In the world-wide amateur radio community, the social distancing is not an issue. The ham radio network operates by radio waves with signals flying high and wide, across all borders near and far. Amateur radio operators are well-known as communicators during the happy days but also during times of crisis. Even if physically locked down, the world is wide open for them. They are encouraged to communicate, keeping their channels clear and their minds and skills sharp for global messaging if needed. While they now extend their physical distance they now get closer in their social distance – their minds and hearts.
The Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) with the support of the Finnish Communication Agency (TRAFICOM) are working together to increase awareness and promote the normal orders of each society during this unfortunate period. To do so, the three-million strong amateur radio community is encouraged to stay in touch and keep up their global network.
With that charter and mission in mind The Finnish Amateur Radio League invites all amateurs to join forces. Keep up the radio activity and the global social network!
CONTACTS:
Contacts encouraged to stay home stations as well as to all friends around the world, but also for the purpose of GMA (DXCC) award (see below)
TIME PERIOD:
From Wednesday April 8th (16.00 UTC) thru July 8th (2359 UTC) 2020
MESSAGING WINDOW:
While contacts are permitted on all amateur radio bands (ssb, cw and digital modes) the core activity is targeted to window of 14250–14270 and 14050-14060 KHz and 3740-3760 and 3530-3540 KHz. The SRAL stations are typically active on that window from 12 UTC and 16 UTC respectively and onwards.
RADIO MESSAGE ITSELF:
Temporary QSH (Stay Happy & Healthy) which may change during the period.
MESSENGER STATION NETWORK:
SRAL launches ten (10) different stations from OH0 thru OH9 who sign with STAYHOME suffixes, such as OH5STAYHOME. The other stations from other countries signing STAYHOME are qualifying to this program. Such are 9KSTAYHOME or VESTAYHOME and soon the RAST (Thailand) E2STAYHOME station will join the network.
For coordination purposes please kindly inform stayhome@nullsral.fi accordingly.
GMA – GLOBAL MESSENGER AWARD
This award honors contacts to 100 or more different countries (DXCC), which should include at least five (5) messenger (STAY HOME) stations, during this time period .
SHA – STAYHOME AWARD
There will also be award on contacting a minimum of five (5) OH*STAYHOME prefixes with a maximum number of other stations in other countries with signing the STAYHOME suffix. In Finland all numbers/regions 0 thru 9 will be activated. Highest number and less three (3) will be awarded.
MESSENGER STATION NETWORK:
SRAL launches ten (10) different stations from OH0 thru OH9 who sign with STAYHOME suffixes, such as OH5 STAYHOME. The other stations from other countries signing STAYHOME are qualifying to this program. Such are 9KSTAYHOME or VESTAYHOME etc.
Some special activities for specific duration within this overall time period will be announced separately thru international amateur radio press.
Stayhome Hotline: stayhome@nullsral.fi
QSL manager: Miika, OH2BAD
Awards: Martti, OH2BH (details TBA)
Supporting network: OH1NX, OH2BAD, OH2BH, OH2KI, OH2KM, OH4UI
OHs are serious bunch to the point: