2013 Announcement & Rules
2013 Spring VHF/UHF Sprints
Sponsored and organizationally supported by
the Central States VHF Society (csvhfs.org)
hosted by John Kalenowsky, K9JK
It is our pleasure to announce the 2013 Spring VHF/UHF Sprints.
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".
"Distance Scoring" will continue in 2013 for all 5 of the Spring Sprint Bands/events
The "Rookie" classification IS continued for 2013, 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 in the Comment area of 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 2013, 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, the policy that any MAILED logs MUST be RECEIVED by the log deadline for each band that was started in 2009 continues, 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 I'd really appreciate if "paper" log submitters would at least CONSIDER TRYING the "Web-to-Cabrillo" as described in Rule 7.2.2. If you MUST mail your entry, DO NOTE the log submission MAIL address in 7.3.2.
** Awards and Results for 2008 through 2012 may be viewed here.
Wishing you the very best of VHF! 73,
John Kalenowsky, K9JK
2. Contest Period:
2.1. - 144 MHz
The 144 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Monday, April 1, 2013.
2.2. - 222 MHz
The 222 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
2.3. - 432 MHz
The 432 MHz Sprint will be from 7 PM until 11 PM local time on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
2.4. - Microwave (902+)
The Microwave Sprint will be on Saturday, May 4, 2013, 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 11, until 0300Z Sunday, May 12, 2013.
3. Exchange: Grid-square locator - PLEASE EXCHANGE and LOG SIX-Character Grid Locators where possible. Correct exchange of FOUR-Character Grid Locator (and call signs) 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.
What's that, you say you have no clue what your SIX-Character Grid Locator is?
To assist you with that, AFTER reading the instructions that follow, please click here.
The click above will take you to a Google Map showing the borders of the 20-degree by 10-degree "MAJOR Grid" of "EM" as well as parts around it. IF you know your FOUR-character Grid Locator (also known as "MINOR Grid"), you can enter it in an entry box at the bottom of the page, which may get you closer to where you want to be looking. In any case, 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 (also known as "sub-grid") for that point will pop up in a text balloon and the border of the SIX-Character Grid Locator will be shown. If there is good aerial photo coverage in your neighborhood, you might even be able to find your house!
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!
4. Scoring:
Scoring continues to be distance based, 1 point per kilometer, for 2013.
It would certainly make things easier if EVERYONE knew, exchanged and logged SIX-Character locators but it is likely more certain that there will be participants that only know their FOUR-character locator. In such a case, RECORD what the other station actually SENDS as their Grid Locator even if JUST the FOUR characters. DO NOT use "look up" systems in logging programs, such as Ham Radio Deluxe has or can be done with Super Check Partial files in many logging programs...RECORD what the other station sends (it IS okay if what your lookup 'matches' what they sent but be sure to CHANGE it if they send something different INCLUDING only recording/logging FOUR characters if FOUR characters is all that the other station SENDS).
I believe that W3KM's VHFLOG Logging Program has the capability to record SIX Character Locators (or 4 character) and can calculate distance scores based on 1 point per kilometer BUT the KEY item needed is that the program CAN record SIX-character Grid Exchanges and produce a proper CABRILLO formatted log file. It is also my understanding that RoverLog and the N1MM Logging Program can similarly record SIX-character Grid Locators, produce proper CABRILLO formatted log files and can calculate distance scores based on 1 point per kilometer.
Rovers can be worked again as they enter a different "Grid Square" (Grid-4) but it is hoped that Rovers will have capability to know their SIX Character SUB-grid locator and give that as their report. "Dupes" will be allowed with Rovers (from different sub-grids in the same Grid-4 locator) but only the LONGEST single path length will be counted for a given Grid-4.
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):
5.1. - 144 MHz - April 16, 2013
5.2. - 222 MHz - May 1, 2013
5.3. - 432 MHz - May 9, 2013
5.4. - Microwave (902+) - May 20, 2013
5.5. - 50 MHz - May 28, 2013
6. Awards:
6.1. Certificates 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 any Plaques are sponsored for a particular finish above (targeting to have First Place for each of the Category Cumulative Scores and Top Score for each Band/Event sponsored as a minimum) the Plaque will be given in lieu of the certificate. "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 e-mail John at springvhfuhfsprints@gmail.com regarding that.
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."
7. Submission of Logs:
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 host(s), sponsor(s) and scoring team.
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 over five separate events during the "Spring" (April and May).
7.2. Electronic Logs:
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 VHF-SPRINT-144MHZ-SPRING
For 222 MHz, use VHF-SPRINT-222MHZ-SPRING
For 432 MHz, use VHF-SPRINT-432MHZ-SPRING
For "Microwave" (902 MHz & Up), use VHF-SPRINT-MICROWAVE-SPRING
For 50 MHz, use VHF-SPRINT-50MHZ-SPRING
7.2.1.2. Until logging programs with 'official' support for these events become 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 exchanges). It may be necessary to manually edit the "CONTEST:" line in the file and Claimed Score is pretty much "guaranteed" to be incorrect since scoring is now based on distances as opposed to the "traditional" QSOs time Multipliers 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 (WA2FGK 144 -or- K3TUF MICROWAVE for example) and with the log file as an attachment named "<your call>.LOG" (e.g. W9GKA.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. Paper logs:
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.)
Mode (e.g. CW, PH, FM, RY)
Date/Time (UTC Date and Time are strongly preferred but "local" are acceptable and it is usually apparent which was used when logs are received)
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 BUT, if the other station only reports FOUR-character, record the 4 characters)
7.3.2. "Snail Mail" paper logs to:
Spring Sprints
c/o Chuck Towner, AE9CT
PO BOX 73
PALATINE, IL 60078-0073
And remember that snail-mailed logs must be RECEIVED BY (NOT postmarked by) the specified deadline for each event.
Questions ? Email springvhfuhfsprints@gmail.com
This page last updated February 28, 2013 jk version 13a01a