[SECC] Alabama QSO Party

[John Laney]

Hi Bridget:

I reviewed my file on the Alabama QSO Party.  The last copy of the rules
I had in it was for 1999, although I did participate on a part-time
basis in 2000.  I don't see anything wrong with the rules.  I'd suggest
not having different frequencies on 10 SSB for Novice/Techs.  The
regular frequency suggested of 28390 is OK or the 28360 would be OK.
Just select one.  There is a lot of 10-X number swapping activity right
around 28400, but a number of contests (including TN I think) have used
28390 as a suggested frequency.  Maybe 28380 would be a good
compromise.  Whether or not to use 3965 is a good question.  Some of the
regular net operators may resent contest activity on their frequency
even for only one day a year.  If the net members support the contest,
then 3965 is the best frequency.  If there is opposition, I'd suggest
another frequency.  Many contests use 3850 or 3890, but there are a lot
of contest haters that will create deliberate QRM to contesters around
those frequencies.  Lower in the band may be better, but it would
exclude General Class operators (such as K4BAI).

Many states have been successful in this Sunday afternoon and evening
concept.  7 hours (18Z to 01Z) allows for other activities on the
weekend.  The hour selection excludes most DX to Europe and Asia QSOs
except on 40 meter CW and maybe a little on 20 meters.  Wisc, Ill, Tn,
are the states that immediately come to mind.  The secret is to get a
lot of activity in state and a lot of publicity everywhere.  There needs
to be a large core group of in-state hams supporting it and talking it
up.  The short length will mean that mobile stations will be limited in
the number of counties they can cover and people like W3DYA, W5WMU,
W1NN, etc. who often go to states some distance away will not find it
worthwhile to go so far for such a short contest.  Their absence can be
countered by a lot of activity from many stations who might not commit
to devote an entire weekend to a contest.

You should plan on getting the info out to at least the following far in
advance of the contest:  QST Contest Coral (K5TR); CQ (K1AR) (they are
carrying very few rules summaries these days); CQ Contest (for the
calendar), NCJ (for the calendar); World Radio (VE2ZP, I think), and the
contest websites of SM3CER, WA6BNM, and LA9HW. Since the contest
provides awards for QRP entries, there are a number of QRP pages that
would like to list the contest info.  I don't have those addresses handy
right now, but a search for QRP in webpage titles would turn them up.
Of course, there should be a link to a webpage where the entire rules,
suggested forms, list of counties and their suggested abbreviations,
and, if possible, logfiles for popular contest logging programs may be
obtained.  This webpage can also be used to post a list of logs received
and the results.

Awards are necessary, but really don't have to be exensive.
Certificates, certainly, and perhaps a few plaques for high scorers.

I still need a few Alabama counties confirmed, although I did pick up a
few in the most recent Alabama QSO Parties.

As a matter of information, my file includes a certificate for second
place in Alabama from the 1966 Alabama QSO Party signed by the then
Alabama ARRL SCM (now called SM), Billy Crafts and the president of the
HARC (Huntsville I guess).  I was portable at my uncle's country place
in Russell County, AL.  Unfortunately, he passed away and his heirs sold
the place, so I don't have a family place in Alabama anymore.  I have a
typed list of the results of the 1967 Alabama QSO Party showing that I
was first place in Alabama.  I don't recognize any other Ala calls as
now being active, but they were:  WA4EEC, K4GMR, W0GKY/4, W4NLI, WA4SUI,
and WB4EOW in decending order of scores.  The top score out of state was
W4YWX, who is now N4PN and active in the GQPs.  W3DYA won for DC.  The
OM/XYL team of WA8USU (now W8YL) and W8WVU submitted scores from
Michigan and they are still active in state QSO Parties.  I met them at
a Columbus GA hamfest many years ago.

The 1987 QSO Party was sponsored by The Birmingham Amateur Radio Club
and run by Bill Levey, WA4FAT, who labored valiently for years when
there was very little interest in such contests.  One year we even had
an Ala/Ga QSO Party, but I think it was pretty much a bust.  The Alabama
stations who sent in scores in 1987 were WA4FAT/M, KI4UX, N4PUN, N4RT,
and KK4NZ.  W3DYA won for Md, K4BAI for GA, W5NR for TX.  The first
place out of state was W3SOH in VT.

I have a certificate for first place in GA from the 1997 Heart of Dixie
QSO Party, which was chaired by K4NR, who moved to Texas after the
contest.  It is signed by Fob James, Jr., Governor of Alabama!  (or more
probably his signature machine.)

The results from 1999 show the Ala stations in order of score as:
W4NTI, W4BXI, W4CCA (KC4OR, opr), and KS4LU.  Only four out-of-state
scores were submitted:  K4BAI, W3BBO, NA3V, and WA2BQI.  The QSO totals
by the out-of-staters ranged from 24 to 4.

2000:  Ala:  W4NTI, KC4OR, KT4XA, W4BXI, AF4QB/M.  Out of state:  K4BAI,
VE3WZ, and KD7AEE.  QSO totals for out of staters:  18 down to 4.
Christopher's report (NV4B, ex KT4XA) indicates new all time records, so
he must have some sort of historical records, although I doubt they go
back very far.

If the Alabama members of SECC only would support this activity, it
could be fun for all.  I'll try to go mobile or else borrow an Alabama
station of a friend in our local club and help out with Alabama activity
myself.

Good luck and let me know if I can do anything else to help.

73,

John, K4BAI.




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