Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2003

CQ WPX RTTY Contest 2020

February 8-9, 2020

Starts: 0000 UTC Saturday    Ends: 2359 UTC Sunday

I. OBJECTIVE: For amateurs world wide to contact as many amateurs and prefixes as possible during the period of operation.

II. PERIOD OF OPERATION: 48 hours. Single Operator stations may operate 30 of the 48 hours – off times must be a minimum of 60 minutes during which no QSO is logged. Multi-operator stations may operate the full 48 hours.

III. BANDS: Only the 3.5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 MHz bands may be used. Observance of established band plans is strongly encouraged.

IV. CONTEST EXCHANGE: RST report plus a progressive contact serial number starting with 001 for the first contact. Note: Multi-Two and Multi-Unlimited entrants use separate serial number sequences on each band.

V. SCORING:

A. Score: The final score is the result of the total QSO points multiplied by the number of different prefixes worked.

B. QSO Points. A station may be worked once on each band for QSO point credit:

1. Contacts between stations on different continents are worth three (3) points on 28, 21, and 14 MHz and six (6) points on 7 and 3.5 MHz.

2. Contacts between stations on the same continent, but different countries, are worth two (2) points on 28, 21, and 14 MHz and four (4) points on 7 and 3.5 MHz.

3. Contacts between stations in the same country are worth 1 point on 28, 21, and 14 MHz and two (2) points on 7 and 3.5 MHz.

C. Prefix Multipliers: The prefix multiplier is the number of valid prefixes worked. Each PREFIX is counted only once regardless of the band or number of times the same prefix is worked.

1. A PREFIX is the letter/numeral combination which forms the first part of the amateur call. Examples: N8, W8, WD8, HG1, HG19, KC2, OE2, OE25, LY1000, etc. Any difference in the numbering, lettering, or order of same shall count as a separate prefix. A station operating from a DXCC entity different from that indicated by its call sign is required to sign portable. The portable prefix must be an authorized prefix of the country/call area of operation. In cases of portable operation, the portable designator will then become the prefix. Example: N8BJQ operating from Wake Island would sign N8BJQ/KH9 or N8BJQ/NH9. KH6XXX operating from Ohio must use an authorized prefix for the U.S. 8th district (/W8, /AD8, etc.). Portable designators without numbers will be assigned a zero (0) after the second letter of the portable designator to form the prefix. Example: PA/N8BJQ would become PA0. All calls without numbers will be assigned a zero (0) after the first two letters to form the prefix. Example: XEFTJW would count as XE0. Maritime mobile, mobile, /A, /E, /J, /P, or other license class identifiers do not count as prefixes.

2. Special event, commemorative, and other unique prefix stations are encouraged to participate. Prefixes must be assigned by the licensing authority of the country of operation.

Read the full CQ WPX RTTY Rules

Free RTTY Software

Here is a selection of popular free to use RTTY programs, many more links to RTTY software can be found on our dedicated links category.

MixW Software – Update DLL

Many of the Cabrillo format problems in submitted logs are from MixW users. There is a new DLL for CQ WW RTTY that must be used.
Please install the MixW DLL for CQ WW RTTY, available here. Instructions for configuration of MixW and how to create a proper Cabrillo file are here.

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2002

Zeus ZS-1 HF USB SDR Transceiver

Since SSB-Electronic introduced the first compact digital receiver, the “Perseus”, a few years ago, time has not stopped. The integration of the PC or notebook into the hobby has prompted the demand for something more.

With this premise the Zeus ZS-1 was born.

After software-defined receivers have been the state of the art for several years, the ZS-1 now opens up all the possibilities of “direct sampling” known from the SDR on the transmission side. You see what you send and hear …

ZEUS ZS-1 HF USB Transceiver

The new Zeus ZS-1 is a new direct sampling SDR transceiver capable of covering all classic HF bands in transmission, including the WARC bands, with an adjustable output power of 15 watts.

In reception Zeus ZS-1 covers frequencies from 300 kHz up to 30 MHz. The high quality design and high quality bandpass filters ensure that transmission signals are absolutely free of unwanted harmonics.

A broadband spectrum display and a cascading display displayed simultaneously inform the user about activity within a given band. Zeus ZS-1 is equipped with selectable AGC, automatic notch filter and continuous variable filters for CW / SSB / AM.

Zeus ZS-1 can be easily connected to the PC via a standard USB 2.0 cable.

An integrated interface allows operation via an IP address Zeus operating software written specifically for the ZS-1, offers access to a wide range of functions including a large Tx EQ, a compressor, an integrated CW keyer that includes recored messages.

In addition to the choice between key and paddle, the CW generation can be even selected via the keyboard.

Zeus ZS-1 can be used in combination with many amateur radio programs like Ham Radio Deluxe, SDR.com and others.

A dozen good reasons to buy a ZS-1:

  1. best software defined transceiver in ARRL test
  2. particularly pure output signal through predistortion
  3. divisible interface (operation / spectrum), dual monitor suitable, very practical in combination with decoder software
  4. additional window for audio signal
  5. intuitive GUI with practical user guidance: left mouse button = function, right mouse button = configuration
  6. 1-button solution for switching all parameters between SSB operation and digital modes
  7. storable standard texts for CW operation
  8. easy integration of external control units
  9. free software updates
  10. two display modes of the S-Meter: analog or digital display
  11. instructions and customer support in German and English
  12. Made in Germany: The only fully digital transceiver that is completely manufactured in Germany.

FT8 vs CW – an amateur radio shootout

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Ham Radio Adventures 14

We compare popular ham radio modes FT8 and CW for a Summits on the air (SOTA) QRP activation. Which mode will win? Comments and suggestions always welcome.

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2001

CQ 160 Meter CW Contest

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CQ WW 160-Meter Contest CW

The contest consists of two separate events. The CW mode is held the final full weekend of January. The Phone mode is held the final full weekend of February.

Contest Dates and Quick Contest Information

CW: 2200Z January 24 to 2200Z January 26

SSB: 2200Z February 21 to 2200Z February 23


OBJECTIVE:

For amateurs around the world to contact other amateurs in as many U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and countries as possible utilizing the 160 meter band.

BAND USE:

1810–2000 kHz in ITU Region 1. 1800–2000 kHz in ITU Regions 2 and 3. All entrants are encouraged to spread out as much as possible, obeying frequency restrictions and power limits for their own country. Any violations of the ITU band use may result in disqualification.

EXCHANGE:

RS(T) and state for U.S., province for Canada, and CQ Zone for DX. Note: Zones are location indicators only and do not count for multipliers.

DEADLINES FOR LOG SUBMISSIONS ARE 5 DAYS!

Please read full CQWW 160m Contest Rules

Entry Statistics

CQ 160 stats 2019

The SOTABEAMS bandpass filter

Many handie-talky radios suffer from severe interference from nearby transmitters – particularly on hilltop sites. Blocking is a reduction in sensitivity that can be hard to detect.

When a radio is being blocked all callers (even strong ones) can appear weak or may even be undetectable. 

The SOTABEAMS bandpass filter is a small, rugged and lightweight filter that eleminates virtually all interference problems. The filter is a helical design that is made specially for SOTABEAMS. It is simply attached between the radio and antenna.

Richard of SOTABEAMS has made a short video about various methods to combat blocking which can be seen on the SOTABEAMS website: https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/bandpass-filter-for-2m/

The Best Amateur Radio Links of 2019

Some of the best amateur radio links we reviewed during the 2019.

The list represented in this article is just a selection of best amateur radio links we have reviewed and added to our links directory.

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 1940