[VHFcontesting] Distance based contest rules

[frank bechdoldt]

VHF Marathon
 
 
Purpose: 
            To offer a unique contest that encourages more band utilization and operator practice with various modes on VHF+ frequencies.  The goal is to work as many stations as possible via different bands and modes to increase operator skill as well as propagation measurement.  The scoring mechanics are more set to distance and operating practices than other VHF contests.
 
 
Operation time:      (proposed)
8 am Saturday local time until 8 PM Sunday local time.
Date: (Weekend after field day) (proposed)
 
 
QSO Exchange:    
QSO exchange shall include the6 digit Grid locator and operator class of each station.  IE KA7SAG  R CN85AA or  Ka7sag rover in CN85AA.
 
Rovers will be required give their 4 digit locator but are encouraged to use 6 digits when not moving.
 
QSO Scoring:
Points are allocated into three classifications 
 
1.         Voice:             SSB, FM, AM Digital voice modes.
2.         CW:                 CW only
3.         Digital:            WSJT modes, RTTY, PSK, ect…  
 
The score for an individual QSO will be a function of distance in Grid squares between the two stations involved in the QSO. 
 
Points will be calculated by counting the adjacent (N, S, E, W) 4 grids as the first grid and counting the number of squares either vertically or horizontally on a map or combination there of to come up with the shortest number of grid squares. (Similar in the way a rook moves on a chess board.) QSO’s where both stations are in the same grid square or the four adjacent squares will count as one point.
 
 Example a CN85-CN87 QSO is 2 points, CN85-CN96 is 2 points, CN85-86 is one point, and CN85-CN85 is 1 point.  CN70-CN95 is 7 points.  (5 grids up and 2 grids over)
 
The maximum score will be 7 no matter the actual distance.   
 
 
Multipliers: 
 A multiplier will be given once for each grid square worked no matter how many bands a station worked that grid on.
 
Repeat Contacts 
A station may be worked once per mode to the maximum of 3 qsos per band as long as they are in separate mode classifications.
 
SHF Plus Incentive
A Repeat QSO may be scored with the same station once per four digit square as an exception of the 24 hour rule on frequencies on or above 900 MHz if either station has moved greater than 20 miles from the location of the last QSO with the other station.  
 
A maximum of 2 contacts per mode between two stations in the same grid combination  for the entire contest on 900 MHz and up.
 
Operator Classifications
 
Portable
            Portable is defined as a station that receives 100% power off the grid. Portable is not limited to 100 watts. Portable stations are limited to transmitting on one radio at a time.  Portable will not be at any home QTH. 
 
Low Power
            A station operating at less than or equal to 100 watts, and is limited to transmitting on one radio at a time. 
 
Rover
            Any station that operates from more than one grid.  Rovers may transmit on two radios at a time. Rovers are not  power limited. 
 
Team   
            Any stationary station operating more than one radio at a time. Is not power limited. 
 
High Power     
Any stationary station using more than 100 watts on any band and is limited to one radio transmitting at a time. 
 
QRP                
Less than 10 watts on all bands. Is limited to transmitting on one radio at a time.
 
 
 
Awards & Certificates
 
Awards by ARRL region, and DX (all together) and operator classification
 
Certificate for most QSOS per contest (contest wide)
 
Longest distance per mode per band per contest will be listed on the web page.
 
Rover contacts may not be used for longest distance unless they give a 6 digit grid in their exchange. 
 
 
Operation Practices/ Rules
 

While using SSB, Rover stations will be calling 50-60 kc above the national calling frequencies of each band while in motion. This will be considered the “Rover Sub Band” and it should be avoided by stationary operators for calling purposes. 
Rovers are encouraged to pick one sub band frequency per band and stick to it for the entire contest. (IE 50.176, 144.251, 222.151, 432.151 ECT…) for the whole contest while moving.   Rovers may answer calls anytime anywhere while in motion.   
The use of 146.52 is prohibited. 
Repeater/ satellite contacts do not count for this contest. 
All equipment for non roving stations must be within a 500 yard radius of the control operator. 
The use of spotting is prohibited. 
CW and digital modes should follow the prescribed band plans. 
 
Contest Deadline
 
All logs will be received by 4 weeks of the end of the contest. All logs will be in paper format and checked for dupes.  
 
Misc. Rules
 
Any logs received with more than 2% dupes or erroneous QSO info may be disqualified. Scores and multipliers will be subtracted from the final score. Arrl style dupe sheets will be required for logs with more than 300 QSOs.  
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