 January 18, 2023 Editor: Paul Bourque, N1SFE | |
Upcoming Contests - Things to Do The ARRL January VHF Contest is this weekend, beginning at 1900 UTC on Saturday, January 21, and concluding at 0359 UTC on Monday, January 23. Contacts can be made on all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz. Whether your mode of choice is CW, phone, or one of the newer digital modes (such as FT4 and FT8), there are plenty of ways for hams of all experience levels to participate in the event. Single operator participants can enter in all mode or analog-only (CW/phone) categories. For more details, see http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf. -- The North American QSO Party, SSB also runs this weekend, starting at 1800 UTC Saturday, January 21 and concluding at 0559 UTC on Sunday, January 22. For North American stations, the exchange is your name and station location (state, province, or country, while non-North American stations use only their name. This event runs concurrently with the 2023 North American Collegiate Championship, which is sponsored by the Society of Midwest Contesters. Visit the above links for more information. -- The CQ World Wide 160-Meter Contest, CW begins at 2200 UTC on Friday, January 27, and runs through 2200 UTC on Sunday, January 29. See the website for rules and other contest details. -- Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association, is the last full weekend of January. It starts at 1900 UTC Saturday, January 28, and concludes at 1900 UTC Sunday, January 29. The use of any mode that fully supports the exchange is allowed during the contest. Operation on all bands - HF, VHF, and UHF, with the exception of 12, 17, 30, and 60 meters is allowed. For more information, visit the Winter Field Day website. Bulletins The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) Sanctioning Committee announced that it's accepting proposals for hosts of the 2026 event. WRTC is an on-site amateur radio competition, usually held every 4 years. The 2022 event was delayed due to the worldwide public health challenges and government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now scheduled to be held in Bologna, Italy in July 2023. Groups interested in hosting WRTC 2026 should submit a letter of intent with a summary proposal. This should include the following items:
Letters of Intent must be submitted no later than March 31, 2023 at 2359 UTC. The WRTC-Sanctioning Committee will review all proposals received and respond by April 30, 2023. Additional information may be requested. Letters of Intent should be submitted directly to the WRTC Sanctioning Committee Chairman, Tine Brajnik, S50A, via email to tine.brajnik@gmail.com. -- North Coast Contesters have announced that the 29th Annual Dayton Contest Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Hope Hotel - Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Tickets are now on sale at http://contestdinner.com. This year's Master of Ceremonies is Contest Hall of Fame member and CQ World Wide Contest Director, John Dorr, K1AR. The keynote speaker is youth contester, Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO. Contest Summary See the "Contests" section below for complete contest information. January 19 January 20 January 21
January 23 January 24 January 25
January 26 January 27 January 28 January 30 January 31 February 1
News, Press Releases and Special Interest The WSJT Development Team has announced that WSJT-X 2.6.1 General Availability (GA) release is now available for free download from SourceForge. Version 2.6.1 is a bug-fix release, and details can be found in the release notes at https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx-doc/Release_Notes_2.6.1.txt. Users should note that the WSJT-X webpage has moved to https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html. Direct links to installation packages for Windows, Linux, and macOS can be found there. Results and Records A summary of logs received for the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Winter Contest, as of January 4, 2023, has been posted at https://www.rac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Canada-Winter-Contest-2022-logs-received-Jan-4-2023.pdf. The listing includes electronic logs submitted at http://www.contest.rac.ca and via email. The list does not include any pending paper logs. Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Canadawinter@rac.ca. Technical Topics and Discussion Blocking Radio Waves and Electromagnetic Interference with the Flip of a Switch Researchers at the Drexel University College of Engineering have developed a thin film device, fabricated by spray coating, that can block electromagnetic radiation with the flip of a switch. The breakthrough, enabled by versatile two-dimensional materials called MXenes, could adjust the performance of electronic devices, strengthen wireless connections and secure mobile communications against intrusion. You can read the full article in the Drexel News. - Thanks to Brian Moran, N9ADG -- Viewing Reverse Beacon Network FT4 and FT8 Spots Pete Smith, N4ZR, notes that the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) also carries FT4 and FT8 spots, but not on the regular feed or website. Clusters wishing to have access to these spots are invited to connect via Telnet to telnet.reversebeacon.net port 7002. If you would like to see what that feed looks like, feel free to connect with PuTTY or another Telnet app, and see for your self. An article on the RBN website, https://reversebeacon.net/pages/CW+and+FT4%2F8+on+a+single+Red+Pit+45, explains how the RBN handles these spots, and has a partial list of DX clusters that carry the RBN's FT4 and FT8 spots.
That's all for this time. Special thanks to Brian, N9ADG, for filling in for me these past few months. 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. Contests January 19, 2022 - February 1, 2022 An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral is available as a PDF. Check the sponsors' website for information on operating time restrictions and other instructions. HF CONTESTS Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest, Jan 19, 0000z to Jan 20, 0300z; CW; Bands: 20; Maximum 13 wpm, RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (Member No./power); Logs due: Jan 26. NAQCC CW Sprint, Jan 19, 0130z to Jan 19, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; RST + (state/province/country) + (NAQCC No./power); Logs due: Jan 22. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 19, 0300z to Jan 19, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 21. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 19, 0700z to Jan 19, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 21. NTC QSO Party, Jan 19, 1900z to Jan 19, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; NTC Member: RST + Member No., non-Member: RST + "NM", Less than 25 wpm; Logs due: Jan 22. NCCC RTTY Sprint, Jan 20, 0145z to Jan 20, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: Jan 22. QRP Fox Hunt, Jan 20, 0200z to Jan 20, 0330z; CW; Bands: 20; RST + (state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: Jan 21. NCCC Sprint, Jan 20, 0230z to Jan 20, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: Jan 22. K1USN Slow Speed Test, Jan 20, 2000z to Jan 20, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 22. Hungarian DX Contest, Jan 21, 1200z to Jan 22, 1159z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; HA: RS(T) + 2-letter county, non-HA: RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 27. PRO Digi Contest, Jan 21, 1200z to Jan 22, 1159z; FT4; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Digi Club Member: RST + "ME", non-Members: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 29. RSGB AFS Contest, SSB, Jan 21, 1300z to Jan 21, 1700z; SSB; Bands: 80, 40; RS + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 22. North American QSO Party, SSB, Jan 21, 1800z to Jan 22, 0559z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; NA: Name + (state/DC/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: Jan 29. NA Collegiate Championship, SSB, Jan 21, 1800z to Jan 22, 0559z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; NA: Name + (state/DC/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: Jan 29. Feld Hell Sprint, Jan 21, 2000z to Jan 22, 0559z; Feld Hell; Bands: 160, 80, 40; (see rules); Logs due: Jan 28. K1USN Slow Speed Test, Jan 23, 0000z to Jan 23, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 25. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 23, 1300z to Jan 23, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Jan 26. OK1WC Memorial (MWC), Jan 23, 1630z to Jan 23, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 27. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 23, 1900z to Jan 23, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Jan 26. Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, Jan 24, 0100z to Jan 24, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: Jan 25. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 24, 0300z to Jan 24, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Jan 26. SKCC Sprint, Jan 25, 0000z to Jan 25, 0200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE"); Logs due: Jan 29. QRP Fox Hunt, Jan 25, 0200z to Jan 25, 0330z; CW; Bands: 20; RST + (state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: Jan 26. Phone Weekly Test, Jan 25, 0230z to Jan 25, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: Jan 27. A1Club AWT, Jan 25, 1200z to Jan 25, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: Jan 30. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 25, 1300z to Jan 25, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 28. Mini-Test 40, Jan 25, 1700z to Jan 25, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 27. Mini-Test 80, Jan 25, 1800z to Jan 25, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jan 27. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 25, 1900z to Jan 25, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 28. UKEICC 80m Contest, Jan 25, 2000z to Jan 25, 2100z; CW; Bands: 80; 6-Character grid square; Logs due: Jan 25. Australia Day Contest, Jan 25, 2200z to Jan 26, 1000z; CW, Phone, Digital; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + 4-character grid square; Logs due: Feb 3. AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest, Jan 25, 2300z to Jan 29, 2300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40; RST + Eqpt Year + Input Power (see rules for format); Logs due: Feb 12. NAQCC CW Sprint, Jan 26, 0130z to Jan 26, 0330z; CW; Bands: 160; RST + (state/province/country) + (NAQCC No./power); Logs due: Jan 29. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 26, 0300z to Jan 26, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 28. CWops Test (CWT), Jan 26, 0700z to Jan 26, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 28. NCCC RTTY Sprint, Jan 27, 0145z to Jan 27, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: Jan 29. QRP Fox Hunt, Jan 27, 0200z to Jan 27, 0330z; CW; Bands: 20; RST + (state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: Jan 28. NCCC Sprint, Jan 27, 0230z to Jan 27, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: Jan 29. K1USN Slow Speed Test, Jan 27, 2000z to Jan 27, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Jan 29. CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW, Jan 27, 2200z to Jan 29, 2200z; CW; Bands: 160; W/VE: RST + (state/province), DX: RST + CQ Zone; Logs due: Feb 3. REF Contest, CW, Jan 28, 0600z to Jan 29, 1800z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; French: RST + Department/Prefix, non-French: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Feb 6. BARTG RTTY Sprint, Jan 28, 1200z to Jan 29, 1200z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Serial No. (no signal report); Logs due: Feb 5. UBA DX Contest, SSB, Jan 28, 1300z to Jan 29, 1300z; SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; ON: RST + Serial No. + section, non-ON: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Feb 12. Winter Field Day, Jan 28, 1900z to Jan 29, 1900z; Any (see rules for exceptions); Bands: All, except WARC; Category + ARRL Section (or MX or DX); Logs due: Feb 28. K1USN Slow Speed Test, Jan 30, 0000z to Jan 30, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Feb 1. QCX Challenge, Jan 30, 1300z to Jan 30, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: Feb 5. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 30, 1300z to Jan 30, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Feb 2. OK1WC Memorial (MWC), Jan 30, 1630z to Jan 30, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Feb 3. QCX Challenge, Jan 30, 1900z to Jan 30, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: Feb 5. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 30, 1900z to Jan 30, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Feb 2. Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, Jan 31, 0100z to Jan 31, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: Feb 1. QCX Challenge, Jan 31, 0300z to Jan 31, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: Feb 5. ICWC Medium Speed Test, Jan 31, 0300z to Jan 31, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: Feb 2. QRP Fox Hunt, Feb 1, 0200z to Feb 1, 0330z; CW; Bands: 20; RST + (state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: Feb 2. Phone Weekly Test, Feb 1, 0230z to Feb 1, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: Feb 3. A1Club AWT, Feb 1, 1200z to Feb 1, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: Feb 6. CWops Test (CWT), Feb 1, 1300z to Feb 1, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Feb 4. Mini-Test 40, Feb 1, 1700z to Feb 1, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Feb 3. Mini-Test 80, Feb 1, 1800z to Feb 1, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Feb 3. CWops Test (CWT), Feb 1, 1900z to Feb 1, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: Feb 4. UKEICC 80m Contest, Feb 1, 2000z to Feb 1, 2100z; SSB; Bands: 80; 6-Character grid square; Logs due: Feb 1. VHF+ CONTESTS ARRL January VHF Contest, Jan 21, 1900z to Jan 23, 0359z; Any; Bands: 50 MHz and up; 4-character grid square; Logs due: Feb 2. VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest, Feb 1, 1700z to Feb 1, 2100z; FT8; Bands: 144 MHz; 4-character grid square; Logs due: Feb 6. See also: Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, SKCC Sprint, Winter Field Day Log Due Dates January 19 January 20 January 21 January 22
January 23 January 24 January 25 January 26 January 27 January 28 January 29
January 30 January 31 February 1 ARRL Information Click here to advertise in this newsletter, space subject to availability. Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information ARRL membership includes a choice of one print magazine: QST, the monthly membership journal, or On the Air, ARRL's new bimonthly publication for beginner and intermediate hams. All ARRL members can access all four ARRL magazines - QST, On the Air, NCJ, and QEX - digitally. Subscribe to NCJ - the National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, it features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint, and QSO Parties. Subscribe to QEX - A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published bimonthly, it features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals. Free of charge to ARRL members: Subscribe to The ARRL Letter (weekly digest of news and information), the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), Division and Section news, and much more! ARRL offers a wide array of products to enhance your enjoyment of Amateur Radio. Visit the site often for new publications, specials, and sales. Donate to the fund of your choice - support programs not funded by member dues! Reprint permission can be obtained by emailing 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. | |
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