Contests
FOC includes many famous contesters in its ranks.
5B4AGN, DJ1YFK, F5VHY, G0IVZ, G3PJT, G3SXW, G3TXF, G3XTT, G4BJM, G4BUO, G4RCG, GM3POI, K1AR, K1DG,K1ZM, K1ZZ, K2LE, K3NA,K3ZO, K4BAI, K4LTA, K5NA, K5RC, MD0CCE, N2NT, N3BB, N3RD, N3RS, S50A, VE3DZ, W0UA, W3LPL, ZC4VJ, and ZL2IFB are just a few.
Many of the World/Continental/Country records in the following contests are held by FOC members:
Here are some members taking part in the 2010 WRTC contest, which was held in Russia:
Operating R39D: S50A (FOC 1122) in green jacket. Judges: G3XTT (FOC 1805) with yellow tag and K1ZZ (FOC 1053) with red cap
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Operating R57M: G4BUO (FOC 1486) with lip mic
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Referees stringing antenna at hotel: K5NA (FOC 1539) in yellow shirt and W5ZL (sk) (FOC 1913) back to camera
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Operating R33G: N2NT (FOC 1706) in foreground
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Operating R31D: N5AW (FOC 1941) in foreground
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Operating R31A: N6XI (FOC 1765) in foreground
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The Canadian Teams, with R33L's VE3DZ (FOC 1740) at the far right, R31N's VE7CC (FOC 1544) with the beard and Referee VE3NE (FOC 1824) in the red shirt
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FOC members not shown in pictures:
LY9A - R32R team
G3SXW - Judge
K1ZM - R32Z team
LY9A - R32R team
VK2IA and VK6LW - R39R team
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FOC Marathon (open to members ONLY)
FOC has its own annual contest, the Marathon, organised and adjudicated by Dennis F5VHY (FOC 744), in February.
During this long QSO party (or almost contest) Friday to Sunday weekend, members are trying to work members and would prefer not to be called by non-members (since a QSO with a non-member can't be counted).
The FOC Marathon is held between 2100z of the Friday and 2100z of the Sunday, usually during the first week-end of February. Activity is on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres between 015-035kHz on LF (please avoid 1820-1832kHz and 035-045kHz HF). The minimum exchange is RST and membership number. Members are encouraged to give genuine reports for the benefit of those members running QRP or testing equipment, antennas, etc, and only one transmitted signal can be made at any given time.
There are four classes: Open Section (no limit), Restricted Section (maximum of 100 watts and simple wire antennas and verticals, no beams), QRP Open Section (maximum five watts and no antenna limit) and QRP Restricted Section (maximum five watts and simple wire antennas and verticals, no beams).
The G4CP Trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the Marathon to retain for the year. Engraved plaques are awarded to the winners of the Open, Restricted, QRP Open and QRP Restricted Sections in each continent. A plaque is also awarded to the North America West Coast winner in the Open and Restricted sections. Certificates are awarded to the runner-up of each section, provided the recipient obtains 50% of the points of the section winner.
FOC QSO Parties
We also hold a couple of FOC QSO Parties each year, usually in June and October. For further information, please see the Social Events page in the About FOC section.
FOC sponsors CW pile-up contest
Each year in October, the RSGB holds a national convention.
The FOC assembles all the hardware, software and special files to make this fun event happen. Special thanks go to members Ivan G3IZD and Ray G4FON who contribute greatly to it being a success.
A surprising number of people give it a try, even those who know they have no hope of winning!
Prizes are presented at the Saturday Evening Banquet. These have been exceptional Chevron Keys made and donated by Kevin M0AGA, another member. However, there is another twist to the pile-up contest. One key goes to the winner at the very top. Another goes to somebody showing skill and potential. A nice, valuable, prize!
