements
Scandinavian Activity Contest (SAC) Phone <https://www.sactest.net/>
leg for DX. QSO parties include Nevada
<http://nvqso.com/contest-rules/>, Arizona <https://www.azqp.org/>, Pennsylvania <https://paqso.org/>, South Dakota
<https://sdqsoparty.com/>, and the QRP Amateur Radio Club's QRP-ARCI
Fall QSO Party <http://qrparci.org/contest/fall-qso-party>.

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section

30 Sep - 13 Oct 2021

September 30

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

October 1

- NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
- NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>

October 2

- TRC DX Contest <https://trcdx.org/rules-trc-dx/>
- Oceania DX Contest, Phone <http://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/>
- German Telegraphy Contest <https://www.agcw.de/contest/dtc/>
- Russian WW Digital Contest <http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules>
- Two-Meter Classic Sprint <https://fwrc.info/2021/05/21/two-meter-classic-sprint/>
- IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest <https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Rules-2021.pdf>
- International HELL-Contest <https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/hell-contest/ausschreibung/>
- California QSO Party <http://www.cqp.org/Rules.html>
- SKCC QSO Party
<https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/QSO_Party/>

October 3

- International HELL-Contest <https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/hell-contest/ausschreibung/>
- RSGB DX Contest
<https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2021/rOctoberDX.shtml>
- UBA ON Contest, SSB
<http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>
- Peanut Power QRP Sprint
<http://www.nogaqrp.org/PeanutPower/rules.pdf>

October 4

- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>
- RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW <https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2021/rautumn.shtml>

October 5

- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>
- ARS Spartan Sprint <http://arsqrp.blogspot.com/2009/02/so-whats-spartan-sprint-and-how-do-i.html> - RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>

October 6

- 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/>
- 432 MHz Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2021FallSprintRulesR0.pdf>
- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- UKEICC 80m Contest <https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php>

October 7

- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest <https://qrpcontest.com/pigwalk20/>
- CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>
- RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>
- NRAU 10m Activity Contest <https://nrrlcontest.no/index.php/nrrl-contests/nrau-nac/10m/nrau-nac-10m-english-rules/278-nrau-nac-10m-english-rules.html>
- SARL 80m QSO Party <http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/Members/DoDocDownload.aspx?X=202102242020248WMTKtNoda.PDF>
- EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>
- SKCC Sprint Europe
<http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/skse/>

October 8

- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest <https://qrpcontest.com/pigwalk20/>
- NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>
- NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
- YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest
<https://ylrl.org/wp/dx-na-yl-contest/>
- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>

October 9

- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party <http://qrparci.org/contest/fall-qso-party>
- Makrothen RTTY Contest
<http://www.pl259.org/makrothen/makrothen-rules/>
- Nevada QSO Party <http://nvqso.com/contest-rules/>
- Oceania DX Contest, CW <http://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/>
- Microwave Fall Sprint <http://svhfs.org/2021FallSprintRulesR0.pdf>
- Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB
<https://www.sactest.net/blog/rules/>
- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon <http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/>
- Arizona QSO Party <https://www.azqp.org/>
- Cosack's Honor VHF/UHF Contest <http://cshonor-vhf.ho.ua/eng1.html>
- Pennsylvania QSO Party <http://paqso.org/pa-qso-party-rules.html>
- South Dakota QSO Party <http://www.sdqsoparty.com>
- PODXS 070 Club 160m Great Pumpkin Sprint <http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/160m-great-pumpkin-sprint>

October 10

- Makrothen RTTY Contest
<http://www.pl259.org/makrothen/makrothen-rules/>
- Pennsylvania QSO Party <http://paqso.org/pa-qso-party-rules.html>
- 10-10 Int. 10-10 Day Sprint <http://www.ten-ten.org/index.php/activity/2013-07-22-20-26-48/qso-party-rules> - UBA ON Contest, CW <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>

October 11

- K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>
- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint <http://www.4sqrp.com/SSS/sss_rules.pdf>

October 12

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

October 13

- NAQCC CW Sprint <http://naqcc.info/scoreboard.php?sprint_name=202111>
- 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/>
- RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data <https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2021/rautumn.shtml>

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

"Registration Opens for USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding
Championships <http://www.arrl.org/news/registration-opens-for-usa-amateur-radio-direction-finding-championships>"

From ARRL Special 12 Bulletin ARLX012 <http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-amateurs-on-standby-following-la-palma-volcanic-eruption>:

During the weekend of September 19, the The Cumbre Vieja volcano in
Spain's Canary Islands erupted, and a lava flow ensued, "triggering the evacuation of more than 6000 people... In order to facilitate
communication into and out of the area, EMCOM-SPAIN has asked that the
IARU Emergency Center of Activity Frequencies be kept clear in case the situation worsens: 3.760 MHz; 7.110 MHz; 14.300 MHz, and 21.360 MHz."

Traveling with your laptop to an exotic contest locale? According to a
Dell Computer support article <https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/FAQ-Modern-Standby/td-p/7514448>,
"In all extended travel and especially airplane travel, safety should
be your primary concern. Under no circumstances should you leave a
laptop powered on and in any sleep/hibernate/standby mode when placed
in a bag, backpack, or in an overhead bin. The laptop will overheat as
a result of that action." According to someone familiar with these
matters, many aircraft are equipped with "lithium ion containment kits"
like the Hot-Stop 'L' <https://www.hot-stopl.com/>. These kits also
work with cellular phones that malfunction <https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/flight-to-seattle-evacuated-after-passengers-cellphone-catches-fire/>.

The California QSO Party is coming up on October 2-3, 2021. Dean, N6DE,
the 2021 CQP chairman <cqp.chairman@gmail.com?subject=CQP%20Email>,
writes:

"The California QSO Party website <http://cqp.org/> has the following
which might be of interest to any contester:

1) A Strategy Page <https://cqp.org/Strategy.html>: Of main interest is
the Operator's Guide to the California QSO Party. One for California
operators, and one for US/VE/DX operators. It's like the Hitchhiker's
Guide to the Galaxy, only not as funny and not as British! It's
intended to be a 25+ page operating guide which helps both beginners
and experts. Many of the items covered in the guide can apply to any
contest, not just CQP. Below the Operator's Guides, the Strategy page
is chock full of graphs, data and helpful tips on many topics. I have
wished that other big contests produce similar guides and data. I hope
this sets a trend in the contest community.

2) An audio-video page <https://cqp.org/av.html>: It can be helpful
both to the newcomer and the expert to listen to actual audio from the
contest. Links here are for CW recordings, with logs to follow along
with. And there's a 2-minute video for SSB with audio plus the screen
showing QSOs being entered in N1MM Logger+ and showing a Flex Radio
band display.

3) Club competition <https://cqp.org/Clubcomp.html> page (with
changes): The big change is that club score is not just the sum of
member scores. We are adding bonus points to inspire clubs to motivate
its membership in needed areas such as new contesters, youth and YL participation. We also have five different club sizes based on logs
received.

See you in the California QSO Party!

It's about time: Jim, W8WTS, points out that a contest is defined by at
time interval. "Time intervals, periods of time with a duration, can be
defined by a starting instant and an ending instant." For example, when
a 24-hour-long contest is to occur starting at 1200z: "The instant
marking the start of the contest is 1200Z of the first day, and the
instant marking the end of the contest is 1200Z of the next day. The
correct time to publish for the 24-hour long contest is 1200Z of one
day until 1200Z of day two."

Jim, W6US, writes:

"The Sierra Nevada Amateur Radio Society is proud to present the annual
Nevada QSO Party <http://nvqso.com/>. The state of Nevada is one of the
rarest U.S. states on the air. This year's event starts at 8 PM Friday,
October 8, Nevada time (PDST) (0300z 10/9/2020) and runs until 2 PM
Sunday, October 10 (2100z 10/10/2020). The objective of this contest is
to activate and work all 17 of Nevada counties. Nevada stations work
anyone, anywhere, and out-of-state stations work Nevada stations. On
each HF band, stations may be worked up to three times, once each using
Phone, CW, and digital modes. On the VHF+ "band" that includes all
legal frequencies 50 to 1300 MHz, stations can be worked just once per
contest. Rovers in Nevada can be worked again when they change
counties. The exchange is a signal report (59 or 599) and ARRL/RAC
section for those outside of Nevada, signal report and the 5-letter
county code <http://nvqso.com/counties/> for in-state stations. In
order to introduce new hams to contesting, the use of repeaters is
allowed on the VHF+ frequencies. FT8 and FT4 are allowed. --See the
WSJT-X section in the contest rules <http://nvqso.com/contest-rules/>.

N1MM Logger+ has built-in support for this contest. For those that are
not able to use a logging program, the WA7BNM Cabrillo Web Forms
website <http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/> can construct and submit your
log. Logs must be Cabrillo. Paper logs or ADIF will not be accepted. A
video explainer <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLAmEr7S6eA> is
available for setting up N1MM Logger+ with WSJT-X.

The SNARS website has an Activations web page
<http://nvqso.com/activations/> to show counties that will be on the
air. In-Nevada operators can self-register for their county using the
page. The goal is to have all counties on the air with all modes.
Out-of-state operators are invited to travel to Nevada enjoy the
low-noise levels of rural areas, and opportunities for county line
operation. The Nevada QSO Party website has the rules, FAQ, and
additional information."

There's a current and evolving discussion of appropriate RTTY contest frequencies on the RTTY Groups.io <https://groups.io/g/RTTY/topic/common_rtty_frequencies_list/85846630?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate/sticky,,,20,2,0,85846630,previd=1632615652402600154,nextid=1630092931520800015&previd=1632615652402600154&nextid=1630092931520800015>.
With the rise of FT4/FT8, the inattention to channel usage by automated stations, and various country restrictions, there are definitely better frequencies than others. David, G3YYD/M7T, opines "US east coast
stations don't come down to 40 meters and look for EU earlier
enough...I can see the NA DX clusters giving me good reports but no NA
callers. Keep an eye on those cluster to catch EU early." David
suggests the EU activity during RTTY contests on 40 meters is on "7040
to 7060 (sometimes 7065) but also around 7080 to work USA."

Ron, KX1W, Secretary of the Quarter Century Wireless Association <https://qcwa.org/qcwa.php>, writes: "The annual QCWA QSO Party held in
March each year has been discontinued by a vote of the QCWA Board of
Directors. This is primarily due to a lack of participation."

Gordon, NW7D, finds that working consistently working greyline DX can
provide insight into where and when to be for elusive contest
multipliers: "The other day, I had left my station running idle on 40
meters FT8 even though I don't normally operate on that band during the daytime. Just before sunset, I started seeing an amazing amount of
European and African DX on the computer screen. In a relatively short
time, I worked Greece, South Africa, Ghana, France, Germany, EU Russia,
Spain, and Belgium. It turns out that it was very early morning in
these countries and I surmise that greyline skip was favoring both of
us even though the A Index was 8. Then rather suddenly, the DX
disappeared after about 40 minutes...poof, gone! I found it rather
exciting to work so much DX in a short period of time."

Gridtracker <https://gridtracker.org/> is a free application for
Microsoft Windows, Linux, and MacOS that "displays your QSO log data
from WSJT-X plus any combination of ADIF formatted files you have
stored on your computer, your network, or the internet." It integrates real-time and historical data, supports alerting, tracks award
progress, and so much more <https://gitlab.com/gridtracker.org/gridtracker/-/wikis/Introduction/What-is-GridTracker%3F>!
See the project repository
<https://gitlab.com/gridtracker.org/gridtracker> for the most
up-to-date information.

WSJT-X 2.5.0 has just been released and is available on the WSJT-X
website <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html>. " New
features are described in the WSJT-X User Guide here <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx-doc/wsjtx-main-2.5.0.html#NEW_FEATURES>
and in the Release Notes <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Release_Notes.txt>. If you
will use the new Q65 mode, please read the Quick-Start Guide to Q65 <https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Q65_Quick_Start.pdf>."

WORD TO THE WISE

Dummy Load

A device, usually representing a 50-ohm resistance, that is used in
lieu of an antenna for transmitter testing or measurement purposes.
Note that a transmitted signal will likely still be radiated when using
a dummy load, though at reduced levels. There are many anecdotes of
operators inadvertently working stations using a dummy load. Some types
of dummy loads are used as intentional radiators, for example,
lightbulbs are used in the Lightbulb QSO Party <https://www.hamsignal.com/blog/the-lightbulb-qso-party>.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Max, NG7M, put together "MORTTY / TinyFSK Setup Tutorial for N1MM
Logger+ for FSK RTTY HF Contests <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT5SfhUtTAw&list=PLOEBamNoVrsXzZM2s7HUFMLPRpJGCp-F2>"
back in 2020, it's still relevant today. While Max uses an Elecraft K3
in his video, the material is applicable to most rigs with FSK and PTT
inputs.

"K3LR interviews CQWW Contest Director K1AR <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GICdPFrdYI>" - Tim, K3LR

Alan, AD6E, posted a link to the YouTube video "Bottom Cycle Blues <https://youtu.be/cq9hzqD3_Ow>" by Raul, AE3RM, to the Northern
California Contest Club <http://nccc.cc/> reflector with the comment,
"Wow, ham radio music." It originated from WA8Y's post to the CWops
reflector
<https://cwops.org/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-the-cwops-reflector/>.
Check page 66 of the October 2021 issue of QST for a feature article on
Raul and his music.

John, VE6EY, demonstrates the use of diversity reception in this video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu8D87aVUTQ>, and how its use can
counteract fading and help increase the average signal to noise ratio
of received signals.

RESULTS AND RECORDS

Ward, N0AX, NA CW Sprint Manager, notes: "The September North American
CW Sprint <https://ncjweb.com/north-american-sprint/> Preliminary
Results have been published. The log-checked scores and category
winners are available on the website <https://ncjweb.com/north-american-sprint>. Thanks to the log checking
team and our NCJ web admin for their quick work. Contest results
author, N3BB, is working on the full writeup with all of the tables,
graphs, and photos you enjoy. Welcome to our Sprint newcomers and
operators who activated rare states and provinces, as well."

The 2021 Hawaii QSO Party results are now available on the Hawaii QSO
Party website <https://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/>. According to Alan,
AD6E/KH6TU, Icom provided awards support, and the contest robot
infrastructure was provided by WA7BNM <http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/>.
The Hawaii QSO Party makes it easy for multi-contest participants by
only scoring the HI QSOs in submitted logs and ignoring the others. In
2021, grid squares were allowed for digital mode contacts for the first
time. Alan suggests that you "watch the cool videos at the bottom of
the main page." Aloha.

OPERATING TIP

It's Okay to Use Visual Aids

When using a club call sign, or when you're in a phone contest with an unfamiliar or complicated exchange, it's okay to write the call sign
and exchange on a piece of paper to reference during the contest. Use
painter's tape <https://www.scotchblue.com/3M/en_US/scotchblue/> to
stick it to the computer monitor just under the screen. Low-tech,
effective, and easy to update.

TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

K3RRR noted in a tweet <https://twitter.com/K3TripleR/status/1436912044524150787?cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw>
that an outdated Android phone can be repurposed as an antenna rotator controller using the Visual Rotor (by EA7HG) Android application <https://ea7hg.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=8&Itemid=155&lang=en>,
and some easy-to-build Arduino hardware based on an ATMega2560. EA7HG's
YouTube video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6pSJuTp1pE> also
illustrates how this works.

Alan, VK2LAG, made a cute Open-Short-Load all-in-one <https://twitter.com/alangarf/status/1439064426850643969>. This is a
useful tool for calibrating your VNA. If you'd like to print your own,
here's a link to it on Thingiverse <https://t.co/s8mYayIM2G?amp=1>.

Elecraft has released updates to the K4 Programmer's Reference <https://elecraft.com/pages/k4-high-performance-direct-sampling-sdr-manuals>. According to Wayne, N6KR, "This will be of interest to anyone using K4
or K-Pod switch macros or developing K4-compatible applications." The
latest, version B14, updates information on a number of commands
related to switches, digital output, RIT, line in/out, bar graph and
more.

Phil Karn, KA9Q, provides a tour of his KA9Q-Radio Package in a PDF appropriately entitled "The KA9Q-Radio Package." <http://www.ka9q.net/KA9Q-radio.pdf> The one-sentence description: "The KA9Q-Radio package demonstrates fast convolution and IP multicasting in
a flexible, multichannel software defined receiver that easily scales
to hundreds of channels on low cost hardware." Think of it as a way to
"scale out" the digial signal processing across multiple nodes on a
TCP/IP network.

It's billed on Hackaday as "The Simplest FT8 Transceiver You'll Ever
Build <https://hackaday.com/2021/09/25/the-simplest-ft8-transceiver-youll-ever-build/>."
Charles Hill's Pocket-FT8 <https://github.com/chillmf/Pocket-FT8>
mostly uses mostly board level components. A Teensy 3.6 CPU controls a
Si4735 receiver chip, and the transmitter chain uses the popular Si5351 programmable oscillator driving a Mini-Circuits GVA84 power amplifier
with some filtering. Simple doesn't mean basic - the design sports a
color LCD screen!

CONVERSATION

Cut Contacts

Cut numbers are used to numerical elements that are part of some
contest exchanges. Most CW contesters don't think twice about sending
5NN, saving 6 dash-times by not sending 599. Operating in last
weekend's CQ WW RTTY Contest reminded me of the trend to minimize the back-and-forth sequence with various smart macros for RTTY. The normal
sequence of a contact goes like this:

N9ADG: CQ TEST N9ADG CQ

K7RU: K7RU K7RU

N9ADG: K7RU 599 03 WA 03 WA

K7RU: 599 03 WA 03 WA

N9ADG: TU N9ADG CQ

One technique that has been accepted for a while now <https://www.contestuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/W0YK_CTU_2017_Advanced_Topics_in_RTTY_Contesting.ppt>
is to chain the confirmation of one contact with the signal report for
another with a RTTY macro:

N9ADG: CQ TEST N9ADG CQ

K7RU: K7RU K7RU

KZ1W: KZ1W KZ1W

N9ADG: K7RU 599 03 WA 03 WA

K7RU: 599 03 WA 03 WA

N9ADG: TU K7RU NOW KZ1W 599 03 WA 599 03

...Contact with KZ1W proceeds

Usually operators using N1MM Logger+ have the <F12> key set up to
substitute for <F3>, using some variation of {LOGTHENGRAB}TU NOW
{F4}{F5}{RX} ! for the actual macro.

I'm finding increasing numbers of stations using a different technique
-- "cutting" one "over" completely out, by sending their call and
exchange, not just their callsign, in response to a CQ. Like this:

N9ADG: CQ TEST N9ADG CQ

K7RU: N9ADG K7RU 599 03 WA

Didn't copy it all? Got a different report than you expected from a
previous contact with this station? Just ignore the report, and force
them into the traditional exchange. But hey, we all have computers now
for logging, especially for RTTY. We know that we've worked that
station as we enter the call sign. The previous contact information
shows up because our logging computers do this for us. As operators,
all we need to do is confirm that the exchange matches the one they
gave us the last time, and respond thusly:

N9ADG: K7RU 599 03 WA TU N9ADG CQ

And...we're done with that contact. Both stations have sent their
exchange. Both stations have copied the exchange.

The last time I mentioned this a few years ago (yes, it's been around
for a while), I got some feedback that this is not to be encouraged.
But... why not? The rules don't specify that a minimum number of
transmissions must occur for the exchange, and the exchanges are being exchanged. If used correctly, it can save time. In N1MM Logger+, the
running station can answer this easily by pressing <F5> <F2> <F3> keys
and letting the macros do the work.

Sure, this isn't the "traditional" way of doing the exchange. But If
someone is going to claim "tradition" as a reason to not do it, I want
to see them use a mechanical RTTY machine in the next contest. Our RTTY equipment has evolved, this is a human operator adaptation to having
these capabilities.

On a personal note: When I became the Editor of the Contest Update in
May 2015, I did so because I was a real fan of the publication that
Ward, N0AX, had been putting together for 12+ years, originally as the
Contest Rate Sheet. I found that the mix of topics that were
contest-related was just the thing to keep the contesting spirit going
between events. In the 6 years that I've been the Editor, I've learned
that the Contest Update only works because of the input and support of
ARRL, contest clubs, companies, and individuals in bringing you the
biweekly issues.

Earlier this year, I expressed my interest to ARRL to continue to keep
the Contest Update fresh by giving someone else a chance to entertain
and inform you as its Editor. In August, the plan came together as
Paul, N1SFE, ARRL's Contest Program Manager, was tapped as the next
Contest Update Editor, starting in October.

That time is now here. This is my last issue as your Editor.

I have especially appreciated your support as readers, and will miss my every-other-Wednesday-morning inbox where your emails arrive in
response to the previous night's issue.

Radio-wise, I'm planning on a personal uptick in contest participation
this fall, and have a few projects that will finally get finished.

See you in the next contest!

--Brian N9ADG

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

30 Sept - 13 Oct 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/>, Sep 30, 0300z to
Sep 30, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 2.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Sep 30, 0700z to
Sep 30, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 2.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Sep 30, 1700z to Sep 30,
1900z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: October 5.

EACW Meeting <https://www.eacwspain.es/eacwmeeting/>, Sep 30, 1900z to
Sep 30, 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: October 2.

NCCC RTTY Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html>, Oct 1, 0145z
to Oct 1, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH;
Logs due: October 3.

NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>, Oct 1, 0230z to Oct
1, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due:
October 3.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Oct 1, 2000z to
Oct 1, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm, Name
+ (state/province/country); Logs due: October 3.

TRC DX Contest <https://trcdx.org/rules-trc-dx/>, Oct 2, 0600z to Oct
3, 1800z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; TRC Members: RST +
Serial No. + "TRC", non-TRC Members: RST + Serial No.; Logs due:
October 10.

Oceania DX Contest, Phone <http://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/>, Oct 2,
0600z to Oct 3, 0600z; Phone; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RS +
Serial No.; Logs due: October 31.

German Telegraphy Contest <https://www.agcw.de/contest/dtc/>, Oct 2,
0700z to Oct 2, 1000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40m; DL: RST + LDK, non-DL: RST;
Logs due: October 16.

Russian WW Digital Contest <http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules>,
Oct 2, 1200z to Oct 3, 1159z; BPSK63, RTTY; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15,
10m; UA: RST(Q) + 2-character oblast code, non-UA: RST(Q) + QSO No.;
Logs due: October 8.

International HELL-Contest <https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/hell-contest/ausschreibung/>, Oct 2, 1600z to Oct 2, 1800z (80m) and, Oct 3, 0900z to Oct 3, 1100z
(40m); Hell; Bands: 80, 40m; RST + QSO No.; Logs due: October 17.

California QSO Party <http://www.cqp.org/Rules.html>, Oct 2, 1600z to
Oct 3, 2200z; CW, Phone; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; CA: Serial
No. + County, non-CA: Serial No. + (state/VE area/DX); Logs due:
October 18.

SKCC QSO Party
<https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/QSO_Party/>, Oct 2,
1800z to Oct 3, 1800z; CW; Bands: All, except WARC; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + 4-Character Grid Square; Logs due:
October 10.

RSGB DX Contest
<https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2021/rOctoberDX.shtml>, Oct 3, 0500z
to Oct 3, 2300z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RS(T) + Serial
No.; Logs due: October 8.

UBA ON Contest, SSB <http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest>,
Oct 3, 0600z to Oct 3, 0900z; SSB; Bands: 80m Only; ON: RS + Serial No.
+ ON Section, non-ON: RS + Serial No.; Logs due: October 10.

Peanut Power QRP Sprint <http://www.nogaqrp.org/PeanutPower/rules.pdf>,
Oct 3, 2200z to Oct 3, 2359z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; RS(T) + (state/province/country) + (peanut no./power output); Logs due: October
20.

K1USN Slow Speed Test <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html>, Oct 4, 0000z to
Oct 4, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Maximum 20 wpm, Name
+ (state/province/country); Logs due: October 10.

RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW <https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2021/rautumn.shtml>, Oct 4, 1900z to
Oct 4, 2030z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: October
7.

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>, Oct
5, 0100z to Oct 5, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; RS +
age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: September 29.

ARS Spartan Sprint <http://arsqrp.blogspot.com/2009/02/so-whats-spartan-sprint-and-how-do-i.html>, Oct 5, 0100z to Oct 5, 0300z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; RST + (state/province/country) + Power; Logs due: October 7.

RTTYOPS Weeksprint <http://rttyops.com/>, Oct 5, 1700z to Oct 5, 1900z;
RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] +
[serial no.] + [your name]; Logs due: October 5.

Phone Weekly Test - Fray
<http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf>, Oct 6, 0230z to
Oct 6, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: October 8.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Oct 6, 1300z to
Oct 6, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 9.

CWops Mini-CWT Test <https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/>, Oct 6, 1900z to
Oct 6, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: Name +
Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 9.


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