Shows
Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioBringing Ham Radio to Malawi: Don Jones 7Q6MIn this episode of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio, Kevin Thomas W1DED travels (virtually) to Malawi to hear the remarkable story of Don Jones 7Q6M (K6ZO). From his base at the Embangweni Mission Hospital, Don has spent years operating on HF, mentoring young operators, and helping grow a national amateur radio community in Malawi. We talk about the challenges of building a station where parts and power are scarce, how the Malawi Project became a pipeline for new operators, and how the Jeffrey Dahn Memorial Foundation now carries forward the mission of training African youth in electronics...
2025-08-3127 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioThe Embroiderer Behind Ham Radio’s Coolest Gear: Bart SQ1KBart Bzymek SQ1K is a Polish ham radio operator who’s stitched together two worlds—DXing and design—into a life as precise as the embroidery he’s known for. He began as a shortwave listener in the 1990s and quickly climbed through Poland’s licensing system, earning his first-class ticket by mastering CW. A dedicated contester, Bart has logged serious time on-air, including stints as a guest op with the Polish HQ team at IARU.
But it’s his embroidery business—launched with a single-needle machine as a side hobby—that’s made him a go-to figure in th...
2025-08-0618 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioARRL Field Day 2025: Contest Crew Makes PlansARRL Field Day is here—and whether you’re running 100 watts on a hilltop with a friend, part of a multi-operator 6A club effort, or setting up a 1B in your backyard, it’s one of the most beloved events in ham radio. In the latest Contest Crew episode, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Daniel Craig N6MJ, Christopher Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN share their Field Day plans and reflect on why this weekend means so much to hams of all kinds—including serious contesters. This episode is made possible by DX Engineering—your Field Day headquarte...
2025-06-2519 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioWhy I’m Shifting Gears to Q5: Evolving My Ham Radio StorytellingAfter reconnecting with amateur radio, I started W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio to learn, explore, and share. But something bigger emerged—a community, a vision, and a deeper sense of what this hobby truly deserves. Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio is the next chapter: an expanded platform for thoughtful storytelling, sharp interviews, and real conversation—across Substack, YouTube, podcasts, and maybe even print. It’s a name that goes beyond one person. This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a raise-the-standard moment. Join me.
2025-04-3003 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioMulti-Multi Titans: ND7K, K3LR, and the CQ WPX SSBKevin Thomas W1DED is back with the Contest Crew—Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, Randy K5ZD, and Bill W9KKN—for a relaxed but revealing breakdown of CQ WPX SSB 2025.
This time, it was ND7K vs. K3LR—not a grudge match, but a fun, full-throttle rivalry kicked off by Tim Duffy himself. K3LR, with Randy on the team, shattered the longstanding NQ4I US record, finishing with a massive 58 million points. Meanwhile in Arizona, Dan, Chris, and Bill turned ND7K into a mini-Dayton. With 18+ ops on site, last-minute rewiring, and a ton...
2025-04-2530 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioThe Award Program That’s Changing Ham Radio Forever: World Wide AwardMax IW1FRU, Lorenzo IU1NSA, and Carlo IK1HJS, Fabio I4UFH, and Maurizio IV3ZXQ are the team behind the World Wide Award—a ham radio event that has grown from a single spark during WRTC Italy in 2023 into a full-blown phenomenon lighting up the HF bands twice a year.
The origin story? Classic ham ingenuity. With Carlo leading WRTC Italy, the team needed a way to promote the event not just online, but on the air. That’s when he tapped Max and Lorenzo—two tech-savvy hams already tinkering with award software. Their goal: make s...
2025-04-2533 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioYoung People ARE Joining Ham Radio – Meet Seth NU1DSeth Jones is… a young ham from Maine with an old soul for radio. At just 14, he’s earned his Extra license, snagged the vanity callsign NU1D, and has already gotten a taste of everything ham radio has to offer—from contesting to POTA, from sleepovers with Yagis to field day with an Elecraft K3 and a 30-foot trailer tower.
Seth’s not here to be a trend; he’s here to operate. While grownups wring their hands about whether “kids these days” are interested in ham radio, Seth quietly builds DX contacts from his hundred-watt shack, learns...
2025-03-2713 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHow Mentorship is Powering This 14-Year-Old’s Contesting Journey: Jake WV4AMJake Maltz, WV4AM, is just 14 years old, but don’t let that fool you—he’s already proving to be a fierce competitor in the world of ham radio contesting. Inspired by his grandfather, Steve Narducci, W9SN, and mentored by seasoned contester Fred Dennin, WW4LL, Jake is racking up QSOs and sharpening his skills at an impressive pace. He’s got the drive, the speed, and, let’s be honest, the stamina to run rates most ops twice his age would envy. In this conversation, Jake shares how a surprise visit from his grandfather sparked an obsession...
2025-03-2419 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioThe Quest for Real Time Scoring: Victor VA2WA with Craig K9CTVictor VA2WA and Craig K9CT are revolutionizing ham radio contesting with real-time scoring. Contesting has long been a test of endurance, skill, and patience—but waiting weeks (or months) for results? That might be a relic of the past. Victor and Craig are leading the charge to bring instant results and real-time competition to amateur radio at hamscore.com . With real-time contesting, you’ll see how you’re stacking up live against the competition—and know the results as soon as you’re done. No more guessing, no more waiting. The tech is here, the system works, and now th...
2025-03-2438 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioDon’t Touch the Mouse! Contesting Tricks from K1RXMark Pride is a veteran contester from New England and former leader of the renowned Yankee Clipper Contest Club. With more than six decades of ham radio experience, he’s done it all—from building top-performing stations to running at world-class rates—but what he enjoys most these days is mentoring. Whether it’s a brand-new op or someone trying to bump up their score, Mark has a gift for teaching the tough stuff—and he’s probably forgotten more than most of us will ever learn.
He joins Kevin Thomas W1DED remotely, as Kevin prepares for a run at...
2025-03-2444 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioCQ WPX SSB Masterclass with the Contest CrewThe Contest Crew is… back on W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio with a tactical debrief on the upcoming CQ WPX SSB contest—and this time, the stakes are personal. Host Kevin Thomas, W1DED, is in Turks and Caicos to operate as VP5E, and he’s tapping into the collective brainpower of three of the world’s top contest minds: Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Dan Craig N6MJ.
What follows is equal parts masterclass and mentoring session. Should Kevin run low or high power from his island station? Where should he fix his...
2025-03-2332 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioBouvet 2026: The Most Ambitious Ham Radio DXpedition Yet?Adrian KO8SCA is heading back to Bouvet. As one of the most respected DXpeditioners in the game, Adrian is co-leading a 24-person team on a high-stakes return to one of the rarest and most elusive ham radio locations on the planet. Bouvet Island—#10 on the ClubLog Most Wanted list—is legendary for its brutal conditions, remote location, and the abbreviated 2023 activation attempt. This time, the team is sparing no expense. With a $1.6 million budget, a rented icebreaker from IceTugs, and a helicopter for transport, this is next-level DXpeditioning. The plan? A three-week window near Bouvet, with operations beginning as s...
2025-03-1921 minQ5 Worldwide Ham Radio1,000 Contacts in a Frozen Tent: K3KLB’s Winter Field DayKody Beer, K3KLB, is no stranger to the cold—or the pileups. For his third consecutive Winter Field Day, he went all in, hunkering down in an Eskimo ice tent on the edge of Pineo Lake, Pennsylvania. With a Buddy Heater fighting off the single-digit temps, a BuddiHex antenna pulling in the stations, and an IC-7300 ready to go, Kody put in a full 12-hour shift on the air, racking up a staggering 1,000 contacts across bands from 70cm to 80m. Not bad for a guy who, just a few years ago, was stranded at a picnic table in th...
2025-03-1515 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioLevi K6JO Dominates ARRL DX SSB from ZF1ALevi Jeffries, K6JO, is a rising force in ham radio contesting, and this time, he didn’t just compete—he dominated. Operating from ZF1A in Grand Cayman, Levi took on the ARRL DX SSB Contest in the Single Operator High Power category and outscored the world, racking up over 8.5 million points and more than 8,400 QSOs. In this highly anticipated conversation with the Contest Crew, Levi breaks down every detail of his winning strategy. From station setup to maximizing two-radio operation (2BSIQ) for nearly 31 hours, he takes us inside the grueling 48-hour contest (Levi operated 47.5 of those hours), wher...
2025-03-1433 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioDX Marathon Youth Champion: Pia DL7PIA’s Story Will Inspire You!Pia Wurster, DL7PIA, isn’t just another young ham—she’s a force on the airwaves. From learning Morse code at age five to earning her amateur extra-class license at 12, Pia has embraced ham radio with unstoppable enthusiasm. Now 18, she’s racking up DX contacts, winning awards like the Youth plaque in the DX Marathon, and even organizing a special event station to mark her hometown’s 1250th anniversary. Whether she’s operating portable from mountaintops or proving that ham radio still has a thriving future, Pia is setting the pace for the next generation. Don’t miss this inspiring...
2025-03-0319 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioARRL DX CW Recap & SSB Prep: Contest Crew Breaks It Down!Chris Hurlbut, KL9A, is back with the Contest Crew for a deep dive into the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments of the ARRL DX CW contest. From multi-multi strategy at K3LR to single-op lessons learned at K5ZD, the conversation is packed with insights on propagation, pileup management, and the all-important battle for every last QSO.
Randy Thompson, K5ZD, reflects on his final ARRL DX CW contest from his Massachusetts station before relocating, pushing for WRTC qualifying points and navigating the challenges of SO2R operation. Meanwhile, KL9A and K1DG...
2025-02-2725 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioARRL DX CW: Insider Tips from the Contest CrewThe Contest Crew is back—just in time for one of the biggest CW events of the year. Randy Thompson K5ZD, Dan Craig N6MJ, and Bill Fehring W9KKN sit down with W1DED to break down the ARRL DX CW Contest, offering insights that only seasoned contesters can provide.
From high-rate strategy to the quirks of cut numbers, from self-spotting debates to multi-single tactics at ZF1A, this is an inside look at how the best prepare, adapt, and compete. The crew shares stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a few laughs along the way—all whil...
2025-02-1321 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioWinter Field Day Like You’ve NEVER Seen It—With a Military Twist!David Stickelman KF6KAT and Tammy Stickelman are bringing ham radio back to the field—literally. Their portable setup is more than just a radio operation; it’s an event. Operating out of restored military vehicles, including an M35, an M37, and even a vintage M1950 Arctic tent, David and Tammy have turned their passion for emergency communications and camping into a full-scale mobile ham radio operation. Whether it's Winter Field Day or a Parks on the Air activation, their retrofitted rigs and family-oriented approach draw plenty of attention—including from curious park rangers and intrigued fellow campers. David, a form...
2025-02-1220 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioGeorgia State Parks on the Air: Claude AC4SHClaude Ray AC4SH is a Parks on the Air legend. Having activated all 224 Georgia parks and logged over 50,000 QSOs, Claude’s expertise in portable ham radio is unmatched. Now, he’s channeling his passion and knowledge into the upcoming Georgia State Parks on the Air event, set for April 1-2, 2025.
In this conversation, Claude opens up about his journey from earning his extra class license to becoming one of POTA’s most dedicated activators. He shares the secrets behind his efficient setups, favorite gear, and strategies for maximizing activations. Claude also takes us behind the scenes of the...
2025-01-2822 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHigh-Risk DXpedition to Burkina Faso: XT2MD with James KB2FMHJames Gallo, KB2FMH, is no stranger to adventure, but his recent DXpedition to Burkina Faso might just take the cake. A retired New York City plumber with a flair for storytelling and a passion for ham radio, James recounts an expedition marked by danger, diplomacy, and a healthy dose of camaraderie. From navigating military barricades and armed escorts to having their equipment confiscated by local authorities, James and his team faced challenges most operators would only read about.
The United States government warned against travel to Burkina Faso—a country classified as a Level 4 red zone du...
2025-01-2535 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioBreak Through Pile-Ups Like a Pro!: Contesting Secrets from the CrewRandy Thompson, K5ZD, is fresh off logging over 6,000 QSOs in the World Wide Award program and brings serious—and seriously helpful—advice for anyone looking to sharpen their contesting skills. Joined by Chris Hurlbut, KL9A, this episode of Contest Crew dives deep into how operators can break through pile-ups, improve their rate, and avoid common pitfalls.
Randy doesn’t hold back as he shares his observations from the front lines of massive pile-ups, offering tips like calling off-frequency, timing your calls strategically, and sending your call only once (seriously—just once!). His candid feedback, bordering on venti...
2025-01-2425 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioEmmy-Winning Inventor to Deep Space Explorer: Bill WT0DX's Ham Radio OdysseyBill Thomas WT0DX is a pioneer in digital communication technologies and a force in ham radio with a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. A prolific inventor with over 150 patents to his name and an Emmy Award for contributions to television, Bill's professional legacy includes groundbreaking work in electronic program guides, digital television, and audience research systems. He’s been a leader at major institutions like Zenith, Time Warner Cable, Nielsen Media Research, and TiVo. But his contributions extend far beyond the corporate world, making him a key figure in radio science and amateur radio communities.
A Pu...
2025-01-2441 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioMaster Strategist: Fabio Schettino I4UFH’s Ham Radio LegacyFabio Schettino I4UFH is a fascinating figure in the world of ham radio contesting. With over 45 years in the hobby, Fabio has pushed boundaries—from masterminding massive multi-multi operations at IG9A in Lampedusa and setting records from Cape Verde’s D4C station. He’s not just a top-tier contester but also an innovator, creating log analysis software and SO2R switching devices that raised the bar for operators worldwide. In one of his boldest moves, Fabio spearheaded the campaign to convince the CQ Contest Committee that Lampedusa Island, part of Italy, should be considered part of Africa...
2025-01-1148 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioSmall Pistols of Ham Radio Contesting: Stuart VE3RGOStuart Hayes, VE3RGO, is living proof that you don’t need a "big gun" station to thrive in the world of amateur radio contesting. As a "small pistol" operator with modest equipment, Stuart shares how resourcefulness, persistence, and club camaraderie can lead to big wins and rewarding experiences. Despite having a simple setup, Stuart’s commitment to learning and competing has earned him remarkable contesting achievements. A central theme of this conversation is Stuart's deep connection to the Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Club—a century-strong community that embraces all aspects of ham radio and fosters a supportive environment for operat...
2025-01-0927 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioD4C Unveiled: Inside the World’s Most Dominant Ham Radio SuperstationLuca Aliprandi, IK2NCJ, is back! In this much-anticipated Part Two, Luca joins us live from the renowned D4C superstation in Cape Verde for an exclusive deep dive into its history, operations, and the world-class contest results that have cemented D4C’s legendary status.
Luca takes us behind the scenes with stories of resilience—from rebuilding after natural disasters to maintaining bonds with top operators like E77DX Emir and CT1BOH José. Discover how this contest station evolved from its humble beginnings into a global powerhouse with a record-breaking track record.
The inter...
2025-01-0438 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioBuilding World-Class Contest Stations: Ham Radio Icon Luca IK2NCJLuca Aliprandi, IK2NCJ, is a legendary figure in the world of ham radio contesting and station building. From his early days experimenting with CB radios to founding the renowned D4C contest super station in Cape Verde, Luca’s journey is a testament to his passion for radio and innovation. In this interview, Luca shares stories of his humble beginnings, his groundbreaking work at IG9A and D4C, and his collaborations with ham radio luminaries like Stefano, IK2QEI. We delve into the technical and logistical challenges of maintaining a world-class contest station in one of the ha...
2024-12-3139 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHam Radio Legend K5GO: Build, Innovate, Mentor and WinStan Stockton, K5GO and ZF9CW, is a true legend in the ham radio contesting world, known for his groundbreaking innovations in station building, antenna design, and his impressive contesting expertise. Despite his remarkable achievements, including competing at the highest levels like the World Radiosport Team Championship, Stan remains modest—rarely discussing his accolades and letting his work and reputation speak for themselves. In this interview, Stan shares his lifelong passion for ham radio, which began in 1967, and his journey from designing antennas in Arkansas to building a world-class station on Cayman Brac. A central theme is the in...
2024-12-2833 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioCoached by the Contest Crew: NK4O’s Strategy, Struggles, and SuccessAJ Stockton, NK4O, is the first guest on Coached by the Contest Crew—an experimental new format building on the success of the popular Contest Crew series. Known for delivering expert advice and generalized tips to elevate contesting performance, The Contest Crew is now taking a deeper dive, coaching individual operators based on their recent contest entries. This new format provides tailored insights and strategies to address specific challenges and opportunities. In this episode, AJ recounts his experience in the CQ Worldwide CW contest, navigating last-minute station changes and enduring a grueling 40-hour effort. He shares his approach to...
2024-12-2231 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioThe Backstory: From Contesting to Community with W1DEDKevin Thomas W1DED is the guest, not the host, in this special episode of W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. In a unique turn of events, prior guest Marion Mason, W1GRL, takes the reins as interviewer, flipping the script to spotlight Kevin’s journey and contributions to ham radio. Kevin reflects on his reentry into the hobby during the pandemic, his interest in Parks on the Air, his growing passion for contesting, his love of radio trips to the Caribbean, and how his YouTube channel evolved from a personal quest for advice into a thriving hub of connection an...
2024-12-2142 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioInside the Mind of CT1BOH: Becoming a World Champion Ham Radio ContesterJosé Nunes, CT1BOH, is a force of nature in ham radio contesting. Licensed at the age of 15, José’s journey began with a fascination for DXing, but it was a dinner with the legendary Jim Neiger, N6TJ, in 1985 that transformed his hobby into an obsession. He made a vow to himself that night to win the CQ Worldwide Contest—and he did, shattering records along the way. José has competed in an incredible 69 CQWW contests from locations around the globe, including Cape Verde, Madeira, Aruba, Venezuela, Canary Islands and Hawaii, racking up world titles and pioneering operating techniq...
2024-12-2158 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioRaisa R1BIG’s First DXpedition: TI1RRC Heads to Cano IslandRaisa R1BIG is taking her first leap into the exhilarating world of DXpeditions—and what a leap it is! Together with seasoned expedition leader Yuri N3QQ, she’s gearing up for a rare activation of Cano Island, Costa Rica, operating under the call sign TI1RRC. This adventure, organized by the Russian Robinson Club (RRC), is set to combine Islands on the Air (IOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA), making it a must-chase event for IOTA DXers and POTA hunters alike. The TI1RRC team consists of Raisa R1BIG, Yuri N3QQ, Hal W8HC, Tim...
2024-12-2121 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioARRL 10 Meter Prep: Expert Tactics You Need to Know!"The Contest Crew" is Back! This week’s episode dives into the ARRL 10 Meter Contest—a one-band bonanza that’s as unpredictable as the sunspot cycle. Kevin Thomas W1DED gathers his usual all-star panel of contest experts: Chris KL9A, Randy K5ZD, and Bill W9KKN to share tips, tales, and tactics for one of the most accessible and exciting contests in the amateur radio calendar. Randy explains the unique charm of 10 meters, a band that blends the thrill of HF with the quirks of VHF. Chris reminisces about his last big 10-meter run, revealing strategies for maximi...
2024-12-1837 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioAndy N2NT Battles with Kevin N5DX in the CQ Worldwide CW ContestAndy Blank, N2NT, is an experienced ham radio contester who recently operated as V47T from his legendary St. Kitts station in the venerable CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest. This year marked a career milestone for Andy as he achieved a first-ever personal goal: breaking 10,000 QSOs during the 48-hour event. But the drama didn’t stop there! On the Contest Online Scoreboard, a fierce rivalry unfolded between Andy and world-class operator Kevin Stockton, N5DX, operating as ZF5T from Cayman Brac. With just 66 QSOs separating them and a razor-thin margin of 16,000 points, the battle for second and th...
2024-12-1231 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioRecord Setting CQ Worldwide CW 2024: The Contest Crew ReportsThe 2024 CQ Worldwide CW Contest is shaping up to be one for the record books! Early reports suggest that several impressive milestones were likely reached, with record-breaking performances across multiple categories. Contest Crew members Bill Fehring W9KKN and Daniel Craig N6MJ appear to have set a new North American record in the Multi-Single category from the legendary ZF1A station, a feat that’s sure to make waves. Meanwhile, Randy Thompson K5ZD’s astonishing 14 million points in the Single Op Assisted High Power category could very well be a new North American record—though we’ll have to...
2024-12-0533 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioSweepstakes SSB: Colonel Dan Hausauer W0CN in HawaiiDan Hausauer, W0CN, is a dedicated ham radio operator and contester who recently competed in the ARRL Sweepstakes SSB contest from Alex KH6YY’s renowned contest superstation in Hawaii (operating as WH7Z). With a lifelong passion for Sweepstakes, Dan pushed hard in this year’s contest, going head-to-head with Levi Jefferies, K6JO—who had bested him in 2023—in a friendly rivalry tracked live on the Contest Online Scoreboard. Despite limited high-band openings, Dan’s strategic approach and competitive drive shone through as he battled propagation challenges and time constraints to finish strong, edging just ahead of Levi. A...
2024-12-0330 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioWins, Fails, Surprises: Contest Crew Wraps the CQ WorldwideThe biggest ham radio contest of 2024, the CQ Worldwide SSB, took place last weekend. Scores and post-contest stories have been circulating on 3830 scores, social media, and contest club reflectors, and now the raw scores have been released by John Dorr, K1AR, the CQ WW Contest Director. In this episode, the Contest Crew adds their voices to the post-contest buzz from their locations in St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Arizona, and with your host's participation as part of the J62K team in St. Lucia. They discuss the typical highs and lows that come with every contest, infused with their...
2024-11-0648 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioInside the World’s Biggest Ham Radio Contest: CQ WW SSB with the Contest CrewBill W9KKN, Dan N6MJ, and Randy K5ZD are here to get you pumped for the CQ Worldwide SSB contest, the most anticipated event on the ham radio calendar, set for October 26-27. With a wealth of experience, they’ve shared some valuable insights to help you prep and make the most of the contest weekend. Randy kicked things off by breaking down the contest’s structure, emphasizing the importance of DX contacts and multipliers. With over 8,000 logs submitted and 25,000 stations participating, there’s always plenty of activity, making this a truly global event. The team shared practi...
2024-11-0430 minQ5 Worldwide Ham Radio800,000+ QRZ Lookups and Counting: Meet CQ WPX Director Bud Trench AA3BBud Trench, AA3B, is a name that resonates deeply within the ham radio community. His journey began in 1970, thanks to the encouragement of his STEM-aware parents, who recognized the value of nurturing a budding interest in science and technology. Long before STEM became a household term, they saw ham radio as a gateway to learning about engineering and communication. That early support led Bud to obtain his novice license, and he hasn’t looked back since. Today, his call sign has been looked up over 800,000 times on QRZ—a testament to a lifelong dedication to the hobby. Thoughtful, meti...
2024-11-0442 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioMeet the Visionary Behind Ham Radio Prep & World Radio League: James Cribbs KN4NEHJames Cribbs, KN4NEH, is a visionary in the ham radio community, driven by a passion to modernize and grow the hobby through innovative business ventures. He’s the founder and CEO of Ham Radio Prep, a user-friendly online education platform that has helped over 70,000 people in the U.S. earn their amateur radio licenses. James was inspired to create Ham Radio Prep after experiencing firsthand how outdated many learning resources were, and he built a solution that blends engaging video content with an intuitive user interface, making it easier for new operators to get licensed. James didn't stop th...
2024-10-1934 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHam Radio Contest Clinic: Round ThreeIn the third round of the Contest Clinic series, top ham radio contesters Randy K5ZD, Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, and Bill W9KKN—collectively known as the Contest Crew—return to answer your most pressing questions! This accomplished group of contesting pros dives deep into everything from station setup strategies to contesting mindsets, sharing insights that only decades of experience can provide. Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the world of competitive ham radio, you won’t want to miss this candid Q&A where the Contest Crew tackles questions from followers of W1DED Wo...
2024-10-0634 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioAsk the Crew: Ham Radio Contesting Insights from the Contest CrewThe Contest Crew— Randy Thompson K5ZD, Daniel Craig N6MJ, Christopher Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN—have operated from some of the best contest stations in the world. They’ve contributed to designing and building top-tier stations, explored and implemented new technologies, honed their operating skills through persistent practice and hundreds of contest entries, and won both single-operator and multi-operator categories in major worldwide competitions. Three of the Crew are past WRTC competitors, with N6MJ and KL9A having won the WRTC 2014. Currently, N6MJ and K5ZD are ranked #1 and #2, respectively, in the U.S. q...
2024-09-1443 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHF Operating for Technicians: Tim Shoppa N3QETim Shoppa, N3QE, is back with us to explore how technician-class ham radio operators can expand their operating options. A veteran contester, Tim offers practical insights into technician license holders' opportunities in contests like the ARRL 10-meter and by learning contesting skills in the Parks on the Air program. He also touches on the potential impact of the ARRL's 2018 Technician Enhancement proposal, which could open up new HF privileges. If you're a technician curious about stepping up your game, Tim shares valuable advice on making the leap.Join the conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DE...
2024-09-0712 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioInside the State QSO Party Challenge: Dave WN4AFP and Anthony K8ZTDave Edmonds, WN4AFP, has had a long, 48-year history in amateur radio, culminating in his deep involvement with State QSO Parties, where he serves as the South Carolina State QSO Party Administrator. After rediscovering his passion for ham radio in 2013, Dave shifted his focus toward State QSO Parties, challenging the conventional belief that high-power stations are necessary to succeed in contests. He advocates for a strategy-first approach, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding propagation. His knowledge and experience, supported by his modest setup of an Icom 7300 and an 80-meter off-center fed dipole, demonstrate that success can come...
2024-08-3043 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioContest Expedition Style: N6DE & NN6UWithin ham radio, two seemingly distinct communities—contesters and Parks on the Air (POTA) activators—are discovering a surprising synergy. Contesters, known for their intense, high-skill competitions, and POTA enthusiasts, who relish the challenge of operating from remote, natural locations, are finding common ground that offers new opportunities for both. Dean Wood, N6DE, a seasoned contester and chairman of the California QSO Party, and John Owens, NN6U, a passionate POTA activator and contester, discuss how portable operations are breaking down traditional barriers to contesting. With the accessibility of portable radios, antennas, and power sources, setting up a stat...
2024-08-2844 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioDeep Dive into RBN and Online Scoreboard: Contest CrewThe Contest Crew reminds us that the contest isn't over when the last QSO is logged. As the holders of the US #1 and #2 positions in the CQ WPX CW, Randy K5ZD, Dan N6MJ, and Bill W9KKN could be relaxing and enjoying their success. Instead, they are busy reviewing data from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), analyzing the Raw Scores and associated public logs, and drawing lessons from the Contest Online Scoreboard. In this episode, the Contest Crew guides us through their data analysis process, how it might influence future contest strategies, and the improvements they are...
2024-08-2535 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioDistributed Category Tech: AA0Z, KD9SLV and the Contest CrewThe IARU HF World Championship took place the second weekend of July. In this contest, every IARU member entity puts their headquarters station on the air, with each counting as a multiplier. Special rules allow for IARU member HQ stations to operate from multiple sites. The IARU Headquarters station NU1AW/0 did just that. Under the leadership of Ward Silver, N0AX, and with the technical expertise of Kyle Krieg, AA0Z, and Connor Dickey, KD9LSV, they put nine physical stations on the air. Kyle and Connor joined the Contest Crew to discuss how they accomplished this and...
2024-08-2334 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioAntenna Design, Orography and HFTA: Claudio Capelli I4LECClaudio Capelli, I4LEC, has had a long, 30-year history in competitive HF contesting that ended with his successful 2010 WPX SSB effort from NQ4I in Georgia. After that contest, Claudio abruptly shifted his interests toward other facets of the hobby; primarily, tailored antenna setups based on specific locations and orography, challenging the conventional belief that more elements, longer booms, and higher antennas are always better. He advocated for a "do more with less" approach, ensuring each setup was optimized for its environment. His knowledge and experience with antenna design and selection, buttressed by HFTA and extensive experimentation, are...
2024-08-2225 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioDXpedition Pilot at TX5S: Glenn Petri KE4KYGlenn Petri, KE4KY, has had a long, nearly 50-year history in ham radio, starting with his novice license in 1975. His journey through the hobby saw him participating in significant DXpeditions such as to Campbell Island ZL9HR and Mellish Reef VK9MT, becoming an expert on the role of DXpedition Pilots, and speaking at ham radio conferences such as Visalia. In this interview, Glenn focuses on the expectations of a DXpedition pilot, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the hobby. He challenges the conventional belief that pilots are merely logistical support and advocates for their integral role...
2024-08-2140 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioIARU HF World Championship: Contest CrewAfter a brief hiatus, the Contest Crew is back with their experiences, analysis, and tips from the mid-July IARU HF World Championship. Despite the summer heat and distractions, Bill W9KKN, Dan N6MJ, and Randy K5ZD put in the work to make this annual contest memorable and boost their WRTC '26 qualifying totals. Their insights will provide valuable tips for any contester at any level, helping you improve your score in future competitions. I hope you can join us for this episode and add us to your watch list in the weeks ahead. 73, Kevin W1DED
2024-08-2037 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioNortheast HamXposition: Bob K1IW and New England's Largest Ham Radio GatheringGet ready to dive into the heart of the Northeast's biggest ham radio event—HamXposition 2024 in Marlboro, MA. In this episode, we sit down with Bob DeMattia, K1IW, the chairman of HamXposition, to explore the history and evolution of this premier event. Originally known as the Boxborough event, HamXposition has found new life in Marlboro, boasting better parking, more conference rooms, and a central location. This year’s event promises to be the best yet, with over 2,000 attendees expected. Bob walks us through what makes HamXposition a must-attend for hams of all ages and experience levels. From the mini...
2024-08-1915 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioUnlocking the World of DXing: Mark WC3W’s DX Marathon Success StoryMark Wohlschlegel, WC3W, has had a distinguished 61-year journey in the world of ham radio, leading to his leadership of the DX Marathon program. Since taking the reins in 2022, Mark has overseen remarkable growth in the program, with participation increasing by over 50% in just the past year alone. His strategic focus on making the DX Marathon accessible to all hams—regardless of their equipment or experience—has revitalized the program and brought new life to the art of DXing, the pursuit of contacting distant radio stations across the globe. DXing, at its core, is about the thrill of long...
2024-08-1840 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHam Radio Traveler: Operating Around the World with Gabry IT9RGYGabriele Iuliani, IT9RGY, has journeyed far since his introduction to ham radio through the Scouts in Palermo, Italy. He credits ham radio with broadening his horizons beyond Sicily as he traveled extensively. Along the way, Gabry consistently sought opportunities to meet other ham radio operators and find stations to operate from. His list of special callsigns, contest stations, and countries where he’s operated is impressive. Some of the contest stations where Gabry has multi-oped include D4C, OM7M, 9A1P, OL7M, 4O3A, and IR4X. Gabry is widely liked and appreciated for the youthful an...
2024-08-1237 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioWhat is a QTC? Contest Crew Prepares for Worked All Europe DX"Many leading contesters claim the WAEDC to be the most challenging contest of the year," says the official website for the Worked All Europe DX Contest. In this episode, the Contest Crew dives into the element that sets the WAEDC apart from all other contests: the QTC. Randy K5ZD, Dan N6MJ, and Bill W9KKN explain what a QTC is, the protocol for handling requests, and demonstrate the process using DXLog. They also discuss other contest rules, operating tactics, and the significance of the WAEDC for those aiming to qualify for WRTC 2026. Join us for this episode...
2024-08-0928 min
Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioThe World of RTTY: Ed W0YK and Bill W9KKN with the Contest CrewThe collective RTTY (Radio Teletype) experience between Ed Muns W0YK, Bill Fehring W9KKN, and Randy Thompson K5ZD is formidable. Ed is arguably one of the most knowledgeable RTTY mode hams in the United States, with numerous entries and records in RTTY contests and positions managing the biggest RTTY contests in the world. Bill is a technically savvy operator who is engineering improvements in some of the best contest stations in North America and including RTTY capabilities in the mix. Randy simply loves any sort of radiosport where he can compete at a high level, and RTTY...
2024-05-1649 min
Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioUncomplicated Contesting: Nate N4YDUNate Moreschi, N4YDU, is an elite contester by any measure. His long list of competitive accomplishments includes entries as a single operator, multi-multi, multi-two, and multi-single. However, the numerous plaques on his wall and his World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) experiences only begin to scratch the surface of this ham radio operator, who often competes as NR3X and, most recently, as AA4NC. Nate's home shack brims with decades-old gear. He is not particularly fussy about the brands he operates, there is no climbable tower on his property (and he doubts there ever will be), and his...
2024-05-0939 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioVisiting Visalia: Bob N6TV and Why You Should GoBob Wilson, N6TV, was a repeat attendee at the 2024 International DX Convention (IDXC) in Visalia, California. Bob started his amateur radio journey in high school and went to Visalia for the first time just before his freshman year at college. It's clear that Visalia holds a special significance for Bob. That early experience shaped his perspective about the hobby and contributed to his accumulation of expertise. In the decades since, Bob has become a well-known figure in the ham radio community. Now retired, he remains actively engaged in contesting as well as managing a side gig where he...
2024-05-0831 minQ5 Worldwide Ham Radio10 Habits of Winning Contesters: The Contest CrewWhat if you asked some of the best ham radio contesters in the world for their list of the best, and worst, contesting habits? Randy Thompson K5ZD, Dan Craig N6MJ, Chris Hurlbutt KL9A and Scott Wright K0MD (aka The Contest Crew) had a spirited conversation about this very topic on our call this Tuesday night. They didn’t always agree but there was usually a consensus about the best and worst operating practices in the world of radiosport. Bucking all the usual training trends, the Crew didn’t simply rattle off bullet points from a powe...
2024-05-0544 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHam Radio Dream Life in Vietnam: KU1CW aka 3W9AAlex Tkatch KU1CW has a remarkable ham radio story that begins as a teenager in Belarus, continues with immigration to the United States, and then takes him around the world. He's closing in on operating from 100 DXCC countries, has 5BDXCC from two continents and has been a perennial top finisher in contests as well as an operator in three World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC). I caught up with Alex in Ham Tien Vietnam where he competed in the CQ WPX SSB contest with a station he practically built from the ground up. The heat was rising, and his...
2024-05-0520 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioFrom Grandfather to Grandson: W9KKN Revives a Ham Radio LegacyBill Fehring, W9KKN, an architect in the computer security industry, was first introduced to ham radio by his grandfather. Decades later, Bill took over his grandfather's call sign and has continued his ham radio legacy. During his early childhood in Illinois, Bill was fascinated by his grandfather's radio shack and the mysterious contacts made across the globe. Despite initially drifting away from the hobby after his grandfather's death, a rediscovery of old radio equipment reignited his passion. Bill is currently very active in the ham radio community, especially in contesting, providing technical assistance and volunteering with clubs. He’s...
2024-05-0544 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioAnalyzing Trends in Ham Radio: Tim Shoppa N3QEIn this conversation, Kevin W1DED interviews Tim N3QE about his experience in ham radio and his focus on analytics and statistics in contesting. Tim shares how he got started in ham radio and his passion for tinkering with electronics. They discuss the number of contesters and DXers in the world, with Tim using the Drake equation to estimate that there are roughly 29,000 contesters and 100,000 DXers. They also explore the popularity of different logging software used by ham radio operators, with N1MM Logger being the most popular worldwide.
2024-05-0526 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioJ68HZ St. Lucia is DXpedition (and Contest) ReadyHave you dreamt about operating from the Caribbean and being the DX? Dr. Bill Schmidt K9HZ has not only created a radio paradise for himself on the island of St. Lucia but his villa and amateur radio station are available for rent. If you're intrigued, listen to Bill talk about how he and his wife settled upon St. Lucia for their retirement home and how a simple ham radio setup eventually became two towers, a SteppIR antenna, Elecraft K4's, and more. Even if you're not planning a trip, hearing the story behind your QSO with J68HZ...
2024-04-2129 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioCQ WPX SSB Wrap-up with the Contest Crew + Tim N6WINThe Contest Crew was busy during the recent CQ WPX SSB contest. Chris KL9A brought together a multi-single team from his Montana station KM7W. Dan N6MJ was single op from ND7K in Arizona. And Randy K5ZD was part of the V47T multi-single team on St. Kitts. You can skip the 3830scores.com comments and listen directly to the Crew talk about WPX in this episode. Since Chris was off doing a post contest vacation with his family, teammate Tim N6WIN sat in to represent the Shawmut Montana effort. Tim is also the s...
2024-04-2150 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioMontana Ranchin’: Building Your Dream Station with KL9A and the Contest CrewChristopher Hurlbut KL9A has plans to get off the contest "travel circuit" and focus on his own contest station, the "Ranch" in remote Montana. In this eighth episode of the Contest Crew, Chris talks about his plans for the Ranch while crew members Scott Wright K0MD and Daniel Craig N6MJ add commentary about their own stations as well as Dan's contest station go-to, ND7K. You'll hear the decision process these contesters made in designing, building and evolving their stations while making clear that your station depends greatly upon your operating needs, physical limitations and budget. Ple...
2024-03-2152 minQ5 Worldwide Ham Radio2024 ARRL DX CW, Setting Goals, Moving Mults, and Having FunEpisode 3 brought the entire Contest Crew together from their far-flung corners of the United States: Scott K0MD from Minnesota, Randy K5ZD from Massachusetts, Dan N6MJ from California and Chris from Montana. The conversation focused on plans for the upcoming ARRL DX CW contest as well as tips to stay motivated, the art of multiplier moving, station rivalries, multi-op vs single-op, WRTC qualifying, club participation and Randy's unique version of non-serious contesting. The only thing better than this crew's decades of ham radio contesting experience is the friendly, fun-loving dynamic that is self-evident when they get together ...
2024-03-2144 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioNAQP, Murphy Strikes and Contest Tips: KL9A and K5ZDA handful of top-notch ham radio contesters have agreed to join me on a regular basis to talk about their contest experiences and best practices. In this inaugural gathering of the "CQ Contest Crew," Chris Hurlbutt KL9A and Randy Thompson K5ZD participate in a discussion about the recent North American QSO Party, Chris' experience with overcoming challenges at N9RV's contest station, and some sage operating advice from Randy. In the future, Dan N6MJ and Scott K0MD will also be joining the group to add their unique perspective. If you have questions that you'd like t...
2024-03-2111 minQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioHam Radio Operator W6ZD Has Activated More Parks on the Air (POTA) Than Anyone in 2022.Jim Cruz is currently at the top of the Parks on the Air leaderboard for number of unique parks activated in 2022. Jim has activated a mind-boggling 633 unique parks this year with two more months to go. When I saw his callsign on the POTA website with his associated statistics, I knew Jim's insight would be invaluable for my own POTA journey. Like POTA founder and president, Jason Johnston, W3AAX, Jim told me that he doesn’t do interviews despite having had several requests. I took this as a reflection of the man I’ve gotten to know; a man...
2024-02-091h 02Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioBeloud Founder Fred Dennin WW4LL and the Benefits of his Remote Ham Radio Station NetworkFred Dennin, WW4LL, has been part of the ham radio community the majority of his life. He's an avid DXer, competitive contester, and co-owner of BeLoud.US, providing remote access ham radio super stations located around the world. Fred was first licensed as a kid in Muncie, Indiana and spent lots of time operating with his best friend Steve Narducci, W9SN. Decades later, after many successful contest efforts but realizing their stations in Georgia (WW4LL) and Tennessee (W9SN) were just not enough to compete against the geographically advantaged Northeast operators. They began a search for...
2024-02-0942 min
Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioContest Crew: Episode 002 with host W1DEDSeasoned ham radio contesters, Chris Hurlbut KL9A and Dan Craig N6MJ, were able to join me late Monday night for our weekly Contest Crew discussion. They responded to questions posed by a couple of relative newcomers to the contest world, N0GJW and M6ECG. Per usual, their answers and perspective are useful reminders of what to do, and not to do, when working the pile-ups. Despite being undisputed champs, these two are also well known for their humor, humility and willingness to help the rest of us improve our skills. Join me for this second episode...
2024-02-0931 min
Q5 Worldwide Ham RadioRising Star: Philipp Springer DK6SPPhilipp Springer, DK6SP, was only 10 years old when he was first licensed (2008) and immediately became hooked on ham radio contesting. The specific interest took him to the 2018 World Radiosport Team Championship in Germany where he operated as Y82D. Although Philipp continues to study for his Master of Science degree in Logistics and Digitalization, he finds time to engage in ham radio leadership in very meaning ways. He is currently a board director of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, the president of the German DX Foundation, and a contest committee member with Youngsters on the Air. He’s...
2024-02-0625 min