The AM Forum

OK, I've posted in the ANNOUNCEMENTS section the introductory text about the event.

Please consider adding, here, any feedback and also your individual effort to get the word out.

It may be convenient to simply block-copy the text when you send it to email reflectors, other websites, magazines, various clubs, etc.

http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=22547.0 (http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=22547.0)

Hey Paul,
-thought I'd answer so you didn't fly blind.  ;D

Should be a fun (no hard sell) contest.

R.

Just a "heads up"...

I applied for a special 1X1 call a few weeks ago for the Heavy Metal Rally. I thought it got denied cuz I applied at the last minute and never saw an email confirming the request from W5YI.  So, I never used it on the air.

I just applied for the AM Transmitter Rally and happened to look up the history of the call and see I was issued it a few weeks ago... darn.   They discourage using it more than once a year, but I sent in an email explaining the situation. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, my point is to check the website search for your request if you don't receive a notification - it may already have been issued to you.


T

Terry,

They're normally good for 15 days unless specially requested for longer.  I would suggest getting it issued for 1 week before the event to give you some playing time.

Here's the full details and rules:

http://www.1x1callsigns.org/

Looking at the xtal ball, W2P is in your future, OM.

T

Among the processors, Win Guin is the best.

I have applied maybe a half dozen times the past few years, and each time I got the reservation within a few days.

Avoid the Laurel group.  Their people don't understand the 1x1 criteria and several people on here were initially denied their applications ahead of an AM event -- I think it was the Band Warming Party.

ok you munkys - I have applied for K8A  for usage during the rally. I wanted a 8 call as I am contemplating getting a permanent '8' call this year and wanted to test it out.

So look for K8A during the corntest! I should be in your earhole all night and day!

Sounds good Derb. I've had a lot of fun with W8R too.
Allows us to vicarioulsy live in good ol' WVa.

None of that fake '3' T-rash for us'ns.

"Take me home, country roads...
   To the place where I belong,
West Virginia, Mountain Momma,
   Take me home, country roads."

Yes, I requested W9T again and mistakenly sent it to the W4 VEC,  I haven't gotten a response yet.  I had previously sent it to Win and he responded within a couple of hours.  Well, anyway...got some time yet, so not too worried.  The 1X1 calls are fun and always spark interest.  Ya need to brew up some special QSLs with ur 1X1 on them too!

73,  Jack, W9GT

I applied for W1E yesterday, and got a phone call from the ARRL about it today.  Apparently, a LOT of people (according to the fellow I talked with) are applying for these calls for the A.M.T.R.   :)

He did not sound particularly pleased about the whole thing, either.  Wanted to know the exact dates of the A.M.T.R., etc. which I told him, etc.  Things softened up quite a bit as the conversation continued, but we are definitely getting some attention !

However, folks who applied for special event calls for many days after the event may not get them for the whole time requested... at least that was the sense I got from the conversation.  Thought I'd relay what I know....FWIW

Typical frickin  bureaucratic power-hungry attitude. Who the heck is he to give us a hard time about calls? He lives off hams to begin with. Screw him - use the other services.

T

Well,

Contests are not usually considered to be a "special event".

So I'm not suprised.

This is what the ARRL says about it.
( haven't looked for FCC's opinion yet)

===============

"1x1 Special Event Call Sign Assignment Criteria:


The intention of the Amateur Radio 1x1 Call Sign system is to provide a special call sign for a special event operation which usually commemorates an event which is publicly significant (ideally, this is a one time, non-recurring celebration, festival, anniversary, holiday, convention, dedication, public demonstration and the like).

While the 1x1 Call Sign system in not intended for the exclusive ability to have a short call sign during an upcoming amateur radio operating event or contest, should such an operating event or contest timeframe fall within the same timeframe of an event which has been coordinated with a purpose as outlined above, the special event 1x1 call sign can certainly be used for any Amateur Radio operating purpose during the coordinated time period.

The 1x1 call sign being sought will only be needed for 15 days, or less (unless a persuasive showing is made that the event timeframe is so extraordinary that exceeding the 15-day call sign assignment period is appropriate). "

((then on another ARRL page...))

"The FCC says that special event 1x1 call signs are authorized for use "in conjunction with an event of special significance." This suggests an event with high public visibility, as opposed to a routine ham radio contest or other operating event. However, a special event call sign could be used in conjunction with a contest if one were to occur within the call sign reservation period.

The five special event call sign coordinators have the authority to determine if a request is in keeping with the intent of the special event call sign system. Any licensed amateur may request a special event call sign.
"

I gave up trying to figure out how to do that so I will do it here.


I will be making daily announcements on the Noon Time Forum about the rally and referring listeners to the link to the .pdf  on our NTF Yahoo group and on the air.

Jack K9ACT Noon Time Forum 3870

 

4 calls in the database so far:

( http://www.1x1callsigns.org )

K8A February 6, 2010 February 6, 2010 The AM Transmitter Rally details
K7K February 6, 2010 February 7, 2010 AM Transmitter Rally details
K3V February 5, 2010 February 8, 2010 AM Transmitter Rally details
W3R February 5, 2010 February 8, 2010 AM Transmitter Rally details

Amateur Radio Newsline, an audio service, will be preparing a story about the AM Transmitter Rally.

Publisher Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, indicates he plans to use some off-the-air recordings of AMers to demonstrate good signals, good sound and good conversation.

Can't get much more compelling than that, eh ?

http://www.arnewsline.org/index.php?option=content&task=section&id=2&Itemid=26 (http://www.arnewsline.org/index.php?option=content&task=section&id=2&Itemid=26)

AR Newsline runs on many, many repeaters across the country, and is part of the material that airs on the AM "gateway" station WAØRCR.

Did you apply through the ARRL, or how did they come into the picture?


You may wish to instruct your League contact as to the language the FCC uses, and that your man should avoid the interpretation the people in Newington have given it.

The regulations that apply to Special Event Call Sign System are found in Parts 0 and 97 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the code of Federal Regulations which have been amended as follows:

From: Part 97  Amateur Radio Service Section 97.3(a)(11)(iii)  :

(source: http://www.1x1callsigns.org, a non-ARRL clearinghouse for Special Event Callsigns)

------
The definition of "special significance," as with most of the regulatory structure of the Amateur Service, is left to the active, concerned licensees utilizing the call signs.

One other thing I did was to add the below bit of code to the top of my QRZ page.  When talking to people, I can just send them there for details instead of having to spell out the url or read all the details.

In the edit bio window, click on advanced>html and paste this at the top, then save

<p><strong><a href="http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.pdf">AM RALLY INFO</a></strong></p>

Jack

QRZ.com has posted it.

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=232138 (http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=232138)

Steve, QIX, also posted it as a separate topic in  QRZ's Contests, DXpeditions and Special Events but it's in HTML form. The announcement is hard to follow and doesn't look good. He should have just attached the PDF, http://www.classeradio.com/amtr.pdf

Those interested and capable of a Dog X-Ray AM contact, please reply and coordinate with this gentleman.

Delete the double-dashes in the email addy to reply.

TOM, could you reach across to HENK and those guys to coordinate some action too ??


> From: --mhcalzadilla@incoingenieros.com
> Subject: AM Transmitter Rally Contest

> Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 11:52 AM
>
> Para:                                         
> --WA3VJB@yahoo.com
> Asunto:                                   
> AM Transmitter
> Rally Contest
>   
> Hi
> Paul,
> My name is
> Miguel and I am very fond of AM activity. Unfortunatly in
> Europe is quite low but nevertheless we still enthusiastic
> with this old mode. 
> I wonder
> if we can schedule a QSO during the AM Transmitter rally
> Contest 6/7 Feb 2010. I can work with  High power using my Old Collins V
> series( V1,V2,V3) driving a 3CX3000 at 3500 watts into a
> Four elements Monoband yagui in 40 mts 95 feet high. I also
> can work out with a 500 Viking and some others old stuff
> like Viking valiant, Heath 100, Apache, etc… they are
> sweeted by matching receivers of that years including SX-88.
> I think with the power we can compensate partially the
> current bad conditions. Awaiting your comments
> 73,s
> Miguel
> EA8IT

Paul,

I'll get with Steve/HUZ and see if we can get Jaakko from Finland and some others lined up for the event. Probably the best way is to schedule several times when we will listen to various frequencies for AM. The last time we did, split operation worked very well, (3885 > 3766) Personally, none of my 75M DX arrays work below about 3750 - they will work 3750 to 4000 khz however, so 3705, etc is not good for me simplex for Eu. I can listen below 3750 with the beverages, but cannot transmit except on the low dipole.   On 40M I can go anywhere with good gain.

Probably skeds on both 75M and 40M can be set up for AM.  We'll post something when confirmed. We might as well make a big splash working Euro AM.  In fact, we should set these skeds up and then publicize it in Europe too. I'll bet Jaakko already has a network set up there from the way he talked. Maybe we could have lots of action throughout the event.


T

Announcement also sent to SAMRC (Southeastern AM Radio Club) email reflector.

Has anyone gotten it to Ray at Electric Radio ?

The QRZ board software destroyed the original formatting, and I was unable to see it until the moderator approved the post (which took place much later!).  So, I spent about an hour using "board markup language" (which is very limited) to change the post to this:
(see the next post)

 


Sponsored by:
 
AMfone.net http://www.amfone.net (http://"http://www.amfone.net")Your definitive source for everything related to AM.

Radio Engineering Associates http://www.radioassociates.com (http://"http://www.radioassociates.com") Equipment and services for the professional and radio amateur.
 
The purpose of this event is to encourage the use of Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands, and to highlight various types of AM equipment in use today.
 
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.
 
Logging
 
The following information must be included in your log for each contact to be counted:
 
Time (local), Frequency, Call Sign, First Name, Their Location (state is OK), Their Equipment
 
Log Format: Each item should appear in a separate column, one line per contact.
 
(http://www.classeradio.com/amtr_log_sample1.jpg)
 
Template logs are here: http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.xls (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.xls) (Excel)
http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.csv (http://www.classeradio.com/amtrlog.csv) (CSV)
 
Please let us know about anything unusual or unique you hear and / or any nominations for stations in "unusual" categories or with unusual or unique characteristics.
 
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 (in electronic form if available) are also encouraged!
 
Whenever possible, please use electronic submission of logs using Excel or CSV (comma separated values) (preferred) formats. Email logs to: mailto:amtr@radioassociates.com ("amtr@radioassociates.com")
 
If you do not own, or cannot use a computer, paper logs may be mailed (only if you can't do it any other way) to:
Radio Engineering Associates
AMTR Logging
79 Tyler Road
Townsend, MA 01469
 
 

Awards and Prizes will be given for the following areas:[LIST=1]

• Overall highest points: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
• Highest points in each of the following categories for stations as follows:

• Using a classic commercial AM Amateur transmitter (such as a KW1, Desk KW, Collins 32V3, DX-100, etc.)
• Using a converted AM Broadcast Transmitter.
• Using a military transmitter.
• Using a home built vacuum tube transmitter (vacuum tubes in the RF amplifier and modulator).
• Using a home built solid state transmitter.
• Using a low level transmitter and linear amplifier.
• Using anything not covered by the above.

Note: Special 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 recognize the spirit and importance of operating during the event, even if one is not actively participating in the "contest".
 
 

In addition to point awards, other awards will be issued on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the specific situation. Examples of these are:

• Very unusual or unique equipment
• Most clip leads in the transmitter
• Most hum or incidental FM
• Longest transmission heard
• Highest weight to power ratio
• Etc, etc, etc.

Go add 15 meters Steve if not too much trouble.

21425

Done !   8)

I think it would be best to continue referring to this as an "event", "rally", "QSO party", ect. and avoid the term "contest". The latter has too many negative connotations, and many hams hate contests.

As for any ambiguity whether or not this event would qualify under the FCC rules regarding 1X1 callsigns, if it is a success this year, between now and next year perhaps we should research to see if there was some historical event of significance that relates to AM radio and occurred near the date of the event, and declare it commemorative.

This could also be made to fall into the category of a "public demonstration", using at least one portable station set up some place where it would have a high public profile and a strapping antenna could be erected, to demonstrate that ham radio is indeed not the same thing as CB and that not all amateur radio is black-box operation, or yellow vests and multiple HT's dangling from belts.

I also agree that the term "contest" for a operating event such as this is inappropriate.

I spoke with Ray about it last Friday.  I sent him the pdf of the notice.  it was in time for the Feb. issue of ER; the problem is that it won't arrive in subscribers' mailboxes until after Feb. 6 so there was no point in getting it in the print.  Ray was a little annoyed about that until I explained that we only really got going on this a few days before I called him.  Anyway, he said he would list it on the ER website.

Rob

tnx again for all ur work on this Steve. 

I always thought FCC issued U.S. call signs.  I wonder how this additional layer of ham bureaucratic nonsense got inserted into things for these 1x1 calls.   Anytime this happens with hams you wind up with someone being a little dime-store tyrant. 

I know of several DXpeditions over the past few years that operated with 1x1 callsigns.  Most recent one I recall was K4D.

I wonder if anyone has received a 1X1 since Jan 12th when Steve spoke with that reluctant ARRL person?  I applied earlier on the same day and have not heard a peep. (I applied thru the ARRL, unfortunately)  The event is only 3 weeks away and we will need to stay on top of this, lest they drag their feet to the last minute and deny us.  I, for one, will make some noise, if denied.


Speaking of "one time" special event use - six times the call (K1J) was used for the annual Boy Scout Jamboree and three times used for the Jesus Festival. I didn't check, but there probably were many many other 1X1's given out for the Boy Scout event. These appear to be repeating callsign assignments and not much different than the AM Transmitter Rally for qualification.

T

I still only see the same 4 callsigns in the database so far.....

I put in for W8B again for the Heavy Metal Rally and never heard from them one way or t'other.

Looking at the database, looks like it was NOT issued

I posted it on my blog:

http://www.rebelwolf.com/blog/

Hamfest tomorrow -- hope I come home with something hollow state to talk on for the event. If no 'new' toy, then will be there with my FT-897D 25 watt flamethrower.

ldb
K5WLF

I contest its status as a contest.

DX-100 is the top rig on my list. Saw a site on the net where WA1HZK is using a DX-100 to excite some 833s. Looked pretty cool and I could talk on the Heath while I'm building the rest of it.

The Collins I want will probably be really rough on my wallet. I'm in love with the 20V-2 <G>

ldb
K5WLF

I got an email from the ARRL VEC today and they approved my request. I get the impression they are a little behind the curve in responding to all the requests. I requested "W3K"

So far we have: 1/15   10pm

K4R   
W9T   
W7S   
K8A     
K7K   
K3V   
W3R 

I applied for W3G this afternoon, should know in a day or so...

I haven't heard anything since the phone call, but if other requests are being fullfilled through the 'League, I suspect they all will.

Wow is all I can say  :D

(http://www.arnewsline.org/templates/mt_business/images/mt_business_top.png)

Friday's weekly episode of Amateur Radio Newsline has begun airing this anchored read, nationwide:

http://arnewsline.org/ (http://arnewsline.org/)

THAT FINAL ITEM: OLD TIME RADIO: AM TRANSMITTER RALLYE FEBRUARY 6 - 7

And finally this week, if you are a fan of old time heavy iron ham radio transmitters, or at least those that sound like heavy iron, listen up. The 2010 A-M Transmitter Rally will take place the weekend of February 6th to the 7th. Festivities begin at 6:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on the 6th and run until 2:00 AM the following morning. And if you have not heard what good A-M sounds like on the ham bands, you are in for a treat because it sounds like this:

--

Actual contact audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 file at www.arnewsline.org

--

The 2010 A-M Transmitter Rally will be on 160 through 10 meters on the usual A-M frequencies. The purpose of this event is to encourage the use of Amplitude Modulation on the ham bands, and to highlight various types of AM equipment in use today. This event is open to any and all radio amateurs who are running full carrier amplitude modulation AM and any type of equipment may be used. Complete details with scoring, awards, logbook templates, and additional information is at www.classeradio.com slash amtr dot pdf

(WA3VJB)

I announced it on the Sunday afternoon gathering of AMers on the Antique Wireless Association group, 3837Kc.

About 30 people had checked in, quite a crowd.

It seems that I have been granted permission to use W9T, however, I never received an email or other notification of that fact.  You just have to look it up on the 1X1 call web site to confirm that it has been issued.  I sent my request to the W4VEC site, then, after no reply, I re-sent it to Win Guinn and I only knew that it was issued by checking the site.  We may be overwhelming them with requests, or....perhaps, they are not thrilled with the nature of the activity???  Anyway, I'm looking forward to the event.

73,  Jack, W9GT

yup, still only the same 7 callsigns I listed on the 15th.

May not get updated over the holiday weekend.

As of 5pm eastern today, W3G has been issued from 1 to 10 Feb.

Also, the Delaware QSO party is scheduled for the 6th & 7th, so the call
will serve dual events...
 

Is this a one hour event?

Pete,

Just received the word on the party this PM...  Will look at the message and let you know..


QUOTE:

14th Annual Delaware QSO Party
Date: February 6 and 7, 2010
Contest Period: 1700Z Saturday, February 6 until 2359Z Sunday, February 7.
Contest rules at http://fsarc.org/DEQSO.html

UNQUOTE

Thereyago...

I guess my comment blew right over your head  ;D

No Pete, it didn't...

I just ignored it, seeing that DE is bigger than RI, for what that's worth...

Indecently on that post re the old QST's, you forgot to correct the misused word in the text of it... What, you just skimming the words? Go back and finish the edit...