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Contest Support

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Ladislav Foldyna edited this page Nov 24, 2024 · 2 revisions

QLog includes basic support for contest operations, though it is not designed to meet the needs of a “professional” contest operator. Instead, it offers simpler, occasional contesting functionality.

To start a new contest in QLog, the operator must have an active Contest ID with a value assigned to Contest ID and appropriate contest fields, such as RcvExch, RcvNr, SentExch, or SendNr. These fields can be added via the Activity Manager, located in the bottom-left corner of the main window.

When the first QSO containing the Contest ID field is logged, contest mode is activated, which initiates the following:

  1. DUPE QSO Checking: Duplicate QSO checking begins. The type of check can be selected via Main Menu → Contest → Dupe Check.
  2. QSO Filter: A special filter is created, showing only QSOs from the active contest.
  3. Exchange Sequence: The sequence counter starts. The type of sequence can be selected via Main Menu → Contest → Sequence.

During a contest, the operator can reuse existing values from other QSO's field as an exchange. In such cases, there is no need to manually re-enter the exchange data. Instead, the operator can link the field by selecting Main Menu → Contest → Link Exchange With and specifying the field to use as the exchange.

At the end of the contest, the operator must stop contest mode by selecting Main Menu → Contest → Stop. This action will prompt the operator to decide whether to keep the contest QSO filter or remove it from the list of filters. It will also disable DUPE QSO checking and reset the sequences.

Important Notes:

  1. Contest fields such as Contest ID, SentNr, SendExch, RcvNr, and RcvExch are only recorded in the QSO if they are active in the New Contact Window. If a field is not active, it will not be saved to the QSO.
  2. The contest begins with the first QSO logged that includes a Contest ID field.
  3. While the DUPE Check setting can be changed during a contest, the Sequence type cannot. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm the correct sequence type before logging the first QSO in a contest.

Limitations of QLog for Contesting:

  • It does not calculate contest points.
  • It does not support multipliers or other specific contest rules.
  • It lacks built-in support for exporting to contest-specific formats. However, exporting to ADIF and converting to the required format is possible.
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