Hello BC amateur radio clubs,
First, I’d like to thank so many of you for spreading the word about BCQP 2015 to club members and helping to keep event profile high. I hope everyone who plans to get on the air remembers that the event is coming up very soon: 1600z Feb 7 to 0400z Feb 8. (8am to 8pm local time, Feb 7)
BCQP has acquired worldwide exposure. Capitalize on this! Call CQ!
BCQP appears on contest calendars and is included in radio-related bulletins, newsletters and news feeds with a national and global reach, so the profile is high. Q potential is therefore HUGE for BC stations, especially if operators call CQ. And listen in all directions because other stations in BC as well as beyond our borders — Japan, Europe, South America and of course the U.S. — will be looking for BC callsigns.
In the past few years, BCQP has attracted deeper participation in BC, with more operators getting on the air and staying in the chair. As a result, there has been sustained interest from the rest of Canada and beyond, and even a bit of friendly competition to capture one of the plaques available to stations outside BC.
In addition, we can all take advantage of the on-air activity generated by coinciding QSO parties in Minnesota, Vermont and Delaware, as well as the 10-10 Winter SSB contest and the Freeze Your Butt Off Field Day in Arizona. Trading Qs with stations in the host states not only builds bigger logs, reciprocally, but also keeps the bands buzzing, which creates more Q potential.
Resources
There are lots of resources on the BCQP section of the Orca DXCC website, including examples of how to trade Qs, an at-a-glance summary of same-day events and respective exchanges (good if anyone is planning to try trading Qs) and a multi-party log sheet, as well multiplier lists. For rules and tools — like multiplier lists and helpful hints — and background info, visit http://orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html
Tangible Rewards
This year, eight plaques are being sponsored. The ones applicable to BC stations are Top BC, Top YL, Most Federal Electoral Districts Worked, Top Rookie and Top Mixed Mode (new). Note: In the rookie category, it will be essential that rookies specify their status in the email sent with log submission or in the soapbox section of the log.
Additionally, top scores by stations in BC in all entry classes are eligible for photo-based certificates. Different every year and thus collectible!
Logging Software
With regard to logging software, BCQP is fully supported by N1MM logging software as well as CQ/X GPS-enabled software for mobile contesting and QSO party software by N3FJP. Other programs have generic QSO party options, but all software really needs the computer and radio to be interfaced to work as intended. So if that is not an option, paper logs are OK. No one should worry about logging software — or lack of it. Each operator can use whatever logging method works for him/her. And if the program used doesn’t generate an accurate score, no worries. The log-checking team at Orca DXCC will make sure everyone gets the points s/he is entitled to.
Suggested Frequencies
Beginning this year, we have alternate suggested frequencies for 80M, 40M and 20M—the NA Sprint bands—between 0000z and 0400z so that BCQP participants keen for CW QSOs can continue above the mayhem of the Sprint. These frequencies are quite high up in the respective bands, encroaching, at least on 40m, on a center of activity for PSK. So be aware and be courteous, and use the suggested frequencies as a guide and not a requirement.
RTTY and other digital modes… hover around the customary frequencies by mode.
See the recommended frequencies for PH and CW on the BCQP homepage.
If anyone has any questions about BCQP, there’s still time to ask. Email me at va7bec@rac.ca
Hope to give out lots of VA7ODX bonus points to stations near and far.
73 es GL
Rebecca VA7BEC
Orca DXCC, BCQP Contest Coordinator