The AM Forum

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AMFONE.Net (www.amfone.net (http://www.amfone.net/))Your definitive source for everything related to AM.
Radio Engineering Associates (www.radioassociates.com (http://www.radioassociates.com/)) Equipment and services for the professional and radio amateur. 

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The purpose of this event is to encourage the use of Amplitude Modulation on theAmateur Radio Bands, and to highlight various types of AM equipment in usetoday. This event is open to any and all radio amateurs who are running full carrier amplitude modulation (standard AM), and any type of equipment may be used.

Commonly used AM Frequencies: 160 Meters:1880-1885, 1930, 1945, 1975-1995. 80 Meters: 3730-3740, 3870-3885.  40 Meters: 7160,7280-7295.  20 Meters: 14286. 15 Meters: 21425  10 Meters: 29000-29200.

These commonly used frequencies can be good starting points. As activity grows, expand to other frequencies to prevent congestion and excessively large round tables.  As always, PLEASE be considerate of existing QSOs and Nets, and ensure that the frequency is clear before calling "CQ, the A.M. Transmitter Rally".

Points are to be awarded as follows:

 a) 1 point for each station worked a specific band. If you work the same station on more than one band, you get 1 point for each band.
 b) 1 point for each state, country or Canadian Province worked. Note: Both you and the station with whom you are QSOing must be using AM.

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Logging: Note, the log format has changed since last year's event! We also have free logging software (see below).

The following information must be included in your log for each contact to be counted:

Time (local), Frequency, Call Sign, First Name, Their Location (city, state, country), Their Equipment.

Log Format: Each item should appear in a separate column, and in the column order shown below:
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Logging Notes:
The CAT: line is the station category (a-g), and should be included in thefirst column (somewhere) if the station is to be entered in a particular category. Example: CAT:A (see list of categories, below)

Logging States and Countries: The "State/Province" log column must contain the 2 letter state or Canadian province code unless the country is not Canada or the US. In these instances, the 2 letter country code must be entered in the "Country" column. We use software that reads the logs, and will look for 2 letter state and country codes, and add them into your score.

Free, simple logging software: We have created a free, simple to use logging program to facilitate logging for the A.M.T.R. and, if you wish, it will automatically upload your log to our logging server. This program will be available for free download 7 days before the event.
See www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm)

Using Excel for logging: Template logs are here:www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.xls (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.xls)(excel)
www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.csv (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.csv)(csv).

Any program that can generate a comma separated values file in the order shown in the logging example may be used.

Also Please let us know about anything outstanding, unusual or unique you hear.

A description of your station equipment, power and any other interesting features should also be included as part of your submission along with your mailing and email addresses. Pictures may also be emailed to us. If at all possible, please use electronic submission of logs using our Logging program, Excel or CSV(comma separated values) formats.

Email Excel or CSV logs to: amtr@radioassociates.com

If you do not own, or cannot use a computer, paper logs may be mailed to:

Radio Engineering Associates
AMTRLogging
79 Tyler Road
Townsend, MA 01469

Recognition will be givenfor the following areas:

1) Overall highest points:1st,2nd and 3rd place (all scores will be published)

2) Highest points in each ofthe following categories for stations as follows (all scores will be published):
   a) Using a classic commercial AM Amateur transmitter(KW1, Desk KW, Collins 32V3, DX-100, etc.)
   b) Using a converted AM Broadcast Transmitter.
   c) Using a military transmitter.
   d) Using a home built vacuum tube transmitter (vacuumtubes in the RF amplifier and modulator).
   e) Using a home built solid state transmitter.
   f) Using a low level transmitter and linear amplifier.
   g) Using anything not covered by the above.

Note: Recognition will be given to stations that show up in many other folks' logs, even if these operators did not send in a log themselves. This is to emphasize the spirit and importance of operating during the event, even if one is not actively participating in the "contest".

In addition to points, recognitions will be made on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the specific situation.

Examples of these are:
 a) Unusually good operating practices, facilitating contacts, etc.
 b) Very unusual or unique equipment
 c) Most clip leads in thet ransmitter
 d) Most hum or incidental FM
 e) Longest transmission heard
 f) Highest weight to powerratio
Etc, etc, etc.

A great way to keep warm this February!  Fire up those boatanchor transmitters - the bigger the BETTER!  Get that soldering iron going - you have about 1 month to have everything ready.

Seriously though, we generated a lot of attention last year (more than 440 stations participated).  Can we make it 1000 this year?  Maybe so!

If you didn't send in a log last year, we have made it SUPER EASY to do so this year with free logging software, customized for the A.M.T.R., which will also upload the log, anytime you want, to our logging server.  It just doesn't get any easier!!!  Check out http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm)

But, if you don't send in a log, that's OK - just get on and make our presence known in a big way.

If you want to help publicize the event, there are several ways to do that. Talk about it on the air - that goes without saying :-)

For posting on other boards like this one, use the bbcode version (it will look much prettier than plain text) available at: http://www.classeradio.com/amtr_bbcode.txt (http://www.classeradio.com/amtr_bbcode.txt)

An HTML version is available if you post a link: http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.htm (http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.htm)

A raw text version is available for posting to email lists that don't like or take HTML: http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.txt (http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.txt)

Thanks so much and Regards,

Steve

Git yer special event callsign befor they is all gorn.


klc

Good idea!  I put in for "W1E" again.  I know last year there was a flurry of special event call activity.

I fail to understand why people want a Special Event call for this exercise? When people use them, in many cases, I don't know who they are? What's up with this? I guess you can see I don't get it.

This is not an attach on this event, I thought they were best used for Light House adventures & historical things.

Please help me understand.

My spin on it Terry - the AMTR is a Special Event of sorts, celebrating and promoting the mode. Though we operate regularly, the hope is that such an event will draw not only more people to put their AM transmitters on the air, but all the activity, audio, and 'weird' call signs will pique the interest of those listening in, causing them to investigate further.

Like the event itself, the special calls are just another way to promote and raise the visibility of AM for a day or two. Quite often, those with special calls will list them here ahead of time. Others you can probably figure out (I've used K1Q before, Steve used W3Z when he was WB3HUZ, etc.).

Hello Steve,

The CAT: column is to share the Time column?

More or less - the software will look for CAT: in the first column.  Or use the AMTR logging software and the category will be automatically included at the end of the log.

Regards,

Steve

So far,


W8K    February 5, 2011    February 7,   2011
W9A    February 5, 2011    February 14, 2011
W1G    February 4, 2011    February 7,   2011
W8B    February 4, 2011    February 18, 2011
W9T    February 4, 2011    February 7,  2011
 

Hmmmmm, I guess I'll have to fix the pre-selector vs driver peaking tracking on my FT-301SD.  I could use the Viking II, but the 301SD is MUCH more frequency agile.

WB2EMS=W2E  Feb 5-6 ;D

W8L for the weekend!

And Terry............ it's because I can! Simple as that.

But then again............. I'm just a buddly. WhatdoIknow?

Please listen for  W9T

73,  Jack, W9GT

do we get double point for working the special event station and then the regular call? Perhaps another point for guessing who is behind the call ??? ??? ???

Nah, since there are fewer letters Terry, you get fewer points.  Takes less time to work 'em, allowing you to rack up a bigger score! ;)

Looking forward to working you Jack.  You received a number of cudos for fine operating during the last event and you made a lot of points, too!  If you get a chance, check out the logging software I've created - saves a lot if hand-writing if there's a computer handy. http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.htm)

Another thing unrelated - I wonder what's holding up my special event call sign request?  I put it in at LEAST a week ago with the ARRL for W1E - haven't heard a THING.  Last year I got a call about it because there were so many requests.  I wonder.............. hmmmmmmmmmm....

Regards,

Steve

   Steve,


   Use another provider, ARRL is not the only one...

   Cancel their request then check in with this fellow.

    He is quick to respond and don't ask too many questions.


WCARS / VEC, Inc.
Win Guin - W2GLJ
2138 Sonning Dr
Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 754-4552 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (901) 754-4552      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (901) 754-4552      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (901) 754-4552      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 901-757-3874
Email: winguin@bellsouth.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

   Ignore the crap regarding the phone numbers, this system don't like the Skype
   highlighting of twisted pair listings ??? ??? ???

Win is good. It's always taken less than a week turnaround with him. Sometimes I've gotten an email from him with a request for more info on the request, but that hasn't slowed things down much. One or two of the other organizations I tried seemed to be black holes - request in and nothing back out.

Steve,

Last year I tried the ARRL and they didn't respond at all to my request and it was getting really late so I switched to W5YI at the last minute requesting the same 1X1 from him. The next day I received an angry email from CT telling me how much extra work I caused them.

I filed my request this year again with W5YI and it was granted in less than a week. It might be better to drop the league an email before you switch.

Mike
W8BAC/W8B

Hold On Steve, I see your request has been granted. Go here and type in your W1E search http://www.1x1callsigns.org/index.php?option=com_jumi&fileid=3&Itemid=9 (http://www.1x1callsigns.org/index.php?option=com_jumi&fileid=3&Itemid=9). Looks FB to me.

Mike

Yes!  The email came in when I was out on the road !  Mike, thanks for checking.  I just found the email with the approval.  It did take a long time, but at least it's done now.

I wonder how many special event calls have been requested for the event.  Last year there were LOTS of them.

W8K    February 5,     February 7
W9A    February 5,     February 14
W2E    February 5,     February 6
K5D     February 5,     February 6  
W1E    February 5,     February 7
W1G    February 4,     February 7  
W9T    February 4,     February 7
W8L    February 4,     February 7
W9D    February 1,     February 7

last year we had 18  special event stations.

Guys - please watch out for the Old Mil Radio Net on 3885 Saturday morning at 0500 to 0700.  We have been having AM transmitter rallies on there every Saturday morning since 1989!  Band is long at this time and lots of midwest stations in the rally coming in on top of the net....probably not hearing us who are having a lot of trouble hearing each other due to the propagation....seems like everyone in the rally is on 3885 but rest of band is dead.

W7W

KX5JT on 7.160 until about 17:30 UTC

I have already been told by a SSB station on 80M that I was "not on an AM channel". Anyway she claimed to have been using the 'channel' so I politely moved a few KC away.

75 was good early but it's just local now. The AM 'hoss traders' net and an AM rag chew net started up  so that absorbed care of the nearby stations. 7160/7163 later, maybe 11:30A-1PM CST (UTC 5:30-7) there's usually some AMers around there. SW BC is overwhelming on 40M and there is a slopbucket every 2.5KC here. wak wak qwack.

80M lighting up along the East Coast, Saturday evening at 5pm EST.

3885Kc :
W1E  in Mass.,
N1SNG at Rhode Island

My first two contacts of the evening.

Then up:
3733Kc
K3ZRF in Penna.
KD3CN in Penna.

Last contact of the evening:
3705Kc / 0500GMT
K4KYV in Tenn.
And just to add to the equation, I was listening to him and myself through internet-streamed audio from a receiver in the Pacific NW. Was trying to find a node far enough from home that I could hear Ralph, W3GL.

Been working on my son's car all day, needs a new timing chain and tensioner/guides.  But I was able to get on 3885 for a while this afternoon with the Viking II and work the following:

NX4S Larry Helena AL
W7IUC Norm Philadelphia TN
K5SZN Bobby Little Rock MS
W4BBN Bob Oneonta AL
W4DEU Randall Oneonta AL
KG4HVQ David  Snead AL

I have never met or worked these guys before.  QRM was not bad today, sigs were strapping.

In the heat of the moment, I used call W8KHK, forgetting all about the special event call....  Will get back on later this evening as W8K!

7160 is clear but nobody's home!

Hope there is some left by tomorrow afternoon.  Working full tour today.  Gotta get me an antenna up here at the station.

W7IUC is a regular.  Normally has a good strapping signal.

Zorched my DX100 on the first contact   >:(

Ouch!
Bummer.

Lots of interesting equipment. Most of this was rag chewing as well. Note the interesting lash-up of W5FRS.

Freq	Call	State	Comment
3890	W9A	IL	Flex5000+linear, 1500PEP actually in Mexico at the time
3890	WW9W	TX	RCA BC1D / R390A
3890	AD5HR	TX	HB Gate-modulated SS PW with Heath amp 60W carrier
3890	KD5ECG	TX	Col. 32V3, Drake R4B
3890	K5LAR	TX	DX100B @ 95W, ladder line antenna
3890	K5ZOH	TX	(AM)"Hoss Traders Net" check-in
7160	W5FRS	TX	Lafayette 6L6 TX driving an 809 amp driving pair of cathode modulated HK-45's
7160	K9KK	TX	Icom 7700 with Icom PW-1 SS amp @ 500W.
7160	W5JGI	TX	orig. BC610, D104, AR-88 RX. Switched to TCM transmitter.
7160	K5RB	TX
7160	K5KZQ	TX	KW TS440-S @25W carrier
7160	W5NDS	TX	Icom 775 @ 50-100W

That's it for me, tomorrow I have Guard.

Much fun had here. only made about 15 contacts, but more than I have in a month of sundays, got on 3 bands, 160, 80. and 40. 

Never heard anything above 40 though, but didn't spend a lot of time checking.

Back on tomorrow sometime, most fun I've had in radio in a long while.

Just heard a slopbucketeer on 3890 complaining about those %^$#*&^% AMers and their "intense modulation" messing up the band.  ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I, for one, have been having a great time.  I was trudging thru about 20" of snow trying to get my antenna back up yesterday.  Ended up installing a new inverted vee off the side of the tower.  Worked both coasts last night on 75, so I guess its working OK.

73,  Jack, W9GT

Intense Modulation!!!


LOVE IT!

Maybe a good time to get on 40m this evening will be during the Super Bowl.  Many slopbucketeers will undoubtedly be glued to their TVs, leaving clear spots below 7200 to be commandeered.

Made a couple nice contacts on 3.705 AM just before I had to come to work (right after the Superbowl started up).

I have a suggestion about the logging software.

Can the cursor be made bold? it can be hard to see sometimes on a small notebook.

I have a question about the software:
I listed the CAT: categories rows but they seem to have been deleted by the software leaving only the actual entries. I do not know what I did to cause it. I did stop the program and then start it again. What might have caused this?

Oh and please make the SHIFT-TAB work so the it parses backwards through the fields!

Hi Patrick,

If you're using the logging software, you don't have to put the CAT: line in - it is done in the background, automatically by the software.  That is only if you're using excel.

I am definitely taking suggestions on the software - this was the first time for use.

I have some things I'm going to put in right away - a feature to automatially tell you if a call is a duplicate (call and band have to match), for one.

Regards,

Steve

Yes, dupe checking would be very handy. Pretty standard in most other software of this type. Great first effort and it made logging much handier and fun.

I thought the software worked well.  Easy to use.

I thought the rally was great. Plenty of am activity. On thing i did  notice with this  one compared to the heavy metal rally i s there were more people treating it like the qso parties where they would basically stay on a freq and really just make contacts and not leave it open to let people join in and stay.

i remember with the heavy metal rally the groups would get so big people would just leave and come back and it was a  mess to but I didnt notice as  much squating i guess you would call it. I guess maybe steves log and the ease of getting information off of it brought out more of a competition for this one. I was not really concerned with making as many contacts as possible but i am very excited to get to see the statistics of the rally over all.

thanks for the hard work steve and also for all the a.m. activity i really enjoyed it and cant wait for next year.

brandon

FB all around.  Just had a few hours available to operate, but made some decent contacts/QSOs.  Heard an interesting exchange between 2 SSBSC stations on 40. Appears one of them had looked at the announcement and made note of the "suggested freq" so that they could go there and have "their casual QSOs".  Never did hear any station IDs from either one of them.  Makes you wonder.

AF-68/PMR-8/M1070 station had a control relay malfunction on first transmission trying to call W9T.  Rcvr dead.  So went back to Viking II/HQ-110A.  Something else to work on now.

Good to work you last night durring the event.  Yes, it does give one pause to think those SSB stations might have parked there to cause trouble... but then, that's against the Amateur's Code, and no decent ham would EVER even THINK of violating that!  ::)

Had Ohio relatives in town during the event so I couldn't spend more than an hour all weekend.

Yeah, I like that Intense Modulation!
CQ IM...CQ IM...

I operated less than four hours over the two days. With all the activity I was still able to work 30 stations in over 20 states. Good times!

Thanks to Steve/QIX for sponsoring and promoting the rally. I think it has become the premier AM operating event of the year.

Even though I only worked 2 stations, still had a blast just listening while I was working on the Viking Challenger --- a find from the Richmond fest this weekend. Listening on 85 and heard Kerri on her new E class rig running 30dB over. So I was near completed to fire up the Challenger I thought, "What the heck, let me find a mic and a crystal." Also worked KS2AM, Sam, on a FT-101 running a steady 10 over at not much more than QRP carrier level! 75 was in pretty good shape yesterday evening: proves that you CAN get in there with the small rigs and still have fun.

I know it was pretty intense getting everything set up in such short time, Steve, but I'd have to say "total success" on the rally. Also, I cast my vote to keep the two separate; gives everyone a second chance to join in if they miss the first of the two.

Last but not least, a big THANK YOU for all the time and work involved to bring about this event so the AM community can get together and do a little celebrating.

73, Phil   

It was a good event, but this community really deserves the credit.  We collectively promoted, operated in and really MADE the event what it was/is.

The folks running this board really provide a nice, centralized clearinghouse for information and deserve a lot of credit also. Without this, it would be much harder to promote and coordinate such an event.

Thanks to all who participated - get those logs in  ;)  Next year we need to start promoting MUCH earlier.

Regards,

Steve

I gotta say, I had a BLAST!! Only made 12 contacts (still gonna turn in my log), but was around all weekend really enjoyed it. I'm not much of a 'contester', but that's what made this great. It was a huge rag chew & friend making event. I listened in while working in the shop, made a contact every now and then, and enjoyed it like no other event I can think of. Thanks to Steve and everyone for making this a great activity this past weekend.

Dave WB4IUY
www.WB4IUY.net