AM Spotting Tool Now Online!

Those of you who operate AM, there's a new spotting tool specifically for AM operations online. It's really nice, as it only shows AM sigs and info and you don't have to reconfigure your normal cluster spotting to use it. It doesn't clutter up the normal cluster with non-DX Am spots and such, and works great! Go to the following link for all the "skinny" on this cool new tool for AM operators!

http://am.w6rk.com/

AM Mode Event Oct31-Nov1 !!

If you're an AM operator (or interested in operating AM), you'll find this upcoming event to be pretty cool... It's sponsored by the Potomac AM Group and runs from 0000 UTC on October 31, 2015 to 0000 UTC on November 1, 2015 . 


Purpose: Use full-carrier Amplitude Modulation transmissions on amateur radio bands to make enjoyable AM QSOs, renew old acquaintances, meet new friends, and encourage newcomers to try AM.

1.1 Operating Period: 0000 UTC on October 31, 2015 to 0000 UTC on November 1, 2015.

2.1 Transmission Mode: All transmissions must be full-carrier amplitude modulation. A participant may contact other stations that use AM, SSB, or DSB.

3.1 Bands & Frequencies: 160 through 2 meters. Participants may contact the same station more than once per band.

The commonly used AM calling frequencies listed below (+/-) may be good starting points for AM Tailgate QSOs. Calling frequencies may vary by geographic location.

160 Meters	1.880-1.885 MHz
75 Meters	3.705, 3.870-3.885 MHz
40 Meters	7.285-7.295 MHz
20 Meters	14.330 MHz
15 Meters	21.420 MHz
10 Meters	29.000-29.200 MHz
6 Meters	50.420 MHz
2 Meters	144.270 MHz

Please note that full-carrier AM is not confined by U.S. regulations to any particular voice frequency(s), and AM QSOs regularly take place outside established calling frequencies & windows.

4.1 Calling CQ: “CQ AM Tailgate” and "CQ Tailgate" are suggested ways of calling CQ for this event.

4.2 QSOs Generally: It is suggested that while in QSO, participants listen for, and include, breaking stations as conditions allow.

5.1 QSY-in-30: After 30 minutes in any generally observed AM window it is suggested that AM Tailgate participants (1) QSY no fewer than 5 KHz, or (2) QRX on that frequency for at least 10 minutes. Participants who relinquish a frequency may answer AM Tailgate CQ calls by other stations on that frequency.

6.1 Logging: Logs are extremely valuable in determining participation levels and the level of interest in continuing the event. Therefore, operators are asked to submit their logs showing, at a minimum, the following information for each station contacted: Date, Time, Frequency or Band, Call Sign, Mode used by station contacted; Name of operator; and QTH. Hand-written logs or logs generated by software will be accepted. Hard copy log & summary forms are available by clicking on the links above.

6.2 Spotting: Spotting of AM Tailgate participants is encouraged using the AM Spots page at: http://www.qsl.net/potomacam/amspots.htm .

6.3 Log Submissions: Please submit electronic logs via e-mail. To submit hand-written documents by e-mail, please convert to PDF. Log & summary sheet must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on November 10, 2015, sent by e-mail to:

or by surface or air mail to:

Please include a photo(s) of you in your station.

7.1 Results: AM Tailgate results shall be tallied no later than December 1, 2015. Recognition may be given on the web for participation in this event.

8.1 Contact: Contact the 2015 coordinator at:

8.2 AM Tailgate rules & forms will be final as of October 1, 2015 unless otherwise indicated. Please submit comments & suggestions.

For more info, go to the official event webpage at:

http://www.qsl.net/potomacam/amtailgate.htm