Preliminary set of rules for
                    First Annual Microwave EME Contest

     Due to the increase in the number of amateur bands where EME is used, it
     has become increasingly difficult to operate all bands during the EME
     contests. Typically a multi-band station will utilize the bands where the
     operator expects the highest number of QSOs. EME activity on 2304 MHz and
     higher generally suffers due to the rather low number of active stations
     and the limited amount of operating time available.

     Based on comments from amateurs worldwide it appeared that there was support
     of a "microwave only" EME contest. Earlier in the year, WA8WZG, W5ZN,
     and myself, W5LUA discussed the possibility of the ARRL sponsoring either
     a separate microwave EME contest or creating special categories for
     microwave EME within the structure of the annual EME contest. With Joel's
     (W5ZN) involvement and influence in the ARRL we managed to get their
     attention. Since there is a Region 1 scheduling conflict this year, the usual
     ARRL EME Contest is being held the weekends of October 10-11 and December 5-6,
     1998. The rules of which are listed in the September 1998 QST, page 102. We
     were not able to supply the ARRL with enough information soon enough regarding
     the structure of the microwave EME contest. As a result, the ARRL is sponsoring
     "a non-competitive microwave EME weekend to be held November 7-8, 1998". After
     further discussions with Joel W5ZN of the ARRL, it has been decided to try to
     organize the event into being the first competitive Annual Microwave EME
     Contest. W5ZN, WA8WZG and myself propose the following set of rules. WA8WZG
     and KD4LT have already offered to sponsor the awards and plaques. These rules
     are preliminary. Constructive comments are appreciated.

     The Microwave EME weekend will promote EME activity on every amateur band
     at 2304 MHz and higher. Although the QST column suggested microwave start
     at 1296 MHz, it was suggested by the consensus of attendees at the 1998
     Paris EME conference that the microwave contest should only include the
     microwave bands at 2304 MHz and higher. Individual band awards will be
     issued for each single band including 2300 MHz (13 cm), 3400 MHz (9 cm),
     5700 MHz (6 cm), and 10300 MHz (3 cm). Multi-band awards will also be given
     for best overall score on all bands 2304 MHz and higher.

     Initially the microwave EME contest will be held in November 1998. As other
     amateurs have indicated, there may be a more optimum time of year for the
     contest based on weather, etc. The important factor is that if we want the
     ARRL to support a microwave EME contest, then we should start by taking
     advantage of the opportunity that the ARRL has given us.

     We must participate and submit logs and make our suggestions for improving
     the contest next year.

     1. Object: 
     Two way communications via earth-moon-earth (EME) on any
     authorized mode on each amateur radio band at 2304 MHz and higher.

     2.Date and Contest Period: 
     Two full 24 hour UTC periods on November 7 and 8, 1998. In order to 
     maximize the number of QSOs per band it is suggested that 13 cm be the 
     primary band on November 7 with 3 cm being the primary band on November 
     8. Both 9 and 6 cm are best handled by coordinating activity windows 
     between active stations.  A suggestion made by ZS6AXT is to have 9 cm 
     also on November 7 and 6 cm on November 8. Any other thoughts?

     3.Entry Categories:
     Single Operator: One person performs all operating and logging
     functions, equipment adjustment and antenna alignment.

     Multi-Operator: Two or more persons participating at the same location.

     Commercial Equipment: Stations using equipment that is not amateur owned
     will have their scores listed separately.

     4. Exchange
     A valid contact consists of receiving both call signs and reports and
     confirmation of both call sign and report. Partial or incomplete QSOs do
     not count. Stations may be worked only once per band for credit.

     5. Scoring
     QSO points: Count 100 points for each complete EME QSO on 13 cm and 3 cm.
     Count 200 points for each complete EME QSO on 6 cm and 300 points for each
     completed EME QSO on 9 cm.
     Multiplier: Each U.S. and Canadian call area, plus each DXCC country (not
     US/Canada) worked via EME on each band.
     Final Score: Single band entry score is determined by multiplying QSO points 
     on a particular band by the sum of multipliers worked on the same band.
     Multi-band entry score is determined by multiplying the total QSO points 
     for all bands by the sum of multipliers worked on all bands.

     6. Miscellaneous:
     Fixed or portable operation is permitted. Stations operating outside
     traditional call areas must indicate so, identifying the call area of 
     the operating site.

     Contacts may be made on CW or SSB. Only one signal per band is permitted.
     A transmitter, receiver or antenna used to contact one or more stations
     under one call sign may not be used subsequently under any other callsign
     during the contest, except for family stations where more than one call
     has been issued, and then only if the second call sign is used by a
     different operator.

     7. Reporting: 
     Entries must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the close of the 
     contest and must include complete log data and a summary sheet. The 
     summary sheet should show a band by band breakdown of QSOs and multipliers. 
     For at least the first year of the microwave EME contest, the contest entries 
     should not be sent to the ARRL but rather sent to W5LUA
     
     Al Ward, 
     2306 Forest Grove Estates Rd. 
     Allen, Texas 75002  
     USA
     Entries can also be emailed to W5LUA. The emailaddress is: 
     
      Al Ward W5LUA 

     8. Awards: 
     Certificates/Awards will be issued to the top three stations worldwide 
     on each single band and multi-band for both single operator and multi-operator. 
     Additional awards will be issued where significant effort and/or competition 
     is evident.

          Al Ward W5LUA
          Joel Harrison W5ZN
          Tom Whitted WA8WZG
          1998 September 26,