Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

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!

ARRL 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 maximizing mixed-mode multipliers. Bill adds his take on propagation quirks and why this contest levels the playing field—even for operators with modest setups. Plus, the Contest Crew tackles listener questions from AJ NK4O, covering everything from chair preferences (no, Bill doesn’t need a seatbelt… probably) to logger tips, RBN secrets, and ergonomic hacks for contesting marathons. Whether you're a seasoned operator or gearing up for your first 10-meter foray, this episode is packed with ideas to up your game. With the sunspots surging, don’t miss your chance to join the action and rack up QSOs from all corners of the globe. Subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio and be part of the conversation! Who knows—your question might make it into the next episode. See you on the bands!

Andy N2NT Battles with Kevin N5DX in the CQ Worldwide CW Contest

Andy 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 third place in the world in the Single Operator High Power category now hinges on meticulous log checking. Will Andy’s Caribbean contesting expertise secure second place, or will Kevin’s effort claim the spot? In this interview, Andy shares captivating stories from his rugged mountaintop station in St. Kitts, discusses the challenges of maintaining it, and explains how modern techniques like 2BSIQ and focused practice keep him competitive at age 67. He also reflects on the camaraderie and excitement of contesting, hinting at an even loftier goal for next year—11,000 QSOs! Join the conversation about one of ham radio’s most thrilling competitions, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more stories like this one!

Record Setting CQ Worldwide CW 2024: The Contest Crew Reports

The 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 wait for log checking to confirm. It’s going to be close! Then there's the jaw-dropping performance by Braco E77DX (D4DX), who commands the #1 spot worldwide in the Single Op High Power All Band category. We're eagerly awaiting log checking, as Braco may have wrested the World record away from Dan N6MJ. Hot on his heels are Kevin N5DX (ZF5T) and Andy N2NT (V47T), locked in a tight race, with log checking set to reveal who finishes on top. But that’s not all—this contest was filled with lessons learned, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Join the Contest Crew as they share their experiences from the "trenches" of the competition, offering insights into what went right, what didn’t, and the takeaways for future contests. Don’t miss it—subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for all the exciting updates! 73, Kevin W1DED

Sweepstakes SSB: Colonel Dan Hausauer W0CN in Hawaii

Dan 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 retired full colonel with a distinguished military career spanning the Navy and Air Force, Dan’s leadership and problem-solving skills—honed in roles like Presidential Communications Officer for President Clinton—translate seamlessly into his success in ham radio and beyond. Operating from premier stations like KH6YY and collaborating with legendary operators have solidified his reputation as a serious contender and a valued team player in multi-op contests. Tune in to hear more about Dan’s passion for Sweepstakes, his tips for new contesters, and the camaraderie that keeps him coming back. Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more inspiring conversations with operators like Dan!

Montana KM7W Shakedown for the ARRL SS Win: Contest Crew

Chris Hurlbut KL9A shares the story of his (unofficial) ARRL Sweepstakes SSB Single-Op High Power win from his new Montana station. The Contest Crew—Randy K5ZD, Dan N6MJ, Bill W9KKN, and Chris KL9A—chime in with their perspectives on Sweepstakes and offer tips for the upcoming CQ Worldwide CW contest. Don’t miss their helpful advice and humorous banter!

From NASA to Ham Radio: Dr. Patricia Reiff W5TAR

Dr. Patricia Reiff, W5TAR, is a name every ham radio operator should know. A trailblazer in both science and amateur radio, Dr. Reiff is a professor at Rice University who has contributed to major NASA space missions and has even brought ham radio into the classroom with her unique "Physics of Ham Radio" course. Not only has she been involved in groundbreaking space research for nearly 50 years, but she's also one of the few professors in the U.S. offering students the chance to learn ham radio at a prestigious university like Rice.
Dr. Reiff's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She’s worked on missions such as Apollo 14 and the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, all while continuing to count electrons and protons in space. Her deep commitment to education extends beyond university walls, empowering teachers to bring ham radio into classrooms and sparking young minds with hands-on experiences. Dr. Reiff’s influence within the ham radio world goes beyond the airwaves. Her work is a testament to the exciting professional careers ham radio operators can pursue—making this hobby more relevant than ever, especially for the next generation.
For all amateur operators out there, this interview is a must-watch. Dr. Reiff’s story is proof of how ham radio can open doors to exceptional careers in science and space. If you're looking for inspiration or a reason to engage the youth in ham radio, look no further.
Join the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insightful interviews with extraordinary hams like Dr. Patricia Reiff, W5TAR. 73!