Two rule changes deserve a look before the November contest: human control of key operating actions and less time to send your log.

If you plan to enter CQ WW CW, the CQ WW CW 2026 rule changes could affect your station software and when you must send your log. You’ll learn which actions need a human to start them, how Assisted entries fit, and the new deadline to put on your calendar.

The contest committee’s October 7 announcement sets out the changes. Here’s what they mean at the operating desk.

CQ WW CW runs November 28–29, 2026, from 0000 UTC Saturday through 2359 UTC Sunday. These changes were announced October 7; they are a reminder ahead of the contest, rather than breaking news.

A person must start the action

The new rule requires a human to initiate three actions: changing the receive or transmit frequency, calling a station, and logging a contact. A system that carries out those actions on its own is prohibited.

Think about how your station moves from hearing a signal to making a contact. Are you choosing the next action, or does the software choose and act without you? That is the practical question to ask before using an automated setup.

This is a CQ WW contest rule. It does not set policy for all amateur radio. Nor should it be read as a blanket ban on station computers. For an unusual software feature, ask the committee how the rule applies before contest weekend.

Assisted still has rules

Choosing an Assisted category does not remove the human-control requirement. It allows QSO-finding help within that category’s limits.

The complete 2026 rules count CW decoders, DX clusters, and tools such as CW Skimmer and the Reverse Beacon Network as QSO-finding assistance. Check your entry category against the tools you plan to use.

Put the log deadline on your calendar

The old five-day window is now 48 hours. The CW log deadline is 2359 UTC on December 1, 2026. That is 6:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Plan to export and submit your Cabrillo file soon after operating ends. Check the category and station details before uploading, then retain the submission confirmation. Do not treat the shorter window as time to rebuild exchanges from outside information.

A simple plan for contest weekend

Before you get on the air, review your software’s automatic actions, confirm your entry category, and set the log reminder. If a feature leaves you unsure who initiates an action, get an answer before using it.

The goal is still a weekend of CW contacts. A little preparation will help keep your attention on the bands while keeping your entry within the rules.

Does your contest software have a feature that leaves you unsure about this rule? Share your question in the comments.

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