W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio

Master Strategist: Fabio Schettino I4UFH’s Ham Radio Legacy

Fabio 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’s continental shelf—turning it into a coveted three-point multiplier. His persistence paid off, making Lampedusa a prime destination for Italian contesters and a key battleground in the pursuit of world records. In this conversation, Fabio takes us behind the scenes of some of ambitious contest efforts —complete with towering 24-meter antennas and gear hauled across islands and stories of camaraderie, rivalries, and technical wizardry. He shares how he helped define Italy's ham radio landscape, leading efforts like WRTC 2023 and mentoring the next generation of operators through Italy’s first dedicated contest school. Curious about how an SSB legend with a competitive streak approaches radiosport with just 100 watts at WRTC? Or why he believes SSB contesting demands sharper skills than CW? Fabio’s insights into the future of contesting—and his plans for 2025—are a must-watch. Catch the full story soon—subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio so you don’t miss this exclusive interview with a true trailblazer. 🎙️🌍 #HamRadio #ContestLife #IG9A #Lampedusa #WRTC #WorldwideHamRadio

Small Pistols of Ham Radio Contesting: Stuart VE3RGO

Stuart 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 operators at every level. Whether it’s running a virtual licensing course or encouraging members to dive into state QSO parties, the club’s leadership excels at turning newcomers into lifelong enthusiasts. Stuart’s journey, from QRP beginnings to national contest wins, illustrates how participation and a willingness to try can make contesting a fun and attainable goal. His story also highlights how activities like Parks on the Air (POTA) provide valuable practice for handling pileups and improving operating skills. Join the conversation and let us know about your contesting experiences! And don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more inspiring stories from the amateur radio community.

D4C Unveiled: Inside the World’s Most Dominant Ham Radio Superstation

Luca 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 interview features details about station logistics, including the strategic decision to avoid rotors due to harsh conditions and the meticulous organization of antennas across the mountainous terrain. Luca also discusses the dedication it takes to sustain such a remote station, emphasizing the critical role of teamwork and innovation, including remote operating setups for added flexibility. If you're curious about how operators like Luca and his team continue to dominate, or you’re inspired to sharpen your contesting game, this conversation is packed with insights and advice for beginners and seasoned hams alike.
Don’t miss the unforgettable stories and stunning visuals of D4C in action. Be sure to watch until the end, and as always—join the conversation and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more incredible ham radio content!

Building World-Class Contest Stations: Ham Radio Icon Luca IK2NCJ

Luca 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 harshest environments, from battling hurricane-force winds to ensuring every antenna and rig performs at its peak. Luca also reflects on the camaraderie and competition that drive him and his team, offering insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of contesting. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—Luca talks about the potential new world record set by Emir E77DX during the recent CQ Worldwide CW Contest from D4C, underscoring the station’s status as a beacon of excellence in amateur radio. This interview is just Part I. Stay tuned for Part II, where we’ll focus exclusively on D4C Cape Verde, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this world-class contest station. Don’t miss it—subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio and follow the channel for more fascinating stories and updates from the amateur radio community!

Ham Radio Legend K5GO: Build, Innovate, Mentor and Win

Stan 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 incredible influence Stan has had not only on the hobby but also on his son, Kevin Stockton, N5DX, widely regarded as one of the top contesters in the world. Kevin’s success is deeply tied to growing up with a father who regularly ran multi-multi contest operations from their home, fostering a shared passion for excellence in the hobby. We explore Stan’s unique station-building philosophy, his cutting-edge antenna systems, and his thoughts on contesting. A highlight is the story of his Cayman Brac station, where Kevin recently competed in the CQ Worldwide CW contest. Kevin delivered a thrilling performance that has come down to log checking to break a virtual tie for second place with V47T, operated by Andy N2NT. Stan’s humility, vision, and influence make this interview a must-watch. Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most respected figures in ham radio. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more inspiring conversations with ham radio’s finest.

Coached by the Contest Crew: NK4O’s Strategy, Struggles, and Success

AJ 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 multiplier hunting, overcoming the challenges of remote operation, and leveraging N4BP’s powerhouse station to achieve an impressive score of over 4 million points. The Contest Crew—Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, Randy K5ZD, and Bill W9KKN—analyze AJ’s approach and offer actionable advice on sleep management, balancing running and hunting, and optimizing station capabilities. By focusing on AJ’s unique situation, this episode turns general contesting advice into practical solutions for real-world scenarios. Planning to enter a contest or recently competed in one? Send us an email to request consideration for Coached by the Contest Crew. We’re always looking for compelling stories and opportunities to help operators improve. Subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more contesting strategies from the world’s top operators.

The Backstory: From Contesting to Community with W1DED

Kevin 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 and inspiration for hams worldwide. Marion digs into Kevin's motivations, uncovering his dedication to creating media that blends quality production with person-centered storytelling. Kevin discusses the camaraderie he’s built through his interviews and how those conversations have not only broadened his knowledge but also reinforced his vision for expanding ham radio media. He shares plans for 2025, including an exciting month-long station operation in Turks and Caicos (VP5) and his ambition to establish a larger, more comprehensive ham radio media presence. This episode celebrates the impact Kevin’s channel has had on welcoming new operators, inspiring returning hams, and fostering a sense of global community. It’s also a call to action for listeners: What do you think about an expanded ham radio media effort? Could this vision elevate the hobby even further?

Young Leader, Bright Future: McKenzie KO4GLN on Ham Radio and Beyond

McKenzie Denton KO4GLN is a name to remember in both ham radio and leadership. A pre-med junior at Old Dominion University, McKenzie has already achieved what most only aspire to in a lifetime. Licensed during the pandemic, she has risen quickly to earn her Extra Class license, rejuvenate her university’s amateur radio club, and take on roles like Virginia Section Youth Coordinator for the ARRL—all while excelling as a student and aspiring physician. In this insightful conversation, McKenzie shares her unique journey into ham radio, sparked by a fascination with astronaut Owen Garriott’s historic space contacts. She describes how the hobby became a cornerstone of her development, offering her friendships, mentorship, and even opportunities to shadow in an emergency room—critical for her career path in medicine. McKenzie’s leadership extends beyond ham radio. She draws connections between the hobby and broader fields, from emergency preparedness to STEM education, while advocating for integrating amateur radio into schools and modern technology. Her closing statement is a call to action: to align the hobby with emerging frontiers like quantum computing and space exploration, ensuring ham radio remains relevant and transformative for generations to come. McKenzie’s passion and vision for the future are inspiring examples of how young leaders can shape the direction of ham radio and beyond. Let’s all follow her lead.

Inside the Mind of CT1BOH: Becoming a World Champion Ham Radio Contester

José 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 techniques like SO2R and 2BSIQ. His analytical mind and relentless drive for perfection have not only earned him elite status but also made him a mentor and innovator in the ham radio community. Whether it's mastering pile-up management, developing log-checking algorithms, or revolutionizing real-time propagation monitoring, José’s impact on the hobby is profound. In this captivating interview, José shares the mindset and strategies behind his success, his passion for propagation and DXing, and his views on the future of contesting. Don’t miss his inspiring advice for aspiring contesters and a behind-the-scenes look at the obsession and preparation it takes to reach the top. Join the conversation, and if you’re as fascinated by José’s story as we are, subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more interviews with the legends of the hobby. Your next big ham radio inspiration might be just a click away!

Raisa R1BIG’s First DXpedition: TI1RRC Heads to Cano Island

Raisa 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 NL8F, Slav OK8AU, Alex RW3RN, Vlad R9LR, and Mike K5MSK. The team plans to hit the airwaves from February 19–25, 2025, operating across multiple bands and modes with three 1kW stations and two 100W setups. Cano Island is a remote and rarely activated IOTA location (NA-191) with less than 15% confirmations—a golden opportunity for collectors. Meanwhile, part of the team will also operate from the adjacent POTA park, ensuring every operator has a shot at logging them. Why should you care? Because this isn't just about logging a rare one; it’s about witnessing the journey of a new DXpeditioner and supporting a team that embodies ham radio’s adventurous spirit. Raisa’s enthusiasm and Yuri’s expertise promise to make this a story worth following. Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to make a contact with TI1RRC! Don’t forget to support the DXpedition through their QRZ page, and if you’re lucky enough to land in Raisa’s log, you might just score a signed QSL card. Join the conversation, share your excitement, and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more engaging stories from the world of amateur radio. See you on the air!