Sunday, September 4 When the amateur radio world will be looking our way.
Sunday, September 4 1800 UTC until Monday, September 5 0300 UTC OR… Sunday, September 4 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. EDT 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CDT
When Is It ?
Yes, it’s a contest… sort of. But, state QSO parties are among the most popular “operating events” in ham radio. Great for county hunters, grid square chasers, and more.
What Is It ?
Do as much or as little as you want.
Stations outside of Tennessee work as many Tennessee stations in as many Tennessee counties as possible. Stations in Tennessee work EVERYONE!
What Do I Do ?
All operators are important in the TNQP.
In fact, the Tennessee QSO Party cannot happen without Tennessee stations on the air! Hams from all over will want to work YOU.
Can I Really Contribute?
The Tennessee Contest Group is just the sponsor. We handle organization, scoring, and awarding of certificates. All you have to have is a valid license and a desire to have fun on the radio. In fact, that’s the TCG motto at all times: “Have Fun!”
Do I Have to Belong to TCG?
You will find more folks with modest stations in state QSO parties than you will “big gun” contesters. These are short, relaxed events with no high stakes involved. Except pride and improvement of skills.
But I’m Not A Contester
Your best resource for complete information is the TNQP web site at: https://tnqp.org However, here is a general overview…
Tell Me More!
Bands • HF/VHF/UHF • All bands okay EXCEPT 60 Meters 30 Meters 17 Meters 12 Meters
Modes • Phone (SSB/AM/FM) – NO repeater contacts, but FM simplex okay. • CW • Digital – Choose ONE from RTTY, PSK, etc.
Although not required, it helps if you pre-register which county you will activate.
Go to the web site (tnqp.org) and click “Counties Active” From there, click “Online County Activation Logger” Fill out the information and click “Submit”
Tennessee has 95 counties and some are never activated for various reasons. Our goal is 100% of TN counties activated. The only way to achieve this is with mobiles.
Mobiles Needed
If you would like to activate a county (or two or three)… Check the website to see which ones have not been registered. You may also e-mail Greg K4K0 at
[email protected] for more information.
Mobiles Needed
Activate a TN county AND a National Park!
Sample Exchange: “5/9 Sevier and NP26” There are 15 entities in Tennessee that are valid for the ARRL NPOTA program. Be sure to register NPOTA activity on the ARRL web site.
This Year ONLY!
Does your club need an activity? TNQP fits the bill. Is Field Day your favorite thing? Why not do it again for TNQP?
There’s a Club Category
Still need WAS? Use TNQP to help. Add to your DXCC total. Lots of foreign hams are county hunters.
Anything Else?
• • • • • • • • •
Fixed Station Mobile Single-Op Multi-Op High Power Low Power QRP Individual Club
• • • • • • • • •
HF VHF UHF Phone CW Digital Mixed Modes Big Antenna Farm Single Dipole
Something for Everyone
Whatever you like to do in ham radio, the Tennessee QSO Party is the place to be. So, mark your calendar, register your county activation, make your plans, and get ready to help Tennessee shine!
Tennessee On the Air!
1800 UTC Sunday, September 4 – 0300 UTC Monday, September 5 OR Sunday, September 4 from 2:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. EDT 1:00p.m until 10:00 p.m CDT
See You in TNQP!
Presented by the Tennessee Contest Group
Visit us online at k4tcg.org Slide show prepared by Steve Carpenter, K4DXV