ZL Autumn and Winter Sprints

Objects:

• For amateur radio stations to contact as many other amateur radio stations as possible within the 1.5 hour time limit
• To improve operator skills
• To have fun!

Results

ZL Sprints Results

When:

Each Tuesday in April and August:
0800-0829 UTC (2000-2029 NZST) CW only
0830-0859 UTC (2030-2059 NZST) SSB only
0900-0929 UTC (2100-2129 NZST) FT4 only

Band:

80m

Operator Category:

Single Operator, one transmitted signal only, use of the DX cluster is allowed and one of:
100w maximum (by convention Low Power in your contest logger); or
QRP – up to 5W CW, 10W SSB and 5W FT4
Each mode will be scored separately.

Exchange:

CW/SSB RS(T) report and Outside Temperature to the nearest degree. You can get the temperature from the Metservice website, put a thermometer outside, or take the predicted overnight low from the newspaper/radio. Failing all that, your best estimate. Once you start, don’t change it. On CW use “m” to denote a minus if the temperature is below zero.

FT4 4-digit Maidenhead grid-square locator

Suggested Frequencies:

CW 3520-3550 kHz
SSB 3620-3670 kHz
FT4 3575kHz
Please respect other spectrum users and CW ops please QRS to the speed of the station calling you.

Scoring:

One point per contact CW, SSB and FT4. You can work a station once in each mode.
NOTE: There are no multipliers.
Your score is the sum of the contact points you make for each mode.
Branch Competition
A separate NZART branch competition will be run in parallel with the individual competition. The scores from individuals in the same branch will be added together each week. The winner will be the branch with the most points at the end of the Sprints.

Make sure you send your branch number with your log.

No QSY Rule: You do not need to move frequency after you call CQ and work a station. However in the spirit of robust competition it is expected no one will simply sit on one frequency for the duration of the sprint.

Example QSOs
CW
ZL3AB: CQ ZL3AB Test
ZL3XYZ: ZL3XYZ
ZL3AB: ZL3XYZ 599 m1
ZL3XYZ: 599 5
ZL3AB: TU ZL3AB Test

SSB
ZL3AB: CQ ZL3AB Contest
ZL3XYZ: ZL3XYZ
ZL3AB: ZL3XYZ 59 minus 1
ZL3XYZ: 59 5
ZL3AB: Thank you ZL3AB Contest

[Note you may need to use phonetics depending on band conditions and strength of signal]
FT4
CQing station: CQ ZLS ZL3AB RE66
Answering Station: ZL3AB ZL3XYZ RE64
CQer: ZL3XYZ ZL3AB R RE66
Answer: ZL3AB ZL3XYZ RR73
CQer: ZL3XYZ ZL3AB 73 (or any appropriate acknowledge message)

Logs:

Only logs in electronic format are acceptable. Cabrillo format is preferred however ADIF, plain text, a word document or excel spreadsheet will be accepted. As a minimum the log must contain:
Callsign
Name of operator
Claimed Score
Incredibly witty Soapbox comment or failing that feedback on what you liked and didn’t like about the sprint.

For the Branch Competition make sure you send me your branch number. It can be in the log or just in your email.

For CW/SSB Download the UDC file for N1MM+ Logger here. Unzip into the This PC/Documents/N1MM Logger+/UserDefinedContests folder.

For FT4 we recommend WSJT-X v2.6.1. To set up the exchange under “Settings” choose the “Advanced” tab. Tick “Special Operating Activity” and then “WW Digi contest”. Also tick “CQ with special contest name” and “ZLS” in the contest box.

Although you can incorporate WSJT-X into N1MM logger, I will accept a separate cabrillo file from your CW/SSB cabrillo file if you simply wish to generate it out of WSJT-X. Since you can generate a cabrillo file directly out of WSJT-X you have no excuse not to send me one.

Log Submissions: By email only to markzl3ab@gmail.com within 24 hours of the end of the sprint. Results will be sent out on the major email reflectors.

Change Log

8 March 2026

Tidy-up and add Branch Competition

4 July 2025

• Added New Operator category

10 July 2023

• Changed power to 100W Maximum to align with other NZART Contests

June 2022

• First release of the rules

December 2022

• Altered to incorporate the Autmn Sprints

7 June 2024

• Added FT4