CONTEST DUPLICATE CONTACTS

[WA5KRP]

Folks,


How do you handle dupes while contesting? Personally, IF there is someone logging on a computer and says a station is a dupe I still exchange the information and finish the contact anyway. It seems to me it takes more time to tell a station he's a dupe (specially if his computer says we're NOT a dupe or they think the dupe is from a different band.) than to just give the exchange and move on to the next station. A lot of stations apparently don't use computer logging during an event, but rather key in the info after the contest. Ultimately, everbody's logging program will handle the dupes.

So what do you guys do? Am I doing something wrong?


WA5KRP
Texas

[WA3KYY]

If the other op says I'm a dupe I'll ask for the time of the previous QSO then either verify or say Not In Log. Sometimes the other staion will log a partial contact when you did not because you were not certain the exchange was completed. I always use a computer so I know whether a contact is in my log or not.

The issue does get complicated with the computer checking of logs for verification. If the exchange in both logs must match, which QSO do you eliminate? You could both lose credit with a penalty in that case.

In this weekends contests there were a handful of QSOs I did not log because I was not sure we had exchanged all the information to make it a valid contact. I did not rework any of them either. So now if I turn in my log, the other op will be penalized for what my have been my fault. If I decide not to turn in my log, then they may ger credit for a QSO they did not deserve.

What to do, what to do ......

73,
Mike WA3KYY

[AK7V]

I don't use a computer to log and only do contests for fun. If someone tells me I'm a dup, I send "tu" and go on to the next one. Usually, if I go through my papers and look, he was right.

[NN3W]

Just work the dupe contact. If the prior Q is a busted Q, the first Q won't count and no penalty will be assessed. If the first Q is a confirmed contact, the second contact will be a dupe. But with new rules arising out of computer logging, no penalty points are deducted for dupes.

I work all dupes and move on.

[KC7UP]

I ask for the time. I always use a computer for logging. Then usually I find one of two things. First I originally copied the call wrong. Second I may have worked a different station although the frequency may have been close to the "dupe" station.
Curt.

[AC0H]

Quote[/b] ]Just work the dupe contact. If the prior Q is a busted Q, the first Q won't count and no penalty will be assessed. If the first Q is a confirmed contact, the second contact will be a dupe. But with new rules arising out of computer logging, no penalty points are deducted for dupes.

I work all dupes and move on.
Usually yes but my contesting software will raise all kinds of stink If I try to work someone already in the log.

[W3MIV]

I have never had the courage to challenge the HUGE bright red billboard that N3FJP puts in his programs to ward off duping!

Besides, I am usually the DUPE. I have a hard time keeping my own head straight when working hunt-n-peck and often get confused from band to band. Did I work this guy on 10? Or was it 15? Oh well, try to log it and find out.

OUCH!

Now I always rely on the "possible dup" button and follow its advice. I don't think I could work a contest without the help of good logging software.

TU Scott!

I add by way of edit:

I no longer try to hold a spot and call CQ. My small pistol is far too small for that, and i have found it far more proficient to range the various bands hunting for new calls.

[WB2WIK]

The contest sponsors almost always recommend to leave dupes in the log, so indicated. They won't count towards your score, nor subtract from it.

Even back in the days when I used hand-written logs for contests (holy cow, that's 20+ years ago, now!), I always left dupes in, with a line through each one, to indicate I wasn't counting it, but a duplicate contact was made. That always seemed to work just fine.

WB2WIK/6

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (WA3KYY @ Mar. 27 2006,10:42)]If the other op says I'm a dupe I'll ask for the time of the previous QSO then either verify or say Not In Log.
Well, as I understand it, "partial" contacts don't count in ANY contest, so logging (either silicon or gray matter based) computer logs shouldn't flag a contact as a "dupe."
And if the other station says "dupe," then one or the other of you have NOT actually made a contact, or mis-logged a contact. SOMEONE made a mistake, and that should be a disallowed contact. I guess if you are absolutely SURE you logged a contact correctlly the first time, assume it's correct. BUt don't argue or belabor the point on th eair. If the other station wishes to log again, (where it may be flagged on review if it is truly a dupe) then go ahead. But if they do not wish to acknowledge further, just let it go. The amount of time trying to argue or establish another contact can probably be better spoent looking for a "new one."

(Of course, you can TELL I'm not a cut-throat contester. It's supposed to be fun.)

[K3STX]

Work all dupes, don't even ask for the time of the "previous" QSO and just move on. Since most people are using computers, this almost certainly mean they misscopied your call the first time, so if you leave it in there you will have a busted QSO and a potential penalty.

Working dupes takes 3 seconds, usually. Almost all logging software allows you to check off the "Work Dupes?" box.

paul

[WA9SVD]

The issue of "dupes" can get complicated, especially when using paper logs, and/or multiple operators on a "shift" basis. (Field Day for a club comes to mind.) Obviously, computerized logging is more efficient, and will log dupes faster than the blink of an eye, so dupes can be made by alternate operators, and aren't necessarily a total failure of a system or attempt to cheat.
IMHO, leave them in the log, and indicate they are NOT being counted for score. Sometimes a perfectly clean, neat, "sanitized" log submission can look suspicious. It depends upon the individual contest requirements.

[XV2PS]

Give me the time and frequency, put XV2PS as contact and I will fit you back a number. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif