Rules
The 2008 CQ World-Wide 160-Meter Contest
CW: 0000Z January 26 to 2359Z January 27
SSB: 0000Z February 23 to 2359Z February 24
The objective of these contests is for amateurs around the world to contact other amateurs in as many U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and countries as possible on the 160 meter band.
Note: Each contest is 48 hours long and starts at 0000Z. Single operator stations may only operate 30 out of the 48 hours.
Classes: Single and Multi-Operator only. Use of packet, a spotting net, or logging assistance makes an entry Multi-Operator. Multi-Operators must show all operators, even helpers. Under Single Operator there will be a designation of power level: H = power over 150 watts, L = power under 150 watts, and Q = 5 watts or less. Single operators must show the actual call of the operator as a guest operator if it is different from the call used in the contest. Score listings will be per state or country, but if there is sufficient category activity or if a high enough score is made, then a certificate will be issued. Minimum score for a certificate is 5000 points for Low Power and 1000 points for QRP. Multi-Operators will all be considered high power.
Exchange: RS(T) and state for U.S., province for Canada, and either prefix or country abbreviation for DX. Contacts without some location indicator will be ruled invalid.
Scoring: Contacts with stations in own country, 2 points. Contacts with other countries on same continent, 5 points. Contacts with other continents, 10 points. Maritime mobile contacts count 5 points. There is no multiplier value for a maritime mobile contact.
Multiplier: Each continental U.S. state (48), U.S. District of Columbia (DC), Canadian area (14), and DX country. KL7 and KH6 are considered DX and not states for this contest. DX countries are DXCC plus WAE (IT, GM Shetland Islands, et. al). Canadian areas include VO1, VO2, NB, NS, PEI, VE2, VE3, VE4, VE5, VE6, VE7, NWT, VYØ, and Yukon. Do not count the United States and Canada as separate countries.
Final Score: Total QSO points times the sum of all multipliers (states, VE, DX countries).
Penalties: Three additional contacts may be deleted for each unverified contact removed from the log.
Disqualification: A log may be disqualified for violation of amateur radio regulations, unsportsmanlike conduct, or claiming excessive unverified contacts.
Awards: Certificates will be awarded to the top scorers in each class (see provisions under classes) by state, Canadian area, and DX country. Runners-up with high scores over 100,000 may also receive certificates. The following plaques, with donating sponsors as indicated, will be awarded for exceptional efforts.
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2008 PLAQUES |
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| SINGLE OPERATOR | CW | SSB |
| World | W4ZV | N4NX |
| USA | K4TEA | K4JRB |
| Canada | Alabama Contest Group | Alabama Contest Group |
| Zone 3 USA | N5IA | N4TMW |
| Zone 4 USA | K4WA | N4XMX |
| Zone 5 USA | N4PN | K1PX |
| Europe | K9DX | WS9V |
| Africa | WS9V | WB4ZNH |
| Oceania | K9DX | D4B/4L5A |
| Asia | K4SX | NT4TT |
| Japan | Alabama Contest Group | TBA |
| S. America | W4NU | D4B/4L5A |
| N. America** | CQ - N4IN Memorial | CQ - K2EEK Memorial |
| MULTI-OPERATOR | ||
| World | N4RJ | Southeast DX Club |
| USA | W8UVZ, WØCD, K8GG | WB9Z |
| Zone 3 | 4X4NJ | 4X4NJ |
TBA = to be announced.
**North America outside U.S. and Canada.
The plaque procedure is the top scorer in the indicated area wins the plaque. However, a station can only win one plaque per contest section. The plaque is then awarded to the next highest scoring station. For example, WX8ZZZ wins top World Multi-Operator. Then the next station in the U.S. wins the U.S. plaque.
Please observe the DX window from 1830 to 1835 kHz during the hours of darkness. The DX window is for intercontinental contacts. All stations will operate under the rules and regulations of their licensing agency regarding frequencies allowed and power levels. This is a gentleman’s contest and band, so let’s help make intercontinental contacts happen.
Computer Logging: Please submit your log via e-mail in the Cabrillo format. The Cabrillo format is created by all the major logging programs. Be sure to put your call and mode in the “Subject” line of each e-mail. The log must be an attachment and not in the body of the text. The correct name of the contest is either CQ-160-CW or CQ-160-SSB. Put in a claimed score in the Cabrillo summary if you want to be listed in claimed scores. Use your call .log (k4jrb.log for example) as the log name. Your e-mail log will automatically be acknowledged by the server and checked for proper Cabrillo format. You may mail a diskette; if you do so you must attach a printed summary sheet. The diskette must be clearly labeled with the call of the entrant, the mode (CW or SSB), and the category. If you print out a computer log, you must also send a diskette. Do not send .bin files, database files, or other non-conforming files. Do not remove duplicates from your log, as there is no penalty for duplicate contacts.
Manual Logs: Sample log and summary sheets may be obtained from CQ by sending a large SASE with sufficient postage to cover your request. You can also download paper log forms from the CQ website <www.cq-amateur-radio.com>, or make your own with 40 contacts per page with columns for GMT, exchanges, multiplier, and points. Paper logs with over 200 QSOs must include a dupe/check sheet with all calls in alpha-sort order. Show the multiplier only the first time it is worked. Each page must have sub-totals for multipliers, contacts, and points. A running total below the sub-total on each page is recommended. Include a summary sheet with your entry showing the scoring and other essential information. A printed name/mailing address is recommended and a signed declaration that all rules have been observed. Clearly mark all duplicate contacts and remember they have no point value. Please put the summary sheet at the front of the log. Manual logs should clearly indicate total multiplier, W/VE multiplier, and DX multiplier.
Club Competition: Any club that submits at least three logs may enter the Club Competition. The name of the club must be clearly identified under club competition on the summary sheet, or summary portion of the Cabrillo log. Club Competition is “for fun” to foster more activity. There is a separate listing for club scores.
Log Submissions: Mailing deadline for CW entries is February 28, 2008; for SSB entries March 31, 2008. For manual and diskettes logs send them early to assure receipt by the deadlines. For a return receipt enclose an SASE or SAE with postage or 2 new IRCs. Unreadable paper logs will be put in as check logs.
Send CW e-mail logs to: <160cw@kkn.net>
Send SSB e-mail logs to: <160ssb@kkn.net>
All other logs go to CQ 160 Meter Contest, 25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 USA. Indicate CW or SSB on the envelope.