"WINTERHEAT, now in its fifth year, stands as a month-long UHF/VHF simplex event crafted to empower amateur radio operators by offering a dedicated platform to test and enhance their UHF/VHF capabilities. From its inception, WINTERHEAT aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of stations, encouraging operators to adapt and refine their equipment setups throughout the month-long event.
Distinguishing itself from shorter on-air events, WINTERHEAT, along with its summer counterpart (SUMMERTHUNDER), extends over several weeks to capture a more realistic and nuanced assessment of stations. This prolonged duration enables operators to make adjustments in real-time, ensuring a dynamic and continuous enhancement of their capabilities.
Streamlining communication, WINTERHEAT mandates all contacts to occur on pre-designated frequencies. This approach simplifies the process for operators, eliminating the need to search for stations calling CQ. Operating within Technician class privileges, all FCC-licensed amateur radio operators can actively participate in the event.
Adding to its uniqueness, WINTERHEAT utilizes a custom-built, over-the-web logging system that facilitates real-time statistics and logging of contacts. This one-of-a-kind method enhances the overall experience, providing operators with valuable data in an unprecedented manner.
Beyond its role as a skill-building platform, WINTERHEAT serves as an invaluable opportunity for Emergency Communications (EmComm) operators. Leveraging the event, EmComm groups can coordinate emergency communication activities, assessing mission functionality and readiness for potential crises. WINTERHEAT, now in its fifth consecutive year, continues to evolve and grow, combining its rich history with the potential for real-world emergency preparedness."
WINTERHEAT will commence on January 1, 2024 at 00:00:01 UTC and conclude on January 31, 2024 at 23:59:59 UTC.
During the event, radio operators are encouraged to make as many contacts as possible during the event window. All contacts are made via FM-Voice and include both analog and digital modes (Fusion, DMR, D-STAR). Packet modes are not part of this event.
| ANALOG |
| 2M |
70cm |
OTHER |
| 147.570 |
446.700 |
52.540
*see note below |
| 147.525 |
446.400 |
223.400 |
| ? |
? |
927.100 |
| DIGITAL |
147.555
C4FM-V |
446.600
C4FM-U |
? |
145.790
DMR-V
TG:99 TS:1 CC:1 |
446.0750
DMR-U
TG:99 TS:1 CC:1 |
? |
145.670
D-STAR-V |
446.225
D-STAR-U |
? |
| ? |
*6 Meter note: Some equipment cannot work properly on the upper limits of 6 Meters.
An alternate option (50.350) is available in the LOGGER.
Only one 6M contact per person, per day is allowed. |
SCORING:
- When making a QSO, only one station will enter the information into the system. Usually the station calling CQ would enter the initial QSO information. Does not matter who submits the initial QSO info as long as the QSO does not get logged twice.
- The other station will be responsible for confirming the QSO.
- Unconfirmed QSO will be credited with 1 contact point where a confirmed QSO will be awarded a value of 10 contact points.
- A QSO can be made with a station that has not signed up as a participant. However that QSO will only be awarded a single contact point. Should the non-participant sign up for event after the QSO is made. The QSO made prior to their sign up will still be credited as a single contact point until the new participant confirms the QSO.
*** All times times are UTC/ZULU. Depending on your USA timezone, the start of each day could be anywhere between 19:00 (Eastern) or 16:00 (Pacific) ***
W0AYE Ben Wussow