As mentioned at a recent meeting by our Contest Manager, W1WBB, there has been a change in the Italian DX Contest (ARI) that runs concurrently with the NEQP. The TIME of ARI now runs through the entire time period of the NEQP. This is significant. ARI is the source of DX multipliers, especially European. This could mean more DX multipliers for us in the NEQP.
ARI requires a serial number. I find the easiest way to comply is to have a side pre-numbered sheet which I simply cross off as I work stations in the ARI contest. Remember you still need to send them your COUNTY and STATE for the NEQP.
In the past I have even called “CQ ARI” with some success in order to build up the multiplier.
So don’t pass up this opportunity to increase your score.
Good luck!
— John, W1M
****IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION ON ARI Contest****
The ARI Contest event hours change for 2012 means ARI participants will be available to us NEQPers *ONLY* on Saturday (Day 1) up thru 0500Z (1 AM Sunday our local time) when NEQP takes a break! The ARI event continues up to 1200Z Sunday.
NEQP restarts Sunday (Day 2) 1300Z (9 AM Sunday our local time) *AFTER* ARI has ended. So, bottom line…get your ARI DX mults on Saturday!! They won’t be around Sunday.
The WA7BNM Contest Calendar has a great graphical presentation of the actual contest times for events this coming weekend: http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/weeklycont.php
Lots of Europeans should be in ARI (a DX-works-DX event) and will welcome your contact — and you can get their DX multiplier. DXCC countries count as mults in NEQP in addition to states/provinces.
Note: A few 10-10 Club ops may be available on 10m CW for a QSO during their weekend long 10m QSO Party…if ten meters opens up. Look around 28.050 +- and send your name/state. They’ll likely be calling CQ 10-10.
HF propagation forecasts look favorable so far for this weekend. Good luck/have fun!
Bill W1WBB
Ooooops! TNX for that clarification, Bill. GL!!! 73!! — W1M