We’re in the heart of the 2011-2012 contest season and this weekend offers the first major event of 2012: The ARRL RTTY Roundup. According to ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, participation in the digital modes has been growing at an amazing rate. “It’s not difficult to get on the digital modes,” he explained. “All it takes these days is a computer, a piece of free software and an interface to connect your computer to your rig. It’s never been easier!”

Because of that ease, log submissions for the RTTY Roundup have increased about 33 percent since 2007, with 1539 logs received in 2011. “There are plenty of stations to work, including lots of DX,” Kutzko said. “Many stations have achieved RTTY DXCC and RTTY WAS in a weekend. You can work toward other awards as well, such as the ARRL Triple Play Award, earned for working all 50 states on CW, SSB and digital modes (including RTTY) and confirming all of those QSOs via Logbook of The World (LoTW). Do you think you have what it takes to set a new record score for your ARRL Division or Section? Check the record scores for the RTTY Roundup and see if you can beat the best!

The 2012 ARRL RTTY Roundup runs from 1800 UTC Saturday, January 7 through 2359 UTC Sunday, January 8. Logs may be submitted electronically via e-mail. Paper logs should be sent to ARRL RTTY Roundup, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. All logs must be postmarked no later than 2359 UTC Tuesday, February 7, 2012.