The WRTC 2014 competition will be held during the IARU 2014 HF
Championship.
Start: |
Saturday 12 July 2014 |
1200 UTC (0800 Local time) |
End: |
Sunday 13 July 2014 |
1200 UTC |
2. Frequencies/Bands
Only the 3.5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 MHz bands
may be used. All participants must obey the frequency
regulations of
the U.S. Federal Communication Commission.
3. Modes
CW and SSB.
4. Language
Only English language and common international abbreviations can be used
when operating either SSB or CW.
5. Contest Exchange
5.1 WRTC stations must send signal report plus ITU zone (W1 area is ITU
Zone 08). A complete exchange must be sent and logged for each valid QSO.
5.2 No abbreviations are allowed when sending the exchange either on SSB
or CW. You must say 5-9 8 on SSB and 5nn 8 on CW. Additional cut
numbers such as enn8 are not allowed. You may increase the speed of the
exchange up to a maximum of 50 WPM. Voice recorders are allowed to send
the exchange on SSB. It is recommended, but not required to send your
call sign in every exchange.
6. Valid QSOs
The same station/callsign may be worked once on CW and once on SSB per
band. Cross-band or cross-mode QSOs are not allowed.
7. QSO Points
Each valid two-way CW or SSB QSO receives the following QSO points:
QSO With |
Points |
ITU Zone 08 |
2 |
Outside ITU Zone 08 and within North America |
3 |
Outside North America |
5 |
IARU member society HQ stations and IARU officials |
2 |
8. Multipliers
8.1. The total number of DXCC countries plus IARU member society HQ
stations on each band will count as multipliers, once per band
regardless of the mode. IARU officials represent a maximum of four
multipliers per band (AC, R1, R2 and R3).
8.2. IARU member society HQ stations and officials do not count for DXCC
country multipliers.
9. Score
The final score will be:
Score = (Total number of multipliers) x (the sum of QSO points).
The judging committee will calculate the final score for all entries
based on Cabrillo logs submitted after adjudication.
10. Champions
The WRTC2014 Champion will be the team with
the highest score.
11. Special Awards
-
The WRTC2014 SSB
Leader will be the team with the highest QSO total on
SSB.
-
The WRTC2014 CW
Leader will be the team with the highest QSO total on
CW.
-
The WRTC2014
Multiplier Leader will be the team with the highest
total multiplier.
-
The WRTC2014 Accuracy Leader will be the team with the
lowest percentage of callsign/exchange errors. [Modified
May 31, 2014]
As WRTC is a mixed mode contest, a minimum of 35% of the total number of
QSOs must be made on the other mode to qualify as a QSO Leader in either
SSB or CW.
12. Special Rules and Disqualification
12.1. WRTC team contest stations must be QRT for at least 15 minutes
prior to the contest start (by 1145 UTC). The receiver volume of both
radios must be turned fully off and no monitoring or transmitting is
allowed within this 15-minute timeframe. The radios may be left powered
on.
12.2. The operators are not allowed to identify themselves (i.e.,
revealing their own callsigns) before or during the contest or reveal
their team identity in any way. Any attempt to do this such as by radio,
telephone, SMS, internet, email, etc., will result in immediate
disqualification. Requesting QSOs (e.g., setting schedules with special
identification procedures in any way) before the contest period is
strictly forbidden.
12.3. You may request QSOs with any station on another band/mode. All
requests must occur during the contest with no other attempt to reveal
the team’s identity. All requests can only be made on HF CW or SSB, and
by no other means.
12.4. Use of DX spotting (e.g., Packet, Web, etc.), skimmer or any other
spotting and supplementary information network is not allowed. You are
not allowed to receive any assistance to learn the callsign or exchange
of any station other than by tuning the radio and listening by human
ear.
12.5. The use of any callsign database or the ‘Super Check Partial’ tool
is not allowed. If the logging software incorporates this kind of
feature, it must be disabled. The logging computer(s) may display a
‘Check Partial’ list based only upon the callsigns already worked during
the contest.
12.6. The WRTC Contest is the equivalent of the Ham Radio Olympic Games.
To maintain the spirit and credibility that this name implies, the
judging committee may disqualify a team that commits any of the
following (but not limited to) actions:
-
Violates the rules
of the contest.
-
Shows
unsportsmanlike conduct.
-
Takes credit for
excessive unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable multipliers.
The decisions of the judging committee are final.
13. Callsign Allocation
The callsigns assigned to the competitors will be selected from special
calls in a “to be determined” series. The process of assigning calls,
stations, and referees will be randomly designated by lottery on Friday
(July 11, 2014) before the contest. The competition callsigns will be
given to the teams by their referee at the station 15 minutes before the
contest. Team members are not allowed to know the callsign before this
time.
14. Logging
14.1. Computer logging is required.
14.2. Each WRTC 2014 team must submit their log file in Cabrillo format
to their referee within thirty (30) minutes after the contest has ended.
14.3. All competitors are required to use one of the following logging
programs:
-
Writelog
-
Win-Test
-
TR4W (TR
for Windows)
-
N1MM
Contest Logger
Other software that meets the requirements of Cabrillo output and
database limitations may also be acceptable with written permission from
the WRTC2014 committee at least 90 days prior to the contest. The team
is solely responsible to ensure the software conforms to WRTC2014
standards as defined in these rules.
14.4. In all cases, the competitors are responsible for creating
Cabrillo-compliant output with the software used in the contest. The
Committee does not assume any responsibility for the conversion of log
data into Cabrillo format.
15. Recording
15.1. After the contest, each team must provide to the referee a
continuous stereo recording of Radio A and Radio B on one of the
following:
The recordings should be separated into two
audio files, one for each radio. You may record in one of
the following 2 formats:
15.2. The judging committee has the right to remove any claimed contacts
not found in the recordings.
16. WRTC 2014 Station Setup
16.1. Each participating WRTC team must bring everything needed for
their station except items listed in Station
Description.
16.2. Each WRTC 2014 station will have two radios – Radio A and Radio B.
16.2.1. Radio A and Radio B can each use only one antenna connector.
This means that every transmission and reception must go through a
single antenna connector of that Radio. No external receive antennas are
allowed. External bandpass filters are allowed in the receive line if
desired.
16.2.2. Use of any sub receiver in radios that are so equipped, is not
allowed. This includes diversity receiving. Radios are not allowed to
receive on two frequencies simultaneously. For a two-channel (or
multi-channel) radio (which has sub-receiver or parallel reception
capabilities), which allows reception of signals on different
frequencies simultaneously, the sub-receiver (or that parallel
reception) must not be used.
16.2.3. You are allowed to share audio between Radio A and Radio B. Each
operator may listen to the other operator’s radio and vice versa.
16.2.4. Both
Radio A and Radio B are allowed to transmit. The contest is a full
Two-Operator Two-Transmitter type operation. The only limitation is that
each radio must transmit on a different band regardless of mode (e.g.,
if Radio A is on 15M SSB, Radio B is not allowed on 15M SSB or 15M CW
during the same time period).
16.2.5. Spectrum scopes (pan adapters) are allowed provided that they
are used solely for instant spectrum visualization of the current
amateur radio band of Radio A or Radio B. The spectrum scope may be
built-in to the radio or be a separate device. It may be connected to
the radio or PC-A/B with the following limitations:
-
The only
output from the spectrum scope can be video.
-
Data
transfer to the logging program or any other software is not
allowed.
-
Only the
current band/frequency data of a single Radio (A or B) can be
transferred to one spectrum scope for that radio.
-
The
spectrum curve may be displayed in any suitable device, including
the PC-A/B monitor screen.
-
No
additional computers may be used for SDR signal processing; only
PC-A/B computers may be used.
-
The
spectrum scope must not be used to control any other device (e.g.,
tune Radio A/B).
-
No signal
demodulation or any other secondary spectrum processing (e.g.,
station detection, peak holding, or waterfall display) is allowed.
16.3. All radios must be commercially manufactured transceivers, meeting
all manufacturer specifications.
16.4. Competitors are allowed to have a backup radio. The backup radio
may only be used in case of malfunction of the station’s primary radio
and with approval of the referee.
16.5. Radio A and Radio B are each limited to 100 watts (KEY DOWN)
maximum power output. The power will be measured by a peak power monitor
provided by organizer. The monitor has two detectors which must be
connected directly to Radio A and Radio B’s respective antenna
connectors. The power monitor acts on forward power only. Any devices
connected after the detectors must not amplify the transmitted signal.
16.6. Band-pass filters are allowed for both Radio A and Radio B.
External antenna tuners are allowed for all antennas. These devices must
be connected after the power detector. Any power losses from these
devices may not be compensated for in any way.
16.7 Two
networked PCs are allowed (PC-A at Radio A, PC-B at Radio B). The PCs
should be named PC-A and PC-B (or similar) within the team’s logging
software before the contest begins. No wireless connections are allowed
from the PCs except for wireless keyboards and mice. No WiFi or
Bluetooth network connections are allowed. Network connections between
logging computers must utilize the 5-port Ethernet switch provided by
WRTC 2014. Each team will provide two straight Ethernet cables to
connect PC-A and PC-B to the Ethernet switch. Each team should also
bring an Ethernet crossover cable to use in case of an Ethernet switch
failure – or should plan on bringing a backup Ethernet switch (3 ports,
minimum). [Modified May 21, 2014]
16.8. The teams must provide an audio output for both radios that the
referee can monitor. This may be in parallel with the recording device
described in rule 16.9 if desired. The audio must be isolated so the
referee may listen to either channel or both at the same time. The team
may provide headphones for the referee or the referee may bring their
own. In either case, it is the team’s responsibility that the referee
can monitor both radios continuously. If the referee uses his or her own
headphones, it must not interfere with the team’s audio in any way.
16.8.1. The audio output should be terminated in a 3.5mm headphone
female jack for the referee to plug into. If desired, the referee may
bring an audio switch box to choose Left/Right or Both audio channels.
16.9. The teams must provide the equipment for recording the WRTC
contest operation, including both the received and transmitted audio of
Radio A and Radio B. The recording must be complete for the entire
operation. A third PC is allowed for this purpose, but may not be
networked to PC-A or PC-B in any way. Operators are not allowed to
review the recorded audio except for troubleshooting purposes while
under the referee’s supervision.
16.10. Teams
may adjust the length of the 80M antenna to move its resonance from the
low end of the band to the SSB portion or back. This may be done by
folding the extension wires from the insulators at each end back along
the dipole wires (SSB), or out along the support ropes (CW). The center
and ends of the antenna must not be moved. This adjustment must be made
while standing on the ground. No climbing of the antenna structure or
other objects is permitted. In the case of a failure of the wire
antenna(s), only the site team is allowed to repair it. It is not
allowed to move the antenna ends without express permission from WRTC
HQ. [Modified May 2, 2014]
16.11. Participants are not allowed to change or cut antenna coaxial
cables provided by the organizer. All such cable lengths must remain
unchanged. Any filters or other devices allowed as previously described
must be connected after the entire length of cable provided.
16.12. Before the competition the Teams are allowed to use third party
technical support to organize and install the station as well to install
and test software or other permitted devices and peripherals.
16.13. During the competition the Referee may permit repair of any
equipment or antennas reported damaged during the operation. This can be
done by the operators or WRTC support staff only. No third party is
allowed in the operating area at any time during the competition.
16.14. All equipment used by any team must be located inside of the tent
(except generator, antennas and cables). Participants must stay in the
referee’s field of view.
17. Definitions
17.1 Radio
A |
B |
1. Allowed to transmit 2. Main receiver reception 3. Sub-receiver reception is not allowed 4. VFO A and VFO B transmit
5. A triplexer should be used on the triband antenna to
provide 10/15/20 meter antenna inputs. See special
triplexer section in the station description.
6. Allowed to use band-decoder 7. Allowed to use audio and RF filters 8. Can share audio with Radio B 9. Must share audio with Referee 10. Can be replaced by back-up Radio (in case of
failure)
11. Radio A cannot transmit on the same band as Radio B.
You may listen on the same band as Radio B at any time.
After one QSO is made on a band, all QSOs for that band
must be made on the same radio during that time period.
Either radio may use any antenna but may not share that
antenna with the other radio. |
1. Allowed to transmit 2. Main receiver reception 3. Sub-receiver reception is not allowed 4. VFO A and VFO B transmit
5. A triplexer should be used on the triband antenna to
provide 10/15/20 meter antenna inputs. See special
triplexer section in the station description.
6. Allowed to use band-decoder 7. Allowed to use audio and RF filters 8. Can share audio with Radio A 9. Must share audio with Referee 10. Can be replaced by back-up Radio (in case of
failure)
11. Radio B cannot transmit on the same band as Radio A.
You may listen on the same band as Radio A at any time.
After one QSO is made on a band, all QSOs for that band
must be made on the same radio during that time period.
Either radio may use any antenna but may not share that
antenna with the other radio. |
17.2 Computer
A |
B |
1. May be interconnected with Computer B 2. Allowed to key Radio A only.3. Can exchange messages
with Computer B 4. Voice and CW keyers are allowed 5. Super Check Partial is not allowed 6. Log must be converted to Cabrillo format after the
contest |
1. May be interconnected with Computer A 2. Allowed to key Radio B only3. Can exchange messages
with Computer A 4. Voice and CW keyers are allowed 5. Super Check Partial is not allowed 6. Log must be converted to Cabrillo format after the
contest |
17.3 Operator
A |
B |
1. Operator of Radio A 2. Operator A can change position (chair) with Operator
B at any time 3. Allowed to populate the band-map 4. Can exchange messages with operator B 5. Must share audio with the Referee throughout the
contest 6. Can share audio at any time with Operator B 7. Can operate any of the allowed devices |
1. Operator of Radio B 2. Operator B can change position (chair) with Operator
A at any time 3. Allowed to populate the band-map 4. Can exchange messages with operator A 5. Must share audio with the Referee throughout the
contest 6. Can share audio at any time with Operator A 7. Can operate any of the allowed devices |
18. Conditions of entry
By submitting an entry in the WRTC Contest you agree that:
-
You have
read and understood the rules of the contest and agree to be bound
by them;
-
You have
operated according to all rules;
-
Your log
and your audio recording, as well as photo and video materials of
your operation prepared by the organizer may be made open to the
public;
-
All
actions and decisions of the WRTC Judging Committee are official and
final.