Activity Contest 2026

Hello everyone, and welcome to the new amateurs! 

This year’s contest is just around the corner, a little earlier than past years, and has had a slight refresh to keep things exciting with more points to earn!

When:
The contest will run each night from Friday 18th September to Tuesday 22nd September (inclusive). Each night there are two half-hour operating periods. The first period is 1930NZST to 2000NZST and second from 2000NZST to 2030NZST.

Channels:
You can make contacts on the following frequencies:

  • HF: 3.570MHz LSB (club working HF frequency)
  • VHF: 147.125MHz FM + split (North Range Road repeater)
  • UHF: 438.525 MHz – split, CTS tone 123Hz

Note this year the addition of the UHF repeater, replacing the simplex option used last year.

Exchange:
You can work each station once per channel, once per operating period (i.e. you could work ZL2KO on all three channels in the same half hour, and again the next half hour).

In an exchange, you send your current sequence number (“points TX”) and receive your contact’s sequence number (“points RX”). 

On the log sheet, you will log the date, time, call sign and the number (points) you receive from the receiving station.

You have one sequence of numbers for the whole contest, which is used across all channels and operating periods. The sequence counts from 10 to 1 and then repeats (i.e. if you finish off the night and the last number you sent was “9”, the next night you can start by sending number “8”) . This sequence is pre-filled in the log sheet.

Contestants can fill out their records electronically in the attached spreadsheet which will automatically keep the scores or use a printed paper copy, also attached.

Scoring:
This year will be a little different from past, with more points you can earn. Your transmitting points will be summed together with your receiving points, therefore you are rewarded for sending your TX points, such as a “10”, as well as the recipient. 

Your score is the sum of your “Points TX” + “Points RX” and any bonus points

Bonus Points:

  • The numbers 5 and 8 are multipliers (x2) when transmitted or received. Send or receive a number 5 or 8 and those points are doubled (x2).
  • “Points RX” from the Mystery Station are tripled (x3).

Scoring Calculation:

  • “Points TX” + “Points RX” = Score 
  • Any number 5 or 8 transmitted or received are multipliers (x2) 
  • If  “Points TX” = 5 or 8, multiply “Points TX” by 2
  • If  “Points RX” = 5 or 8, multiply “Points RX” by 2
  • Any number received by the Mystery Station are tripled (x3)
    • “Points RX” x3 + “Points TX” = Score

Examples:

TX 7, RX 10: Score = 17 (7 + 10 = 17)

TX 5, RX 10: Score = 20 (5 x 2 = 10 + 10 = 20)

TX 4, RX 8: Score = 20 (8 x 2 = 16 + 4 = 20)

TX 8, RX 8: Score = 32  (8 x 2 = 16 + 8 x 2 = 16 = 32)

TX 1, RX Mystery Station 7: Score 22 (7 x 3 = 21 + 1 = 22)

The theoretical highest points that can be earned in a single exchange would be 64, achieved by transmitting a number 8 (which is doubled [16]) and receiving a number 8 (which is doubled [16] and then tripled [48]) from the mystery station.

Awards:
Awards (certificates) are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the following categories:

  • Open
    • The highest total score
  • Best Two Channels
    • This category only counts your best two channels and excludes the top three open scorers. If you don’t have an HF rig or can’t make many simplex contacts, you could still receive an award here. Note: This category does not preclude you from working all three channels.
  • Best Operating Period
    • This category only counts your best single operating period. If you can’t operate every night during the contest, you could still receive an award here. Note: This category does not preclude you from working the whole contest.

Volunteer’s Help:

We need your help. If you wish to operate the ZL2KO station or wish to be the Mystery Station, please get in touch. Ideally the Mystery Station may be someone who holds two call signs where they can use their primary call sign during the contest and spontaneously use their secondary as the Mystery Station during the event.

Let me know if you have any questions or clarifications, or if you want to volunteer to be the mystery station or to operate the ZL2KO callsign during the contest.

Attached are the log spreadsheets and printable pdf.

Activity Contest 2026 Log – Manual LogDownload
Activity Contest 2026 LogDownload