Inside the State QSO Party Challenge: Dave WN4AFP and Anthony K8ZT

Dave 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 from well-executed planning rather than sheer power. Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, brings a unique perspective with his 43-year history in the hobby. Initially driven by his love for DXing, Anthony has become a QRP (low power) operator, successfully logging over 115,000 QSOs (contacts) with minimal power. His approach to contesting, particularly in the State QSO Parties, is all about precision and strategy, making him a master of “search and pounce” techniques. Anthony’s work in promoting youth involvement in amateur radio and his dedication to providing educational presentations further highlight his commitment to the hobby. In this interview, Dave and Anthony delve into the culture surrounding the 47 State QSO Parties held each year, providing insights into how these contests offer a unique blend of strategy, community, and challenge. They discuss the rise of the State QSO Party Challenge, which has revitalized participation by creating a year-long contest series that ties together these individual events, likening it to a NASCAR cup series for ham radio. The discussion offers valuable perspectives for both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby, particularly in understanding how smaller, state-focused contests can offer just as much excitement and satisfaction as the larger international events. Please join us for the conversation, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. 73, Kevin Thomas.