UK/EI DX Contests - 2024 Rules
In partnership with the RSGB
the IRTS
and the
GMDX Group
In other languages :
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your CW Cabrillo logfile
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SSB Cabrillo logfile
Online scoreboards
Rules applied during Automatic Adjudication
Notes - 1. The log submission deadline is
24 hours
Notes - 2.
If
the other station does not send you a serial number, log a *zero*
and you will be credited with the points for that QSO.
Notes -
3.
We have a Teams section. Scroll down to section 4.5 for the details.
Notes - 4.
UK entrants - important! The
District Codes that you should send as part of the exchange are
nearly, but not always, the first two letters of your postcode.
Please check carefully the list of 155 District Codes at
the bottom of this page. For example, stations in Northern Ireland should send one of six possible District Codes
- not BT. Also note that five UK Districts cover more
than one DXCC entity (HR,LD,SY,CH and TD) -
please pick one District Code and use the same code in all UK/EI
DX Contests.
1. General
UPDATE - July 2024 - We will not accept
entries in these DX contests from stations in the Russian
Federation and Belarus.
However, all QSOs made with these
stations will score points and will count as multipliers for all
other entrants.
The aim of these contests is to promote contacts between stations in the U.K. and Ireland (UK/EI) and stations in the rest of the world (DX).
All UK and EI contesters, including those with modest stations and antennas, will experience the fun of being a 'Multiplier' in a worldwide contest.
There are long periods in the 24 hours when DX stations cannot work UK/EI stations because there is no propagation,
so all entrants can work all other entrants for QSO points and multipliers. However a good score will only be achieved by working sufficient numbers of UK and EI stations and UK/EI district code multipliers.
Adjudication is automated, with logfiles being
submitted online within 24 hours of the end of the contest.
2. Dates and Times / Modes
2024
27th/28th April 2024
31st August / 1st September 2024 - 1200z-1200z - SSB2025
26th/27th April 2025 - 1200z-1200z - CW
1st/2nd November 2025 - 1200z-1200z - SSB
2026
25th/26th April 2026 - 1200z-1200z - CW
31st October / 1st November 2026 - 1200z-1200z - SSB
2027
24th/25th April 2027 - 1200z-1200z - CW
23rd/24th October 2027 - 1200z-1200z - SSB
2028
29th/30th April 2028 - 1200z-1200z - CW
30th September / 1st October 2028 - 1200z-1200z - SSB
2029
28th/29th April 2029 - 1200z-1200z - CW
22nd/23rd September 2029 - 1200z-1200z - SSB
2030
27th/28th April 2030 - 1200z-1200z - CW
31st August / 1st September 2030 - - 1200z-1200z - SSB
Click here if you would like to be sent a reminder e-mail before each contest.
3. Bands / mode
3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28MHz
Contest-preferred segments must be observed
On 80m and 20m these are :
CW 3510-3560 kHz, 14000-14060 kHz
SSB 3600-3650 kHz, 3700-3800 kHz, 14125-14300 kHz.
Note : On 80m and 40m on Sunday morning, any News Bulletin frequencies should be avoided
4. Entry Categories
All entrants must operate within the limits of their chosen category when performing any activity that could affect their submitted score.
4.1 Location
UK/EI: any operator located in and operating a station located in, EI, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW.
DX: any other station
For each entry, all operators and all equipment (transmitters, receivers) must be located within a 500m diameter circle.
Antennas must be physically connected by RF transmission lines to the transmitters and receivers
4.1.1 Remote Operation
Remote operators may use one, and only one, remote station
during the contest. They may not access any receiver and/or
transmitter not physically located at that single remote
station.
The location of this remote station must be verifiable.
The operator must use the callsign assigned to the remote station and not their personal callsign, if different.
Operators using a remote station are classified as Remote Assisted (Connected) and are placed in a separate Category.
4.2 Operators
.4.2.1
Single operator Unassisted
- One person.
One transmitted signal at any one time.
Any form of QSO alerting assistance disqualifies the entrant from the Single-operator Unassisted (Unconnected) category.
4.2.2
Single operator Assisted - One person.
One transmitted signal at any one time.
QSO alerting assistance is allowed.
Self-spotting or asking to be spotted is not allowed.
Note : Each of the above Single-operator categories have the option to enter the SINGLE-ELEMENT ANTENNA category - this means one antenna covering all bands e.g. a wire doublet fed via an ATU or a multi-band vertical.
Select
SINGLE-ELEMENT ANTENNA overlay when you
upload your logfile to the robot.
Similarly, stations
licensed for 3 years or less can select the
ROOKIE
overlay option.
4.2.3
Multi operator
- The multi-operator category includes M1, M2 and MM
entries.
*All multi-operator entries are 24 hours only
and High power only *4.3 Callsigns
Entrants may use any callsign issued to them personally.
If operating a club station as a single operator, the callsign of that club station should be used.
4.4 Operating Time
(a) 24 hours - 1200z to 1200z
(b) 12 hours - In the 12-hour category, each 'off' period must be a minimum of 60 minutes.
(c) To encourage UK/EI multipliers to be available overnight, all QSOs made by UK/EI stations only between the hours of 0100z and 0459z will be worth double points (in addition to any other bonus points)
4.5 Teams Competition
All individual entrants to our UK/EI DX SSB or CW
Contest are invited to also enter our Teams Competition, by
linking up with a maximum of two other entrants to form a team
entry.
A team consists of two or three team members. You
arrange the members of your team and decide on a unique team
name before the contest. You do not need to register your team
before the contest.
If your club or group has more than
three entrants, the three highest scoring stations will be
assigned by the adjudicators to your "Team 1", the next three
highest scoring stations will be assigned to "Team 2", and so
on.
For example - if eight stations enter from the DARC team,
the three DARC stations with the highest score will
automatically make up team "DARC 1", the next three DARC
stations will make up team "DARC2", and the two stations with
the lowest score will make up team "DARC 3".
Team names
should be entered via the Log Submission Robot when submitting
your Cabrillo logfile after the contest. The correct field
appears at the second stage of the upload process - look for the
text box 'Name of Group (if applicable)' and enter your Team
name there.
Each individual team member may enter in any
category in the contest, e.g. a team of three entrants might be
in three different categories, or all in the same category. The
team members can be from any DXCC entity (but see Rule 1 above).
The total Team score is the sum of the final adjudicated
points scores. Team names, team members and scores will be
listed separately in the Results tables.
5. Power categories(a) High Power - the maximum permitted by the entrant's licence or 1500W, whichever is the lower.
(b) Low Power - maximum 100 watts output
(c) QRP - maximum 5 watts output
Any station not indicating their transmitter power on their submitted Cabrillo logfile will be classified as High Power.
6. ExchangeRS(T) (optional) plus a sequential serial number starting from 1.
UK/EI entrants add their 2-character UK/EI District Code. - see Appendix 2 below.
The same sequence of serial numbers should be used across all 5 bands i.e. do not start at 1 when moving to a new band.
7. Scoring7.1 QSO Points - All entrants can contact anyone for points, whether UK/EI or DX.
UK/EI stations contacting :
UK/EI/Europe
DX (Outside Europe)
80m, 40m - 4 points
80m, 40m - 8 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 2 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 4 points
Note : For UK/EI stations only, all QSOs will score double points between the hours of 0100z and 0459z.
European stations contacting :
UK/EI
Europe
DX (Outside Europe)
80m, 40m - 4 points
80m, 40m - 2 points
80m, 40m - 4 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 2 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 1 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 2 points
DX (Outside Europe) contacting :
UK/EI
Europe
DX (Outside Europe)
80m, 40m - 8 points
80m, 40m - 4 points
80m, 40m - 2 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 4 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 2 points
20m, 15m, 10m - 1 points
7.2 Multipliers - There are 2 types of multipliers
(i) different DXCC countries and
(ii) UK/EI District Codes
The multiplier total is the total of different DXCC countries worked on each band, (excluding the UK/EI DXCC countries EI, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW) plus UK/EI District Codes worked on each band.
Note : All QSOs with UK/EI stations only count for District Code multipliers - they do not count for DXCC country multipliers.
7.3 Total Score - The final score is the total QSO points multiplied by the multiplier total e.g. 4,000 QSO pts x 500 mults = 2,000,000 points
See Appendix 2 below for a list of UK/EI District Codes.
8. Logs
8.1 Electronic submission of logs is required for all logs, which must conform to the Cabrillo format described below.
No other form of log will be accepted.
All QSO times must be logged in UTC.
8.2 For Cabrillo logs, the categories and category overlays are created automatically when you upload your logfile and select the categories on the log submission robot.
8.3 Please ensure you send a single log, with the logged QSOs in order of Serial number sent.
Do not send separate logs for each band.
Your Cabrillo QSO records must conform to this format:
Example UK/EI station log :
QSO: 28024 PH 2014-07-26 1338 G3XYZ 599 001 OX ON4SS 599 018 --
QSO: 21003 PH 2014-07-26 1341 G3XYX 599 002 OX GM4SID 599 130 AB
QSO: 7165 PH 2014-07-26 1343 G3XYZ 59 003 OX W3LPL 599 036 --
Example DX station log:
QSO: 28024 PH 2014-07-26 1338 DL1AA 599 001 -- ON4SS 599 019 --
QSO: 21003 PH 2014-07-26 1341 DL1AA 599 002 -- GM4SID 599 131 AB
QSO: 7165 PH 2014-07-26 1343 DL1AA 59 003 -- EI7CC 599 136 DU
Note - to qualify for an award, your submitted Cabrillo logfile must show all QSO frequencies to the nearest 1kHz.
8.4 Entries must be uploaded via the online log submission robot :
Upload your CW Cabrillo logfile
Upload your
SSB Cabrillo logfile
Entrants should check their Cabrillo logfile via a text editor before sending it, to avoid potential problems.
Entrants will receive an acknowledgement by e-mail immediately, advising them if there is any problem with their log and asking them to correct it and resubmit it.
8.5 See Appendix 1 below for information about which contest logging software packages support these contests.
8.6 The log submission deadline is
24 hours after the end of the contest.
Logs are then electronically adjudicated and the *Provisional* Results posted online as soon as possible after the deadline.
Entrants who wish to appeal about any aspect of their adjudicated
*Provisional* score have 24 hours after the online publication of the
Provisional Results to do so. The Results will be finalised as
soon as possible - usually within 48 hours of the end of the
contest.
UBN files will be e-mailed to entrants within 7 days after the
contest..
9. Penalties
Points may be deducted, or entrants disqualified, for violation of the rules or for having poor quality transmitted signals.
This includes, for example, use of a third party to make contacts on a list or net, contacting CW stations on an SSB frequency or vice-versa, failing to observe appropriate contest-preferred band segments, and excessively wide signals - including key clicks and distorted audio.
9.1 Logging errors -
Incorrectly logged callsign or serial number = loss of that QSO points plus 2X the value of that QSO points.
The bad QSO is removed plus a penalty of 2 equivalent QSOs is applied to the points only.
In addition, removal of a bad QSO might result in the loss of a Multiplier, so accurate logging is essential.
E.g. a UK/EI station's error in logging a 20m QSO with a European station = loss of that QSO points (2pts) plus a further 4pts (2 x 2pts)
Not in Log (NIL) = loss of that QSO points, but no additional
penalty.
9.2
Operating outside the published band segments - all QSOs disallowed.
9.3 By submitting a log, you agree that the decision of the UK/EI DX Contest team will be final in all matters of dispute.
You also agree to your submitted Cabrillo logfile and the associated UBN file being in the public domain on the UKEICC website.
10. Awards
Certificates (PDFs) will be awarded to leading stations in each entry category and power category.
In addition the
Kenwood Cup will be awarded to the
UK/EI Unassisted Single-Op station with the highest score in
each (SSB/CW) contest.
The
RSGB, IRTS and GMDX
Group all have separate Awards for these contests -
please visit their websites for information.
11. General Rules
The following General Rules also apply :
11.1 Entries are accepted at the sole discretion of the UKEICC committee.
11.2 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.
11.3 Self-spotting or asking to be spotted is not permitted.
11.4 Remote operation is permitted (see rule 4.1.1 above) 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.
Remote receivers outside the station location are not permitted.
11.5 Only one signal on a band is allowed at any time.
Alternating CQs on two or more frequencies on a band is not permitted.
11.6 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.
11.7 Call signs logged must be the same as those exchanged over the air by the entrants during the QSO.
Logging Software that supports this contest
Fully supported - thanks Paul EI5DI
Fully supported - thanks Nick NA3M, Les G4OGB
Fully supported - thanks Olivier F5MZN and team
Fully supported - thanks Ben DL7UCX
Fully supported - thanks Jim M0CKE, Bjorn SM7IUN
Fully supported - thanks Bill K1GQ, Jonathan G0DVJ
Fully supported - thanks Paolo IK3QAR (Nov.2020 - now also
in English)
Fully supported - thanks David W3KM, Jim GW0BBO
Fully supported - thanks Khalid A61BK
Information on using Writelog - thanks Steve GW4BLE (SK)
Fully supported - thanks Tom DL2RUM, Rafal EI6LA
APPENDIX 2
AB - Aberdeen - GM
AL - St. Albans - G
AN - Antrim - GI
AR - Armagh - GI
BA - Bath - G
BB - Blackburn - G
BD - Bradford - G
BH - Bournemouth - G
BL - Bolton - G
BM - Birmingham - G
BN - Brighton - G
BR - Bromley - G
BS - Bristol - G
CA - Carlisle - G
CB - Cambridge - G
CE - Clare - EI
CF - Cardiff - GW
CH - Chester - G / GW
CK - Cork - EI
CL - Carlow - EI
CM - Chelmsford - G
CN - Cavan - EI
CO - Colchester - G
CR - Croydon - G
CT - Canterbury - G
CV - Coventry - G
CW - Crewe - G
DA - Dartford - G
DD - Dundee - GM
DE - Derby - G
DG - Dumfries - GM
DH - Durham - G
DL - Darlington - G
DN - Doncaster - G
DO - Donegal - EI
DR - Derry/Londonderry - GI
DT - Dorchester - G
DU - Dublin - EI
DW - Down - GI
DY - Dudley - G
EC - London EC1-4
EH - Edinburgh - GM
EL - London E1-18
EN - Enfield - G
EX - Exeter - G
FE - Fermanagh - GI
FK - Falkirk - GM
FY - Blackpool - G
GA - Galway - EI
GL - Gloucester - G
GS - Glasgow - GM
GU - Guildford - G
GY - Guernsey - GU
UK/EI District Codes
HA - Harrow - G
HD - Huddersfield - G
HG - Harrogate - G
HP - Hemel Hempstead - G
HR - Hereford - G / GW
HS - Outer Hebrides - GM
HU - Hull - G
HX - Halifax - G
IG - Ilford - G
IM - Isle of Man - GD
IP - Ipswich - G
IV - Inverness - GM
JE - Jersey - GJ
KA - Kilmarnock - GM
KD - Kildare - EI
KE - Kerry - EI
KI - Kilkenny - EI
KT - Kingston on Thames - G
KW - Orkney Islands - GM
KY - Kirkcaldy - GM
LA - Lancaster - G
LD - Llandrindod Wells - G / GW
LE - Leicester - G
LF - Longford - EI
LH - Louth - EI
LI - Limerick - EI
LL - Llandudno - GW
LN - Lincoln - G
LO - Laois - EI
LP - Liverpool - G
LS - Leeds - G
LT - Leitrim - EI
LU - Luton - G
MA - Mayo - EI
ME - Medway - G
MK - Milton Keynes - G
ML - Motherwell - GM
MO - Monaghan - EI
MR - Manchester - G
MT - Meath - EI
NE - Newcastle upon Tyne - G
NG - Nottingham - G
NL - London N1-22
NN - Northampton - G
NP - Newport - GW
NK - Norwich - G
NW - London NW1-11
OF - Offaly - EI
OL - Oldham - G
OX - Oxford - G
PA - Paisley - GM
PE - Peterborough - G
PH - Perth - GM
PL - Plymouth - G
PO - Portsmouth - G
PR - Preston - G
RG - Reading - G
RH - Redhill - G
RM - Romford - G
RO - Roscommon - EI
SA - Swansea - GW
SD - Sheffield - G
SE - London SE1-28
SG - Stevenage - G
SI - Sligo - EI
SK - Stockport - G
SL - Slough - G
SM - Sutton - G
SN - Swindon - G
SO - Southampton - G
SP - Salisbury - G
SR - Sunderland - G
SS - Southend on Sea - G
ST - Stoke on Trent - G
SW - London SW1-20
SY - Shrewsbury - G / GW
TA - Taunton - G
TD - Tweed - G / GM
TF - Telford - G
TI - Tipperary - EI
TN - Tonbridge - G
TQ - Torquay - G
TR - Truro - G
TS - Teeside - G
TW - Twickenham - G
TY - Tyrone - GI
UB - Uxbridge - G
WA - Warrington - G
WC - London WC1-2
WD - Watford - G
WF - Wakefield - G
WI - Wicklow - EI
WL - London W1-14
WM - Westmeath - EI
WN - Wigan - G
WR - Worcester - G
WS - Walsall - G
WT - Waterford - EI
WV - Wolverhampton - G
WX - Wexford - EI
YO - York - G
ZE - Shetland Islands - GM
Total = 155 District codes