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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