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Guide
RSGB HF Contesting Guide.
What are contests?
Contests are sporting competitions between
amateur stations on specific bands and modes according to
published rules. This contest guide specifically refers to
HF contests, but many of the guidelines apply equally to contests
on VHF/UHF.
Why take part?
Competition is fun and encourages entrants
to stretch themselves and their stations to the limit. Contests
are all about efficient operation. You can often tell a contest
operator on a band because he is the one working DX quickly,
or persevering through difficult conditions. He doesn't waffle,
or give up entirely when things get difficult. His station
is designed to cope well with both strong and weak signals
and to be operated comfortably at speed, with controls, writing
area and accessories all to hand (many of the best stations
around were set up to compete in contests or other competitions
- including DXing). Last, but not least, HF contests create
and renew friendships among participants. Ask any Commonwealth
Contest entrant about that!
How would I enter a contest?
The first step is to read the contest rules
in RadCom (January Rules Supplement, Contest and HF News sections),
QST, CQ Magazine, Practical Wireless etc. The rules for all
RSGB contests throughout the year are published in the contest
guide in January RadCom. If you are a packet cluster user,
enter SH/HFTEST followed by a three-letter abbreviation of
the month, to get date/time and other brief information, e.g.
SH/HFTEST NOV to list the major contests in November. If you
can’t find the rules, listen carefully to other entrants
and make a note of the information they are exchanging (usually
callsigns, reports and serial numbers). Make contact with
entrants and pass them the required information. Carefully
log times, callsigns, reports and any other information such
as serial numbers sent and received. At the end of the contest
rewrite your log onto contest logsheets or if you use a computer
for logging, prepare a log entry file. Check that you have
claimed the correct number of points for each contact, and
work out any bonus points or multipliers as specified in the
rules. Fill in an RSGB HF Contests Summary Sheet which has
spaces for your callsign and station details and boxes for
your claimed scores and grand total. If you have prepared
a paper entry, post it together with the summary sheet to
the contest adjudicator. If you logged on computer, send your
log files on disk or use email.
What are multipliers?
The final score in many contests is made
up of the total of QSO points on each band, multiplied by
the total number of countries worked on each band. This is
an example of a multiplier. So if you work the USA on four
bands, that counts as four multipliers.
What happens to my entry?
The adjudicator scrutinises all the entries,
looking for details missed or logged incorrectly. They check
for unmarked duplicate contacts and mathematical errors, and
cross check as many of the contacts as possible against other
entries and check-logs. They tabulate the checked scores to
identify the overall winners and winners in individual sections.
They write a contest report for publication (this may take
several months) and for transmission on GB2RS News Broadcasts.
Finally they arrange for the proper trophies and certificates
to be presented to the winners. Soon afterwards it’s
time to draw up and publish the rules for the next event.
Adjudication of a major contest can take many
hundreds of man-hours so please consider this when submitting
your entries. Neat handwriting or typing makes the adjudicators
job much easier, as does an accurate ‘dupe sheet’
for each band. Remember, RSGB events are all adjudicated by
unpaid volunteer members of the HF Contests Committee, who
give up their spare time so that you can enjoy contesting.
Contests for Beginners
Can I enter a contest by myself?
If you want to get stuck in and have a go
in a contest from home, there are plenty of events to choose
from. For example the Slow Speed Cumulative Contests provide
a gentle introduction to contesting for new entrants (see
page 3). The RSGB HF Contests Committee organises all types
of events. You might also care to participate in contests
run by overseas societies or magazines. Some contests are
restricted to particular types of station, e.g. QRP or Portable,
and you may not be allowed to enter these events. Entrants
may usually work you for points, however, and the adjudicators
always welcome ‘checklogs’ - a photocopy of the
relevant pages from your log would suffice. Most contests
take place at weekends. To find one in progress just keep
a listen out for lots of rapid exchanges of reports and serial
numbers or other codes. Before you transmit, listen to find
out who is working whom and what information is being exchanged
(or look up the rules). Then get going! Aim to be clear and
precise. Don't give name, QTH and details of the weather,
or ask a DX station for QSL information which can usually
be obtained from other sources. If you’re on CW, don’t
be afraid to ask the other station to QRS (slow down) if you
can’t cope. All good operators will respond to such
a request.
How do I enter a team contest?
If you want to participate in a group entry,
why not go and help your local radio society enter a Field
Day or an AFS contest. Clubs are often very grateful to receive
enthusiastic assistance with team events. General helpers,
loggers and dupe-checkers are just as important as operators,
so you will be very welcome to take part even if you do not
wish to operate at first. If you aren’t a member of
your local club you really don’t know what you’re
missing. Contact the Secretary or another official for information
- club addresses are often available through your local library
- they may certainly be had from RSGB HQ or from the yearbook.
Go along, learn how contests work and, most of all, ENJOY
YOURSELF.
As a listener, can I enter contests?
Short-wave listeners (SWLs) are particularly
encouraged to participate in contests. You may, of course,
assist with logging in team events. Most contests include
special SWL sections and there are also contests specifically
for SWLs. Usually, for each exchange heard, SWLs must record
the band, time and both callsigns, plus the report and serial
number sent by either station. A given callsign can only appear
a limited number of times in so many contacts logged (analogous
to the requirement for transmitting entrants not to make duplicate
contacts) and stations calling CQ do not count.
Why do events sometimes clash?
All the large international contests, by
definition, involve amateurs around the world. The largest
ones attract thousands of entrants and tens of thousands of
participants. Since HF signals are audible world- wide under
suitable conditions, this generates a considerable amount
of traffic. Contest organisers go to some lengths to ensure
that contests do not clash by publicising their proposed dates
well in advance, including via the IARU. However, this is
a free world and organisers cannot be bound to avoid a certain
date simply because another group has arranged an event. In
practice, major contests tend to retain the same relative
dates from year to year (e.g. HF NFD is on the first weekend
in June, and has been for many years) whereas minor contests
are sometimes brought forward or postponed to avoid any large
ones. Purely national contests are usually scheduled for bands/times
when propagation is very limited. In addition, the WARC bands
(10/18/24 MHz) are kept contest-free, as a haven for non-contesters.
Cumulative Contests
What are Cumulative Contests?
Cumulatives consist of a set of separate
contest sessions on different days, spread over a number of
weeks. Each session runs like an individual contest. The final
score for the event is obtained by adding together the scores
from the best sessions. This format enables you to miss a
couple of days, or just to disregard poor ones. Cumulative
sessions are short, so there is little of the stress of major
events, but all the fun. Some overseas societies run low-key
events called "Activity Periods" or "QSO Parties".
There are usually awards for the winners, but the emphasis
is on the social aspects of contacting other participating
stations rather than amassing lots of points - these events
are very suitable for novices.
When do they take place?
There are presently two cumulative contests
run by RSGB and all are CW events. In spring and again in
autumn there are the "QRS Cumulatives", which are
90-minute sessions on weekday evenings on 80m only. There
is a power limit of 10W and an absolute speed limit of 12wpm.
In QRS events competitors are asked to use only a ‘straight’
key and not to use computers during the contest. They are
thus ideal for Novices and newcomers to the contest scene.
What is involved in each session?
During a session contest exchanges are made
as usual. Participants exchange report and name. Duplicate
contacts with a given station in any one session do not count
for points, but since each period is a contest in its own
right you can claim points for a contact with the same station
in each of the sessions. Non- participants, including overseas
stations, may not send you all the information (e.g. no serial
number) but this is no problem. In RSGB HF contests (unless
the rules specifically prohibit it), provided you send all
the required information to them and log correctly the callsign,
incoming report and any other information which they may send
you may still claim points for the contact. If on the other
hand the contact was not completed, you cannot claim points
simply for having sent information to the other station.
What happens after the contest?
Score each session separately according to
the rules, then pick the best three sessions for your entry
for QRS events and the two best for the LF ones. Prepare an
extra summary sheet showing the date of each of the sessions
and the number of points claimed, as well as the grand total,
then send your entry to the address published with the rules.
If you have logs for any other sessions that you excluded
from your entry, send them is as well, clearly marked "CHECKLOG"
- they are a great assistance to the adjudicator.
How do I start?
As with any contest, the best place to start
is to read the rules published in RadCom and be sure you fully
understand what is required. It is a good idea to prepare
log sheets with your serial numbers already written in (starting
from 001) to save time once the contest starts. If you use
a computer for the contest, make sure you are familiar with
how to use the program before the contest starts. Try not
to rush your first attempt, but take time to listen to the
other contestants’ exchanges and get a feel for how
to send the information clearly and efficiently. Speed will
come with practice.
HF Field Day Contests
What is a Field Day (FD)?
Field days were originally intended to test
the ability of amateur radio groups to operate under emergency
conditions, using temporary stations and portable power sources,
as might be necessary after a natural disaster. When radio
was still at an experimental stage almost all equipment was
home made. Nowadays commercial transceivers are the rule but
ancillary equipment such as power supplies, keyers or SWR
Bridges are often home-brew.
What do Field Days involve?
There are two HF Field Days: National Field
Day (160 to 10m CW) and SSB Field Day (80 to 10m). In addition,
the Low Power Contest in July has a portable section. They
all require RSGB members to operate ‘portable’
stations; permanent structures (buildings) may not be used
to house the stations or hold up aerials, so entrants usually
operate in tents, cars or caravans in fields, using tubular
masts, mobile towers or trees as antenna supports and with
power supplied from portable sources (generators, batteries
etc., not the mains). Bonus points or multipliers may be scored
for contacts with other portable stations or with new country
prefixes, depending on the specific rules. There are different
sections in each event such as open or restricted entries
(restrictions on power or aerials) - details are published
with the rules.
When are they?
NFD is held on the first weekend in June,
SSB FD on the first weekend in September (the same weekend
as the 144MHz Trophy Contest) and the Low Power contest is
held in early July. In ‘portable’ contests, stations
may only be assembled, aerials erected etc. within 24 hours
of the start of the contest. In NFD and SSB FD equipment is
often taken to the field late on Friday afternoon, when there
may just be time to erect some antennas before dark. Station
assembly is completed on the Saturday morning, leaving just
enough time for testing before the event starts. The contests
proper run for 24 hours. The Low Power Contest is shorter
and there are two operating periods with a lunch break between.
In addition, of course, there is a lot of preparation to do
before each contest - collecting, building and testing rigs,
aerials etc., and practising operating techniques.
What happens during the contests?
Most stations are operated under the guidance
of a station organiser, according to a rota. They usually
arrange for teams, perhaps consisting of operator and checklogger,
to be replaced as they tire (maybe every hour or two) throughout
the 24-hour period. During their time off, everyone takes
a share of the collective duties, which may be anything from
refuelling the generator to cooking, making tea and coffee
or keeping cows away. Some groups set up their stations in
parks or other public places and then one or two members are
usually detailed to deal (politely) with inquisitive members
of the public!
How do I get involved?
Your local radio club is probably the best
place to find out about entries in your area since Field Days
are group contests. Contact the club secretary or contest
manager for more information. If your club doesn't enter field
day at the moment, ask who is interested at the next meeting
and you may find several like-minded people willing to have
a go. Further guidance is available from the HFCC if needed.
Affiliated Societies (AFS) Contests
What are AFS Contests?
There are four RSGB AFS contests each winter.
They involve ‘teams’ of operators belonging to
RSGB-affiliated societies (though not necessarily all RSGB
members) who operate on behalf of their group. You may already
have entered the 2m or 70cm AFS contests on SSB or FM. Both
the HF AFS contests are held on 80m, CW and SSB. The CW event
usually attracts around 350 stations, representing 100 or
so affiliated societies, and is one of the best-supported
UK contests. In contrast to the usual multi-operator contests,
HF AFS teams usually consist of a number of club members who
operate their own stations at home. Their scores are then
added together to arrive at the team total.
When are the HF AFS Contests held?
CW HF AFS takes place on the second Sunday
in January. It lasts for four hours during the afternoon and,
being a national contest, is timed to reduce interference
to overseas amateurs. SSB HF AFS takes place on the Saturday
afternoon following the CW event.
What sort of station do I need in order
to take part?
Anyone can make a useful contribution to
AFS - every year entries are received from Novices and other
QRP stations sometimes using as little as 1W output power,
a direct-conversion receiver and a small wire or vertical
antenna. If you don’t make the ‘A’ team,
you may be the leading entrant in the ‘B’ team.
If you are not a member of a club (perhaps you should consider
joining one!!) why not go on and have fun anyway. Send in
your log as an independent checklog. You will assist the adjudicators
and receive the proper credit in the contest report.
What happens during the contests?
Contest exchanges consist of callsign, signal
report and a three-digit serial number starting at 001. An
aspect of the CW contest which is of particular interest is
the ‘QRS Corral’. This is a section of the band
which is set aside for the exclusive use of stations sending
at comparatively low speeds (12wpm or less) in order to encourage
less experienced operators to take part and support their
club. Notwithstanding, you can always ask another station
to slow down by sending "QRS". Do not be afraid
to use this request as mistakes caused by excessive speed
can cost points. All good operators should automatically attempt
to match their speed to that of the person calling them.
What happens after the contest?
Each operator completes the contest and prepares
their own entry individually before passing their log to the
person who is responsible for the club entry (perhaps the
secretary or contest manager). That person assigns the individual
entrants into teams, adds up the claimed team scores and prepares
a team summary sheet. They then send all the logs in one package
to the adjudicator for marking.
How can I take part?
Get in touch with the contest manager or
secretary at your local club to find out if they intend to
take part in the next AFS contests. If not, why not organise
an entry yourself? Coerce as many people as you can into having
a go on behalf of the club and make sure they are all aware
of the rules, which are published in the October issue of
RadCom. After the contest collect the logs together, decide
on the team composition (the adjudicator will not alter this,
nor do it for you) and send the whole lot off in one package.
You may also like to include a stamped, addressed postcard
for the adjudicator to return so you will know your entry
has arrived safely.
Other RSGB HF Contests
IOTA Contest: This
is now a major international contest. Based around the RSGB
IOTA Awards programme, you may work anyone but score premium
points and collect multipliers for contacts with IOTA islands.
The contest is at the end of July on 80 to 10m CW and SSB.
Single and dual band contests: A
variety of single and multi-operator, CW and SSB contests
take place on specific bands - 160m CW (Feb & Nov) and 15 &10m (Oct).
These events are suited to novice and experienced contesters
alike. They include sections for SWLs and are open to overseas
entrants.
Commonwealth Contest (March): This
is a contest for DX enthusiasts which involves contacts between
stations in the British Commonwealth and is a good opportunity
to work stations with rare prefixes on 80 to 10m CW. Signal
strengths from the more distant countries are often poor and
good, low-angle antenna systems are advantageous. Even so,
success can be had with the smallest of stations. This contest,
which dates back to 1932, used to be called the "British
Empire Radio Union" contest which is why so many entrants
call "CQ BERU".
ROPOCO (April and August): ROPOCO
stands for ROtating POst COdes. For the first contact you
send your own postcode and receive one back; in subsequent
contacts you send the postcode you have just received and
receive a new one in return, thus passing them on around the
participants. These Sunday-morning 80m CW contests require
great care in receiving, logging and sending accurately.
Club Calls Contest (November): This
topband team contest developed out of the Verulam ARC’s
‘Clubs Contest’ and aims to promote social contact between
club members and to activate club callsigns. Clubs, club members or
individuals may enter using any mode. Foundation and
Intermediate licence-holders are encouraged to operate the club
call under the supervision of Full licensees.
Top Band DF Contests (throughout the year):
In Direction Finding (DF) contests, entrants
attempt to locate hidden transmitters by triangulating bearings
taken with special portable DF receivers which have highly
directional aerials. The first operator to locate all the
transmitters in each session is the winner. The transmitters
are often cunningly concealed in open country and their signal
strengths may well be deliberately adjusted in order to deceive
the hunters as to their distance from the start. Finding them
requires not only considerable technical skill but also a
degree of physical fitness and acceptance of discomfort. DF
contests are run by the RSGB "ARDF" Committee. Rules
and results are published in RadCom, in Contest News.
Other specialist contests (throughout the
year): Other special-interest groups
affiliated to the RSGB organise their own events. These include
RTTY and SSTV contests, WAB contests and events for members
of groups such as RNARS and FOC. The rules and results are
generally published by the groups concerned and often appear
in summary form in the HF News column of RadCom.
HF Contest Championship (yearly, Jan - Dec):
This is not a specific contest in its own
right but involves participation in a number of single-operator
HF events during the year. The events concerned are listed
in the rules. In order to qualify for the championship it
is necessary to enter at least two of the events - qualifiers
callsigns are put forward for inclusion automatically. A qualifier’s
championship points for each event they enter are calculated
on the basis of his score expressed as a function of the score
amassed by the event’s winner, multiplied by a ‘difficulty’
factor for each contest. To win the Championship requires
consistently good performances and represents a great overall
effort.
Non-RSGB International HF Contests
Can I enter non-RSGB contests?
In addition to the RSGB events detailed in
this publication, most other national societies and amateur
radio organisations have their own HF contests, many of which
are open to all comers. In general they take place at weekends
and the normal exchange is report and serial number, so casual
entrants can usually participate. The exceptions are those
events which specify contacts within the same country/ society
(contacts with overseas stations or non-members although ‘permitted’
do not count for points - so entrants will avoid you if you
call them!). Some contests use special exchanges like WAB
locators - to enter these it is necessary to know the correct
information to send. If you cannot find a copy of the rules
or figure it out from the information being exchanged you
can always try asking one of the entrants (don’t pick
the station who is working a pile-up! Find someone who is
not likely to be one of the winners - you stand a better chance
of getting a reply).
What about the rules?
Brief summaries of the rules of most major
international contests are published in the HF News section
of RadCom but anyone intending to make a serious entry is
advised to contact the organisers directly for the full rules.
The RSGB awards trophies for the UK winners of some overseas
contests and these are presented annually at the HF Convention.
There follow brief descriptions of some of the major overseas
events:
CQ World-wide (CQWW) & World Prefix
(WPX) Contests: CQ Magazine runs these
major events annually on both CW and SSB. Each is a full weekend
(48hrs) long on each mode and literally thousands of amateurs
enter. CQWW usually provides great opportunities to work rare
countries, often activated by "DXpeditions" who
go there specifically to operate in the contests. In CQWW
the contest exchange is signal report and "CQ Zone",
which for the UK is ‘14’. DXCC Countries and CQ
Zones worked on each band (160 - 10m) count as multipliers.
In the WPX contests, scoring is by multipliers for each prefix,
rather than country... G3IFB and G4iFB would be counted as
different prefixes (multipliers). This contest is unusual
in that multipliers may be counted only once, regardless of
band. The full rules are published in CQ Magazine, and a comprehensive
summary in RadCom.
ARRL DX contests: The
Amateur Radio Relay League organises major DX contests on
SSB and CW. These events, where the rest of the world works
the 48 mainland US states plus Canadian provinces on all six
bands 160 to 10m, are as popular as CQWW. US/VE stations send
report and State/Province while all other stations send report
and power output. The multiplier is the number of states/provinces
contacted on all bands. ARRL also run contests on 160m and
10m.
IARU HF Championship: The
International Amateur Radio Union runs this major event on
all the HF bands in mid July. The RSGB Headquarters station
GB5HQ is one of several stations around the world representing
a country's national society. All such stations count as additional
multipliers.
WAE DX Contests: Europe
works the rest of the world. In this contest extra points
can be earned by DX stations sending back to EU stations details
of their previous QSOs (called QTCs). The rules are very complicated
and anyone intending to enter should obtain a copy from the
German national society (DARC) who organise the events.
Other Contests: Other
societies throughout the world organise all sorts of contests,
some of which are very well supported. The certificates and
plaques to be won in many of these events are well worth the
effort. The rules are almost always available through the
HF News column in RadCom. Whenever space permits, advance
warning of both RSGB and overseas contests is given in RadCom.
Contest Paperwork
Paper logging
Already in this guide there have been references
to computer logging, but newcomers to contesting must not
get the impression that a computer is necessary to enter a
contest.
Why do I need to do so much paperwork?
Contest adjudicators scrutinise each entrant’s
submission to ensure that all claimed contacts were accurately
recorded. To do this they need a record of the information
which was exchanged during each contact as well as other data
needed for crosschecking, such as the time of QSO. In addition,
the adjudicator needs to know about your station, to check
that you were operating within the contest rules and possibly
to publish details in the contest report, and your address
in case of queries or to send your certificate to if you win!
Must I use the proper forms?
Using the proper forms is not compulsory
in RSGB contests - but it helps. It helps you by providing
spaces for all the required data. It also helps the adjudicator,
who has to scan through many hundreds of sheets, to find what
they are looking for in the same place on every one. There
is nothing worse for an adjudicator than trying to deal with
a poorly-written log in which the sent and received columns
are reversed. If you do make your own, please follow the RSGB
format.
How do I fill in contest log sheets?
A contest log sheet is basically similar
to a page in a log book. Each line has spaces for the time,
callsign of station worked, report and serial number sent
and received, other information exchanged, new bonus or multiplier
and QSO points scored. Read the rules carefully to find out
how many points to claim for each contact, and what the bonuses
or multipliers are. Add up the points on each sheet and write
the total at the bottom, along with the total bonus points
or multipliers claimed on that sheet. If the contest was on
more than one band be sure to log each band on separate sheets
- different bands may be checked by different adjudicators.
What is a summary sheet?
The summary sheet is like a covering letter
that says who you are and what contest and section you are
entering. It has spaces for all the required information,
including your address and details of your station. You MUST
sign the form to say that you have abided by the rules and
spirit of the contest and to give permission (under the Data
Protection Act) for the adjudicator to enter data from your
log into a computer for checking. Many people call the summary
sheet a ‘cover sheet’, but that is in fact a separate
form required only in National Field Day.
What is a ‘Dupe Sheet’?
Not a list of duplicate QSOs, but a checklist
of ALL the callsigns worked during a contest sorted into alphanumeric
order and ideally showing the outgoing serial number or the
time of contact beside each callsign. Preparing one of these
enables duplicates to be spotted easily - keeping one during
the event can help reduce the number of time-wasting duplicate
contacts made. It also helps the adjudicator by reducing the
time taken to check the log, sometimes by as much as 50%.
Don’t be tempted to include more information than specified
above - it isn’t needed, wastes paper and makes the
list harder to read. Separate dupe sheets should be prepared
for each band. Samples of a design approved by HFCC may be
obtained from any committee member. Although A4 in size they
are best enlarged (by photocopying to A3 if possible) for
use.
Where do I get blank sheets?
HF (and VHF) Contest log sheets are available
from RSGB HQ at cost price. Sample log, summary and dupe sheets
are available from committee members (SAE please). Examples
are also printed in the Call Book and in this Guide, for you
to photocopy. Equivalent sheets for other societies can normally
be obtained from their headquarters, although RSGB paperwork
is usually accepted.
Computers in Contests
Computer logging
If you run suitable software on your computer
during the contest you may create the log directly at the
keyboard. There are a number of programs available which keep
the log, enter the time of QSO using the computer’s
internal clock, update the outgoing serial number automatically,
and check for duplicate contacts in milliseconds. Most include
a CW sender which (with the addition of a simple interface)
will key the transmitter and send the outgoing exchange as
well as CQ calls.
If your software is programmed
with the scoring rules for the contest all you have to do is enter the
callsign and exchange. The computer determines whether it is a bonus or
multiplier contact, works out the points to be claimed and often
updates a running total display on screen. Several programs have a
packet interface enabling 'spots' from the packet cluster network to be
picked up if needed as new multipliers. In the interest of contesters
who truly wish to be single operators or who do not have access to
packet, this facility may only be used in RSGB contests if you enter
the multi-operator section. Preparing the entry for submission at the
end of the event is usually done by email. Separate addresses are used
for each RSGB contest, and these are shown on the rules page for the
contest in question. Paper entries are accepted but only if a computer
was not used during the contest for logging. Printed entries generated
from a contest logging program will not be accepted.
Drawbacks:
There are a number of potential problems
with realtime logging: (a) Computers and displays can radiate
RF interference and may also be sensitive to the field from
your transmitter... you may well need to do some screening
and filtering, and cables should be kept as short as possible;
(b) power cuts and hardware faults are not uncommon - unless
you take precautions you could lose data. Make sure the logging
program you choose saves to disk after each QSO and be prepared
to disable any disk caching utilities. In any case, save your
log to diskette frequently; (c) Unless you write the software
yourself it may not be suited to the contest you are entering,
so check it out thoroughly before you begin; (d) You need
to be fairly confident with the keyboard. ‘Hunt and
peck’ is usually not fast enough. Also, everyone makes
keyboard errors and in the heat of a contest these may be
worse than normal, bringing the possibility of mis-typing
or even accidentally deleting information; (e) In summer,
you will have to remember to set your computer’s clock
to GMT; (f) you will have to learn how to use the program
you finally choose and become completely familiar with it.
Try to start off in one of the smaller events. Despite all
this, it is fair to say that most of the top contesters now
use realtime computer logging.
Post-Event Logging:
Some contesters prefer to log on paper during
the event but use a computer for dupe-checking and printing
afterwards. This avoids most of the problems mentioned above,
but can introduce another problem: transcription errors. Ensure
you copy the callsigns correctly, as mistakes here cost points.
If your program prints a dupe sheet, please remember to send
it in with the log. Finally, always double-check the printed
log against the original. It takes a bit of time but it’s
worth it.
Computers and the Internet
Internet
Contesters are among the first to embrace
new technology, and for several years there has been a lively
discussion group on the Internet run for, and by, contesters.
Most subscribers are in the USA but there is representation
from almost fifty countries and newcomers to contesting are
most welcome, and will pick up many tips and tricks by participating
in the discussions. More recently a UK orientated contest
reflector has been set up for people to discuss all aspects
of UK run contests and contesting from a UK persective. To
subscribe to the UK contest reflector send an e-mail to uk-contest-request@contesting.com
with the word subscribe in the body of the message.
To subscribe to the cq-contest internet reflector,
send a message with the single word subscribe in the subject
line to: cq-contest-request@contesting.com. Within a few minutes
you will receive an email giving full details of the contest
discussion group. Full details may also be found on the web
page www.contesting.com. This site is a mine of information
for contesters of all levels of experience, and it contains
links to other contest sites including the SM3CER Contest
Service ( http://www.sk3bg.se/contest/index.htm) and KA9FOX
(www.qth.com/ka9fox/) pages.
Hints and Tips
Make Notes:
An important part of contesting is learning
from your experiences and mistakes! Think about how you might
improve your score next time. Preferably, do it right after
the contest, while things are still fresh in your mind. Consider
starting a contest notebook to record information about activity,
band conditions, solar flux and A/K figures, your scoring
rates and claimed score, etc. You could later add the winner’s
score from the published results. Noting your own checked
score from the tables will give an indication of how accurate
your log was.
Analyse what went wrong:
Did you use the band(s) efficiently, or perhaps
you missed some openings? Is the station layout comfortable
and easy to use? Is your computer logging program really suited
to contests? Did your checklogging system work or did you
miss duplicates? Was it too slow? Do you need to keep one
during this contest or would it be better to dupe check afterwards?
Did you fall asleep or run out of coffee? Was your operating
strategy correct? Did you spend too much time calling CQ and
miss multipliers which you could have found by ‘hunt
and pounce’ (did the winner get fewer contacts but more
multipliers than you)?
Plan improvements:
Entering a contest seriously involves some
forethought. Many entrants spend the first three to six months
after the contest planning improvements for next year. Think
about all aspects of the station, including yourself, not
just the equipment and aerials. Does the receiver need to
be replaced or realigned? Would a different (or additional)
antenna be useful (consider wave angle as well as horizontal
directivity)? Should you practise your CW? Would you do better
in a different section? Do you need to think about modifying
your sleep pattern in advance? Can you improve participation
from your club? The RSGB Operating Manual has an excellent
section on contesting techniques with lots of other hints.
Prepare the station:
Use the remaining period up to the start
of the next contest to prepare the station. Realign the rig
if necessary. Build and test new aerials. Sort out peripherals
like keyers, voice recorders, headphones, comfy chairs and
coffee flasks. Make sure you can reach all the controls without
having to stretch or strain (or even worse, leave the operating
position)! Spend as much time on the air as you can, particularly
participating in other contests, to become familiar with propagation
and band occupancy. Check the rules, properly, and make sure
that any other operators in your group are aware of them.
Even if you are using computer logging, have some scrap paper
and pens handy for jotting down notes. Make up checklog sheets
in advance e.g. suitably sized and ruled sheets for each band,
perhaps taped to hardboard panels. Some contesters like to
fill in their outgoing serial numbers in advance - one tip
here is to prepare a ‘master’ log sheet with just
the last digit of your serial numbers written in (i.e. 1 to
9 and 0) and photocopy as many as you need. If you change
bands you can always leave blank lines for those numbers that
don’t fit the sequence on the new band. Make sure you
fire up the station in sufficient time to fix any last-minute
problems that might occur.
How to start (take the plunge):
There are two good ways to start contesting:
helping out during a multi-operator event, or simply having
a go yourself, preferably in one of the shorter events such
as the Cumulatives. Team events like Field Day are a super
introduction because you can see and help experienced operators
at first hand, but without the stress of actually operating
unless you want to. Alternatively form a contest group so
that you can all learn together. In the end, though, the only
way to get wet is to come into the water. So keep an eye on
RadCom for contest rules and other information, and keep an
ear open for "CQ Contest" or "CQ TEST"
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