The year 2025 will mark the centenary of the Réseau des Émetteurs Français (REF) and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).
In commemoration of this significant event, the REF, a member of the IARU, is organizing a radio challenge for all licensed amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners (SWLs) worldwide.
This centenary challenge aims to celebrate 100 years of our association's activities by bringing the amateur radio community together in a convivial activity.
The challenge will take place from April 1 to June 30, 2025, and will include contacts made on the following frequency bands: 160 m, 80 m, 60 m, 40 m, 30 m, 20 m, 17 m, 15 m, 12 m, 10 m, 6 m, 2 m, 70 cm, 23 cm, 13 cm, 6 cm, and 3 cm, as well as via the QO-100 satellite.
The following modes will be utilized: SSB (voice), CW (Morse), and digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY, PSK31, etc.). Cross-mode/band contacts, as well as those using terrestrial repeaters or connections assisted by radio-internet or similar means, will not be permitted.
All participating departments and territories will be assigned call signs following the format outlined below:
TM01REF to TM95REF for the departments of metropolitan France.
TK2aREF and TK2bREF for Corsica.
TOxxxREF and TXxxxREF for overseas departments and territories (e.g., TO971REF).
TM100REF for the organizing team during the commemoration period.
Each QSO with the activation teams will be counted once per band and mode, allowing all stations, irrespective of geographic distinctions, to earn a certificate based on the following criteria:
Basic Certificate: 25 QSOs required with at least 15 different TMxxREF stations.
50 Ticket: 50 QSOs required with at least 25 different TMxxREF stations.
75 Ticket: 75 QSOs required with at least 35 different TMxxREF stations.
100 Ticket: 100 QSOs required with at least 45 different TMxxREF stations, including at least one contact with TM100REF.
A trophy and a commemorative book on the history of the REF will be awarded during HAMEXPO 2025 to the top participant in each category: SSB, CW, Digital, and Mixed (all modes).
In commemoration of this significant event, the REF, a member of the IARU, is organizing a radio challenge for all licensed amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners (SWLs) worldwide.
This centenary challenge aims to celebrate 100 years of our association's activities by bringing the amateur radio community together in a convivial activity.
The challenge will take place from April 1 to June 30, 2025, and will include contacts made on the following frequency bands: 160 m, 80 m, 60 m, 40 m, 30 m, 20 m, 17 m, 15 m, 12 m, 10 m, 6 m, 2 m, 70 cm, 23 cm, 13 cm, 6 cm, and 3 cm, as well as via the QO-100 satellite.
The following modes will be utilized: SSB (voice), CW (Morse), and digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY, PSK31, etc.). Cross-mode/band contacts, as well as those using terrestrial repeaters or connections assisted by radio-internet or similar means, will not be permitted.
All participating departments and territories will be assigned call signs following the format outlined below:
TM01REF to TM95REF for the departments of metropolitan France.
TK2aREF and TK2bREF for Corsica.
TOxxxREF and TXxxxREF for overseas departments and territories (e.g., TO971REF).
TM100REF for the organizing team during the commemoration period.
Each QSO with the activation teams will be counted once per band and mode, allowing all stations, irrespective of geographic distinctions, to earn a certificate based on the following criteria:
Basic Certificate: 25 QSOs required with at least 15 different TMxxREF stations.
50 Ticket: 50 QSOs required with at least 25 different TMxxREF stations.
75 Ticket: 75 QSOs required with at least 35 different TMxxREF stations.
100 Ticket: 100 QSOs required with at least 45 different TMxxREF stations, including at least one contact with TM100REF.
A trophy and a commemorative book on the history of the REF will be awarded during HAMEXPO 2025 to the top participant in each category: SSB, CW, Digital, and Mixed (all modes).