Welcome to the Alaska VHF-Up Group Contest Page!
We’ve created this page to serve as a resource for everything VHF contesting. Contest announcements can be found in the calendar. Simply clicking on the contest will open up a new window with a link to the full rules for the event.
The Alaska VHF Up Group is very active in the ARRL Contests, the CQ WW VHF Contest, and EME (earth-moon-earth) contests.
VHF Contests
Alaska’s railbelt corridor provides a surprisingly good arena in which to hold VHF events. Foliage on the trees can be a challenge, but numerous high locations are available where you can set up and have excellent fields of view. Some examples:
| Location | City | Maidenhead Grid | Elevation Above Surroundings |
| Glen Alps Trailhead | Anchorage | BP51 | 2,200′ |
| Golden Eagle Drive | Eagle River | BP51 | 1,800′ |
| Point Woronzof | Anchorage | BP41 | 160′ |
| Diamond Ridge Road | Homer | BO49 | 1,200′ |
| UAF Yukon Drive | Fairbanks | BP64 | 600′ |
| Chena Ridge Road | Fairbanks | BP54 | 1,000′ |
The best way to get started in contesting is with a “single operator portable” entry. That is where you pick a spot, set up, and stay there for as long as you like. It gives you the thrill of having a prime VHF location without the challenges of moving from place to place.
For those who can’t sit still, you could also enter as a rover. Rovers are exactly what they sound like – mobile stations that go from grid to grid throughout the contest. The best part of being a rover is that each time you move to a new grid you are able to re-contact the stations you already worked. Rovers add a ton of energy to contests when they are out and about.
Band Openings
While most of the VHF and UHF bands do not “open” to the lower 48 the way they do down south, openings on the 6 meter band do occur.
The newer weak signal modes like FT8 are also opening new opportunities for those who take the time to stand up a yagi. Operators on the Kenai have been catching stations in Japan and on the west coast of the US for a long time now.
Earth-Moon-Earth
The other great way to operate VHF, UHF, or even microwaves from Alaska is with EME. A kit-built transverter and reclaimed satellite TV dish are enough to get you started.
Moonbounce contests happen regularly, and can allow you to work all over the world using the VHF/UHF bands.
If any of these events sound interesting then contact us and we will help you get started.
Logging
Please note that we encourage submitting contest logs using the cabrillo format, though many contests still allow submission of paper logs. Many logging and contest programs provide a means for creating a cabrillo file. For those desiring a method of constructing a stand-alone cabrillo file, this website can be used to help you generate one.
Logging is something that intimidates new contesters, so if you need help creating a cabrillo file or have any contest-related questions feel free to contact us.