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WG3K > ANS 16.06.24 02:25l 109 Lines 5061 Bytes #84 (0) @ AMSAT
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Subj: The 2024 AMSAT Field Day Rules
Path: IZ3LSV<DB0ERF<DK0WUE<PD0LPM<PI8ZTM<I0OJJ<GB7CIP<VK2RZ<KC9UHI<KA1VSC<
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Sent: 240616/0019Z 5364@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
The AMSAT Field Day 2024 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators.
Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day.
The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites,
both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any
contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite.
Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses
satellites (Ex: SO-50). CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three
points as outlined below.
*Analog Transponders*
ARRL rules apply, except:
Each phone, CW, and digital segment ON EACH SATELLITE TRANSPONDER is
considered to be a separate band.
CW and digital (FT-4, RTTY, PSK-31, etc.) contacts count THREE points each.
Stations may only count one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM
satellite. If a satellite has multiple modes such as V/u and L/s modes both
turned on, one contact each is allowed. If the both ISS stations are
operational, one QSO on each mode (1 phone and 1 digital), Contacts with
the ISS crew will count for one contact if they are active. Greencube (1
digital).
The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single satellite
transponder is prohibited.
*Digital Transponders*
Satellite digipeat QSO's and APRS short-message contacts are worth three
points each, but must be complete verified two-way exchanges. The one
contact per FM satellite is not applied to digital transponders.
The use of terrestrial gateway stations or internet gateways (i.e.
EchoLink, IRLP, etc.) to uplink/downlink is not allowed.
For 'Store and Forward' hamsats, each satellite is considered a separate
band. Do not post "CQ" messages. Simply upload ONE greeting message to each
satellite and download as many greeting messages as possible from each
satellite. The subject of the uploaded file should be posted as Field Day
Greetings, addressed to ALL. The purpose of this portion of the competition
is to demonstrate digital satellite communications to other Field Day
participants and observers. Do not reply to the Field Day Greetings
addressed to ALL.
The following uploads and downloads count as three-point digital contacts.
(a) Upload of a satellite Field Day Greetings file (one per satellite).
(b) Download of Satellite Field Day Greetings files posted by other
stations. Downloads of non-Field Day files or messages not addressed to ALL
are not to be counted for the event. Save DIR listings and message files
for later "proof of contact."
You may make contacts with GreenCube, IO-117, and each one will count as 3
points as do other digital contacts.
Please note AMSAT uploaded messages do not count for QSO points under the
ARRL rules.
Sample Satellite Field Day Greetings File:
KK5DO FD EL29 class 2A 20 participants
Note that the message stated the call, operating class, where they were
located (the grid square) and how many operators were in attendance.
*Operating Class*
Stations operating portable and using emergency power (as per ARRL Field
Day rules) are in a separate operating class from those at home connected
to commercial power. On the report form simply check off Emergency or
Commercial for the Power Source and be sure to specify your ARRL operating
class (2A, 1C, etc.).
*AND FINALLY…*
The Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for submission of the AMSAT
Field Day competition and be received by KK5DO (e-mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT,
Monday, July 23, 2024. This year, we are using the same due date as the
ARRL. The only method for submitting your log is via e-mail to
kk5do@amsat.org or kk5do@arrl.net. I have not had a mail-in entry in a very
long time.
Add photographs or other interesting information that can be used in an
article for the Journal.
You will receive an e-mail back (within one or two days) from me when I
receive your e-mail submission. If you do not receive a confirmation
message, then I have not received your submission. Try sending it again or
send it to my other e-mail address.
Certificates will be awarded for the first-place emergency power/portable
station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space Symposium in the fall of
2024. Certificates will also be awarded to the second and third place
portable/emergency operation in addition to the first-place home station
running on emergency power. A station submitting high, award-winning scores
will be requested to send in dupe sheets for analog contacts and message
listings for digital downloads.
You may have multiple rig difficulties, antenna failures, computer
glitches, generator disasters, tropical storms, and there may even be
satellite problems, but the goal is to test your ability to operate in an
emergency situation. Try different gear. Demonstrate satellite operations
to hams that don't even know the HAMSATS exist. Test your equipment. Avoid
making more than ONE contact via the FM-only voice HAMSATS or the ISS, and
enjoy the event!
[ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, AMSAT
Board Member 2016-2024 for the above information.]
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