ELECRAFT QSO PARTY (EQP) RULES AND FAQ
Revision date: March 8, 2004

EQP Results and Soapbox Comments

EQP Logging Software:

Windows Version by Toby, DJ7MGQ (beta)

Palm OS Version:

Email n1zsw@hotmail.com 

NOTE 1: Please DO NOT call or e-mail Elecraft regarding EQP. Thanks!

NOTE 2: If after reading ALL of the rules you still have a burning question, or feel strongly that something in the rules should be changed, post the question/suggestion to our Elecraft email reflector. We'll read all of these postings. Use very specific subject lines (not just "EQP Question"). This will help us sort through the threads when we're considering making rules changes.

NOTE 3: If you have a bit of spare time and would like to become the EQP contest manager/guru/email target, with all of the intangible rewards, satisfaction, and enduring legacy that this important function embodies, let me know ASAP at n6kr@elecraft.com . I can't run EQP and design new stuff at the same time - Wayne.

Object: 
To have fun, work old and new friends, and optionally collect some Elecraft rig serial numbers. Open to everyone--no Elecraft rig required.

Of special interest: January, 2004 is Elecraft's official 5th anniversary as a company, so we're hoping this EQP will be something of an on-air reunion. With any luck, many of our product beta testers will be around to dole out low serial numbers.

When: 
1500z March 13 to 1500z March 14, 2004 (second full weekend in March.). You can operate any number of hours during this period.

Bands:
Use 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 m ONLY. 

Suggested frequencies: 
CW: 1805-1815 (EU: 1830-1850), 3530-3540, 7030-7040, 14050-14060, 21050-21060, 28050-28060

SSB: 1845-1855 and 1905-1915, 3850-3900 (EU 3750-3800), 7250-7300 (EU 7050-7100), 14250-14300, 21300-21350, 28300-28350

Digital: 

• PSK31: commonly-used frequencies (e.g. near 14070) 

• RTTY: commonly-used frequencies *except* near 7040, which will be in very active use by CW stations (many of them QRP)

Multiple Contacts with Same Station:
Each station can be worked on each mode and each band for QSO credit. The  three modes are CW, SSB, and digital.

Exchange:
Elecraft rig users: RST, name, rig, serial # (e.g. "559 WAYNE K2 NR 3000").
Others: RST, name, and power output (e.g. "599 BOB 15 W").

QSO Points:
SSB: 
3 points per QSO made using 10 W or less
1 point per QSO made using over 10 W 

CW/Digital Modes:
3 points per QSO made using 5 W or less
2 points per QSO made using over 5 W and up to 15 W
1 point per QSO made using over 15 W

(Please limit power output to 100 watts, max. )

QSO points are based on YOUR power output at the time of each QSO. You can change your power at anytime.
ALL QSOs COUNT for credit, even if neither party is using an Elecraft rig for a given QSO.

Score:
Simply add up your QSO Points. (No multipliers, no categories.)

Submission Info: 
Include: 

1. Name

2. Callsign

3. State/Province/Country

4. Score

5. Rig type (see below). 

Send to:  eqp@elecraft.com  before April 18, 2004. Also include any Soapbox comments, but no logs. (EQP is based entirely on the honor system.)

RIG TYPE (optional): Users of both Elecraft and non-Elecraft gear are encouraged to indicate what rig was used most often (based on # of QSOs made with each).

Results, Fame, Glory:
Scores will be posted on the Elecraft and other reflectors by April 31. There may or may not be awards or certificates (TBD), but scores will be sorted from highest to lowest. State/Province/Country and rig type will be included to allow further analysis of the results. 

Additional Important Notes:

1. Cross-mode QSOs are OK; this is intended to allow those with CW-only rigs (such as the K1 and KX1) to work additional stations in SSB segments.  But in all cases, your *transmit* mode is the "mode" for the contact.

2. Packet use is encouraged during the contest. Feel free to spot stations heard calling "CQ EQP".

3. Avoid nets and Fists frequencies. When using QRP frequencies (e.g. 7040) use reduced power whenever possible, or call and move off frequency.

4. Have longer QSOs (i.e., longer than an EQP exchange) if you wish.
   

Frequently Asked Questions (OK, I'm guessing--TBD):

Q: Do I need to use an Elecraft rig, or contact only stations so equipped?
A: No. But Elecraft rig users should send their rig type and serial number.

Q: Is there any incentive to work stations who are using Elecraft rigs? 
A: Yes. Contest contacts count toward Elecraft CC and WAS awards; see http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_awards.htm  for details. Can you work 100 unique Elecraft rigs during EQP? We'll see....

Q: How do I call CQ so people will know I'm participating?
A: CQ EQP.

Q: Can I work a station more than once per band?
A: Yes--up to 3 times (on CW, on SSB, and on a digital mode).

Q: I use my K2 as an I.F. on bands above 10 meters. Can I count such QSOs?
A: No. EQP is HF-only at present.

Q: What if I change power output during the contact?
A: That's OK; just score each QSO based on the highest power level used during the QSO. 

Q: Can I use more than one transceiver during the contest?
A: Absolutely! Experimentation with different rigs, modes, and antennas is encouraged. Take the rig outside and use a random wire. Invite a friend or family member to try making a contact. Make a few Qs 
from your couch using a KX1 

Q: 24 hours? Seems awfully long for a QSO party. 
A: This mitigates unavoidable overlaps with other contests. More importantly, we want everyone (in all parts of the world) to have a good chance at band openings.

Q: Is there software available?
A: Not at present. There was last year, but this year's rules are a quite different, so the software would require revision. Once the rules are stable, we'll see if anyone wants to provide software.