Ghid pentru Participarea la Concursuri Radio

Pașii esențiali pentru începători și operatori experimentați

To participate in a ham radio contest, you need a valid amateur radio license and basic equipment. The process involves choosing a contest, preparing your station and logging software, making contacts during the event, and submitting your log.

1 Get Your License

First, ensure you have an appropriate amateur radio license. The entry-level license allows operation on certain bands. Higher-class licenses grant more privileges and access to additional HF bands.

2 Choose a Contest

There are numerous contests throughout the year. For beginners, consider these factors:

  • Duration: Shorter contests (a few hours) are less overwhelming than weekend-long events.
  • Mode: Choose a contest that matches your station's capabilities and your comfort level (e.g., voice (SSB), Morse code (CW), or digital modes).
  • Scope: Regional contests or beginner-friendly events often have simpler rules and less crowded bands.
  • Calendar: Use online resources like this page to find upcoming events, dates, times, and specific rules.
3 Prepare Your Station and Software
  • Equipment: Check your radio, antenna system, and power source to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
  • Logging Software: Use contest logging software to track contacts, avoid duplicates, and format your log correctly for submission.
  • Understand the Rules: Review the specific rules for your chosen contest, paying attention to the required information exchange, scoring system, and log submission deadline.

Recommended Free Logging Software:

N1MM Logger+

The industry standard for serious contesters, supporting numerous modes (CW, Phone, Digital) and contests.

→ Download N1MM+
QARTest

A robust, keyboard-friendly Windows logger ideal for HF/VHF, supporting network operation for multi-operator teams.

→ Visit QARTest
DXLog.net

A free, community-supported logger known for speed and effectiveness in various contests.

→ Visit DXLog
4 Participate (Operate)
  • Listen First: Tune around the bands to get a feel for the rhythm and operating procedures.
  • Make Contacts: You can operate in one of two main ways:
    • Search and Pounce: Tune across the band and call stations you hear calling "CQ Contest" or "CQ Test".
    • Run (Call CQ): Find a clear frequency and repeatedly call "CQ Contest," logging stations that respond to you.
  • Log Contacts Immediately: Accurately log the call sign, exchange information and time for every contact to prevent errors.
  • Be Polite: Maintain good operating practices, listen carefully, and avoid interrupting ongoing contacts.
5 Submit Your Log

After the contest, your logging software can generate a file in the required format (commonly Cabrillo format). Submit this file to the contest organizer's website before the deadline to have your score officially counted.

Important: Submitting your log, even as a "check log" (for no score), helps the organizers verify other participants' contacts.

📊 Additional Free Logging Options
SD Contest Logger

Unrestricted, fast logging for major HF contests, particularly good for single-operator unassisted entries on Windows.

→ Visit SD Logger
Log4OM

A feature-rich logbook for casual users and DXers, integrating with online services (eQSL, LoTW).

→ Visit Log4OM
GenLog

by W3KM

→ Visit GenLog