Monday 6th September 2010 at 2100 NZST (0900 UTC)
This year the contest will blend the old school rules with some improvements suggested by contestants, in particular Papakura Branch and Murray ZL1BPU, along with observations made by past contest organizers Gavin ZL2ACT and Neil ZL2TNG. Please read the rules carefully as there are some key changes to the format.
1 Listen to ZL6A on 3895 kHz LSB for instructions on the frequencies that will be used and the procedure to be adopted. Following the voice instruction an unmodulated carrier will be radiated on 3895 kHz for calibration and/or practice.
The contest itself will start at 2115 on the first frequency for five minutes, and every five minutes on a new frequency, for a total of five frequencies. All transmissions will be made within 5kHz of 3895 kHz. Individual transmission start times may be delayed slightly due to equipment setup and adjustment.
Each transmission will be identified in 10 wpm Morse (CW) for about three minutes to allow the frequency to be located and will then remain key-down for the remaining minutes. At the end of the five minute period the transmission will cease. For station competing in the Ultra Category (see below) only the last 10 seconds of carrier should be measured.
2 Read each frequency as accurately as possible. To qualify for an award it is essential to read at least three frequencies.
3 Post your entry to: Doug Gorman Frequency Measuring Contest, NZART, P0 Box 40-525, Upper Hutt.
4 Entries should be sent within seven days, together with details of equipment used and which section entered (John McKim Cup, Norm Edwards Shield, or Ultra Category).
5 Results
Participants may nominate which of the five frequencies they measured should be considered in their average score, with a minimum of three. The degree of accuracy will be judged by subtracting measurements from the actual transmit frequencies and averaging the nominated results.
6 Awards
John McKim Cup for those using simple direct reading type of equipment. This includes a receiver using a calibrated dial or digital readout of kilohertz to one decimal place (100 Hz), or a simple commercial or homemade heterodyne type frequency meter (BC221, LM-10, etc).
Norm Edwards Shield for those using more sophisticated equipment. This includes receivers with digital readout of kilohertz to two or more decimal places (10 Hz or better) and computer methods, oscilloscopes, generators, etc, typically referenced to a local frequency standard (TCXO or ovened oscillator).
Ultra Category for measurements directly referenced during the contest to an atomic standard or GPS disciplined oscillator. This does not include off air calibration to WWV, etc, during the contest.
Branch Award certificate to the branch with the lowest average of the three best competitors. If you wish to support your branch, state you branch number and name on your entry form.
Certificates will be provided to all entries with an average deviation of 100 Hz or better.
If you make readings during this activity, but do not wish to have your results published, or if you wish to comment please drop the contest organizers a line so we know how many people were interested.
73 de John ZL4JY