The 2024 Virginia QSO Party will take place the weekend of March 16 & 17.
VAQP is designed to promote amateur radio activity in Virginia's 95 counties and 38 independent cities. This contest offers an abundance of certificates and plaques for operators of all skill levels and capabilities. RATS has sponsored the Single Operator VHF Only plaque for many years.
You'll find the full contest rules here.
Weather permitting, we plan to put a radio or two on the air at Laurel Park in Henrico County. We will be back at the same shelter we use for Summer Field Day every year. RATS control operators will be on site for the entire event and the club's W4RAT call sign will be in use. You do not need to be a ham and you don't need any particular class of license to participate under the direct supervision of one of our control operators. Bring a friend!
Activity timeline:
- Saturday 3/16, 8:00 AM - Meet Technical Committee at the club storage unit near Chesterfield Town Center to pick up and transport radio equipment. If you're available to assist, contact president@rats.net.
- Saturday approx. 10:00 AM - Begin equipment setup and antenna-hanging at Laurel Park
- After setup, and until midnight - VAQP operations
- Sunday 3/17, 8:00 AM to no later than 2:00 PM - VAQP operations
- Sunday by 2:00 PM - RATS activities end. All equipment returns to storage. We may end early, depending on turn-out and weather.
- NOTE: The QSO Party continues until 8:00 PM Sunday, so there's plenty of time to participate from home!
Please note: This is a low budget activity. RATS is not providing food. Covered picnic tables and a grill are available, and you're encouraged to bring your own food. Numerous restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets are just a few minutes away. Bottled water, coolers with ice, and basic grilling supplies will be provided.
Here's a map showing where to park.
