Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

Wins, Fails, Surprises: Contest Crew Wraps the CQ Worldwide

The 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 trademark wit, humor, and unsolicited advice. Join the conversation and follow the channel if you enjoy what we're doing at W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. 73, Kevin.

Inside the World’s Biggest Ham Radio Contest: CQ WW SSB with the Contest Crew

Bill 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 practical advice, from understanding propagation patterns and preparing equipment to the necessity of clean audio and proper station tuning. As Randy mentioned, it's all about maximizing time in the chair—be rested, plan ahead, and make sure your family knows you’re booked for the weekend! Dan highlighted the importance of studying logs to anticipate band conditions, while Bill emphasized testing everything in advance. Whether you’re running solo or part of a big multi-op setup, knowing the station inside out and having your equipment dialed in is key. For those tuning in to hear where this crew will be operating, here’s the scoop: - Bill W9KKN will be operating from ZF1A in the Cayman Islands, joining a high-power multi-single team. - Dan N6MJ will be on the West Coast from ND7K, aiming for a strong showing stateside. - Randy K5ZD will head to St. Kitts, operating as part of the V47T multi-two team. - Host, Kevin W1DED, will be participating with a multi-operator effort as J62K in St. Lucia at Bill J68HZ's station With some friendly banter and a focus on fun, the crew emphasized that no matter your goals—whether it's scoring high or just enjoying some contacts—this contest has something for everyone. They wrapped up with a reminder to stay organized, be considerate of band plans, and, most importantly, enjoy the weekend! Catch the full interview on W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio, and don’t forget to join the conversation by commenting below. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on more content like this!

800,000+ QRZ Lookups and Counting: Meet CQ WPX Director Bud Trench AA3B

Bud 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, meticulous, and deeply passionate, Bud’s approach to ham radio is what sets him apart. These traits have been central to his success in competitive contesting and helped pave the way for his role as Director of the CQ WPX contest. Taking on this responsibility in 2020, Bud saw it as an opportunity to give back to the hobby that had given him so much, bringing his strategic mindset to the forefront of one of the world’s premier contests. Bud's enthusiasm for contesting is infectious, and it doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. Over the years, he’s been a familiar call sign in major competitions from various locations across the Caribbean, where the thrill of being a sought-after station adds a whole new layer of excitement. Starting with a trip to Anguilla in 1993, Bud has since made over 25 contest trips to Antigua’s V26B station, a multi-tower setup that has been a competitive force for decades. Operating from there, he’s experienced the unmatched excitement of being at the center of a massive pile-up, with stations worldwide vying to make contact—a rush he describes as one of the most rewarding aspects of contesting. Beyond the contest scores and accolades, what truly shines through is Bud’s strategic and data-driven approach. He meticulously plans each contest, setting stretch goals, analyzing propagation data, and drawing from his wealth of experience to optimize his performance. This thoughtful preparation has not only helped him achieve personal records but has also shaped how he leads the CQ WPX contest. As Director, Bud has been committed to growing participation, enhancing the contest’s competitive edge, and navigating the evolving landscape of the hobby. Want to learn more about Bud’s journey, his insights on contesting, and his thoughts on the future of ham radio? Watch the full interview, where we dive deep into his career, his favorite contesting strategies, and his experiences operating from unique locations around the world. Join the conversation on W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Meet the Visionary Behind Ham Radio Prep & World Radio League: James Cribbs KN4NEH

James 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 there. Recognizing a need for more seamless engagement for new operators, he launched the World Radio League, a platform designed to help hams log contacts, track progress, and participate in live competitions. With a focus on accessibility, it bridges the gap between getting licensed and becoming an active member of the ham radio community. The World Radio League promises to transform contesting and event participation, with live leaderboards, analytics, and plans to introduce live-streamed contests and custom competitions, all designed to make ham radio more interactive and exciting. James embodies the kind of innovation ham radio needs. His efforts with Ham Radio Prep and World Radio League are paving the way for new operators to join, learn, and engage in the hobby, ensuring its future remains bright. If you’re as excited as we are about the future of ham radio, make sure to check out HamRadioPrep.com and WorldRadioLeague.com, and join the conversation. Subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more insights into the world of amateur radio.

The 8R7X Guyana DXpedition: Philipp DK6SP

Philipp Springer, DK6SP, and his Next Generation team are redefining DXpeditions with a blend of youthful determination and technical precision. Comprising Philipp, Tomi HA8RT, Sven DJ4MX, and Jamie M0SDV, the team—averaging just 28 years old—undertook a demanding expedition to Guyana, operating under the special callsign 8R7X. Operating from a rarely activated location, they established a highly capable station at a remote site on the northern coast of South America, equipped with multiple high-power stations and a sophisticated antenna array. Each team member played a crucial role in the setup, installing verticals, a hex beam, a spider beam, and the Beast for the low bands (160 and 80 meters). Despite the logistical difficulties in Guyana, their careful planning and execution ensured continuous operation. This interview delves into the technical and strategic aspects of the expedition while emphasizing the critical role of support—both from the local Guyanese community and from home. Philipp's leadership and the collective expertise of his team underscore the Next Generation's potential to become a driving force in the future of DXpeditions.

Ham Radio Contest Clinic: Round Three

In 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 Worldwide Ham Radio. Get ready for expert tips and behind-the-scenes stories in this high-energy episode!

David Jaffe WD6T: The Maestro of Morse and Music

David Jaffe, WD6T, is an American composer, performer, and software developer who has successfully balanced parallel career paths in both music and technology. With over 90 compositions to his name, including the landmark “Silicon Valley Breakdown”, and key contributions like the development of the NeXT Music Kit for Steve Jobs, David’s influence in electronic and computer music is profound. Alongside his professional achievements, Jaffe is also a passionate ham radio contester, which adds an exciting dimension to his multifaceted career.
In the ham radio world, David has seen success as both a single operator and in multi-operator setups at renowned stations like N6RO. Whether operating in person or remotely from stations across the globe, such as K1AR or ZF1A, David thrives on the technical challenges and camaraderie of contesting. He’s especially enthusiastic about SO2R and has honed his skills in contests ranging from the CQ Worldwide to the California QSO Party.
David’s story highlights the beautiful convergence of his musical creativity, technical expertise, and competitive spirit in ham radio. Join us for an in-depth conversation about his journey, contesting strategies, and remote operating adventures. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the discussion!

Contesting Unplugged: Expert Insights from the Contest Crew

The Contest Crew, featuring seasoned contesters like Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN, have returned for another round of answering your burning ham radio contesting questions. This crew has become a staple in the contesting ham radio community, admired for their expertise and high-level achievements—including, in the case of N6MJ and KL9A, winning the prestigious WRTC. In this episode, the crew dives into the finer points of contest preparation and analysis. Dan Craig shares how he spends hours analyzing logs before major contests, especially when competing at elite levels, like his team’s attempt to set a multi-single record at ZF1A. Bill Fehring adds that mastering software is critical for success. He spends hours learning the ins and outs of different logging programs like DXLog and Win-Test, emphasizing that familiarity with software is just as important as operating skill. Randy Thompson talks about the evolution of his contesting habits, from obsessively analyzing every contest log in his early days to a more relaxed approach now, preferring to reflect more deeply when he doesn’t win. Chris Hurlbut, focusing on building and refining his station, adds a technical layer, discussing the importance of ensuring that hardware performs flawlessly during the contest. The conversation also touches on broader contesting experiences. How do you handle the pressure when disaster strikes? Dan and Chris recount a thrilling tale of contesting in a Russian tent during a thunderstorm at WRTC, proving that sometimes the only option is to keep going, even when lightning strikes nearby. And for those wondering if it's ever too late to become a serious contester, the crew's answer is a resounding "No!"— with W9KKN offering his story of how he began at a later stage in life, driven by passion and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the world of contesting, there’s a wealth of practical insights here. From the technical intricacies of analyzing logs and band openings to advice on getting started in serious contesting at any age, the Contest Crew covers it all. Don’t miss out on joining the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments, ask your questions, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes. Whether you're a dedicated contester or just starting to dip your toes into the competitive side of ham radio, this is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their game!

The Contester's Daughter: Juliana Almeida PU5JDA

Juliana Almeida, PU5JDA, is a young and accomplished ham radio operator from Brazil who’s already making her mark in the world of amateur radio. Licensed at just 10 years old, she was introduced to the hobby by her father, Sergio PP5JR, a well-known contester in Brazil. Juliana has since followed in his footsteps, developing a passion for competition and honing her skills through contests, where she’s learned that “with focus and determination, you can win anything in life”—a lesson instilled by her father that has shaped her approach to both radio and her future.
In addition to her success in contesting, Juliana is also pursuing a career in medicine, like her father. Despite her young age, she’s spoken at major ham conventions, including the world-renowned Dayton Hamvention, where she addressed how to engage more youth in the hobby.
This conversation delves into Juliana’s motivations, the lessons learned from her family, and her balancing act between school, ham radio, and her medical ambitions. Tune in to hear her unique story and be sure to subscribe for more interviews with hams making an impact.

Contest Maniac: Braco E77DX and the Road to E7DX

Emir “Braco” Memic, E77DX, is synonymous with excellence in ham radio contesting. With roots going back to his start in Bosnia in 1987, Braco has spent decades honing his skills and building some of the most formidable contest stations in Europe. From his early days contesting in the CQ WPX to operating the legendary OE4A station, Braco’s journey reflects his relentless pursuit of perfection in radiosport.
A master of both station-building and contest strategy, Braco has operated from some of the most iconic contest stations around the world, including D4C, CN3A, and 4O3A. But his crowning achievement is E7DX, a station he built from the ground up in Bosnia over the past 16 years. Today, E7DX boasts an impressive nine towers and cutting-edge technology, making it a powerhouse in major contests like CQ Worldwide and CQ WPX.
Braco’s experience extends beyond contesting—he’s also competed in three World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC), a prestigious event that draws the top contesting talent in the world. He has qualified and participated in the 2014, 2018, and 2023 WRTCs.
The nickname “Braco,” which affectionately means “little brother” in Bosnia, is fitting for a man who embodies the spirit of camaraderie in the ham radio world. Whether he’s sharing his expertise with fellow operators, working on tower installations, or providing support to other contesters, Braco’s impact on the community is immense.
In this interview, we explore Braco’s journey from a small radio club in Bosnia to the heights of international contesting. His story is not just about winning contests—it's about building connections, facing challenges, and continually striving for excellence in the hobby he loves.
Join us as we dive into the mind of Braco E77DX, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more incredible stories from the world of amateur radio.