CQ World Wide WPX Contest 2024
SSB: 30.-31. March 2024 CW: 25.-26. may 2024
The beginning: 0000 UTC Saturday End: 2359 UTC Sunday
I. The goal
For amateurs around the world to connect with as many amateurs and prefixes as possible during the duration of the competition.
II. Duration of operation
48 hours. Stations with one operator can work 36 like this 48 hours – time off must be minimal 60 minutes, during which no QSOs are recorded. Multi-operator stations can work as a whole 48 hours.
III. Bands
Only bands can be used 1,8, 3,5, 7, 14, 21 a 28 MHz. It is strongly recommended to follow the set band plans.
IV. Code exchanged
RS(T) and sequential connection serial number starting with a number 001 for the first connection. Note: Participants in the Multi-Two categories, Multi-Multi and Multi-Distributed use separate sequence numbers on each band.
V. Scoring
A. Score
The final score is the result of the sum of the points for the QSO multiplied by the number of different prefixes, with which a QSO was recorded.
B. Body za QSO
It is possible to work with each station once on each band:
1. Connections between stations on different continents are worth three (3) points on 28, 21 a 14 MHz and six (6) points on 7, 3,5 a 1,8 MHz.
2. Connections between stations on the same continent, but in different countries, have a value of one (1) point on 28, 21 a 14 MHz and two (2) points on 7, 3,5 a 1,8 MHz. Exception: For North American stations only – connections between stations within North American borders (both stations must be located in North America) have a value of two (2) points on 28, 21 a 14 MHz and four (4) points on 7, 3,5 a 1,8 MHz.
3. Connections between stations in the same country have value 1 point regardless of band.
C. Prefix multipliers
The prefix multiplier is the number of valid prefixes with which the QSO was recorded. Each PREFIX is counted only once, regardless of the band or the number of processed identical prefixes.
1. A PREFIX is a combination of letters and numbers, which forms the first part of the amateur brand. Examples: N8, W8, WD8, HG1, HG19, KC2, OE2, OE25, LY1000 etc. Any difference in numbering, letters or their order is counted as a separate prefix. Station, which works from another DXCC entity, as listed in her home call sign, it is obliged to mark itself with the prefix of another DXCC entity. It must be an authorized prefix of the given country/region. In such a case, the prefix is considered to be the designation of the prefix of the given country/region. Example: N8BJQ operating from Wake Island would be designated N8BJQ/KH9 or N8BJQ/NH9. KH6XXX operating from Ohio must use an authorized prefix for the 8th USA region (/W8, /AD8 etc.). Portable signs without numbers are assigned a zero after the second letter of the portable sign (Ø), which forms a prefix. Example: PA/N8BJQ will change to PAØ. All calls without numbers are assigned a zero after the first two letters (Ø), which creates a prefix. Example: XEFTJW would count as XEØ. Marine mobile, mobile, /A, /E, /J, /P or other license class identifiers do not count as a prefix
2. We invite you to participate in special events, memorial and other unique stations with unique prefixes. Prefixes must be issued or authorized by the licensing authority of the country of operation.
WE. Competitive categories
The use of DX cluster RBN and similar systems is allowed in all categories except Single Operator Classic Overlay category.
A. Categories with one operator: All operational and logging functions are performed by one person (operator). The possibility of changing the band is not limited. Only one broadcast signal is allowed at any time.
1. High performance single operator (all bands or one band): The total output power must not exceed 1500 W.
2. Low performance single operator (all bands or one band): The total output power must not exceed 100 watts.
3. QRP one operator (all bands or one band): The total output power must not exceed 5 watts.
B. Single Operator Overlay category for one operator: Each subscriber with one operator, which meets the requirements, can also log into one of the categories below by adding the appropriate CATEGORY-OVERLAY line in the header of the Cabrillo log file. Logos in the Overlay category will be listed separately in the results, they will be rated as all bands and grouped by high performance and low performance (including QRP).
1. Tribander/Single Element (TB-WIRES): A participant may only use one during the competition (1) tribander (of any type, with one power line from the transmitter to the antenna) on 10, 15 a 20 meters and single-element antennas on 40, 80 a 160 meters. Separate receiving antennas are not allowed in this category.
2. Newcomer (ROOKIE): To participate in this category, the operator must have a radio amateur license three on the day of the competition (3) years or less. Date, when the operator obtained the first license, must be listed in the SOAPBOX field. An operator cannot enter the Rookie category, who received a plaque in one of the previously evaluated CQ contests.
3. Classic operator (CLASSIC): The participant will use only one radio and can work up to 24 like this 48 hours – time off is minimal 60 minutes, during which no QSOs are recorded. If the journal shows more than 24 hours of operation, only the first ones are included in the result 24 hours. The use of any QSO reporting assistance is prohibited during the contest (see rule IX.B). Receiving during the broadcast is also prohibited.
4. Youth (YOUTH): The operator had at the beginning of the competition 25 years or less. Enter your date of birth in the SOAPBOX field.
C. Multi categories with multiple operators (only for all bands): more than one person to contribute to the final score. Select a category based on the number of broadcast signals or the number of cities.
1. MULTI-ONE: Only one broadcast signal is allowed at any time. Every hour on the hour (00 to 59 minutes) a maximum of ten can be performed (10) band changes. For example, changing from 20 meter na 40 meters and then back to 20 meters is counted as two band changes. Use one sequence of serial numbers for the entire journal.
a. High performance. The total output power of each transmitted signal must not exceed 1500 watts.
b. Low performance. The total output power of each transmitted signal must not exceed 100 watts.
2. MULTI-TWO: A maximum of two transmitted signals on two different bands are allowed at any time. Both transmitters can establish connections without time limit. It is possible to work with each station only once on one band regardless, which transmitter is being used. It must be stated in the diary, which transmitter made each QSO (column 81 CABRILLO QSO templates for CQ contests). Each transmitter can perform a maximum of eight (8) band changes every hour (00 to 59 minutes). Use a separate sequence of serial numbers for each band. The total output power of each transmitted signal must not exceed 1500 W.
3. MULTI-UNLIMITED: A maximum of six transmitted signals, one per band, at any time. Six bands can be activated simultaneously. Use a separate sequence of serial numbers for each band. The total output power of each transmitted signal must not exceed 1500 W.
4. MULTI-DISTRIBUTED: A maximum of six transmitted signals, one per band at any time, from stations in different places. All devices (transmitters, receivers, Analyzer settings in SATGEN, antennas etc.) must be placed in the same DXCC and CQ zone, including remote controlled devices. Six bands can be activated simultaneously. Use a separate sequence of serial numbers for each band. The total output power of each transmitted signal must not exceed 1500 W. The header of the Cabrillo logo must contain the following lines: CATEGORY OPERATOR: MULTIOP, CATEGORY-STATION: DISTRIBUTED. Rules X.E and X.F do not apply to this category.
D. Control log: log sent to help with evaluation. The review log will not have any score in the results and the log will not be published.
VII. Diplomas
Competitors in the one band category can receive a diploma for only one band.
A. Plaques are awarded for the best performance in several categories. See the current list of plaques and sponsors on the website <www.cqwpx.com/plaques/>.
Only one plaque will be awarded per brand. Station, which will receive a worldwide plaque, will not be considered for award in the sub-area. This award will be awarded to the second participant for that area, if the number of stations justifies the award.
B. Diplomas: Electronic diplomas will be available for everyone to download, who submits the journal in time for evaluation.
VIII. Club competition
The club score is the total aggregate score from the competition logs submitted by the club members. There are two separate categories of club competition.
A. Clubs USA: Participation is limited to club members residing in the circuit 250 miles from the center of the club area.
B. DX clubs: Participation is limited to club members residing within OR DXCC countries, in which the club is located, OR in a circle with a radius 400 km from the center of the club.
C. General club rules
National organizations (e.g.. JARL, REF or DARC) they cannot participate in the club competition.
The rating of one operator can be contributed to only one club. The results of multiple operators can be allocated to multiple clubs as a percentage of the number of club members participating in the operation. The full name of the club must be entered in the diary entry (and allocation of clubs, if there are multiple operators).
Na to, for the club to be listed in the results, a minimum of four competition journals must be accepted. Entries in the control log are not included in the club result.
Word “to live” is defined as: to reside permanently or continuously or to inhabit a place as permanent, a person's permanent and main home for legal purposes.
IX. Definitions of terms
A. Station location: the area, in which all the transmitters are located, receivers, amplifiers and antennas. All transmitters, receivers and amplifiers must be in one circle with a diameter 500 meters. The antennas must be physically connected by RF transmission lines to the transmitters, receivers and amplifiers.
B. Help finding QSOs: Use of any technology or other resource, which provides the operator with a call sign or multiplier identification. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of a CW decoder, DX clustera, DX search websites (e.g.. DX Summit), local or remote call sign and frequency decoding technology (e.g.. CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network) or operating agreements, in which other persons participate.
X. General rules for all race participants
A. Participants must when performing any activity, which could affect their submitted score, comply with the limits of the selected category.
B. A different call sign must be used for each participating category. You are only allowed to use your own call sign.
C. Do not exceed the total output power limitation of the selected category on any band. The total output power on any band at any time is measured at the final output of the active amplifier (amplifiers).
D. Self-spotting or asking for spotting is not allowed.
E. The entire operation must be carried out from one place. Remote operation (remote station) is allowed, if the physical location of all transmitters, receivers and antennas at one location of the station. A station operated remotely must comply with all station license restrictions, operator and category licenses. The call sign used must be such, as issued or authorized by the regulatory authority in the location of the station.
F. Remote receivers outside the station location are not allowed.
G. Only one signal is always allowed on one band.
H. Alternating CQ on two or more frequencies on a band is not allowed.
I. All connection requests, answering calls and receiving call signs and contest codes must be done during the duration of the race using the race mode and frequencies.
J. Correction of recorded call signs and exchanged codes after the end of the competition using any database, recordings, email or other QSO confirmation methods are not allowed.
K. Recorded call signs must be the same as those, which the participants exchanged on the air during the QSO.
L. For the stations of the ITU Region 1: broadcasting in the band 40 m nad 7200 KHz during SSB weekend (phonics) contest is not allowed.
M. For the stations of the ITU Region 1: broadcasting under 1810 KHz is not allowed during the competition weekend.
XI. Instructions for the journal
Electronic sending of diaries is mandatory for all participants.
A. It MUST be listed in the log for each connection: correct date and time in UTC, frequency (or band), station call sign, which was worked with, sent and received code. A log without all the required information can be reclassified as a Checklog. Connections should be recorded immediately after they are made. Stations competing for world, continental and US awards must log exact frequencies for all connections.
B. Participants on one band are obliged to include in the log all connections made during the competition period, even if they are on different bands. Only connections made on the band listed in the Cabrilla header will be considered for scoring purposes. Logs with connections on only one band will be classified category one band.
C. The CABRILLO file format is a standard for logs. See www.cqwpx.com/cabrillo.htm for detailed instructions on filling out the CABRILLO file header. Incorrectly filling out the header can result in the entry being placed in the wrong category or being reclassified as a Checklog. Note: US stations must include the station location in the CABRILO header.
D. Web uploading is the only method of submitting contest logs. Web uploading is available at <www.cqwpx.com/logcheck/ >. All received competition diaries will be confirmed by e-mail. The list of received journals can be found at <www.cqwpx.com.>.
E. Instructions for electronic logs NON-CABRILLO: If you cannot send a log in CABRILLO format, contact the competition director, which will help you send the log in a different format.
F. Confirmation of sending the competition diary: All received logs will be confirmed by email. You can find the list of received journals at the address <www.cqwpx.com.>.
G. Log download: The participant can download the logged in journal for any reason until 30 days from the registration deadline. Ask the competition director for instructions.
XII. Deadline for sending the competition diary
A. All logs must be submitted by five (5) days after the end of the competition: SSB diaries no later than 2359 UTC 31. March 2023, CW diaries no later than 2359 UTC 2. June 2023. Resubmitting the log after the deadline will be considered a late entry.
B. An extension of the deadline can be requested by e-mail to the address < director@cqwpx.com >. The request must contain a legitimate reason and must be delivered before the deadline for sending the competition diaries. An extension is granted only on the basis of the confirmation of the director of the competition.
C. Journals submitted after the deadline may be listed in the results, but they are not eligible for the award.
XIII. Evaluation
The CQ WPX competition committee is responsible for checking and evaluating the competition logs. Participants are expected, that they will follow the rules and good radio amateur practices. Violation of competition rules or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disciplinary action by the committee.
A. Unsportsmanlike conduct: Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include but are not limited to:
ARRANGEMENT or CONFIRMATION of any communications during competition using ANY non-amateur radio means, such as telephones, internet, instant messaging, cottage rooms, VoIP, social media or websites.
Broadcasting of the subscriber on frequencies outside the license restrictions.
Change of times in the diary, in order to comply with zone change or out of time rules.
Excessive number of unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable multipliers.
Signals with excessive bandwidth (e.g.. splatter, clicks) or harmonics on other bands.
Operation of stations, which follow more than 3 connection without sending your call sign.
B. Disciplinary measures: In case of violation of the rules, the participant is subject to disqualification at the discretion of the committee.
DISQUALIFICATION: the participant will be listed at the end of the published results and is not entitled to an award.
Notice of the committee's actions will be sent by e-mail to the address provided when the journal was submitted. The participant has five days to do so, to appeal the decision to the competition director. After this period, the decision is final.
The participant can download the submitted journal for any reason until 30 days from the close of the journal. Ask the competition director for instructions.
The Committee reserves the right to change the category of any entry based on review of the log or other information.
C. Checking logs: All contest logs are reviewed using proprietary software and human judgment.
Duplicate connections will be removed without additional penalty.
Connections with an incorrectly received code are removed without additional penalty.
Call sign errors or call signs, which are not found in another journal, will be removed and will receive a penalty of twice the point value of the QSO for that connection.
Connections, that do not meet the band change rules for MULTI categories are removed without additional penalty.
XIV. Statement
By submitting a CQ WPX Contest log, and in consideration of the CQ WPX Contest Committee's efforts to review and evaluate this log, the participant unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, that: He agrees with that, that: 1) has read and understood the competition rules and agrees to abide by them, 2) works in accordance with all rules and regulations, which apply to radio amateur broadcasting in a location, where the station is located, 3) agrees with that, that the journal entry may be made available to the public, a 4) agrees with that, that the issuance of disqualifications and other decisions of the committee are official and final. If the participant is not willing or able to agree to all the above conditions, should not send the record or should only send it as a Checklog.
Questions regarding the CQ WPX Contest may be emailed to the CQ WPX Contest Director <director@cqwpx.com >.
