Mid-Atlantic QSO Party

[KC2NIK]

I was looking at getting my feet wet with contesting and found this contest.  I read the rules and all other info on the web page.  But I still have a couple questions.  

In regards to just wanting to give points:  Would I do the complete exchange and give a serial number even though I would not be in the contest?  How would the contest participants be judged on my contacts (in other words would I send a log so they could be verified?)

Also if I chose to be in the contest:  I see the sheet to fill out and email address to send logs but do I have to register before the contest or just submit my logs and registration form after the contest ends?

Thanks a million for any answers I really appreciate it.

KC2NIK

[N8CPA]

If you want to hand out a few points, Yes, if you talk to a participating station, he/she will need your full exchange, Serial #, QTH, etc.   Whether you submit a log or not, in most cases, the other station won't get credit if you don't follow the exchange format.  

It is likely that you won't be required to submit your own log, but it might be a good idea to submit at least a 'checklog'.  That's a log that says, "Yes I was there. I don't really want the points, but here are the stations I worked and what we said to each other."

Enjoy! 73,
Steve

[N3OYA]

KC2NIK wrote:

"In regards to just wanting to give points: Would I do the complete exchange and give a serial number even though I would not be in the contest? How would the contest participants be judged on my contacts (in other words would I send a log so they could be verified?)"

- Yes, you should give the complete exchange, or your contact cannot be counted by the 'active' participant.  Some amateurs just continue to use '001', though I don't think it's too hard to jot a serial number next to the other guy's callsign. Even if you're just jotting down stuff on a legal pad and not a computer or paper log, you can see immediately what serial number you gave the last participant.

"Also if I chose to be in the contest: I see the sheet to fill out and email address to send logs but do I have to register before the contest or just submit my logs and registration form after the contest ends?"

Just send in your log after the contest, within the time period stipulated on http://www.maqp.info.  If I were you, I'd investigate using one of the free computer logging programs for the event; I'm using the WB3W program available on the "Software" section of the MAQP website.  It's pretty spiffy! Though it's only usable for this event, it'll generate a log you can email the scorers; they really appreciate not having to dredge through paper logs. =)

If you must use paper logs, just print and fill out the logs exactly as the website says.

"Thanks a million for any answers I really appreciate it."

Not a problem!  Hopefully we'll meet on the air this weekend!

73 de Bob N3OYA

[K3AN]

I saw the announcement for the Mid-Atlantic QSO party a while back. Why? Are the individual state QSO parties dead?

[N3OYA]

On the contrary.  To my knowledge, the individual state parties are alive and well.  

AFAIK, the MAQP isn't designed to take the place of anything else. The MAQP is just another on-air event to play in, another opportunity to get on the air and make some contacts! =)