The annual Commonwealth Contest (CC) takes place very soon from 1000z Saturday, March 8 to 0959z Sunday March 9. This 24-hour CW-only contest takes place on the five HF contest bands (80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres).
Once known as the "BERU," the CC involves Amateurs in the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations and their associated territories only. This gives us an exclusive shot at some very interesting DX.
This contest has been around since 1931, and this year there are a few big changes:
- The contest is now a partnership of the International Amateur Radio Union’s (IARU) member societies for Canada (Radio Amateurs of Canada – RAC), Australia (Wireless Institute of Australia – WIA), India (Amateur Radio Society of India – ARSI), New Zealand (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters – NZART) and the United Kingdom (Radio Society of Great Britain – RSGB).
- Entry categories have been adjusted to be more similar to other major contests.
- Intercontinental QSOs are now worth twice as many points.
"HQ" stations have a special status in this contest, and for the first time, the station at RAC HQ will be active: VE3RHQ will be operated by Mike Kelly, VE3FFK. Other RAC call signs will be activated across Canada.
There will also be HQ stations from many parts of the Commonwealth, with several in each of the United Kingdom and Australia.
Please get on and be part of the first RAC Commonwealth Contest.
For more information on the CC, please go to rac.ca/commonwealth.