QRZ! Ham Radio 3/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 3.iso/buffalo/faq_ham3.txt

Internet Message Format | 1993-04-09 | 28KB

From [e-mail] Mon Feb  1 06:08:19 1993
To: [e-mail] (Devon Bowen)
Subject: for FTP - Ham Radio FAQ (3 of 3)

Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions
Part 3 - Amateur Radio Advanced and Technical Questions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions discussed in Part 3: (dates indicate last modification)
**  What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?
    (pre-4/92)
**  What is the best way to learn Morse Code? (10/92)
**  What is the standard for measuring Morse code speed? (pre-4/92)
**  I'm confused. What do all those abbreviations mean??? (5/92)
**  What do all those "tones" mean? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio if I live outside the US?
    (4/92)
**  How can I get a "reciprocal license" if I am a licensed ham from another
    country or if I am a FCC licensed ham who wants to operate in another
    country (on vacation)? (11/92)
**  My apartment or housing complex does not allow outdoor antennas, now what
    do I do? (pre-4/92)
**  I got TVI...HELP!!! (pre-4/92)
**  Did you know that you can get college credit for being a ham? (pre-4/92)
**  On what frequencies do JPL and GSFC retransmit the shuttle audio?
    (10/92)
**  Can I take my HT on an airplane and operate it if I get the permission
    of the captain? (4/92)
**  How do I modify my current Amateur license? (4/92)
**  I'm confused about XXX, should I ask the FCC? (4/92)
**  Is there any information on antique radios? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I buy vacuum tubes? (pre-4/92)
**  What do I need to get started in packet radio? (5/92)
**  What do I need to get started in satellite communications? (pre-4/92)
**  What is available to get started in ATV, SSTV and WEFAX? (5/92)
**  What are these contests I sometimes hear, and how do I participate? (7/92)

--Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently-asked Questions------------------Part 3--

**  What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?
    Novice - has CW (Morse code) privileges on 4 HF bands (80, 40, 15,
        and 10 meter), Voice privileges on 10 meters, and privileges
        on 2 VHF/UHF bands (220 MHz and 1290 MHz).
        Required are 5 wpm Morse code test and 30-question Novice test.
    Technician - has full privileges on all VHF/UHF bands above 30 MHz.
        Required are Novice test and 25-question Tech test.
        Technician may access Novice HF bands by passing the 5 wpm Morse
        code test.
    General - has all Technician privileges, plus larger access to more
        HF bands, including CW and Voice on 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15,
        12, and 10 meter bands.  A General class amateur can give Novice
        tests.
        Required are 13 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech and 25-question
        General test.
    Advanced - has all General privileges, plus wider band access on 80,
        40, 20, and 15 meter bands.  An Advanced class amateur can
        also become a VE and give tests to Novice and Tech tests.
        Required are 13 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech, General and
        50-question Advanced test.  The Advanced test is the most difficult
        of the five written tests.
    Amateur Extra - has full privileges on all amateur bands.  An Extra
        can become a VE and give all amateur tests.
        Required are 20 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech, General,
        Advanced and 40-question Extra test.

**  What is the best way to learn Morse Code?
    This is becoming an increasingly common question as many "no-code"
    Technicians realize they can add more privileges to their license if
    they learn Morse Code.  The following list of suggestions should
    be helpful in finding ways to approach the effort.

    * Listen to code at a rate faster than you can copy.
    * Participate in Novice-Roundup and/or Field Day.  Practice whenever
      you get the chance!
    * Avoid the "deciphering" plateau around 5 WPM and and character
      plateau at 10 WPM by listening to the fast Farnsworth-paced
      "beat" of each letter and the "beat" of common words.  (See the
      question on Morse code speed for more information on Farnsworth
      pacing.)
    * Practice to develop a "copy buffer" so you copy about 5 characters
      behind.  (This is not easy but it's how the higher speeds are done.)
    * Practice both with headphones and "open-air" copy as the code test
      may be in either format.  (If you only practice one, you may fumble
      on the other.)
    * Most of all, don't give up!  Recognize when you reach plateaus
      and keep trying until you break through them.

**  What is the standard for measuring Morse code speed?
    The word PARIS was chosen as the standard length for CW code speed.
    Each dit counts for one count, each dash counts for three counts,
    intra-character spacing is one count, inter-character spacing is three
    counts and inter-word spacing is seven counts, so the word PARIS is
    exactly 50 counts:

        PPPPPPPPPPPPP     AAAAA     RRRRRRRRR     IIIII     SSSSSSSSS
    .   -   -   .     .   -     .   -   .     .   .     .   .   .
    1 1 3 1 3 1 1  3  1 1 3  3  1 1 3 1 1  3  1 1 1  3  1 1 1 1 1  7 = 50
          ^                      ^                                     ^
          ^Intra-character       ^Inter-character            Inter-word^

    So 5 words-per-minute = 250 counts-per-minute / 50 counts-per-word or
    one count every 240 milliseconds.  13 words-per-minute is one count
    every ~92.3 milliseconds.   This method of sending code is sometimes
    called "Slow Code", because at 5 wpm it sounds VERY SLOW.

    The "Farnsworth" method is accomplished by sending the dits and dashes
    and intra-character spacing at a higher speed, then increasing the
    inter-character and inter-word spacing to slow the sending speed down
    to the desired speed.  For example, to send at 5 wpm with 13 wpm
    characters in Farnsworth method, the dits and intra-character spacing
    would be 92.3 milliseconds, the dash would be 276.9 milliseconds, the
    inter-character spacing would be 1.443 seconds and inter-word spacing
    would be 3.367 seconds.

**  I'm confused. What do all those abbreviations mean???
    AM    Amplitude Modulation
    AMSAT    Amateur Satellite Corporation
    AMTOR    Amateur Teleprinter Over Radio.  A more sophisticated version
        of RTTY.  Also used commercially as SITOR (Simplex Teleprinter
        Over Radio).
    ARRL    American Radio Relay League
    ATV    Amateur Television - a way to see who you're talking to!
    CAP    Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer organization that searches for
        downed aircraft and missing kids and uses frequencies just
        outside of the ham bands and often uses modified Amateur radios
    CB    Citizen's Band radio, this is NOT part of Amateur Radio and
        does not require any license to operate
    CQ    An on-the-air request for a conversation with anyone
    "dupes"    A dupe sheet is a duplicate check sheet, in matrix format, used
        to quickly check that you have not had a "duplicate" contact
        with someone (on a specific band or mode) in a contest
    Elmer    An amateur radio mentor, or "Master Craftsman" to a new ham.
        Could refer to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
    FCC    Federal Communications Commission, the "law enforcers"
    FM    Frequency Modulation
    FieldDay A June activity to practice emergency communications for
        24 hours....wives call it 'an exercise in male bonding' :-).
    HF    High Frequency - 3 MHz to 30 MHz
    HT    Handy-Talky, a shorthand for "hand held radio"
    LF    Low Frequency - 30 kHz to 3 MHz
    MARS    Military Affiliate Radio System, military affiliated Amateurs
        who provide free communications for overseas GIs and other
        Federal services.  MARS operators are licensed under DoD
        instead of FCC.
    NTS    National Traffic System, a way to send radiograms
    OF    Old Friend, or Old F#$%, used to denote an older ham
    OM    Old Man, refers to any ham, including female hams
    packet    computer bulletin boards/electronic mail via Amateur Radio
    PRB    Private Radio Bureau, administers Amateur and CB services
    QSO    One of the Q signals used in Morse code to mean "conversation"
    QCWA    Quarter Century Wireless Association, membership means you've
        been a ham for more than 25 years
    RTTY    Radio Teletype - older form of computer communications on HF
    SAREX    In Amateur Radio talk, Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment, a
        chance to talk to astronauts in space.  In CAP talk, Search
        and Rescue EXercise, practicing for the real thing.
    SK    Silent Key, a nice polite way  to say a ham has passed on "to
        that great antenna farm in the sky"
    SSB    Single Side Band - need less band width than AM or FM
    SSTV    Slow Scan TeleVision - REALLY slow, low data rate, typically
        used on the lower frequency bands
    UHF    Ultra High Frequency - 300 MHz and above
    ULF    Ultra Low Frequency - 30 Hz to 300 Hz
    VHF    Very High Frequency - 30 MHz to 300 MHz
    VLF    Very Low Frequency - 300 Hz to 30 kHz, audio frequencies
    WARC    World Administrative Radio Conference, a summit meeting that
        occurs every few years, required by international treaty to
        determine how the spectrum get sliced up to all vying
        communications services (last one was in 1992)
    XYL    eX-Young Lady, or wife
    YL    Young Lady, non-ham girlfriend or female ham
    2m    Shorthand for "2 meters" (144-147.995 MHz), which is a
        reference to the wavelength of a common Amateur frequency
        band used for local communications

**  What do all those "tones" mean?
    Sub-Audible Tone:  A low tone that you're not supposed to be able to
    hear.  It's used as a "PL Tone."  PL is "Private Line", a trademark
    of Motorola for their implementation of CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded
    Squelch System).  Basically, the transmitter sends the signal with
    the Sub-Audible tone and the receiver only opens when it hears signals
    with that tone.  Signals without the proper tone are ignored.  This
    is useful for "closed" repeaters, or for repeaters on the same
    frequency that have overlapping geographic areas.
    Tone encode refers to the feature of providing the tone on transmit.
    Tone decode refers to the feature of responding to the tone on receive.
    Tone squelch refers to all of the above.  DTMF refers to Dual Tone
    Multi-Frequency, or "Touch Tone" which is a trademark of AT&T.  DTSS
    probably means Dual Tone Squelch System and refers to the feature of
    providing a predefined sequence of Touch Tone digits to open the
    repeater for transmit.  DTSS is an alternate method from CTCSS, which
    provides a way to use a "closed" repeater even if your radio doesn't
    do Sub-Audible Tones.

**  Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio if I live outside the US?
    Write to the ARRL and ask.  They can usually tell you how to get a
    license in your country.

    If you know of any location where this information is available
    electronically, whether by an e-mail server, anonymous FTP, or a
    contact person, please mail it to us so we can include it here.  Send
    it to [e-mail].

**  How can I get a "reciprocal license" if I am a licensed ham from another
**  country or if I am a FCC licensed ham who wants to operate in another
**  country (on vacation)?

    Editor's note (11/92): the regulations affecting this question are
    being changed.  Contact your local Volunteer Examiner (VE) and ask
    about a VE 60-day pass.  More details will be included in future
    revisions of the FAQ.

    This paragraph is soon to be obsolete:

    You need to submit a FCC Form 610-A to the FCC, PO Box 1020,
    Gettysburg, PA 17326.  They will then send you a reciprocal permit
    for alien amateur licensee (FCC Form 610-AL).  You must be a citizen
    of a country with which the United States has arrangements to grant
    reciprocal operating permits to visiting alien Amateur operators.

    This information is still current:

    For FCC licensed hams operating abroad, the following guidelines
    apply:
    * A reciprocal license is required in all foreign countries (that have
      a reciprocal operating agreement with the US), except Canada, where
      the FCC license is automatically valid.
    * Send a SASE to ARRL Regulatory Information Branch, telling them
      which country you are going to visit and they will send you the
      info and an application form.  Foreign hams can likewise request
      information from their national Amateur radio society.
    * Submit your application with a certified copy of your Amateur
      license (ie, notarized copy), and fee if applicable (use a bank draft
      of a bank that does business in that country) to the appropriate
      licensing administration of the foreign country.  Processing may
      take 30 to 90 days.
    * If less than one month, you could try sending the application and
      pick up the permit upon arrival in that country.
    * Most countries will not allow you to bring communications equipment
      into their country without a license or permit.  If you applied, but
      haven't received the permit yet, show the copy and your FCC license
      to the customs officer, however, the equipment may still be held at
      customs until your departure.
    * Be sure to use only those frequencies covered by your FCC license
      which are also used in the foreign country, unless otherwise
      authorized.

**  My apartment or housing complex does not allow outdoor antennas, now what
     do I do?
    First of all, don't despair.  Many hams have similar problems.  Many
    books offer advice for the growing group of hams that cannot put up
    antennas.  Some options are:
    * Install an "invisible" antenna made of magnet wire.
    * Disguise an antenna as a flag pole.
    * Install an antenna in the attic.
    * ASK the apartment manager.  You may find they will let you put up
      something as long as it "is invisible" or "doesn't disturb your
      neighbors" or "doesn't attract lightning".
    * Operate primarily from your car.
    * If the restriction is due to local ordinance, you may have relief
      via PRB-1.  Meet with the local government and seek an informal
      compromise.  It is possible to win in court...but it's expensive and
      time consuming.
    * If you are restricted by "covenants" attached to the deed of your
      home, your options are severely limited.  Covenants are considered
      to be private, voluntary contracts between individuals and are
      outside of the intended application of PRB-1.  In many cases, you
      can petition the Homeowner's Association for an exception.  Sometimes
      you can win in court on the basis that other violations of the
      covenants by others without action taken constitutes abandonment
      of the agreement.
    * For further information, contact the General Consel's office of the
      ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

**  I got TVI...HELP!!!
    Here's some hints on Television interference, but this is not a
    complete list.  There are also books on the subject available from
    ARRL.
    * If cable TV is an underground feed, look for central distribution
      box.  Check for a grounding rod.
    * Try installing torroids on the cable TV cable close to the TV, and
      maybe torroids on the AC cord as well.
    * VCRs are notorious for RF leakers, try disconnecting the VCR.
    * Check to see if interference is better or worse when cable is
      disconnected and you use rabbit ears instead.  It could be the
      cable company's problem!
    * Calling the cable company may get results, since they are also
      responsible for RF leakage from their equipment.  However, they
      are very often obstinate.  Good luck!  Try some or all of these
      suggestions before calling the cable company:
      1.  Log the interference, noting geographical location, frequency,
          and characteristics.
      2.  Bring it to the cable company's attention in writing, preferably
          addressed to "Chief Engineer", or "Technical Staff".
      3.  Don't be accusatory, instead ask for assistance in resolving
          the problem.  Try to work it out with someone technically
          knowledgeable.
      4.  Do mention your "licensed radio system", but try not to be too
          specific about "ham" or "CB" unless requested.
    * Try moving the radio antenna further away from the TV sets.  Make
      sure the SWR is LOW.

**  Did you know that you can get college credit for being a ham?
    It's true!  You can receive up to 14 credits in electronics and
    engineering thru placement tests for CLEP (College Level Entrance
    Placement) exams and DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional
    Educational Support) exams if you have an Advanced or Extra class
    Amateur license.  For more information, ask your campus education
    office or (for DANTES) your military education office.

**  On what frequencies do JPL and GSFC retransmit the shuttle audio?
    Station  VHF     10m     15m     20m     40m     80m     Video
    WA3NAN   147.45  28.650  21.395  14.295  7.185   3.860
    W6VIO    224.04          21.280  14.282  7.165
    K6MF     145.585                         7.165   3.840
    W5RRR    146.64  28.495  21.350  14.280  7.227   3.850
    W6FXN    145.46
    KA9SZX   146.88                                          426.25
    K4GCC    146.94
    WA4VME   145.17

    All frequencies are in MHz.  Use FM on VHF, USB on 10-20m, LSB on
    40-80m.
    WA3NAN - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD
    W6VIO  - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA
    K6MF   - NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Moffett Field, CA
    W5RRR  - NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
    W6FXN  - Los Angeles, CA
    KA9SZX - Champaign-Urbana, IL
    K4GCC  - Titusville, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)
    WA4VME - Melbourne, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)

**  Can I take my HT on an airplane and operate it if I get the permission
    of the captain?

    Technically, maybe.  But don't count on it.  In general, you can't use
    a radio or scanner on an airline (or charter) *unless* the airline
    allows it and the pilot-in-command (PIC) determines that it will not
    interfere with the instruments and radios on that specific aircraft.
    Very few US airlines allow passengers to use radios so be ready to
    disconnect the antenna when you ask.  (Don't even ask to transmit.)
    For reference (in the US) the pertinent portion of the Federal Aviation
    Regulations (FARs) is Part 91, paragraph 91.21.

    Due to airport security, you may have a little difficulty carrying the
    HT (or any electronic equipment) onto the airplane.  Generally, you
    can appease the security guards, simply by showing that the unit is
    operational and doesn't have a bomb inside.  For a radio, just turning
    it on and opening the squelch satisfies them.  Expect more difficulty
    during periods of increased security.

    On a private airplane, it is legal to operate an amateur radio if you
    have the permission of the PIC.  It is still possible for the radio to
    interfere with the plane's navigation or communication equipment, so
    be sure to ask first.  Always obey the requests of the PIC.  He knows
    his airplane and radios better than you do.

** How do I modify my current Amateur license?
    To modify your license (change of address, change of station location,
    change of name, renewal, or even change of callsign), submit an FCC
    Form 610 to the FCC.  Forms are available from the FCC or ARRL or a
    local VE session or ham radio store.  Do NOT use a photocopy.  Check
    off the appropriate boxes, fill in the new/changed information, SIGN
    THE FORM, and attach a copy of your current license (or a brief letter
    of explanation for its absence, ie, "my dog ate it").  NOTE:  If you
    check the box to change your callsign, YOU WILL GET A NEW CALLSIGN,
    even if all you wanted was to supply a new address; if you want to keep
    your callsign, DON'T CHECK THAT BOX.  Send the form to FCC, POB 1020,
    Gettysburg, PA 17326.  Turnaround time (for CURRENT licensees only)
    is about 2-4 weeks.

    ANY ham can apply for a new callsign (this is different from the past
    where you can only get a new callsign if you move or upgrade).  You
    can't specify WHICH ONE you want, a new one comes from the same pool
    as new licensees for that class of license.  The callsign is based on
    your mailing address.  For overseas military and civilians, be sure to
    specify a station location that is within FCC jurisdiction.

    New licenses are for 10-year terms.  If you apply for renewal before
    its expiration date, the expired license is valid for 60 days after
    expiration to allow for the new license to arrive.  You have up to
    2 years after expiration (5 years for an old 5-year license) to renew
    before re-examination is required (but you can't operate with an
    expired license).  You will lose your current callsign after 1 year
    after expiration if you don't renew.

**  I'm confused about XXX, should I ask the FCC?
    Whatever "XXX" is in this case, the overwhelming ARRL and net opinion
    is a resounding "NO!", at least not as a first step.  Amateurs are
    generally very law-abiding people and have historically written the
    FCC asking for clarification on some operating practice or another.
    This is a very dangerous practice, for several reasons.

    Most amateur radio regulations (contained in Part 97) are generally
    very loosely-worded, so as not to restrict experimentation and new
    techniques.  But asking the FCC for a clarification will set in motion
    the process of "clarifying" it for everyone (i.e. new rulemaking.)

    Examples of such restrictive rulings include varying topics like when
    Hams can help non-profit agencies or effectively forcing packet BBS
    sysops to screen messages before forwarding them.  They were the result
    of well-intentioned questions by Hams that forced the FCC to make a
    ruling where they previously allowed the amateur radio community to
    police itself.

    Under all circumstances, it is better to first read the rules yourself.
    Then, if there's a problem, ask your national amateur radio organiza-
    tion (such as the ARRL in the US) which can give qualified advice about
    interpretation of FCC regulations.  Organizations like the ARRL also
    have the influence to ask the FCC informally, without forcing a ruling.

    Even if asking the FCC doesn't result in a restrictive ruling, it is
    generally a good idea to not overburden an under-staffed and under-
    funded government agency with a lot of correspondence.  The Amateur
    Radio Service has traditionally been a low-workload "hands-off"
    service, and has enjoyed a wide latitude from the FCC.  Please don't
    ruin this image for your fellow amateurs.

**  Is there any information on antique radios?
    Antique radio classifieds:  ARC, PO Box 802-B6, Carlisle, MA 01741 -
        old radios, TVs, ham equipment, 40s and 50s radios,
        telegraph, books, etc.
    Hallicrafter Service manuals:  Ardco Electronics, PO Box 95, Dept Q,
        Berwyn, IL  60402
    Antique Wireless Association, Bruce Kelley, W2ICE, Route 3, Holcomb,
        NY 14469 - sponsors the Wireless Museum

**  Where can I buy vacuum tubes?
    Kirby, 298 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 (1-317-843-2212)
    Antique Electronic Supply, Box 1810, Tempe, AZ 85281 (1-602-894-9503)
    Fair Radio Sales, Box 1105, Lima OH 45802
    Fala Electronics, Box 1376-1 Milwaukee, WI 53201
    Southern Radio Supply, 1909 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
        (10504-524-2343)

**  What do I need to get started in packet radio?
    Packet radio is a digital form of communication using radios.  There
    are OTHER digital forms, as well, like CW, RTTY and AMTOR.  To use
    packet radio, you'll need a radio (2 meters and 70 centimeters are
    most popular), a box that converts radio signals to digital signals
    that a computer can understand (called a TNC or terminal node control-
    ler) and a computer or terminal.  For some computers or TNCs you may
    need special software as well.  However, most TNCs and computers get
    along quite well with just a terminal emulator software package.  Most
    personal computers can be interfaced to use with packet radio.  Since
    there are many digipeaters, generally even an HT will work with
    packet radio.

    Your first source of information on Packet Radio should be the
    rec.radio.amateur.packet newsgroup.  It has its own regularly-posted
    FAQ that goes into much more depth on the subject than this one can.
    See also the mailing list and archives info in Part 2.

    For more information on packet radio, you might try TAPR (Tucson
    Amateur Packet Radio), PO Box 12925, Tucson, AZ 85732 (602-749-9479).

**  What do I need to get started in satellite communications?
    For more information about Amateur Satellite Communications, try
    AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation), PO Box 27, Washington,
    DC 20044 (301-589-6062).  They also have an international net on
    Sundays on 14.282 MHz at 1900Z.

**  What is available to get started in ATV, SSTV and WEFAX?
    This is a large subject area in itself.  Amateur Television (ATV),
    Slow-scan TV (SSTV), and Weather FAX (WEFAX) all deal with transmitted
    pictures.  (ATV includes moving pictures and audio just like your
    household TV.)

    Equipment is available to interface to most common microcomputers
    including PC clones, Amigas (which are prominent in most video
    applications anyway), Atari ST, and others.  (At last check, we didn't
    see Macintosh on the list.)  There are also a handful of publications
    on the subject.

    All this information is available via FTP in the /pub/ham-radio
    directory at ftp.cs.buffalo.edu.  (See Part 2 for more information
    on FTP.)  The file called sstv_wefax_info is maintained by John
    Langner WB2OSZ ([e-mail]).

    The ARRL e-mail server contains an introduction to SSTV in the
    file sstv-info.  (See Part 2 for more information on the ARRL e-mail
    server.)

    Another resource is the regularly-posted UseNet Elmers Directory.
    The list contains a volunteer Elmer who can help with ATV, SSTV, and
    WEFAX questions.

**  What are these contests I sometimes hear, and how do I participate?

    Dozens of contests are held each year, usually at weekends, and can
    provide useful operating experience.  They typically last for 24 or 48
    hrs, and are usually on SSB or CW only (the Russian CQ-Mir contest is
    on both modes at the same time).  You can participate by making one
    QSO or several thousands.  In most contests you send a signal report
    (traditionally 59 or 599) followed by a number that is different for
    different contests - the most common one is a serial number (so you
    send 599 001 for your first QSO, then 599 002 etc).  The exchange may,
    however, be your age (All Asian contests), your CQ or ITU zone (CQWW
    and IARU contests, respectively), your state (ARRL contests) or
    something else.  Read "Contest Corral" in QST for the rules for all
    major contests - the more serious contester may wish to subscribe to
    the National Contest Journal, or join the e-mail contest mailing group
    (write to Trey, WN4KKN, at [e-mail]).   Knowing the rules can
    prevent embarrassment - you will get a cool reception if you are a W
    or VE and call a W/VE in the ARRL contests, since they can only work
    non-W/VE stations.   Otherwise, QSOs made in contests are just as
    valid for DXCC (DX Century Club - more than 100 contacts), WAS (worked
    all states) and other awards as are 30-minute ragchews.  Although not
    strictly a contest, the annual Field Day provides very useful operating
    experience under less than optimal conditions and is highly recommended
    for new operators - check with your local club for their Field Day
    plans some weeks before the (late June) event.