Who is considered a 13 Colonies "Participant?"

A "Participant" is a ham radio operator that is listening or hunting for one of the 16 colony and bonus stations call signs being activated for the 13 Colonies event.

 

Who is considered a 13 Colonies "Activator" or "Activating Station?"

An "Activator" or "Activating Station" is one of the special event callsigns listed on the 13 Colonies home page that will be actively calling CQ as one of the 16 stations associated with this event.

 

How do I participate in the 13 Colonies Special Event?

It is as easy as turning on your radio and listening for a 13 Colonies activating station calling CQ. You can monitor or search the spotting networks such as DXSummit.  When you hear a Special Event station calling CQ, respond with your call sign, name, state and RST.

 

I made contact with several 13 Colonies stations. What do I do with my log?

Nothing for 13 Colonies. Only the activating stations submit a log to 13 Colonies. However, you are encouraged to submit your log to Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ, or another on-line logging database.

 

Are the 13 Colonies returning QSL Cards?

The 13 Colonies Special Event is not providing a QSL card for the entire event. Participants can request a certificate confirming their participation. A special QSL card is being issued by each station. See the QSL tab for links to each station.

             

How do I get a 13 Colonies certificate?

At the 13 Colonies home page, navigate to "Request Certificate". Enter your call sign to see how many colonies and bonus stations you have contacted.  The request certificate link will be opened once all of the logs are uploaded.

 

How do I QSL the bonus stations?

Look up the bonus station call on qrz.com.  WM3PEN send an S.A.S.E. and $1. GB13COL has a US QSL manager. If mailing to the US QSL Manager include an S.A.S.E.  and $1. If mailing to England you should include a self-addressed envelope with $3. US Postage CAN NOT be used to mail a letter from England to the United States. For a card from TM13COL you should include a self-addressed envelope with $3. US Postage CAN NOT be used to mail a letter from France to the United States.

 

I made contact with all 16 special event stations but when I enter my call sign at the Hamlog.online web site, it shows I only made contact with 7 stations. Who can I send my log to get credit for all the stations I worked?

Please be patient. Not all activating stations are uploading their logs on a daily basis. Activating stations are requested to have all logs uploaded no later than 14 days after the event ends and most stations are trying to upload every day. 

 

Can I make contact with an activating station more than once?

Yes. 13 Colonies is not a contest and there is no limit on how many times you can contact the same activating station. We would request that if you have already made contact with a station that you wait un l they clear a pile up to make contact with the station again.

 

I made contact with an Activating station that was calling CQ from a State Park and they provided me with a Parks on the Air ID number. What do I do with this?

Nothing. Some of the activating stations will also be activating a park for POTA at the same me. There is no connection between 13 Colonies and POTA. However, the activation station for 13 Colonies can submit their log to both sites for credit. 

             

I want a certificate but don’t want to use Paypal. Can I submit a request via the US Mail.

Yes you can send your log and $8 to Thirteen Colonies Amateur Radio Association, PO Box 11109, Philadelphia, PA 19136. International requests should send $10 U.S. Dollars to the above address or use the online request form.

 

I really had fun during the 13 Colonies Special Event and would like to make a donation to help fund the event.

Donations can be made via clicking a button on hamlog.online which will take you to Paypal (manager@ 13Colonies.us) or mailing a check to Thirteen Colonies Amateur Radio Association, PO Box 11109, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Your support is appreciated.

 

13 Colonies does not allow Automatic Operation

Operators must comply with FCC requirements.  Sections 97.7 and 97.109 require that every transmitting amateur station have a control operator.  Software assisted FT8 operation is permissible as long as a designated control operator remains responsible for the station and is able to ensure proper operation when needed. Unattended operation is not acceptable.