“RULES” – 72nd Poisson d’Avril “contest”
It’s that time of year, folks.
The 2026 rules are the same as previous years with a few minor changes.
1. In the past we have specified “Bands” and listed some of our favorites (mostly
British Invasion genre). This year you may also listen to “tribute bands” because
most of the old rockers are dying off and someone has to keep the music alive.
2. The controversial practice of using callsigns that do not indicate the station’s
physical location is considered quite innovative here at Pd’A HQ. Therefore, we are taking it one step further and REQUIRING all USA entrants to use callsigns from another USA call area or possession. Foreign entrants are encouraged to do the
same (we note that the French are way ahead in this regard, with those TO*.*
callsigns always keeping us guessing).
3. All phone operation MUST use a synthesized voice. Same with FT8. CW must be generated using AI to simulate unique “fists” (available in WSJT-X v4.01-rc1 Super
CW mode – see April 2026 QST, page 40).
4. Serial numbers are required to progress in reverse order. Start with the highest
number you would expect to give out and count backwards by 7 from there. If you get to zero, you may keep going into the negative integers. NO FRACTIONS PLEASE.
5. Logs should be submitted in paper form to Poisson d’Avril Contest, attn: “Mad Max”
Freedman, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. Include $5 or boxtops from 6
packages of freeze-dried anything. In-
person log submission is permitted with 3 forms of ID and cash. Or a beer at Santa
Maria.
6. We urge you NOT to ask ChatGPT “what is the Poisson d’Avril amateur radio
contest?” The answer is boooooring and never mentions the perennial winner. Not
even once…missing the whole point. Phooey.
7. Additional help and some useful pointers are available on this Web site: