Warm up for Contesting Season
The “official” kick-off for contesting season is really CQ WW SSB at the end of October, but many of us clear our throats here in August with a set of North American QSO Party events sponsored by the National Contest Journal. We have CW and SSB in August; the RTTY event was mid-July. See the August Contest Notes below for some opportunities to “warm up” for contest season this fall.
August Highlights
10-10 International Summer Contest [0001Z Aug 3 to 2359Z Aug 4]
Exchange: 10-10 members: Name + 10-10 number + SPC, non-members give a zero for their 10-10 number (same format)
[Remember SPC is State, Province, or Country]
This might be an interesting contest, if only to see whether 10m comes alive. Go to a band like 10m and listen nearly anytime during the low point in the solar cycle and you’ll likely hear nothing at all. But, put a big contest on the air and suddenly 10m is alive with activity. (Maybe not, but you might be surprised how often this is true!) Check out the rules, of course, as I always recommend, but this seems like a pretty easy contest. Remember, the 10m band has more spectrum than all the other HF bands put together! Everybody gets to spread out. It makes for a very relaxing experience. Try it!
North American QSO Party, CW [1800Z Aug 3 to 0559Z Aug 4]
Exchange: Name + SPC
Hey, look at that! Lots of overlap with the 10-10 contest. And, it has almost the same exchange (the 10-10 contest wants a zero between your name and SPC). Here’s yet another change to work on your WAS award.
Maryland-DC QSO Party [1400Z Aug 10 to 0400Z Aug 11]
Exchange: entry class + SPC
Entry classes are Standard, Mobile, Club, and QRP. Read the rules for more.
North American QSO Party, SSB [1800Z Aug 17 to 0559Z Aug 18]
Exchange: Name+ SPC
At risk of repeating myself, if you are new to contesting, or if you just like to do something relaxing, and you can speak at all, this contest is your speed. Put some states in the log!
Hawaii QSO Party [0400Z Aug 24 to 0400Z Aug 26]
Exchange: HI: RS(T) + QTH, non-HI: RS(T) + SPC
I’m highlighting this contest because for many of us moping our way through the doldrums of this solar cycle Hawaii is a tough place to reach. It is the world’s most isolated island chain, after all. So, a whole contest chock-full of Hawaiians sounds like a great opportunity to put them in the log. Remember, Hawaii isn’t just a state, it’s a DXCC entity, too. Two-Fer!
That’s All for This Month
Remember that contesting.com always has great stuff, including the complete list of contests for this month (and every month). Even if you’re a little shy, even if you feel inexperienced, even if you don’t think contesting is for you, get on the air, listen for a bit, then make a few QSOs, and see if it doesn’t put a smile on your face.
73 de
Scott, NE1RD
Note: Top image was from Yellowknife Online, NWT
