Winter QRP race at VKV

Winter QRP race to VHF is taking place every Sunday during the first full weekend in February. Radio amateurs can participate from all countries.

Competitive bands

• 432 MHz: 09:00 - 11:00 UTC (originally 144 MHz)
• 144 MHz: 11:00 - 13:00 UTC (originally 432 MHz)

Types of operation

CW and phone, according to permits, following recommendations IARU Region 1 for individual types of operation in amateur radio bands.

Additional conditions

• QTH is arbitrary; there may be electricity at the site.
• The entire equipment of the station must be in a space with a maximum diameter 500 meters. The station may not be changed during the race.
• It is not allowed to use remote receiver or transmitter.
• At one point, the station can broadcast only one signal (packet connection to the network is not counted).
• Several stations can broadcast from one station - according to the agreement.

• 

  Maximum performance of the transmitter (or the sum of the powers) is 10 W.

• Powering all devices (TCVR, rotator, bug, PC...) must be from chemical sources. Charging during the race is only possible from solar cells, a Peltier cell or a mechanical source powered by human power.
• Antennas can be built no earlier than the Friday before the race.
• Connections via EME, cross-band or terrestrial or satellite transmitters are not counted.
• Every station can be accounted for one valid connection on every band. Repeated connections must be marked (RPT, DUPE) and have 0 points.
• Using DX Clusteru, chatu či mobilu is not limited.

Competition code

RS or RST + serial number of connection + WW locator.
The numbering of connections on each band begins 001. Code 000 is invalid. Non-competing stations also transmit the complete code but are not required to transmit a log.

Scoring

• 1 point for every kilometer between both stations (rounded to a whole number).
• Connection in the same locator = 1 point.
• A coefficient is used 111.2 (takes into account the curvature of the Earth).
• Connections with non-competing stations are also valid if they transmit the entire code.

Evaluation

• Each band is evaluated separately as well overall ranking (sum of points).
• The first three stations in each category they get diploma.

Diaries

• Can be sent electronically (EDI / REG1TEST) or paper.
• Other formats are not accepted.
• The paper version must be legible with the points marked.
• Deadline: 10 days after the end of the race.

Address for sending logs:
📧 ok1dom@seznam.cz
📬 Miroslav Bečev, Neustupného 1831, 155 00 Prague 5

By sending the log, the station confirms that it has met the conditions of the race.

Organizer's note (Mirek OK1DOM):

This winter VKV race is here novelty – by trying to revive activities even in the cold season. The aim is to motivate radio amateurs to "break hibernation", leave the comfort of their hamshacks and go outside for at least a few hours.

At the same time, it is also taking place in Germany Winter BBT contest, so there will be plenty of counter stations. If someone does not meet all the conditions (e.g. he does not have a suitable antenna), let him join anyway - his diary will serve to refine the evaluation.

The organizer will also welcome comments on propositions, which will help improve future editions of this winter QRP competition.