SP DX Contest 2014 (How to prepare contest logs)

How to prepare contest logs

First of all we kindly ask to send electronic logs wherever possible. We decided to move to Cabrillo format two year ago. It makes log processing far more easy. Marek SP7DQR develped special software for log cross-checking purposes. However if there is no chance to use computer logging software and to send electronically generated log or if your favourite software can't generate Cabrillo format file - it is not a problem. Send any plain-text format you have. The most important thing is that your log must include all necessary information.

But no matter what kind of log you are going to send please always check if your log is prepared correctly. Check everything before sending you logs to the Contest Committee. Thanks in advace for your help.

Cabrillo format for SP DX Contest Logs

Cabrillo is a plain text file where all information is properly formatted. Cabrillo file has always header section and QSO data section. Header section is used for general information: your call, name, address, category of participation, claimed score, comments (soapbox). Usually this information is based on what you input when you started you contest software for the first time. So have a look at the header of Cabrillo file for SP DX Contest:

  START-OF-LOG: 2.0
  CALLSIGN: KG4LSU
  CATEGORY: SOSB 20M  CW
  CLAIMED-SCORE: 15
  CLUB:
  CONTEST: SPDXContest
  NAME: MIKE ZASADA
  ADDRESS: Yellow Street 999
  ADDRESS: Athens 8090-8899
  ADDRESS: USA
  OPERATORS: MIKE - KG4LSU
  SOAPBOX: RIG:FT-990
  SOAPBOX: PWR:100
  SOAPBOX: ANT:3EL HY-GAIN
  SOAPBOX: SW:SPSPDXC-LOG(WW) by LA0FX ver 4.00á

So we have the header. Now something about QSO data section. It is exactly the information you logged during the contest. Have a look:

  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       1 SP5ZCC        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       2 SP5UAF        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       3 SQ5BPM        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       4 SP5UAX        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1408 KG4LSU        59       5 SP5MBQ        59       R 0
  END-OF-LOG:

You can see frequency, mode (PH for PHONE, CW for CW, date, GMT, your call, report sent, QSL number, correspondent call, received report, received multiplier. So now put the both sections together:

  START-OF-LOG: 2.0
  CALLSIGN: KG4LSU
  CATEGORY: SOSB 20M  CW
  CLAIMED-SCORE: 15
  CLUB:
  CONTEST: SPDXContest
  NAME: MIKE ZASADA
  ADDRESS: Yellow Street 999
  ADDRESS: Athens 8090-8899
  ADDRESS: USA
  OPERATORS: MIKE - KG4LSU
  SOAPBOX: RIG:FT-990
  SOAPBOX: PWR:100
  SOAPBOX: ANT:3EL HY-GAIN
  SOAPBOX: SW:SPSPDXC-LOG(WW) by LA0FX ver 4.00á
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       1 SP5ZCC        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       2 SP5UAF        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       3 SQ5BPM        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1407 KG4LSU        59       4 SP5UAX        59       R 0
  QSO: 14000 PH 2002-03-03 1408 KG4LSU        59       5 SP5MBQ        59       R 0
  END-OF-LOG:

And it is a complete log. Of course such a log is usually generated by the software. But you should always check the file to see if it looks OK.

Don't do it

Sometimes contesters use paper logs and then retype their contacts using various software: MS Word, MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, AmiPro, MS Works etc. Please rememeber: don't send files in such office software formats!! Please do not use any office suits formats. Even if you are not able to prepare Cabrillo file, remember the log must be a plain-text file. Contest Committee may not use the ooffice software you have on your computer. So if you use office-like software please include all necessary information (as for paper logs) and then export you data to plain text file.

The best way is to use SPDXContest software by SP7DQR. It was created for those who use paper and pencil old fashion logging. By using this program you can type in all you contacts after the contest and create Cabrillo log file. Output file can be written as ADIF file, too, so it is easy to import it to any logging software (Logger etc.). Please choose links in the left panel for more info about SP7DQR software.

E-mail address

Keep in mind that the only correct e-mail address for electronic logs is the following one:

spdxc-logs@pzk.org.pl

Remember to name your files with your call-sign. Example: do not name your contest log files like contest.cbr or spdxc.log etc.; please include you own call-sign as the file name, for example: sp5uaf.cbr, ur5xy.log, 9v1xe.log etc.

Paper logs

When sending paper logs please remember to include all necessary information: UTC, mode, call of you correspondent, reports and serial numbers (sent and received), points. multipliers etc. Remember: use UTC time only. Please use separate sheets for each band. All dupes must be clearly marked. Include summary sheet with the final score, your address data and signed declaration that contest rules were observed. Please also include some info about used equipment, antennas, membership in special clubs and your comments.

The only valid address to send paper logs is the following one:
  Polski Zwiazek Krotkofalowcow,
  SPDX Contest Committee,
  P.O. Box 320,
  00-950 WARSZAWA,
  POLAND

 
 
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