THE PEARS NATIONAL VHF/UHF CONTEST
21-23 JANUARY 2005
The PEARS National VHF/UHF Contest will take place on 21-23 January 2005, which
is open to all amateurs in the RSA and the neighbouring countries. This 48-hour
contest has been divided into two equal sessions of 24 hours each. This means
that the same station can be worked in both sessions and thus increase the
activity. Please note that all scores, on each respective band, will be multiplied
by the
number of grid squares worked on that band. All stations may challenge each
other for the longest distance award on the bands authorized for their categories.
Enjoy and good luck!
Dates and Times
The first session of the VHF/UHF contest starts at 18:00 SAST on Friday 21
January and closes at 18:00 SAST on Saturday 22 January. The second session
commences at 18:01 SAST on Saturday and ends at 18:00 SAST on Sunday 23 January
2005.
Categories
1. Digital Station
2. Analogue Single Operator Station
3. Analogue Club or Multi-operator Station
4 Analogue QRP Station
Frequency Channels
50,200 - 50,240 MHz SSB/CW
50,240 - 50,300 MHz Digital
50,400 - 50,450 MHz FM
70,025 – 70,125 MHz SSB/CW
70,150 – 70,250 MHz FM
144,200 - 144,240 MHz SSB/CW
144,240 - 144,300 MHz Digital
144,400 - 144,450 MHz FM
145,475 - 145,575 MHz FM
432,200 - 432,240 MHz SSB/CW
432,240 - 432,300 MHz Digital
433,450 - 433,500 MHz FM
1296,200 - 1296,240 MHz SSB/CW
1296,240 - 1296,300 MHz Digital
1296,450 - 1296,500 MHz FM
Contestants
All South African amateurs as well as those in the six neighbouring countries,
i.e. Namibia (V5), Botswana (A2), Zimbabwe (Z2), Mozambique (9), Lesotho
(7P) and Swaziland (3DA), may participate and only contacts with these countries
will count. A fixed station owner may allow other operators to use his/her
station on condition that each operator use his/her own call sign and participate
as a separate entity.
Digital Station
This category uses digital data modes such as JT6M, JT44, JT65 or FSK441 on 50,
144, 432 and 1296 MHz bands.
Digital stations compete with each other countrywide on all four bands. The
highest combined score obtained on these bands, multiplied by the number of
grid squares worked on each respective band, determines the overall winner
and runner-up. Contacts with the listed neighbouring countries are encouraged.
Analogue Single Operator Station
In this category a single operator may operate from a fixed or field station,
but may share his/her station with other amateurs using their own call signs.
Analogue stations compete in their respective categories and divisions only,
but may score points from contacts with analogue stations in other categories
and divisions.
Analogue Club or Multi-operator Station
A Club or multi-operator station may be operated as a fixed or field station,
using a Club or multiple call signs as preferred. Analogue stations compete
in their respective categories and divisions only, but may score points from
contacts with analogue stations in other categories and divisions.
Analogue QRP Station
The QRP category is intended for those who are only equipped with FM transceivers
with an output power not exceeding 25 Watts. This category is limited to 2
Metre FM only, but a QRP station may work any other station on FM in the designated
channels in the 2 Metre
band. Even mobile operation is permissible and could be regarded as a rover
station.
Reports and Scoring
A bona fide contact consists of an exchange of call signs, signal reports sent
and received and location such as Maidenhead Locator or co-ordinates. (Note:
Serial numbers are not required for this contest.)
Categories 1, 2 and 3 stations claim one point per kilometre per band, while those in category 4 (QRP) score ten points for each contact. Points may be claimed for only one contact with the same station on the same band during a session. The number of grid squares worked on each respective band will multiply scores for all the categories
Log Sheets
Separate log sheets are required for each band worked. The top of each log
sheet must indicate Band, Category, Name, Call Sign and Postal Address of
contestant as well as location of the station. Log sheets must reflect Date,
Time, Frequency, Call Sign of station worked, Signal Reports given and received
as well as Location of the station contacted. All entries must be submitted
to PEARS by the end of February 2005 and their decision will be final. The
postal and e-mail addresses are printed below.
Awards
PEARS will present certificates to the two stations that achieve the longest
distance on each band, the overall digital winner and runner-up as well as
the analogue divisional winner in each category and band.
Further Information
For further information please contact the Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society,
PO Box 10402, Linton Grange 6015, RSA, or e-mail
[email protected] or telephone Mike
Bosch ZS2FM at 041 581 2425 or Cell. 084 612 9600.