Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
Amateur Radio Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [contest]

Questions about the rules, processes and procedures in amateur radio contesting.

46 questions
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I hate contests. How can I avoid them?

There's nothing worse to getting home, turning on the radio, and being unable to find a clear frequency that isn't full of a bunch of meaningless QSOs where somehow everyone is 599 and no one has anything to say. Are there any designated…
Phil Frost - W8II
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What's the difference between saying “CQ” or “QRZ” in a contest?

I'm listening to (or let's say I'm trying to participate in) a contest (or perhaps Field Day), using SSB. I noticed that a station would, after completing a contact, sometimes say “CQ” and sometimes say “QRZ”. In either case, other stations then…
Kevin Reid AG6YO
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Why do some DX listen on a different frequency than they transmit on?

I've heard some DX indicate "CQ up 5" for instance, indicating that they are listening on a different frequency than they are transmitting on. What are the reasons one might want to do that?
Adam Davis
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How do I increase my phone intelligibility?

Listening to various operators at different times, I've sometimes noticed, especially during contests, that some operators are easier to understand than others, and it doesn't all seem to be due to their speech patterns. The audio doesn't sound good…
Adam Davis
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What skills will I learn from contesting?

I got into Amateur Radio for emergency preparation and to allow me to expand my electronics hobby. My needs are being met, but I'm wondering if I'm missing out on increasing my skills by avoiding contesting which, in and of itself, doesn't…
Adam Davis
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Where on the web can I find a calendar of upcoming contests?

For years, I have been using SM3CER Contest Service for HF contests. It is always good to have a backup, so I am looking for more or better. What do you recommend?
on4aa
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What is a CQ contest and what is the proper way to respond to a CQ contest call?

As I listen, I often hear stations calling "CQ contest". When I hear stations respond, they seem to do so with a specific set of information. I recognize the call sign and a signal report but there are often other pieces of information that seem to…
ghendricks
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How do I find a frequency to call CQ on during a contest?

I know that in many contests, sitting on a frequency and calling CQ is a very effective strategy to rack up points. However, during very popular contests it can be very difficult to find an open frequency. How can I find a frequency that I can use…
W5VO
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What is the process of making a voice contact?

I got into Amateur Radio for emergency preparation and to allow me to expand my electronics hobby. Initially I didn't find much value in contesting or making contacts, but apparently there are some valuable skills one can gain from contesting. I…
Adam Davis
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How are multiple-operator contest stations with one radio usually operated?

I am the president of a small school club. We plan an participating in the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes this weekend, which is our (new) club's first real multi-op contest effort. How do multioperator/club contest stations with only one transceiver usually…
krzysz00 KF5SOQ
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What happens if a station did not submit a contest log?

What is the result of a contest station not submitting a log for the contest? Are all the contacts nullified for the other stations that contacted him? Is it bad form for a non-participating station to contact stations that are participating in a…
Joe Cotton
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How does contesting benefit Amateur Radio and its community?

Some use contesting for personal accomplishment, some out of pure enjoyment, others to gather awards, and some to hone their ability to work their craft. For instance, you may learn or improve your skills merely by contesting. I'm wondering if…
Adam Davis
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Are there ways for people with receivers to participate in contests?

At the moment I only have an HF receiver (or I will when I build it, hopefully soon). Are there any contests I can participate in, or ways for me to participate in a contest without borrowing a transmitter or working with an amateur who has one?
Adam Davis
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Emergency/battery power rules for Field Day: do they include computer equipment?

There are some contests such as ARRL's Field Day that provide special categories or points for contestants who operate using emergency or battery power. The 2016 FD rules for "Class A - Battery" stations include this text: All contacts must be…
Jack Twilley
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What does TX/RX Exchange refer to?

I am using the Aether logging software and it has two fields I do not understand: TX Exchange and RX Exchange. I know TX and RX refer to transmit and receive, but I'm not sure what to populate in these fields. There is already a frequency field so I…
Dan
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