AFS - Affiliated Society

Assisted - an operator is using support in order to locate and identify callsigns. Examples are the DX Cluster, RBN, local or remote multi-channel decoder such as CW Skimmer, internet spotting applications, receiving an SMS from another person on the whereabouts of stations, etc.

Busted - An incorrect spot, call sign or exchange.

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.

Cut numbers - Letter abbreviations for Morse numerals, such as N for 9, A for 1, T for zero etc.

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.

Multi-Operator - More than one person can contribute to the final score during the official contest period. Any number of operators is allowed.

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; antennas and antenna supports, other than natural ones, must not be pre-existing. 

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.

Single Operator - One person (the Operator) performs all operating and logging functions.

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 locating and identifying every callsign that they put in their log, where locating means to tune into each signal. (this is the opposite of "Assisted" above). The operator may not use any outside tools such as the DX Cluster or RBN network to locate new contacts, neither may they use any local decoder which will identify signals other than on the frequency to which they are tuned.

Unique - A call sign that is not in any other submitted log.

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.