2009 Spring VHF/UHF Sprints
Hosted by
John Kalenowsky, K9JK
John Kalenowsky, K9JK, is pleased to announce the 2009 Spring VHF/UHF
Sprints. I'd like to acknowledge and THANK my past co-host, Steve Gilmore, W4SHG, who has
asked to "downsize" his participation going forward which will be a 'challenge' for me
(though Steve IS still providing quite a bit of valuable and very much appreciated support
to assist me in 2009's pre-event efforts.)
Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if only in a small way. The rules have
intentionally remained simple, and the focus of these FIVE events continues to be for single
operator, single transmitter entries, both "fixed", "rover" and "Rookie".
The "Rookie" classification IS continued for 2009, to ENCOURAGE 'first-time'
participants, from their own stations OR as "guest-op" at an "experienced" station to
introduce newcomers to weak signal vhf/uhf operations which, hopefully, will 'whet' their
interest in such and lead to their participation in the future. This is NOT intended to be
multi-op, the "Rookie" operator is expected to be the voice behind the mic, hand on the
key/keyer, hands on the keyboard, PTT, tuning knobs and rotor controls. When an experienced
operator is present for a "Rookie", their role IS to be "Guidance", NOT operating.
Clear identification of Rookie entrants is requested by comments in the
SOAPBOX: lines for Cabrillo formatted logs or on the Summary
Sheet for paper logs. The detail should identify who is the "Rookie" and list any
"experienced" operator(s) who was(were) present.
Please note that, for 2009, the shortened log submission date windows remain and consider
the following change an EVEN STRONGER encouragement for electronic log submissions using the
Cabrillo format. While paper logs will continue to be accepted,
"New for 2009" any MAILED logs MUST be RECEIVED by the log deadline for each band
so those who submit by Mail MUST allow for the post office transit time (probably a week early
to be certain, which still allows participants a full week to process logs from a 4 or 7 hour
event). There have not been THAT many "paper" logs and generally, they've had smaller numbers
of QSOs but, especially WITHOUT Steve's valuable assistance, I'd really appreciate if "paper"
log submitters at least CONSIDER TRYING the "Web-to-Cabrillo" as described in Rule 7.2.2. If
you MUST mail your entry, DO NOTE that the log submission MAIL address has changed for 2009.
A summary sheet which includes
your total contacts, multipliers and calculated score WILL BE required with Paper Logs
(see sample at: http://www.sysadnet.com/vhfsprintsummary.pdf). Such summary info is not
required for electronic logs but may be included in the SOAPBOX: area of the Cabrillo
formatted log if participants so desire. Be sure to include the grid square you operated
from in either your log or summary sheet.
SPONSORS?? Most of the 2008 Sponsors have renewed their sponsorship for 2009 and I've FINALLY
(as of May 4th) created/updated the 2009 Sponsorship page which can be viewed by
clicking here. If
interested in becoming a prize sponsor or sponsoring a plaque for the events in 2009 (or in the
future), please email me at: springvhfuhfsprints@gmail.com
** Log submissions for 2009 (once the events start) may be viewed
here.
** ** Awards for 2007 and 2008 may be viewed
here.
The complete scores databases for 2007 and 2008 can be viewed
here. Wishing you the very best of VHF! 73, John Kalenowsky, K9JK
1. Object: To work as many amateur stations in as many 2 degree by 1 degree grid squares as possible, using authorized amateur frequencies on the 50, 144, 222, 432, 902 MHz and above bands.
2. Contest Period:
2.1. - 144 MHz
The 144 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Monday, April 6, 2009.
2.2. - 222 MHz
The 222 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on
Tuesday, April 14, 2009.
2.3. - 432 MHz
The 432 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on
Wednesday, April 22, 2009.
2.4. - Microwave (902+)
The Microwave Sprint will be on Saturday, May 2, 2009, from 6 AM
until 1 PM local time. This includes all Amateur frequencies above 902 MHz. Please
include band data in summaries and logs. NOTE: use of Liaison Frequency is encouraged.
2.5. - 50 MHz
The 50 MHz Sprint will be from 2300Z Saturday, May 9, until 0300Z
Sunday, May 10, 2009.
3. Exchange: Grid-square locator - PLEASE EXCHANGE and LOG SIX-Character
Grid Locators where possible. Correct exchange of FOUR-Character Grid Locator is the minimum
requirement for a valid contact but we'd REALLY like to see SIX-Character locators exchanged
and recorded in the submitted logs. 4. Scoring:
4.1. QSO Points: Count one point for each complete QSO.
4.2. Multipliers: The total number of different FOUR-Character Grid
Squares worked. Each FOUR-Character Grid Locator represents a 2 degree by 1 degree area
on the earth's surface, the SIX-character designators are just sub-divisions of that.
So, to be clear, if you work a station in EN53bj and another in EN53we, that is
only ONE Multiplier, EN53.
4.3. Final score: Multiply QSO points by multipliers. Each Sprint is
scored separately.
4.4. Rovers use same QSO Point and Multiplier criteria but scoring
for Rovers is cumulative, total # of multipliers worked from each grid activated multiplied
by total # of complete QSOs from each grid activated. Segregation of rover logs by grid
activated is no longer required as long as the log makes it clear from which FOUR-Character
grid locator each contact was made.
Example: Scores from EM98 5 qso's , 3 grids /
EM99 10 qso's, 4 grids / EM89 3 qso's, 2 grids.
Total score would be 18 qso's x 9 grids = 162 points
4.5. Microwave Sprint scoring is cumulative, total # of grids worked from each band activated
multiplied by total # of stations worked in each band activated.
5. Reporting: Electronic Logs (Cabrillo format ONLY) must be received via
e-mail or paper logs WITH summary sheet
RECEIVED via Mail no later than following deadlines (roughly two weeks after the
close of each event):
6. Awards: 7. Submission of Logs: 7.2. Electronic Logs: 7.3. Paper logs: Questions ? Email
springvhfuhfsprints@gmail.com
This page last updated May 4, 2009 jk version c09-draft2-sa
What's that, you say you have no clue what your SIX-Character Grid Locator is? To
assist you with that, please try the following...
When you click the "Show me my Grid Square!" Button, you will be presented with a Google Map
showing the borders of the 2-degree by 1-degree FOUR-character Grid Square that you entered.
You can then navigate as well as Zoom in and out using the controls at the upper left of the
screen. When you click a point on the map, however, the Latitude and Longitude of that point
ALONG WITH THE SIX-Character Grid Locator for that point will pop up in a text balloon and
the border of the SIX-Character Grid Locator will be shown. This is provided as a service
to the Amateur Radio Community by Laurent/Larry Haas, F6FVY, using the Google Maps API.
Thanks to Larry and Google! Try it, I think you'll like it!
5.1. - 144 MHz - April 21, 2009
5.2. - 222 MHz - April 29, 2009
5.3. - 432 MHz - May 7, 2009
5.4. - Microwave (902+) - May 18, 2009
5.5. - 50 MHz - May 26, 2009
6.1. Certificates/Plaques (if sponsored) will be awarded as follows:
6.1.1. TOP FIVE individual scores for each of the five Sprint "band" events
(Single-Op Fixed, Rover and Rookie will be considered for this ranking).
6.1.2. TOP FIVE cumulative Single-Op Fixed scores (adding scores together by
callsign used from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.3. TOP FIVE cumulative Rover scores (adding scores together by callsign used
from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.4. TOP FIVE cumulative Rookie scores (adding scores together by callsign used
from each of the events, up to 5, for which valid logs are received).
6.1.5. If a plaque is not sponsored for a particular finish above, a certificate
(similar to what other VHF Contest sponsors provide) will be sent. "Specialty"
plaques will also be considered (such as for best finish in a region) if anyone
wants to sponsor such (and can provide a clear criteria). Please contact John
regarding that. To view what plaques have been sponsored (and criteria) for
2009, click click here.
6.2. Prizes: As they are sponsored, prizes will be awarded based on criteria of the
sponsor. As an example, the simplest criteria will be "random drawing from all logs
received." To view what prizes have been sponsored (and criteria) for 2009, click click here.
7.1. By submitting a log, participants confirm that they have observed all contest rules,
as well as all regulations established for amateur radio in their country and that their
log submission is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Participants further
agree to be bound by the decisions of the Spring Sprint sponsors.
7.2.1. The "Cabrillo" log format is now the standard for the Spring Sprints.
7.2.1.1. Use the following text for the "CONTEST:" line in the header of the Cabrillo Log file:
For 144 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-144MHZ-SPRING
For 222 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-222MHZ-SPRING
For 432 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-432MHZ-SPRING
For "Microwave" (902 MHz & Up), use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-MICROWAVE-SPRING
For 50 MHz, use CONTEST: VHF-SPRINT-50MHZ-SPRING
7.2.1.2. Until logging programs with 'official' support for these events become more
available, the closest format is probably for the June or September ARRL VHF QSO Parties
(as long as the logging program knows how to handle SIX-Character Grid Square input and
can properly 'ignore' the 5th and 6th characters for Multiplier counting). It may be
necessary to manually edit the "CONTEST:" line in the file and Claimed Score may be
incorrect for bands 222 MHz and above but the QSO data should be correct.
7.2.1.3. E-mail logs to:
springsprintlogs@gmail.com
preferably using a "Plain Text" e-mail format, with ONLY "your call" and the "band" in the
subject line (W4SHG 144 -or- K9JK MICROWAVE for example) and with the log file as an
attachment named "<your call>.LOG" (e.g. W4SHG.LOG)
7.2.2. "Web-to-Cabrillo": Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, has graciously agreed to provide 'web forms'
to facilitate generation and AUTOMATIC SUBMISSION of Cabrillo-formatted logs for the Spring
VHF & Up Sprints at the http://b4h.net/cabforms
web site that he maintains. You may have to scroll down the homepage a bit to the "Other
Contests" area to find the ones for the Spring VHF Sprints and they may not be there until
just before the actual contests. PLEASE consider using these to generate and submit
electronically instead of submitting a paper log. MANY THANKS to Bruce!
7.3.1. Paper logs must include a Summary sheet and the log
sheets themselves should include the following information:
Band (in MHz, e.g. 50, 144, 222, 432, 902. For above 902, change to GHz, e.g. 1.2, 2.3, 3.4, etc.)
7.3.2. "Snail Mail" paper logs to:
Mode (e.g. CW, PH, FM, RY)
Date/Time (PLEASE indicate whether the dates & times are "local" or UTC)
Callsign SENT (can be listed at the top of a page OR on each line)
Grid Locator SENT (PLEASE give your SIX-character locator when known AND send it as your exchange)
Other Station's Callsign
Other Station's Grid Locator (PLEASE ask for and record SIX-character when the other station provides it)
2009 Spring Sprints
c/o Chuck Towner, W9KQJ
PO BOX 73
PALATINE, IL 60078-0073