The CQ IDX Award for VOIP contacts

CQ Amateur Radio magazine has announced the introduction of the first ever award program for contacts made using Voice Over IP technology.

Called the CQ IDX Award, the program recognizes confirmed contacts with 25 to 100 different countries made using remote bases or repeaters linked with Voice over Internet Protocol networks, such as IRLP or Echolink.

According to CQ, the award is aimed at developing a DX'ing mindset among newer hams. CQ DX Awards Manager Billy Williams, N4UF, notes that there is now a blurring of the line between wired and wireless technology. Also, that this has already reached amateur radio in several ways.

Williams points out the use of the Internet to collect and distribute DX spotting reports, propagation data and location information as three of the most popular. He also notes the rising interest in using the web to link existing VHF and UHF repeaters over great distances, and using the Internet to access an High Frequency remote base stations
away from an operators current location. It is these last two on which the CQ IDX Award will focus on.

CQ does say that at least one end of each contact must be made using radio to count for the I-D-X award. Computer-to-computer contacts, while possible on such systems as Echolink, will not be considered as valid for this award program.

CQ adds that this is the third and final piece of its three-part "Waking Up DXing" program designed to encourage more DX activity among ham radio operators.

More information will soon be on-line at
www.cq-amateur-radio.com

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