The next IARU Region 1 ATV Contest runs from 1200 UTC on Saturday 10 June until 1800 UTC on Sunday 11 June. The rules are unchanged from last year, as any changes will need to be approved at the IARU Region 1 General Conference in October 2023.

The 2023 rules can be found at https://wiki.batc.org.uk/images/5/5c/2022_ATV_Contest_Rules.pdf and a guide on how to enter is also on the Wiki at https://wiki.batc.org.uk/IARU_ATV_contest .

It’s really easy to participate – you just need to exchange a 4-number code by video with the other stations. The code must only be sent by video, but you’ll need to exchange a report, serial number and locator by some other means (sound on the video, talkback etc). Choose a sensible 4-number code, not all the same like 2222 or sequential like1234. Codes such as 2234 are OK. You’ll need a different code for each band.

Submitting an entry only needs you to fill in the details on the spreadsheet that can be downloaded from here: https://wiki.batc.org.uk/File:ATV-contest-log-callsign-20230610.xls . Save the file on your computer, and change the filename to include your callsign. Then open it, enable macros (to calculate the scoring), and fill in the summary sheet. Then log the contact in the tab for each band. Remember that reports must be a P2 to count for points – you would not have been able to see the numbers if it was only a P1. Save the file and check the scores on the summary sheet; then e-mail it to your country coordinator or atv@iaru-r1.org.

The Contest runs across all bands from 432 MHz upwards. All ATV modes are acceptable within the licence regulations: DATV, FM ATV (use your new IC-905!) or even AM with appropriate filtering. Please make an effort to participate even if you only have one contact. It all helps to show that we are making use of the bands.

This will be my last year of organising and scoring the contest on behalf of IARU Region 1. I will have been doing it for 7 years, so it is time for somebody else to take on the task. Please, if you think that you might have the time to give something back to the hobby and encourage its development, let us know by e-mailing atv@iaru-r1.org . I will be on-hand to provide help and assistance for the first year.

Dave, G8GKQ