RAC Canada Day Contest

Por URE

RAC Canada Day Contest 2022 Rules
Note: Please check the RAC website for any updates
Changes to the RAC Canada Day and Canada Winter Contests
The Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Contests and Awards Committee is pleased to announce
changes to the RAC sponsored contests.
Commencing with the 2022 contest year we will be adding two new entry categories: Single
Operator – Assisted – High Power (SOAHP) and Single Operator – Assisted – Low Power
(SOALP).
There is no additional subclassification for either of the two assisted categories.
Winners in these categories will qualify for a newly sponsored plaque as well as the
typical certificates grouped as in the other entry classes. These categories will be added to the
records list alongside the other category records.
We would like to thank Radioworld Central in Calgary, Alberta (https://www.gpscentral.
ca/) for sponsoring the plaques in these new categories for both RAC contests. The whole
organization at Radioworld in Toronto and now at their Calgary team are great supporters of
our activities.
With the advent of our new Web Log submission system, the log submission deadlines have
been shortened to 14 days from the end of the contest. We will be phasing out email and
paper log submission in the near future. We are also changing the requirement to qualify for
certificates. Participants must make a minimum of 50 contacts (QSOs) to be eligible to receive a
certificate in any of the categories. We have also provided additional clarifications on how the
Rookie category is structured and adjudicated as part of the updated Category Notes provided
in the rules.
The Category Notes that form part of the rules has been clarified and there is more information
as to how contest categories are structured and adjudicated. We have also added a “Summary
of Category Elements, Limitations and Eligibility” table to the rules to highlight key elements of
adjudication for the categories.
Please take a few moments to review the updated rules, starting with the Canada Day Contest
Rules 2022 which are available on the RAC website at the links provided below. We look forward
to your participation in the RAC Canada Day and Canada Winter contests.
• https://www.rac.ca/contesting/
• https://www.rac.ca/contesting-results/
2
RAC Canada Day Contest 2022: Friday, July 1
Each year on July 1, the anniversary of Canada’s
Confederation, Radio Amateurs of Canada
sponsors the Canada Day Contest and Amateurs
all over the world are invited to Canada’s Birthday
Party on the air.
Contest Period: 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC on
Friday, July 1.
Bands and Modes: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 metres, CW and
phone (SSB, FM, AM, etc.)
Suggested frequencies: CW – 25 kHz up from the band edge
and for SSB – 1850, 3775, 7075*, 7225, 14175, 21250 and 28500 kHz.
Check for CW activity on the half-hour.
*Note: For 7075 kHz please watch for conflicts in the band plan where
there are overlaps with other modes of operation.
Exchange: Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or
territory. VEØs and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial
number.
QSOs: Contacts with stations in Canada or VEØs are worth 10 points.
Contacts with stations outside Canada are worth 2 points. Contacts
with RAC official stations are worth 20 points. RAC official stations are:
VA2RAC, VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC,
VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, VO2RAC, VY0RAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC.
You may work any station once on each of the two modes, on each of
the eight contest bands. It is prohibited to make CW contacts in
the conventional phone sub-bands and phone contacts in the
conventional CW sub-bands. Contacts or soliciting QSOs through a
repeater during the contest period is not allowed.
Contacts in the RAC Canada Contests also count towards the RAC
Canadian Portable Operations Challenge Award.
Multipliers: Thirteen in total, Canada’s 10 provinces and three
territories. Each multiplier may be counted once on each mode on
each of the eight contest bands.
The multipliers, with their postal abbreviations and prefixes are:
Nova Scotia [NS] (VE1, VA1, CY9, CYØ); Quebec [QC] (VE2, VA2);
Ontario [ON] (VE3, VA3); Manitoba [MB] (VE4, VA4); Saskatchewan
[SK] (VE5, VA5); Alberta [AB] (VE6, VA6); British Columbia [BC] (VE7,
VA7); Northwest Territories [NT] (VE8); New Brunswick [NB] (VE9);
Newfoundland and Labrador [NL] (VO1, VO2); Nunavut [NU] (VYØ);
Yukon [YT] (VY1); and Prince Edward Island [PE] (VY2).
Certain special Canadian prefixes in use at the time of the contest
may also apply; however, there may be no more than 13 multipliers
on each band/mode. Please use the multiplier abbreviations, in
square brackets, noted above.
Note: in the event a station is unable to make a contact with a Canadian
station, there will be granted a multiplier count of 1 to facilitate the
proper calculation of the final score since a multiplier of zero (0) would
not create a valid calculation of a final score.
Final Score: The total QSO from all bands multiplied by the total
number of multipliers from all bands.
Note: Please check the RAC website for any updates to the RAC Canada Day 2022 Contest Rules
RadioSport
Manitoba
3
Categories:
All categories are designed to be multi-mode, Phone and CW
categories except for the two single operator single mode
categories. It is required that single operator all bands’ categories
have at least one contact in both modes to differentiate those
categories from the single model categories.All other categories
may operate single mode if so desired recognizing that it
reduces their potential contacts and multipliers.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors for their support of the
RAC Canada Day and RAC Canada Winter Contests.
The following categories are eligible for plaques or certificates as
detailed in the Awards section of the rules.
1) Single Operator All Bands High Power (SOABHP) >100 watts
– Radioworld
2) Single Operator All Bands Low Power (SOABLP), max. 100
watts output – Contest Club Ontario
3) Single Operator All Bands QRP (SOABQRP), max. 5-watt output
All Bands & Single Band – Radioworld (See Note 8)
4) Single Operator All Bands CW only, (SOABCW only), any
authorized power – Gary Bartlett VE1RGB Memorial by the
Maritime Contest Club
5) Single Operator All Bands PH only (SOABPH only), any
authorized power – Saskatchewan Contest Club
6) Single Operator Single Band (SOSB), any authorized power
– Radioworld (See Note 9)
7) Single Operator Assisted High Power (SOAHP) > 100 watts
– Radioworld Central (See Note 3)
8) Single Operator Assisted Low Power ** (SOALP), max. 100
watts output – Radioworld Central (See Note 3)
**Note: QRP entrants who wish to use assistance will be placed in the
low power category.
9) Multi-Operator Single Transmitter High Power (MOSTHP),
>100 watts – Alfa Radio (See Note 4)
10) Multi-Operator Single Transmitter Low Power (MOSTLP),
max. 100 watts output – Tony Allsop VE3FTA Memorial by
the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club (See Note 4)
11) Multi-Operator Multi-Transmitter (MOMT), any authorized
power – Radioworld
Special Category Plaques
For the Canada Day Contest a special trophy is awarded for the
highest Single Operator (no power classification) Foreign Entrant
– Larry Kayser VA3LK Memorial by Alan Goodacre, VE3HX.
For the Canada Day Contest there is a “Rookie” subcategory
plaque sponsored by RadioSport Manitoba and the Winnipeg
Amateur Radio Club. For detailed information regarding the
qualifications for the Rookie plaque, please refer to item 14 of
the Category Notes. Previous rookie winners of this contest are
ineligible for an additional Rookie Plaque in this contest.
Additional details on contest categories, limitations, exceptions,
callouts and Rookie plaque eligibility appear in the Category
Notes and in Table 1 (see page 4).
Category notes:
Please check the RAC website for any revisions due to the
global pandemic.
1) The contents of a log that is submitted for a specific category
must reflect that category including any multimode or single
mode QSO requirement that may apply to the category.
In the event of a conflict between the actual content of the log
and the stated category in the Cabrillo header or contained in
other elements of the entry material, the actual contents of the
log will be used to determine the category of entry where
possible. In the event this cannot be determined or in the event
where a log does not identify the entry category, the entry will be
classified into the Multi-Operator, Multi-Transmitter, any
authorized power category.
Any entrant who wants to enter a specific category (i.e. Single Band
entry), but who also worked additional contacts outside that
category, may submit those additional contacts in a separate check
log file. Do not include them in the main entered category log file.
2) Where the categories have a power class and the submitted
log does not clearly identify the power class entered, then the log
will be treated as if the highest power class for that category was
entered.
3) Single operators who receive assistance in identifying
potential new QSOs and/or multipliers from an Amateur Radio
Spotting Network – including Skimmer and similar technologies
or any type of Packet Cluster system – during the contest must
classify their log as being in one of the two Single Operator
Assisted categories. To indicate an assisted entry use the Cabrillo
heading “Category-Assisted: Assisted” in your log file to identify
this entry classification. As noted in the category description, any
QRP entrant claiming “Assistance” will be placed in the SOALP
category as there is no QRP assisted class.
All multi-operator categories allow the use of spotting assistance
without special identification.
4) * In the Multi-Single category only one transmitter and one
band are permitted during the same time period (defined as 10
minutes). Exception: One, and only one, other band may be used
during any 10-minute period, if and only if the station worked is a
new multiplier. In other words, the Multi-Single Transmitter class
allows a second station to “hunt” and work multipliers only on a
single separate band during any 10-minute period. This limitation
is placed on the category to force strategic decisions regarding
band changes by the team.
5) Multi-Multi category stations may operate the eight contest
bands simultaneously, but only one transmitted signal per band
is permitted at any time.
6) For all multi transmitter categories, all transceivers, transmitters
and receivers operated by the multi station participants/entrants
must be within a single 500-metre diameter circle and the
antennas must be physically connected by RF transmission lines
to the transceivers, transmitters and/or receivers.
7) Operators in either the Multi-Multi or Multi-Single categories
should note that a distributed contest station is permitted in
the RAC contests, however such operations are not eligible
for awards.
4
A distributed station is defined as a station which does not have
all transceivers, transmitters and/or receivers operated by station
operators/participants/entrants located within a single
500-metre diameter circle of each other. Distributed Multi-Multi
operations must identify such operations as part of their Cabrillo
form log submission as a SOAPBOX comment or summary sheet
document. Those individuals using distributed station operations
must do so in accordance with the regulations governing
amateur radio operation in their jurisdiction.
8) ** Although there is only one QRP category, which qualifies for
a plaque or certificate, it is intended that the published results
would show All Bands or the Single Band of operation. To
facilitate this break out of the listings, your entry should indicate
the band(s) or mode(s) operated.
9) *** Although there is only one Single Operator Single Band
category that qualifies for a certificate or award, it is intended that
the published results would show High Power or Low Power. To
facilitate this break out of the listings, your entry should indicate
the power class you used.
10) Operators who have participated in any multi-operator
category entries may not contact the station they have
participated in if they were to operate as part of another entry in
the same contest. In addition, guest operators at any station
regardless of entry category may not claim contacts with the
station host owner or host station mobile call for points or
multipliers.
11) Remote operations of a single station under the same call
sign where all transceivers, transmitters and receivers are within
a single 500-metre diameter circle – the antennas must be
physically connected by RF transmission lines to the transceivers,
transmitters and/or receivers – is explicitly permitted.
Table 1: Summary of Category Elements, Limitations and Eligibility
Category Power
Level
Logged
Band
Requirement
Mixed Mode
Contacts
Required
Assisted Use
Allowed
Transmitted
On-air Signals
10 Minute Rule
Applies
Rookie Plaque
Eligible
SOABHP >100 W 2 or more Yes No 1 at any given
time
No Yes
SOABLP >5 to100 W 2 or more Yes No 1 at any given
time
No Yes
SOABQRP <5 W 1 or more Yes No 1 at any given time No Yes SOABCW only Any 1 or more No, CW only No 1 at any given time No No SOABPH only Any 1 or more No, Phone only No 1 at any given time No No SOSB Any 1 only Optional No 1 at any given time No No SOAHP >100 W 1 or more Optional Yes 1 at any given
time
No No
SOALP <100 W 1 or more Optional Yes 1 at any given time No No MOSTLP <100 W 1 or more Optional Yes 1 run, 1 multiplier on different band Yes No MOSTHP >100 W 1 or more Optional Yes 1 run, 1
multiplier on
different band
Yes No
MOMT Any 1 or more Optional Yes 1 per band No No
Those operators using remote operations must do so in
accordance with the regulations governing Amateur Radio
operation in their home and remote station jurisdiction.
Remote operation of more than one station under the same call
sign, or remote operation of more than one station by the same
licensee under differing call signs, is prohibited during the
contest period.
12) Single Operator 1 VFO (SO1V), Single Operator 2 VFO (SO2V)
and Single Operator 2 Radio with one VFO shown for each radio
(SO2R) entries are allowed in all categories.
13) Self-spotting and requesting other operators to spot your
station by any means is strictly prohibited for any Canada Day
Contest entry categories
14) “Rookie” is defined as a single operator who was first
licensed as a Radio Amateur less than 36 calendar months
(three years) prior to the date of the contest. Any level of
Amateur Radio licence available from the licensing jurisdiction
of the entrant qualifies for the category. The three supported
categories that qualify for the “Rookie” plaque have a multimode
requirement as differentiation from the single mode
categories. Further, we are trying to encourage entrants to
explore both SSB (Phone) and CW aspects of the contest thus
requiring a minimum of one CW and one SSB contact to be
made in the qualifying single operator categories that qualify
for adjudication for the rookie plaque.
The participating licensed Amateur is required to self-declare
their eligibility, but the RAC Contest Management Committee
reserves the right to request proof of eligibility to assist in
resolving any disputes.
5
Eligible Categories for Rookie Plaque:
Participants are eligible for the Rookie Plaque in the following
categories.
Note: only one plaque is available across the three categories
designated below.
• Single Operator All Band Low Power (SOABLP)
• Single Operator All Band High Power (SOABHP)
• Single Operator All Band QRP Power (SOABQRP)
Log Identification of Rookie Overlay Category:
Your submitted log will need to indicate your entry in the Rookie
category by indicating with a “Category-Overlay: Rookie” line
in the Cabrillo log file header. You may need to manually enter
this line if the logging software you use does not support this
category overlay. This can also be selected when submitting a
log via the RAC Web Log Submission System.
In addition, “Rookie” entrants will need to indicate the date they
were first licensed by adding a comment with that information in
a “Soapbox:” field in the Cabrillo header. An example would be:
“Soapbox: First licensed in January of 2020.”
While the scores from the single mode, unlimited and multi-op
“Rookie” entries will be noted in the contest results, only Rookie
entrants in the SOABHP, SOABLP or SOABQRP categories will be
eligible for the Rookie plaque. While there is only a single Rookie
plaque determined by the results from the three eligible single
operator categories, a Rookie entrant will still be eligible for the
plaque for the single operator category they have entered
should they achieve the highest score for that category. Should
they qualify for a certificate based on the normal criteria for
certificates, they will be further awarded that certificate.
Awards:
Plaques will be awarded to the top-scoring entrants in each
category, as noted above in the category list.
Special thanks to our sponsors for their ongoing support!
Certificates will be awarded to the top-scoring entrant in each
category, where a log containing a minimum of 50 gross QSOs
has been submitted, in each of.
1) Canadian provinces or territories
2) Continental US call districts, W0 through W9 as well as
Alaska and Hawaii. US Commonwealths, Territories and
Possessions such as Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, etc will
be treated as equivalent to a DXCC country
3) DXCC country, excluding Canada and the US
To facilitate the proper allocation of certificates, all US stations
should indicate their actual US call district based on their actual
address, as provided in the Cabrillo header, if different than
indicated by their call prefix.
DX stations should indicate the actual country of operation if
different than indicated by their call prefix by indicating the
country as part of the portable call sign designator.
RAC stations will compete and be considered the same as any
other entrant for eligibility to plaques and certificates.
Results: Will be published in The Canadian Amateur magazine
published by the Radio Amateurs of Canada. The results will also
be published on the RAC website.
Entries: All entries must be electronically submitted by 23:59
UTC 14 days after the end of the contest (July 15, 2022). The
preferred method is to submit logs via the Web Log Submission
system at www.contest.rac.ca
For the current contest year, we will also accept logs sent via email
to canadaday@rac.ca. Electronic email entries will be confirmed by
return email by the contest manager. This is a manual process, so
do not expect an immediate reply.
For the current contest year, we will also accept logs sent via mail,
postmarked no later than 14 days after the end of the contest.
Send paper entries to:
Radio Amateurs of Canada
720 Belfast Road, Suite 217
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 0Z5
Paper mail entries must contain a summary sheet showing
score calculation, a dupe sheet listing calls worked on each
mode on each band, a multiplier check sheet and log sheets.
Log sheets must show time, band, mode, call of station worked,
exchanges sent and received and claimed for each QSO. New
multipliers must be clearly marked in the log.
For those submitting paper logs, the contest entry forms are
also available on the RAC website at:
http://wp.rac.ca/contesting-results/
Special Note:
1) The contest management team will be phasing out email and
paper logs at some point in the future, so we encourage you to
update your processes and software to accommodate use of the
Web Log Submission system and the required Cabrillo- formatted
logs.
2) Any entry with 100 or more contacts should be submitted in
digital format using the contest log submission system or, while
supported, via email.
3) The required electronic format is the RAC Cabrillo format. The
files must be submitted in plain ASCII/Text format. The current
Cabrillo logging format / standard is available from the RAC
website at: https://www.rac.ca/contesting-results/, under the
heading of RAC Cabrillo V3.3
4) When submitting any electronic log please use a unique
identifier by naming the file using your cCall sign with a file
extension of .LOG, .CBR or .TXT (e.g., yourcall.LOG). If you email
your log, please send the file(s) as attachments. Do not paste the
log file into the text of your message as there may be issues with
the formatting making it difficult to properly extract the log.
Large files may be zipped if necessary.
If you have questions about these rules or need help with
preparing or submitting your log or have any other questions,
please contact Bart Ritchie, VE5CPU at ve5cpu@rac.ca.
For the previous year’s contest results, visit the RAC website in
the Contest section at: http://wp.rac.ca/contesting-results/
We hope to hear you on the air for the RAC Canada Day Contest (July 1; 00:00 UTC through 23:59:59 UTC).
Don’t forget to share your stories with us at tcamag@yahoo.ca and #RACCD