Last Updated 27-Feb-2010
- What's new for 2010?
- Several things:
- We changed the High "Works Location" award so that only the top five scores from each location are counted. Previously, it was the top ten scores. However, in recent years, only one location has consistently garnered ten or more entries in the contest, with virtually every other location coming in with five or fewer. We also added a "Works Location High Participation" award.
- We modified the High Retiree award to be either a High Retiree or High Active Bell System Employee award, depending on which award complements the winner of the contest. Thus, if the winner of the contest is a retiree, we'll also issue a High Active Bell System Employee award and vice versa.
- We clarified that QRP operation involves operating in the contest with a PEP output power of 5 watts or less.
- We expanded the acceptable formats of contest results submitted by email to include PDF and other common document types.
- What's new for 2009?
- We've changed the suggested frequencies for 40m phone ops, from 7250-7300 kHz to 7178-7240 kHz, to take maximal advantage of the new broadcasting-free portion of the band while not encroaching on the portion of the band where Generals are not allowed to operate.
- What was new for 2008?
- A couple things:
- We've re-added most of the location codes that were retired in 1997. These codes were retired under the premise that the contest committee would review the list of active codes annually, but this has never been done. Hence, we've decided to open these old codes up for use in the contest again.
- We've tweaked some of the suggested frequencies. This was necessary because some of the original suggested frequencies were actually illegal under the current bandplans. Plus we've broadened some of the HF ranges where we've noticed congestion in prior-years contests.
- We've changed the Year's of Service designation for non-Bell participants. Instead of always being '1', we've elected to honor repeat 'ZZ' contesters by allowing them to take credit for their past participation.
- Why has the cost for a CQ-WE Certificate been increased? (2007)
- In the past, most clubs were affiliated with AT&T locations, and received yearly funding to cover the cost of awards and postage. Today, most CQ-WE host clubs are comprised of participants who are retirees, and who have to bear the cost of producing and mailing the certificates themselves. We just cannot get a quality certificate to you for a buck anymore. However, as an alternative, if you want to roll your own, we'll gladly email you the certificate for free, and you can print it yourself.
- Why include Non-Bell people? (2002)
- Why Not? Non-Bell hams are curious and want to participate. By opening the contest, we get increased participation for CQ-WE. We eliminate the problem of having to explain to people that this is a "Closed Contest". It also makes it possible for us to list the CQ-WE contest in certain national contest registries, thus making other contest organizers aware of our timeslots and providing a greater opportunity for those Bell System folk who may have lost contact with us to find us again. Besides, this is supposed to be a fun event. Why be exclusive?
- I used to work in the Bell System many years ago but I quit (or was laid off, or was fired etc...) Can I still participate?
- Absolutely! Add up your years of service (see next paragraph) and join in on the fun.
- How do I calculate my Years of Service?
- Add up your years of service in the Bell System and Round it off.
Example: WA3UFU worked at the Allentown Works for 12 years, 6 months, and 14 days, so he would use 13 years... If you don't know exactly, use your best estimate.
(If you are a non-Bell participant, use the number of times you've participated in this and prior CQ-WE contests for your Years of Service.)
- Why was VHF Eliminated?
- VHF has not been eliminated. In fact, the 222 band has been added. This year's contest includes all the (contest) bands from 160 Meters thru 450 MHz.
When the CQ-WE Contest started back in 1960, VHFers were a separate group of hams using homebrew equipment and modified commercial radios. Back then, the HF and VHF CQ-WE Contests were held on separate weekends. Hence, the separate scoring.
In the mid 1970's, the VHF and HF portions were combined into the same weekend, but nobody ever changed the Score Sheet to reflect this change. Now we have.
- What happened to the (R)etired, (N)ovice, and (T)echnician Designations?
- They are now optional. Please continue to use these designations if you wish, since they have been a tradition of CQ-WE. The only difference is that they don't mean anything in the 'Points' scoring, since the 'Points' multiplier is now the 'Years of Service'.
- Why allow scoresheets to be filed by email?
- This is just another way to submit your entry -- it makes life easier and saves postage. It also makes it easier to cross-check the winning logs for accuracy. Today email is becoming the standard way to submit contest results, with paper mail becoming the exception.
- Is there a Computer Logging Program that will work with the CQ-WE Format?
- Yes. Our current logger, the K8NU logger, is being actively maintained, and has been tested on W98 through Vista. Its use is encouraged, but we do suggest you download it and familiarize yourself with its operation before the contest.
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