Preview of 2015 CQ WW Rule Changes

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The CQ WW Contest Committee is pleased to provide a preview of the rules for the 2015 CQ WW DX Contest SSB/CW. This is a public review period to invite any comments before the final rules are announced on June 1, 2015.

Proposed changes:

Minor edits to Overlay Category definition.
Extended club circle from 175 miles to 200 miles for USA clubs, and from 275 km to 300 km for DX clubs.
Changed definition of QSO Alerting Assistance. Now if the technology only provides callsign or multiplier information it is considered assistance.
Remote stations must use a callsign permitted by the authorities at the station location.
Top scorers are required to submit logs with accurate frequencies.
The Observer Program adds the ability for the Committee to request audio recordings of an operation.

Click here to download the draft rules in Adobe pdf format: cqww_rules_2015_draft1 (179Kb)

Please send any feedback to questions@cqww.com before May 30, 2015. Thanks to everyone for their participation and support of the CQ WW DX Contest!

Source : CQ World Wide DX Contest Blog

Announcing:
2015 CQ WW DX Contest
SSB: October 24-25 CW: November 28-29
Starts 0000 UTC Saturday Ends 2359 UTC Sunday
I. OBJECTIVE: For amateurs around the world to contact as many other amateurs in as many
CQ zones and countries as possible.
II. BANDS: Six bands only: 1.8, 3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 MHz. Observance of established band
plans is strongly encouraged.
III. CONTEST EXCHANGE: SSB: RS report plus CQ Zone number of the station location (e.g.,
59 05). CW: RST report plus CQ Zone (e.g., 599 05).
IV. SCORING:
A. Score: The final score is the result of the total QSO points multiplied by the sum of zone and
country multipliers. Example: 1000 QSO points * (30 Zones + 70 Countries) = 100,000 (final
score).
B. QSO Points: Stations may be contacted once on each band. QSO points are based on the
location of the station worked.
1. Contacts between stations on different continents count three (3) points.
2. Contacts between stations on the same continent but in different countries count one (1)
point. Exception: Contacts between stations in different countries within the North American
boundaries count two (2) points.
3. Contacts between stations in the same country have zero (0) QSO point value, but are
permitted for zone or country multiplier credit.
C. Multiplier: There are two types of multipliers.
1. Zone: A multiplier of one (1) for each different CQ Zone contacted on each band. The CQ
Worked All Zones rules are the standard.
2. Country: A multiplier of one (1) for each different country contacted on each band. The DXCC
entity list, Worked All Europe (WAE) multiplier list plus IG9/IH9, and continental boundaries are
the standards for defining country multipliers. Maritime mobile stations count only for a zone
multiplier.
V. ENTRY CATEGORIES:
A. Single Operator Categories: One person (the operator) performs all operating and logging
functions. There is no limit on operating time or band changes. Only one transmitted signal is
permitted at any time.
1. Single Operator: QSO alerting assistance of any kind is prohibited (see VIII.2).
a. High Power (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed 1500
watts.
b. Low Power (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed 100 watts.
c. QRP (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed 5 watts.
2. Single Operator Assisted: Entrants in this category may use QSO alerting assistance (see
VIII.2).
a. High Power Assisted (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed
1500 watts.
b. Low Power Assisted (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed
100 watts.
c. QRP Assisted (All Band or Single Band): Total output power must not exceed 5 watts.
B. Single Operator Overlay Categories: Any All BandSingle Operator entrant above that
meets the requirements may ALSO enter one of the categories shown below by adding the
appropriate CATEGORY-OVERLAY line in the Cabrillo log file header. Overlay category entries
will be listed separately in the results; scored as All Bands; and grouped by high power (1500
watts) and low power (100 watts).
1. Classic Operator (CLASSIC): The entrant will use only one radio, no QSO alerting
assistance, and may operate up to 24 of the 48 hours – off times are a minimum of 60
minutes during which no QSO is logged. If the log shows more than 24 hours of operation,
only the first 24 hours will be counted for the overlay score. The one radio must not be able to
receive while transmitting.
2. Rookie (ROOKIE): The operator was first licensed as a radio amateur less than three (3)
years before the date of the contest. Indicate the date first licensed in the SOAPBOX field.
C. Multi-Operator Categories (all-band operation only): Any number of operators is allowed.
QSO alerting assistance is allowed. Only one transmitted signal per band is permitted at any
time.
1. Single Transmitter (MULTI-ONE): Only one transmitted signal on one band permitted during
any 10-minute period (run transmitter). Exception: One—and only one—other transmitted signal
(multiplier transmitter) may be used during any 10-minute period, if—and only if— it is on a
different band than the run transmitter and the station worked is a new multiplier. The run and
multiplier transmitters are governed by independent 10-minute rules. Ten-minute periods begin
with the first QSO on a band. The log must indicate which transmitter (run or multiplier) made
each QSO. The multiplier transmitter may not call CQ (solicit contacts).
a. High Power: Total output power must not exceed 1500 watts on any band at any time.
b. Low Power: Total output power must not exceed 100 watts on any band at any time.
2. Two Transmitters (MULTI-TWO): A maximum of two transmitted signals on two different
bands may be used at any time. The log must indicate which transmitter made each QSO. Each
transmitter may make a maximum of 8 band changes in any clock hour (00 through 59 minutes).
Total output power must not exceed 1500 watts on any band at any time.
3. Multi-Transmitter (MULTI-UNLIMITED): The six contest bands may be activated
simultaneously. Only one transmitted signal per band is permitted at any time. Total output
power must not exceed 1500 watts on any band at any time.
D. Checklog: Entry submitted to assist with the log checking. The entry will not have a score in
the results and the log will not be made public.
VI. AWARDS:
A single-band log will be eligible for a single-band award only. A log containing more than one
band will be judged as an all-band entry unless specified as a single-band entry. A Single
Operator station must operate a minimum of 4 hours to be eligible for an award. Multi-operator
stations must operate a minimum of 8 hours to be eligible for an award.
A. Certificates: First-place certificates will be awarded in each category for every participating
country and in each call area of the United States, Canada, Russia, and Japan.
B. Plaques: Plaques and trophies are awarded for top performance in a number of categories.
View the current list of plaques and sponsors at <www.cqww.com/plaques.htm>. Only one
plaque will be awarded per entry. A station winning a plaque will not be considered for a subarea
award; the plaque will be awarded to the runner-up in that area.
VII. CLUB COMPETITION:
The club score is the total aggregate score from logs submitted by members. There are two
separate club competition categories.
A. USA Clubs: Participation is limited to club members residing and operating within a 175 200
mile radius circle from the center of club area (except for expeditions organized specifically for
the contest conducted by members who reside within the club circle).
B. DX Clubs: Participation is limited to club members residing and operating within EITHER the
DXCC country where the club is located OR within a 275 300 km radius circle from the center of
club area (except for expeditions organized specifically for the contest conducted by members
who reside within the club area).
C. General club rules:
1. National organizations (e.g., JARL, REF or DARC) are not eligible for the club competition.
2. Single-operator entries may only contribute to one club. Multi-operator scores may be
allocated to multiple clubs as a percentage of the number of club members participating in the
operation. The log entry must spell out the full club name (and club allocations if multi-op).
3. A minimum of four logs must be received for a club to be listed in the results. Checklog
entries are not counted for the club score.
VIII. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS:
1. Station location: The area in which all the transmitters, receivers and antennas are located.
All transmitters and receivers must be within a single 500-meter diameter circle. Antennas must
be physically connected by RF transmission lines to the transmitters and receivers.
2. QSO alerting assistance: The use of any technology or other source that provides call sign
or multiplier identification along with frequency information about a signal to the operator. This
includes, but is not limited to, use of DX cluster, packet, local or remote call sign and frequency
decoding technology (e.g., CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network), or operating
arrangements involving other individuals.
IX. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL ENTRANTS:
1. Entrants must operate within the limits of their chosen category when performing any activity
that could impact their submitted score.
2. A different call sign must be used for each entry. Only the entrant’s call sign may be used to
aid the entrant’s score.
3. Do not exceed the total output power limitation of the chosen entry category on any band.
Total output power on any band at any time is measured at the output of the active amplifier(s).
4. Self-spotting or asking to be spotted is not permitted.
5. Remote operation is permitted if the physical location of all transmitters, receivers, and
antennas are at one station location. A remotely operated station must obey all station license,
operator license, and category limitations. The call sign used should be the call sign issued or
permitted by the Regulatory Authority of the station location.
6. Remote receivers outside of the station location are not permitted.
7. Only one signal on a band is allowed at any time. When two or more transmitters are present
on the same band, a hardware device MUST be used to prevent more than one signal at any
one time. Alternating CQs on two or more frequencies on a band is not permitted.
8. All requests for contacts, responses to calls, and copying of call signs and contest exchanges
must be accomplished during the contest period using the mode and frequencies of the contest.
9. Correction of logged call signs and exchanges after the a contest QSO is complete – by using
use of any database, recordings, email or other methods of confirming QSOs – is not allowed.
10. Call signs logged must be the same as those exchanged over the air by the entrants during
the QSO.
X. LOG INSTRUCTIONS:
Electronic submission of logs is required for all entrants who use a computer to log the contest
or prepare contest logs.
1. The log MUST show the following for each contact: correct date and time in UTC,
frequency (or band), call sign of the station worked, exchange sent, and exchange received. A
log without all required information may be reclassified to Checklog. Contacts should be logged
immediately as they are completed. Stations competing for World and Continent awards should
must provide accurate frequencies for all contacts in the log.
2. Single band entrants are required to include all contacts made during the contest
period, even if on other bands. Only contacts made on the band specified in the Cabrillo
header or summary sheet will be considered for scoring purposes. Logs with contacts only on
one band will be classified as single band entries.
3. The CABRILLO file format is the standard for logs. See <www.cqww.com/cabrillo.htm> for
detailed instructions on filling out the CABRILLO file header. Failure to fill out the header
correctly may result in the entry being placed in the wrong category or reclassified as a
Checklog. Note: U.S. stations must indicate the station location in the CABRILLO header (e.g.,
LOCATION: OH).
4. Web upload is the preferred method of log submission. Web upload of logs is available at
<www.cqww.com/logcheck/>. Email submission is also available. SSB logs in CABRILLO format
should be sent to ssb@cqww.com. CW logs in CABRILLO format should be sent to
cw@cqww.com. Include only the entry call sign in the “Subject:” line of the e-mail.
5. Instructions for NON-CABRILLO electronic logs: If you are not able to submit a
CABRILLO format log, please contact the Contest Director for assistance with submitting
another format.
6. Instructions for paper logs: Paper logs may be mailed to CQ WW DX Contest, P.O. Box
481, New Carlisle, OH 45344, USA. Each paper log entry must be accompanied by a Summary
Sheet listing all scoring information, the category of competition, and the entrant’s name and
mailing address in BLOCK LETTERS.
7. Entry Confirmation: All logs received will be confirmed via e-mail. A listing of logs received
can be found at www.cqww.com.
8. Log withdrawal: An entrant may withdraw the submitted log for any reason within 30 days of
the log deadline. Contact the Contest Director for instructions.
XI. LOG DEADLINE:
1. All entries must be sent WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS after the end of the contest: no later than
2359 UTC October 30, 2015 for SSB and 2359 UTC December 4, 2015 for CW. Resubmitting
an entry after the deadline will result in it being considered as a late log.
2. An extension may be requested by e-mail to questions@cqww.com. The request must state a
legitimate reason and must be received before the log deadline. Extensions are granted only
upon confirmation by the Contest Director.
3. Logs submitted or postmarked after the deadline may be listed in the results, but are not
eligible for awards.
XII. JUDGING:
The CQ WW DX Contest Committee is responsible for checking and adjudicating the contest
entries. Entrants are expected to follow the rules and best amateur radio practices. Violation of
the rules of the contest or unsportsmanlike conduct may lead to disciplinary action by the
Committee.
A. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include, but are not
limited to:
1. Arranging or confirming any contacts during the contest by use of ANY non-amateur radio
means such as telephones, Internet, instant messaging, chat rooms, VoIP, social media or web
sites.
2. Transmissions by the entrant on frequencies outside of license limitations.
3. Changing times in the log to meet band change or off time rules.
4. Taking credit for excessive unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable multipliers.
5. Signals with excessive bandwidth (e.g., splatter, clicks) or harmonics on other bands.
6. Running stations not identifying in a timely manner (i.e., 1 minute).
B. Observer Program: The Committee may request any entrant to accept a visit by an
observer during the contest –OR– to provide a complete recording of the contest operation
audio as heard by the operator. Failure to do so may result in the entry being disqualified.The
Committee may ask any entrant to accept a visit by an observer during the contest. Failure to
allow a Committee appointed observer full access to the station during the contest period may
result in the entry being disqualified.
C. Disciplinary Actions: In the event of a violation, the entrant is subject to disqualification at
the discretion of the Committee.
1. Disqualified entries will be listed at the end of the published results and are not eligible for an
award.
2. Notification of Committee actions will be sent by email to the address provided with the log
submission. The entrant has five days to appeal the decision to the Contest Director. After that
time the decision is final.
3. The Committee reserves the right to change the category of any entry based on its
examination of the log or other information.
D. Log Checking: All logs are checked using custom software and human judgment.
1. Duplicate contacts are removed with no additional penalty.
2. Contacts with an incorrectly received exchange are removed with no additional penalty.
3. Call sign errors (bust) or call signs not in the other log (NIL) are removed and receive a
penalty of two times the QSO point value for that contact.
4. Contacts that do not meet the band change rules for multi-operator entries are removed with
no additional penalty.
XIII. DECLARATION:
By submitting a CQ WW DX Contest log, and in consideration of the efforts of the CQ WW DX
Contest Committee to review and evaluate that log, an entrant unconditionally and irrevocably
agrees that he/she has: 1) read and understood the rules of the contest and agrees to be bound
by them, 2) operated according to all rules and regulations that pertain to amateur radio for the
station location, 3) agreed the log entry may be made open to the public, and 4) accepted that
the issuing of disqualifications and other decisions of the Committee are official and final. If an
entrant is unwilling or unable to agree to all of the foregoing, the entrant should not submit the
entry or submit the entry as a Checklog only.
Questions pertaining to the CQ WW DX Contest rules may be submitted by e-mail to
questions@cqww.com. Answers for many frequently asked questions can be found at
<www.cqww.com/rules_faq.htm>.