Remembrance Day Contest
RD Contest 2008
Contest Manager
Peter Harding VK4OD
vk4od@wia.org.au
Phone : 07-3114 2962
Contest Introduction
This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased in the southwest Pacific area.
It is preceded by a short opening address by a Guest Speaker transmitted on various WIA frequencies during the 15 minutes prior to the contest. During this ceremony, a roll call of amateurs who paid the supreme sacrifice during WWII is read.
A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance. The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants.
Aim Of The Contest
Amateurs in each VK call area will endeavour to contact amateurs in other VK call areas, ZL and P2 on all bands except WARC bands. On 1.8, 28, and 50 MHz and above, entrants may also contact other amateurs in their own call area.
Previous Years Winners
2007 Winning State
 State..Logs..Callsigns...Points... Score
VK6.....104....1295.........11841....905.94
VK7.......34.......575...........4675....276.43
VK1.......24.......376...........2591....165.38
VK5.......43.....1425...........4893....147.65
VK4.......54.....2804...........6162....118.67
VK3.......54.....4015...........6867......92.76
VK2.......41.....4220...........4600......44.69
O/S..........1............1................38......38.00
2006
HF CW Single Op - VK5ATU : 254
HF Phone Multi Op - VK5BP : 674
HF Phone Single - VK6RRG : 541
Open Section - VK7GN : 767
VHF Single Op Phone - VK7ZBX : 380
Receiving Section - R Craig : 661
Overseas Section - XL1DK : 228
Contest History
Since I proposed changes to the 2006 “Remembrance Day Contest” I have received several suggestions, therefore I would like to take this opportunity to explain the minor changes to the rules for this year.
We want to emphasise the traditional values in this contest to honour our diggers. This article presents the formal rules for the 2007 “Remembrance Day Contest”. which appear in the contest section of the WIA website and in the AR magazine for July.
The RD Contest is then most important event on the Australian amateur calendar, with heavy participation by individual operators and serious competition between states. As it was for 2006 we have carried on with the rule to formally make ineligible contacts which may use an Internet connection. Therefore, the use of such things as IRLP or ECHOLINK are now specifically banned. From this year we have opened the “Receiving Only” category to any Licensed stations. HOWEVER, if they participate in this category they CANNOT take part in any of the Transmitting sections. With the introduction of the Foundation and changes to all licence structures, the 2006 “ Remembrance Day Contest” saw a number of the new “F” calls participating. We look forward to more taking part this year.
This year's changes are aimed at restoring the drive and renewing the enthusiasm in the grand old lady. We specifically wanted to strengthen the RD without confusion and hope the new rules will help the “ Remembrance Day Contest” retain its rightful place as the premier Australian contest event. The “Remembrance Day Contest” for 2007 will be held for the 24 hours commencing at 0800 UTC on Saturday 11 th August 2007 finishing at 0800 UTC on Sunday 12 th August 2007 Firstly, in essence, what won't change is the spirit of the thing. We haven't meddled with the basics which make the “Remembrance Day Contest” so very special. The winning state will be the one which stands head and shoulders over the rest. Those things won't ever change. Other things will.
Due to the complexity and in order to simplify the points tabulations, I have simplified the bonus points for the HF operators. Reason is that we have bonus points for HF in 160 and 10 metres, CW, VK0, and also in the midnight to yawn shift. We have also kept as a non requirement the necessity to show the RST. However if it is sent then, if you wish, you can reflect it in the log and if a operator requests an RST and it is sent, it should represent a true assessment of the received signal. Logs should still show sequential numbers starting at 001, with bonus points tallied at the end of the contest and added to the claimed score. SSB and CW will continue to be considered separate modes on HF and from this year, subject to licence privileges, any operator who works stations using 10 metres FM above 29MHz will also have the opportunity to immediately re-log the same station using SSB or CW below 29 MHz. On VHF, we also encourage increased operation by allowing you to work a station on FM and immediately rework them on SSB or CW, or, indeed, both. This provision was inadvertently changed several years ago when the then manager moved to ban completely automated exchanges between packet stations.
The effect it had, other than to remove the packet robots, of course, was to almost totally eradicate CW and SSB contest operation on the VHF and higher bands in one fell swoop. This year we redress the situation. Although your VHF log can include stations worked on CW, FM or SSB, will continue to need separate logs for HF and VHF categories, due to the different rules applying to the two categories. Many operators concentrate exclusively on VHF and higher band operation, and many of them will have seen that stations which might be very strong on six or two metres could be substantially weaker on 70cm, and probably all but inaudible on higher bands. From 2005 we sought to address this imbalance by offering reward-based incentives for putting the work into higher band operation. So all contacts on bands from and including 23cm and above attract double points, irrespective of and in addition to any other incentives already offered. 160 metre band HF operators also receive double points, as do all CW operators.
HF operators using either 10 or 160 metres are able to work stations within their own state boundaries, although interstate operation only applies 80-15m. Once again due to limited band space is restricted we have not considered allowing WARC band operation, and have decided to restrict HF operation to the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre bands only.
When polled for comment on a recent VK1WIA broadcast, a number of people asked about multiple contacts. Until 2006, dupes were not allowed on HF but were allowed on VHF after only two hours. The VHF arrangements will not change this year. However, repeat HF contacts are allowed after two hours. This will encourage both more and longer operation, and real participation in the fun. What's more, there's a special time for all operators still on the air between 1am and 6am local time. All points scored during those wee hours are doubled. If you work a station whose time zone means they are outside the 1am to 6am point, only your points will be doubled. Although the contest runs during UTC times, the special "night owl" loading is determined strictly by your time zone.
Until the 1970s ushered in substantial VHF operations, a very convoluted point-scoring system was in place for HF, in which more points were allocated for contacts spanning multiple call areas than ones to neighbouring states. Even with computer technology, scoring such a thing could be a time-consuming process indeed, and very confusing for entrants.
For scoring purposes, too, determining the overall winner is a different affair. The “Remembrance Day Contest” has always been State against State, but determining the winner was a confusing process involving overall "improvement factors". These days, who wins is a simple question of how many people take part from each state and actually submit logs. More than ever before, then, for your state to win, submitting your log is vital. Electronic Logging is preferred but by no means mandatory. Those entrants with a suitable PC may wish to consider it for this year’s contest log. By using one of these programs, the file that is Emailed to me can be imported easily into the scoring database program. Links for these programs are listed below. I have tried and tested them all and with the assistance of all the creators, parts of their program have been rewritten to assist scoring. That's a basic summary of the changes. Every one of them is designed to boost your scores without making the scoring too messy for either the competitor or the manager. Good luck, and good contesting!
Upcoming Contest Date & Time
Sat 15th August 0800 utc to 0759 utc Sun 16th August 2009
Sat 14th August 0800 utc to 0759 utc Sun 15th August 2010
Sat 13th August 0800 utc to 0759 utc Sun 14th August 2011
Contest Rules
Sections
(a) High Frequency for operation on bands below 50 MHz;
(b) Very High Frequency for operation on and above 50 MHz;
Operators may enter each section, but separate logs must be submitted for each section and for each Callsign used on that section by the operator.
Categories
(a) Single Operator; and
(b) Multi-operator.
Sub Sections
(a) Transmitting Phone (FM, SSB);
(b) Transmitting CW (CW); **
(c) Transmitting Open (a) and (b);
(d) Receiving (a), (b) or (c).
**Note: CW in this context means CW only; any other digital modes such as Packet, RTTY, AMTOR, PSK31, etc are specifically excluded from the contest.
Location
All amateurs Licensed in Australia, and not physically within VK/P29/ZL as VK’s outside VL may enter the contest, whether their stations are fixed, portable or mobile. See Rule 16
Crossband
Cross-band and/or cross-mode contacts are not permitted.
IRLP & Echolink
Operation via any means other than those which use direct radio transmissions is banned. This includes all means such as IRLP or Echolink, which rely on contact via the internet.
Satellites
Contacts via Satellites is also not allowed for scoring purposes.
How To Call In The Contest
Call “CQ RD”, “CQ CONTEST” or “CQ TEST”.
Duration Between Contacts
On ALL bands, stations may be contacted at intervals of not less than two hours since the previous contact on that band and mode.
Contacts Within Same Call Area
No points will be awarded for contacts between stations in the same call area on HF, except on the 160 metre and the 10 metre bands, on which entrants may work stations in the same call area.
10m FM Mode
On the 10 metre band, contacts may also be made using the FM mode, using simplex only, on frequencies above 29.0 MHz only. This will be considered a different mode for scoring purposes, so an SSB or CW contact could immediately be made with the same station below 29.0MHz for an additional score.
50mhz And Above
On 50 MHz and above, the same station in any call area may be worked using any of the modes listed at intervals of not less than two hours since the previous contact on that band and mode.
VHF Category
For the VHF category, up to three contacts may be made with the same station consecutively on each band, but must be made using the different allowable modes of CW, SSB and FM. However, the different modes must be within the frequency ranges stated in the text descriptions of the latest Call Book as ‘mode’ only. For example, on the two metre band, RD Contest CW contacts may only be made in the range 144.050 to 144.100 MHz. SSB contacts are restricted to 144.100 to 144.400, while FM contacts must be above 146.000 MHz. The national simplex calling channels (146.500 MHz on the two metre band), and the frequencies either side thereof, excluding recognised repeater frequencies, are the suggested frequencies. When changing modes, entrants must also change frequency.
Single And Multi Opertaor Stations
Both single and multi-operator entries are permitted. To be eligible as a single operator, one person must perform all operating and logging activities without assistance other than computer logging, using his or her own callsign. More than one person can use the same station and remain a single operator providing that each uses his or her own callsign, submits a separate log under that callsign and does not receive operating or logging assistance in any way other than computer logging during the contest.
Using More Than One Callsign
Holders of more than one licence or callsign MUST submit a separate entry for each callsign used.
Multi Operator Stations
Multi-operator stations are only allowed one transmitter per band/mode at any one time. Simultaneous transmissions on different bands are permitted. Simultaneous transmissions on the same band but using different modes are permitted. Any large multi-operator stations may find it more convenient to use separate band and/or mode logs.
Automated Operation
Automated operation is not permitted. The operator must have physical control of the station for each contact. However CW and voice keyers are permitted, although the use of computers is restricted to logging purposes only.
Valid Contacts
For a contact to be valid, a three-digit serial number commencing at 001 and incrementing by one for each successive contact must be exchanged between stations making the contact. (RS/RST reporting is not required, but if given should be an accurate appraisal of the signal).
Logs Separate logs are required for entrants competing in both HF and VHF sections, although all allowable modes can be contained within each log.
Contacts Via Repeater Or Sattelite
Contacts via repeater, satellite or relay are not permitted for scoring purposes. Contacts may be arranged through a repeater, although contact numbers may not be aired there. Operation on repeater frequencies in simplex is not permitted.
Receiving Section Rules
This section is open to all SWLs in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Licensed operators may enter this section but this will make them ineligible to also compete in the Transmitting sections.
Rules are the same as for the Transmitting Section. The only double points will apply to ALL received CW contacts, and contacts received between 01:00 and 06:00.
Only completed contacts may be logged, it is not permissible to log a station calling CQ.
Contest Scoring
On 160 metres two points per completed valid contact.
On 23cm or higher bands two points per completed valid contact;
On all other bands one point;
On CW irrespective of band, double points.
All scores obtained between the entrant's local time hours of 0100 and 0600 are doubled. If working into an area where the time is outside those hours, the score is doubled only for the station whose local time is 0100 to 0600 hours.
Submitting Your Log
Logs should be in the format shown in the sample attachment below and accompanied by a Summary Sheet showing callsign; name; address; category; sub sections ; for multi-operator stations a list of the operators; total score; declaration: I hereby certify that I have operated in accordance with the rules and spirit of the contest; signed (postal mail only); date. Please supply a contact telephone number if possible.
Entrants operating on both HF and VHF are required to submit separate logs and summary sheets for both categories. Separate serial numbers for HF and VHF operation. Logs must be serial numbered sequentially on any band within the High Frequency for operation on bands below 50 MHz; Logs must be serial numbered sequentially on any band within the Very High Frequency for operation on and above 50 MHz;
VK entrants temporarily operating outside their allocated call area, including those outside continental Australia as defined for DXCC, can elect to have their points credited to their home State by making a statement to that effect on their summary sheet(s).
Logs can be submitted by electronic mail or postal mail:
By mail, send logs and summary sheets to: RD Contest Manager. Endorse the front of the envelope " Remembrance Day Contest ".
Peter Harding VK4OD
40 Centaurus Cres
Regents Park,
QLD 4118.
E-mail, PLAIN TEXT logs only may be sent to rdlogs@wia.org.au
Electronic Logging is preferred but by no means mandatory. Those entrants with a suitable PC may wish to consider it for this years. By using one of these programs, the file that is Emailed to me can be imported easily into the scoring database program. Links for these programs are listed below. I have tried and tested them all and with the assistance of all the creators, they have rewritten parts of their program to assist scoring, On completion of the contest you can email the VK?XXXX.csv, which is a comma delimited file format be, which can be imported into our database. See Software download links below.
In all cases, logs must be received by last mail on Monday 10 th September, 2007. Late entries will not be eligible. Electronically sent logs will be returned with a courtesy note, also Snail Mail will be returned unopened.
If you are sending your logs by electronic means, I would recommend that you set the flag to request “confirmation of receipt” and “when the file is read”. This way you will receive two confirmation messages. If you do not receive either return message please send me an inquiry mail, For users of Snail Mail send a self addressed envelope with the sample reply form to request a receipt for your paper log, the "Reply Form" is available for download below.
HOWEVER in all circumstances the rule above WILL STILL APPLY. So get the logs in early.
Contest Results
Any station observed as departing from the generally accepted codes of operating ethics may be disqualified. Determination of Winning State or Territory. Scoring will be achieved by taking the total number of logs for each State or Territory, divided by the total number of licences issued in that State or Territory (excluding beacons and repeaters) as published in the WIA Callbook for that year, and multiplying by the total score for that State or Territory. Points can only be considered where a station has submitted a valid log.
Unless otherwise elected by the entrant concerned, the scores of VK0 stations will be credited to VK7, and the scores of VK9 to the mainland call area which is geographically closest. Scores of P2, ZL and SWL stations will not be included in these calculations, although entrants in those areas are eligible for all certificate awards.
Contest Award
Certificates will be awarded to the leading entrants in each sub-section, both single and multi-operator; in each State; P2 and ZL. Entrants must make at least 10 contacts to be eligible for awards, unless otherwise Ruled by the Contest Manager.
Logging Software
Computerised Logging Programs
Please check your favourite website for current versions, as most of the programmers are now doing a rewrite, to allow for this years rule changes.
VK Contest Log (VKCL) by Mike Subocz VK3AVV, the can be found by clicking the following Link
John Drew VK5DJ RD logging program can be found at the following Link
WinRD+ logging program by James McBride VK6FJA can be found by clicking the following Link
Contest Sponsors
The Wireless Institute Of Australia
Files For Download
Page Last Updated: Monday 18 August 2008 at 21:4 hours
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