E2C

Contesting, DX, logs and remote operation

Explain split DX operating, where contests happen, what ADIF, Cabrillo and LoTW do, remote-operation identification, latency and mesh networks.

12 pool questions1 on the exam

Syllabus: Contest and DX operating; remote operation techniques; log data format; contact confirmation; RF network systems

DX stations split: listen up there, call there

Working a DX station in a pileup, the DX often transmits on one frequency and listens on another. That separates callers from the DX station, reduces interference, and avoids calling on a frequency that may be prohibited to some responding stations. When you call, send your full call sign once or twice.

Listen on the DX frequency. Call where the DX is listening.

RememberSplit = separate transmit and listen frequencies. Call once or twice, full call.

Contests skip 30 m. VHF contest activity clusters weak-signal.

Contesting is generally excluded from 30 meters (and the other WARC bands). On VHF/UHF the weak-signal SSB and CW segment, near the calling frequency, is where the activity is.

No contests on 30 m. In a VHF/UHF contest, go to the weak-signal segment.

RememberNo contests on 30 m. VHF contest SSB/CW: weak-signal segment near the calling frequency.

ADIF swaps logs. Cabrillo files them. LoTW and QSL managers confirm.

Each file or service has one job. ADIF exchanges log data between programs. Cabrillo is the format for submitting an electronic contest log. LoTW confirms contacts of all kinds: special event, US to non-US, and Worked All States credit. A DX QSL manager handles sending and receiving the DX station's confirmations.

ADIF exchanges. Cabrillo submits. LoTW and QSL managers confirm.

RememberADIF = swap logs. Cabrillo = contest submission. QSL manager = handles a DX station's cards.

Remote operation: same call sign, plus the delay called latency

Controlling a station remotely does not change how you identify: with the remote transmitter in the US, no additional indicator is required. The delay between your action and the change in the transmitted signal is latency.

Latency = delay between your action and the signal changing. Jitter is its variation.

Network delay180 ms

RememberUS remote station: no extra indicator. Delay = latency.

Mesh networks are Wi-Fi hardware on shared frequencies

An amateur mesh network uses a wireless router running custom firmware. Its frequencies are shared with unlicensed wireless data services. Every router relays for its neighbours, so traffic routes around a failure.

Wi-Fi style hardware, new firmware, shared unlicensed frequencies.

RememberMesh = custom-firmware wireless routers on frequencies shared with unlicensed services.

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