This Monday night we will talk about DMR Contests. We want your comments, specifically about what type of DMR contest you’d like to see and the rules for it.
Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, December 23rd from 7:30 PM ET to 8:25 PM ET. The net will conclude early to allow time to switch (QSY) talk groups to the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126).
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Contests on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) can be both engaging and educational, fostering friendly competition while helping operators hone their skills. Here are some fun and creative contest ideas for DMR enthusiasts:
- Talk Group Scavenger Hunt
- Objective: Contact as many unique talk groups as possible within a specified time.
- How It Works:
- Participants are provided with a list of DMR talk groups (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF).
- Each unique talk group contacted earns points.
- Bonus points for talk groups in different countries or special-interest groups.
- “DMR Bingo”
- Objective: Complete a bingo card by making contacts that match specific criteria.
- How It Works:
- Create bingo cards with squares like:
- Contact someone in a different country.
- Talk to a new ham operator (licensed within the last year).
- Make a contact on a simplex DMR frequency.
- First person to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins!
- Create bingo cards with squares like:
- Digital DX Challenge
- Objective: Make contacts with the farthest stations possible using a hotspot or repeater.
- How It Works:
- Measure the distance between your QTH (home location) and each contact.
- Score points based on distance or unique DXCC entities (countries) contacted.
- Operators can use tools like QRZ or mapping software to verify distances.
- Rapid Fire QSO Contest
- Objective: Make as many QSOs as possible in a short period.
- How It Works:
- Set a time limit (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour).
- Use a designated talk group or frequency for the contest.
- QSOs must include the exchange of call signs, locations, and a contest-specific keyword.
- DMR Trivia Night
- Objective: Test participants’ ham radio and DMR knowledge.
- How It Works:
- A net control operator asks trivia questions over a DMR talk group.
- Participants respond with answers via PTT.
- Questions can cover:
- DMR basics (e.g., “What is a color code?”).
- Ham radio history.
- Fun facts about call signs or operators.
- Codeplug Customization Contest
- Objective: Create the most functional and creative DMR codeplug.
- How It Works:
- Participants are given specific requirements (e.g., 5 repeaters, 10 talk groups, and emergency channels).
- Judges evaluate codeplugs based on ease of use, innovation, and adherence to the requirements.
- International Operator Challenge
- Objective: Contact operators from as many different countries as possible.
- How It Works:
- Use worldwide talk groups (e.g., TG 91 on BrandMeister).
- Exchange call signs and countries during QSOs.
- Points are awarded for each unique country contacted.
- “Who Said That?” Voice Recognition Game
- Objective: Identify operators based on their voice.
- How It Works:
- A moderator records or plays back QSOs from well-known operators on a talk group.
- Participants guess the call sign or name of the operator speaking.
- Local Repeater Crawl
- Objective: Use as many different DMR repeaters as possible.
- How It Works:
- Participants travel within a specific region and access various repeaters.
- Points are awarded for each unique repeater contacted.
- Mystery Operator Hunt (“Fox Hunt” for DMR)
- Objective: Identify and contact the “mystery operator.”
- How It Works:
- A designated operator transmits cryptic clues on a talk group.
- Participants use the clues to determine the operator’s identity or location.
- The first person to correctly identify and contact the mystery operator wins.
- Emergency Preparedness Drill
- Objective: Practice emergency communication skills in a simulated scenario.
- How It Works:
- Participants role-play as net control, emergency stations, or responders.
- A scenario is announced (e.g., a natural disaster), and operators respond with mock traffic or reports.
- Points are awarded for accuracy, clarity, and proper protocol.
- Themed QSO Party
- Objective: Engage in conversations centered on a specific theme.
- How It Works:
- Announce a theme (e.g., “Hobbies Outside Ham Radio”).
- Participants share related stories or experiences during QSOs.
- The most interesting or unique stories win prizes.
Tips for Organizing DMR Contests
- Choose the Right Talk Group: Use a less-busy talk group to avoid disrupting regular users.
- Announce the Contest: Promote the event on local nets, forums, and social media.
- Have Clear Rules: Provide guidelines for scoring, participation, and logging.
- Provide Prizes: Offer small incentives, like certificates or DMR swag, to boost participation.
There are so many fun and engaging contests you could organize on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:
- DX (Distance) Challenges: See who can make the longest-distance contact. Participants can compete to reach contacts in the farthest regions or countries using their DMR radios.
- Theme Nights: Have themed communication nights where participants must incorporate specific words or phrases into their conversations. For example, you could have a “space” theme where every participant has to use words like “astronaut,” “galaxy,” or “satellite.”
- Digital Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of digital items or phrases that participants need to find by contacting other operators. The first person to complete the list wins.
- Signal Report Contests: Participants exchange signal reports and try to get the highest average signal report from their contacts.
- Mystery Contact: Announce a time and date for a special contact who will be active on a specific talk group. The first person to make contact with the mystery operator wins a prize.
- Technical Challenges: Competitions based on solving technical problems or setting up specific configurations on DMR equipment. This can be a great way for participants to learn new skills and improve their technical knowledge.
- Storytelling Sessions: Organize contests where participants have to share short, interesting stories. The best storyteller, judged by creativity and engagement, wins.
- Digital Net Control: Host digital net sessions where different operators take turns being the net control station. The best-organized and managed session wins.
- Trivia Contests: Incorporate trivia questions into your DMR sessions. Participants must answer correctly to earn points, and the person with the most points at the end wins.
- Code Cracking: Create codes or encrypted messages that participants must decode using their DMR equipment. The first to successfully decode the message wins.
Here are some fun contest ideas, keeping in mind the strengths and limitations of DMR:
Focusing on Communication Skills & Knowledge
- “Radio Relay Race”: Teams have to relay a message across multiple users/repeaters as quickly and accurately as possible. This tests clear communication and network knowledge.
- “DMR Trivia”: Questions about DMR technology, protocols, best practices, and even radio history. Could be multiple choice or open-ended.
- “Signal Strength Challenge”: Participants at varying distances try to achieve the clearest signal report from a central station. This highlights radio propagation and antenna use.
- “Emergency Simulation”: A simulated emergency scenario is presented, and participants have to use DMR to coordinate a response, testing their ability to use the radio under pressure.
Creative & Engaging Contests
- “Best Radio Check”: Participants try to come up with the most creative, funny, or informative radio check. Judges could score on originality and clarity.
- “Sound Like a Pro”: A short text is provided, and participants have to read it over the radio with perfect enunciation, pacing, and clarity.
- “DMR Scavenger Hunt”: Clues are given out over the radio, and participants have to find specific locations or objects and report back. This combines radio skills with real-world exploration.
- “Build a Story”: Each participant adds a sentence to a story, creating a collaborative and often hilarious narrative.
Technical Challenges (for the more advanced users)
- “Lowest Power Contact”: Participants try to make a contact with the lowest possible transmit power, demonstrating efficient use of equipment.
- “Antenna Building Contest”: Participants build their own antennas and then test them in a controlled environment, comparing signal strength and range.
Important Considerations for DMR Contests
- Clear Rules and Judging: Make sure the rules are well-defined and judges are impartial.
- Time Limits: Set reasonable time limits for each contest to keep things moving.
- Prizes (Optional): Even small prizes can add excitement and motivation.
- Emphasis on Fun: The main goal should be to have fun and promote camaraderie among DMR users.
Bonus Tip: Use DMR’s digital capabilities! Some radios allow for text messaging or data transfer, which could open up even more contest possibilities.
DMR Grid Square Contest: Michigan Edition
This contest is designed for DMR operators in Michigan to explore and connect with others while learning about grid squares and building skills in geographic-based communication. Grid squares are based on the Maidenhead Locator System, often used in amateur radio.
Objective
The goal is to make contacts with as many unique grid squares in Michigan as possible during the contest period. Bonus points are awarded for rare grid squares or creative setups.
Contest Details
- Date & Time: (Set the specific contest date and time)
- Duration: Typically 4–6 hours.
- Eligibility: Open to all licensed amateur radio operators with access to DMR and a Michigan connection.
- Talk Groups: A dedicated talk group or regional/state talk groups such as:
- Michigan Nets (TG 31266)
- Michigan Statewide (TG 3126)
- Midwest Regional (TG 3169)
- Or a pre-arranged simplex DMR frequency.
How to Participate
- Setup:
- Program your DMR radio with the required talk groups or simplex frequencies.
- Use GPS-enabled radios or software to determine your grid square (e.g., EN72 for Lansing).
- Making Contacts:
- Exchange the following during each QSO:
- Call sign
- Current grid square
- Signal report or brief pleasantries.
- Exchange the following during each QSO:
- Logging Contacts:
- Use a paper log, spreadsheet, or logging software to record each contact, including:
- Call sign
- Grid square
- Time of contact
- Talk group or frequency.
- Use a paper log, spreadsheet, or logging software to record each contact, including:
Scoring
- Base Points:
- 1 point per unique grid square contacted.
- Duplicate contacts with the same grid square count only once.
- Bonus Points:
- +2 points for contacting a “rare grid square” (defined as rural or less-active areas).
- +5 points for operating from a rare grid square.
- +10 points for mobile or portable operations in multiple grid squares.
- Extra Credit:
- +1 point for every Michigan county contacted.
- +3 points for any out-of-state grid square contacted from Michigan.
Rules
- Contact Validity:
- QSOs must include a clear exchange of grid square information.
- Cross-mode contacts (e.g., analog to DMR) are not permitted.
- Equipment:
- Any DMR-capable handheld, mobile, or hotspot may be used.
- Location Verification:
- Operators must accurately report their location (GPS or mapping tools encouraged).
- Contest Boundaries:
- Contacts must originate from or connect with Michigan-based operators.
Awards and Recognition
- Top Contester: Most unique grid squares logged.
- Rare Grid Hunter: Highest number of rare grid squares contacted.
- Explorer Award: Most grid squares activated by an operator.
Prizes can include certificates, DMR accessories, or other small incentives.
Tools and Resources
- Grid Square Lookup: GridSquare Locator Tool
- Logging Software: Use tools like N1MM Logger+, QRZ, or a spreadsheet.
- DMR Tools: Use BrandMeister or repeater directories to find active networks.
A DMR Work All States (WAS) contest is an exciting way to challenge amateur radio operators to make contacts in all 50 U.S. states using Digital Mobile Radio. Here’s a framework to organize such a contest:
DMR Work All States Contest Overview
Objective
The goal is to make verified DMR contacts with operators in all 50 U.S. states within the contest period.
Duration
- A weekend-long event (48 hours) or spread over a week.
- Example: Start Friday at 00:00 UTC, End Sunday at 23:59 UTC.
Eligibility
Open to all licensed amateur radio operators worldwide, but participants must work contacts within the United States.
Talk Groups
Encourage the use of specific talk groups to keep traffic manageable:
- North America (TG 93)
- USA Nationwide (TG 3100)
- Statewide Talk Groups (e.g., TG 31266 for Michigan Nets, TG 3132 for Texas).
- Optionally, use simplex DMR frequencies for local contacts.
Participation Steps
- Preparation:
- Program your DMR radio with key nationwide and statewide talk groups.
- Have a logging system ready (paper, Excel, or logging software).
- Making Contacts:
- Exchange your call sign, state, and signal report with other operators.
- Each state contact is unique; duplicate QSOs do not count.
- Logging:
- Record:
- Date and time (UTC)
- Call sign of contact
- State of contact
- Talk group or frequency
- Record:
Scoring System
- Base Points:
- 1 point for each unique state contacted.
- Bonus point for each QSO made using a DMR simplex frequency.
- Bonus Points:
- +5 points for completing all 50 states.
- +10 points for operating from multiple states (e.g., portable/mobile setups).
Rules
- Valid Contacts:
- QSOs must include a proper exchange of call signs and states.
- Use of hotspots is allowed for international operators or those in remote areas.
- Duplicate QSOs:
- Only one contact per state per callsign is allowed.
- Fair Play:
- No automated or prearranged QSOs allowed.
Awards and Recognition
- Gold Award: Complete all 50 states during the contest.
- Silver Award: Complete at least 40 states.
- Bronze Award: Complete at least 25 states.
Certificates can be awarded digitally, or small prizes (like DMR accessories) can be offered for top participants.
Organizing Tips
- Promotion:
- Announce the contest on DMR talk groups, forums, and social media.
- Tools:
- Use grid square tools or mapping software to help participants.
- Recommend BrandMeister’s live dashboard for talk group activity.
- Verification:
- Require logs to be submitted post-contest for scoring.
- Optionally, use QSL cards or electronic confirmations for validation.
DMR Work All States Contest Rules
Objective
The goal of the contest is to make verified contacts with operators in all 50 U.S. states using BrandMeister Talk Group 31266.
Contest Details
- Talk Group: BrandMeister TG 31266
- Date & Time: (Specify start and end date/time in UTC)
- Duration: 48 hours (or customize the timeframe).
- Eligibility: Open to all licensed amateur radio operators worldwide.
- Mode: Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) exclusively on TG 31266.
- Exchange: Each QSO must include:
- Operator’s call sign.
- Their state (e.g., “Michigan”).
- An optional signal report or contest-specific code.
Rules
- Talk Group Usage:
- All contest communications must take place on BrandMeister Talk Group 31266.
- Operators should avoid monopolizing the talk group; be courteous to others.
- Valid Contacts:
- Each contact must include an exchange of call signs and states.
- Contacts must be logged with the UTC time and state of each operator.
- Duplicate contacts with the same operator in the same state are not allowed.
- Operating Limits:
- Hotspots and repeaters are allowed.
- Use of automated calling or prearranged QSOs is prohibited.
- Portable and mobile operations are encouraged.
- Fair Play:
- Participants are expected to adhere to FCC regulations (or equivalent in their country).
- Unsportsmanlike conduct, including intentional jamming or false reporting, will result in disqualification.
- Logging:
- Participants must keep an accurate log of their QSOs, including:
- Call sign of the contacted operator.
- State of the contacted operator.
- UTC time of contact.
- Logs must be submitted within 48 hours of the contest’s conclusion for scoring.
- Participants must keep an accurate log of their QSOs, including:
Scoring
- Points:
- 1 point for each unique U.S. state contacted.
- Bonus Points:
- +5 points for completing all 50 states.
- +3 points for operating from a rare state (e.g., Alaska or Hawaii).
- Multipliers:
- Mobile/Portable: 2x multiplier for QSOs made while mobile or portable.
- Tie-Breaker:
- In case of a tie, the operator who submitted their log first will be ranked higher.
Awards
- WAS Master Award: For completing all 50 states.
- Top Operator: For the highest number of states contacted.
- Rare State Activator: For operating from a rare state with the most QSOs logged.
Digital certificates will be issued, and optional prizes (e.g., DMR swag or accessories) may be awarded for top performers.
Tips for Participants
- Ensure your codeplug is updated with access to TG 31266.
- Use GPS or a mapping tool to confirm your current state when portable or mobile.
- Be mindful of other operators and avoid long-winded transmissions.
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You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.
The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net, Monday nights at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel.
Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for it:
- Dec 23 Dana KCØMYP
- Dec 30 Rick AD8KN
- Jan 6 Steve KC8WXM
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
To hear the audio of this DMR Tech Net, click (HERE):
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