Go QRP Nights Contest Rules

Version 2026.1, valid January 2026

The Contest Guide forms part of these rules.

Rules

1. Points are earned only for QRP to QRP contacts, meaning both stations must have transmitter output power less than or equal to 10 W PEP. For stations operating QRPp, transmitter output power must be less than or equal to 1 W PEP. For stations operating QRPpp, transmitter output power must be less than or equal to 100 mW PEP.
2. Stations worked do not have to be competing in GQN but must comply with Rule 1, otherwise points cannot be claimed. Non-competing stations do not have to supply a serial number, but can do so if desired.
3. Modes are LSB and CW only. Stations may be worked up to four times, once using each mode on each of the two bands.
4. QSY rule: If a station calls CQ, and makes a contact, that station will then leave the frequency at the end of the contact, and move to a frequency at least 5 kHz away for SSB, and at least 2 kHz away for CW. You can call CQ as many times as necessary on one frequency – but after you have made a contact, you should move to another frequency leaving it free for the station just worked. After a minimum two minute break, if the vacated frequency is not being used, the previous CQ-calling station may return.
5. To qualify as a portable station, an independent power source must be used, as well as a non-permanent antenna.
6. For portable contacts, the location can be passed either as map coordinates, NZ map grid reference, SOTA/POTA location, or the common name of the park, hut or area.
7. To qualify as a QRPp or QRPpp contact, signal report and serial number must be passed using a transmitter output power of 1 W PEP or less for QRPp, and 100 mW or less for QRPpp. The contact can be initiated at QRP power, but you must pass serial and RS(T) at the lower power. Once both operators have switched to QRPp or QRPpp, the remainder of the contact must be carried out at QRPp power.
8. A DX contact is considered a contact with another station where either the station worked or the competitor is located outside New Zealand territorial waters.
9. When making a DX contact, the DX station does not have to reduce power or provide a serial number. Stations are encouraged to ask the DX station to reduce power if they are able.
10. A group consists of two or more operators at a single site using a single radio, with each operator using their own callsign. When operating in a group, all group members earn 2 bonus points per group member for each contact made.
11. Stations are allowed to log consecutive contacts with the same station. This includes both modes and bands.
12. Winter bonus points are calculated and automatically added to your score for the four months of May through to August, inclusive.
13. Points will be accumulated monthly until the end of each year, then the contest resets on 1 January for the new year.
14. Please use the provided logging spreadsheet.
15. Hand-written logs are accepted. The log submitter will be sent a copy of their log as interpreted by the scoring system. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure this interpreted version is correct. See the guide for more details.
16. All logs shall be sent by email to zl3pie01@gmail.com within 21 days of the contest date.
17. The contest organiser's decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Award Categories

GQN, CW, Band (40m and 80m), QRPp, QRPpp, DX, Brass Monkey

Scoring

Each qualifying contact is worth 10 points. In addition, the following bonus points are available: