 The historic OCDX contest, originally called the “VK/ZL contest”, has been running since the mid-1930s. It is an annual competition to make phone and CW contacts between amateur radio stations in Oceania and DX (the rest of the world). The fun takes place on with separate 24-hour sections for phone (SSB) and CW (Morse code). The Oceania DX (OCDX) contest takes place on two weekends at the start of October, this year: from 08:00 UTC 1st October to 08:00 2nd October (phone) and from 08:00 UTC 8th October to 08:00 9th October (CW) Mark these dates in your diary and make sure read the rules for further information. Last year’s OCDX was a resounding success. Participation from Oceania was markedly up on the previous year, with activity from 3D2, 9M6, DU, KH2, KH8, NH0, NH2, P29, TX3, V73 and V85 in addition to the usual stalwarts from VK, YB, KH6 and ZL. Remarkably, more than twenty new continental records were set in 2015. The organisers know of at least eight Oceania DXpeditions during the contest period including Lord Howe Island, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, central Kiribati, Nendo Island and more. If by chance you will be operating from unique areas of Oceania early in October, especially from the rarer Oceania islands, let the organisers know and they’ll mention you in their news releases. Head to the website at OCEANIADXCONTEST.COM where the organisers have started compiling information about getting on the air from Oceania and some great advice on entering your first ever contest. There is also a good section on contest preparation and operating tips for the contest. OCEANIADXCONTEST.COM – there’s something in it for everyone. |