---
layout: base.njk
title: KST4Contest Manual
description: Technical user manual for KST4Contest, covering installation, station setup, ON4KST operation, AirScout, logger interfaces, path analysis and known limitations.
---

<section class="hero">
  <span class="eyebrow">Documentation</span>
  <h1>KST4Contest Manual</h1>

  <p>
    The manual describes the controls and interfaces of KST4Contest as well as
    the reasoning behind functions that derive information from chat messages,
    station data or external programs. Where a result depends on incomplete
    information, the corresponding limitations are described as well.
  </p>

  <div class="actions">
    <a class="button" href="/manual/en/">English manual</a>
    <a class="button secondary" href="/manual/de/">Deutsches Handbuch</a>
    <a class="button ghost" href="/download/">Download KST4Contest</a>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="section">
  <div class="section-heading">
    <span class="eyebrow">Where to start</span>
    <h2>Select the section that matches your current task</h2>
  </div>

  <div class="grid">
    <article class="card">
      <h3>Install KST4Contest</h3>
      <p>
        Select a Stable, Beta or Nightly build and install the application on
        Windows, Linux or macOS.
      </p>
      <div class="actions">
        <a class="button" href="/download/">Downloads</a>
        <a class="button secondary" href="/manual/en/installation/">English instructions</a>
        <a class="button ghost" href="/manual/de/installation/">Deutsche Anleitung</a>
      </div>
    </article>

    <article class="card">
      <h3>Configure a station</h3>
      <p>
        Set the callsign, locator, available bands, chat categories and the
        interfaces used in the station setup.
      </p>
      <div class="actions">
        <a class="button secondary" href="/manual/en/configuration/">English configuration</a>
        <a class="button ghost" href="/manual/de/konfiguration/">Deutsche Konfiguration</a>
      </div>
    </article>

    <article class="card">
      <h3>Understand functions and limitations</h3>
      <p>
        Read how KST4Contest derives band information, priorities, reachability
        and other operating aids, and where manual verification is still
        required.
      </p>
      <div class="actions">
        <a class="button secondary" href="/manual/en/features/">English functions</a>
        <a class="button ghost" href="/manual/de/funktionen/">Deutsche Funktionen</a>
      </div>
    </article>

    <article class="card">
      <h3>Prepare and run contest operation</h3>
      <p>
        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.
      </p>
      <div class="actions">
        <a class="button secondary" href="/manual/en/contest-workflow/">English workflow</a>
        <a class="button ghost" href="/manual/de/contest-workflow/">German workflow</a>
      </div>
    </article>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="section">
  <div class="cta-panel">
    <div>
      <span class="eyebrow">Choosing a build</span>
      <h2>Stable for operation, Beta or Nightly for testing</h2>
      <p>
        The Stable build is normally the appropriate choice for contest
        operation. Beta and Nightly builds are useful when a specific correction
        or new function needs to be tested. Test them before the contest rather
        than during its first minutes.
      </p>
    </div>

    <div class="actions">
      <a class="button" href="/download/">Open downloads</a>
      <a class="button secondary" href="/roadmap/">View roadmap</a>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>
