Despite all the controversy about licensing and requirements, there are a lot of new hams who are intrigued with the code after passing their 5WPM.
But, like we all were (or are!), they are intimidated and nervous about getting on the air. They've had bad experiences on Field Day or other contests and QSO's where people won't QRS (slow down), and they are getting frustrated. We don't want that to happen! We want to encourage and nurture these new CW operators. The Novice RoundUp used to be a good forum for this, but the Novice concept is obsolete. Something needs to be implemented that would include all classes of newcomers and give them a friendly place to learn the ropes.
The 2008 Get Your Feet Wet Weekend will be 00:00Z Fri Sep 12, 2008 (Thursday local) to 00:00Z Sep 15 (Sunday local).
The focus is on sending slowly and clearly and sending the exchange in order. No memory or programable keyers or code readers are allowed - human-powered transmissions only. Certificates will be sent out to the top three scorers in each category free of charge.
The rules: Operate under one of two categories for the entire event, Newcomer or Experienced. You can be licensed a long time but still be a Newcomer to CW or contesting. You're on the honor system: Choose whichever describes your ability.
Suggested calling frequencies are 3.558, 7.110, 14.110, 21.110, and 28.110. If you don't hear anyone, go ahead and call. Get your feet wet and jump in with a CQ FC on a clear frequency. YOU are there listening; chances are someone else is listening and waiting to hear a CQ, too.
Call CQ FC.
The Exchange: Callsign/N (newcomer) or Callsign/E (experienced), RST, Name, QTH, FISTS number or power, last two digits of the year licensed.
Example: WZ8C/E, 599, Nancy, MI, 0379, 88.
Count 2 points for working someone out of your category, 1 point for working someone in your category.
Multipliers are number of stations that were licensed during the last six years. For example in 2007, it would be stations licensed in 2002-2007, in year 2008 it would be stations licensed in 2003-2008, and so on.
Stations may be worked once per band for points, but their multiplier only counts once.
No WARC bands.
Contacts must be 2-way human-keyed CW (Iambics are fine - just no computerized or memory keyers).
Logs will be sent to Lee Hallin N7NU 3413 Walton Ln, Eugene OR 97408
or in ADIF format to hallinl@lanecc.edu within 30 days of the end of
the event.
Logs and Summary pages can be downloaded here. They are in Word and RTF format so they should be compatable with any word processing program, including wordpad. Left mouse click on them to open them, right mouse click to "save as"
feetwetsummary.doc
feetwetsummary.rtf
Excel spreadsheet available: If you want an Excel spreadsheet that will score GYFWW for you, send an email to Lee at hallinL@lanecc.edu indicating if you will be Newcomer or Experienced (so he can adjust the formulas) and your callsign. Lee will email a spreadsheet to you customized just for your callsign and entry class.