[CQ-Contest] FW: [RttyDigital] New FT Challenge Contest [Update #1]

[ed at w0yk.com]

As several people noticed, there was a typo in the date of the first announcement posting below.  The FT challenge is on 7-8 December 2024.

While any FT4/8 software may be used, due to the standard default message protocol, three programs have quickly added enhance support for FT Challenge:
	o MSHV 2.76: exports a proper Cabrillo log file for direct upload on the Cabrillo Log Submission page.
	o N1MM+ 1.0.10535: additionally provides proper scoring, multiplier highlighting and Cabrillo log file export.
	o WriteLog 12.85/DigiRite 2.2.2.11: provides proper scoring, multiplier highlighting and Cabrillo log file creation.
More details are available at https://www.rttycontesting.com/ft-challenge/logging-software/ 

The key feature of this contest is the interoperability of contesters and non-contesters, eliminating confusion and frustration of different message protocols.  However, for the contester desiring to maximize score, some thoughtful use of the FT daily and contest sub-bands will benefit:
	o The recommended contest sub-bands will have much less presence of non-contesters calling in with Tx2 (SNR message) and causing you to forfeit the QSO distance points.  Of course, for non-contesters within 3,000 km, there is no disadvantage.
	o The standard daily sub-bands will be a source of some non-contester mults and distance points.  Calling CQing stations there will virtually eliminate the Tx2 issue because you'll get the Grid Square with their CQ message.  Plus, a lot of contest CQing will likely overwhelm the standard sub-bands with QRM, which hurts everyone.

There is no need for "practice sessions" prior to the actual contest, again, because of the use of standard message protocol.  You can get on any time the band is open and have plenty of activity to test your station readiness.

Finally, check out the FT Challenge website, and often, because it is being updated and enhanced daily in the lead up to the contest weekend:
	https://www.rttycontesting.com/ft-challenge/

73,
Ed W0YK

-----Original Message-----
From: rttydigital at groups.io <rttydigital at groups.io> On Behalf Of Ed Muns, W0YK
Sent: Saturday, 16 November, 2024 21:30
To: rttydigital at groups.io
Subject: [RttyDigital] New FT Challenge Contest

On 8-9 December 2024, the FT Challenge will take place for the first time, replacing the FT Roundup which ran from 2018-2023.  A highlight of this new contest is that it uses the standard daily FT exchange of Grid Square and SNR, with distance-based scoring.  Because the exchange is identical, contesters and non-contesters can freely and seamlessly work any station they decode in the FT sub-bands without concern if they are “in the contest” or not.

Distance-based scoring is similar to that for WW Digi where one base QSO point is earned for each QSO, and distance-based points are added for each 3,000 km between the QSO partners.  Multipliers are per-band based on the 2-character Grid Field.  A worked station is only scored once per band, regardless of whether FT4 or FT8 was used.

In situations where a Grid Square is not received, no distance points are earned, but the base QSO point is scored.  This can happen if a station calls in with Tx2 (SNR message) instead of Tx1 (Grid message) and the Grid Square is not received.

Most any FT software can be used due to the standard exchange definition.  After the contest, export an ADIF log file and submit it to the FT Challenge Log Submittal webpage, https://ft-challenge.contesting.com/ftcsubmitlog.php .  The following software development teams are considering enhanced support for FT Challenge, i.e., a unique FT Challenge contest module.  Their efforts may not all be ready for the 2024 event.  We will provide updates in future posts over the next 3 weeks.
•	WSJT-X
•	MSHV
•	JTDX
•	N1MM+
•	WriteLog
•	N3FJP

Some contest loggers may already provide enhanced support.  For example, WriteLog’s WW Digi contest module can be used in conjunction with DigiRite, configured for “Grid Square & dB report”, rather than just “Grid Square”.  Both sent and received SNRs are transferred to the WriteLog log window.  Real-time score is computed with the exception that QSOs without a received Grid are currently scored as zero points (WW Digi rules) vs. the one-point credit in the FT Challenge rules.  However, new band-mults are highlighted in yellow in DigiRite.  To submit a log, use File/Export Copy to create an ADIF which can be submitted to the Log Upload webpage above. (The Cabrillo log file in the WW Digi contest module does not include the required SNR fields.)

Rules are posted on the FT Challenge website: https://www.rttycontesting.com/ft-challenge/ .  We hope everyone will enjoy this new FT contest.

73,
Don, AA5AU
Ed, W0YK




-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2288): https://groups.io/g/rttydigital/message/2288
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/109622527/757327
Group Owner: rttydigital+owner at groups.io
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/rttydigital/leave/3498727/757327/856418499/xyzzy [ed at w0yk.com]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-