SSB FUNTEST: The 1296 SSB Funtest will start at 1200 on 7 Jan and end at 1200 on the 8 Jan. This year there will not be a 432 SSB contest. Instead 13 cm SSB activity is encouraged around the 23 cm contest.  If any significant QSO counts are received, they will be recognize with special certificates. These events are intended to be fun. You do not need to transmit on SSB to participate. CW to SSB and vice verse exchanges are encouraged and count for points. (Only one QSO between stations is allowed, i.e., you cannot work a station SSB to SSB and SSB to CW for extra points). Scoring is contact points x number of two letter Grid Sectors (IO, JM, FN, EM …) worked. SSB to SSB contacts count as 2 points. SSB to CW (or CW to SSB) count as 1 point. The exchange is your Sector (IO, JM, etc.). Only the 2 sector letters need to be sent and copied by EME. The exchange of signal reports and/or 4 character grids is optional and not required. Operation may be by single or multiple operators from one location. No distinction for scoring will be made. Assisted operation is not encouraged. All skeds/operational announcements should be made prior to the start of the contest. Logs should be sent to the 432 and Up EME NL by email to alkatz(x)tcnj.edu ASAP after the end of the contests. (All logs for contest awards should have been received within the month following the contest). The top scoring station on each band will receive an attractively framed certificate that will be presented at the next International EME Conference (Holland 2018).