🛠️ Can It Ham? Contest Rules

Presented by Ham Radio Village – DEF CON 33
Using callsigns: K0HRV and K4N

🧠 Objective

Design and build a functioning amateur radio antenna using non-traditional or improvised materials (e.g., tin cans, coat hangers, umbrellas, plumbing pipe).
If it looks absurd and still gets on the air, you're doing it right.

📦 Submission Guidelines

Material Requirements:
Use of unconventional or repurposed materials is mandatory.
Commercially manufactured antennas or kits are not permitted, though salvaged parts are acceptable.
Target Bands:
Must resonate on at least one amateur band (e.g., 33cm, 70cm, 20m, 40m, 15m).
Multi-band functionality is a plus, not a requirement.
Connector Requirement:
Antennas must terminate in an SMA connector, or be compatible with SMA via an adapter.
A small selection of common adapters will be available onsite (e.g., BNC, SO-239).
Size & Safety:
Must be transportable and safe for indoor handling.
Sharp edges, flammable materials, or dangerously high voltages will be disqualified.

⚙️ Judging Process

Phase 1: Lab Pre-Qualification

Each submission will be tested using a nanoVNA. Antennas must demonstrate:

A resonant frequency in at least one amateur band
An SWR < 3:1 at that frequency

Tuning may be done onsite with tools provided by HRV.

Phase 2: On-the-Air Signal Test

Top-performing antennas will be connected to transmitters operated by Ham Radio Village, using call signs K0HRV or K4N.
Stations will transmit CQ or a test message, and results will be tracked via the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN).

Metrics collected:

Number of receiving stations detected
Maximum signal distance
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) from RBN reports

🏆 Scoring Criteria

Category	Points
nanoVNA SWR Performance	20
Reverse Beacon Reach	30
Creativity of Materials	20
Aesthetics & Presentation	10
Multi-band Capability	10
Bonus: 100% Tin Can Design	+5
Bonus: MacGyver Factor	+5

🎁 Prizes

Winners will receive prizes provided by Ham Radio Village, which may include radios, analyzers, gear, and custom swag.
Most of all, you'll win eternal bragging rights — and possibly a very confused look from a seasoned ham.

Commemorative QSL cards are available on request for all on-air contacts.

📅 Schedule

Submissions Accepted: Until 10 A.M. Sunday on the Contest Floor
On-Air Testing Begins: 11 A.M. Sunday, 3rd Floor Patio, LVCC
Awards: Announced during the Closing Ceremony, 3 P.M.

📝 Notes & Disclaimers

All transmissions will be conducted under a valid FCC license by HRV control operators.
No high-voltage devices or dangerous materials allowed.
Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries for safety or rule violations.
Humor, flair, and weird science are highly encouraged.

🙋 Want to Help?

Want to judge, staff, or hang out with other RF nerds?
👉 Join our Discord
📬 Or email us: contest@hamvillage.org

📷 Got Photos?

Tag us on social media with your build: #CanItHam
Or send them to: photos@hamvillage.org