2026 RULES

Date and Time	*Saturday,* *April 25, 2026* *1300Z – 2300Z UTC* *0800-1800 Your Local Time* Eastern: 0800-1800 EDT Central: 0800-1800 CDT Mountain: 0800-1800 MDT Pacific: 0800-1800 PDT KH6/KL7/DX what works for you
Bands and modes	*QRP (5W or less CW)* *on the non-WARC HF bands only* *Standard QRP calling frequencies* *(see suggested frequencies below)*
Other contests on April 25, 2026	Nebraska QSO Party Florida QSO Party SP DX RTTY Contest UK/EI DX Contest CW See https://www.contestcalendar.com An RST & SPC from any QSO counts for QRPTTF -- see rules below

QRPTTF is an annual operating event to encourage QRPers to get on the air from the field or POTA, their backyard "Outback," or from home ... and of course, make QSOs and have fun whether inside or out.

QRPTTF encourages participation by QRP hams of all skill levels.

CW speeds are usually in the 13-20 wpm range.

RULES:

Exchange: RST, SPC, Name/code

RST = QRPers appreciate a realistic signal report

SPC = your U.S. State, Canadian Province, or Country

Name = Name of the breathing, non-AI operator as a QRP courtesy

/code = your station code or spell it out if you wish!

/H = HOME station Example: 559 IL Stan/H (HOME station in Illinois)

/B = OUTBACK station Example: 549 KY Bob/B (OUTBACK station in Kentucky)

/F = FIELD station Example: 449 OR Steve/F (FIELD station in Oregon)

SCORES based on receiving RST and SPC in the exchange.

NOTE: Working aSOTA or POTA station is assumed to be a FIELD station.

Working a QSO Party or other station is assumed to be a HOME station.

Mode: CW

Power: QRP CW 5 watts or less

CQ: The recommended CQ is "CQ TTF"

Suggested Frequencies (Non-WARC bands only):

CW QRP watering holes: 3560, 7030/7040, 7116, 14060, 21060, 28060 KHz

OR ... whatever else works.

POTA stations hang out around XX.055 — SOTA stations hang out around XX.063

Work a station once per band

Spotting or announcing yourself on QRP-L or other service is allowed.

SCORING:

Per band: Number of QSOs plus OUTBACK and FIELD stations worked per band

QSO points: ADD scores for each band together

Total Score: QSO points TIMES SPCs worked TIMES Multiplier

Multipliers:

x1 for HOME stations

x2 for OUTBACK/Backyard stations

x3 for FIELD, SOTA or POTA stations

Just enter the QSO info on Summary Sheet, score is automatically calculated.

A FIRST TIMER? SLOW AT CW?

If you've never worked a CW contest before, or your brass pounding a bit rusty, or find the 35 word per minute exchanges of other contests intimidating, try QRPTTF. It's pretty low-key and built for fun. If you hear a station calling “QRP TTF,” give a call. Most stations will match your speed, or send “PSE QRS” (please slow down) if he's too fast for you. If you miss an element of the exchange, ask for a repeat (“SPC?” or “NAME?"). We all fail to get the exchange at times. Often, by listening to a QRPTTF station working another, you can copy the exchange before you call. These are all tricks to help you with your code speed and to get you on the air to make some contacts.

Remember, we want to work you as much as you want to work us!

Every year, summary sheets are submitted that say "These were my first CW contacts ever," or "my first CW contest," or "my first time trying QRP." That's what this is all about. Of course, working our old friends is fun, too!!! Get on the air, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors if you can - and QRP.

PHOTOS. If you snap a photo or selfie of your QRPTTF station, send it along with your

Summary Sheet to be included in the Photo Gallery page.

Questions or comments may be directed to: qrp-l@mailman.qth.net (QRP-L Forum)

or na5n@zianet.com QRPTTF is administered solely through the QRP-L forum.

72, Paul NA5N

Socorro, New Mexico

RULE CHANGES:

Scoring change based on suggestions: Credit for WORKING a Field or Outback station for higher score.

In effect, now getting 2 points per QSO with a Field or Outback station.

RULES OVERVIEW

QRPTTF is open to all QRPers, CW only

OPERATING CLASSES:

FIELD – Operate "in the field" – your favorite park or fishing hole, picnic area or

bug-out location. This includes a SOTA or POTA activation.

OUTBACK – Operate from your backyard or patio to dust off your portable QRP

setup. House AC and your home fixed antennas may be used.

HOME – For those who enjoy operating from the comfort of your home shack or

unable to travel to a field or a remote location.

We want everyone who participates in QRPTTF to have fun from your home or outdoors, regardless of your age, local weather, or limitations you may have.

72, Paul NA5N

Summary Sheets are in Microsoft Excel (.xls)

and Open Office (.ods) spreadsheet format.

If you are unable to download the spreedsheet or convert to Apple or Linux, send your score info as a text email. Information required:

1) Station data (call, name, QTH, home or field)

2) QSOs per band

3) Field/Outback stations worked per band

4) Total SPCs worked, all bands

Your score will be calculated