Hi folks-

Results for the December 2011 (CW) Rookie Roundup are now online! You can view them at:

http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles

Choose "2011 Results" then look for "Rookie Roundup - December" near the bottom of the list.

Thanks to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, RR certificates will be emailed in the next few days to all Rookies that submitted a log. We also wish to thank all the non-rookies who took the time to make some QSOs with the Rookies.

April 2012 will see the RR return to SSB. With the new year comes a new group of eligible Rookies; those that were first licensed in 2010, 2011 or 2012 will be eligible to submit as a Rookie. Will you be ready? I hope so! See you on the air in April!

Sean Kutzko KX9X

Hi folks-

Sean KX9X here. December 18 brings us the second CW Rookie Roundup, from 1800-2400 UTC. The first CW RR was this time last year, and we had about 60 entries from all around North America and a couple of DX countries, too! If you're new to ham radio, the RR is a great place for you to work on your CW skills. This six-hour event is low-pressure and a lot of fun...and if you were licensed in 2009, 2010 or 2011, you can submit a score summary as Rookie!

Rookies can work anybody they hear; non-rookies can work only Rookies. You exchange both calls, your name, the last two digits of the year you were first licensed (such as 09 or 10), and your State. See the official rules on this page for complete info. If you're a member of a local club, this is a great event to get some of the newly-licensed active on HF. Invite several of them over to the club station (or your house, if you're willing), order some pizza and have some fun on the bands!

The propagation gods have been kind to us this fall. Ten meters has returned in full force, with many thousands of QSOs made in the CQ Worldwide contests in October and November, and the ARRL 10 Meter Contest last weekend. Technician-class licensees should be able to work plenty of stations on 10 meters during this December's RR.

You can submit your score summary online using our Score Reporting Form. We don't need your entire log, just a summary of stations you worked. It takes about 5 minutes to fill out the form and make an official entry. You have three days to fill out the form and submit a score. We'll publish the results in about a week.Watch this page for news.

One thing I'm very excited about is a new way of delivering certificates. In the past, we've had some delays in getting certificates out to each Rookie that enters. Thanks to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, certificates will now be emailed in PDF form very shortly after the results are posted! So be sure you fill out your email address correctly in the Score Summary form, as that's what we'll use to send your Rookie certificate to you.

Thanks for your interest in the Rookie Roundup. I hope to work you this weekend! CQ RR!

Sean KX9X

Results for the August 2011 Rookie Roundup -- the first RR to use RTTY -- are now online! You can view them at:

http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles

We're working on a new way for you to download your certificates! Check back here for an announcement in the next few days.

Thanks to everybody who got on the air for the premiere of the RTTY Rookie Roundup. Hope to hear you on CW for the December 2011 RR!

73,

Sean Kutzko KX9X

ARRL Contest Branch Manager

Hi folks-

Larry Gauthier, K8UT reports that N1MM's support for the RTTY Rookie Roundup is complete, beginning with version 11.08.01. Be sure to visit N1MM.com to download the latest version before the RR this weekend.

A file of pre-programmed function key macros for the RTTY RR can be downloaded here.

You can also click here for N1MM setup instructions for the RTTY RR.

Don't forget that while N1MM will log your QSOs for you, all entrants must still fill out the Rookie Roundup Online Score Submission Form in order to officially enter the event. We don't require your complete log, so fill out the score summary form and you'll be all set.

Hope to work you this weekend in the RR!

Sean KX9X

Hi folks-

In less than two weeks, the Rookie Roundup will make its first foray into the Digital modes. This is the first RTTY contest aimed specifically at beginners.

All you need to get on RTTY these days is a transceiver, a PC, an interface that connects your rig to your PC's sound card, and some decoding software. It's relatively painless and inexpensive; sound card interfaces are less than $100; if you are a builder, you can make one for just a few dollars. There are many RTTY software packages available for free; use your favorite internet search engine and look for "RTTY software."

If you've never operated RTTY, there's a wealth of info available to you. Veteran RTTY contester and CQ Contest Hall Of Fame resident Don Hill, AA5AU, has a great website for the beginning RTTY operator. Take some time and check it out; his expertise and tutorials will have you up and making RTTY QSOS in litte time!

If you're a veteran RTTY oeprator, consider opening your shack to the newly-licensed in your area. What better way to help get more RTTY operators on the air than to get them involved? And definitely get on the air and work the Rookies in this event. It begins only two hours after the last leg of the SARTG WW RTTY Contest, so there should be lots of activity.

We've received word that N1MM's logging software will support the RTTY RR. Be sure to download the latest updates and verify the version you're running will support the RTTY RR. if I hear of other contest loggers that support RTTY RR, I'll gladly post them here.

If you wish, you can also log by hand using the paper log forms provided elsewhere on this page, or use the popular InTheLog online web logger. Keep in mind, though, that InTheLog is just a logger; it will not decode RTTY for you.

As with all other RR's, we do not need your entire log. Simply report your score summary using the RR Online Score Reporting Form. You must fill out this form to be considered an oficial entry. But don't delay...we need your score summary by 2359 UTC on Wednesday, August 24. No late entries will be accepted.

Questions? Just let me know!

Here's hoping to run across you on RTTY this August 21.

Sean KX9X

Results for the April 2011 SSB Rookie Roundup are now online at:

www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles

Choose "2011 Contest Results" and you wil lfind the Rookie Roundup results.

Certificates are being processed and will be emailed very soon! Congratulations to all the Rookies and thanks to all the OT's who got on and made QSOs.

Ah, April. Spring has sprung, baseball is being played, and Rookies worldwide take to the airwaves! That's right, you heard right, the April Rookie Roundup is here!

Sunday, April 17 from 1800 through 2359 UTC will be the time for those licensed in 2009, 2010 or 2011 to compete head-to-head on SSB and test their mettle. Rookies can work anybody; if you're an Old-Timer (licensed in 2008 or earlier), get on the air and work the Rookies. The exchange is simple: Your name and your US state, Canadian province, Mexican call area or "DX" (if you don't live in the US, Canada or Mexico).

You can log on paper using the forms we've provided further down on this page, or you can log onto www.inthelog.com and log in real time using this free, easy to use web site.  Once you've logged your QSOs , fill out the score summary using the online form found here. All entrants must fill out the online form to enter. Your score submission must be received by 2359 UTC Wednesday, April 20; no late entries will be accepted.

All Rookies will receive a certificate of participation via email. The top five stations in each call area will be recognized on the certificate. Old-timers will be recognized in the results article.

If you've never operated in a contest before, try your hand at the Rookie Roundup. You just might discover how much fun contesting can be!

Hi folks-

The results for the 2010 CW Rookie Roundup are now posted in the Results area furtherdown this page.

Thanks to all that participated! Awards certificates will be emailed to the Rookie participants within the next several days.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 17, 2011 for the Next Rookie Roundup; April will feature SSB, and anybody licensed in 2009, 2010 or 2011 can enter as a Rookie. Hope to see you then!

73,

Sean Kutzko KX9X

ARRL Contest Branch Manager

'Tis the season to be...a CW op? Yes, Virginia, CW is alive and well in 2010, and the ARRL Rookie Roundup will be taking place on December 19 using this great mode.

In between family gatherings, holiday shopping and glasses of egg nog, the RR will be promoting CW operating during a fun contest designed for those first licensed between 2008 and 2010. If your fist has gotten rusty (or hasn't been used much), this is the event for you. How many CW QSOs can you make in just 6 hours?

Numerous "Old-Timer" operators from several clubs that promote the use and enjoyment of CW will be listening for YOU. It's a slow-speed affair, and the experienced ops will be slowing down to make sure they get in your log. Call "CQ RR" to work some stations, or keep spinning the dial and answer as many CQ's as you can. Old-Timers can call "CQ R" to ask just for Rookies, while other Rookies can all "CQ RR."

Logging your QSOs has never been easier. You can use either the InThe Log web site at http://www.inthelog.com , or download our Rookie Roundup paper log sheet elsewhere on this page. Once the QSOs have been logged, you have 72 hours to submit your score via the Rookie Roundup Online Score Submission Form.  All score summaries must be reported by 2359 UTC Wednesday, December 22, 2010. No late entries will be accepted!

Be sure to read the rules before you dive in. Certificates will be available for all Rookies; and all Old Timers will be recognized in the final results.

Drop me a line if you have any questions.

I hope to work you in the first CW Rookie Roundup!

73,

Sean Kutzko KX9X

ARRL Contest Branch Manager

The results of the 2010 August Rookie Roundup are now online in the "results" area on this page! Congratulations to all the rookies and thanks to the experienced stations that made QSOs or mentored a Rookie this contest.

The  next Rookie Roundup will be Sunday, December 19 and use CW. Hope to see you then!

For newly-licensed operators in North America (including territories and possessions) to experience competitive HF and 6-meter amateur radio by exchanging information with as many other stations as possible on the 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meter bands.  Experienced operators are strongly encouraged to participate and help new operators – either on the air or in person. 

The third Sunday of April, August and December from 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC.

 2011: 17 April (SSB), 21 August (RTTY), 18 December (CW)

April = SSB, August = RTTY, December = CW.

All score summaries (no logs are required or accepted) must be submitted within 72 hours of the end of the event.

The deadline for the December 2011 RTTY Rookie Roundup is 23:59:59 UTC Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

No late submissions will be accepted.

All official entries must report their score using the Rookie Roundup Score Summary Form.

Electronic certificates will be available for download by the top five scoring Rookies in each US call area, Canadian province, Mexican call area and DX.  No national winners will be recognized. A commemorative participation certificate will be available for download to every Rookie operator submitting a log. Non-rookies submitting a check log will be recognized by call in the final results.

For a printed copy of these rules, click here.

1) Object:

For newly-licensed operators in North America (including territories and possessions) to experience competitive Amateur Radio by exchanging information with as many other stations as possible on the 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meter bands.  Experienced operators are strongly encouraged to participate and help new operators – either on the air or in person. Rookie entrants are encouraged to read “HF Contesting – Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions.”

2) Time Period, Modes, and Frequencies:

2.1 Time period: The third Sunday of April, August and December from 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC.
      2011: 17 April, 21 August, 18 December

2.2 Modes: April = SSB, August = RTTY, December = CW.

2.3 Frequencies: To find contest activity, tune near these frequencies:

  2.3.1. Phone: 3.850, 7.225, 14.240, 21.325, 28.400 and between 50.125 and 50.200 MHz.

  2.3.2. CW: 3.550, 7.050, 14,050, 21.050, 28.050 and between 50.080 and 50.100 MHz.

  2.3.3. RTTY: 3.580, 7.080, 14.080, 21.080, 28.080 and between 50.300 and 50.320 MHz

  2.3.4. Rookies are encouraged to call "CQ Rookie Roundup" on phone and "CQ RR" on CW and digital modes.  Non-rookies should call "CQ Rookies" on phone and "CQ R" on CW or digital modes.  Please do not add suffixes to your call sign, such as /ROK, as that will make it difficult for QSL programs and services such as Logbook Of The World to match your call sign correctly
 

3) Entry Categories:

3.1 Single-Operator, Rookie.

3.1.1. Rookie entries are limited to operators licensed for three years or less. (see rule 4.1)

3.1.2. 100 watts maximum power out.

3.1.3. The use of information from a spotting network (“spotting assistance”) is permitted. Spotting yourself on a spotting network (“self-spotting”) or asking others to spot you is not allowed. See “HF Contesting – Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions” for clarification

3.1.5. Rookie stations may contact Rookie or non-Rookie stations.

3.2. Non-Rookies may call CQ, but can only work Rookie stations for contest  credit.
 

4) Exchange:

Call sign of station worked, your call sign, your first name, two-digit number of the year first licensed (“check”) and State, Canadian province, Mexican call area, or “DX”.

Examples:
NØAX from KB1QAW, Carol, 08, Connecticut
KX9X DE VE7XYZ DAVE 07 BC
KD2ABC DE XE1KK RAMON 96 XE1
KG6PQR from JH4NMT Toshi 75 DX

4.1. Rookies must have a check from the current year or any of the preceding two calendar years.  For example, in the 2011 Rookie Roundup events, Rookies must have a check of 2011, 2010, or 2009.
 

5) Scoring:

5.1. Points: 2 points for completed QSO with a Rookie, 1 point for a completed QSO with a non-Rookie.

5.2. Multipliers:

5.2.1: Each US state and the District of Columbia (51 total) – use US postal codes as abbreviations. Be careful – many states have similar spellings and abbreviations! i.e. Missouri is MO, Minnesota is MN, Michigan is MI, Mississippi is MS, Maine is ME, Massachusetts is MA, etc.See the complete list of abbreviations at the end of these rules.

5.2.2. Canadian Provinces (13 total) : See the complete list of abbreviations at the end of these rules.

5.2.3. Mexican call areas (4 total): XE1, XE2, XE3and XF4

5.2.4. One generic DX multiplier, which includes contacts with US possessions (such as Puerto Rico KP4 and Guam KH2) and all other entities not listed in 5.2.1, 5.2.2 or 5.2.3.

5.2.5. The total number of possible multipliers is 69.
 

6) Miscellaneous:

6.1 Stations may be worked once per band. Multiplier credit is only given once, regardless of band.

6.2. Cross-band and cross-mode QSOs are not permitted. i.e. – Both stations must be on the same band and using the same mode.

6.3 During any single contest, entrants must make all QSOs from the same state, province, call area, or DX entity. i.e. - Your exchange must contain the same location information for all contacts in a submitted log.

6.4. QSOs made through repeaters or digipeaters are not permitted.

6.5. QSOs with aeronautical or maritime mobile stations do not count.

6.6. Non-rookie operators are encouraged to assist Rookie operators in person with operating technique and instruction, including acting as the control operator to allow Technician class licensees to transmit with General or Extra class privileges.  Non-rookie operators may not, however, initiate any transmissions from the station or log any contacts.
 

7) Awards:

Electronic certificates will be available for download by the top five scoring Rookies in each US call area, Canadian province, and Mexican call area.  No national winners will be recognized. A commemorative participation certificate will be available for download to every Rookie operator submitting a log. Non-rookies submitting a score summary will be recognized by call in the final results.
 

8) Entry and Score Reporting:

All score summaries (no logs are required or accepted) must be submitted within 72 hours of the end of the event.

The deadline for the December 2011 RTTY Rookie Roundup is 23:59:59 UTC Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

No late submissions will be accepted.

All official entries must report their score using the Rookie Roundup Score Summary Form.

9) Other information:

9.1. See “General Rules for All ARRL Contests” and “General Rules for ARRL Contests on Bands Below 30 MHz (HF)” .

9.2. All contest queries should be directed to contests@arrl.org or by telephone to 860-594-0232. 

For Rookie Roundup results, visit our contest results page on the web at:

http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles

US State Postal Abbreviations (source: www.usps.com/ncsc/lookups/abbr_state.txt)

Canadian Provinces

Rookie Roundup Log Sheet

Rookie Roundup Score Summary Sheet

A: In the Rookie Roundup, a Rookie is defined has having been licensed for no more than three years, regardless of license class. To compete in the 2011 Rookie Roundup events, an amateur must have received their license in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

A) We're looking at entire years. 2011 = Year 1, 2010 = Year 2, and 2009 = Year 3.

A: We aren't concerned with the month you were licensed. If you were licensed any time in 2009, you are still eligible to compete in all three Rookie Roundup events in 2011.

A: While we welcome participation by all hams, only those licensed three years or less may officially enter as a Rookie. Your participation to work Rookies on the air or assist a Rookie's operation is one of the main points of the event, so please get on the air and work some Rookies!

A: No.  Yo must have received your first Amateur license no more than three years ago to qualify as a Rookie.

A: Non-Rookies using a club call that was issued less than three years ago and entering as a Rookie is against the spirit of the Rookie Roundup.

A: The easiest thing you can do to help a Rookie is to get on the air and work Rookies. However, helping your club get Rookies on the air is also very helpful. Your non-Rookie club members can open their shacks and allow a Rookie to operate, provide in-the-shack coaching to a Rookie, or act as control operator to allow a Technician class licensee to operate in the General or Extra portion of the band (depending on your own license class). Information on being a control operator is found in FCC Part 97.105.

If you act as control operator for a Rookie, be sure to observe the Third-Party Traffic regulations; It is not legal for unlicensed (or under-licensed) third parties to communicate on the air with amateurs or with other unlicensed third parties at amateur stations without a third-party traffic agreement in place. In general, most European countries do not have third-party traffic agreements with the US, but many South American and some African and Caribbean nations do.  Information on third-party traffic regulations may be found here.

A: Yes, as long as each Rookie works as a Single Operator.