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!