# KST4Contest – Wiki

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**KST4Contest** (also known as *PraktiKST*) is a Java-based chat client for the [ON4KST Chat](http://www.on4kst.info/chat/), specifically designed for contest operation on the VHF/UHF/SHF bands (144 MHz and above).

Developed by **DO5AMF (Marc Fröhlich)**, operator at DM5M.

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## Quick Navigation

| Page | Contents |
|---|---|
| [Installation](en-Installation) | Download, Java requirements, update |
| [Configuration](en-Configuration) | All settings in detail |
| [Log Synchronisation](en-Log-Sync) | UCXLog, N1MM+, QARTest, DXLog.net, WinTest |
| [AirScout Integration](en-AirScout-Integration) | Aircraft scatter detection |
| [DX Cluster Server](en-DX-Cluster-Server) | Built-in DX cluster for your logging software |
| [Features](en-Features) | All features at a glance |
| [Macros and Variables](en-Macros-and-Variables) | Text snippets, shortcuts, variables |
| [User Interface](en-User-Interface) | UI explanation and operation |
| [Changelog](en-Changelog) | Version history |

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## What is KST4Contest?

The ON4KST Chat is the de-facto standard for skeds on the 144 MHz and higher bands. KST4Contest enhances the chat experience with contest-specific features:

- **Worked marking**: Stations already worked are highlighted visually, synchronised directly from your logging software via UDP.
- **Sked direction detection**: When a station calls another one from your direction, it is highlighted green and bold.
- **QRG detection**: KST4Contest automatically reads frequencies from the chat traffic and shows them in the user list.
- **AirScout interface**: Reflectable aircraft are shown directly in the user list.
- **Built-in DX cluster server**: Spots are sent directly to your logging software.
- **Dark mode** (from v1.26): Easy on the eyes during night-time operation.
- **Multi-channel login** (from v1.26): Simultaneously logged into two chat categories.

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## Contact & Support

- **Email**: praktimarc+kst4contest@gmail.com *(for kst4contest topics only)*
- **GitHub**: https://github.com/praktimarc/kst4contest
- **Download**: https://github.com/praktimarc/kst4contest/releases/latest

### Reporting a bug (creating an issue)

When reporting a bug, please **always attach the log file**. KST4Contest automatically writes an error log (error messages only, no personal data):

| Operating system | Log file location |
|---|---|
| Linux / macOS | `~/.praktiKST/kst4contest-errors.log` |
| Windows | `C:\Users\<YourName>\.praktiKST\kst4contest-errors.log` |

When opening an issue on GitHub, a template is provided that guides you through all relevant fields.

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## Acknowledgements

Special thanks to: Gianluca Costantino (IU3OAR), Alessandro Murador (IZ3VTH), Reczetár István (HA1FV), OM0AAO (Viliam Petrik, DX cluster idea), DC9DJ (Konrad Neitzel, project structure), DO5ALF (Andreas, webmaster funkerportal.de), PE0WGA (Franz van Velzen, tester) and all other testers and contributors.
