ELECRAFT QSO PARTY (EQP) RULES AND FAQ
Revision date: March 7, 2006 (V2)
Please DO NOT call or e-mail
Elecraft regarding EQP. Post
questions to our email reflector. Thanks!
Object: To have fun, work old
and new friends, work new S/P/C's (States/Provinces/Countries) for awards, and
optionally collect some Elecraft rig serial numbers. Open to everyone - no Elecraft rig required.
When: 1500z March 11 to 1500z
March 12, 2006 (second full weekend in March).
You can operate any number of hours during this period.
Bands: Use 160, 80, 40, 20,
15, and 10 Meters 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 7080-7090 to avoid CW stations near 7040)
Multiple Contacts with Same Station:
Each station
may be worked on each mode and each band for QSO credit. The three modes are
CW, SSB, and Digital.
Work the same
station again on the same band and mode IF
Elecraft rig changes. Both parties should count the duplicate QSO, but ONLY
under these conditions!
Exchange:
Elecraft rig users: RST, S/P/C, rig &
serial # (e.g. "559 CA 13000")
For serial number: Use number to indicate rig (K2=2, K1=1, KX1=0)
followed immediately by serial number (e.g. 23000 =
Others: RST,
S/P/C, power output (e.g. "559 FL
5W")
QSO Points(All modes):
Elecraft s/n
logged: = 5 points
No s/n, different continent: = 4 points
No s/n, same continent: = 2 points
Multiplier:
S/P/C total for
all bands and modes.
The same
station may be worked on each band and mode for QSO points and S/P/C credit
(e.g. CA can be counted for three modes on each of six bands for a possible 18
mults!)
Power Multiplier:
CW/Digital Modes: SSB PEP:
0 - <250mW =
X15 0 - <500mW = X15
250mW - <1W
= X10 500mW - <2W = X10
1W - 5W =
X7 2W - 10W = X7
>5W = X1 >10W = X1
Highest power
used at any time on any mode determines multiplier. Please limit power to 100W
maximum.
Score: QSO points X S/P/C's X Power Mult
Submission Info:
Name, Callsign,
S/P/C, Score Summary, Station Equipment
Send to: eqp@elecraft.com by April 12
Also include
soapbox, but no logs (EQP is based on honor system)
Awards: Certificate for top US and DX entries.
Additional Important Notes:
1. No
cross-mode QSOs
2. Packet use
is encouraged during the contest. Feel
free to spot stations calling "CQ
EQP".
3. Avoid nets
and FISTs frequencies. When using QRP
calling frequencies, use QRP power (5W or less for CW/Digital, 10W PEP or less
for SSB).
4. Have longer QSOs
than just EQP exchange if you wish.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: What are S/P/C's???
A: States
(U.S.)/Provinces (
Q: Do I need to use an Elecraft rig or contact
stations so equipped?
A: No, But
Elecraft rig users should send their rig types and serial numbers.
Q: Why the cryptic method of sending Elecraft
rig and S/N?
A: For existing
software to properly interpret this field, the string must contain only numeric
digits. If an alpha character is found,
the software will interpret the string as power.
Q: Is there any incentive to work stations who
are using Elecraft rigs?
A: Yes. QSOs count five points and also count toward
Elecraft CC and WAS awards.
Q: How do I call CQ so people will know I'm
participating?
A: Call "CQ
EQP"
Q: Can I work a station more than once per band?
A: Yes, once
per mode (CW, Digital, and SSB).
Q: Can I count QSOs made on six meters and
above.
A: No. EQP is
HF only at present.
Q: What if I change power output during the
contest?
A: Use the power
multiplier for the highest power used.
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: Many
contests run 48 hours! We want everyone
throughout the world to have a good chance at band openings.
Q: Is there software available for the EQP?
A:The rules
closely resemble the ARCI and MI QSO Parties, as well as the SOC Marathon
Sprint. DOS based NA and TRLOG as well as Windows based N1MM Logger and N3FJP
Logger support these contests and will therefore work with the EQP. See
other links.