WW DIGI is the opening act of the "Grand Slam" of worldwide contesting: WW DIGI DX (end of August), CQ WW RTTY (end of Sep't), CQ WW SSB (end of Oct.) and CQ WW CW (end of Nov.).
It's an FT4/FT8 contest. The exchange is the standard grid square that FT uses. Scoring is unique as it is very distance-weighted. Multipliers are grids and a mult point for every 3,000 km of distance. Lots of points to be grabbed by working new distant grids.
Obviously, with FT modes, rate is not king. Since the rate is fixed by each 7.5 or 15 second cycle, maximum scores don't come from working as fast as you can, they come from looking for the most distant QSOs you can make at the moment. Think of it as "speed DXing."
A few tips:
- Use Search and Pounce to your advantage. The CQ message is "CQ WW call grid," so if you answer them, you've already got their exchange. After each decode cycle you can prioritize which stations you call based on highest possible points, whether it be most distant or new grid. Once you've worked the band, then call CQ to bring in more Q's.
- Watch PSK Reporter. FT-8 is kind of slow and can get boring. Use the dead time while RXing or TXing to monitor the spots to see where the best DX is being heard. Always be on the lookout for unusual propagation.
- Use WSJT-X's Color Coding. Under File --> Settings --> Colors use bright colors for "New Grid" and drag it to the top. This will help you spot new mults among the many decodes you receive per cycle.
- Prepare Ahead of Time. Make sure you have the latest software (version 2.4.0). If a practice session is announced, use that as a dry run to make sure your PC, software and radio are working together as they should. Right before the contest, synchronize your PC clock and set it as accurately as possible.
If you have a modest station -- 100 watts and wires -- WW DIGI DX is a great way to work new countries and DX. There will be plenty of activity on the air.
Contest starts at 1200 UTC Saturday August 28 and ends at 1159 UTC Sunday (24 hours).
Contest rules and more at
https://ww-digi.com/Good luck, and hope to C U on the waterfall. -- 73 Jim K6OK