THE 40M BANDS: 7.030/7.040 is becoming increasingly difficult to work for QRP, especially in the afternoon hours of QRPTTF. Therefore, like last year, I am delaring the HIGH end of 40M CW (above 7.100 MHz) as a separate band. Quite a few took advantage of the non-congested and quieter 40M HI band last year. Recommend around 7.105-7.110 MHz. Hopefully this will allow us to work more stations and serve as an experiment for future QRP activities. Stations and the SPCs worked above 7.100 (40H) count as a separate band from the normal confused 7.030/7.040 (40L) band.

 

CQ: The recommended CQ for this contest is “CQ TTF” since other contests are ongoing.

Discussion: This year's theme was chosen in an attempt to "soften" two looming problems.  First, we have to be careful where we setup our stations and erect our antennas these days in post 9/11.  We certainly don't want to bring undue concern to the public -- or law enforcement officers -- where our activities might appear suspicious.  While we could eventually explain ourselves, by the time we did, we might miss the contest!

 

Secondly, is the cost of gas now hovering around $4/gal. across the country.  Just getting to work and back is costing most of us dearly.  We don't want QRPers to have to spend more than they already are just to reach a QRPTTF location.  QRPers do things for less - including less gas!

Time: 1500Z April 23 thru 0300Z April 24
Right Coast Time: 1100 – 2300 EDT (UTC –4 hrs)    Saturday, April 23
Mid-west Time: 1000 – 2200 CDT (UTC –5 hrs)       in the US/VE
Mountain Time: 0900 – 2100 MDT (UTC –6 hrs)
Left Coast Time: 0800 – 2000 PDT (UTC –7 hrs)
Theme: Operate “in the field” or from the Outback - your back yard.

 10M 28.060 (hmmm, maybe!)

 15M 21.060

 20M 14.060 Freq.

 40L 7.030 – 7.040

  If 7.030–7.040 QRMed, try 40H 7.105–7.110

160M 1.810

 

Note: 40L and 40H are considered two different bands for QRPTTF. 

 

Mode: CW only
Power: QRP (5 watts or less)
Exchange: RST + Class + SPC
Class:  H = Home Station

             F = Field Station

             Y = Outback Station (Back *Y*ard)
SPC = State/Province/Country abbreviation
Examples: 579 F PA (of course, that would be Ron Polityka)

   or 579 Y NM (an Outback station)
Categories: Single Op, Multi-Op, Club (includes multi-station)
Scoring: QSO pts: 1 point for each QSO per band  (See Summary Sheet here)
SPCs points: count once per band
Multiplier: 1 = Home station
                   2 = Outback Station

                   3 = To the Field Station

Scoring: QSO points times SPCs per band times multiplier = total score
Summary Sheet: click here

A FIRST TIMER? SLOW AT CW?  If you've never worked a contest before, 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. Don't be afraid to say “PSE QRS” (please slow down) if he's too fast for you. If you miss an element of the exchange, don't be afraid to ask for a repeat (“SPC?” or “QTH?”).  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 get on the air.

 

Good luck and have fun, regardless of where you choose to operate from.

 

 

This Year's Theme is to operate QRP "from the FIELD," operate from THE OUTBACK or from your HOME.

 

FIELD LOCATION is any field location of your choosing.  For some, this might be that state or city park you like, or a favorite camping spot.  For others, there may not be a nearby convenient "to the field" location.  That's where the Outback comes in.

 

THE OUTBACK is your BACK yard.  Set up your QRP station in the privacy and comfort of your own home - except somewhere outside of your four walls.  You can use your existing antennas, or erect a field antenna as you wish.  The main requirement is to set up your station in the Outback just as you would in the field, not from your home (inside) shack or operating position.  And, you must power your station from batteries or other alternate power as you would in the field, not 110vac from your home wiring. The Outback can be your back yard, a garage, or other outbuilding on your property. If you have a vacant lot next door, go for it.  For apartment and condo dwellers, your patio or balcony, the parking lot, the pool area, or other area on the property.  Basically, if you can reasonably walk to it (no $4 gas) from your home, it's in the Outback.

 

For those of you that often get interupted during QRPTTF for family or work activities, this should allow you to quickly get back on the air as soon as you return home.  And, hey, Canadians have Outbacks, too!

 

HOME.  If you are unable to operate from the field or the Outback, you are still welcome to participate by operating from your home station.

 

As always, the idea of QRPTTF is to "get out of the house," work some fellow QRPers, have some fun, and try to stay off the 6:00 news.