Scrabble (2026)
This is an almost year-long award scheme open to SDARC (and invited clubs) Members only. It aims to encourage on-air operating, to have some competitive fun playing radio, to raise the profile of SDARC on the air and to reward members making consistent use of their radio gear. Go on, THIS year, why don’t YOU have a go!!
Please be aware that it can take a minute or so for your QSOs to appear in the league table. Please only upload QSOs within a sensible time frame. There is no need to upload your entire log of 100,000 QSOs from 1976 as they aren’t counted.
From time to time we may manually adjudicate your entries and correct any incorrectly logged. You may find your totals change.
Rules
Aim
To score the highest Scrabble score each month during the Award period, to encourage some competitive fun playing radio, to raise the on-air profile of the club, and to reward members making use of their radio gear.
You will need to upload your ADIF log from time to time so that we can process it and update the league tables.
If you are an SWL and have yet to gain your licence, you can still take part! Just use “SWL” and some short suffix not already in use. Could be your year of birth or something else distinctive. EG: SWL1066.
Dates
QSOs may be made at any time from 1st JANUARY to 30th NOVEMBER 2026.
Callsign
Log ALL QSOs under your own callsign. QSOs made using your SCC (Short Contest Call) are OK but must be assigned to your main callsign via the Operator field in your log.
Bands
QSOs
Contacts made where YOU used an RF signal on an Amateur band at your end. The propagation of your signal to the other end of the QSO could be a direct RF link (eg 20m or 6M) or could be RF through a repeater (including a Satellite) or even could be a mode that uses an Internet segment (eg DMR or Echolink). You can only claim QSOs for a callsign that you own. This means you are not allowed to upload QSOs for special events or contests using a shared callsign. EG: G8SRC or similar. A SCC (Short Contest Callsign) is allowed as they are assigned to you.
Any mode, band, or power allowed by your licence class is valid.
Scoring
When a DX spot comes in, we calculate a score for the callsign using rules inspired by the classic game of Scrabble. This gives each callsign a numeric value that can be compared against others.
Letters
- Common letters such as A, E, I, O, N, R, T, L, S, U are worth 1 point.
- D and G are worth 2 points.
- B, C, M, and P are worth 3 points.
- F, H, V, W, and Y are worth 4 points.
- K is worth 5 points.
- J and X are worth 8 points.
- Q and Z are worth 10 points.
Digits
- Any digit in the callsign contributes its face value directly.
- For example, 2 adds 2 points, 7 adds 7 points, and so on.
Other Characters
- Any other symbols (such as slashes / or hyphens -) are ignored and count as 0 points.
Example
Double/Triple Bonus
There are various random time-based bonuses up for grabs. Depending on what you hit, you might get a double or triple score. These are secret, change monthly and are the same for every user. They have already been decided and are hard-coded into the score. Prepare for surprises.
Judging
QSOs will not normally need validating but Judges reserve the right to request confirmation. The Judges’ decision in all matters is final. By entering, you agree that results & photos may be sent to Radcom & the SDARC website.
Results
The online table at SDARC.net will show progress. Awards will be presented at the Club Christmas Dinner.