Contest News – 3 May 2020

This weekend is busy for contests, but please remember to check before the events for new rules due to lockdown and social distancing, which may differ around the world. RSGB strongly advises obeying your own government’s advice first and foremost.

The 432MHz to 248MHz Trophy contest ends its 24 hour run at 1400UTC this Sunday, the 3rd. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Another 24 hour contest is the ARL International DX event that ends at 1200UTC this Sunday, the 3rd. Using phone and RTTY on the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number, with Italian stations also giving their province code.

This Sunday, 3 May, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

A one-off independent 2m contest is being held on 4 May, to promote 2m usage during the COVID-19 lockdown. From 2pm to 3pm there will be an FM contest, where operators should exchange signal reports, serial number and four character grid squares. From 3pm to 4pm there will be an FT8 contest using the standard FT8 messages to exchange signal reports and grid squares. The contests are open to all licensed amateur radio operators and short wave listeners but due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions no portable or mobile operation is permitted—further details at vhflockdown.fun.

On Tuesday the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. This is immediately followed by the UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC using all modes. The exchange is the same for both, signal report, serial number and locator.

Next Sunday, the 10th, sees the 70MHz CW contest run from 0900 to 1200UTX. The exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.

Also next Sunday is the IRTS 40m Counties Contest from 1200 to 1400UTC. Using SSB and CW, the exchange is signal report and serial number, with EI, GI, 2I and MI stations also sending their county.

The Worked All Britain 70MHz contest takes place next Sunday, the 10th, from 1000 to 1400UTC. Entries need to be with the contest manager by 20 May. The exchange is signal report, serial number and WAB square. Full details of the rules and methods of entry may be obtained from the WAB website. Please note that no club or multiple operator entries will be accepted from mobile or portable stations.

The UK Six Metre Group’s Summer Marathon runs from 2 May to 2 August. Using all modes in the 50MHz band, the exchange is your four character locator.

And finally, don’t forget the RSGB Hope QSO Party on weekdays—see rsgbcc.org/hf for further details. So far around 300 UK and non-UK participants have taken part, and for some it has been their first attempt at an HF contest. One participant told us that it was their first ever attempt at CW in 36 years. Come and join in the fun.

Category: GB2RS Contest News