The ARRL 10-metre contest and satellites

This weekend marks the 37th running of the ARRL 10 Meter Contest. Back in November 1973 when the contest was first announced in QST, the rules differed slightly from how they stand now.

This event began due to the interest that radio amateurs showed in the 10 meter band, thanks to the 5-band awards offered by the ARRL. "Occupancy is an important issue of
the day as is proof that there's life in the old band yet," the article stated. "At a recent convention the matter was raised and met with enthusiastic response. Rather than postpone the idea for another year, the consensus was 'let's give it a try for '73,' prompting a recommendation by the Contest Advisory Committee."

In 1973, each completed two-way QSO was worth 2 points, except QSOs with a US Novice were worth double that. The article pointed out that certain FCC-issued Novice call signs look a little strange:
"Novices in KZ5 and KG4 have strange call signs -- a Canal Zone Novice has an 'N' at the end of the call, such as KZ5AAN. A Novice in Guantanamo Bay has an 'N' after the number, such as KG4NAA. All others replace the K with a W (i.e. WL7, WH6, etc.). If you work a station once on cw you can work him again on phone. Oscar QSOs also count."

Oscar QSOs? As in the satellite? Yes!
The 1973 rules stated that "Oscar 6 contacts may be counted. All cw QSOs must take place between 28.0-28.5 MHz except those made though Oscar 6." The article also advised contest participants to stay clear of 29.45-29.55 MHz, as these were the Oscar downlink frequencies.

Beginning in 1973 and continuing through 1979, QSOs made via the Oscar satellites counted for credit in the ARRL 10 Meter Contest. Beginning in 1980, after 10 meters had seemingly come back to life, the CAC no longer accepted the QSOs for credit in the contest. Now you know!

S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL News Editor

The American Radio Relay League