Question E2C07:
What is the Cabrillo format?  

Choices:  
A: A standard for submission of electronic contest logs  
B: A method of exchanging information during a contest QSO  
C: The most common set of contest rules  
D: A digital protocol specifically designed for rapid contest exchanges    

Correct Answer is  A: A standard for submission of electronic contest logs  

Correct answer: A — A standard for submission of electronic contest logs

Why A is correct:
- The Cabrillo format is a standardized plain-text file layout used to submit contest logs electronically to sponsors. It defines header tags (like CALLSIGN, CONTEST, CATEGORY-OPERATOR) and QSO lines with UTC date/time, mode, frequency/band, and sent/received exchanges. It lets “log-checking robots” process and score logs consistently.

Why the others are incorrect:
- B: A method of exchanging information during a contest QSO refers to the on-air “exchange” (e.g., RST, serial number, section). Cabrillo is not the exchange; it’s the off-air file format for submitting logs.
- C: Cabrillo is not a set of contest rules. Each contest has its own rules; Cabrillo just standardizes how logs are submitted.
- D: Cabrillo is not an on-air digital protocol. Protocols include CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4/FT8, etc. Cabrillo is a file format used after the contacts.

Useful rules of thumb:
- It’s plain text; export “Cabrillo” from your logging software.
- Times are in UTC, 24-hour format; include full date and time for each QSO.
- Include both sent and received exchanges exactly as made.
- Use correct category tags (e.g., CATEGORY-OPERATOR, CATEGORY-ASSISTED, CATEGORY-POWER, BAND, MODE).
- Verify CALLSIGN, CONTEST, and claimed score before submitting.
- Typical elements:
  - Header example tags: CALLSIGN: N0CALL, CONTEST: ARRL-DX-CW, CATEGORY-OPERATOR: SINGLE-OP
  - QSO line example: QSO: 14035 CW 2024-11-23 2135 N0CALL 599 004 K1ABC 599 012