Guide to CQ WW UBN and NIL Reports
Updated at 2003/08/07
Guide to CQ WW DX Contest UBN Reports
1. INTRODUCTION
2. MESSAGE FROM THE CQ WW CONTEST COMMITTEE
3. UBN REPORTS
3.1 EXPLANATION OF COLUMNS
3.2 EXPLANATION OF QSO CODES
3.3 EXPLANATION OF codes CONTAINED IN THE POSSIBLE CALLS LIST
3.4 UBN BAND SUMMARY
4. SCORE PENALTIES
5. SCORE CALCULATIONS
5.1 EXAMPLE INITIAL SCORE SUMMARY
5.2 EXAMPLE RE-COMPUTED SCORE SUMMARY
5.3 EXPLANATION OF INITIAL AND RE-COMPUTED SCORE SUMMARY COLUMNS
6. POSSIBLE LOG-CHECKER ACTIONS
7. PUBLISHED FINAL SCORE IN CQ MAGAZINE
8. CONCLUSION
9. THANK YOU
1. INTRODUCTION
The UBN report is the CQ World-Wide Contest Committee's computer analysis of your entry. It contains an initial computer calculation of your score simply made on the contacts contained in your log, as well as a computer re-calculation of your score that includes the effects of the computerized log checking. Score calculations for all entries are made using the same proven multiplier-reference data and proven scoring algorithms. In other words, to ensure uniform scoring, all log scores are recalculated by the CQWWCC using one common country database and reassigning every QSO point value.
The report also shows QSOs found by the computer that definitely impact and those that might impact the adjudicated final score. This includes QSOs for which credit was denied (-B and -N) as well as unique (U) QSOs. Credit is automatically removed for QSOs that have been adjudicated either as being bad (-B), or found to be not-in-log (-N) during cross-checking with no evident receiving error found in the cross-checked log. Note that bad means incorrectly logged callsign, and does not mean that the callsign does not exist. If a callsign is miscopied as someone else’s call, this does not warrant credit. Those claimed QSOs, for which credit was denied, have been marked with the minus sign(-).
*** NO CREDIT IS REMOVED FROM YOUR LOG SIMPLY BECAUSE A CALLSIGN IS UNIQUE(U)
The UBN reports normally provided are abbreviated log-analysis reports showing only contacts for which credit has, or may be, denied. If needed, a full report, showing the status of every entry in your log, can be produced. This report, which is rarely generated, shows detailed scoring information for each contact, which contacts were actually cross-checked, and the number of total claimed database QSOs made with every callsign in your log.
The committee's objective is to treat all entries fairly and equitably. Where two entries are close, care is taken to ensure that the listed winner deserves his published standing.
No electronic-log entrant should ever be listed behind a "winning" paper log entrant unless the paper log is subjected to the same level of checking. This normally means that important paper logs will be entered into a computer. This data-entry process adds risk of introducing additional errors, and electronic submission should therefore benefit the entrant.
2. MESSAGE FROM THE CQ WW CONTEST COMMITTEE
The CQWW log-checking is neither perfect nor purported to be perfect. It is accurate enough to determine the correct order of finish in the various categories. Realistically, it has proven to be very accurate. The vast majority of entrants will find no credit removed for callsigns inaccurately adjudicated.
Large logs from stations in rare or uncommon locations might have a couple of callsigns marked "-B, " (meaning incorrectly logged callsign) that were actually worked and logged correctly. However, there are almost always a compensating number of incorrectly logged calls that were only marked "U." If a log is re-scored, we will make all appropriate changes that impact your score, not just those that will make your score go up.
We do not publicize the actual methods we use to determine “Bad” callsigns. We do improve our processes as we understand how and why mistakes are made. We will not tell you “why” a certain callsign is marked -B.
The committee has most likely, already found all of the logs submitted with the wrong callsign or submitted for the wrong contest. These and possibly misdirected logs are found using existing sanity checks.
We use feedback, particularly from those with recordings, to audit and improve our processes. Note that we have to rely on the received logs for cross-checking, even if you have a recording that which appears to show a station making a contact with you.
If you note a significant error (such as might result in a final position change), please let us know. Send an E-mail to K3EST@CQWW.COM. We will correct all errors which are of a significant nature.
3. UBN REPORTS
In your callsign subdirectory is a Unique/Bad/Not-In-Log report named either cw.ubn or ssb.ubn. For each band that you worked, there is a report BODY, which is a listing of QSOs that have been flagged by the log-checking software as being either U, B, or N callsigns. At the end of each band evaluation is a BAND SUMMARY.
Two SCORE CALCULATIONS follow, at the end of the report.
EXAMPLE BODY OF UBN REPORT:
9Y4XYZ.80, 22:12, Tuesday, 01-Jun-1999 LINE CODE CALLSIGN(#-BAND-LOGS) [POSSIBLE-CALLS(#-band-logs)[code]] ---- ----------- ------------------------------------ 257 U n5dfc 268 -N vp2eyz(255) 278 -B w9kea(1) w0kea(134)H w9kia(97)H 299 U wa2udk wa2udt(255)H wa2uuk(255)Ww wa2ubk(13) 360 U wb2fwk wb2fsk(2) 385 -B kb8in(1) kb8vn(129)H kb8wn(2) 386 U w9uuk 389 U nd9f nd9o(187)H nd3f(72) nd0f(34) nu9f(26)
3.1 EXPLANATION OF COLUMNS
LINE = QSO number on THAT band for your log
(QSO) CODE = Status of flagged callsign (U, -B, N, -N, or Z) in your log
CALLSIGN = Flagged callsign found in your log
#-BAND-LOGS = # of times this call was worked by other stations in the database
POSSIBLE CALLS = Computer determined possible callsigns similar to the flagged callsign.
#-band-logs = Number of total database entries for the possible callsign
code = Status of possible callsign (B, N, Ww, Wn, H)
In the header, your root callsign is shown, followed by the band.
Band designations for CW are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10. For phone, band designations may be one number greater, such as 161,
81, 41, 21, 16, and 11 (these odd band #'s are for internal CQWWCC use).
3.2 EXPLANATION OF QSO CODES
U = Unique. In the entire database (approximately 2.5 million log entries/mode), this call appears only in your log. No credit is automatically removed for U calls.
EXAMPLES OF U CALLS:
88 U K7ZM K1ZM(1159)Ww K7ZZ(361)N K6ZM(302)H K3ZM(252) 258 U K1CD K1CN(412)H K1SD(183)H K1DD(34) K1DC(27) K1CL(20) 307 U VE1BV VE1BY(388)Ww VE1BX(5) VE1FV(4) VE1BH(2) VE1BE(2)
B = Bad. This call has been adjudicated to have been miscopied. It is not in the country callsign database, or has otherwise been determined to be incorrect (see Wn explanation below). Credit for all B calls is automatically removed by the computer when re-calculating the score, and the calls are all marked -B.
EXAMPLES OF B CALLS:
3 -B KD95T(5) KD9ST(548)Ww KD9SH(25) IT9SVJ(64) WB9SVK(22) 45 -B VE2SS(8) VY2SS(3197)Wn VE1SS(21) VE2SO(14) OE2S(790)N 54 -B W3IXD(1) K3IXD(313)H W9IXD(12) W3IZ(536)H W3IP(36) 88 -B K2RDDDD(1) K2RD(1121)Wn K3ND(805)Ww N3RD(588)HK3MD(249)H 126 -B SH7XYZ(3) S57XYZ(362)
N = Not-In-Log. Your callsign is NOT in the log of the station you claim to have worked. The computer then tries to determine if it is likely that the claimed station miscopied your call. If the computer finds potential close callsigns in the other log, they will be listed under POSSIBLE CALLS. Only N-calls that have no computer-determined appropriate, close callsigns will automatically lose credit. These are indicated by -N. Note that it is possible that the copying station can make a copying error that the computer algorithms are unable to recognize. Some large logs, from stations with complex callsigns can expect to lose credit for a few unrecognizable errors.
EXAMPLES OF N CALLS (From Sample PJ9B Report):
179 N PA3XYZ(2359) PJ2B(7)B DJ9BX(89) 546 -N W5ABC(600) 831 N VQ9QRM(842) PJ9BB(1) 1268 N KH6ZYX(25) P49B(2)B
Z= Zeroed-out-contact. This contact was essentially removed from your log, just as if it had never occurred. No penalties are imposed.
Z applies to contacts adjudicated to be with pirates or with stations using illegally assigned callsigns. Z might also be applied to "contacts" claimed that are deemed to be outside the spirit of the contest, such as multi-operator stations exchanging lists of contacts with each other's operators, each signing "portable." Note that this particular practice appears to have been stopped many years ago.
3.3 EXPLANATION OF codes CONTAINED IN THE POSSIBLE CALLS LIST
Possible calls are determined in two different, but similar ways.
For (U or -B) callsigns in YOUR log, possible calls are computer estimates of what the correct callsign might be.
For (N or -N) callsigns in YOUR log, possible calls are calls in THE CLAIMED-STATION'S band-log that might be miscopied versions of your callsign.
DEFINITION OF codes AFTER POSSIBLE CALLS
N = (For U or -B) We have an electronic log from the station, and your correct callsign is not in his log.
H = (For U or -B) We have the log for this station, but it is probably a paper log. It is available for a manual cross-check if needed to judge a very close competition.
Wn = (For -B) We have a an electronic log from the station. The capital W means that your callsign is in his log. The lower-case n means that his callsign is not in your log. In developing hard data(time checks) on the Wn, the CQ WW CC found that essentially all of the Wn-calls were found to result from copying errors by the entrant. You will lose credit for this claimed contact.
Ww = (For U or -B) We have an electronic log from the station. The capital W means that your callsign appeared in his log. The lower-case w means that his callsign appeared in your log.
W+3 etc. = (For U) This related callsign appeared in your log 3 contacts later. No credit is automatically deducted. However, this often suggests that the same station simply kept calling until you got his callsign correct, and that you logged him under two callsigns.
B = (For N) That possible callsign in the claimed-station's log has been determined to be bad. The claimed-station will lose credit, and his report will have that contact marked -B. You will not lose credit automatically, because it is likely that your call was miscopied.
3.4 UBN BAND SUMMARY
At the end of each of the band list bodies is a BAND SUMMARY. An example is:
2181 calls, 62 (U or B) ( 2.8%), 62 (U+1 or B or N) ( 2.8%)
359 cross-checked, 3 not-in-log. Lost multipliers (-B or -N calls): UK NIL QSO points removed (no possible logs) = 16 (2 QSOs). BAD QSO points removed = 120 (10 QSOs).
EXPLANATION OF BAND SUMMARY:
2181 calls = number of QSO entries on that band.
62 (U or B) = number of QSOs in your band log that are Unique or Bad calls.
(2.8%) = percentage of (U + B)/(calls). This has found to be one of the reasonable measures of accuracy for almost all logs.
62 ([U+1] + B + N) = number of QSOs that are Unique+1 or Bad or Not-in-Log. Unique+1 (U+1) calls are those that actually have computer-determined close, possible callsigns in the database. The number of (U+1 or B or N) callsigns has been found to be representative of the number of QSOs for which credit is likely to be denied.
(2.8%) = percentage of (U+1 or B or N)/(calls). This has found to be another reasonable measure of accuracy for almost all logs. It of course includes a measure of assuring that the stations claimed were actually worked.
359 cross-checked = 359 QSOs on that band were cross checked against logs in the electronic database.
3 not-in-log = 3 QSOs that you claimed were not found in other stations' log.
Lost multipliers: (B or N calls) : UK
Credit for the UK multiplier has been removed from the log. All claims for QSOs with that multiplier have been denied for bad-call or not-in-log reasons. If a prefix appears in the "Lost multipliers:" list, and only a single contact for that multiplier is marked "-B" or "-N," then that was the only log entry on that band representing the possible multiplier.
NIL QSO points removed (no possible logs) = 16 (2 QSOs).
N-calls, that have no computer-determined "close" callsigns in the cross-checked log, lose credit. In the example, 2 QSOs (each, with appropriate point value) x PENALTY = 16 points lost.
BAD QSO points removed = 120 (10 QSOs).
Credit for all Bad QSOs is removed. In the example, 10 QSOs (each, with appropriate point value) X PENALTY = 120 points lost.
4. SCORE PENALTIES
For each -N or -B callsign, contact-point and multiplier credit is denied. In addition, a point penalty of 3 times the claimed-contact-point-value is assessed.
The scoring is actually implemented by first crediting the claimed point value and then removing 4 times that value. These 4-times-claimed-points are the "points removed" discussed above. If another same-multiplier station is worked on the band, multiplier credit will automatically result from the good contact.
The penalty system is deliberately implemented to encourage accurate operating. Improperly logged contacts adversely impact the scores of others and create significant extra work for the log-checkers.
Primarily because not all participants submit logs, the automated log-checking process only finds and penalizes a portion of the actual Bad and Not-in-log contacts. The penalty system is not primarily implemented to compensate for this log-checking shortcoming. It is intended to strongly discourage logging of callsign guesses.
The penalty can be viewed simply as a standard for logging contacts. If you are not certain you want to risk losing 3 QSOs, simply either ask for a repeat or tell the caller, "No QSO." Do not put a guess at the call in your log.
Everyone is judged under this single, easy to understand, standard.
5. SCORE CALCULATIONS
At the end of your UBN report are two computer calculations of your score. The INITIAL SCORE SUMMARY is a computer calculation of your score made using all the claimed contacts contained in your log. It is essentially your claimed score based on the claimed contacts actually in our database. Score calculations for all entries are made using the same multiplier reference data and proven scoring algorithms.
The RE-COMPUTED SCORE SUMMARY is your score, reduced by removing any -B and -N calls with appropriate penalties. The percentages by which your QSO total and score were reduced are shown.
5.1 EXAMPLE INITIAL SCORE SUMMARY:
P29AS Papua New Guinea 1997 CQ Phone 10:16, Friday, 06-Mar-98
1709 station logs, 1944498 QSOs, 100214 calls, 40540 common, 59674 unique
CALLS COM U+B %U+B 1BN %1BN QPts Zn CTY BScore FileName
----- --- --- ---- --- ---- ---- -- --- ------ --------
1 1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 1 1 0 P29AS.160
185 170 15 8.1 15 8.1 466 18 27 20970 P29AS.80
1389 1304 85 6.1 85 6.1 3903 35 87 476166 P29AS.40
2181 2119 62 2.8 62 2.8 6342 38 119 995694 P29AS.20
4080 3966 114 2.8 116 2.8 12041 36 118 1854314 P29AS.15
1371 1310 61 4.4 74 5.4 4006 33 94 508762 P29AS.10
-------------------------------------------------------------------
9207 8870 337 3.7 352 3.8 26758 161 446 16242106 P29AS.ALL
5.2 EXAMPLE RE-COMPUTED SCORE SUMMARY:
Score totals with NIL and Bad call penalties factored in:
1 0 1 1 0 P29AS.160
181 418 18 27 18810 P29AS.80
1374 3723 35 87 454206 P29AS.40
2169 6206 38 118 968136 P29AS.20
4056 11753 36 118 1809962 P29AS.15
1347 3726 33 94 473202 P29AS.10
----------------------------------------------------------------
9128 25826 161 445 15650556 P29AS.ALL
-0.9% -3.6%
The date and time the report was generated plus database statistics are contained in the header.
5.3 EXPLANATION OF INITIAL AND RE-COMPUTED SCORE SUMMARY COLUMNS
CALLS = number of QSOs claimed
COM = number of calls you worked that were worked by others
U+B = number of Unique+Bad calls on band
%U+B = U+B / (total QSOs on band)
1BN = number of (One-off-Unique+Bad+NIL) QSOs on that band
%1BN = 1BN / (total QSOs on band)
Qpts = QSO points on that band
Zn = number of zones claimed on that band
CTY = number of countries claimed on that band
BScore = band score
FileName = Your call.band
The first percentage at the end is for the QSO reduction.
The second percentage at the end is for the score reduction.
6. POSSIBLE LOG-CHECKER ACTIONS
Most of the entries are processed totally by computer. With 7500 entries in a year, we do not have the resources to do this any other way.
A log-checker MAY choose to modify any computer score-calculation. Log-checkers are not obligated to correct typographical or any other errors in your log, but do make decisions that attempt to be fair. You should proofread your own log before submitting it if you want to be certain that you will not lose credit for typographical errors.
If you do not have 5 minutes to review your log for obvious typographical errors, it is unlikely that the committee has 625 hours that it would take to perform a 5 minute review on each of the 7500 entries.
If you submit your entry under one callsign, and it appears that you actually used another callsign on the air, a log-checker is likely to change it. This happens most often when special calls are used for the contest, and the log is submitted under the regular callsign.
If you submit a 20 meter single-band entry, and all stations claiming contacts with you indicate that you were on 15 meters, it is likely that you will be placed in the 15 meter category.
If you miss a band change, and log a large number of contacts on the wrong band, it is possible that a log-checker may move those contacts, but it is by no means guaranteed.
Finding and correcting errors of this type takes considerable time. Please help the log-checkers by taking a few minutes to check your entry before submitting it.
7. PUBLISHED FINAL SCORE IN CQ MAGAZINE
The SECOND SCORE SUMMARY is normally what will be your published score. Although extremely unlikely, it may differ by actions of a CQ WW Contest Committee log-checker.
8. CONCLUSION
The purpose of the CQ WW Contest Committee's log checking and evaluation is to promote accurate operating. This enables a meaningful comparison between the entrants efforts.
Some entrants may find their scores have gone down significantly. If credit is somehow lost for a few double multipliers in a small log, the score will go down dramatically. Please take care to log callsigns correctly. Incorrectly logged callsigns not only cause scores to be reduced but create extra work for log-checkers.
Please also try to make certain that the stations have your call correct, and are actually working you. Try not to be intimidated into logging a contact either before you have the station's call correct, or the station has your call correct. If your call is logged with enough errors, the computer algorithms will not even be able to recognize it as even being related to your actual callsign. Send it again if you are not CERTAIN that your call was logged correctly. One of the goals of our penalty system is to encourage big stations to take care when logging smaller stations.
If after a reasonable attempt, you are still uncertain of a station's callsign, tell him to try again later. Please be fair to him and also tell him that you are NOT logging the NON-contact --"No QSO".
You can help yourself and us by adhering to the following:
- Please help our computer programs avoid data misinterpretation. Take care not to log anything but the callsign in your logging program's callsign field. Our software may treat it as an error.
- Your final score is not computed from the score your logging program computes.
- Please do not log anything with a note that it is not a valid contact, such as "WA8XYZ???" or "WA8XYZ/not-sure".
- Please do not mark any uncertain contacts with a zero in the claimed-points field of your log. Our software is very likely incapable of properly recognizing it as a call you want eliminated. The easiest thing to do is erase the Call after you have typed it.
- Please do not change callsigns to make YOUR logging program score the contact correctly. Please do not change callsigns to things like VE/XO7XYZ, VE7/XO7XYZ, PY/ZZ2ZYX, PY2/ZZ2ZYX, YO4ABC/MM/W4, MM/YO4ABC/W4. Our cty.dat file takes into account all non-standard callsigns used in the contest.
- It is not necessary to log /QRP if a station sends it. It is not part of a callsign. Our processing ignores /QRP. Note that if you err, and log a station as /QPR, you will lose that contact plus the penalty. Our software is not smart enough to account errors made typing “/QRP.”
- Please log maritime mobile stations as simply /MM. Please do not put the "region" or the prefix for a nearby country in the callsign field.
Different entrants may encounter different degrees of difficulty in logging accurately. On phone, language differences can contribute. Power line noise and atmospheric noise can make accurate copy very difficult. Anyone can make mistakes. Please use the information provided in the UBN report to improve your skills.
9. THANK YOU
Thank you for participating and thank you for submitting an electronic log. Even if your score was small, or you had problems that resulted in a large score reduction this year, your electronic logs helped us check the logs of other entrants.
Please continue to participate in the future, and please continue to submit electronic entries, preferably by E-mail.
CQ WW SSB logs to: ssb@cqww.com
CQ WW CW logs to: cw@cqww.com.
If you have a question send it to questions@cqww.com
Thank you again.
The CQ WW Contest Committee