[RTTY] A challenge to RTTY operators!

[Andrew O'Brien]

Dear RTTY-Fanatics


Many non-RTTY digital mode operators are puzzled about those avid RTTY
contesters who never seem to try other digital modes in contests.
Those same non-RTTY digi mode operators tell jokes about RTTY
old-timers who seem just stuck with the concept that ye olde RTTY is
way better than other digital modes for contests.  They have
occasionally appealed to the RTTY old-timers to be daring and actually
try contesting with modes like DominoEX and PSK63 . Usually the
appeals have fallen on deaf ears , it seems like automobile drivers
appealing to stage-coach drivers to try that new fangled motor vehicle
concept.

This weekend, you RTTY dudes have another chance to live dangerously
and actually try a mode that many think is BETTER than RTTY for
contesting .  It may not really be "better" but it might actually be
almost as good.

So come on RTTY-freaks,  prove that stereo-type of the curmudgeonly
green machine addict to be as out of dates as..., as.,   .. well as
out of dates as  RTTY via green machines!

Andy K3UK

Date and Time
Starting time is at 00:00 UTC, and ending time is at 24:00 UTC on
Sunday 18th November, 2007.
Objective
The European PSK Club has the honour to invite the radio amateurs all
over the world to participate in the EPC PSK63 QSO Party. The
objective of the competition is to establish as many contacts as
possible between radio amateurs around the world by using the BPSK63
mode. Everybody can work everybody for QSO and multiplier credit.
BANDS AND FREQUENCIES
Participants are allowed to work on 160 meters (1838...1840 KHz), 80
meters (3582...3584 KHz), 40 meters (7037...7039 KHz), 20 meters
(14072...14074 KHz), 15 meters (21082...21084 KHz) and 10 meters
(28082...28084 KHz).
TYPE OF COMPETITION
Transmitters and receivers must be located within a 500 meter diameter
circle or within the property limits of the station licensee's
address, whichever is greater. All antennas used by the entrant must
be physically connected by wires to the transmitters and receivers
used by the entrant. Only the entrant's call sign can be used to aid
the entrant's score. All entrants are allowed to use packet and web
clusters. There are no separate entrant categories in the competition;
all participants work as SOAB (Single Operator - All Bands). All
stations at which one performs do all of the operating, logging, and
spotting functions. Only one signal is allowed at any one time. The
operator may change bands at any time. The output power shall not
exceed 100 watts.
EXCHANGE
EPC members should send signal report plus EPC membership number
(example – 599 EPC0001). Please make sure that you don't separate
«EPC» from the «Number», and you don't use any characters between.
Please make sure that your EPC number consists of 4 digits. Other
stations should send signal report plus QSO number, starting 001
(example – 599 001).
POINTS
Contacts with EPC members are worth 5 points; contacts with other
stations are worth 1 point. The same stations may be contacted again
on other bands.
Multiplier
A multiplier of one is for each different EPC number contacted on each band.
SCORING
The final score is the result of the total QSO points multiplied by
the sum of EPC numbers contacted on each band.
CERTIFICATES AND PLAQUES
First, second and third place certificates will be awarded in the
World and every continent. First place certificates will be awarded in
every participating DXCC country. The EPC PSK63 World Plaque will be
awarded for the first place in the World. All scores will be published
on the EPC website. All certificates and plaques will be issued to the
licensee of the station used. All certificates will be issued in a PDF
format and sent via email to the winner. Winners may purchase special
plaques through the EPC General Manager; plaques will be awarded in
the following geographical areas: Europe, Asia, North America, South
America, Africa, Oceania, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Russia, USA,
Canada and Japan. If you are interested in sponsoring a special trophy
for the EPC PSK63 QSO Party, please contact us.
	
LOG INSTRUCTIONS
All times must be in UTC. All sent and received exchanges are to be
logged. We accept logs in the Cabrillo format ONLY. Name your Cabrillo
file as your callsign (for example – mm0dgr.cbr), and email it to
eudx at scotham.net. Be sure to put the station callsign in the «Subject»
line of the message. Electronic submission implies a signed
declaration that all competition rules and regulations for amateur
radio in the country of operation have been observed. All entries must
be emailed no later than 30 days after the competition. Use this
sample file as a standard entry log file for the EPC PSK63 QSO Party.
Disqualification
Violation of amateur radio regulations in the country of the
participant, or the rules of the competition; unsportsmanlike conduct;
taking credit for excessive unverifiable contacts or unverifiable
multipliers will be deemed sufficient cause for disqualification.
Incorrectly logged calls or numbers will be counted as unverifiable
contacts for culprit only. The use by an entrant of any non-amateur
means such as telephones, telegrams, internet, or the use of packet to
solicit contacts during the competition is unsportsmanlike and the
entry is subject to disqualification. Actions and decisions of the EPC
PSK63 QSO Party Manager are official and final.

Andy K3UK
www.obriensweb.com
(QSL via N2RJ)