RSGB CONTESTS FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 (by Quin G3WRR & John G3XDY)

OTHER UK CONTESTS IN AUGUST(by John G3XDY)

The UK Microwave Group runs Microwave Field Day on 1.3GHz and 10GHz on Sunday 4th August from 0900 - 1700 UTC, and a 5.7/10/24GHz Contest on Sunday 25th August, from 0600 - 1800 UTC. Rules are at: UK Microwave Group Contest Rules

OTHER EUROPEAN VHF/UHF CONTESTS IN AUGUST(by John G3XDY)

Details of French events (English translation can be obtained by clicking on the "Translate" box in the Google toolbar)

Details of German events (English translation can be obtained by clicking on the "Translate" box in the Google toolbar)

The NAC Contests in Scandinavia

Czech Activity Contest

RECENT RESULTS (by Quin G3WRR & John G3XDY)

The following results have been published or updated since the previous Newsletter:

50MHz UKAC

144MHz UKAC

432MHz UKAC

1.3GHz UKAC

SHF UKAC

Overall UKAC

First 144MHz Backpackers

Second 144MHz Backpackers

144MHz Backpackers Championship

70MHz Cumulatives

80m CC CW

80m CC SSB

80m CC data (1)

80m CC data (2)

80m CC overall

USE OF SPECIAL PREFIXES IN RSGB CONTESTS (by Quin G3WRR)

Just a follow up on last month's item on use of GV prefixes in RSGB contests……the use of all legal prefixes is now permitted in all RSGB contests, subject to the recommendations contained in paragraph 6b of the HF General Rules and paragraph 7g of the VHF General Rules.

RESULTS OF 2012 HF CHAMPIONSHIP (by Quin G3WRR)

The results of the 2012 HF Championship will be published very shortly, so keep an eye on the CC website! The CC apologises for the delay in publication, which is largely due to the extra manual processing necessary to incorporate 3rd party contest results. The contributing events for the 2013 HF Championship are all RSGB events, and the current (and progressively updated) results are here.

SPECIAL CONTEST CALLS (SCCs) – Frequently Asked Questions (by Ed GW3SQX)

A new list of SCCs has been obtained from Ofcom, and is available at www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/scc.shtml . That web page also contains information about applying for a SCC.

Here are some FAQs about these calls, based on previous queries to the committee.

They are callsigns which are shorter than normal, and which are for use exclusively during particular contests. Their format is (for example) G1P, M8E, GD9Y, MJ4V and so on. Ofcom issues them as a Notice of Variation to a normal amateur licence.

They have been available to clubs on simple application for over ten years. Full licensees (individuals) have been eligible from about three years ago, as long as they met certain conditions relating to contest experience. These conditions now also apply to clubs.

Because of their shorter length, there is a limited number of SCC possibilities (520). It was thought reasonable that those applying should “earn” the right by having previously demonstrated a commitment to contesting at HF or VHF, and by achieving some sort of success.

They are based on achieving a certain number of QSOs compared with the UK winner in the section of the contest being entered. The full details are in the Ofcom application form at this page.

Ofcom have always asked the RSGB (in practice the Contest Committee) to “rubber stamp” the applications that came in. When the system of qualifying for a SCC was introduced, Ofcom thought they might be able to verify applicants’ claims if the system was straightforward. This did not turn out to be the case, so in practice they rely on the committee to check incoming forms: this is not a job that the committee wants, but no SCCs would be issued otherwise.

Yes, usually because of a misunderstanding of the requirements. Some examples. Operation must be single operator: where this distinction is not made in the contest rules (as at VHF, or where “assisted” is classed as multi-op), the appropriate status must be obvious or declared. And published results must be available on the internet, so that checking is reasonably feasible. Sometimes applications are made for SCCs that have already been issued. If they wish, applicants may ask the committee to check their forms before submission to avoid simple mistakes.

They all expire at the same time, after three years: the next due date is 31st December this year. Renewals must be made during November and December, showing the required contest results over the previous three years.

With almost 300 SCCs to deal with, the administrative requirement could be difficult to meet. The same applies to the Contest Committee, needing to check contest results for each one, but without paid staff! Discussions are taking place.

This is outside the Contest Committee’s remit, but we know that the RSGB has requested a system of self-selected callsigns, proposing implementation methods perhaps based on the scheme for GB calls. Ironically, licensees entering at Foundation level have had a better callsign choice than those from the RAE era! The availability of calls in series such as G1xx, M7xx has not persuaded Ofcom to make them available as yet.

The SCC scheme was initially set up as a limited experiment, and it has worked well with few hitches. There now seems no real reason why the calls might not be used in any bona fide contest, and Ofcom have been asked to approve this.

AND FINALLY

That’s all for this month – good contesting (despite the current heat) to you all!

73, Quin G3WRR

For RSGB Contest Committee