1. Pacific Northwest VHF Society Marathon Proposal
By K3UHF

2. Major Contests In N. America
ARRL August UHF Contest
ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes
ARRL June VHF QSO Party
ARRL September VHF QSO Party
CQWW VHF
Spring Sprints
Fall Sprints
10 GHZ & Up
EME contests

3. Major European Contests
REF Championship THF
Helvetia VH
IARU Region 1 VHF
IARU Region 1 UHF
IARU Region 1 CW (aka Samuel MORSE)
IARU Region 1 50 MHz Contest
NRAU Activity Contest
ON 6 meters
ON 2 meters
REF DDFM 50 MHz
UBA Spring 6 meters
UBA Spring 2 meters
Generic European VHF contests
Generic European VHF + 50/70 MHz contests
Generic European VHF contests with grid squares multipliers
Generic European VHF + 50/70 MHz contests with grids squares multipliers

4. Purpose:
A contest to spur vhf & above activity as well as enhance and encourage exposure to different modes.
KV8GO

5. Contest Comparisons ARRL/CQ/SPRINTS
1 QSO Per Band no matter the mode (except rovers)
Repetitive Multipliers for working the same grid square on different bands.
Increased QSO points for QSO’s on higher frequencies becomes an additional multiplier by itself.
PNWVHF MARATHON
More contester activity with the opportunity to work a station on 3 separate modes per band.
Multipliers are eliminated on 6 meters due to the ease of e-skip contacts.
Increased QSO points for QSO’s based on distance not higher frequency.

6. Contest Comparisons ARRL/CQ/SPRINTS
Final score is a function of the bands worked, points per band, and number of grids worked per band.
Scoring does not directly or indirectly consider distance of QSOS in its formula.
Population density can skew comparisons of stations capabilities.
PNWVHF MARATHON
Final score is a function of number of QSO’s, distance of QSO’s and number of grids worked per bands above 50 mhz.
Population density will be less of a factor due to the time it takes to search for QSOs on several modes. However there is no way to fix population density issue.

7. Contest Comparisons ARRL/CQ/SPRINTS
Contesting is sometimes prone to operator inactivity due to a low number of participants and low population density as compared to an HF contests which depend on ionosphere skip for an active contest .
Few incentives to introduce separate modes to the average contester.
PNWVHF MARATHON
Up to 3 Qsos with the same station per band on three separate modes should keep an operator more busy.
Definite incentive for contesters to learn different modes and operating practices.

8. Contest Comparisons ARRL/CQ/SPRINTS
4, 6, 24, 27, or 33 hour contests all at the same time or rolling starts in the sprints.
4 digit grid exchanges
Rovers often “run and gun” and spend less time in rare squares.
PNWVHF MARATHON
36 hour contest rolling starts and stops set for band conditions.
Increased attention to detail with a 6-digit grid exchange.
Roving may be more challenging on 3 modes and rovers may stay in grids longer.

9. RULES OF THE CONTEST PNWVHF Society VHF Marathon Purpose:
To offer a unique contest that encourages more band utilization and operator practice with various modes on VHF+ frequencies.
The goal is to work as many stations as possible via different bands and modes to increase operator skill as well as propagation measurement. The scoring mechanics are more set to distance and operating practices than other VHF contests.

10. Theory of the rule:
Offering points in three separate mode styles will encourage the use and knowledge of CW and digital and reward the several aspects of weak signal work.
More modes should keep the contesters more busy and make the event more enjoyable as well as increase their skills.

11. Rules Operation time: (proposed)
4 am Saturday local time until 4 PM Sunday local time. May consider to 1 hour after sunset Sunday.
Date: (Weekend after field day) (proposed)
Bands Used:
50 MHZ, 144 MHZ, 222 MHZ, 432 MHZ, 900 MHZ, 1.2 GHZ, 2.4 GHZ, 3.4 GHZ, 5 GHZ, 10 GHZ, 24 GHZ, LASER

12. Theory of the rules
This is a marathon thus it is the longest contest, but it still gives time for someone to leave work and get in the field.
Ideally a contest should be around a time for opportunity for e-skip or tropo.
Because propagation changes from year to year the contest results may vary from big guns winning some years without e-skip and efficient operators winning the next.

13. Rules
QSO Exchange:
QSO exchange shall include the 6 digit Grid locator and operator class of each station. IE KA7SAG R CN85AA or Ka7sag rover in CN85AA.
Rovers will be required give their 4 digit locator but are encouraged to use 6 digits when not moving.

14. Theory of the rules
A more complicated grid exchange will give a better gauge for operator accuracy as well as QSO distance.
Keeping things simpler for moving rovers is a safety issue.
K5QE/R

15. Rules QSO Scoring: Points are allocated into three classifications
1. Voice: SSB, FM, AM Digital voice modes.
2. CW: CW only
3. Digital: WSJT modes, RTTY, PSK, ect…
The score for an individual QSO will be a function of distance in Grid squares between the two stations involved in the QSO.
Points will be calculated by counting the adjacent (N, S, E, W) 4 grids as the first grid and counting the number of squares either vertically or horizontally on a map or combination there of to come up with the shortest number of grid squares. Similar in the way a rook moves on a chess board. QSO’s where both stations are in the same grid square or the four adjacent squares will count as one point.
Example: a CN85-CN87 QSO is 2 points, CN85-CN96 is 2 points, CN85-86 is one point, and CN85-CN85 is 1 point. CN70-CN95 is 7 squares.
The maximum score will be 7 no matter the actual distance in squares.

16. Theory of the rules
QSOs are gauged on distance which is usually a function on how well a station is built.
However e-skip is a wildcard and a possibility for moderate to new stations to compete with big guns.
Allowing scoring in three separate mode types will spur people to expand their operator skills and may help in the growth and exposure to new modes/practices.

17. Calculation of a QSO’s score
On the surface calculating a QSO may seem complicated.
However it is simple and can be done with a grid map or simple math in your head once you become familiar to the contest.

18. Calculating a QSO score is much like the way a rook moves across the chess board.
Any QSO’s in the home square or adjacent to your home square count as one point. If your QSO is with a station 2 squares away (not counting your own) then its two points. There is no going diagonal when counting (it would only cost you points).
One would simply move their finger on a grid map like the rook and count the squares traveled through.

19. Examples:
QSO from CN85 to CN97 is North two squares and East one. Therefore North 2 plus east 1 equals 3 QSO points.
Basically whatever grid square you are in is surrounded by a ring of grids with various point values ranging from 1 to a maximum of 7.

20. SCORING RING Example K3UHF @ CN86
DN09
DN19
DN29
DN39
CN78
CN88
CN98
DN08
DN18
DN28
DN38
CN77
CN87
CN97
DN07
DN17
DN27
DN37
CN76
CN86
CN96
DN06
DN16
DN26
DN36
CN75
CN85
CN95
DN05
DN15
DN25
DN35
CN74
CN84
CN94
DN04
DN14
DN24
DN34
CN73
CN83
CN93
DN03
DN13
DN23
DN33
ONE POINT
TWO POINTS
THREE POINTS
FOUR POINTS
FIVE POINTS
SIX POINTS
SEVEN POINTS
SEVEN POINT MAXIMUM

21. Scoring Theory Everyone has a scoring ring.
Someone in a populated ring will get more QSOs. However, someone who is remote will make more points per QSO when reaching out to the metropolitan areas.
Its not perfect, its just another way to play the game.

22. Rules
Multipliers:
On frequencies above 100 MHZ , a multiplier will be given once for each grid square worked per band no matter the mode.
Repeat Contacts
A station may be worked once per mode to the maximum of 3 QSOs per band as long as each QSO is in separate mode classifications.

23. Theory
In comparison to other contests the 6 meter grid multiplier is eliminated because of the ease of contacts on 6 meters. However 6 meters will still hold some weight when the band opens, jut not exponential as on 2 meters and above.
In the marathon the addition of gear will still help a station compete better and should encourage people to expand their shack.
Repeating QSOs on different modes should expand the fun and operating skills of all. It should also encourage a station to expand their shack and skills.
Digital mode expansion is much cheaper than an added transverter and it may give people prone to QRMing their neighbors a chance to have fun on VHF without risking their neighborly relationships.

24. Rules SHF Plus Incentive
A Repeat QSO may be scored with the same station once per four digit square on frequencies on or above 900 MHz if either station has moved greater than 20 miles from the location of the last QSO with the other station.
A maximum of 2 contacts per mode between two stations in the same 4 digit grid combination for the entire contest on 900 MHz and up.

25. Theory
The new scoring style doesn’t account for the efforts that go into a SHF+ contact. This incentive should correct some of that. It is designed for the microwave mountain toppers to encourage activity and award them with twice as many QSO opportunities per grid square combination. What fun would microwaves be if no one goes out and sets it up.

26. Rules-Operator Classifications

27. Portable
Portable is defined as a station that receives 100% power off the grid. Portable is not limited to 100 watts. Portable stations are limited to transmitting on one radio at a time.
K2GXT

28. Low Power
A station operating at less than or equal to 100 watts, and is limited to transmitting on one radio at a time.

29. Rover
Any station that operates from more than one grid. May transmit on more than one radio at a time. Is not power limited.

30. Team
Any stationary station operating more than one radio at a time. Is not power limited.
K7CW MULTIOP June 04

31. High Power
Any stationary station using more than 100 watts on any band and is limited to one radio transmitting at a time.

32. QRP
Less than 10 watts on all bands. Is limited to transmitting on one radio at a time.

33. Theory
Portables will be only limited by the amount of stuff they can set up and run off the grid. If one can build a portable EME station let them….
Low power is limited to 100 watts. This separates QRO from the not QRO’s.
Rovers are not limited in the amount of people in the vehicle. This is a safety issue. Rovers may use up to 2 radios at a time if they can overcome their own QRM.
Teams may be at home QTHs, ham clubs or portables who choose to operate more than one radio at a time.
High Power may be any home or club operating one radio at a time with more than 100 watts on any band.
QRP less than 10 watts on any band and can operate from anywhere while only using one transmitter at a time.

34. Rules Awards & Certificates
Awards by ARRL region, and DX ( all together) and operator classification.
Certificates for most QSOS per contest, longest distance QSO per band/mode will be awarded.
Rover contacts may not be used for longest distance unless they give a 6 digit grid in their exchange.

35. Theory
Classification and Regional Awards are localized for regional competition.
Other awards are given contest wide.
Distance awards offer a variety and perhaps a new challenge on the microwave bands as well.

36. Rules Operation Practices/ Rules
Rover/Portable SSB calling frequencies will be 60 kcs above the national SSb calling freqs. This should be left clear for rovers and portables. Rovers and portables are not required to use this frequency.
The use of is prohibited.
Repeater/ satellite contacts do not count for this contest.
All equipment for non roving stations must be within a 500 yard radius of the control operator.
CW and digital modes should follow the prescribed band plans.

37. Theory
The addition of a rover / portable calling frequency is a new idea. This is to give them a quiet place to call from. It should help other stations find the distant stations to get points or new grids.

38. Rules Contest Deadline
All logs will be received by 4 weeks of the end of the contest. All logs will be in paper format and checked for dupes.
Misc. Rules
Any logs received with more than 2% dupes or erroneous QSO info may be disqualified.

39. Logging Log sheets are basic and are included in your packet.
Pacific Northwest VHF Society Marathon
Station K3UHF
Class ROVER
Grid location CN88
Station Worked
Band
Mode
Time/Date
Exchange
Score
New Grid per band
 AA7RF 6
USB
12/11/07 12:00
 DMO5AA  7
 NA CW
12/11/07 12:30
 DM05AA 7 NA
DIG
12/11/07 13:00
 VE7RAF 2
12/11/07 13:10
 CN89SE 1
YES
SSB
12/11/07 13:13
CN89SE  1
 ------
222
12/11/07 13:14
 K7TY
12/11/07 13:15
CN84ER 4
 YES
 WD7IRT
12/11/07 13:16
 DN04OO
 K7RED/R
900
 CW
12/11/07 13:30
CN86AA 2 
 900
12/11/07 15:00
 CN86 RA

40. Pacific Northwest VHF Society Marathon
Station Callsign__________________
Operator Class______________
Address_________________
Grid(s) worked from__________
__________________________
Phone Number or _________________________________
Total Number of QSOS
_________________700
Total QSO Score from all Sheets
________________1300
Total Multipliers from all Sheets
_________________100
Total Score (Multipliers x Score)
________130000______
Longest QSO per band
Station
Mode
Band
Distance in KM

41. Administration
If society chooses to pick up the contest we would need a few volunteers to be on a contest steering committee.
We would need at least one volunteer to handle the log submission which I could do. Later we would need software could be done locally or by N3FJP if we can show a need.

42. Steering Committee Responsibilities (proposed)
Review the contest results each year.
Submit the list of certificate winners to the awards chairmen.
Call for suggestions from the membership body for any rule changes or modifications.
Consider modifications before posting rules for the next year’s contest.
Steering chair will coordinate announcing the contest in QST, CW VHF and any other appropriate periodicals.
Ensure the yearly distance record winners, most QSOs winners as well as the regional winners are posted and cataloged somewhere in the club’s website and passed on to the periodicals.
Pick an exact date for the contest each year and modify it if needed.

43. List of potential awards
Overall winner in each classification per ARRL region. 5 regions plus one for DX. Potentially 36 awards.
Station with the most QSO’s. 6 awards, 1 per region.
Stations with the longest band/mode QSO will be listed on an excel spreadsheet posted on the web page.
Top 5 scores per region/ dx and operator class will be posted on an excel sheet on the web page.

44. Potential Benefits of a new contest
Increased focus on the society as a member of the national vhf community.
Potential increase of membership from contest exposure.
A chance to make a “living” contest that will change as vhf contesting changes and focuses on operating skill as well as how well a station is put together.