WRTC Rules
DRAFT WRTC-2014 Contest Rules
Below are the draft competition rules for WRTC 2014. There will be an open review period for 30 days. Any suggestions, corrections, or other feedback should be sent to rules@wrtc2014.org. The final rules will be announced before July 1, 2012.
1. Contest Period
The WRTC 2014 competition will be held during the IARU 2014 HF Championship.
Start: Saturday 12 July 2014 1200 UTC (0800 Local time)
End: Sunday 13 July 2014 1200 UTC
2. Frequencies/Bands
3.5, 7, 14, 21, 28 MHz
3. Modes
CW and SSB.
4. Language
Only English language and common international abbreviations can be used when operating either SSB or CW.
5. Contest Exchange
WRTC stations must send signal report plus ITU zone (W1 area is ITU Zone 08). A complete exchange must be logged for each valid QSO.
6. Valid QSOs
The same station/callsign can be worked only once on CW and once on SSB per band. Cross-band or cross-mode QSOs are not allowed.
7. Special Rules and Disqualification
7.1. WRTC team contest stations must be QRT for at least 15 minutes prior to the contest start (by 1145 UTC). The receiver volume of both radios must be turned fully off and no monitoring or transmitting is allowed within this 15-minute time frame. The radios may be left powered on.
7.2. The operators are not allowed to identify themselves before or during the contest (revealing their own call signs) or reveal their team identity in any way. Any attempt to do this such as by radio, telephone, SMS, internet, email, will result in immediate disqualification. Requesting QSOs (e.g., setting schedules with special identification procedures in any way) before the contest period is strictly forbidden.
7.3. You may request QSOs with any station on another band/mode. All requests must occur during the contest with no other attempt to identify the team’s identity. All requests can only be made on HF CW or SSB, and by no other means.
7.4. Use of DX spotting (e.g., Packet, Web, etc.), skimmer or any other spotting and supplementary information network is not allowed. You are not allowed any assistance to learn the callsign of any station other than by tuning the radio and listening by human ear.
7.5. 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.
7.6. 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 the following (but not limited to) actions:
8. Logging
8.1. Computer logging is required.
8.2. Each WRTC 2014 team must submit their Cabrillo file to their referee within thirty (30) minutes after the contest has ended.
8.3. All competitors are required to use one of following logging programs:
8.4. In all cases, the competitors must satisfy themselves with the Cabrillo capabilities of the software. The Committee does not assume any responsibility for the conversion of log data into Cabrillo format.
9. Call sign Allocation
The callsigns assigned to the competitors will selected from special calls in a “to be determined” series. The process of assigning calls, stations, and referees will be randomly assigned by lottery on Friday afternoon (July 11, 2014) before the contest. The callsigns will be given to the teams by their referee at the station 15 minutes before the contest. You are not allowed to know the callsign before this time.
10. Recording
10.1. After the contest, each team must provide to the referee a continuous stereo recording of Radio A and Radio B on one of the following:
You may record in one of the following 2 formats:
11. QSO Points
Each valid two-way CW or SSB QSO with stations located:
12.1. 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).
12.2. IARU member society HQ stations and officials do not count for DXCC county multipliers.
13. Score
The final score will be:
(Total number of multipliers) x (the sum of QSO points).
The committee will calculate the final score for all entries based on Cabrillo logs submitted after adjudication.
14. Winners
The WRTC2014 Champion will be the team with the highest score.
15. High Score Leaders
16. WRTC 2014 Station Setup
16.1. Each participating WRTC team must bring everything needed for the station except items listed in Station Description.
16.2. Each WRTC 2014 station will have two radios – Radio A and Radio B.
16.2.1. Both Radio A and Radio B can use only one antenna connector. This means that every transmission and reception must go through the same and single antenna connector of that Radio. No external receive antennas are allowed. External bandpass filters are allowed in the receive line if desired.
16.2.2. Use of any second receiver in radios that are equipped with a sub-receiver, 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.
16.2.3. You 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 Multi-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 instant spectrum visualization of current amateur radio band of Radio A or Radio B. 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:
16.4. Competitors are allowed to have a back-up radio, which may only be used in case of malfunction and approved by the referee.
16.5. Radio A and Radio B’s power output (each) are limited to 100 watts (KEY DOWN) maximum. The power will be measured by a peak power monitor provided by organizer. 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 amplified in any way.
16.7. Two networked PCs are allowed (PC-A at Radio A, PC-B at Radio B). The PCs must be named as PC-A and PC-B before the contest begins. Only wired network (e.g., by Ethernet UTP, RS232 cable, etc.) is allowed. Any wireless interconnections (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) in a team’s equipment must not be used (exception: wireless computer keyboard and mouse are allowed).
16.8. The teams must provide an audio output for both radios that the referee can monitor. 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 their own. In either case, it is the team’s responsibility that the referee can monitor both radios continuously. If the referee uses their own headphones, it must not interfere with the team’s audio in any way.
16.8.1. 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. The recording must be complete for the entire operation. Operators are not allowed to review the recorded audio except for troubleshooting purposes under the referee’s supervision. A third PC is allowed for this purpose, but may not be networked to PC-A or PC-B in any way.
16.10. Teams may re-orient and adjust wire antennas at any time, as long as the feed line is not extended and the resonance is within the designed (nominal) band
16.11. Before the competition the Teams are allowed to use third party technical support to organize and install the station as well to install and test software or other permitted devices and peripherals.
16.12. During the Contest the Referee may permit repair of any equipment or antennas reported damaged during the operation. This can be done by the operators or WRTC support staff only. No third party is allowed in the operating area at any time during the competition.
16.13. All equipment used by any team must be located inside of the tent (except generator, antennas and cables). Participants must stay in the referee’s field of view.
16.14. Participants are not allowed to change or cut antenna cables provided by the organizer. All cable lengths must remain unchanged. Any filters or other devices allowed as previously described must be connected after the entire length of cable provided.
17. Radio
18. Computer
19. Operator
20. Conditions of entry
By submitting an entry in the WRTC Contest you agree that:
1) You have read and understood the rules of the contest and agree to be bound by them;
2) You have operated according to all rules;
3) Your log and your audio recording, as well as photo and video materials of your operation prepared by the organizer may be made open to the public;
4) All actions and decisions of the WRTC Judging Committee are official and final.
Below are the draft competition rules for WRTC 2014. There will be an open review period for 30 days. Any suggestions, corrections, or other feedback should be sent to rules@wrtc2014.org. The final rules will be announced before July 1, 2012.
1. Contest Period
The WRTC 2014 competition will be held during the IARU 2014 HF Championship.
Start: Saturday 12 July 2014 1200 UTC (0800 Local time)
End: Sunday 13 July 2014 1200 UTC
2. Frequencies/Bands
3.5, 7, 14, 21, 28 MHz
3. Modes
CW and SSB.
4. Language
Only English language and common international abbreviations can be used when operating either SSB or CW.
5. Contest Exchange
WRTC stations must send signal report plus ITU zone (W1 area is ITU Zone 08). A complete exchange must be logged for each valid QSO.
6. Valid QSOs
The same station/callsign can be worked only once on CW and once on SSB per band. Cross-band or cross-mode QSOs are not allowed.
7. Special Rules and Disqualification
7.1. WRTC team contest stations must be QRT for at least 15 minutes prior to the contest start (by 1145 UTC). The receiver volume of both radios must be turned fully off and no monitoring or transmitting is allowed within this 15-minute time frame. The radios may be left powered on.
7.2. The operators are not allowed to identify themselves before or during the contest (revealing their own call signs) or reveal their team identity in any way. Any attempt to do this such as by radio, telephone, SMS, internet, email, will result in immediate disqualification. Requesting QSOs (e.g., setting schedules with special identification procedures in any way) before the contest period is strictly forbidden.
7.3. You may request QSOs with any station on another band/mode. All requests must occur during the contest with no other attempt to identify the team’s identity. All requests can only be made on HF CW or SSB, and by no other means.
7.4. Use of DX spotting (e.g., Packet, Web, etc.), skimmer or any other spotting and supplementary information network is not allowed. You are not allowed any assistance to learn the callsign of any station other than by tuning the radio and listening by human ear.
7.5. 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.
7.6. 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 the following (but not limited to) actions:
- Violates the rules of the contest.
- Shows unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Takes credit for excessive unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable multipliers.
8. Logging
8.1. Computer logging is required.
8.2. Each WRTC 2014 team must submit their Cabrillo file to their referee within thirty (30) minutes after the contest has ended.
8.3. All competitors are required to use one of following logging programs:
- Writelog
- Win-test
- TR4W
- N1MM
8.4. In all cases, the competitors must satisfy themselves with the Cabrillo capabilities of the software. The Committee does not assume any responsibility for the conversion of log data into Cabrillo format.
9. Call sign Allocation
The callsigns assigned to the competitors will selected from special calls in a “to be determined” series. The process of assigning calls, stations, and referees will be randomly assigned by lottery on Friday afternoon (July 11, 2014) before the contest. The callsigns will be given to the teams by their referee at the station 15 minutes before the contest. You are not allowed to know the callsign before this time.
10. Recording
10.1. After the contest, each team must provide to the referee a continuous stereo recording of Radio A and Radio B on one of the following:
- USB2 compatible device (USB flash memory, USB hard drive)
- CD/DVD disk
You may record in one of the following 2 formats:
- Two (2) separate files, one for each radio.
- One file with each radio on a separate channel.
11. QSO Points
Each valid two-way CW or SSB QSO with stations located:
- In ITU Zone 08 counts 2 points.
- Outside ITU Zone 08 and within North America counts 3 points.
- In other continents count 5 points.
- IARU member society HQ stations and IARU officials counts 1 point.
12.1. 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).
12.2. IARU member society HQ stations and officials do not count for DXCC county multipliers.
13. Score
The final score will be:
(Total number of multipliers) x (the sum of QSO points).
The committee will calculate the final score for all entries based on Cabrillo logs submitted after adjudication.
14. Winners
The WRTC2014 Champion will be the team with the highest score.
15. High Score Leaders
- The WRTC2014 SSB Leader will be the team with the highest QSO total on SSB.
- The WRTC2014 CW Leader will be the team with the highest QSO total on CW.
- The WRTC2014 Multiplier Leader will be the team with the highest total multiplier.
16. WRTC 2014 Station Setup
16.1. Each participating WRTC team must bring everything needed for the station except items listed in Station Description.
16.2. Each WRTC 2014 station will have two radios – Radio A and Radio B.
16.2.1. Both Radio A and Radio B can use only one antenna connector. This means that every transmission and reception must go through the same and single antenna connector of that Radio. No external receive antennas are allowed. External bandpass filters are allowed in the receive line if desired.
16.2.2. Use of any second receiver in radios that are equipped with a sub-receiver, 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.
16.2.3. You 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 Multi-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 instant spectrum visualization of current amateur radio band of Radio A or Radio B. 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:
- The only output from the spectrum scope can be video.
- Data transfer to the logging program or any other software is not allowed.
- Only the current band/frequency data of a single Radio (A or B) can be transferred to one spectrum scope for that radio.
- The spectrum curve may be displayed in any suitable device, including the PC-A/B monitor screen.
- No additional computers may be used for SDR signal processing; only PC-A/B computers may be used.
- The spectrum scope must not control any other device (e.g. tune Radio A/B).
- No signal demodulation or any other secondary spectrum processing (e.g., station detection, peak holding, or waterfall display) is allowed.
16.4. Competitors are allowed to have a back-up radio, which may only be used in case of malfunction and approved by the referee.
16.5. Radio A and Radio B’s power output (each) are limited to 100 watts (KEY DOWN) maximum. The power will be measured by a peak power monitor provided by organizer. 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 amplified in any way.
16.7. Two networked PCs are allowed (PC-A at Radio A, PC-B at Radio B). The PCs must be named as PC-A and PC-B before the contest begins. Only wired network (e.g., by Ethernet UTP, RS232 cable, etc.) is allowed. Any wireless interconnections (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) in a team’s equipment must not be used (exception: wireless computer keyboard and mouse are allowed).
16.8. The teams must provide an audio output for both radios that the referee can monitor. 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 their own. In either case, it is the team’s responsibility that the referee can monitor both radios continuously. If the referee uses their own headphones, it must not interfere with the team’s audio in any way.
16.8.1. 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. The recording must be complete for the entire operation. Operators are not allowed to review the recorded audio except for troubleshooting purposes under the referee’s supervision. A third PC is allowed for this purpose, but may not be networked to PC-A or PC-B in any way.
16.10. Teams may re-orient and adjust wire antennas at any time, as long as the feed line is not extended and the resonance is within the designed (nominal) band
16.11. Before the competition the Teams are allowed to use third party technical support to organize and install the station as well to install and test software or other permitted devices and peripherals.
16.12. During the Contest the Referee may permit repair of any equipment or antennas reported damaged during the operation. This can be done by the operators or WRTC support staff only. No third party is allowed in the operating area at any time during the competition.
16.13. All equipment used by any team must be located inside of the tent (except generator, antennas and cables). Participants must stay in the referee’s field of view.
16.14. Participants are not allowed to change or cut antenna cables provided by the organizer. All cable lengths must remain unchanged. Any filters or other devices allowed as previously described must be connected after the entire length of cable provided.
17. Radio
| A | B |
| 1. Allowed to transmit 2. Main receiver reception 3. Sub-receiver reception is not allowed 4. VFO A and VFO B transmit5. 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 7. Allowed to use audio and RF filters 8. Can share audio with Radio B 9. Must share audio with Referee 10. Can be replaced by back-up Radio (in case of failure) 11. Radio A cannot transmit on the same band as Radio B. Antennas must be used for the band designed. E.g. no 40mtr operation on 80mtr antenna. Either radio may use any antenna but may not share that antenna with the other radio. | 1. Allowed to transmit 2. Main receiver reception 3. Sub-receiver reception is not allowed 4. VFO A and VFO B transmit5. 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 7. Allowed to use audio and RF filters 8. Can share audio with Radio A 9. Must share audio with Referee 10. Can be replaced by back-up Radio (in case of failure) 11. Radio B cannot transmit on the same band as Radio A. Antennas must be used for the band designed. E.g. no 40mtr operation on 80mtr antenna. Either radio may use any antenna but may not share that antenna with the other radio. |
| A | B |
| 1. Fully interconnected with Computer B 2. Allowed to Key Radio A only.3. Can exchange messages with Computer B 4. Voice and CW Keyers are allowed 5. Super Check Partial is not allowed 6. Log must be converted to Cabrillo format after the contest | 1. Fully interconnected with Computer A 2. Allowed to Key Radio B only3. Can exchange messages with Computer A 4. Voice and CW Keyers are allowed 5. Super Check Partial is not allowed 6. Log must be converted to Cabrillo format after the contest |
| A | B |
| 1. Operator of Radio A 2. Operator A can change position (chair) with Operator B at any time 3. Allowed to populate the band-map 4. Can exchange messages with operator B 5. Must share audio with the Referee throughout the contest 6. Can share audio at any time with Operator B 7. Can operate any of the allowed devices | 1. Operator of Radio B 2. Operator B can change position (chair) with Operator A at any time 3. Allowed to populate the band-map 4. Can exchange messages with operator A 5. Must share audio with the Referee throughout the contest 6. Can share audio at any time with Operator A 7. Can operate any of the allowed devices |
By submitting an entry in the WRTC Contest you agree that:
1) You have read and understood the rules of the contest and agree to be bound by them;
2) You have operated according to all rules;
3) Your log and your audio recording, as well as photo and video materials of your operation prepared by the organizer may be made open to the public;
4) All actions and decisions of the WRTC Judging Committee are official and final.
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