In 2016, the idea of the award was born during a meal and discussion, as is usually the case. Following a decision of the Board of Directors, the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece began to award the SZ1A 6 QSOs Award to any radio amateur who has 6 “different” contacts with SZ1A. Several colleagues from all over the world have already received the award.
By “different” contacts we mean any contact that has a different combination of band and mode. For example, a QSO on 20 meters CW and a QSO on 20 meters SSB are considered different. Also different are contacts on 20m RTTY, 20m PSK, 20m SSB, 40m SSB, 15m SSB etc.
Usually, SZ1A is active in a contest and our initial purpose was to give an additional incentive to make contact with us during the contest but also to thank those who have made many contacts with us. However we also try to be active outside of competitions, especially on WARC bands, to give everyone the opportunity to claim the award. Otherwise, it becomes much more difficult for someone who uses only a single mode (eg CW) to win the award. So in addition to the traditional bands of 10, 15, 20, 40, 80, 160m, from time to time we call CQ on the WARC bands too, just to help you earn the award. So if you hear us on the air, especially on 12, 15, 17 or 6m and 2m, do not miss the opportunity to give us a contact and get a QSO with SZ1A in the log.
From the beginning of 2021, we now offer the capability for you to download the award automatically! Dimitris – SV2RCK provided his invaluable help, created the right software and we thank him dearly. To go the award page, you can select the “The SZ1A Award” from the “SZ1A Contest Station” tab on our website’s main navigation menu, or, just click on the image below:
If you do not yet have the required number of QSOs, the award page will tell you how many contacts you have and where, so you will know what’s missing and be able to chase us on those bands and modes.
Good luck to all and we look forward to hearing from you and supporting us in all contests! Unless you are operating with us as part of the team in the next contest!!!
Don’t forget that you are all invited to join us!
