W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio

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!

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.