2009 AMSAT Field Day Rules

The AMSAT Field Day 2009 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators.

Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite. Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses satellites (Ex: AO-27 & SO-50).

CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three points as outlined below.

1. Analog Transponders
ARRL rules apply, except:
- Each phone, CW, and digital segment ON EACH SATELLITE TRANSPONDER is considered to be a separate band.
- CW and digital (RTTY, PSK-31, etc.) contacts count THREE points each.
- Stations are limited to one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM satellite. If AO-51 has the V/U and L/S modes turned on, one contact each is allowed. If the PBBS is on - see Pacsats below, ISS (1 phone and 1 digital), Contacts with the ISS crew will count for one contact if they are active. PCSat (I, II, etc.) (1 digital),
- The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single satellite transponder is prohibited.

2. Digital Transponders
For the Pacsats (GO-32, AO-51) or ‘Store and Forward’ hamsats, each satellite is considered a separate band. Do not post "CQ" messages. Simply upload ONE greeting message to each satellite and download as many greeting messages as possible from each satellite. The subject of the uploaded file should be posted as Field Day Greetings, addressed to ALL.
The purpose of this portion of the competition is to demonstrate digital satellite communications to other Field Day participants and observers. Do not reply to the Field Day Greetings addressed to ALL.

The following uploads and downloads count as three-point digital contacts.
(a) Upload of a satellite Field Day Greetings file (one per satellite).
(b) Download of Satellite Field Day Greetings files posted by other stations.
Downloads of non- Field Day files or messages not
addressed to ALL are not to be counted for the event. Save DIR listings and message files for later "proof of contact."

Please note AMSAT uploaded messages do not count for QSO points under the ARRL rules.

Satellite digipeat QSO's and APRS short-message contacts are worth three points each, but must be complete verified two-way exchanges. Remember, only one digipeat contact is allowed for the ISS and other satellites in this mode.
The use of terrestrial gateway stations or internet gateways (i.e. EchoLink, IRLP, etc.) to uplink/downlink is not allowed.

3. Operating Class
Stations operating portable and using emergency power (as per ARRL Field Day rules) are in a separate operating class from those at home connected to commercial power. On the report form simply check off Emergency or Commercial for the Power Source and be sure to specify your ARRL operating class (2A, 1C, etc.).

AND FINALLY...
The Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for
submission of the AMSAT Field Day competition and be received by KK5DO (email or postal mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT, Monday, July 13, 2009. The preferred method for submitting your log is via e-mail to kk5do@amsat.org or kk5do@arrl.net.

You may also use the postal service but give plenty of time for your results to arrive by the submission date.
Add photographs or other interesting information so that can be used an article for the Journal.

You will receive an email back (within one or two days) from me when I receive your email submission. If you do not receive a confirmation message, then I have not received your submission. Try sending it again or send it to my other email address.

If mailing your submission, the address is:
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
Director of Awards and Contests
PO Box 310
Alief, TX 77411-0310.

Certificates will be awarded to the first-place emergency power/portable station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space Symposium in October, 2009. Certificates will also be awarded to the second and third place portable/emergency operation in addition to the first-place home station
running on emergency power. Stations submitting high, award-winning scores will be requested to send in dupe sheets for analog contacts and message listings for digital downloads.

Additional information and a copy of the submission form is available at http://www.amsatnet.com/2009fd.pdf

Bruce, KK5DO