QSO PARTY (EQP 2007) RULES AND FAQ
Revision date: Feb 20, 2007 

Note: 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 10 to 1500zMarch 11, 2007 (second 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 (+/- 5 kHz):
CW: 1815 (EU: 1840), 3540, 7040, 14060, 21060, 28060
SSB: 1840 and 1915, 3875 (EU:3775),7275 (EU:7075), 14275, 21325, 28325
DIGITAL: 
PSK31 - commonly used frequencies (e.g. 14070)
RTTY - commonly used frequencies (exception: on 40 m, use 7085 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 = K2with S/N of 3000)
Others: RST, *S/P/C, power output (e.g. "559 FL 5W")
*S/P/C = State (U.S.) / Province (Canada) / Country (DXCC list)

QSO Points (All modes): 
Elecraft s/n logged: = 5 points 
No s/n logged: = 3 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/Credit (e.g. CA can be counted for three modes on each of six bands for a possible 18 mults.) 

Power Multiplier: 

Highest power used at any time on any mode determines multiplier. Please limit power to100W maximum.

Score: QSO points x S/P/C's x Power Multiplier

Submission Info: 
Name, Callsign, S/P/C, Score Summary, Station Equipment
Send to:   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 (5 W or less for CW/Digital, 10 W PEP or less for SSB).
4. Have longer QSOs than just EQP exchange if you wish.

Frequently asked questions:
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.

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