RandomGrams

A different kind of activity: RandomGrams

By Chris VK3QB

If you haven’t tried RandomGram yet, give it a go.

RandomGram is a unique Morse code event which prioritises accuracy over speed. Unlike standard contests where operators exchange predictable information like serial numbers, RandomGram requires participants to accurately exchange groups of random characters. 

Key Features

• Accuracy-Focused: Scores are determined entirely by how accurately random character groups are transmitted and received.
• Even Playing Field: Because the character groups are random, operators cannot “guess” or use software to auto-fill information, making it accessible to operators of all skill levels.
• SWL Participation: Shortwave Listeners (SWL) can participate by monitoring and logging exchanges they hear between other stations.  

How to Participate

1. Get Your Unique Code Groups List: Before an event, you must email your call sign to RG+owner@groups.io to receive a list of registered random code groups. Make sure you include a note that you’re part of team Oceania.
2. Call CQ RG During the designated event time, call CQ RG or answer others on non-WARC HF bands.
3. The Exchange: Send a real signal report (RST) and one random code group from your TX List. RSN is the better reporting protocol in these circumstances; with this protocol you provide the other operator with an insight into the challenges you are facing, thus he can tailor his sending to optimise readability.
4. Logging: Log the code group you receive from the other station. You can contact the same station multiple times on the same band (no dupe restrictions). Just make sure you either call CQ or work another station before logging a dupe.
5. Submit your log: Email your log listing of only received groups, no callsigns, signal reports or times, to the organiser (RG+owner@groups.io to have your accuracy verified and results published)

To give you an idea of how it l works, I ended up logging eight RG QSOs with three different stations (ZL3TK, N1FG & VK2DVA) and received the following 5-letter groups.

A7N67  9RIB6  SJM1D  6O113  UPTNK  KJ4VJ  GQXKZ  GC777

Each group was sent at least twice; in fact, so deep was the QSB with ZL3TK in one QSO, I must have asked for four or five repeats; but I’m confident that I copied the group correctly.

Once confident I had copied the group correctly I sent a “R R QSL QSL TU”; some operators send back what they have copied asking for confirmation. There’s no hard and fast rule, so do whatever works for you to ensure you have the group copied correctly.

We’ve created the Oceania team, so if you do participate, please let the organiser (Drew) know you’d like to join the team when you register.

So, give it a go; the RG Event usually runs for 24 hours, but you only need to put in as much time as you want. Skeds can be arranged via the SKCC Sked page. VK.ZL/OC has an activity period from 1700 – 2000 UTC.

For current event schedules and detailed rules, you can visit the RandomGram Groups.io page or follow updates from Drew Kowal AF2Z on the QRZ Forums.