Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:        When operating in a contest, do I use my personal call sign or the Club call sign?

Answer:            When operating in a contest, you will use your own call sign.  The Club call sign, K0ETV, will be activated and operated by the Trustee during contests unless otherwise designated.

Question:        How do I ensure the contest points for my individual operation are counted toward and for the benefit of the MDCC?

Answer:            You will total your individual contest score and when submitting your contest scoring data to the contest sponsor, you will note that your contest score is to be also counted for the Missouri DX/Contest Club (MDCC) as a club entry and for club competition.  See http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/dxphone.pdf  for an example.

Question:        How do I know what contests are going to be MDCC contests during the year?

Answer:            The 2009 contests that will be considered as MDCC contests are posted on the club webpage http://www.k4sx.com/mdcc.html.  In addition, there will be notifications sent to the membership announcing each contest and the specifics for that contest.

Question:        Will the club be recognizing members for their individual effort and achievement?

Answer:            Yes.  For each contest there will be an announcement of what awards and certificates that will be given and for what contest achievement.

Question:        Does the MDCC have a Contest Director?

Answer:            Yes.  Al Mullis, K4GOE, is the MDCC Contest Director.  For each contest there will be an announcement of what awards and certificates that will be given and for what contest achievement.

Question:        What is the purpose of the MDCC?

Answer:            The purpose of the Missouri DX/Contest Club (MDCC) is well stated in its mission statement.  To establish an organization whereby Amateur Radio operators can pursue the fraternity of Amateur Radio in a common interest of DXing and Contesting, maintain Amateur Radio operators and principles that will promote the advancement of "Ham Radio" locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, keep the "Spirit of Ham Radio" alive, and be prepared to support the local public services organizations in time of an emergency. 

Question:        Will the Club have scheduled meetings like many of the other clubs?

Answer:            The MDCC is slightly different than the clubs of the past.  It is not necessary to live in Missouri or within a certain distance.  The MDCC is virtual in its organizational concept and is unlike other more traditional clubs who typically draw membership from a local distance whereby meetings are regularly scheduled to meet face-to-face.  Communication within the membership will be conducted via email, conference call, on-the-air meetings, and when necessary via postal mail.  Yearly mandatory meetings of the Board will be conducted via conference call.

Question:        Is it necessary to live in the State of Missouri or within a certain distance to be a member of the MDCC?

Answer:            No.  You may become a member and actively participate in contest events in support of the MDCC and live anywhere inside or outside of the USA.  (Each contest will have rules that will dictate/determine how points are contributed toward Club scoring.)  There are no geographic restrictions for membership.  Just always remember when submitting your contest score to note that your score is to be counted as Missouri DX/Contest Club score participation.

Question:        Is it the intent of the MDCC to become affiliated with the ARRL?

Answer:            Yes.  The MDCC has submitted application and paperwork required by the ARRL to become a recognized ARRL Affiliated Amateur Radio Club.

Question:        Is it a requirement to be a member of the ARRL?

Answer:            No.  It is recommended but not required.

Question:        Does the MDCC have a Club station?

Answer:            Yes.  It is located at the address as listed on the license for K0ETV.  The Club station is owned and operated by K4SX at his expense and is not a responsibility of the membership.  This is detailed in the Club constitution and by-laws.

Question:        May I operate the Club station?

Answer:            Requests to operate the Club station are to be made directly to K4SX and will be at his permission as to whether or not it is available. The Club constitution and by-laws outlines the details for operation of the Club station K0ETV.

Question:        Will the Club station be used for other than contest and DXing?

Answer:           Yes.  The Club station will be activated during emergencies to support those communication activities as requested and directed by the local authorities. 

Question:        May I use the Club call sign?

Answer:            Permission may be granted to any member to use the MDCC call sign for special events, contests, etc.  Authorization and permission is granted via the Trustee, K4SX.  Please see the Club constitution and by-laws for more information.

Question:        If I am given permission to use the Club call sign and have a General Class license may I operate in the Extra portions of the Amateur Bands?

Answer:            No.  The Club call sign does not have a specific class of operating license but is directly associated with the Trustee’s operating class.  If you are granted permission to use the Club call sign for a specific event or period of time, your Amateur Radio operator’s license will automatically be assumed for the use of K0ETV during your operation period.  Therefore, you may only operate in the General segments of the Amateur Bands.

Question:        Is my membership only for a specific period of time and required to be renewed periodically?

Answer:            No.  Once a member, you are considered to be a life member and you are not required to renew your membership. 

Question:        Can my membership be revoked?

Answer:            Yes.  Your membership can be revoked for on-the-air operating behavior and for FCC infractions.  Any member can notify the Board of Directors of the circumstances, provide the evidence and the Board will convene, review the evidence and rule on a members continuing status.  The heart of the Club’s reputation is its club members.  Club members are encouraged to conduct themselves on-the-air with the utmost courtesy and follow all applicable FCC guidelines and rules.   

Question:        Are there Club dues?

Answer:            Yes and No.  Currently we are not asking the membership to pay yearly dues.  The MDCC constitution and by-laws does call for dues but that requirement has been temporarily suspended.  The intent of the MDCC is not to center on monthly meetings for the sake of meeting or to focus on collecting dues.  The intent of the MDCC is to “get on the air and operate as a club” in contest events. The objective is to “keep the spirit of Ham Radio alive” through common goals, fraternity, friendship, improving individual stations, improving operating skills, and Club competition. 

Question:        How may I contribute to the Club?

Answer:            There are many ways to contribute.  One way is to volunteer to take a leadership position in the MDCC through a committee position.  (Contact K4SX).  Your main contribution will be your enthusiasm and active participation in DXing, Club, and Contest events along with your on-and-off-the-air support.  Monetary contributions are accepted in support of the cost to run the organization and can be sent to K4SX as a donation.  Mainly spread the word to others about the Missouri DX/Contest Club! 

Question:        Are there Board of Directors and Officers for the Club?

Answer:            Yes.  The Board of Directors is listed in the constitution and by-laws which can be found at the Club webpage:  http://www.k4sx.com/mdcc.html

The Club officers are; President and Trustee K4SX, Vice President  and Technical Chair K4EWG, Secretary Treasurer KI4KJV, Technical Co-Chair K0KDL, and Contest Director K4GOE. 

For open Club committee positions please contact K4SX at k4sx@centurytel.net .