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Getting started on RTTY contesting. A PDF by ED Muns, presented at CTU conterst university, about amateur radio RTTY Contesting

Contesting Norway, forums on contesting from scandinavia.

When I tell friends that I enjoy amateur radio contesting, their reaction is usually a quizzical stare. "What's that?" It is hard to explain in the span of a cocktail conversation, so here is the answer.

This online project guide details the construction of a homebrew boom microphone system. It details the assembly of a microphone shell from a 3/4" PVC pipe section and an end cap, requiring a drilled hole for a snug fit of the electret or condenser mic element. The internal wiring schematic specifies a **2.2 K** resistor and a **47 uF** polar capacitor for signal conditioning, with a circuit diagram provided for integration with IC-706 series transceivers. The guide outlines the use of CAT-5 cable for internal connections, incorporating strain relief at the rear of the mic shell, and an inline 3.5 mm jack to facilitate an external _PTT_ line, designed for a foot-mounted switch. Further construction involves fabricating a microphone shock mount from a 2-inch PVC connector, detailing the creation of four "fingers" and the insertion of screw-eyes for attaching elastic bands, which are twisted 180 degrees for tensioning and vibration isolation. A foam wind screen is also incorporated into the microphone assembly, secured with adhesive. The boom arm itself is repurposed from an articulated architect lamp, with the original lamp assembly converted into a **60 watt** resistive load for testing power sources. Microphone cabling is secured to the boom arm using wire ties, ensuring sufficient slack at hinge points to maintain articulation. The boom base is mounted to a bookshelf, requiring specific positioning to achieve proper microphone placement in front of the operator. Performance evaluation of the microphone system is conducted through on-air audio signal reports from other amateur radio operators. DXZone Focus: Online Project Guide | Boom Microphone Construction | Electret Mic Element | PTT Line

Operating on the 146.880 MHz repeater, the Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs (IEVHFRA) hosts a weekly net, providing a consistent on-air gathering for amateurs within Eastern Washington and Spokane County. My experience with similar regional VHF nets confirms their value in fostering local ham radio community and sharing information, often covering topics from equipment troubleshooting to upcoming hamfests. The club, active for over **50 years**, also organizes the _Inland Empire VHF Tailgate Swap_, an event featuring vendors, emergency communication demonstrations by Spokane ARES-ACS, and POTA/SOTA activity setups. Such events are crucial for hands-on learning and direct interaction, which I've found invaluable for new licensees and seasoned operators alike. Beyond on-air activities and events, IEVHFRA supports the hobby through amateur radio classes and testing, facilitating new license acquisition and upgrades. They also maintain an online messaging group for members, ensuring continuous communication and information exchange.

Win32 command line utility, that allows you to create Master Callsign Database file (DTA), used in many contesting programs, from different logs in ADIF, Cabrillo, and plain text formats.

The Superantennas MP-1 portable HF antenna is analyzed for its design and field performance, particularly its high-Q loading coil and 3/8-inch mounting. The review details the antenna's construction, including an 8-inch vertical section, a large-diameter loading coil tuned by a sleeve, and a 4-foot whip that disassembles into six rods for transport. Initial testing with the supplied 10-foot ribbon cable "ground plane" yielded poor SWR and RF hot conditions, indicating an inadequate ground system. Further experimentation with longer radials and resonant counterpoises for each band improved matching and eliminated RF hot issues, but introduced significant operational complexity. The author notes the difficulty in optimizing both counterpoise length and coil setting without an antenna analyzer, and the sensitivity of the MP-1 to counterpoise deployment. The review also discusses the recommendation to tune for maximum received signals rather than minimum SWR, often necessitating an external ATU due to the antenna's typical low impedance. The **MP-1**'s critical dependence on resonant counterpoises for effective operation, especially when elevated, is highlighted as a major drawback for portable use. The author ultimately sold the antenna, concluding that despite its sound technical design, its fussy nature and the need for extensive counterpoise management or an ATU detract from its portability and convenience compared to simpler, less expensive dipole solutions. The **Superantennas MP-1** is deemed a flawed portable antenna, requiring considerable effort to achieve its claimed performance.

After a year of preparation, 150 students and 11 professors participated in 10 hours of intense Contesting instruction covering some 22 topics, with over 400 pages of text

Fellowship for all Amateur Radio Operators of Rockingham County. Home of the N4IV repeater system. Licensing classes, testing, ARES, and Skywarn

Aggregating real-time contest scores, this online scoreboard serves as a central hub for participants and spectators to monitor live progress during amateur radio competitions. It directly interfaces with widely used contest logging programs, collecting score data as operators make contacts. The platform then processes and displays these scores on dedicated contest pages, offering an immediate overview of standings. Supporting a diverse range of **DX contests**, the system accommodates various operating modes and rulesets. It facilitates score tracking for events like the YB DX RTTY, RSGB Commonwealth (BERU), EA PSK63, and the South America 10 Meter contest, among others. This functionality allows contesters to gauge their performance against competitors instantaneously, fostering dynamic participation. The scoreboard's integration with multiple contest log software applications ensures broad compatibility, making it accessible to a significant portion of the contesting community. It provides a crucial service by centralizing score visibility, enhancing the competitive experience for **amateur radio operators** worldwide.

NRSC AM bandwidth measurements with the loop antenna

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

Amateur Tosno contest club Russia ATCC was founded 25.08.2008. ATCC invites everyone who loves ham radio, CW, dx, ssb, digi and contesting, to become a member.

Documents the construction of a **VHF/UHF** antenna addition for the Buddipole HF antenna system, leveraging the existing Versa-Tee component. The project details the fabrication of a custom antenna mount from angle aluminum, including specific drilling and tapping for 3/16"-24 bolts, and the creation of radials from Simpson Strong Tie Insulation Supports. It specifies radial lengths for 70 centimeters (6 inches from the center stud) and 2 meters (19 1/4 inches), noting the use of wire nuts for safety. The resource outlines the construction of a mast from 1/2" ID PVC conduit, connected with 3/8"-24 connecting nuts and bolts, mirroring the Buddipole's modular design. It describes the integration of a mobile dual-band antenna with a 3/8"-24 mounting stud and the custom coax setup with BNC and **PL-259** connectors. Field testing with an FT-817ND and a separate dual-band SWR meter confirmed good SWR on both 2 meters and the 440-450 MHz section of 70 centimeters, with positive reception reports during Field Day activities. Further, the article describes the creation of a custom carrying solution, including a 22-inch tripod bag and a fabric roll-up, to emulate the portability of the original Buddipole system.

On this page you will find information about previous, current and future operations of our contest team, different articles, links and info about contesting, DXing, contests calendar, propagation, antennas, equipment, awards, and much more.

Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club website provides information on club events, history, officers, licensing, and how to join. Users can download newsletters, hamfest flyers, and net scripts. The club serves the Sonoma Valley wine country, holding monthly meetings, weekly nets, and breakfast gatherings. The club call sign, W6AJF, honors Frank Jones, an Amateur Radio pioneer. Various events are listed on the site, including picnics, VE testing, and breakfast nets.

The Broadcast Employees Amateur Radio Society, Inc. (BEARS) operates an extensive network of **VHF and UHF repeaters** across New York, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey, accessible to all licensed amateur radio operators. This resource details the club's structure as a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit, emphasizing its role in providing ham radio training, testing, and critical communications support to various public and private emergency response agencies. Key repeaters include W2ABC/RPT on 147.27 MHz with a 141.3 PL tone, serving as a central point for club activities and broader network access. BEARS is also a founding member of the **Disney Amateur Radio Interconnect (DARI)**, a consortium of open, linked VHF and UHF repeaters spanning major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington DC, Orlando, Bristol, Los Angeles, and Boston. This interconnected system facilitates wide-area communication for members and supports emergency preparedness efforts across multiple regions. The club's focus extends beyond Disney employees, welcoming aspiring and current hams from outside the company to participate in its activities and utilize its robust repeater infrastructure.

K8CU technical topics article about high voltage breakdown tester necessary for testing of any high voltage components like vacuum tubes, high voltage capacitors, vacuum relay

Presents the W9VT Tri-Town Radio Club, an ARRL-affiliated organization serving the Illinois amateur radio community. The club maintains a 2-meter repeater on 147.180 MHz (+600 kHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS) and a 70-centimeter repeater on 444.825 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS), both located in Woodridge, IL. Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Woodridge Public Library, focusing on technical discussions, operating practices, and community service. The club participates in Field Day, supports local public service events, and offers licensing classes for Technician, General, and Extra class examinations. Members engage in various amateur radio activities, including DXing, contesting, and digital modes, fostering skill development among hams. The club's repeater infrastructure provides reliable local communication for members and supports emergency preparedness efforts within DuPage County. Participation in ARRL-sponsored events like the Simulated Emergency Test (SET) and various operating awards promotes active engagement and technical proficiency. The club provides a platform for mentorship, allowing experienced operators to guide newer hams through licensing and operational aspects.

Contesting, IOTA, DXPeditions, DX, and much more.....worth a click!

The Tri-County CW Amateur Radio Club, operating under the callsign _W3TCW_, is situated in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. This organization extends an open invitation to all licensed amateur radio operators, regardless of age or experience level, to participate in its activities and community. The club maintains a web presence detailing various aspects of its operations, including a calendar of events, a member roster, and contact information. It also provides resources related to _VE Testing_ and links to other local clubs and the _ARRL_ section website. Historical content, such as information from _Field Day 2008_, is also referenced.

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 WB5RVZ Genesis Radio G40 build log documents the construction of a 5W QRP 40m SDR transceiver kit, detailing each phase of assembly from power supply to RF filtering. It provides specific component lists, parts placement diagrams, and testing procedures for stages like the local oscillator, Tayloe detector, and RX op-amps. The resource highlights discrepancies between documentation versions and offers practical advice for builders, including a "virtual build" approach to preemptively address potential ambiguities in component identification and placement. It also addresses a specific "VK6IC Fix" for early board revisions, involving trace cuts and jumper wires for improved performance. The build log presents measured voltages and expected current consumption for various stages, such as the 4.9-5.0 Vdc on the 5V rail and under 100mA for RX current. It outlines critical adjustments like image rejection tuning, a common procedure for direct conversion receivers. The resource also includes practical tips for handling components like the 2N3866 transistor and its heatsink, emphasizing pre-assembly. It details the winding of two 1.45 uH toroidal inductors on T50-6 cores with 17 turns of #20 AWG wire, crucial for the RF path.

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.

The Noantri WebCLX presents real-time DX spots, including frequency, DX callsign, country, and comments, facilitating active DXing and contesting. It operates as a web-based cluster, offering an alternative to traditional Telnet clusters for accessing spotting data. The interface displays current UTC, allowing operators to track propagation and activity across various amateur bands. This service is maintained by the _Noantri DX Group ARI Roma_, indicating its origin within the Italian amateur radio community. It supports the dynamic exchange of DX information, crucial for operators seeking new entities or participating in competitive events. Key features include the display of spots for modes like FT8, and it functions as a DXSpider-based system, providing a robust platform for **DX spotting** and **propagation analysis**.

Right Mark Audio Analyzer is a suite designed for testing quality of any audio devices, be it a sound card, an MP3 player, a consumer CD/DVD player or a radio.

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.

The Club Radio Amateur de Québec (CRAQ) is a prominent amateur radio club based in Québec, Canada, dedicated to fostering interest and participation in amateur radio. It provides a platform for local hams to connect, share knowledge, and engage in various radio-related activities, including **DXing**, contesting, and technical experimentation. The club supports its members through regular meetings, technical presentations, and organized operating events, aiming to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the hobby. CRAQ also plays a role in public service communications, often collaborating with local authorities for emergency preparedness and response. CRAQ's activities include operating club stations, organizing **field day** events, and offering training sessions for new licensees. Members frequently participate in provincial and national contests, contributing to the club's competitive standing. The club maintains a network of repeaters, providing reliable local communication infrastructure for its members and the broader amateur radio community in the Québec area. These resources facilitate daily QSO traffic and serve as critical links during community service operations.

MFSK is an easy-to-use chat mode for real-time amateur contacts, nets and bulletin transmissions, but not intended for contesting or Bulletin Board System (BBS) use. It is a half-duplex non-Automatic Repeat ReQuest (ARQ) forward-error-correcting (FEC) mode. It performs well on long-path fading conditions and in the presence of interference

Configure the Kenwood TS-590S for Digital Voice Keying DVK, a must for contesting.

Contesting (also known as radiosport) is a competitive activity pursued by amateur radio operators, read more about contesting at wikipedia

Lake county races/ares, volunteer auxillary communications group working under lake county emergency management agency. offical skywarn site for lake county. VE testing and radio clases offered. not-for profit 501(c)3

The Caribbean Contesting Consortium is a contest club dedicated to fun, international friendship, and advancement of the contesting art through superior operating technique and maximum application of technology.

Review of the X1M HF QRP trasceiver by VE3FAL

Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 days" is old fashion way. Be an amateur radio I'll bet you'll rounding the world just on a flash!

The Breeze Shooters is an amateur radio organization based in Western Pennsylvania, established in 1937 by a group of local hams. The club's initial focus was on fostering camaraderie and promoting amateur radio activities among its members. Over the decades, its membership has grown significantly, at one point exceeding 1,800 individuals, making it one of the larger regional ham radio clubs. The organization maintains a casual operational structure, emphasizing member participation in various aspects of the hobby rather than strict formal governance. The club actively supports and organizes events such as the annual Breeze Shooters Hamfest, a significant gathering for the amateur radio community in the region. Members frequently engage in contesting, DXing, and local emergency communications support. The club's history includes a strong tradition of mentoring new hams and providing a platform for experienced operators to share knowledge and resources. Its enduring presence in Western Pennsylvania underscores its role in sustaining local amateur radio interest and activity.

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.

Ham radio contesting from Portland, Maine

General interest club with a slant toward contesting. Sponsor of the Wisconsin QSO Party

This project details the construction and testing of a M0PLK Delta Loop antenna for the 20-10m ham radio bands. Inspired by positive reviews highlighting its reduced local QRM compared to Cobweb antennas, the author built the antenna using aluminum tubes, DX-Wire FS2 wire, and a 1:4 balun. A mix of custom 3D-printed parts and careful assembly ensured stability and performance. Initial VSWR measurements met expectations, and test QSOs demonstrated success across multiple bands. Future enhancements include adding a lightweight, remote-controlled rotator for directional capabilities.

The cable testing approaches discussed in this article gives an idea about the electrical characteristics of a coaxial cable. Velocity of Propagation, Characteristics Impedance, Return Loss Measurement and more

Founded by a small group of young hams in East St. Louis, Illinois, the W9AIU Egyptian Radio Club serves as a local amateur radio organization. The club's origins trace back to meetings held in Herb Wilhelm's, W9APX, dry cleaning shop, indicating a grassroots beginning for this community group. It operates as a typical ham radio club, fostering camaraderie and likely supporting various aspects of the hobby for its members. As an amateur radio club, W9AIU likely engages in activities such as local nets, field day operations, and perhaps provides licensing support or technical discussions. Such clubs are crucial for new hams seeking mentorship and for experienced operators looking to participate in group activities like contesting or public service communications. The club's presence in Illinois suggests a focus on local and regional amateur radio initiatives.

Sleeping tecniques during contest operations. This article originally appeared in the National Contest Journal.

Demonstrates the community-driven mission of the McKinney Amateur Radio Club (MARC), a North Texas organization dedicated to advancing amateur radio. The club actively promotes continuous learning, encouraging technical innovation among its members, and provides avenues for public service engagement, skill enhancement, and global connectivity with fellow operators. MARC hosts weekly breakfast discussions every Saturday at 7:30 AM at IHOP in McKinney, Texas, covering diverse topics and offering a Q&A forum. The club emphasizes emergency communication preparedness, antenna design and tuning, and the science of global radio wave propagation, crucial for clear amateur radio contacts. Furthermore, MARC explores modern radio technologies, including digital modes and _Software-Defined Radio_ (SDR), blending traditional amateur radio with cutting-edge advancements. The club also facilitates license testing sessions, hands-on training, and participates in events like _Field Day_ to hone emergency communication skills.

Producer of meter test equipment for electricity meters testing and calibration

Hamradio, contesting and dx by SM6WXO

When assembling a robust shack, the quality of interconnects often determines overall system integrity and signal fidelity. Neutrik, with over 50 years in the connectivity sector, specializes in professional-grade connectors that withstand rigorous use in entertainment and industrial applications. Their product range includes XLR, speakON, powerCON, and opticalCON series, which are frequently adapted by hams for critical station infrastructure, particularly in contesting or DXpedition environments where reliability is paramount. Amateur radio operators often repurpose these durable connectors for antenna switching matrices, audio interfaces for digital modes, or power distribution systems. The robust locking mechanisms and high-quality contact materials found in Neutrik products ensure stable connections, minimizing intermittent faults that can plague field operations or even fixed station setups. This attention to mechanical and electrical integrity aligns well with the demands of high-power RF environments and sensitive receive chains. While primarily serving the pro-audio and video markets, the engineering principles behind Neutrik's designs translate directly to the needs of radio amateurs seeking superior performance and longevity from their cabling and connection points. Their commitment to innovation, as highlighted by their 50-year journey, suggests a continuous evolution of products that could benefit future amateur radio applications.

Harbour Rock is primarily a top quality vacation home. But for the ham, DX’ing or contesting is irresistible at a QTH where you can start your own pileup.

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

RF amplifier products from NP Technologies, Inc. encompass a wide array of specialized designs, including highly linear Class A broadband amplifiers, crucial for maintaining signal integrity across various frequencies. Their portfolio also features cell band amplifiers, specifically engineered for cellular communication infrastructure, and pulse amplifiers, which are vital in applications requiring high-power, short-duration signal bursts. The company's manufacturing capabilities extend to AM and FM broadcast amplifiers, supporting radio transmission systems, and military VHF amplifiers, designed to meet rigorous defense specifications for robust and reliable communications. NP Technologies, Inc. emphasizes comprehensive development, design, manufacturing, and testing processes for all its RF amplifier offerings. This integrated approach ensures that each product, from initial concept to final deployment, adheres to stringent performance and reliability standards. The company's expertise in these areas allows for the creation of custom solutions tailored to specific client requirements, addressing complex RF challenges in diverse operational environments. Their product range demonstrates a commitment to serving multiple sectors, including commercial broadcasting, telecommunications, and defense. The focus on specialized amplifier types underscores their technical depth in RF engineering.