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The ARRL Contest Update

November 1, 2017
Editor: Brian Moran, N9ADG

IN THIS ISSUE
 *  New HF Operators: ARRL Sweepstakes, WAE RTTY
 *  Contest Summary
 *  News: North American SSB Sprint, Rainfall Estimation, California Fires
    and NCCC Affect Some NCCC Members, and more
 *  Word to the Wise: Stiction
 *  Sights and Sounds: Salmon Run,PNWVHFS Proceedings and Pictures,
 *  Results: Georgia QSO Party, ARRL August VHF, Makrothen, EUHF
    Championship
 *  Operating Tip: Choose the Path that Works
 *  Technical Topics and Information: ADIF Tool, Keyboard Latency, Eight
    Band Skimming
 *  Conversation: Advancement of the Radio Art
 *  Contests
 *  Log Due Dates


NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO

The exchange for the upcoming ARRL Sweepstakes contests may represent the most
difficult of the major contests. Even many-year veterans of this contest can
sometimes take a few contacts to get into the rhythm of it. The best way to get
 better at Sweepstakes? Operate in Sweepstakes! Here's an overview.

The Worked All Europe (WAE) RTTY Contest also offers a challenge beyond
unvarying exchanges - a competitive score in this contact will make extensive
use of "QTCs" - the report of previous contest QSOs to another station. QTCs
count as QSO points. In the RTTY version of the contest, QTCs can be sent to
any other station, not just those in the EU. It's essential to make sure your
logging program supports QTCs, and that you know how to use that feature.


CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section

2 Nov - 15 Nov 2017

November 2

 *  CWops Mini-CWT Test
 *  NRAU 10m Activity Contest

November 3

 *  NCCC RTTY Sprint
 *  NCCC Sprint

November 4

 *  ARRL EME Contest
 *  IPARC Contest, CW
 *  Ukrainian DX Contest
 *  ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW

November 5

 *  IPARC Contest, SSB
 *  EANET Sprint
 *  High Speed Club CW Contest

November 7

 *  ARS Spartan Sprint

November 8

 *  QRP Fox Hunt
 *  Phone Fray
 *  CWops Mini-CWT Test

November 9

 *  CWops Mini-CWT Test

November 10

 *  NCCC RTTY Sprint
 *  QRP Fox Hunt
 *  NCCC Sprint

November 11

 *  WAE DX Contest, RTTY
 *  10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital
 *  JIDX Phone Contest
 *  OK/OM DX Contest, CW
 *  SKCC Weekend Sprintathon
 *  Kentucky QSO Party
 *  CQ-WE Contest

November 12

 *  CQ-WE Contest
 *  North American SSB Sprint Contest

November 13

 *  CQ-WE Contest
 *  4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint
 *  RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data

November 15

 *  QRP Fox Hunt
 *  Phone Fray
 *  CWops Mini-CWT Test


NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

Don't forget that the North American SSB Sprint has been rescheduled to
November 12, 0000-0359 UTC. This four-hour contest can be a real blast. Check
the website for more information and helpful hints.

There are many places in the developing world that don't have accurate weather
monitoring for rainfall. Many of these locations do have cellular phone
infrastructure, normally consisting of towers connected to one another via
radio links. It turns out that rainfall causes variation in the signal strength
 of the links between the towers, which can be used to estimate rainfall.

Jim, K9YC, writes: "Three Northern California Contest Club (NCCC) members,
KU6F, WW6D, and WX6B, lost their homes in the first hours of the Tubbs fire
(northern part of Santa Rosa). All are safe, and both WX6B and KU6F were able
to escape with their animals. A few days ago, KE1B and W6NN had to evacuate
when the Bear fire threatened their home (in Santa Cruz County, about 15 miles
NE of me), but are now back home after firefighters contained the fire in their
 direction."

Also destroyed in the Tubbs fire were historical archives related to the early
days of the Hewlett-Packard company.

There may have been a Solar Eclipse fish propagation effect. Stephen, W9SK,
writing about a solar eclipse side effect: "My next-door neighbor was on a
salmon fishing expedition boat at the mouth of the Columbia River during the
eclipse. When the shadow swept over them they started catching fish left and
right, including in his case a 30lb King. Nothing before and nothing after.
They theorized the baitfish went to the surface as it darkened and followed it.
 Okay, nothing to do with ham radio, sorry, back to propagation effects."
(Stephen, W9SK)

The General Availability release of WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 is ready! Check the
WSJT-X downloads page for the version appropriate for your computer.


WORD TO THE WISE

Stiction - Static friction that must be overcome to allow touching materials to
 move relative to one another. Aluminum parts, such as antenna elements, can
exhibit stiction.


SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Rich, KR7W, blogged about this year's WW7LW mobile operation from a number of
county lines in the recent Washington Salmon Run contest. He also took some
pictures that capture the essence of the eastern part of Washington state.
WW7LW operators included KR7W and Chuck, AC7QN.

Darryl, WW7D is also a frequent mobile for the Salmon Run, and described his
2017 adventure a recent blog entry.

The proceedings of the 2017 Pacific Northwest VHF Society Conference have been
published on the PNWVHFS website. Marshall, K5QE, discussed his Zone 2 road
trip.


RESULTS AND RECORDS

Peachy! The results of the 2017 Georgia QSO Party have been published to the
contest website, and plaque winners will be sent their awards in the near
future. The next running of the Georgia QSO Party will occur on April 14, 2018.
 (Jeff, KU8E)

Raw scores from the recent Makrothen RTTY Contest have been posted. Since they
are raw scores, they don't include any allowances for log checking or
elimination of duplicate QSOs. Formal log checking is under way, and results
will be published within a month. In all, the contest received 455 entries,
more than double the number received in 2016, and a nearly 10% increase from
2015. (Stu, K6TU, Contest Manager)

Robert, S57AW, reports that the preliminary results for the 2017 EUHF
Championship, which was held in August are available on the SCC web page. The
UBN reports are public, and participants can print their own certificates
directly from the results page. Robert asks that any corrections be sent to SCC
 Contest Committee until October 31.

The ARRL June VHF Contest results are now posted on the ARRL website. The
number one and number two Single Operator High Power scores had the same number
 of QSOs, but K1TEO bested K5TR with 350 versus 312 multipliers.


OPERATING TIP

Choose the Path That Works

When using directional antennas, don't forget to check the alternative paths
for stations when you're calling CQ, or if you can't hear a spotted multiplier
when you're searching and pouncing. It can pay to also try non-traditional or
skew paths, such as beaming south-of-short-path to reach the EU from the US.


TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

Sometimes it's necessary to manipulate ADIF files, for example when splitting a
 county-line log entry into separate uploads for each county in preparation for
 upload to LOTW. Jim, AD1C, has written a utility that fits the bill. (Tim,
K7XC)

Keyboards may be getting fancier and smarter, but it seems like the time
between when you press a key and when it registers in the logging program might
 be increasing. Perception may be reality, but someone has actually measured
the latency.

A new release of Red Pitaya SDR software by Pavel Demin enables Red Pitaya
Hardware to skim EIGHT Amateur bands simultaneously at a 192 KHz sampling rate.
 The Red Pitaya hardware is available off the shelf from Mouser and other
sources. (Bob, N6TV)

DX Engineering handles band pass filters and multiplexers made by Low Band
Systems. When band pass filters and multiplexers are used together, a single
multi-band antenna can be used with multiple transceivers operating on
different bands. Power handling capacities up to 1500 watts are available.


CONVERSATION

Advancement of the Radio Art

The Top Band email reflector experienced a large spike in traffic this week
during the discussion of using it to chase DXCC on 160 meters, and how it
appears to be a game changer. Top Band has traditionally been the domain of
physically large antennas, low noise locations, and higher power levels, but
FT8's ability to effectively communicate at lower signal levels is allowing a
wider range of stations to make DX contacts 160 meters. Any improvements in the
 signal chain, such as better antennas, better RDFs, filtering, and noise
reduction, being located near salt water, or a hundred other things, increase
the probability of making a contact. FT8 just increases it a lot! More contacts
 means an Amateur might work more DX and attain a DXCC status sooner, the same
as any previous technology advancement.

Attaining DXCC status is a personal goal -- Amateurs choose their own adventure
 in completing the challenge. It's a luxury that we can individually choose how
 difficult to make the quest, using whatever impediment we'd like to make the
challenge more difficult, more "hamly."

The FT8 mode represents advancement in the State of the Art for the Amateur
Service, one of the fundamental purposes of Amateur Radio. For 160 meters
specifically, FT8 offers the opportunity to get more people using the band by
helping to overcome modern obstacles that are not in the control of the
operator. Consider the perspective of Nick, K1NZ, in his post to the Top Band
reflector:

"I'm one of the younger hams in the hobby. I got my license and extra at 20 and
 am 26 now. I was semi-active on the phone bands up until late 2015 when I
moved into my current apartment and put up a bunch of wire antennas. I have a
G5RV, 30 meter dipole, and a 160 meter L. I personally have that thrill of
working a new one on whatever band regardless of mode, even if it's a JT/FT
mode. I just worked my first Bahrain on 40m FT8 tonight and cracked a beer to
celebrate... My whole reason for writing this post is because of the "You can
play in my sandbox only of you play my way" mentality. I am referring to the
JT/FT modes if you want to be specific. I am lucky in that I rent from my uncle
 who doesn't care what wires I put up. On the other hand, most people my age
are either living with their parents or are renting from people that will not
let them participate in the hobby... I hate to say it, but this whole mindset
is why the youth of today are turned off from ham radio. Why should I pump
hundreds of dollars into a hobby if I'm going to be greeted with "You need to
learn CW" "FT8 is ruining the hobby" "You're not a real ham because you didn't
pass the code test." I realize that new things involve change and that change
is scary, but can we please welcome people into the hobby, even though that
future isn't what is comfortable?"

That's all for this time. Remember to send Sweepstakes pictures, 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

2 Nov - 15 Nov 2017

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

CWops Mini-CWT Test, Nov 1, 1300z to Nov 1, 1400z, Nov 1, 1900z to Nov 1,
2000z, Nov 2, 0300z to Nov 2, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m;
Member: Name + Member No., non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 28.

NRAU 10m Activity Contest, Nov 2, 1800z to Nov 2, 1900z (CW), Nov 2, 1900z to
Nov 2, 2000z (SSB), Nov 2, 2000z to Nov 2, 2100z (FM), Nov 2, 2100z to Nov 2,
2200z (Dig); CW, SSB, FM, Digital; Bands: 10m Only; RS(T) + 6-character grid
square; Logs due: November 16.

NCCC RTTY Sprint, Nov 3, 0145z to Nov 3, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules);
Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: October 29.

NCCC Sprint, Nov 3, 0230z to Nov 3, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. +
 Name + QTH; Logs due: October 29.

IPARC Contest, CW, Nov 4, 0600z to Nov 4, 1000z, Nov 4, 1400z to Nov 4, 1800z;
CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; USA IPA Members: RST + Serial No. + "IPA" +
State, non-USA IPA Members: RST + Serial No. + "IPA", non-IPA Members: RST +
Serial No.; Logs due: December 31.

Ukrainian DX Contest, Nov 4, 1200z to Nov 5, 1200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80,
40, 20, 15, 10m; Ukraine: RS(T) + 2-letter oblast, non-Ukraine: RS(T) + Serial
No.; Logs due: December 5.

ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW, Nov 4, 2100z to Nov 6, 0300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80,
 40, 20, 15, 10m; Serial No. + Precedence (Q/A/B/U/M/S) + [your call sign] +
Check + ARRL/RAC Section; Logs due: November 11.

IPARC Contest, SSB, Nov 5, 0600z to Nov 5, 1000z, Nov 5, 1400z to Nov 5, 1800z;
 SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; USA IPA Members: RS + Serial No. + "IPA" +
State, non-USA IPA Members: RS + Serial No. + "IPA", non-IPA Members: RS +
Serial No.; Logs due: December 31.

EANET Sprint, Nov 5, 0800z to Nov 5, 1200z; Any; Bands: Any; RS(T); Logs due:
November 19.

High Speed Club CW Contest, Nov 5, 0900z to Nov 5, 1100z, Nov 5, 1500z to Nov
5, 1700z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Members: RST + HSC No., non-Members:
RST + "NM"; Logs due: November 26.

ARS Spartan Sprint, Nov 7, 0200z to Nov 7, 0400z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15,
10m; RST + (state/province/country) + Power; Logs due: November 9.

QRP Fox Hunt, Nov 8, 0200z to Nov 8, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST +
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: November 9.

Phone Fray, Nov 8, 0230z to Nov 8, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m; NA:
 Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: October 27.

CWops Mini-CWT Test, Nov 8, 1300z to Nov 8, 1400z, Nov 8, 1900z to Nov 8,
2000z, Nov 9, 0300z to Nov 9, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m;
Member: Name + Member No., non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 28.

NCCC RTTY Sprint, Nov 10, 0145z to Nov 10, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules);
Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: October 29.

QRP Fox Hunt, Nov 10, 0200z to Nov 10, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST +
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: November 16.

NCCC Sprint, Nov 10, 0230z to Nov 10, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No.
 + Name + QTH; Logs due: October 29.

WAE DX Contest, RTTY, Nov 11, 0000z to Nov 12, 2359z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20,
15, 10m; RS + Serial No.; Logs due: November 27.

10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital, Nov 11, 0001z to Nov 12, 2359z; Digital;
Bands: 10m Only; 10-10 Member: Name + 10-10 number + (state/province/country),
Non-Member: Name + 0 + (state/province/country); Logs due: November 20.

JIDX Phone Contest, Nov 11, 0700z to Nov 12, 1300z; SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15,
 10m; JA: RST + Prefecture No., non-JA: RST + CQ Zone No.; Logs due: December
12.

OK/OM DX Contest, CW, Nov 11, 1200z to Nov 12, 1200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40,
20, 15, 10m; OK/OM: RST + 3-letter district code, non-OK/OM: RST + Serial No.;
Logs due: November 19.

SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, Nov 11, 1200z to Nov 13, 0000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80,
40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE";
Logs due: November 19.

Kentucky QSO Party, Nov 11, 1400z to Nov 12, 0200z; CW, SSB, Digital; Bands:
160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m; KY: RS(T) + county, non-KY: RS(T) +
(state/province/country); Logs due: December 31.

CQ-WE Contest, Nov 11, 1900z to Nov 11, 2300z (CW/Digital), Nov 12, 0100z to
Nov 12, 0500z (Phone), Nov 12, 1900z to Nov 12, 2300z (Phone), Nov 13, 0100z to
 Nov 13, 0500z (CW/Digital); CW, Phone, Digital; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15,
10, 6, 2, 432 MHz; Name + Location Code (see rules) + Years of Service (see
rules); Logs due: December 1.

North American SSB Sprint Contest, Nov 12, 0000z to Nov 12, 0400z; SSB; Bands:
80, 40, 20m; [other station's call] + [your call] + [serial no.] + [your name]
+ [your state/province/country]; Logs due: November 19.

4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint, Nov 13, 0100z to Nov 13, 0300z; CW,
SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m; Member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country)
+ Member No., Non-member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country) + Power; Logs due:
November 30.

RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data, Nov 13, 2000z to Nov 13, 2130z; RTTY, PSK; Bands:
 80m Only; [other station's call] + [your call] + [serial no.] + [your name];
Logs due: November 14.

QRP Fox Hunt, Nov 15, 0200z to Nov 15, 0330z; CW; Bands: 80m Only; RST +
(state/province/country) + name + power output; Logs due: November 16.

Phone Fray, Nov 15, 0230z to Nov 15, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m;
NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: October 27.

CWops Mini-CWT Test, Nov 15, 1300z to Nov 15, 1400z, Nov 15, 1900z to Nov 15,
2000z, Nov 16, 0300z to Nov 16, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m;
Member: Name + Member No., non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs
due: October 28.


VHF+ CONTESTS

ARRL EME Contest, Nov 4, 0000z to Nov 5, 2359z; CW, Phone, Digital; Bands:
50-1296 MHz; Signal report; Logs due: December 6.

Also, see SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, Kentucky QSO Party, CQ-WE Contests, above.


LOG DUE DATES

2 Nov - 15 Nov 2017

November 3, 2017

 *  CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB

November 4, 2017

 *  ARRL School Club Roundup
 *  New York QSO Party

November 5, 2017

 *  UBA ON Contest, 2m

November 6, 2017

 *  YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest
 *  Worked All Germany Contest
 *  Stew Perry Topband Challenge
 *  FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint

November 13, 2017

 *  FISTS Fall Unlimited Sprint

November 15, 2017

 *  Pennsylvania QSO Party


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information from WA7BNM's Contest
Calendar and SM3CER's Contest Calendar.

____________________________________________________________________________

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)\/(ark

Always Mount a Scratch Monkey
Do you manage your own servers? If you are not running an IDS/IPS yer doin' it
wrong...
... Voodoo is a pin in the ass.
---
 * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)