5. After the Contest

In general, you are not permitted to make changes to the information in your log after the contest has finished. You may, however, correct any obvious typing errors or amend entries which you noted were wrong during the contest. Examples of permitted changes are

• If you typed MOABC instead of M0(zero)ABC
• If you typed G33ABC instead of G3ABC
• If you typed G34ABC but realised your mistake during the contest and made a note at the time of the correct callsign.

It is not within the spirit of the contest, however, to search QRZ.com or other databases to determine whether a logged entry of G34ABC is likely to have been G3ABC or G4ABC and change your log accordingly.

You should also check that you have used the correct Cabrillo Mode Codes viz. RTTY  =  RY, PSK63  =  PS,  SSB  =  PH, CW  =  CW and that all your claimed QSOs are made within the contest time limits. If a contest runs between 20.00 and 21.30 UTC, your first QSO must be recorded after 20.00.00 and the last QSO before 21.30 (i.e. 21.29.59 at the latest).

When you have checked your log, submit it after each session using the upload facility on the RSGB website. If you would like to familiarise yourself with the upload facility before submitting your log, there is a practice facility on the website.

As previously described, the website requires your log in “Cabrillo” format – a specially-formatted text file. Your logging software will be able to present your log in this format, and you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail when your entry has been received and accepted. If there are any errors in the log (for example if the dates and times don’t correspond to the contest which is being entered), you will be prompted to correct and resubmit it. You can make changes to the Cabrillo file using a simple text editor (such as Notepad).

Further information about the Cabrillo format is available on the RSGBCC website.

Make sure that you submit your log before the closing date as stated in the contest rules. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from achieving this, please contact the adjudicator as soon as possible.

If you are a member of an RSGB affiliated society, make sure to give the club’s name with your entry. There is no limit on how many club members may send in contest entries to count towards their club’s total.