Contest Support - foldynl/QLog GitHub Wiki

QLog includes basic support for contest operations, though it is not designed to meet the needs of a “professional” contest operator. Instead, it offers simpler, occasional contesting functionality.

To start a new contest in QLog, the operator must have an active Contest ID with a value assigned to Contest ID and appropriate contest fields, such as RcvExch, RcvNr, SentExch, or SendNr. These fields can be added via the Activity Manager, located in the bottom-left corner of the main window.

When the first QSO containing the Contest ID field is logged, contest mode is activated, which initiates the following:

  1. DUPE QSO Checking: Duplicate QSO checking begins. The type of check can be selected via Main Menu → Contest → Dupe Check.
  2. QSO Filter: A special filter is created, showing only QSOs from the active contest.
  3. Exchange Sequence: The sequence counter starts. The type of sequence can be selected via Main Menu → Contest → Sequence.

During a contest, the operator can reuse existing values from other QSO's field as an exchange. In such cases, there is no need to manually re-enter the exchange data. Instead, the operator can link the field by selecting Main Menu → Contest → Link Exchange With and specifying the field to use as the exchange.

At the end of the contest, the operator must stop contest mode by selecting Main Menu → Contest → Stop. This action will prompt the operator to decide whether to keep the contest QSO filter or remove it from the list of filters. It will also disable DUPE QSO checking and reset the sequences.

Important Notes:

  1. Contest fields such as Contest ID, SentNr, SendExch, RcvNr, and RcvExch are only recorded in the QSO if they are active in the New Contact Window. If a field is not active, it will not be saved to the QSO.
  2. The contest begins with the first QSO logged that includes a Contest ID field.
  3. While the DUPE Check setting can be changed during a contest, the Sequence type cannot. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm the correct sequence type before logging the first QSO in a contest.
  4. It is important, with regard to possible export to Cabrillo, to carefully consider which field will be used to store the Exchange. For example, in contests where a combination of Number and String is used, it is necessary to use RcvExch.

Limitations of QLog for Contesting:

  • It does not calculate contest points.
  • It does not support multipliers or other specific contest rules.

Cabrillo Export

The Cabrillo Export (Contest → Export Cabrillo) dialog provides a tool for generating contest logs in the standard Cabrillo format, which is widely required for contest submissions. It combines flexible data selection with full control over contest metadata, ensuring that the resulting file meets the specific requirements of individual contests.

File Selection The export begins with choosing the destination file.

Contest Configuration A central concept of the dialog is the use of format templates. These templates define how the Cabrillo file is structured, including header fields and QSO formatting. Users can select from existing templates or manage their own, allowing adaptation to different contest rules.

Filtering options allow precise selection of QSOs included in the export. Data can be restricted using user-defined filters or by specifying an exact date/time range (in UTC), which is particularly important for contests with strict time boundaries.

Station and Category Settings This section defines the contest entry classification. It includes callsign selection and operator information, along with all standard Cabrillo categories such as band, mode, power level, operator type, assisted status, station type, transmitter configuration, time category, and overlay.

The final selection of QSOs is determined by the combination of callsign, band, mode, user filter, and date range, allowing precise control over which contacts are included in the exported Cabrillo file.

Additional Information Supplementary data required for contest submissions can be entered here. This includes operator name, email, postal address, grid locator, location, and club affiliation. Free-text fields such as “Soapbox” allow comments or notes to the contest organizer, while “Off-Time” enables specification of operating breaks in the required format.

Output Once configured, the dialog generates a Cabrillo file conforming to the selected template and contest parameters. The result is suitable for direct submission to contest organizers.