Running of the QRP Bulls Mini-contest - November 4/5, 2000

QRP Amateur Radio Club International (QRP ARCI) is pleased to announce a "mini contest" coincident with the ARRL CW�Sweepstakes. It is called the "Running of the QRP Bulls". The goals of the�contest are to:�

1. Encourage more participation in the QRP category of the CW SS - November 4/5,�2000. We are trying to encourage more QRP entries than B entries (high power). It's not at all impossible - there were 203 B category entries last year and 119 Q�category entries. If you get on to make even one QRP contact, submit a�log to ARRL.�� Note: This is not an anti-high power movement. If in the process, there are now 300 entries in the B category; well, more fun was had by all!

2. To provide more opportunity to do WAS QRP and 2x QRP. To do this, we need�more QRP category entrants calling CQ.�� You'll be amazed at how many answers you get!

3. Encourage more QRP stations to "borrow" a contest-type station for the�weekend. There are many phone operators who would gladly "loan" their station to a�QRPer for the CW weekend. We want to encourage anyone who has a "big" antenna system to definitely get on during the weekend. This will give more folks�opportunity to work 2x QRP.��

4. Encourage QRP stations to operate longer during the weekend. We have a plan�for this.��

Here it is:� We would like to identify what we call the QRP�Bulls. Now you don't have to be a "big antenna" type station to be a Bull.�� You only have to activate your ARRL section and plan to operate something like 15 hours during the contest. This is what makes you a Bull - willing to operate�for an extended period. We will keep a list of all Bulls by section and�our goal is to activate at least one Bull in each section. All those who are�not Bulls will be Matadors! If you can only operate for a short period of time,�enter the Matador category. Get on and make at least one contact during the�weekend and, here's the requirement to enter either category, you must have sent�in your entry to ARRL!�

Prizes: QRP ARCI will provide a plaque to the top Bull, based on number of QRP to QRP (Q) contacts you make. Remember: to make QRP contacts as a Bull, you will need�to call CQ! We will also provide a plaque to the top Matador, based on working the�most Bulls during the contest. An ARRL Handbook will also be given to each winner! If you would like to be a Bull, send your call, name, and ARRL section to:�Randy Foltz, [email protected] by November 1. Randy will publish on a web page - http://personal.palouse.net/rfoltz/arci/bullst.htm,�a full list of Bulls so we can see which ARRL sections need to be filled. After�the contest, FIRST, send in your contest entry to ARRL and then send Randy your�report and soapbox. There will be an online page to do this but you may also send�via snail mail.

Remember Bulls - your score is number of Q stations worked. Matadors - the�number of Bulls worked. So sign up now to be in the Running of the QRP Bulls. Even if you're don't normally operate QRP, why not turn down your power to 5 watts and become a QRP Bull and be a part�of this fun contest.��