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A PowerPoint presentation by Bruce Draper, AA5B on how to get started in contesting, no matter if you are a big gun or a little pistol

The South African Radio League (SARL) serves as the national representative body for amateur radio in South Africa, holding membership in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It actively promotes the hobby, coordinates national amateur radio activities, and provides essential services to its members, including advocacy for spectrum allocation and regulatory liaison with ICASA. The organization frequently publishes updates relevant to the ZS amateur community, such as "HF Update with ZS4BS" and reports on events like the "ZS6STN Field day." SARL supports various aspects of amateur radio, from contesting and DXing to technical experimentation and emergency communications. The league's website lists upcoming events and news, ensuring members stay informed about national and international amateur radio developments. Its focus encompasses all amateur bands, with recent updates highlighting HF activities. The league's digital presence, including its canonical URL _mysarl.org.za_, provides a central hub for South African hams. The site frequently updates with news, event schedules, and technical information, reflecting an active and engaged amateur radio community.

Offer various contest logging programs, for scandinavian contests, SPDX, PAXX, OK/OM Contests, IARU VHF Contest, Portugal Day DX contests, HSC contest, various polish and norwegian local contests and other utilities

The ÖVSV website provides extensive resources for Austrian radio amateurs, including details on its nine **Landesverbände** (regional sections) and the Austrian Military Radio Society (AMRS). It features information on licensing, legal frameworks, and **band plans** for both HF and VHF/UHF operations. The site also covers various amateur radio activities such as contests (HF, VHF/Microwave, Alpe-Adria, SOTA, ARDF), technical projects like WRAN, and educational content explaining what amateur radio is and how to become a licensed operator. Recent news items highlight events like the "Laa Funk '26" exhibition, the "OE5XLM" club station's participation in the CQ WW Contest, and the "International Marconi Day 2026" activation by "OE26M" from Küniglberg. The site lists upcoming events, including a 160m OE-Aktivitätsrunde, a seminar on Baluns/Ununs, and various club meetings and flea markets. Membership is facilitated through regional sections, and the site emphasizes amateur radio's role in independent communication during crises.

K8GP web site, home of the Grid Pirates Contest Group.

The HA8TKS VHF DXCluster is an essential online resource for amateur radio operators focusing on VHF and higher frequencies. This platform provides real-time information on DX spots, allowing users to track and engage in two-way radio communications effectively. The integrated map mash-up feature enhances the user experience by visually displaying the locations of DX stations, making it easier for operators to plan their contacts and optimize their antenna setups based on geographical data. In addition to the DXCluster functionality, the site offers various HAM tools, including a QRB calculator, which helps operators determine the distance to DX stations based on Maidenhead grid locators. The platform supports multiple modes of operation, including CW, SSB, RTTY, and digital modes like FT8 and JT65. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive data, the HA8TKS VHF DXCluster is a valuable asset for both novice and experienced operators looking to enhance their DXing and contesting activities.

VHF, 50 MHz contest, gallery and six meters infos

Optimizing weak signal reception on the HF bands, particularly in the presence of strong local QRM, often necessitates specialized receiving antenna systems. This resource details the _HI-Z Antennas_ product line, focusing on phased vertical arrays designed for superior noise rejection and directivity. It covers components such as the 4-Square and 8-Element array controllers, which allow for rapid switching of receive patterns, and dedicated low-noise preamplifiers to improve system sensitivity. The site also presents various bandpass filters, crucial for mitigating out-of-band interference and enhancing the dynamic range of the receiver. The HI-Z systems are engineered to provide significant front-to-back and side rejection, often yielding **20-30 dB** of attenuation to unwanted signals, which is critical for DXing and contesting. Users can achieve a notable reduction in local noise, allowing for the discernment of signals that would otherwise be buried. The array controllers facilitate quick pattern changes, enabling operators to null out interference or peak weak signals from distant stations, effectively extending the reach of their receive capabilities by improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

The QRV.DK platform offers a dedicated **QRZ callsign search engine** specifically tailored for Danish amateur radio operators. It enables users to look up callsigns and ascertain their **Logbook of The World (LoTW)** status, a critical feature for DXers and contesters seeking QSL confirmations. The search functionality facilitates rapid access to operator details within the Danish amateur radio community, streamlining contact verification processes. Beyond callsign lookups, the resource includes a comprehensive repeater list for Denmark, providing essential information for local and regional VHF/UHF operations. This feature supports mobile and portable stations in locating active repeaters, enhancing communication reliability across various bands. The site also curates a collection of ham radio links, serving as a centralized hub for related amateur radio resources.

Operating as a local amateur radio club, the Wireless Association of South Hills (WASH) provides a community hub for hams in the Pittsburgh, PA area, identified by the N3SH callsign. The club engages in a range of activities including the Annual Field Day, the PA QSO Party, and a 2 Meter Contest, fostering participation in various aspects of the hobby. WASH also supports local ARES/RACES efforts, highlighting the critical role of amateur radio in emergency communications during disasters, and facilitates ARRL/VEC exam sessions for new licensees. Beyond contests and emergency preparedness, WASH hosts club picnics and an annual hamfest, promoting social interaction among members. The club maintains VHF/UHF repeaters, which are essential for local communication and extending range for members. Regular activities include a Monday evening WASH NET at 8:00 PM, providing a consistent on-air gathering point. The club's focus on both recreational and public service aspects of amateur radio, from making new friends to providing vital disaster communications, underscores its comprehensive approach to the hobby.

Report on tests done on VHF Radios to understand which are best suited for 144 MHz operation in large signal environments like VHF contests

Presents the Scranton Pocono Amateur Radio Club (SPARK), K3CSG, highlighting its status as one of Pennsylvania's most senior ARRL-affiliated clubs. The club, also known as the Abington Amateur Radio Club, maintains a consistent presence in the local amateur radio community. It provides a platform for radio enthusiasts to engage in various aspects of the hobby, including operating events and technical discussions. The resource details the club's historical background and its ongoing commitment to fostering amateur radio interest and skill development among its members. The club's activities often encompass participation in field days, local nets, and support for emergency communications. Members frequently operate on HF and VHF/UHF bands, utilizing various modes for local and DX contacts. The club's callsign, K3CSG, is regularly active during club events and contests, representing its collective efforts in amateur radio.

Understanding the operational impact of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) on amateur radio communications is crucial for any radio amateur, especially given the potential for significant radio frequency interference (RFI). This ARRL tutorial delves into the technical aspects of BPL, explaining how the technology operates by transmitting data over existing electrical power lines, which can inadvertently radiate broadband noise across various amateur bands. My own field experience, particularly on the lower HF bands, has often involved tracking down noise sources that exhibit characteristics consistent with BPL emissions, making this a pertinent topic for maintaining clear receive conditions. The resource further details the specific FCC rules and regulations implemented to restrict BPL deployment. These regulations aim to protect licensed radio services, including amateur radio, from harmful interference. It outlines the technical standards and operational limitations imposed on BPL systems to minimize their impact on the electromagnetic spectrum, a critical aspect for contesters and DXers alike. For those engaged in RFI mitigation, the tutorial provides a foundational understanding of the regulatory framework that can be leveraged when addressing BPL-related interference issues. It serves as a valuable reference for hams seeking to comprehend the technical challenges and regulatory solutions surrounding this pervasive noise source.

An introduction to RDF contesting in southern California, updated from a paper originally submitted for Proceedings of the 1992 West Coast VHF/UHF Conference.

Presents the VHFDX.EU web cluster, a specialized resource for VHF, UHF, and microwave DX spotting. It details the cluster's functionality, including real-time spot aggregation and a DXCluster Map interface for visualizing activity. The resource highlights its integration with the MMMonVHF backbone, ensuring a robust data flow for monitoring band openings and propagation events across higher frequencies. It also references reviews of the ON4KST and N0UK chat systems, which are frequently used in conjunction with VHF DX operations. The platform offers a mobile-optimized view for on-the-go access to DX spots, catering to portable and mobile operators. It further provides daily ES (Sporadic E) spot summaries, a critical feature for VHF operators tracking this specific propagation mode. The cluster serves as a central point for operators to share and receive information on rare grid squares, contest activity, and general band conditions above 50 MHz.

Monitoring real-time amateur radio activity is essential for DXers and contesters seeking rare contacts or tracking propagation. This online service aggregates DX spots from various **DX Cluster** networks, presenting them visually on a world map. Users can observe new spots as they appear, facilitating quick identification of active stations and potential openings. The platform offers filtering capabilities, allowing operators to narrow down displayed spots by specific bands such as 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 10m, and even VHF/UHF segments like 70cm and 23cm. Further refinement is possible by selecting the source continent of the spotter or the continent of the DX station, which assists in strategic operating. The service also includes a "Hot Now" list, highlighting currently active stations with recent spots. This dynamic display supports informed decision-making for pursuing **DX contacts** across different bands and geographical regions.

VHF/UHF Contest Logger is a windows freeware contest log program that supports ARRL VHF/UHF contests and other popular VHF contests

SkookumLogger is a free contest logging program for Mac OS X 10.7 or later, supporting CW and SSB events on the six HF contest bands plus 6m, 4m, 2m, and 70cm

If you find yourself in London then please do visit. The club operates a HF station with the call sign GX0MIN, Friday evenings. We have held the contest call sign M2W since 2000, and regularly participate in HF contests. CQWW SSB is a favourite and the group has operated the October event from Whitton using M2W and from DX locations during the years, with the calls 9H0WW, ZC4DX, C56DX, A45ZN.

The MMMonVHF database, curated by DL8EBW, currently lists 63,455 entries for VHF operators, providing a searchable resource for locating stations active on 144 MHz and higher bands. Operators can register their callsigns to be included, with specific criteria such as participation in _MS_ (Meteor Scatter), _WSJT_ modes, or _EME_ (Earth-Moon-Earth) operations required for inclusion in the `call3.txt` file. This resource facilitates VHF DX expeditions and contest planning by allowing users to identify potential contacts within a geographical area. The database supports various VHF/UHF operating modes, including those focused on weak signal propagation. Statistical data regarding the database entries is also presented, offering insights into the distribution of registered VHF activity.

Ukrainian radioamateur on HF: DX News, Contesting, Propagation, Conference, Photo, Radioamateur Map, Online Logs etc.

Multi language contest log program for 9A VHF UHF contest. Freeware for Windows

2009 IARU HF World Championship Contest Rules

The Lakeshore Repeater Association (KR9RK) operates a **VHF** 2-meter repeater on 147.270 MHz, utilizing a +600 kHz offset and a 100 Hz PL tone, serving the Raymond, Wisconsin area. The organization provides access to monthly newsletters, with recent editions including March 2026, February 2026, and January 2026, detailing club activities and operational updates. A Google Docs link is provided for newsletters with functional embedded links, addressing issues with PDF versions. The association's Megacycle Group is actively constructing a **DX Contest** level HF network, designed for remote accessibility. This initiative aims to provide members with a competitive edge in global DX hunts by enabling worldwide access to the station's radios. Additionally, the Lakeshore Radio Association is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a special event station, K5O, inviting all members to participate in on-air operations.

Windows shareware Log program for the IARU HF Contest

RTTY Contests HF and Sprint

This resource compiles claimed scores, often referred to as "rumor scores," for numerous amateur radio contests, providing a historical snapshot of competitive activity from 1993 through 2007. It lists entries for prominent events such as _CQWW CW_, _ARRL Sweepstakes_, _IOTA Contest_, and various _NAQP_ events, categorized by year and contest. Each entry typically includes the contest name and the month/year of operation, allowing users to quickly navigate to specific contest periods. The site also references the _3830 Web Page_ on Contesting.com as the primary submission portal for these claimed scores. The collection offers a unique perspective on contest participation and performance trends over more than a decade, preceding the widespread adoption of real-time score reporting systems. While not official results, these rumor scores provided early indications of top performers and overall activity levels for a wide array of HF and some VHF contests, including _ARRL 10M_ and _CQWW VHF_. The historical data can be useful for analyzing past contest popularity, identifying consistently strong operators, or simply reminiscing about earlier competitive eras in amateur radio.

The Texas DX Society is an organization of radio amateurs in Houston, Texas who have a primary interest in DX chasing and contest operating on HF, VHF, and UHF.

The CQ World Wide DX Contest records page details the highest scores achieved in the CQ WW DX Contest across various categories and years. It systematically lists records for both SSB and CW modes, segmenting results by entry class such as Multi-Multi, Multi-Two, Multi-Single High, Multi-Single Low, Single Operator High Power, Single Operator Low Power, Single Operator QRP, Single Operator Assisted High, Single Operator Assisted Low, and Single Operator Assisted QRP. Each record entry specifies the callsign, the operator's callsign in parentheses if different, the year of operation, and the total score achieved. The data is further broken down by individual amateur radio bands, including 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m, allowing for granular analysis of performance within specific frequency segments. The page also includes records for the "ALL" band category, representing cumulative scores across all operational bands. The presented records span from 1948 to 2025, providing a historical perspective on contest performance. This resource also references other CQ contests like CQ WPX, CQ WW RTTY, CQ WPX RTTY, CQ 160, CQ VHF, and WW DIGI, indicating a broader context of contest record keeping. It explicitly states that late logs are not included in the records, ensuring data integrity. The page is maintained by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, Inc.

TACLog offers a distinct approach to contest logging for **VHF/UHF/SHF** operations, diverging from the rigid input formats often found in other logging applications. This software prioritizes operational freedom, allowing contesters to input data in a sequence that suits their workflow during a fast-paced event, rather than being constrained by predefined field orders. It's particularly tailored for those participating in contests governed by **Region 1 rules**, ensuring compliance with established regulations. The program's design focuses on practicality for serious contesters, providing a robust platform for managing contacts. Its support for the EDI format is a significant advantage, streamlining the process of submitting logs to contest committees and facilitating data exchange within the amateur radio community. My experience with various logging tools confirms that flexibility in data entry can dramatically improve efficiency during multi-operator or high-rate single-operator contests, where every second counts.

Twenty-four repeaters, including D-STAR and Fusion systems, are maintained and operated by MARCA Inc., primarily located on Arizona mountaintops and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization, holding the callsign _W7MOT_, facilitates a wide range of amateur radio activities, such as ARRL Field Day events near Forest Lakes, Arizona, and participation in ARRL FMT contests. Members engage in antenna experimentation, construction, and maintenance trips to repeater sites. The club's interests span diverse topics, including HF voice, digital modes like _WSPR_, _WSJT-X_ (FT8, FT4), and CW, alongside DXing, MESH networking, and EOC operations. It supports technologies from SDR radio building to antique radio restoration and computer-based operations like Echolink, fostering a Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raspberry Pi group. Monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday, feature business discussions and guest presentations, with informal summer gatherings and an annual holiday dinner in December. Monthly VE testing sessions for Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses are conducted by Ray Vasquez, K4RMV. Post-meeting discussions often cover specialized interests such as repeater operations, technical topics, D-STAR, SDR, APRS, Fusion, and Raspberry Pi projects.

ContestLogHQB is a free windows contest logging program developed by Gabriele IZ5HQB. Currently in Italian, support most of the VHF and Up contests including Maraton 50Mhz.

The **HamRacer** voice keyer, a Windows-based application, is showcased in this video, illustrating its utility for radio amateurs participating in SSB contests. It functions as a synthesized PC-based voice keyer, specifically designed for HF and VHF SSB contest operations, allowing operators to transmit pre-recorded or text-to-speech generated messages during rapid-fire exchanges. The demonstration includes actual recorded QSO examples from a contest, featuring contacts with stations such as SP6OWA, S57O, OK1IEI, 9A1DL, OE1PAB, OK1GTH, and 9A1E. These examples highlight the software's practical application in a live contesting environment, demonstrating how it facilitates contest participation for operators who might otherwise face challenges with traditional voice keying. The resource provides a direct look at the software in action, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusivity within the amateur radio contesting community. It details the use of Windows SAPI for speech synthesis, a core component of HamRacer's functionality.

Le radioamateurisme,le qrp,l elecraft k2, antennas,qrp,schemas,manuals,nostalgia, meteo,dx clusters hf, and contests links in french

IZ5CML, Enrico Giannerini, obtained his amateur radio license in 1998, achieving DXCC contacts with all entities over 18 years of activity. His station, located in Empoli, Tuscany, Italy, focuses on HF and 50 MHz operations, primarily using SSB, CW, and some RTTY. He emphasizes direct radio communication, preferring "human modes" over digital modes like FT8/4, which he views as detaching the operator from the signal. Enrico's operating interests include DXing, IOTA activations, and major HF contests, where he has participated both individually and with teams like IQ5LV and IO5O. Notable activations include Sao Miguel and Flores (CU8, EU-089) in the Azores in 2005, and Antiparos and Paros (EU-067) in Greece in 2006 and 2014. He also contributes to the Hamradioweb forum, promoting good operating practices and publishing the monthly "Dxschedule" for upcoming DX and contest activities. The website includes a blog with articles on DX, ionospheric propagation, and antennas, reflecting his long-standing passion for radio, sparked by the 1980s film "La Tenda Rossa" and years as an SWL.

The CQ World Wide DX Contest records document top scores, with the Multi-Multi SSB category showing CN8WW achieving **78,170,508 points** in 2000. These records span from 1948 to 2025, categorizing results by region, operating class (e.g., Single Operator High Power, Low Power, QRP, Assisted), and specific bands like 10M, 15M, 20M, 40M, 80M, and 160M. For instance, EF8R (E77DX) holds the All-Band High Power SSB record with **25,747,775 points** in 2025. Each entry includes the callsign (with operator callsign in parentheses for guest ops), year of operation, and total score. The _CQ WW DX Contest_ also features records for the RTTY and VHF contests, alongside the main SSB and CW categories. QRP records demonstrate significant achievements, such as P40W (W2GD) with 5,097,780 points in the All-Band SSB QRP category in 2000. Multi-Two and Multi-Single categories are also detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of competitive performance.

J49I operated from Crete Island (EU-015, KM25PH) during the 2008 _CQ WW DX CW Contest_, focusing on multi-operator category participation. The station's activity centered on maximizing contacts and multiplier acquisition across various HF bands during the competitive event. Operators aimed to achieve a high score by leveraging the island's DXCC entity status. The team, comprising Greek and Italian amateur radio operators, utilized the J49I callsign for this specific contest operation. Their efforts contributed to the overall contest results for the 2008 CW segment, with logs submitted reflecting their performance from the European continent.

This resource documents numerous QRP (low power) portable amateur radio operations conducted by W1PID, Jim Cluett, primarily from various outdoor locations in New Hampshire. The content includes detailed accounts, photographs, and operational specifics for over 350 individual "QRP Adventures," often involving hiking, biking, or kayaking to remote sites. Each entry typically highlights the location, date, bands and modes used (frequently CW on HF), and notable DX contacts made with minimal power, sometimes as low as 200mW WSPR. The site serves as a chronicle of practical QRP field operation, demonstrating successful DXing and contesting from challenging environments. It showcases diverse operating scenarios, from mountaintops like Cannon Mountain and Knox Mountain to lakeshores, riverbanks, and even marine mobile operations. The documented contacts span numerous DXCC entities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing empirical evidence of QRP's efficacy in varied propagation conditions and terrains. Specific events like the Worked All Germany contest, 13 Colonies Event, and CWT sprints are also featured.

Slovenia contest club EU HF Championship

The _Alessandro Volta RTTY Contest_ is an annual digital mode competition focusing on Radioteletype (RTTY) operation, challenging participants to make contacts across various HF bands. This event typically occurs in January, drawing a global field of operators aiming to maximize their QSO count and multiplier accumulation. The contest emphasizes accurate exchange of signal reports and serial numbers, with specific rules governing single operator, multi-operator, and SWL categories. Participants utilize software like _N1MM Logger+_ or _WriteLog_ to manage their logs and generate Cabrillo files for submission. Scoring is based on points per QSO, multiplied by unique DXCC entities and Italian provinces worked on each band. The contest encourages both seasoned RTTY contesters and those new to digital modes to engage in competitive HF activity, promoting skill development in digital communication. Final results and logs are typically published on the contest website, showcasing top performers and providing detailed breakdowns of scores.

The Mississippi QSO Party, sponsored by the Mississippi Section of the ARRL, offers a prime opportunity for hams worldwide to make contact with Mississippi stations. This annual event encourages both in-state and out-of-state operators to activate Mississippi counties, promoting activity across the Magnolia State's diverse geographic regions. Participants often operate from various locations, including parks and historical sites, contributing to the unique character of the contacts. Operators typically utilize a mix of HF and VHF bands, employing CW, SSB, and digital modes to maximize their QSO count and multiplier acquisition. The exchange usually involves a signal report and county for Mississippi stations, or state/province/country for others. Results are compiled and published, recognizing top scorers in various categories and encouraging friendly competition among participants. The event serves as a significant annual gathering point for the Mississippi amateur radio community, fostering camaraderie and operational skill development.

Minos Contest Logging Software, a contest logging suite for VHF and UHF Amateur Radio Contests, Minos offers support for most RSGB and Region 1 events

ARRL UHF contest, first full weekend of August

The _DL4EBY_ resource page provides operational data for Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communications on VHF, UHF, and microwave bands. It includes a 432 MHz and above EME Directory in ASCII and HTML formats. _K1RQG_ provides 432 MHz and up EME Net Notes. EME Operating Procedures were confirmed at the EME Conference 2002 in Prague. A lunar calendar from _DL7APV_ is linked via _G4CCH_'s pages. Resources for CW contest operation include the _PED411i.zip_ file. A "Cheat Sheet 432 & up" is available for EME operations. The _Dubus_ 70cm CW EME Activity Event is referenced for moonbounce activity. DXZone Focus: Operating Activity | Global | EME, CW | VHF, UHF, Microwave

Licensed since February 1991, IK1QBT Tony Gallo shares insights into his extensive amateur radio journey, highlighting his involvement in **DXpeditioning** and contesting. His page lists several callsigns he has operated under, including 3A/IK1QBT, TK/IK1QBT, IA5/IK1QBT, and as an operator for 4U9ITU and 4U0ITU, showcasing a broad range of international activity. Tony's background as an ex-Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy and a Radio Operator for the Italian Maritime Coast Radio Station "ICB/GenoaRadio" provides a unique perspective on radio communications. He is an active member of ARI, INORC, and HSC, and serves as secretary for the Marconi Club ARI LOANO, underscoring his deep engagement within the amateur radio community. His participation in multi-multi operator contest teams like IH9P in the CQWW-CW 2006 and the HQ Italian ARI Contest Team in the IARU HF (2004-05-06) demonstrates a strong commitment to competitive operating, primarily on **CW** and HF bands.

The IZ3MEZ Web DX Cluster presents real-time amateur radio DX spots across 20 distinct frequency bands, spanning from **LF (2190m)** at 135.7 kHz up to **SHF (QO-100)** at 10499 MHz. It displays the DX callsign, frequency, DXCC entity, spotter callsign, and spotter DXCC entity, along with any accompanying comments. The cluster also lists various operating modes such as CW, RTTY, FT8, FT4, FT2, PSK, and SSTV, and supports special operating activities like QRP/P and specific award programs including IOTA, POTA, SOTA, WCA, and JOTA. The cluster's interface provides a dynamic feed of the latest 50 spots, continuously updated with precise timestamps. It offers direct **Telnet protocol** access for users preferring a command-line interface, with configuration instructions provided. The resource also integrates with other spotting networks like RBN and PSK Reporter, enhancing its utility for DXers and contesters seeking propagation information and activity monitoring across a broad spectrum of amateur radio frequencies.

An excellent guide to operating FT8 mode available in English, German and Czech that cover several aspects of the FT8 operations. Includes and exaustive guide to how configure FT8 software, how to conducto a QSO and how to operate DXPeditions in FT8 F/H mode. Covers aspects of FT4 contesting operations and interfacing with logging programs

Building an amateur station for competitive radiosport involves a number of critical steps, regardless of the band or bands you focus on. These include, but are certainly not limited to: Station layout, Equipment interconnection and switching, Inter-station interference, Antenna selection. Radio interface with the logging program, CW and voice keyer integration, Rotator control

VHF + multi-multi contest station from EM31 in East Texas

The Badger Contesters is a club of like-minded hams who are interested in VHF/UHF/SHF weak signal communications. Our geographic focus is Wisconsin, however hams in Northern Illinois, Michigan's UP, and Eastern Minnesota are welcome to join us.