Contest logging

Contests are where hands-free logging earns its keep: high rate, repetitive exchanges, and no time to type. Here's how to run one in VoiceQSO and come out with a submittable log.

Set up the session

1. Create a session with the Contest category (or Field Day for Field Day). See Creating a session.
2. Fill in Band, Mode, and Frequency if you'll mostly sit in one place; they're applied as defaults and can be edited per contact later.
3. Use the contest name and year as the session name; it becomes your export filename (as CQ_WW_2026.cbr, for example).

Running vs. searching

• Running a frequency? Use CQ mode. Calling CQ and working answers is the pattern the extraction handles best, and a contest run is exactly that.
• Searching and pouncing? Switch to Pounce. Fair warning: Pounce is still a bit experimental, so budget a little more review time afterwards.

Say the full exchange clearly, including serial numbers, and repeat the other station's callsign. The extraction picks up exchanges along with callsigns and signal reports, but a contest-speed "5NN 0247" mumbled once is hard for anyone to copy, silicon or carbon.

Review before you submit

After the contest, go through the log once:

• Check contacts with an amber or red confidence chip first.
• The QSO editor has a dedicated serial number field; verify serials against anything you're unsure of, since organizers cross-check them.
• Duplicate or busted calls? Edit or delete the contact; missed one entirely? Add QSO by hand, free.

Export and submit

1. Open the session's ⋮ menu and choose Export Cabrillo.
2. Pick a folder; you'll get a .cbr file named after the session.
3. Submit it to the contest organizer as usual. Check the contest's rules for any required header edits (category, power, club) before uploading; a plain text editor does the job.

Want the contacts in LoTW or your everyday logbook too? Export ADIF from the same menu, or let QRZ.com sync handle it automatically.