We start with contesting - the fifth part

Errors in contestos

"Man is a mischievous creature", but we can try to minimize the number of errors. A valid connection must be entered correctly. Paper diaries are famous for their scribbles. There is nothing surprising in the speed and adrenaline of the contest. Typing errors on the keyboard are typical when typing on a computer, e.g.. OM3ABC becomes OM4ABC, from the code 55 295 again 59 295 and so on.

The key is to listen well. This ability improves with practice, in addition, we will learn to recognize well-known "companies" by their voice or keying style. Non-traditional brands tend to cause some confusion, e.g.. OL50NERA, OM90GI, unusual prefix and strange ways of spelling or keying.

So it is beneficial to check the data before sending the log for review. It's hard work, however, it is often possible to get around that way 10 percentage points, which we would lose. To check VHF locators, older result lists can be used. Many stations regularly participate in races from the same locator.

Even better is the replay of the race. Today, it is not a problem to record hours and hours of audio on a computer and then listen to it after the race and correct the mistakes.

Some mistakes are innocent. They are mistakes, if, for example, the opposing station broadcasts a different competition code than it writes down. Fortunately, with exceptions, these errors are rare.

Disqualification there is nothing pleasant. However, the evaluator is guided by the conditions of the race and in the case, that they are violated (or violation of other regulations, e.g.. national permit conditions), must proceed to disqualification. Banality can also be responsible for some disqualifications, e.g.. incorrectly entered time on all connections.

It is a serious problem, if another competitor files a complaint against you. These are mostly complaints about poor quality broadcast signal. Such a signal is a very bad business card of a contestant. In case, that another competitor is causing us such a problem, point it out to him in a polite way and ask for a correction. It can only be about remodulation transmitter or a minor technical defect, which can be easily removed. However, some devices do not produce a quality signal anyway. If the signal quality does not improve, you can file an official complaint with the evaluator.

All administrative actions related to sending the diary must be carried out according to the organizer's instructions within the time limit set for sending the diary. The correct format of the diary is especially important, header and file name. The most used electronic formats are EDI and Cabrillo. For some logos, the log header must be manually edited before sending. Since both formats are plain text files, we can do so only in a suitable text editor, e.g.. Notepad-e, Ultra Edit or PS Pad.

Use of permitted aids in the contest

DX cluster a CW skimmer

During the competition, it is possible to use all permitted aids. In addition to the already mentioned DX cluster, it is for example CW Skimmer. It's a program, which decodes all CW signals within the transmitted spectrum, which gives the operator an overview of several stations at the same time, which is not possible in the case of human reception. There are discussions about its use and it is possible, that its use will be prohibited.

Remote station

The development of fast data networks enables complete control of the radio station and transmission of audio signals over long distances via the Internet. The permit conditions enable the implementation of such systems, but they may represent an "unfair" advantage over other participants in the race. About the possibility, resp. impossibility to use the remotely controlled station must be decided by the race organizer by anchoring in the conditions of the race.

Multibeaming

It is a strong "weapon" of stations with larger outputs broadcasting in two directions simultaneously. This practice is very effective for VKV in our region. Since the two main directions are shifted by approximately 90° (This is the best score of a station in a given area in a given category, YU, S5,… a OK, OE, DL,…), one antenna shows significant suppression of signals from the other direction. The advantage of broadcasting in two directions guarantees, that CQ is heard everywhere and we choose the antenna manually for reception. Production of a power divider - coaxial circular, Wilkinson's or stackmatch – it is not difficult.

If you have read this far, I am very happy. At this point, the series ends, although there is certainly more to come, which did not appear in it. Further development, gaining knowledge and improving yourself is up to you. They will hear in some contest and GL! OM0AAO / OM0A

Glossary

paper diaries – chronological recording of connections on paper
writing to the computer - writing connections using a program on a PC
EDI – electronic journal format
Cabrillo - electronic journal format
Journal header – "front page" of the electronic journal, contains a tag, address, category etc.
CW Skimmer – a special program decoding multiple telegraph signals at the same time Broadcasting in two directions at the same time – broadcasting to two differently oriented antennas at the same time
Circular Power Divider - Power divider from coaxial cable, used on VHF
Stackmatch – a commercially produced power splitter with the possibility of choosing the number and combination of antennas