Well, I did get to compete in the ARRL Rookie Roundup for SSB phone that was held on April 17, 2011. Band conditions weren't great, but at least I did get in there and have a little action - along with work and other obligations.
Before getting into the results, I should probably explain what the Rookie Roundup is and how it works. The contest is open to those individuals that have received their first amateur radio operator license within the previous three calendar years (for 2011, it is 2009, 2010 and 2011) as "Rookies" and all the others out there as "Old-Timers" or OT's. The primary purpose is to get us rookies behind the mic (or computer or CW key) and getting a few QSO's as well as honing our operator and contesting skills. It is also a perfect time for OT's to get out there and "elmer" those of us that are new.
As a rookie, you get points for each QSO (2 for each rookie, one for each OT) and a multiplier for each unworked ARRL section in the US, Canada and Mexico as well as one for each DX per band. As an OT, you get one point for each rookie you work.
Now, as I said earlier, the bands weren't all that good and I was mobile, but still made 27 QSO's (14 rookie) and had 19 unique sections. My score was 779 a respectable 7th place in the Tenth Call District of the US. I was one point shy of tying for 6th place and 805 points from 5th place. I was the only rookie in Iowa.
The most important thing is that I had fun and worked some fine stations - rookie and OT alike.
Next contest I plan to get involved in is this coming weekend (May 7th) and is the 7th Call Area QSO Party. This one has significant meaning to me as I originally hail from the 7th Call Area (Arizona) and am hoping to make my first contact with Gila County. It is especially important that stations try to work me because when worked, each QSO with me will count as three QSO's and three states worked as I will be operating from the Iowa/Illinois/Wisconsin state lines and the counties of Jo Davies (IL), Grant (WI) and Dubuque (IA). This ought to be fun and the final time to hone my skills before Field Day.
73's de KDØMCV
