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Contest Rules   Page Last Updated: 01 Dec 2013

Rules for all W.A.B. Contests EXCEPT DX & Data Modes Contests

Rules for W.A.B. DX Contest (80m/40m/20m/15m/10m)

Rules for W.A.B. Data Modes Contests (80m/40m/20m)


GENERAL RULES (APPLICABLE TO ALL CONTESTS):

A1
THESE RULES ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 18TH FEBRUARY 2024 - all previous rules are cancelled from this date.
A2
ELIGIBILITY: All licensed Amateurs and Short Wave Listeners.
A3
OBJECT: To work as many W.A.B. Squares and DXCC Countries on any permitted mode allowed by the operator's licence and the Contest Schedule.
A4
DATES and TIMES: As specified by annual publication in the W.A.B. Newsletter and on the W.A.B. Web Site. Publicity of DATES and TIMES may also be found in the Amateur Radio Press.
A5
DEFINITION OF OPERATION:
A5.1
Fixed Station – this includes Portable Stations (for LF & HF contests) and the club or multi-operator category.
A5.2
Short Wave Listener - Operation may be single or multi operator but only one Receiver at one location may be used at any one time.
A5.3
Mobile Operation - This category may include helpers (e.g. to operate, navigate or log). All equipment MUST be powered from a battery within the vehicle, and the antenna must be located on the vehicle.
A5.4
Portable Operation - This category is applicable to VHF & UHF contests only.
A6
DEFINITION OF BANDS ETC.:
    LF BANDS.............160, 80 and 40 Metres
    HF BANDS.............20, 15 and 10 Metres
    VHF BANDS...........6, 4 and 2 Metres (See Rule A11.17)
    UHF BANDS..........70cm and above
A6.1
FREQUENCY LIMITS:
It is expected that all operation will take place within the guidelines of the UK Amateur Radio Band Plans.
A6.2
OPERATING RESTRICTIONS:
A6.2.1
Contacts can not be made via repeaters, satellites, internet SDRs or any internet link.
A6.2.2
On LF/HF entrants may not operate within 5.0 KHz of a nationally accepted calling frequency. In the case of VHF/UHF, operation is not allowed within 10 KHz of a nationally accepted calling frequency, or in the satellite portion of any band.
A6.2.3
Contacts made on any nets may not be counted for points in W.A.B. contests.
A7
CONTEST LOG AND ENTRIES:
A7.1
Entries may be sent by any of the following methods:-
  • By the WabCon logging program (preferably)
  • By SD, N1MM or similar logging programs.
  • Using log sheet(s), check sheet(s) and a summary sheet. (These can be downloaded from our web site)
A7.2
All entries must include:- Contest Title, Callsign sent, Grid square sent, Category of entry, Name or group, postal address, email address (if applicable).
A7.3
All logged contacts must include Time (UTC), Reports sent and received, Serial numbers sent and received and W.A.B. Square (10Km x 10Km National Grid Square) or DXCC country received.
A7.4
In the case of SWL entries, the above details must be logged for the Station heard along with the Callsign of the Station being worked. If both sides of a QSO are heard, then the second Station may be claimed for both QSO and Multiplier points, and the details as above entered on a separate line on the log.
A7.5
Incorrectly completed or grossly inaccurate entries may be penalized or disqualified at the discretion of the Contest Manager.
A7.6
In contests which are run concurrently with R.S.G.B. and other contests, the serial number sent need not necessarily start from 001.
A8
CLOSING DATES:
A8.1
All entries must be received by the W.A.B. Contest Manager within 10 days of the date of the contest.
A8.2
If acknowledgement of receipt of entry by mail is required then a stamped addressed envelope, postcard or e-mail address should be included with the entry.
A8.3
All entries from Stations OUTSIDE EUROPE must be received not later than 40 days after the date of the Contest (Rule A8.1 still applies).
A8.4
Entries sent by email will normally be acknowledged within 10 days. If no acknowledgement is received within this period, please contact the contest manager.
A9
CONTEST CERTIFICATES and TROPHIES:
A9.1
Certificates will be awarded to the leading 3 Stations in each Category and trophies to the winners (where applicable).
A9.2
Certificates will be posted to the recipients, but they may ask for pdf certificates by email.
A9.3
Contest winners who are W.A.B. Members will be presented with their Trophies at the A.G.M in the year following the year of the Contest. Trophies will then be retained by the committee and the recipient will receive a small keepsake trophy.
A10
RESULTS:
Results will be published in the W.A.B. Newsletter & the W.A.B. Web Site. Copies of the results can be obtained from the Contest Manager on receipt of a stamped, addressed envelope. The results may also appear in the Amateur Radio Press.
A11
MISCELLANEOUS:
A11.1
Callsign and exchange information must be received and logged by each Station for a complete QSO.
A11.2
The callsign must indicate the DXCC location, i.e. KH6/G4WAB means operation from Hawaii.
A11.3
An operator may only use one callsign for the duration of the Contest.
A11.4
The use of a second Transceiver for checking other frequencies or the use of spotting nets is NOT allowed. Self spotting on DX Clusters is NOT allowed. Only ONE transmitted signal is allowed at any given time.
A11.5
All stations must operate within the limitations of their licence at all times.
A11.6
The same Station (EXCEPT MOBILES) may only be worked once, per band.
A11.7
Remote operation is forbidden including use of internet SDRs for reception.
A11.8
The use of NON AMATEUR RADIO means of communication for obtaining contacts is NOT allowed.
A11.9
Portable Stations are NOT allowed to set up their Station more than Twelve hours prior to the Contest.
A11.10
Portable Stations may only use Batteries, a Generator or other Non Mains derived power source.
A11.11
If working Portable, obtain permission from the Landowner or Agent before using the site. Portable Stations should also observe the Country Code and take care if there are overhead power cables in the vicinity.
A11.12
Where PORTABLE OPERATION takes place from an alternative FIXED location (i.e. the FIXED QTH of another Amateur), this must be clearly stated on the Contest Entry. Only a portable station operating in accordance with Rule A11.10 may enter the VHF or UHF Portable Section.
A11.13
Contest entrants may enter only one Section of the Contest.
A11.14
For a multi operator entry, the working of stations taking part in the same contest group is NOT allowed for either QSO or multiplier points.
A11.15
The working of "booked" mobiles is NOT allowed.
A11.16
All information regarding Contest entries will remain strictly confidential until the publication of results. No information regarding the number of entries in any particular section of the contest, or the Callsigns of those who have taken part in any particular section of the contest will be divulged by any means.
A11.17
2 metre phone contests include the use of whole the band (but see Rule A6.2.2).
A11.18
For the phone contests, all modes (SSB, AM, FM) may be used as appropriate and subject to the band plan.
A11.19
All details including the W.A.B. Square must be given as part of the contest exchange.
A12
DISPUTES:
Any entrant who has any dispute over the Contest Results must submit an appeal, in writing, to the Contest Manager within 28 days of the publication date of the results. In the event of any dispute the decision of the Contest Manager is final.



RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL CONTESTS EXCEPT THE DX AND DIGITAL MODE CONTESTS:

C1
CATEGORIES OF ENTRY:
C1.1
Fixed or Portable UK with a single operator. (These will be separate for VHF & UHF contests).
C1.2
Club or Multiple Operator stations UK. All club and multiple operator stations MUST enter this category.
C1.3
Mobile UK.
C1.4
Fixed or Portable Overseas.
C1.5
Mobile Overseas.
C1.6
Low Power - the power of ALL Stations in this category sending in an entry must NOT exceed 10 Watts PEP. (Stations in this Section may work higher power stations but will only compete with other Low Power Stations)
C1.7
A single category for Short Wave Listeners.
C1.8
No individual or group may enter more than one section of the same contest.
C2
CONTEST EXCHANGE:
C2.1
For Stations within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RS, serial number starting at 001 and WAB square. On receive, RS, serial number and W.A.B. square if given. (See Rule A7.6)
C2.2
For Stations outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RS and serial number starting at 001. On receive, RS, serial number and W.A.B. square if given.
C2.3
In Multi Band Contests the serial number must be continuous from band to band.
C2.4
No Station may be worked more than once per band irrespective of mode, apart from a Mobile Station operating from different W.A.B. Squares.
C3
SCORING - ALL CONTESTS EXCEPT W.A.B. DX CONTEST:
C3.1
FIXED OR PORTABLE STATIONS - QSO POINTS
C3.1.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO.
C3.1.2
A MOBILE STATION can only count once, per band, for QSO points.
C3.1.3
A FIXED or PORTABLE Station may only be worked once, per band, for QSO points.
C3.2
FIXED OR PORTABLE STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
C3.2.1
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) worked, per band.
C3.2.2
ONE point for each different DXCC Country worked, per band.
C3.2.3
A MOBILE STATION may be worked more than once, per band, for multiplier points, provided the mobile station is in a different W.A.B. square. (See Rule C3.1.2)
C3.3
MOBILE STATIONS - QSO POINTS
C3.3.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO from each Square activated, per band.
(Note: A Station may be worked more than once per band for QSO points providing the W.A.B. Square transmitted from by the MOBILE is different.)
C3.4
MOBILE STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
C3.4.1
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) activated, per band. A Square may only be activated once, per band, for Multiplier points.
C3.4.2
ONE point for each different DXCC Country activated, per band.
C3.4.3
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) worked, per band.
C3.4.4
ONE point for each different DXCC Country worked, per band.
C3.5
SHORT WAVE LISTENER STATIONS - QSO POINTS
FIVE points for each DIFFERENT Station heard, per band.
C3.6
SHORT WAVE LISTENER STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
As for FIXED or PORTABLE Stations as in C3.2 but substitute HEARD for WORKED.
C4
TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.
C5
The maximum power allowed in the 144 MHz Low Power Contest is 25 watts.

SCORING GRID FOR W.A.B. CONTESTS EXCEPT DX & DATA MODES CONTESTS:

Scoring - All Contests Except W.A.B. DX & Data Modes Contests

FIXED or PORTABLE STATIONS
(SWLs on a heard basis)
QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO
Per Band



5 Points
Note 1
Each Different W.A.B. Square Worked
Per Band

1 Point
Note 2
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
MOBILE STATIONS QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO from each W.A.B. Square Activated
Per Band

5 Points
Note 3
Each Different W.A.B. Square Activated
Per Band

1 Point
Note 4
Each Different DXCC Country Activated
Per Band

1 Point
 
Each Different W.A.B. Square Worked
Per Band

1 Point
Note 2
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 

Notes:
1. A Mobile station can only count once, per band, for QSO Points
2. A Mobile station may be worked more than once, per band, for Multiplier Points, provided the Mobile station is in a different W.A.B. Square.
3. A Mobile station can work a station more than once per band for QSO Points, providing the transmission is from a W.A.B. Square not activated by them previously in the contest.
4. A W.A.B. Square may only be activated once, per band, for Multiplier Points.

TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.



RULES FOR W.A.B. DX CONTEST (80m/40m/20m/15m/10m):

DX1
CATEGORIES OF ENTRY:
DX1.1
Fixed or Portable UK with a single operator.
DX1.2
Club or Multiple operator stations UK. All club and multiple operator stations MUST enter this category.
DX1.3
Mobile UK.
DX1.4
Fixed or Portable Overseas.
DX1.5
Mobile Overseas.
DX1.6
A Single Category for Short Wave Listeners.
DX1.7
Low Power - the power of ALL Stations in this category sending in an entry must NOT exceed 10 Watts PEP. (Stations in this Section may work higher power stations but will ONLY compete with other Low Power Stations)
DX1.8
No individual or group may enter more than one section of the same contest.
DX2
CONTEST EXCHANGE:
DX2.1
For Stations within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RS, serial number starting at 001 and W.A.B. square. On receive, RS, serial number and W.A.B. square if given. (See Rule A7.6)
DX2.2
For Stations outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RS, and serial number starting at 001. On receive, RS, serial number and W.A.B. square if given. (See Rule A7.6)
DX2.3
In Multi Band Contests the serial number must be continuous from band to band.
DX2.4
No Station may be worked more than once per band irrespective of mode, apart from a Mobile Station operating from different W.A.B. Squares.
DX3
SCORING - DX CONTEST (80/40/20/15/10m):
DX3.1
UK STATIONS - QSO POINTS
DX3.1.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO.
DX3.1.2
Inter-UK contacts ARE NOW VALID.
DX3.1.3
The W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) must be given.
DX3.1.4
A Mobile Station may be worked more than once per band for QSO points, PROVIDING the W.A.B. Square the Mobile is transmitting from is different.
DX3.2
UK STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
DX3.2.1
ONE point for each DXCC Country worked, per band.
DX3.2.2
ONE point for each different WAB square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) worked per band.
DX3.3
STATIONS OUTSIDE UK - QSO POINTS
DX3.3.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO.
DX3.3.2
FIXED or PORTABLE Stations may only be worked once, per band, for QSO points.
DX3.3.3
MOBILE STATIONS may only be worked once, per band, for QSO points.
DX3.4
STATIONS OUTSIDE UK - MULTIPLIER POINTS
DX3.4.1
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) worked, per band.
DX3.4.2
A Mobile Station may be worked more than once per band for multiplier points, PROVIDING the W.A.B. Square the Mobile is transmitting from is different.
DX3.4.3
ONE point for each DXCC Country worked per band. Each Country will count once, per band, for multiplier points.
DX3.5
MOBILE STATIONS - QSO POINTS
DX3.5.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO from each W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) activated, per band.
DX3.5.2
Inter-UK contacts ARE NOW VALID.
DX3.5.3
A Mobile Station may be worked more than once per band for QSO points, providing the mobile is transmitting from a different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) each time.
DX3.6
MOBILE STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
DX3.6.1
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) activated, per band.
DX3.6.2
ONE point for each DXCC Country worked per band.
DX3.6.3
Inter-UK contacts ARE NOW VALID.
DX3.7
SHORT WAVE LISTENER STATIONS - SCORING
As above in sections DX3.1 to DX3.6 except substitute HEARD for WORKED
DX4
TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.

SCORING GRID FOR W.A.B. DX CONTEST:

Scoring - W.A.B. DX Contest

UK STATIONS QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO
Per Band

5 Points
Notes 1 & 5
Each Different W.A.B. Square Worked
Per Band

1 Point
Note 5
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 
NON UK STATIONS QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO
Per Band

5 Points
Note 2
Each Different W.A.B. Square Worked
Per Band

1 Point
Note 5
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 
MOBILE UK STATIONS QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO
Per Band

5 Points
Notes 1 & 3
Each Different W.A.B. Square Activated
Per Band

1 Point
Note 4
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 

Notes:
1. Inter UK contacts ARE NOW VALID
2. Fixed, Portable or Mobile Stations may only be worked once, per band, for QSO Points.
3. A Mobile station can work a station more than once per band for QSO Points, providing the transmission is from a W.A.B. Square not activated by them previously in the contest.
4. A W.A.B. Square may only be activated once, per band, for Multiplier Points.
5. A Mobile station may be worked more than once per band for multiplier points provided that the mobile station is in a different W.A.B. Square.

TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.



RULES FOR W.A.B. DATA MODES CONTESTS (80m/40m/20m):

D1
PERMISSIBLE MODES AND FREQUENCIES:
D1.1
Modes allowed are RTTY, PSK, JS8, FT8 and FT4
D1.2
Contestants may use the data sections of the 80m, 40m and 20m bands.
D2
CATEGORIES OF ENTRY: (For each contest)
D2.1
Single Operator.
D2.2
Club or Multiple Operator stations. All club and multiple operator stations MUST enter this category.
D2.3
A single category for Short Wave Listeners.
D2.4
There will be no distinction between UK and Overseas stations.
D2.5
No individual or group may enter more than one section of the same contest.
D3
CONTEST EXCHANGE:
D3.1
For Stations within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RSQ or db, serial number starting at 001 and W.A.B. square. On receive, RSQ or db, serial number and W.A.B. square if given. (See Rule A7.6)
D3.2
For Stations outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands: - On transmit, RSQ or db and serial number starting at 001. On receive, RSQ or db, serial number and W.A.B. square if given. (See Rule A7.6)
D3.3
In Multi Band Contests the serial number must be continuous from band to band.
D3.4
No Station may be worked more than once per band.
D3.5
N.B. When using FT8 or FT4 it is possible to transmit the square and serial number in transmit slot 5 e.g. "SK43 001 73".
D4
SCORING:
D4.1
FIXED OR PORTABLE STATIONS - QSO POINTS
D4.1.1
FIVE points for each COMPLETED QSO.
D4.1.2
A FIXED or PORTABLE Station may only be worked once, per band, for QSO points.
D4.2
FIXED OR PORTABLE STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
D4.2.1
ONE point for each different W.A.B. Square (10km x 10km National Grid Square) worked, per band.
D4.2.2
ONE point for each different DXCC Country worked, per band.
D4.3
SHORT WAVE LISTENER STATIONS - QSO POINTS
FIVE points for each DIFFERENT Station heard, per band.
D4.4
SHORT WAVE LISTENER STATIONS - MULTIPLIER POINTS
As for FIXED or PORTABLE Stations as in D4.2 but substitute HEARD for WORKED.
D5
TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.

SCORING GRID FOR W.A.B. DATA MODES CONTESTS:

Scoring - Data Modes Contests

FIXED or PORTABLE STATIONS
(SWLs on a heard basis)
QSO POINTS MULTIPLIER POINTS
  Each Completed QSO
Per Band

5 Points
 
Each Different W.A.B. Square Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 
Each Different DXCC Country Worked
Per Band

1 Point
 

Notes:
 

TOTAL SCORING:
The Total score is obtained by multiplying the TOTAL number of QSO points by the TOTAL number of MULTIPLIER points obtained on all bands.



CONTEST MANAGER

see Committee Page

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