Rules & How to Participate
Everything you need to know to get on the air and join the fun
General Participation Rules
Eligibility
- Must be a current W3ACH club member
- Valid amateur radio license required
- All license classes welcome (most activities on HF - General class or higher recommended)
Station Requirements
- Any legal amateur station
- Power limits per your license class (may vary by event)
- Indoor or outdoor antennas OK
Philosophy
Our activities emphasize participation over competition. The goal is to get club members on the air, try new things, and have fun. Winning is nice, but participating is the real victory!
Operating Periods
- Specific to each event
- Usually weekend timeframes
- Times posted in UTC
Conduct
- Practice good amateur radio etiquette
- Help new participants
- Share your experiences
- Have fun and be encouraging
Log Submission Guidelines
Deadlines
Standard Events: 7 days after event end
Major Events: 14 days after event end
Log Formats
Preferred: ADIF (.adi files)
Accepted: Cabrillo format
Backup: CSV format
Required Log Information
Contact Details
- Date & Time (UTC)
- Call Sign
- Frequency/Band
- Mode
Exchange Information
- Signal Report
- Required Exchange
- QTH/Grid (if required)
- Special Categories (if required)
Each challenge will specify additional requirements
Need help with your log? Contact us for assistance.
Awards & Recognition
Participation Certificates
Everyone who submits a valid log receives a personalized digital certificate
Category Winners
Special recognition and prizes for top scores in each category
Annual Awards
Year-end recognition for most active participants and achievements
Recognition Categories
- Most QSOs
- Best DX
- Most Bands/Modes
- Best Mobile Operation
- New Operator
- QRP Achievement
- Most Improved
- Spirit Award
Need Help Getting Started?
New to contests or need assistance with logging software? Our club members are here to help! The W3ACH community believes in the spirit of "Elmering" - experienced hams helping newcomers.