Assisted - an operator is gaining support in order to aid making QSOs. Examples are the DX Cluster, RBN/CW Skimmer, internet spotting applications, receiving an SMS from another person on the whereabouts of stations, etc.

Cabrillo File - the document format required for submitting your log, which is generated from using the logging software. Definitions of the Cabrillo formats for RSGB HF Contests can be found at http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/cabrillo.shtml.

CAT control - frequency and mode information read from or written to your radio by your logging software.

Cluster - a connection, usually over the internet, which provides the operator with information on the callsigns and frequencies of stations that are heard (spotted) by others.

CW Reader – an on-site Morse Code decoder, which translates the operators received CW into text.

Exchange - the information sent between two stations making a QSO which must be logged.

Fixed Station - A station operating from a fixed dwelling (typically the licensed address).

IOTA reference - the given unique Island ‘code’ as defined by the RSGB’s IOTA programme.

Logging Software - Computer software which provides data to be sent by Phone, CW or Datamodes to other stations as determined by contest rules and which stores QSO data as they occur. After a Contest, the Logging Software can prepare a Cabrillo File for you to upload to the RSGB for adjudication.

Output Power - the power in Watts as indicated at the output of the transmitter.

Penalty - the score reduction resulting from a logging an error, as determined by the adjudication software or team.

Portable Station - For RSGB HF Contests, a Portable Station must not be located in a permanent building or shelter, it must not use a permanent building or structure as an aerial support and must not be connected to mains power.

PSK - The datamode PSK63 as used in RSGB HF Datamodes contests.

ROBOT - the software behind the RSGB Contest Log Upload facility. This will carry out pre-adjudication checks on each log that is uploaded to ensure that it is in a suitable format for adjudication.

RBN - 'Reverse Beacon Network’. Using the internet to provide CW skimmer information from worldwide sources.

RS(T) - Signal Report in the format, Readability (1-5), Strength (1-9) and for CW and datamodes, Tone (1-9). In HF Contests, conventional wisdom dictates that a Signal Report of 599 (abbreviated 5nn in CW) is sent to all stations regardless of their actual signal readability, strength and tone.

RTTY - 45.45 Baud, 170 Hz shift Baudot mode RTTY as used in RSGB HF Datamodes contests.

Running - Calling ‘CQ Contest’ or using an equivalent message, on a single frequency to request QSOs with other stations.

Search & Pounce - scanning the band, looking for “Running” stations and making QSOs with needed calls.

Section - the contest category that a team or individual is entering (sections may, for example, be ‘Open’, ‘Restricted’, QRP).

Self-spotting - instigating the announcement of your callsign and frequency on the DX Cluster or other announcing facilities.

Skimmer - a device which looks at the band/spectrum and decodes CW or data signals and informs the operator of their callsigns and frequencies.

SO2R - operating two radios simultaneously but only transmitting one signal at any given moment in time.

SO2V - operating two VFOs on the same radio simultaneously but only transmitting one signal at any given moment in time.

Special Contest Call Signs (SCCs) - these are short callsigns which can be owned by either a club or an individual (there are qualification criteria for obtaining them) See: http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/scc.shtml).

Unassisted - an operator is not gaining support in order to aid QSOs (the opposite to ‘Assisted’ above).

Upload - the process of entering a Contest by submitting your Cabrillo Log File to the RSGB adjudication team. For HF contests you can upload your logs at http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/robot.shtml.

Valid QSO - the physical exchange and correct logging of the contact information.