Foundation Corner - Contests

Sooner or later you will hear stations exchanging contest signal reports or calling CQ contest.

So what is a contest?
It's an organised event, with a set of published rules, scoring method and certificates on offer for the top scorers.

Contests can certainly help build on your operating skills and the art of log-keeping. They can also be useful in testing out the capabilities of your station. And if you're interested in working overseas DX, some contests are excellent in that regard.

A major Australian event is the Remembrance Day Contest held in August over 24 hours on HF, VHF and UHF.

Several contests encourage stations to go portable.
These include the all band John Moyle Memorial Field Day in March, and the VHF/UHF Field Days in November and January.

There are other contests. Some shorter length ones are called a scramble, sprint or dash. Check 'em out.

Enjoy being a radio amateur and what the hobby has to offer.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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