Frequently Asked Questions

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 will be activated and operated by the Trustee during the contest.

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 complete your individual contest score entry sheets for the contest you entering 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 score entry and for Club Competition contest category.

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

            Answer:        The contests the Club will focus on will be sent to the membership and posted on the Contest Calendar page of this website.  Members are encouraged to provide their suggestions on Club contests.

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

            Answer:        Yes.  Contest Director K4GOE will be developing a recognition program.

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 organization 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, and when necessary via postal mail.  Yearly mandatory meetings of the board will be conducted via conference call.

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

            Answer:        The MDCC is an 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:        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 is not a responsibility of the membership, and is not owned by the Club and/or its members.  This is detailed in the Club constitution and by-laws.

Question:      May I operate the Club station?

            Answer:        The Club station is the property of K4SX.  The Club constitution and by-laws outlines the details for operation of the Club station K0ETV.  The Club station is not open to general access to Club members. 

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

            Answer:        Yes.  The Club station will be activated during emergencies by K4SX in support of communication activities as requested and directed by the local authorities.  The station does have emergency power capability.

Question:      May I use the Club call sign?

            Answer:        Requests and permission will be reviewed and subsequently granted based on merit and the requestor will be granted authorization via an email to use the Club call sign K0ETV.  This authorization will be granted by the Trustee only, K4SX, for a specific period of time.

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 license other than 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 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.  Your membership is considered to be as a life member and not required to be renewed. 

Question:      Can my membership be revoked?

            Answer:        Yes.  Your membership can be revoked for on-the-air operating behavior and for FCC infractions.  A 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 their Club dues?

            Answer:        No.  Currently we are not asking the membership to pay yearly dues.  The constitution and by-laws calls for dues but it is currently being waived.  The intent of the MDCC is not to center and focus on money.  The intent of the MDCC is to “get on the air and operate as a club” in contest events, not to collect dues and worry about money.  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).  Mainly your enthusiasm and active participation in DXing and Club events along with your on-and-off-the-air support is really enough.  If you would like to support the efforts of K4SX financially you may send your contributions to K4SX in support of the Club.  Currently K4SX is self-financing all aspects of the Club.  Please consider spreading the word about the Missouri DX/Contest Club.