RASA DX contest 2022

Objectives:

This contest is to encourage all HF operators to get on air, develop and build your station capabilities, knowledge of propagation and operating skills, by chasing new country/band combinations.  The sunspot cycle is on the move and the higher bands are coming alive with DX and far more activity. 

The contest is also intended to provide a low pressure and friendly environment for new or casual operators to build skills and gain confidence before “jumping in the deep end” with a dedicated fast paced contest.

The emphasis is on “having a go” and building confidence, rather than being concerned with scoring regimes or computer programs.  All you need is a simple logging program (even Excel will do, but will require you to calculate your score manually).

RASA wants to encourage more activity on the HF bands, so we’re running this contest for the remainder of 2022 as a trial.  The rules are simple:

  • Modes: SSB, CW & Data
  • Bands: 160-10m (No WARC Bands) per your licence conditions
  • Power: per your licence condition
  • Earn one point per DXCC (note 1) entity per band

Dates:

Start Date: 14 May 2022 (UTC)

End Date: 31 December 2022 (UTC)

There is no dedicated weekend, no complex rules or software to download.  Just get on-air and work as many DXCC entities as you can on as many bands as you can. 

Example.

Work four VK stations (VK1-8) – on 80, 40, 20 and 15m for 4 points

Work JA (any JA prefix) on each band for a point per band

W7ABC on 40m SSB would be one point.  N1VV on 40m SSB would not add another point – as this is the same DXCC on the same band.  But you could work either of those stations on 20m SSB for a new point.

Log Entry & Operator Endorsement

Ideally, upload your log to Clublog, QRZ.com or another online logging service for transparent and easy reporting.  Then submit your log along with a summary page by 14 January 2023.  Submit to: info@vkradioamateurs.org

Summary page to include a summary of your score, QSO count and any soapbox comments.  Also include a description of your station and a signed statement that you have complied with the rules and spirit of the contest.

Prizes & certificates:

  • Top places: CW, SSB & Data
  • Top three score newbie (you must be a first-time contester)
  • Top three scores for a “backyard” station (100w or less, only verticals & wire antennas)

Judges reserve the right to ask for evidence and substantiation of your score or your station.  Judges’ decisions are final.

Please direct any feedback, questions or comments to info@vkradioamateurs.org

Note 1

What is a DXCC Entity?

The basic rule is simple and direct: Each discrete geographical or political entity is considered to be an entity country. Where an island belonging to a country is more than 350km off-shore, that island is regarded as a separate entity.

For example, in Australia, Tasmania is considered a part of the VK (Australia) entity, as it falls within 350km of mainland Australia.  By contrast, Norfolk Island, sitting over 1,300km from mainland Australia is a separate DXCC entity.

The rules that define and entity can be found here:

http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-rules

A complete list of entities can be found here:

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/2019%20DXCC%20Current.pdf