This contest is designed to favor those using low power equipment designed or constructed before 1950.  As time went by, a number of adjustments have been made to the scoring.  The age of the equipment that qualifies for a multiplier was raised to gear made prior to 1950. This brings out lots of  WWII equipment to the event. Recently, we streamlined the scoring and added AM operation to this event.  Newer Ham’s who did not have to learn CW will now be able to join in the fun with their vintage pre – 1950 AM gear.  All radio amateurs may participate by submitting their log.  Everyone sending in a log will be scored.  The winner will receive a nice plaque.  If you’re not an AWA member we would like you to join the AWA, but membership is not required to operate in any of our “On Air” events.  Please send in shack photos showing your vintage station.  High resolution .JPEG files sent via E-mail are accepted.  There is still plenty of time before the event to get that pre 1950 gear operational.   Please note, this event for this year has been moved from its traditional January slot to early February in order not to conflict with other events.   

Dates:  Wednesday January 14th @ 2300 GMT to Thursday January 15th 2026 @ 2300 GMT and Saturday January 17th 2026 @ 2300 GMT to Sunday January 18th 2026 @ 2300 GMT.  As of now, these new dates should keep QRM to a minimum as there are no other CW events scheduled.

NOTE: Power multiplier remains as last year when it was changed from input to output power (see below under power multiplier)

Bands: 160, 80, 40 and 20 meters.

NOTE: NEW THIS YEAR: See Bonus Point for 20 meter contacts below.

Objective:  Contact the greatest number of AWA members or participating stations using your pre 1950 gear.  AM and CW modes are welcomed.  Suggested CW Frequencies are: 1.800-1.820, 3.550–3.570, 7.100-7.125 and 14.060-14.070 +/- QRM.  Suggest AM frequencies are: 1.885, 3.835, 3.870 thrugh 3.890, 7.290 and 14.330 +/- QRM.  Concentrate on 160-meter contacts on the hour.   When calling use “AWA AWA de WA8UEG” for example.

Equipment:  WW II surplus receivers and transmitters are popular during this event.  Pre 1950 is determined by the original date the original model was introduced. We go by the prefix of the model number not a change to the suffix added by the manufacturer for improvements or changes made. For example, a Harvey Wells TBS-50D will qualify with the original date the TBS-50 was introduced. The Collins 32V series will qualify due to the date the 32V1 was introduced, etc. Owner constructed, or other “Home Brew” equipment designed from QST, 73, or any other period publication or source of the period ending by December 1949.  Construction of this equipment should follow the design as closely as possible and use parts from the period, if possible.  Note, 1929 transmitters and regenerative receivers from the BK event qualify. Remember your power multiplier is based on output power, not input power!

Scoring:  Since the other stations information will not affect your score, simply exchange the other persons callsign, their RST, your Name and State.  High scorers should send in full details on equipment and station photos for publication. Your transmitter multiplier times your power multiplier determine the points for that particular contact exchange.