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Rules NZART Sangster Shield Contest

Presented to the amateurs of New Zealand by Mr R Sangster in 1927, the Sangster Shield is for annual competition to be won by the most efficient station. In this respect it should be pointed out, that in addition to the efficiency of the equipment used, the efficiency of the operator is of the utmost importance. To win this contest marks an operator as one who not only knows how to obtain the most effectiveness from low power but also one who is most proficient in the art of telegraphic communication.

RULES

1. When? Third full weekend of May each year, between the hours of 2000 NZST and 2300 NZST on each evening. The maximum period of operation will be six hours.

2. Power: To compete for the Sangster Shield and Trophies the output of the transmitter must not exceed 5 Watts.

3. CW to CW contacts only are permitted.

4. All operations must be in the 80 m band.

5. Contacts

a. QSOs with any one station are permitted once only each half hour, based on an "even half hour" basis, eg 2000 to 2030,2031 to 2100 etc.

b. It is not permissible to claim QSOs with the same station "twice running", i.e. at the end of one half hour period and at the beginning of the next, unless a different station is contacted by one of the two stations between QSO's, or a time delay of at least 5 minutes elapses between QSO's.

6. All ZL entrants must be financial members of NZART, except for first time entrants qualifying for the Transistor Trophy.

7. All Radio Regulations must be observed.

8. To give QRP contestants a fair chance (particularly with DX stations) higher power stations are requested to operate above 3530 KHz.

9. Logs

a. Quarto or A4 size paper -preferably NZART log sheets.

b. Data in this order:-Date, Time, Station Callsign, Cypher Sent, Cypher Received, Points Claimed.

c. ON A SEPARATE SHEET a summary to show:

i. Entrant's callsign, name and address in BLOCK LETTERS.

ii. Number of contacts with stations using 5 W or less.

iii. Number of contacts with stations using 6 W or more.

iv. Number of contacts with overseas stations.

v. List of different branches worked with the number and name of each branch as given in the Call Book (in branch number order) plus the callsign of the station claimed for that branch.

vi. Total score -(total points multiplied by the number of branches worked)

vii. Description of equipment, antenna and output power used.

viii. Signed declaration that all contest rules have been observed.

10. Cypher system

a. RST followed by branch number followed by power output -eg 569/11/04. Indicating a 569 report; branch 11; and power of 4 W. Power will always be given as two figures: -over 100 W will be given as 99, while below 10 W will be preceded by 0.

b. Overseas stations are required to give RST plus a serial number beginning at 001.

11. SCORING

For ZL Entrants:

a. ZL to Overseas -10 points

b. ZL to ZL with Power given as 5 W or less -5 points.

c. ZL using 5 W or less to ZL with Power given as 6 W or more -1 point.

d. ZL using 6 W or more to ZL with Power given as 5 W or less -1 point.

e. ZL using 6 W or more to ZL with Power given as 6 W or more -Not permitted for contest purposes.

For Overseas entrants:

a. Overseas using 5 W or less to ZL with Power given as 5 W or less - 10 points.

b. Overseas using 5 W or less to ZL with Power given as 6 W or more - 5 points.

c. Overseas using 6 W or more to ZL with Power given as 5 W or less - 5 points.

d. Overseas using 6 W or more to ZL with Power given as 6 W or more - Not permitted for contest purposes.

e. Overseas to Overseas -Not permitted for contest purposes. Final score is total points multiplied by the Number of Branches worked.

NOTE: Contacts with a Contestant's own Branch are OK for points but are not to be counted as a multiplier.

12. Mobile or Mobile/Portable operation will be permitted for New Zealand stations, however, the station must be operated from ONE LOCATION each evening. This means a station could operate from one location the first evening and another location on the second evening. The station must use the Branch number applicable to its location at the time. The entrant may combine both logs for contest purposes, but the logs must indicate their locations on both evenings. In this case then only one branch (either) is to be eliminated as an "own Branch" multiplier. Overseas Stations may be mobile or portable, but a maritime mobile station must be outside New Zealand's territorial waters to be counted as a DX contact.

13. Discounted Contacts: The Contest Manager expects that participating stations will provide a fair chance for all entrants to make contact with them. While it is not intended to discourage contestants from operating only part of the full contest it is considered that at least 20 contacts should be made and station operation should be over at least 3 half hour operating periods. Stations considered to have worked less than this requirement will have their contacts and branch multiplier contribution deducted from contest logs.

14. Awards

a. SANGSTER SHIELD: to the highest scoring entrant using 5 W or less and observing the rules as enumerated. (Note that all first time entrants qualifying for the Transistor Trophy will also be eligible for the Sangster Shield Award)

b. TRANSISTOR TROPHY: to the highest scoring entrant using 5 W or less and observing the rules as enumerated, but in addition who has been licensed for 12 months or less. Entrants must give Operator's Certificate number together with date of issue.

c. The "ARTHUR STEVENS TROPHY" will be presented to the highest scoring South Island entrant using 5 W or less. (This trophy is in honour of Arthur, formerly ZL1MT, a very long time stalwart of the Sangster Shield Contest).

d. Certificates to the first three entrants using 5 W or less, also to the first three "newly licensed" entrants qualifying for the Transistor trophy.

e. Certificate to entrant using 6 W or more with the highest score.

f. Certificates to Overseas entrants with the highest score in their respective call areas.

g. Certificate to the branch with the highest aggregate score from three entrants operating in the QRP section. A minimum of three entrants are required to be eligible for this section. The top three scoring entrants for any Branch will automatically be aggregated -it is not necessary for a Branch to send in an entry for this section.

15. Logs must be posted to reach the Contest Manager, Glenn Kingston ZL2KZ, 53 Tannadyce Street, Wellington 6003, on or before the third Thursday of June.