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FM Simplex Contest

The purpose of this contest is to encourage amateurs to learn the basics of contesting and simplex operations and expand the scope of their VHF-UHF operating techniques beyond that needed for repeater operation.

1. This event is a sprint, lasting 3 hours from 1:00pm until 4:00pm CST. Contacts are limited to FM simplex on the following amateur bands: 2 meter (1pm–2pm), 70 centimeter (2pm–3pm), 6 meter (3pm–3:30pm) and 1.25 meter (3:30pm–4pm)
    

2. Contest frequencies: Contest frequencies correspond to recommendations in the Wisconsin Association of Repeaters band plan.

   1. 2 meters (Primary 146.550, 146.565, 146.580 and 146.595 MHz) (Secondary 147.540 147.555 147.570 and 147.585 MHz)

   2. 70 centimeters (Primary 446.025, 446.050, 446.075 and 446.100 MHz) (Secondary 446.125, 446.150, 446.175, 446.200 MHz)

   3. 6 meters (Primary 52.530, 52.550, 52.570 and 52.590 MHz) (Secondary 52.730, 52.750, 52.770, 52.790 MHz) or (50.3 to 50.6 MHz horizontally polarized antennas)

   4. 1 .25 meters (223.520, 223.540, 223.560 and 223.580 MHz)
       

3. Frequencies essentially follow the ARRL VHF Contest rules and Wisconsin Association of Repeaters’ band plans.

   1. On 2 meters no contacts on the 146.52 calling frequency, or the guard channels 15 KHz above and below ’52. (Using the Wisconsin Band Plan’s 30 KHz spacing and 15 KHz splits). Any entry from a station heard making QSO’s on these frequencies will be disqualified. Try to limit activity to the primary frequencies.

   2. As a matter of courtesy and good amateur practice, avoid the other calling frequencies of 52.525, 223.500 and 446.000 MHz.

   3. Solicitation for simplex contacts on repeaters, but not 146.52, is permitted.
       

4. Exchange – Call Sign and four character Maidenhead Grid square.
    

5. Scoring:

   1. Each QSO on 2 meters would be worth one point. 70 centimeter and 6 meter QSO’s would be worth two points and 1.25 meter QSO’s three points.

   2. A station can be worked once per band. A mobile station could be worked more than once per band if it moves to a different grid square.

   3. Each grid square can be used once per band as a multiplier.

   4. Score would be calculated by multiplying total QSO points by total multipliers.

   5. Technicians would multiply their final score by 1.5 for a bonus.

   6. Bonus of 10 points added to final score for working club station W9RH once on any band.
       

6. There will be Four entry classifications:

   1. BASE - less than 150 watts on 6 and 2 meters and less than 100 watts on 1.25 and 0.70 meters. (ARRL classification of low power for V-UHF contests using common solid-state amplifiers.)

   2. MOBILE- must work from a minimum of two grid squares on any of the bands and power levels same as those specified for the base station classification.

   3. HT’s- (not mobile units run at reduced power) - non-amplified, using any type of antenna, mobile or fixed operation (to encourage innovation and creativity).

   4. CLUBS- compete by having their members note their affiliation when they send in an entry. The winning club is recognized on a plaque at AES Milwaukee.
       

7. Awards - Second and third place awards are at the committee’s discretion.

   1. First in each of the four entry classifications. (Four possible)

   2. High score in individual band and in each classification where significant activity exists. (Eight possible)

   3. Limit of one award per person. Award will be in highest attained category.

   4. Awards to be presented at the March MRAC club meeting or will be available for pickup at MRAC table during Superfest.
       

8. All entries will include a copy of their contest log showing the following data for each QSO: “Band - Local time - Call sign of station worked - Grid Square”. An entry should state number of QSO’s, QSO points, grid square multipliers by band, claimed total score and a copy of the contest log. If indicated, note the club you are assigning your score to.

ALL entries were to be sent in by March 8, 2008.