Contest Zones?

New to H.F. The contest going on this weekend requires that you exchange signal report and zone number. I looked up the I.T.U. zone and regions chart on the IARU web site to find out what zone I am located in. It looks like I am in zone 8, (Michigan, Oakland County). I made my first contact and was questioned if I was correct with zone 8. It sounded like I had the wrong number. I stopped my contacts with the contest for fear of the wrong number. Am I wrong with the number 8? What would be my zone number?
Thanks in advance.

 

Yes...you are in ITU Zone 8

http://www.ac6v.com/prefixes.htm#W

 

Yes, you are in ITU zone 8


BUT,

in CQ WW the exchange is signal report and CQ ZONE !!!!

You are in CQ ZONE 4

 

They aren't very clear about that in the rules. I think it just says Signal report and zone. using the CQ Zone does make sense though.

 

CQ WW

That's because this contest is the "CQ Worldwide" contest, sponsored by CQ magazine.

It is a bit confusing, but not if you follow the contests. The IARU also sponsors a contest where their zones are used: The IARU HF.

73

Gary

 

Thank you for replies!

Thank you all for the replies. I now understand. I should have distinguished between CQ zone and the IARU H.F. zone, however being new to H.F. and first time doing a contest, I didn't know. I do now. Thanks again for you expert explanations! I appreciated them

 

That's OK, I always have to look it up, too. I don't use my CQ zone outside of their contests.

This weekend is Sweepstakes contest, and your ARRL Section is Michigan (MI). It's CW this weekend and SSB in two weeks.