Cabrillo Format

Cabrillo: Essential Header Fields  (callsign.log filename)
These lines must exist at the top of your file. Order matters less than accuracy.
Most logging programs like N3FJP or N1MM will output this for you.

• START-OF-LOG: 3.0: The very first line.

• CALLSIGN:: The callsign used.

• CONTEST:: The official contest name (e.g., CQ-WPX-SSB).

• CATEGORY-OPERATOR:: (e.g., SINGLE-OP, MULTI-OP).

• CATEGORY-BAND:: (e.g., ALL, 10M, 40M).

• CATEGORY-MODE:: (e.g., SSB, CW, DIGI).

• CATEGORY-POWER:: (e.g., HIGH, LOW, QRP).

• CLAIMED-SCORE:: Integer value.

• OPERATORS:: Call sign(s) of operators.

• NAME: & ADDRESS:: Mailing address for certificates.

• SOAPBOX:: Comments (optional). 

QSO Line Formatting (Crucial)

QSO lines must follow a specific, space-separated format. Do not use tabs. There should be a 'space' between QSO: and FREQ

Format: QSO: FREQ MO DATE TIME CALL SENT RCVD [OTHER] 

• Example: QSO: 14090 DG 2024-12-07 1833 W0YK -03 CM97 KL7DE +01 BE49.

• Frequency: In kHz (e.g., 14090) or MHz (e.g., 14).

• Mode: CW, PH (Phone), SSB, DG (Digital), FM.

• Date: YYYY-MM-DD.

• Time: 4-digit UTC format (e.g., 1833).

• Callsigns: Must be accurate.

• Exchange: Sent and received signal reports/serial numbers/grids. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Categories: Use only permitted categories from the specific contest rules.

• Missing Data: Ensure all required headers (Address, Operator) are present.

• Filename: Name the file YOURCALL.log or YOURCALL.cbr.

• File Extension: Save as a .txt or .log file in plain text, not a formatted document like .doc or .pdf. 

For more information, you can visit the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation