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New release brings map view, schedule management and expanded integration
KST4Contest is a Java-based client application for the ON4KST chat server, which is actively used by contest testers on VHF and higher bands. It allows you to monitor station activity in real time, coordinate schedules, and link chat information with contest logging tools. Version 1.41, released on July 1, 2026, brings the most extensive update since the project moved to GitHub.
What is KST4Contest for?
The basic purpose of KST4Contest is to process chat communication from the ON4KST server and convert it into usable information during contest operations. The application identifies call signs, bands and frequencies from chat messages, sorts stations by priority and helps the operator plan schedules effectively. It cooperates with external software – Win-Test, PSTRotator, AirScout – thus forming an integrated operational chain for VHF/UHF/SHF contesting.
Version 1.41 is the first release after the project was migrated to GitHub, where a major CI/CD pipeline upgrade was also made thanks to DN9APW (Philipp Wagner). Thanks to this change, builds are being released for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
What's new in version 1.41
Station priority and rating system
The app now automatically evaluates chat members and generates a score based on their activity, antenna direction (QTF), AirScout availability, recent messages, and sked status. The result is a prioritized list of candidates with the highest QSO potential, helping the operator not to miss the most valuable connections during an intense contest.
Band and frequency detection from chat
KST4Contest now extracts band and frequency information directly from chat messages and assigns it to specific chat members. If a logged-in station is active on another band, the app will trigger a Band Alert and notify the operator.
Sked Reminder and Skedfail
The new Sked Reminder Alert feature will notify the operator before an agreed sked to avoid overlooking it during the contest. In parallel, a Skedfail Button has been added - failed skeds can be marked and the application will continue to work with them differently when assessing priority and workflow.
Integration with Win-Test via UDP
Skedes can be sent to Win-Test using the LOCKSKED/ADDSKED/UNLOCKSKED sequence over UDP. The function is configurable and disabled by default. In addition, Win-Test provides KST4Contest with log data that the application uses for the status of processed connections and workflow decisions.
Integration with PSTRotator
The PSTRotator interface has been expanded and allows for better inclusion of antenna direction information and rotator control directly into the contest workflow.
Map view
A completely new map view displays station markers, own location, Maidenhead locator, link route visualization and antenna direction. The map uses a locally embedded Leaflet and TileProxy backend, reducing dependency on external tile sources. A Maidenhead/Grid Overlay can be displayed above the map, including grid-squares color-coding. A route profile with terrain elevation profile, Fresnel zones and horizon is available for each link.
Tropo filters and range band selection
New filters and sorting for tropospheric range, AirScout availability, extensive locator fields and priority have been added. A band selector has been added for range and tropo calculations. Locator evaluation can be reduced to 4-character fields for better overview and performance.
Platform and stability
Version 1.41 brings compatibility with Java 21 and JavaFX 21. Several application crashes with large chat histories, database startup issues, incorrect QRG/SKED processing in Win-Test, 23 cm worked-tag behavior, and map rendering under newer Java versions have been fixed. The user interface is better adapted to smaller screens, and a dark mode has been added.
Download
The current release v1.41.0 for Windows, Linux, and macOS is available on the project page on GitHub:
https://GitHub.com/praktimarc/kst4contest/releases/tag/v1.41.0
Autorom projektu je DO5AMF Marc Fröhlich (praktimarc), na vydaní verzie 1.41 spolupracoval Philipp Wagner (DN9APW / Rsclub22).