8.1 The total number of DXCC countries plus IARU
member society HQ stations on each band will count as multipliers,
once per band regardless of the mode. IARU officials represent a
maximum of four multipliers per band (AC, R1, R2 and R3).
8.2 IARU member society HQ stations and officials do
not count for DXCC country multiplier.
The Judging Committee will calculate the final score
for all entries based on Cabrillo logs submitted after adjudication.
10. Champions
The WRTC 2018 Champion will be the team with the highest score.
11. Special
Awards
· The WRTC 2018 SSB Leader will be the team w th the highest QSO total on SSB.
· The WRTC 2018 CW Leader will be the team w th the highest QSO total on CW.
· The WRTC 2018 Multiplier Leader will be the team with the highest total number
of multipliers.
· The WRTC 2018 Accuracy Leader will be the team with the lowest percentage of
callsign/exchange errors.
As WRTC is a mixed mode contest, to apply for Single mode Special Awards a
minimum of 35% of the total number of QSOs must be made in another mode.
12. Special
Rules and Disqualification
12.1 WRTC 2018 stations must be QRT for at least 15 minutes prior to the contest
start (by 11:45 UTC). The receiver volume of both radios must be turned fully
off and no monitoring or transmitting is allowed within this 15‐minute
timeframe. The radios may be left powered on.
12.2 The operators are not allowed to intentionally identify themselves (i.e.,
revealing their own callsigns) before or during the contest or reveal their team
identity in any way. Any attempt to do this such as by radio, telephone, SMS,
internet, email, etc., may result in immediate disqualification. Requesting QSOs
(e.g., setting schedules with special identification procedures in any way)
before the contest period is strictly forbidden.
12.3 Operators may request QSOs with any station on another band/mode. All
requests must be made during the contest period with no other attempt to reveal
the team’s identity. All requests can only be made on HF CW or SSB, and by no
other means.
12.4 Use of DX spotting (e.g., Packet, Web, etc.), skimmer or any other spotting
and supplementary information network is not allowed. Operators are not allowed
to receive any assistance to learn the callsign or exchange of any station other
than by tuning the radio and listening by human ear.
12.5 The use of any callsign database or the ‘Super Check Partial’ tool is not
allowed. If the logging software incorporates this kind of feature, it must be
disabled. The logging computer(s) may display a ‘Check Partial’ list based only
upon the callsigns already worked during the contest.
12.6 The WRTC Contest is the equivalent of the
Ham Radio Olympic Games. To maintain the spirit and credibility
that this name implies, the Judging Committee may disqualify a
team that commits any of (but not limited to) the following
actions:
· Violation of the rules of the contest.
· Unsportsmanlike conduct.
· Taking credit for excessive unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable
multipliers.
12.7 WRTC stations should not encourage "cheerleading", i.e. QSOs in which
supporters make QSOs with only a favoured team or exclusively spot that team on
the DX‐cluster. Cheerleading should be actively discouraged by the competitors
and abuses through the use of cheerleading may result in QSOs being removed from
logs as deemed necessary to assure a fair competition.
12.8 The decisions of the Judging Committee are final.
13. Callsign
Allocation
The callsigns assigned to the competitors will be selected from special calls in
a “to be determined” series. The process of assigning calls, stations, and
referees will be randomly designated by lottery on Friday, July 13th,
2018 before the contest. The competition callsigns will be given to the teams by
their referee at the station 15 minutes before the contest at 11:45 UTC on
Saturday, July 14th, 2018.
Team members are not allowed to know the callsign before this time.
14. Logging
14.1 Computer logging is required.
14.2 Each WRTC 2018 team must submit its log f
le n Cabrillo format to their referee until 12:30 UTC of Sunday,
July 15th, 2018.
14.3 All competitors are required to use one of
the following logging programs:
· Writelog
· Win‐Test
· TR4W (TR for Windows)
· N1MM Contest Logger
DXLog.net
· SkookumLogger
Other software that meets the requirements of
Cabrillo output and database limitations may also be acceptable
with written permission from the WRTC 2018 Organizing Committee
at least 90 days prior to the contest. The team is solely
responsible to ensure the software conforms to WRTC 2018
standards as defined in these rules.
14.4 In any case, it is the sole responsibility
of the competing teams to create Cabrillo‐compliant code with
the software used in the contest. The Committee does not assume
any responsibility for the conversion of log data into Cabrillo
format.
14.5 Logging software must be configured to
broadcast current score information for publication during the
contest.
15. Recording
15.1 After the contest, each team must provide
to the referee a continuous stereo audio recording of Radio A
and Radio B on one of the following storage devices:
· USB2 compatible device (USB flash memory, USB
hard drive)
· CD/DVD disk
The recordings should be separated into two
audio files, one for each radio. Recordings may be established
in one of the following two formats:
· Two (2) separate files, one for each radio.
· One file with each radio on a separate
channel.
15.2 The Judging Committee has the right to
remove any claimed contacts not found in the recordings. Upon
demand the teams must provide additionally the associated
player, e.g. if non‐ standard audio formats are used.
16. WRTC
2018 Station Setup
16.1 Each participating WRTC team must bring
everything needed for their station except items listed in
Station Description.
16.2 Each WRTC 2018 station will have two radios
– Radio A and Radio B.
16.2.1 Radio A and Radio B can each use only one
antenna connector. This means that every transmission and
reception must go through a ingle antenna connector of that
Radio. No external receive antennas are allowed. External
band‐pass filters are allowed in the receive line if desired.
16.2.2 Use of any sub receiver in radios that
are so equipped, is not allowed. This includes diversity
receiving. Radios are not allowed to receive on two frequencies
simultaneously. For a two‐ channel (or multi‐channel) radio
(which has sub‐receiver or parallel reception capabilities),
which allows reception of signals on different frequencies
simultaneously, the sub‐receiver (or that parallel reception)
must not be used. If the sub‐receiver is technically required to
operate the bandscope/waterfall, then technical means (e.g. mono
headphone adapter) need to assure that no audio of the
subreceiver can be utilized.
16.2.3 Operators are allowed to share audio
between Radio A and Radio B. Each operator may listen to the
other operator’s radio and vice versa.
16.2.4 Both Radio A and Radio B are allowed to
transmit. The contest is a full Two‐Operator Two‐ Transmitter
type operation. The only limitation is that each radio must
transmit on a different band regardless of mode (e.g., if Radio
A is on 15M SSB, Radio B is not allowed on 15M SSB or 15M CW
during the same time period).
16.2.5 Spectrum scopes (pan adapters) are
allowed provided that they are used solely for spectrum
visualization. The spectrum scope may be built‐in to the radio
or be a separate device. It may be connected to the radio or
PC‐A/B with the following limitations:
16.2.5.1 The only output from the spectrum scope
can be video, i.e. it can show current or past signal strength
(spectrum, peak hold or waterfall). Other demodulation, analysis
or decoding, e.g. for the purpose of content analysis, CW‐decode,
station identification, Skimmer, etc., is not allowed.
16.2.5.2 Data transfer to the logging program or
any other software is not allowed.
16.2.5.3 Only one spectrum scope can be used per
radio (i.e. a total of 2 spectrum scopes for the team).
16.2.5.4 The spectrum curve may be displayed in
any suitable device, including the PC‐A/B monitor screen.
16.2.5.5 No additional computers may be used for
SDR signal processing; only PC‐A/B computers may be used.
Exception is the use of an attached control console to the
radio, but only if that control console acts as a replacement
for traditional front panel control.
16.2.5.6 The spectrum scope can be used to
control frequency (e.g., tune Radio A/B).
16.2.5.7 If a remote control console (16.2.5.5.)
is used, then signal demodulation may happen in one and only one
device (either the main radio or the control console). The
control console must be within the provided tent and only be
controlled by one – and only one– of the operators.
16.3 All radios must be commercially
manufactured transceivers, meeting all manufacturer
specifications.
16.4 Each team is allowed to have two backup
radios. The backup radios may only be used in case of
malfunction of the main stations´ radios and with approval of
the referee.
16.5 Radio A and Radio B are each limited to 100
watts (KEY DOWN in CW, single tone in SSB) maximum power output.
The power will be measured by a peak power monitor provided by
the WRTC 2018 Organizing Committee. The monitor has two
detectors which must be connected directly to Radio A and Radio
B’s respective antenna connectors. The power monitor acts on
forward power only. Any devices connected after the detectors
must not amplify the transmitted signal.
16.6 Band‐pass filters are allowed for both
Radio A and Radio B. External antenna tuners are allowed for all
antennas. These devices must be connected after the power
detector. Any power losses from these devices may not be
compensated for in any way.
16.7 Two networked PCs are allowed (PC‐A at
Radio A, PC‐B at Radio B). The PCs should be named PC‐ A and
PC‐B (or similar) within the team’s logging software before the
contest begins. No wireless connections are allowed from the PCs
except for wireless keyboards resp. mice. No Wi‐Fi or Bluetooth
network connections are allowed. Network connections between
logging computers must utilize the Ethernet switch provided by
the WRTC 2018 Organizing Committee. Each team will provide two
straight Ethernet cables to connect PC‐A and PC‐B to the
Ethernet switch. Each team should also provide an Ethernet
crossover cable to use in case of an Ethernet switch failure –
or should plan on bringing a backup Ethernet switch (3 ports,
minimum).
16.8 The teams must provide an audio output for
both radios for use by the referee. This may be in parallel with
the recording device described in rule 16.9 if desired. The
audio must be isolated so the referee may listen to either
channel or both at the same time. The team may provide
headphones for the referee or the referee may bring his or her
own. In either case, it is the team’s responsibility that the
referee can monitor both radios continuously. If the referee
uses his or her own headphones, it must not interfere with the
team’s audio in any way.
The audio output should be terminated in a 3.5mm
headphone female jack for the referee to plug into. If desired,
the referee may bring an audio switch box to choose Left/Right
or Both audio channels.
16.9 The teams must provide the equipment for
recording the WRTC contest operation, including both the
received and transmitted audio of Radio A and Radio B. With this
equipment the teams must generate the audio recording described
in section 15. The recording must be uninterrupted and
comprehensive for the entire period of operation. A third PC is
allowed for this purpose, but may not be networked to PC‐A or
PC‐B in any way. Operators are not allowed to review the
recorded audio except for troubleshooting purposes while under
the referee’s supervision.
16.10 Teams may adjust the length of the 80M
antenna to move its resonance from the low end of the band to
the SSB portion or back. This may be done by folding the
extension wires from the insulators at each end back along the
dipole wires (SSB), or out along the support ropes (CW). The
center and ends of the antenna must not be moved. This
adjustment must be made while standing on the ground. No
climbing of the antenna structure or other objects is permitted.
In the case of a failure of the wire antenna(s), only the site
team is allowed to repair it. It is not allowed to move the
antenna ends without express permission from the WRTC 2018
Organizing Committee.
16.118 Participants are not allowed to change or
cut antenna coaxial cables provided by the organizer. All such
cable lengths must remain unchanged. Any filters or other
devices allowed as previously described must be connected after
the entire length of cable provided.
16.12 Before the competition the Teams are
allowed to use third party technical support to organize and
install the station as well as to install and te t oftware or
other permitted devices and peripherals. The support team must
leave the te area by 11:30 UTC on Saturday, July 14th,
2018 at the latest.
16.13 During the competition the Referee may
permit repair of any equipment or antennas reported damaged
during the operation. This can be done by the operators or by
the WRTC support staff only. No third party is allowed in the
operating area at any time during the competition.
16.14 All equipment used by any team must be
located inside of the tent (except generator, antennas and
cables). Participants must stay in the tent and/or designated
control area from Saturday, July 14th,
2018, 11:45 UTC until Sunday, July 15th,
2018, 12:30 UTC.
17. Definitions
17.1 Radio
|
Radio A |
|
Radio B |
1. |
Allowed to transmit |
1. |
Allowed to transmit |
2. |
Main receiver reception |
2. |
Main receiver reception |
3. |
Sub‐receiver reception is not allowed |
3. |
Sub‐receiver reception is not allowed |
4. |
VFO A and VFO B transmit |
4. |
VFO A and VFO B transmit |
5. |
A triplexer should be used on the triband
antenna to provide 10/15/20 meter antenna inputs. See
special triplexer section in the station description. |
5. |
A triplexer should be used on the triband
antenna to provide 10/15/20 meter antenna inputs. See
special triplexer section in the station description. |
6. |
Allowed to use band‐decoder |
6. |
Allowed to use band‐decoder |
7. |
Allowed to use audio and RF filters |
7. |
Allowed to use audio and RF filters |
8. |
Can share audio with Radio B |
8. |
Can share audio with Radio A |
9. |
Must share audio with Referee |
9. |
Must share audio with Referee |
10. |
Can be replaced by backup Radio (in case
of failure) |
10. |
Can be replaced by backup Radio (in case
of failure) |
11. |
Radio A cannot transmit on the same
band as Radio B. The operator may listen on the same
band as Radio B at any time. After one QSO is made on a
band, all QSOs for that band must be made on the same
radio during that time period. Either radio may use any
antenna but may not share that antenna with the other
radio. |
11. |
Radio B cannot transmit on the same
band as Radio A. The operator may listen on the same
band as Radio A at any time. After one QSO is made on a
band, all QSOs for that band must be made on the same
radio during that time period. Either radio may use any
antenna but may not share that antenna with the other
radio. |
17.2 Computer
|
Computer A |
|
Computer B |
1. |
May be interconnected with Computer B |
1. |
May be interconnected with Computer A |
2. |
Allowed to key Radio A only. |
2. |
Allowed to key Radio B only |
3. |
Can exchange messages with Computer B |
3. |
Can exchange messages with Computer A |
4. |
Voice and CW keyers are allowed |
4. |
Voice and CW keyers are allowed |
5. |
Super Check Partial is not allowed |
5. |
Super Check Partial is not allowed |
6. |
Log must be converted to Cabrillo format
after the contest |
6. |
Log must be converted to Cabrillo format
after the contest |
17.3
Operator
|
Operator
A |
|
Operator
B |
1. |
Operator of Radio A |
1. |
Operator of Radio B |
2. |
Operator A can change position (chair)
with Operator B at any time |
2. |
Operator B can change position (chair)
with Operator A at any time |
3. |
Allowed to populate the band‐map |
3. |
Allowed to populate the band‐map |
4. |
Can exchange messages with Operator B |
4. |
Can exchange messages with Operator A |
5. |
Must share audio with the Refereet
hroughout the contest |
5. |
Must share audio with the Referee
throughout the contest |
6. |
Can share audio at any time with Operator
B |
6. |
Can share audio at any time with Operator
A |
7. |
Can operate any of the allowed devices |
7. |
Can operate any of the allowed devices |
18. Disclaimer
In the event of force majeure or the occurrence of an event beyond its control,
the WRTC2018 Organizing Committee might implement changes, deletions or
additions to the event and its rules. Additionally the WRTC 2018 Organizing
Committee reserves the right to change the ruleset for technical, administrative
or legislative reasons. These changes may be implemented upon short notice.
19. Conditions
of entry
By submitting an entry in the WRTC Contest the
competing teams confirm that:
1. The rules of the contest have been read and
understood and they are bound by them;
2. They operated within the limitations of all
rules stipulated;
3. They agree to make the log and the audio
recording, as well as photo and video material of its operation
prepared by the organizer available to the general public at the
sole discretion of the WRTC Organizing Committee;
4. All actions and decisions of the WRTC Judging
Committee are official and final.
Addendum
I Frequency
allocations in Germany
In Germany frequencies for the amateur radio
service are assigned by the Bundesnetzagentur and are listed on
this website:
http://www.gesetze‐im‐internet.de/afuv_2005/anlage_1.html
As German laws are only written in German
language, an excerpt of the relevant frequency allocations is
provided here:
Frequency range
3,500 – 3,800 kHz
7,000 – 7,100 kHz
7,100 – 7,200 kHz
14,000 – 14,350 kHz
21,000 – 21,450 kHz
28,000 – 29,700 kHz
AI IARU
Region 1 band plan
The IARU region 1 band plan is a recommendation
for all radio amateurs how to use the bands, as revised at the
Interim Meeting Vienna 2016, effect e 01 June 2016. The latest
version can be found on the website of the IARU:
http://www.iaru‐r1.org/index.php/spectrum‐and‐band‐plans/hf
III.
Poor
Signal Policy
Will be provided later.