Install KST4Contest
Select the appropriate build, install the application and verify that it starts correctly on the computer intended for contest operation.
Documentation
English Manual
This manual describes more than the controls of KST4Contest. It also explains how band information, priorities, reachability and other operating aids are derived, and where the available data does not support an unambiguous result.
Start with the task
Where should you begin?
Each chapter can be used separately. For a new installation, however, the following order is usually more useful than starting with an isolated detail.
Configure the station
Enter the callsign, locator, available bands and chat categories. Then configure only the interfaces that are actually part of the station setup.
Interpret the displayed information
Priorities, band information, AP assessments and reachability are derived from several sources. The corresponding chapters explain which information is used and where its limitations begin.
Prepare and run contest operation
Follow the complete workflow from pre-start checks and CQ operation through candidate selection and skeds to logging and an immediate move to another band.
All chapters
Complete English manual
This list is generated automatically from the Markdown files in
github_docs. Changes to the central manual are therefore also
included in the online documentation.
KST4Contest – User Manual
KST4Contest is a desktop client for the ON4KST Chat, developed for VHF, UHF and SHF contest operation. It brings chat, candidate selection, sked planning, aircraft scatter data and external station software together in a single operating interface.
Installation
KST4Contest is distributed as a ready-to-run application package for Windows, Linux and macOS. The official release packages do not require a separate Java installation: the required Java runtime is already included.
Configuration
After the first start, the settings window opens – this is the central starting point for all configuration. It is recommended to keep the settings window open during operation (e.g. to quickly toggle the beacon on and off).
Contest Workflow with KST4Contest
KST4Contest brings chat activity, station selection, known QRGs, worked status, skeds, aircraft scatter timing and other station data together in one interface. Its value does not come from one individual indicator, but from the way this information works together during an active contest.
Log Synchronisation
KST4Contest imports worked stations from the logging application and derives the global Worked status, per-band Worked marks and – where a locator is available – worked grid squares. Three input paths are available: the file-based Simplelogfile interpreter, the general QSO UDP listener and the dedicated Win-Test network listener.
AirScout Integration
AirScout (by DL2ALF) is a program for detecting aircraft for aircraft scatter operation. KST4Contest is tightly integrated with AirScout and shows reflectable aircraft directly in the user list.
Built-in DX Cluster Server
Since version 1.23, KST4Contest has included a local DX Cluster server. It forwards detected directional opportunities and their frequencies to the DX Cluster client of a logging programme.
Features
Overview of all main features of KST4Contest.
Macros and Variables
KST4Contest distinguishes between shortcut buttons, text snippets and variables. Shortcuts and snippets contain prepared text. Variables add information which may change during operation.
User Interface
Before connecting for the first time, configure at least the callsign, password, locator and primary chat category in the settings window. If a second category is required, its login must also be enabled and configured completely.
Changelog
Version history of KST4Contest / PraktiKST.