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The ARRL Contest Update
May 10, 2023
Editor: Paul Bourque, N1SFE
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In this Issue:

 

Upcoming Contests - Things to Do

The Canadian Prairies QSO Party begins at 1700 UTC on Saturday, May 13, and concludes at 0300 UTC on Sunday, May 14. The Canadian prairies are the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Stations outside of the three provinces contact as many stations in as many electoral districts as possible. Stations inside the Canadian prairie provinces work everyone. Contacts between stations located in the prairie provinces do not count for QSO credit. Visit https://cpqp.ve6hams.ca/ for rules and log submission information.


The last of the 2023 VHF/UHF Spring Sprints, the 50 MHz Spring Sprint, begins at 2300 UTC on Saturday, May 13, and concludes at 0300 UTC on Sunday, May 14. The Spring Sprints are sponsored by the Central States VHF Society. For rules and other information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/home.


The Arkansas QSO Party begins at 1400 UTC on Saturday, May 20 and concludes at 0200 UTC on Sunday, May 21. Rules are available at their website, https://arkqp.com/. The Arkansas QSO Party, along with the aforementioned Canadian Prairie QSO Party, are both a part of the State QSO Party Challenge. Visit http://stateqsoparty.com/ for details.


The year-long ARRL Volunteers on the Air event continues, recognizing the support and contributions of ARRL volunteers. Get on the air and make contacts with as many ARRL volunteers or members as possible. There will be week-long activations of portable W1AW/# stations in all 50 states, and in several US Possessions/Territories. For a schedule of W1AW/# portable operations, see the W1AW Portable Activations Schedule. Be sure to upload your logs to LoTW and check your score online. Check out the full details at http://vota.arrl.org.

Bulletins

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada has approved the use of special call sign prefixes from May 5 - July 2, 2023 in honor of King Charles III's coronation. The special prefixes will be available to all Canadian amateurs who wish to use them during that time frame.

Operators who wish to use the special prefixes will substitute the prefix normally assigned to their province of territory with that of the special prefix. For example, VE3 becomes CK3, VA7 becomes CJ7, VY2 becomes CZ2. For a complete list of the special call prefixes, visit www.rac.ca/special-event-call-signs-for-the-coronation-of-king-charles-iii/.

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Contest Summary

See the "Contests" section below for complete contest information.

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

Results and Records

The CQ World Wide Contest Director, John Dorr, K1AR, has announced that the results for the 2022 CQ World Wide CW Contest are now available at https://cqww.com/results/.


The results for the 2023 Wisconsin QSO Party (WIQP) have been published at www.warac.org/wqp/wqp.htm. The WIQP Team would like to thank all of those who participated, and are looking forward to next year's WIQP.

- Thanks to Chuck Dellis, W9WLX

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Operating Tip

With the Summer storm season and Field Day right around the corner, now would be a great time to give your portable emergency generator a check-up. Don't wait until you need to use the generator to find out it won't start!

Many users of generators do not take the time to properly store them after use. Many are just put away in the back of the garage or into a storage shed without giving it any thought. Here are some tips on how to store them properly:

  • If there is still gas in the tank, either drain the gas or add some fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL. This will keep the gasoline from deteriorating and usually will make it last for 18 to 24 months.
  • Run the generator with the fuel stabilizer, then shut off the fuel supply valve until the generator stops. This will make sure that no gas remains in the carburetor or fuel line. Change the oil using the manufacturer's recommended oil viscosity. The recommendation is usually SAE HD30 for warmer months, or 10W-30 for colder months.
  • Clean the generator with a clean cloth, and cover it with a plastic cover or a tarp.
  • If you store any gasoline in an approved storage gas can, make sure you add STA-BIL to it. Better yet, pour the leftover gas into your automobile gas tank. Buy some extra oil and a small funnel so that you can add oil next time you run the generator. It is sometimes hard to get the correct oil in the middle of an emergency, and small engines will burn oil on extended run, causing the low oil shutdown to engage.
  • Buy an extra spark plug for the generator.
  • Store your electrical extension cords and adapters with the generator so they will be right there when you need them.
  • If the generator gave you any problems during the last run, take it to an authorized repair facility to have it looked at. The next emergency is not the time to be playing junior repairman with the generator.
  • Keep a tag on the generator noting when it was last used and serviced, along with the age of the stabilized gasoline in the tank. Better yet, keep the gas tank empty.
  • Read the generator manufacturer's instruction manual and keep a copy handy for reference!

- Thanks to the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club's newsletter, The Compass

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 [email protected].

73, Paul, N1SFE

Contests

May 11 - May 24, 2023

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

CWops Test (CWT), May 11, 0300z to May 11, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 13.

CWops Test (CWT), May 11, 0700z to May 11, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 13.

EACW Meeting, May 11, 1900z to May 11, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; EACW Member: RST + Member No. + Nickname, EA non-Member: RST + Nickname + EA province, non-EA: RST + Nickname + DXCC prefix; Logs due: May 13.

NCCC RTTY Sprint, May 12, 0145z to May 12, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 14.

NCCC Sprint, May 12, 0230z to May 12, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 14.

K1USN Slow Speed Test, May 12, 2000z to May 12, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 14.

Portuguese Navy Day Contest CT1DBS Memorial, May 13, 0900z to May 14, 0900z; CW, SSB, Digital; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; NRA Club Member: RS(T) + Club ID + Member No., non-member: RS(T) + QSO No.; Logs due: Jun 3.

VOLTA WW RTTY Contest, May 13, 1200z to May 14, 1200z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + QSO No. + CQ Zone; Logs due: May 31.

CQ-M International DX Contest, May 13, 1200z to May 14, 1159z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: May 24.

SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, May 13, 1200z to May 14, 2359z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE"); Logs due: May 21.

FISTS Saturday Sprint, May 13, 1600z to May 13, 1800z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; FISTS: RST + first name + FISTS No. + (state/province/country), non-FISTS: RST + first name + "0" + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

Canadian Prairies QSO Party, May 13, 1700z to May 14, 0300z; CW, Phone; Bands: 40, 20, 15, 10; VE4/5/6: RS(T) + district code, Non-VE4/5/6: RST + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: May 29.

4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint, May 15, 0000z to May 15, 0200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country) + Member No., Non-member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country) + Power; Logs due: May 17.

K1USN Slow Speed Test, May 15, 0000z to May 15, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 17.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 15, 1300z to May 15, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 18.

OK1WC Memorial (MWC), May 15, 1630z to May 15, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 19.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 15, 1900z to May 15, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 18.

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, May 16, 0100z to May 16, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: May 17.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 16, 0300z to May 16, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 18.

Phone Weekly Test, May 17, 0230z to May 17, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: May 19.

A1Club AWT, May 17, 1200z to May 17, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: May 22.

CWops Test (CWT), May 17, 1300z to May 17, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

Mini-Test 40, May 17, 1700z to May 17, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 19.

Mini-Test 80, May 17, 1800z to May 17, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 19.

RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data, May 17, 1900z to May 17, 2030z; RTTY, PSK; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 18.

CWops Test (CWT), May 17, 1900z to May 17, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest, May 18, 0000z to May 19, 0300z; CW; Bands: 20; Maximum 13 wpm, RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (Member No./power); Logs due: May 25.

NAQCC CW Sprint, May 18, 0030z to May 18, 0230z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; RST + (state/province/country) + (NAQCC No./power); Logs due: May 21.

CWops Test (CWT), May 18, 0300z to May 18, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

CWops Test (CWT), May 18, 0700z to May 18, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

QRP Minimal Art Session, May 18, 1400z to May 18, 2200z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + "/" + class + number of components; Logs due: Jun 1.

NTC QSO Party, May 18, 1900z to May 18, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; NTC Member: RST + Member No., non-Member: RST + "NM", Less than 25 wpm; Logs due: May 21.

NCCC RTTY Sprint, May 19, 0145z to May 19, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 21.

NCCC Sprint, May 19, 0230z to May 19, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 21.

K1USN Slow Speed Test, May 19, 2000z to May 19, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 21.

UN DX Contest, May 20, 0600z to May 20, 2100z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Kazakhstan: RS(T) + District Code, non-Kazakhstan: RS(T) + QSO No.; Logs due: Jun 4.

NZART Sangster Shield Contest, May 20, 0800z to May 21, 1100z; CW; Bands: 80; ZL: RST + Serial No. + Branch No., non-ZL: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jun 17.

His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW, May 20, 1200z to May 21, 1200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; EA: RST + province, non-EA: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jun 5.

EU PSK DX Contest, May 20, 1200z to May 21, 1200z; BPSK63; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; EU: RST + EU area, non-EU: RST + QSO No.; Logs due: May 26.

Arkansas QSO Party, May 20, 1400z to May 21, 0200z; CW, Phone, Digital (no FT8); Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, 2; AR: RS(T) + County, non-AR: RS(T) + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: Jun 9.

Feld Hell Sprint, May 20, 1600z to May 20, 2159z; Feld Hell; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; (see rules); Logs due: May 23.

Baltic Contest, May 20, 2100z to May 21, 0200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80; RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: May 30.

FISTS Sunday Sprint, May 21, 2100z to May 21, 2300z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; FISTS: RST + (state/province/country) + first name + FISTS No., non-FISTS: RST + (state/province/country) + first name + "0"; Logs due: May 28.

Run for the Bacon QRP Contest, May 21, 2300z to May 22, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + (state/province/country) + (Member No./power); Logs due: May 28.

QRP ARCI Hootowl Sprint, May 22, 0000z to May 22, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + (state/province/country) + (ARCI no./power); Logs due: Jun 8.

K1USN Slow Speed Test, May 22, 0000z to May 22, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 24.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 22, 1300z to May 22, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 25.

OK1WC Memorial (MWC), May 22, 1630z to May 22, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 26.

RSGB FT4 Contest, May 22, 1900z to May 22, 2030z; FT4; Bands: 80, 40, 20; Signal report; Logs due: May 23.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 22, 1900z to May 22, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 25.

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, May 23, 0100z to May 23, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: May 24.

ICWC Medium Speed Test, May 23, 0300z to May 23, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 25.

SKCC Sprint, May 24, 0000z to May 24, 0200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE"); Logs due: May 28.

Phone Weekly Test, May 24, 0230z to May 24, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: May 26.

A1Club AWT, May 24, 1200z to May 24, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: May 29.

CWops Test (CWT), May 24, 1300z to May 24, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 27.

Mini-Test 40, May 24, 1700z to May 24, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 26.

Mini-Test 80, May 24, 1800z to May 24, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 26.

CWops Test (CWT), May 24, 1900z to May 24, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 27.

VHF+ CONTESTS

50 MHz Spring Sprint, May 13, 2300z to May 14, 0300z; not specified; Bands: 6; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 27.

VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest, May 17, 1700z to May 17, 2100z; FT8; Bands: 1.2G; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 22.

SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest, May 20, 0300z to May 21, 0900z; Digital; Bands: 50 MHz, 70 MHz, 144 MHz, 432 MHz, 1296 MHz; RST + 6-character grid locator; Logs due: May 28.

See Also:

Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, Arkansas QSO Party, Feld Hell Sprint, Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest, SKCC Sprint

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Log Due Dates

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

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Acknowledgements

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

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