[TOEC] Record Number of SAC CW Logs -- Now Grab Your Microphones!

[Kim Östman]

Dear all,

This year's SAC CW was a great success, despite the poor propagation. Up to
the deadline, over 1180 logs were submitted. This breaks the previous record
number of 1115 from last year, marking a continued growing trend for the
contest that bodes well for the future. We thank you all for participation
and for your good efforts.

Before SAC SSB, we would like to call your attention to Section 5 of the
rules, which states in part: "On 3.5 MHz, Region 1 stations must not
transmit below 3510 kHz on CW or above 3790 kHz on SSB." Frequency clauses
have existed in the SAC rules in various forms for many years. However, they
have not been enforced by previous organizers, creating an ambiguous "dead
letter" situation.

The SAC Contest Committee wishes to announce that the rule will be enforced
from here on similarly to any other rules. Because of the expectations
created by the historical situation, the CW logs are not yet explicitly
penalized. However, together with the results we will publish a warning
list, based on Reverse Beacon Network data, of those CW entrants who with
certainty have solicited QSOs in the forbidden band on 80m. SSB logs with
such QSOs will be penalized.

Barring software issues, we hope to provide the final results of SAC CW
later this week. For now, we note the excited preparations across the Arctic
and the rest of the world to get on the air for SAC SSB this weekend. Again,
the Nordic people will be there in force. Dust off your microphones,
lubricate your vocal chords or voice keyers, and get ready to enjoy the
upcoming second part of the Polar Battle!

73
Kim OH6KZP
On behalf of the SAC Contest Committee