Ten – Ten International or just 10 – 10 for short is an organization of amateur radio operators which are dedicated to maintaining high levels of amateur radio and communication on the 10 meter amateur wave band (28.0-29.7 MHz). It was established in 1962 and has grown continuously since that day, but not without it’s ups and downs according to the number of sunspots and the openness of the band. At this point over 75,000 10-10 numbers have been issued.

10-10 is a volunteer organization with no paid officers, the work of providing services to members falls upon the shoulders of dedicated volunteers. The quarterly issue of ’10 – 10 News’, the 30+ page journal of 10 – 10 activities is the only exception.

If you are a 10 meter enthusiast, 10 – 10 allows you to take part in a wide variety of activities internationally, not the least of which is meeting old friends and making new ones by keeping the band active through participation in 10 – 10 nets, QSO parties and certificate collection. These activities offer both satisfaction and challenges whilst promoting learning and courteous practises. The combination of the on-the-air activities, awards, a bi-annual convention, not forgetting the 10 – 10 News creates an unusually strong bond among organization members.

10 – 10 Daily Nets.

The purpose of the Daily Nets is to promote activity and good operating practices on the 10 meter amateur band and to assist radio amateurs in improving technical skills and operating procedures. The Nets provide a means for members to make contact and to recruit new members and are open to all radio amateurs worldwide.

Chapters.

10 – 10 has Chapters all over the world. There are approx. 200 at the moment. Each Chapter has its own plan of organisation and sets its own requirements, the basic one being that you must be a paid up 10 – 10 member. They hold weekly Net meetings to conduct their Chapter business. Most Chapters issue certificates and other awards, as a result of this Chapters may have members all over the world.

Paperchasing – No you don’t need your running shoes.

This is one of the favorites for members. Most Chapters issue certificates for contacting certain of their members. Usually after receiving the first certificates the Chapter will issue upgrades for contacting additional members, it is usually necessary to contact a member during the weekly Net meeting.

Awards

All Awards are issued by the Award managers for the respective Award.

Bars – no not drinking ones.

A Bar is awarded for each 100 contacts, when the ‘500 Bar’ is achieved you will automatically become a member of the ‘International 500 Club’ and you will given an Honorable VP number. This is used with your ordinary 10 – 10 number. There are other perks for the ‘International 500 Club’ too.

A 10 – 10 Award Certificate will be issued for 1000 contacts, 2500 contacts and for every 2500 thereafter. The cost of the Bar Certificates is $2.00 plus 2 First Class Stamps. This is operated on the honor system this means that you do not have to confirm contacts but dates do have to be submitted.

There are many other Award systems i.e. Continents, all six continents must be contacted for this one. US Counties, UK Counties, are the same, there is even a Digital Award where 25 contacts are made using digital modes.

QSO Parties, Contests and Special Op. Activities.

10 – 10 sponsors eight QSO parties each year, these are held for fun and to meet old and new prospective members. Phone parties are held in summer and winter while CW and Digital parties are held in the Spring and Fall. QSO parties last 48 hours. On Oct 10 a 24 hour Sprint is held and a Mobile QSO party is held on the third Saturday in March.

There are Three Special Operating Activities held throughout the year.

All 10 – 10 members are encouraged to participate in the above activities.

Conventions.

10 – 10 holds a biennial convention in odd numbered years. All members are invited. Personal contact and camaraderie are the chief aims.

Ten meter radio is not just a box in the corner. It’s also a way to have serious fun.

Author Bio: If you would like to learn more about CB radio or 10 meter radio you can visit us at ThorsCBradio.com. 10 meter radio has become more popular because they offer greater power than a traditional CB radio.

Category: Short Stories
Keywords: cb radio, 10 meter radio