IOTA Contest 2011

Islands on the Air (IOTA) Contest 2011

(The General Rules for RSGB HF Contests do not apply to this event.) 

IOTA Contest Section here - (Contaning previous years results, all time record scores, trophy list and online log submissions.)

Guide for newcomers to the RSGB IOTA Contest

1. GENERAL The aim of the contest is to promote contacts between stations in qualifying IOTA island groups and the rest of the world and to encourage expeditions to IOTA islands.

2. WHEN 1200UTC Saturday 30 th July to 1200UTC Sunday 31st July 2011 (the contest always takes place over the last FULL weekend of July).

3. BANDS AND MODES 3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28MHz, CW and SSB. IARU band plans must be observed, with CW contacts being made only in the recognised CW ends of the bands (see RSGB Yearbook and similar sources, for recognised IARU band plans). Contest-preferred segments must be observed, no operation to take place on 3500-3510, 3560 - 3600, 3650 - 3700, 14060 - 14125 and 14300 - 14350kHz. 

4. CATEGORIES
All entrants must operate within the limits of their chosen category when performing any activity that could impact their submitted score. All equipment (transmitters, receivers and antennas) plus all operators must be located within a 500m diameter circle or within the property limits of the station licensee’s address, whichever is the greater.
4.1    Location:
•    Island (Any station operating from a qualifying island, as listed in the IOTA Directory. Island stations must ensure beforehand that the island from which they are operating is a valid qualifying island for IOTA. Any questions about the IOTA programme and island validity should be addressed to the IOTA Manager (see RSGB IOTA Web site).
•    World (any station not on a qualifying island).

4.2    Operators:
•    Single operator QSO alerting assistance of any kind (this includes, but is no limited to, packet, local or remote Skimmer and/or Skimmer-like technology, Internet) places the entrant in the Single-operator Assisted category.
•    Single-operator Assisted One person. One signal at any one time. QSO alerting assistance is allowed (this includes, but is not limited to, packet, local or remote Skimmer and/or Skimmer-like technology, Internet). Self-spotting or asking to be spotted is not allowed.
•    Multi-Operator (24-hour Mixed Mode only. Multi-ops are restricted to a maximum of two transceivers, the second station to be used to find and call other stations only if the station is a new multiplier. It must not be used to solicit other contacts, e.g. by calling "CQ" or "QRZ". Any non-multiplier QSOs made accidentally on the second station must be logged, but will be scored as zero points. QSO alerting assistance is allowed (this includes, but is not limited to, packet, local or remote Skimmer and/or Skimmer-like technology, Internet). Self-spotting or asking to be spotted is not allowed. Multi-operator entrants should include a full list of operators with their entry).
4.3    Mode:
•    CW
•    SSB
•    Mixed-mode (multi-operator entries must be Mixed Mode).
4.4    Operating Time:
•    24 hours
•    12 hours (Multi-operator entries must be 24 hours, In the 12-hour categories, operation need not be for one continuous 12-hour period but, once operation has commenced, off periods must be a minimum of 60 minutes.).
4.5    Power (Any station not indicating transmitter power will be classified as High Power):
•    High-power (maximum, as permitted by the station licence but, in any case, no more than 1500 watts output)
•    Low power (maximum 100 watts output),
•    QRP (maximum 5 watts output).

5. DXPEDITIONS
5.1    Island stations may, additionally, indicate that they are a DXpedition station as defined below, and compete for a range of expedition trophies and certificates (an additional listing will be shown in the results). It is essential that you make this clear on your cover sheet as notification after the entry deadline cannot be accepted.
5.2    The definition of DXpedition for this optional listing is one:
•    where the island can only be reached by boat or air (islands which can be accessed by bridge or causeway - man-made or natural - are not eligible),
•    where none of the operators is resident on the island,
•    where the operators take all radio equipment and antennas with them and do not rely on a resident for any part of the station,
•    where, in the case of 100W IOTA Island DXpedition stations, the antennas are limited to one element per band (e.g. dipole, vertical). (High power DXpeditions have no antenna restrictions).

6. EXCHANGE
Send RS(T) and serial number starting from 001, plus IOTA reference number if applicable (island stations MUST include the IOTA reference as part of their exchange). Do not use separate numbering systems for CW and SSB. Stations may be contacted on both CW and SSB on each band. Multi-operator entrants may find it convenient to allocate separate blocks of serial numbers for the run and multiplier stations, but do ensure if possible that there is no duplication of serial numbers.

7. SCORING
7.1 QSO Points – All entrants can work anyone, island or non-island. Contacts with non-island stations count 3 points.  Contacts with IOTA islands count 15 points except that, if you are on an island, contacts with your own IOTA reference count 3 points.
7.2 Multiplier - The multiplier is the total of different IOTA references contacted on each band on CW, plus the total of different IOTA references contacted on each band on SSB. Multi-op stations may not work members of their own group for multiplier credit.
7.3 Total Score - The score is the total of QSO points on all bands added together, multiplied by the total of multipliers.

8. LOGS
8.1 Electronic submission of logs by disc or e-mail is encouraged - and in fact required - for all high scoring entrants and all who use a computer to log or prepare the logs. Entrants submitting paper logs will not be eligible for certificates or awards. Those who log on paper are encouraged to get the log typed up by a friend and submit electronically. Electronic submissions should be in Cabrillo format (a definition of Cabrillo, as applied to the IOTA contest, can be found on the RSGB HFCC Web page). Word, Excel or other proprietary file formats are no longer acceptable. Many popular contest logging programs support the IOTA contest. Single-operator entrants are recommended to try SDI from EI5DI, which is free and can be downloaded from here

8.2 For Cabrillo logs, the categories and category overlays are:
CATEGORY:                          [SINGLE-OP, MULTI-OP] ALL [HIGH, LOW, QRP] [SSB, CW, MIXED]
CATEGORY-ASSISTED:     [ASSISTED, UNASSISTED]
CATEGORY-DXPEDITION: [EXPEDITION, NON-DXPEDITION]
CATEGORY-TIME:              [12-HOURS, 24-HOURS]
So, a single-op, World, low power, 12-hours, CW, unassisted would show:
CATEGORY:                         SINGLE-OP ALL LOW CW
CATEGORY-ASSISTED:     UNASSISTED
CATEGORY-TIME:              12-HOURS
A multi-op island station may, for example, indicate:
CATEGORY:                          MULTI-OP ALL HIGH MIXED
CATEGORY-DXPEDITION:  EXPEDITION

8.3 Logs must show: Time, Callsign, Band, Mode, RST / serial number / IOTA reference sent, RST / serial number / IOTA reference received. Please ensure you send a single log in order of sent serial number. Do not send separate logs for each band. Logs from IOTA stations must state their island name and IOTA reference number. The log data in a Cabrillo log should be of the format:

QSO: 28024 CW 2003-07-26 1338 G3XTT         599  001 EU-005 ZS6EZ         599  018 ------
QSO: 21003 CW 2003-07-26 1341 G3XTT         599  002 EU-005 G4TSH         599  130 EU-005
QSO: 21002 CW 2003-07-26 1343 G3XTT         599  003 EU-005 5B4/G3UFY     599  036 AS-004

High scoring entrants are encouraged to log the actual frequency, not just the band. Multi-operator entrants must also identify the transmitter on which the QSO is made (in accordance with normal Cabrillo formats, this is shown by a numerical identifier at the right-hand end of the QSO line, i.e. after the received IOTA).

8.4 Entries can be emailed to iota.logs@rsgbcc.org and should be sent as a normal attachment to the e-mail. Send as an uncompressed file. Do NOT send more than one attachment. In the "subject" line of your e-mail message, please include your contest callsign. Please take a moment to check your log via a text editor before sending it, to avoid potential problems. You will receive an acknowledgement by e-mail within 24 hours, directing you to a Web page to complete the submission process, or advising you if there is any problem with your log. Further help on IOTA log submission is available by going to IOTA FAQs.  

8.5 Please note that the RSGB has a new address, which should be used for postal (paper and disc) entries. This is: RSGB IOTA Contest, Radio Society of Great Britain, 3 Abbey Court, Fraser Road, Priory Business Park, Bedford,  MK44 3WH, UK.

8.6 The closing date for all logs is 3 weeks after the contest, 21 August 2011.

8.7 Island Stations - By submitting a log for this contest you agree that the RSGB can automatically grant credit to IOTA participants' scores for claimed QSOs that reasonably match the data in your submission (this facility is included in the Next Generation IOTA Software).

8.8 Photographs of IOTA contest operations are very welcome and will be posted on the HFCC Website or used in RadCom. Do not send these as part of your log submission, but mail them separately to iotacontest@rsgbcc.org There is also be an opportunity to upload photographs , YouTube clips and your location (by way of Google Earth) when you complete your log submission.

9. PENALTIES
Points may be deducted, or entrants disqualified, for violation of the rules or the spirit of the contest. This includes, for example, refusal by IOTA island stations to make contacts with their own country when requested, use of a third party to make contacts on a list or net, working CW multipliers on an SSB frequency, failing to observe the contest-preferred band segments, or not giving the IOTA reference for every contact. The decision of the IOTA Contest Manager and RSGB Contests Committee is final in all matters of dispute.

10. AWARDS
Certificates will be awarded to leading stations in each category and section, and in each continent, according to number of entries. A large number of Awards and Trophies is now available, and new sponsors are always welcome. Please see the full list on the RSGB HFCC Web site.

11. SWL CONTEST
There is no longer an SWL section in the IOTA Contest, but the Mediterraneo DX Club runs an IOTA SWL Contest in parallel with the IOTA Contest. SWLs can find full details on the MDXC Web page: http://www.mdxc.org/swl

12. NOTE FROM RSGB IOTA CONTEST MANAGER:
The IOTA Contest Manager can be reached via the contest website. IOTA Contest information, including rules, trophies available, previous results, soapbox and photographs, and logs received can be found on the RSGB Contests Committee Web site at www.rsgbcc.org Copies of the IOTA Directory, if required, can be purchased from RSGB (see www.rsgb.org). A full list of IOTA islands, and other information relating to the IOTA program can be found on the RSGB IOTA Web Page (www.rsgbiota.org).

RSGB CC 2011

Full completed IOTA Contest 2011

TJ9PF - CAMEROON

Additional to DXCC from Africa, is Cameroon.
5 Bands (20, 17, 15, 12 and 10M).  LoTW

thanks

FM5WD - MARTINIQUE

The addition to DXCC from Martinique, Caribbean (North America).
5 Bands (20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 M Band SSB).

Thanks. 

IARU CONTEST 2011

Full Contest Details

1. Eligibility: All licensed amateurs worldwide.
2. Object: To contact as many other amateurs, especially IARU member society HQ stations, around the world as possible using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands.
3. Date and Contest Period: The second full weekend of July, beginning 1200 UTC Saturday and ending 1200 UTC Sunday (July 9-10, 2011). Both Single and Multi operator stations may operate the entire 24-hour period.
4. Entry Categories:
     4.1. Single Operator
          4.1.1. Categories
               4.1.1.1. Phone only – High, Low and QRP power levels
               4.1.1.2. CW only – High, Low, and QRP Power levels
               4.1.1.3. Mixed mode – High, Low and QRP Power levels
          4.1.2. One person performs all operating and logging functions.
          4.1.3. Use of spotting nets, packet, or multi-channel decoders (such as CW Skimmer) is not permitted. Single-operator stations that use spotting nets, packet or multi-channel decoders will be reclassified to the Multi-operator, Single Transmitter category.
          4.1.4. All operators must observe the amateur radio regulations of their country at all times.
          4.1.5. Single operator stations are allowed only one transmitted signal at any given time.
     4.2. Multi Operator, Single Transmitter, Mixed Mode only
          4.2.1. Must remain on a band and mode for at least 10 minutes before changing bands or modes.
          4.2.2. Only one transmitted signal is allowed at any given time.
               4.2.2.1. You are not allowed a second radio that works only multipliers.
          4.2.3. All operators must observe the amateur radio regulations of their country at all times.
           4.2.4. Violation of the band change rules will reclassify the entry as a checklog.
     4.3. IARU Member Society HQ Station
          4.3.1. May have only one transmitted signal per band mode (160 CW, 160 Phone, 80 CW, 80 Phone, 40 CW, 40 Phone, 20 CW, 20 Phone, 15 CW, 15 Phone, 10 CW, 10 Phone) at the same time.
          4.3.2. All stations involved in an HQ operation must be in a single ITU zone.
          4.3.3. Only one HQ station callsign per member society per frequency band is permitted.
          4.3.4. All operators must observe the amateur radio regulations of their country at all times.
5. Contest Exchange:
     5.1. IARU member society HQ stations send signal report and official IARU member society abbreviation. IARU International Secretariat club station NU1AW counts as a HQ station. Members of the IARU Administrative Council and the three IARU regional Executive committees send “AC,” “R1,””R2,” and “R3” as appropriate.
     5.2. All others send signal report and ITU zone.
     5.3. A complete exchange must be logged for each valid QSO.
6. Valid Contact:
     6.1. The same station may be worked once per mode per band for QSO credit.
          6.1.1. Mixed-mode entries may work a station once per mode per band.
     6.2. A station may only be worked for credit in the portion of the band that is generally accepted for the mode used.
          6.2.1. On any band, a station may be worked once on Phone (in the Phone segment) and once on CW (in the CW segment).
          6.2.2. Cross mode, cross band and repeater contacts are not valid QSOs.
     6.3. Where contest-preferred segments are incorporated into regional band plans, participants must observe them.
     6.4. The use of non-amateur radio means of communications (e.g. telephone or the Internet) for the purpose of soliciting a contact (or contacts) during the contest period is inconsistent with the spirit and intent of these rules.
     6.5. Use of self-spotting techniques on packet or other mediums are inconsistent with the spirit and intent of these rules.
7. QSO Points:
     7.1. Contacts within your own ITU zone, as well as QSOs with any IARU-member society HQ station or IARU official (counting as the special multiplier), count one point each.
          7.1.1. Contacts with a station in the same ITU zone but on a different continent count one point.
     7.2. Contacts within your continent (but different ITU zone) count three points.
     7.3. Contacts with a different continent and IARU zone count five points.
8. Multipliers:
     8.1. The total number of ITU zones plus IARU member society HQ stations worked on each band (not mode). IARU officials represent a maximum of four multipliers per band (AC, R1, R2 and R3).
     8.2. IARU member society HQ stations and officials do not count for zone multipliers.
     8.3. To qualify as the special multiplier, Administrative Council and Regional Executive Committee stations must only be operated by the individual station licensee as single operator entry.
9. Scoring:
     9.1. The total number of QSO points times the total number of multipliers worked.
10.  Reporting:
     10.1. Entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 30 days after the end of the contest (1200 UTC August 9, 2011).
     10.2. Electronic entries must conform to the Cabrillo file format.
          10.2.1. The Cabrillo file format and specifications may be found at http://www.kkn.net/~trey/cabrillo/ or in the November 1999 issue of QST magazine.
          10.2.2. Any entry which has been generated using a computer (either during the contest or after the contest) must be submitted either as an attachment to an email or on a 3.5” diskette.
          10.2.3. Electronic files must use the entrant’s callsign as the file name.
          10.2.4. The log file must be a chronological list of QSOs as made not separated by band or mode.
          10.2.5. Entries sent as attachments to email must be sent to IARUHF@iaru.org
               10.2.5.1. Email entries must include the callsign used during the contest on the SUBJECT line of the email.
          10.2.6. Entries sent on diskette should be mailed to: IARU HF Championship, IARU International Secretariat, Box 310905, Newington, CT 06111-0905 USA.
               10.2.6.1. Diskettes must be clearly labeled with the station call sign, contest name, entry class and date.
     10.3. Participants may manually convert their paper logs to a Cabrillo log one QSO at a time and submit their entry using the web applet found at www.b4h.net/cabforms.
     10.4. Paper logs must be in chronological order, not separated by bands, and clearly indicate for each contact: band, mode, date, time (in UTC) callsigns, complete exchanges sent and received, multipliers and QSO points.
          10.4.1. Multipliers should be marked in the paper log only the first time they are worked on each band.
          10.4.2. Paper logs with more than 500 QSO’s must include dupesheets (an alpha-numeric list of all callsigns worked, broken down by band and mode.)
          10.4.3. All contacts in paper logs must be in chronological order, not separated by bands.
          10.4.4. Paper logs must be mailed to IARU International Secretariat, Box 310905, Newington, CT 06111-0905 USA.
     10.5. All paper entries must include an official summary sheet or reasonable facsimile thereof with complete contest information.
11. Awards:
     11.1. A certificate will be awarded to the high scoring entry in each category in each ITU zone, each DXCC country and each ARRL Section.
     11.2. A certificate of participation will be awarded to each IARU member society HQ station and to each Administrative Council and Regional Executive Committee station..
     11.3. Achievement level awards will be issued to those making at least 250 QSOs or having a multiplier total of 75 or more.
     11.4. Additional awards may be made at the discretion of each country’s IARU member society.
12. Conditions of Entry:
     12.1 By submitting a log to the IARU HF Championships, the submitter agrees that the log may be made public, at the discretion of the Contest Sponsor.
     12.2. Each entrant agrees to be bound by the provisions of this announcement, by the regulations of his/her licensing authority, and by the decisions of the ARRL Awards Committee, acting for the IARU International Secretariat.
13.  Disqualification:
     13.1. Any entry may be disqualified if the overall score is reduced by more than 2%.
     13.2. For paper log entries:
          13.2.1. Score reductions do not include correction of arithmetic errors;
          13.2.2. Any paper log entry may be disqualified if more than 2% of duplicate QSOs are left in the log and claimed for credit; and
          13.2.3. A three-QSO reduction will be assessed for each duplicate QSO found during log checking or for miscopied callsigns.
     13.3. For electronic logs, a one-QSO penalty will be assessed for a miscopied callsign.
14.  Additional Rules:
     14.1. For situations not covered in these rules refer to the ARRL General Rules for All Contests and the ARRL Rules for Contests on Bands below 30 MHz.
15. Additional Information:
     15.1. Questions may be directed to contests@arrl.org or IARU HF Contest Information, PO Box 310905, Newington, CT 06111-0905 USA.


Source :
http://www.arrl.org/iaru-hf-championship

All Asian DX Contest 2010

I have received a paper from the All Asia DX Contest 2010 from the Contest Committee.
Hopefully be able to follow in 2011.
See you in the contest....