ARRL Centenial Celebration – W1AW/? QSP Party
Our request to HQ about operating during the IARU Contest in July with a special “HQ” callsign got us a reply that we’d have to wait several years to get on the list, but that there would be a chance for our club to participate during the ARRL Centenial Celebration in 2014.
John, W1AN, and I received an invitation from Dave Patton, NN1N, to represent Connecticut during the upcoming celebration. I have included some information from the League web link that Dave sent to us.
John and I have decided that the NEQP weekend would be an amazing weekend to be operating W1AW/1, so we have reserved the week which includes that contest (April 30, 2014 – May 6, 2014).
We are going to need operators so that we can keep the station on-air as much of that week, in as many modes and bands, as possible. Please put this in your plans for the coming year. We will probably mount a big effort from John’s QTH, since it is set up for M2, and perhaps more.
Here’s what I stoled from the ARRL link.
“In 2014 ARRL and its volunteers will activate W1AW/x in each of the 50 states, territories and possessions. The goal is for the W1AW/ operations to be as active as possible during the Tuesday night local to Wednesday time frames (00Z Weds to 2359Z Tuesday). All bands and modes may be used. ARRL will offer Worked All States Awards for QSOs made with the W1AW/ portable operations and incentives to work each activation, even if the state has already been worked. There will also be a points-gathering activity, during which W1AW/ portable stations will be worth points.”
“Each week there can be up to two W1AW/ operations from the states and one from a territory.”
“Please use the calendar below to find an open week to operate as W1AW/. It is OK to share the operation with other stations in the state, but try to keep the complexity down — sharing logs over a large network isn’t necessary unless you want to experiment. HQ will need ADIF files from each county from where an operation occurred.”
“Contest weekends: We’re not sure yet of the effect on logging programs or log checking if three or four W1AW/ variations are active. We might have to agree on which activation can use the call during a contest if there are multiple station which want to be on for the contest. More later.”
I have also reserved the week that will include the WAE DX RTTY contest, which our club seems to enjoy operating. We could again mount a substantial effort for this one (November 5, 2014 – November 11, 2014).
Let’s make this effort a winner for CTRI Contest Group. Comments are welcome.
73, Mike, K1DM
Mike,
I also think NEQP is a great time to do this. I’m not so sure about the WAE DX RTTY though – I think only a couple of members actually participate in that one. I’m not a big fan of it myself. Now, if we could get the CQ WW RTTY that would also be pretty cool.
Thanks for doing this, Mike and John!
73,
Pat, NG1G
Pat, let me work on that. It’s a much better idea! 73, Mike, K1DM
Thanks Mike for the heads up on this one. Since W1AN would be a W1AW/Connecticut operation … I have taken the initiative to sign up on behalf of Rhode Island under the name “Ocean State Alliance” for the week that includes Sweepstakes phone. What I propose — if my submission is accepted — is to operate the Phone SS multi-single with K1XA (plus anyone else who wishes to operate) from my station. The object is to operate many modes as much as possible during the 7 days. Therefore, for RI stations I would solicit on this CTRI website and thru SM W1YRC, to parcel out operating time and band slots throughout the 7 day period from other RI station operating sites … to ensure maximum operation on phone, CW, and RTTY. I hope this does not conflict with anyone else’s potential plans…but I thought that I should not hesitate lest the SS block would be taken. Plus we can get many RI stations on according to a planned operating schedule/matrix……with everyone welcome to be a part of it. I would welcome any input on this. 73!! — John, W1XX
John, et al;
I believe this is exactly what Dave Patton, NN1N is looking for. I will be at HQ on Wednesday afternoon and check with him (if he’s back from Germany). We, here in Connecticut, have the week that includes the NEQP, but I don’t think we got either of the RTTY weeks. There seems to be some confusion (on my part) as to exactly what Dave told me in our last correspondence.
I’ll keep everybody informed as the plans develop.
73, Mike, K1DM
I have received communications from Dave Patton, NN1N. W1AN/K1DM have been assigned the week that includes NEQP to operate as W1AW/1 from Connecticut!
Stand by for additional information. We want to keep the call on the air as much of the week as possible on as many bands as possible with as many modes as possible.
We have an opportunity to gain recognition and respect for our club throughout the world community of Amateur Radio. Plan now to be a part of this effort.
73, Mike, K1DM