The CQWW contest committee, specifically, the log checking sub-group, uses many tools to scrutinize all logs. One of the tools is used to establish Benchmarks across various parameters. Benchmarking only establishes expected “norms” by comparing logs to each other. One potential issue with Benchmarking is that if everybody cheats, then everybody still “looks normal.” Fortunately, the vast majority do not cheat.
CQWW has decided to pilot making one of our benchmarking tools public. The expectation is that more reviewers will result in wider and faster identification of potential issues (flags).
We suggest that all contesters compare their data with their competitors’ data and alert us if you think a log or logs deserve closer attention.
How to start
We are making available two Benchmark tools:
- Benchmark one – Power benchmark
- Benchmark two – Assistance benchmark
Please note that the benchmark tools should be used by incorporating some deeper levels of thinking, meaning that we want you to use the variable parameters intelligently. For example, one cannot compare a log entry that was active only 10 hours with another entry that was active 30 hours or 45+ hours.
Using the tool:
The tool is a graphical display (scatter-gram) showing single points for each entry, per the values you select (right-hand side). If you move your cursor over any individual point on the display, the “owner” of that “dot” will pop up and you will see various data about that point, including the owner’s call sign.
The Benchmark Power link is here: https://public.tableau.com/profile/jos.nunes#!/vizhome/CQWWCW2017PowerBenchmark/Planilha1?publish=yes
The Power benchmark tool is set initially for USA, Single Operator, All Bands, Non Assisted category. You can see that the Benchmark is clean with QRP, Low Power, and High Power categories in line with what should be expected.
The Benchmark Assistance link is here:
This benchmark tool is set initially for Europe, Single Operator, All Bands. You can see that the Benchmark is also clean with Assisted stations and Non-Assisted stations in line with what should be expected.
Please note: The data source for these tools is the raw log submissions. This means that you will be using data prior to cross-checking and other log-checking software functions. You will be looking at the data used to generate the ‘raw’ scores. These are not final scores, not final Q’s, not final Zones, and not final Countries.
This specific tool < https://www.tableau.com/ > was implemented and is made public by José, CT1BOH, making it very accessible and user friendly. Previously, we did this using Excel pivot tables and filters. This way is a big improvement.
Please use the tool and if you “find something” that you think is worthy or further review, please let us know immediately. The deadline for feedback that we can act on is February 24, 2018. Sorry about the short notice.
Please send your findings, if any, directly to José, CT1BOH: CT1BOH {at} gmail {dot} com
Enjoy!
On behalf of the CQ WW Contest Committee