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ZL4NVW updated in GO QRP Night on 2020-12-01 06:45
Thanks for Stan, ZL3TK for raising a few questions about the rules regarding Go QRP night contacts. Answers are based on the published rules and are provided here for all to see. There is scope for changes to the rules in next year's contest to address any concerns - but for the current year the existing rules will be followed.
1) Can the 3.690 'QRP call frequency' be used to make contest contacts?
A: Yes.
There is no mention in the contest rules about the use of 3.690 for making contacts and as such it can be used.
However, users of this frequency need to bear in mind that it may be required by others for QRP calling. Users are requested to either QSY to other frequencies for long QSO's, or leave the appropriate gaps in conversations and both allow and encourage others to call or break in.
2) What information must be exchanged to count as a contact?
The contest rules states that 'so long as a signal
strength
report
and
a
serial
number
can
be
exchanged
both
ways' a contact counts. Additionally an exchange of callsigns is mandatory as with all amateur activity. To claim the correct points you will need to determine whether the station is QRP or QRO and HS or portable - but as the exchange of this information is not mentioned in the rules it is acceptable to assume HS/QRO and claim the lower number of points.
You are also encouraged to include name and location in your log, but this information is not mentioned in the rules and thus is not required.
3) Can users rely on 'prior knowledge' to ascertain information about a contact
This question is not currently relevant as neither name nor location are currently required. Some clarification will be given in future should this information become a requirement.
4) What about contacts where both parties record different times?
There is currently no requirement in the rules around timekeeping. It is not currently a requirement to 'exchange' the QSO time on-air, though doing so is encouraged as good practice.
A rule may be added in future.
5) What do we do about serial numbers from non-competitors
According to the rules 'so long as a signal strength report and a serial number can be exchanged both ways' a contact counts. So for all contacts a serial no. should be provided by the other party either numerically or by determining verbally that you are their first contact. There are currently no requirements on non-competitors to 'start at 1 and increment by 1 for each GO QRP contact'. So as long as you accurately record the number provided by them, that is sufficient. This is particularly relevant when contacting stations participating in other contests who will be using serial numbers based on contacts made outside of GO QRP.
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Hope that all helps. In all behaviour in the contest, bear in mind that we are here to:
Encourage and share the use of QRP, Low Power operation, equipment, antenna ideas and information
So keep it friendly and support new participants and non-members - make their experience of QRP a good one.