CQ WW Contest Rules – Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of this page is to answer some of the common questions about the rules of the CQ WW DX contests and how some of the rules are interpreted by the CQ WW Contest Committee. Please send any questions to questions@cqww.com.
The explanations here apply ONLY to the CQ WW SSB and CW Contests!
General Questions
Q: Rule XII. D.3. states “… call-signs not found in the other log…” What does this mean?
Q: I would like to work on several bands, but only submit a single band entry. Is this allowed? How should I submit my log?
Q: For a single-band entry, is it allowed to be looking for multipliers on other bands to request a QSY, sked or even just asking if a multiplier is operating that band?
Q: I made a mistake in logging and do not want a QSO to count. Should I remove it from my log?
Q: A station sends me “cut numbers” on CW. What should I enter in the log?
Q: Can an operator of a multi-op station also work the contest from their home station and submit an entry?
Q: Should I work and log duplicates? How are they counted by the log checking?
Q: Should I submit the log in Cabrillo v2 or v3?
Q: I logged on paper. What is the best way to submit my log?
Q: What about…?
Single Operator
Q: How can I tell if I am Single Operator or Single Operator Assisted?
Q: If I am a Single Operator, can I use the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) or DX Cluster to look for spots of my own callsign?
Q: My software uses the RBN to show where stations are located on the band, but it does not show any callsigns. Does this place me in the Assisted category?
Q: As a Single Operator, can I post my scores to a live scoreboard? Can I view the scores of others?
Overlay Category
Q: How is a 60 minute off time determined?
The Classic overlay category specifies that break periods be a minimum of 60 minutes. The “60 minutes” means 60 consecutive “empty” clock minutes during which no QSO was logged. (Seconds are not included in the Cabrillo log QSO: lines and so would not be considered in log checking.)
This is a valid 60-minute off time in a log:
1358Z QSO
1359Z QSO
– first empty minute at 1400
– last empty minute at 1459
1500Z QSO
1501Z QSO
This is NOT a valid 60-minute off time in a log:
1358Z QSO
1359Z QSO
– first empty minute at 1400
– last empty minute at 1458
1459Z QSO
1500Z QSO
There must be 60 consecutive “empty” minutes. The “time B minus time A” gap of 1459 – 1359 = 60 does not meet the 60-minute test because only 59 consecutive minutes are actually “empty” – the last “empty” minute is 1458, not 1459. Leaving a gap of the minimum number of “empty” minutes is always the safest way to be sure of complying with the off-time minimum-break rules. Be safe and don’t lose a multiplier or a big chunk of your log because you were one minute too quick to make a QSO!
Multi-Single Category FAQ
This section covers many questions we receive about the Multi-Single (MULTI-ONE) category.
EXPLANATION:
This category permits up to two signals (one RUN and one MULTPLIER) to be transmitted at the same time, but ONLY if each signal is on a different bandAND with the following limitations.
The RUN SIGNAL may be transmitted on any band and may contact all other stations. The RUN signal must remain on the band for at least 10 minutes. The ten minute period begins when the first QSO (contact) on that band is made. A RUN SIGNAL may not be transmitted on a “new band” until the 10 minute period has been met or exceeded. The RUN signal will be designated with a “0” in the transmitter column of the Cabrillo log.
The MULTIPLIER SIGNAL may be transmitted on any band, but may only contact another station if, and only if, it is a new multiplier on that band. The MULTIPLIER SIGNAL may only call other stations. The MULTIPLIER SIGNAL may not request or attract any QSO by calling CQ, QRZ, TEST, etc. The MULTIPLIER SIGNAL must remain on one band for at least 10 minutes. The ten minute period begins when the first QSO with a new multiplier on that band is made. A MULTIPLIER SIGNAL may not be transmitted on a “new band” until the 10 minute period for the MULTIPLIER SIGNAL has been met or exceeded. The MULTIPLIER SIGNAL will be designated with a “1” in the transmitter column of the Cabrillo log.
The designation of “0” (runner) or “1” (multiplier) is not assigned to an actual physical radio, although that is possible. The signal designation of “0” and “1” is a functional designation. Rig “A” or “B” (or “C,” etc., if more than 2 radios) can be assigned either “0” or “1” according to its function (role) at the time of the QSO.
All QSOs must be logged immediately upon completion of the QSO.