Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

James Cribbs N0WRL is the founder and CEO of World Radio League, and in this special episode he unveils—publicly for the first time—the live scoring platform being developed in collaboration with the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) 2026. With WRTC now just weeks away in England this July, James walks the Contest Crew through a working demonstration of a new operator experience designed to bring the competition to life for contesters around the world. More than a traditional scoreboard, the platform combines live rankings, team profiles, spotting integration, performance analytics, station status monitoring, and visual race tracking intended to keep the amateur radio community engaged throughout the event. Joining the discussion is DX Engineering CEO Tim Duffy K3LR, alongside Contest Crew regulars Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Bill Fehring W9KKN, and Dan Craig N6MJ. What follows is far more than a software demo. The crew puts the system through a thoughtful review, challenging assumptions, questioning edge cases, and offering practical feedback on everything from spotting fairness and network reliability to promotion, onboarding, and user experience. The result is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how technology, contesting, and collaboration are coming together ahead of one of amateur radio's most prestigious events. If you've ever wondered how fans at home will follow WRTC in real time, this conversation offers the first detailed look at what is being built for July. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for helping make conversations like this possible. Through their support of contesters, DXers, Parks on the Air operators, and radio enthusiasts worldwide, they continue to strengthen the communities that make amateur radio thrive. Welcome to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

Tom Suggs N4MTE is a longtime amateur radio operator, Parks on the Air board member, and one of the program’s dedicated activators. His journey into radio began as a teenager inspired by an uncle’s ham radio station, where a simple contact with Norway sparked a lifelong fascination with geography, communication, and the magic of radio. After earning his license in 1985, Tom spent decades chasing DX and enjoying the many corners of amateur radio before discovering Parks on the Air in its earliest days. In this conversation, Tom reflects on hearing one of the first “CQ Parks on the Air” calls back in 2018 and deciding to give the program a try at a nearby battlefield. One activation was all it took. Today, he plans multi-state activation trips that can include dozens of parks in a single week and has already activated parks in 38 states. Along the way, he’s explored hidden corners of America, learned local history, and built friendships with hunters and activators across the world. Tom also offers a candid look inside the Parks on the Air leadership transition from founder Jason Johnson, W3AAX, to the current board structure. He explains why explosive growth made a volunteer-led governance model necessary and discusses the challenges ahead—from scaling infrastructure and supporting a growing international community to clarifying program rules while preserving POTA’s famously low barrier to entry. His vision is simple: keep the program approachable, keep the rules clear, and let operators focus on getting on the air and enjoying the parks. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for helping operators turn ideas into contacts, whether they’re activating a remote park, chasing a rare DX entity, or competing in a major contest. Their continued support strengthens the entire amateur radio community and helps keep operators worldwide on the air.

Contest Crew Europe returns with a post-WPX debrief and a look ahead to WRTC 2026. I'm joined by Kris Kass ES7A, Filipe Lopes CT1ILT, Braco Memic E77DX, Sven Lovric DJ4MX, and Dave Kucelin 9A1UN as they unpack CQ WPX CW from a European perspective. At the center of the discussion is ES5TV’s ambitious eight-month multi-multi project. Kris shares the numbers behind the effort: 46 operators from 15 countries, more than 53,000 QSOs, and—most importantly—a remarkable influx of young operators. Nearly a third of all contacts were made by youth participants, many of whom arrived as beginners and left as confident contesters. The conversation becomes a case study in mentorship, showing what can happen when experienced operators give newcomers real operating time, real responsibility, and access to a world-class station. The crew also dives deep into CQ WPX CW. Filipe explains how his high-rate operation was less about chasing records and more about preparing for WRTC, using the contest to stress-test equipment, refine strategy, and sharpen operating skills. Along the way, the group debates operating speed, synchronization, live scoreboards, propagation surprises, and the tactical decisions that separate good scores from great ones. Attention then turns to WRTC 2026. Braco and Sven describe their preparation trip to England, complete with travel chaos, antenna studies, and low-power practice. Kris, Filipe, and the others discuss station testing, equipment logistics, customs challenges, and the realities of transporting radios and backup gear across borders. The result is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how some of the world's top contest operators prepare for amateur radio's biggest stage. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. A special thanks to DX Engineering for supporting contesters, DXers, and operators worldwide as they push their stations and skills to new levels. Their continued commitment to amateur radio helps make projects, competitions, and on-air adventures like these possible. Welcome to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

Mike Giannaccio W5REZ is the owner of REZ Antenna Systems and the driving force behind a unique project marking America’s 250th birthday. In this conversation, Mike shares the story behind a limited-edition run of commemorative Recon 40 II antennas—just five in total—created to honor the nation’s founding and support the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). What began as a REZ Antenna conversation about ways to celebrate the semiquincentennial quickly evolved into something larger. After learning more about the DAR’s efforts to preserve American history, support veterans, and participate in programs like Wreaths Across America, Mike and his team decided to create a collector-grade antenna unlike anything they had produced before. Each antenna is tied to a Founding Father and includes a custom display case, certificate of authenticity, and commemorative token. Mike also reflects on the enthusiastic response the project received at Dayton Hamvention, where operators immediately recognized the significance of both the antenna and the cause behind it. The antennas will be sold through individual eBay auctions, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the DAR. While future commemorative projects remain a possibility, Mike makes it clear that this exact series will never be repeated. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

The Contest Crew is back. Randy Thompson K5ZD, Dan Craig N6MJ, Bill Fehring W9KKN, and Chris Hurlbut KL9A join Kevin Thomas W1DED for another deep dive into the biggest stories in competitive ham radio—from Dayton Hamvention and CQ WPX CW to the mounting pressure surrounding WRTC 2026. Fresh off a packed Hamvention weekend, the crew recaps CTU, the crowds in Xenia, memorable presentations, and why Dayton remains the epicenter of contesting culture. Randy describes it as one of the premier gathering places in the world for contesters and DXers, while Bill shares stories from hosting powerhouse operator Val EW6W/CQ9A through the nonstop pace of the convention weekend. The weekend also underscored how much the series has connected with contesters, with plenty of operators stopping by to talk about past episodes. The episode then shifts into full contest mode as the group breaks down CQ WPX CW strategy. Dan discusses operating remotely from N2QV while quietly escalating from a “casual effort” to chasing the existing record set by Milen ND3T. Randy and Chris unpack the unusual summertime propagation patterns that make WPX one of the most strategic contests of the year—where 40 meters becomes king, high bands stay alive late into the night, and smart off-time decisions can determine the final score. But the heart of the conversation is WRTC. The Contest Crew gives an unusually candid look at what preparation for the Olympics of contesting actually feels like: the stress, second-guessing, endless log analysis, and even the politics surrounding spotting networks and fairness. Randy explains the reasoning behind the new automated spotting systems, while Chris describes the psychological challenge of hearing dozens of elite competitors operating only miles away during the event itself. It’s equal parts technical strategy session and inside baseball from some of the best operators in the world. The episode closes with reflections on the newest CQ Contest Hall of Fame inductees and a reminder about youth opportunities at J62K in St. Lucia—another example of how mentorship continues to shape the future of contesting. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Thanks to DX Engineering for continuing to support contesters, DXers, and operators around the globe with the equipment, technical expertise, and community investment that help keep amateur radio thriving at every level.

The Contest Crew is back following the recent CQ WPX CW weekend, with a look inside their individual efforts, a glimpse at the inevitable Murphy moments, and their usual humorous take on the world of serious contesting. Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN break down a contest that began with record-level expectations but quickly turned into a battle against inconsistent conditions and tough copy. Dan WU2X (N6MJ) chased a top U.S. score in Single Operator All Band High Power from Tariq's well-respected N2QV station in New York, operating remotely from California while overcoming last-minute station issues and capitalizing on a crucial Sunday morning opening to Japan that ultimately helped separate him from the competition. From Montana, Chris shares stories of generator problems, a Spiderbeam that didn't survive the weekend, and a contest spent tracking rivals across the online scoreboard while watching world-record pace unfold from CR3DX on Madeira. Spoiler alert: Chris's world record from CQ9A in 2025 survived the challenge. Randy reflects on the realities of operating from Ohio, the challenge of copying serial numbers through heavy QSB, and how months of station automation work finally paid off. Bill offers a different perspective, using the weekend to evaluate remote operating and station performance from ZF1A after an exhausting contest season. The conversation also explores station maturity, low-band strategy, beverage receiving antennas, and the operating habits that separate good operators from great ones. It's a reminder that most contest wins are built long before the starting bell—through planning, experimentation, and countless hours spent improving the station. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. DX Engineering helps make weekends like CQ WPX possible by supporting contesters, DXers, Parks on the Air operators, and station builders across the amateur radio community. Their commitment to providing equipment, expertise, and support continues to strengthen amateur radio operators around the world.

I’m joined by Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN for a Contest Crew conversation that starts with one of the most humbling experiences in amateur radio: opening your CQ WPX log checking report. Note: this episode was recorded before Dayton Hamvention 2026, and another brand-new Contest Crew episode—recorded after Dayton—drops tomorrow. Randy breaks down what contesters should actually look for in a log checking report, why a tiny error rate can still trigger big score reductions, and how busted calls, bad serial numbers, and “not in log” penalties pile up faster than most operators realize. Kevin shares his own WPX results, while Bill explains major upgrades to the Super Check Partial database—including smarter validation, faster updates, and new metadata that could reshape how logging software assists operators in real time. The discussion quickly turns philosophical: at what point does contesting stop measuring operators and start measuring technology? From there, the conversation sprawls in the best possible way. Chris and Randy compare WRTC station prep, airline-packing strategies, networking headaches, referee audio setups, and the challenge of building world-class two-radio stations out of gear that has to fit into a suitcase. Bill compares contesting to Formula One racing. Dayton plans get debated. WRTC stories start flowing. There’s trash talk, skepticism about modern contest tools, and plenty of laughs about giant contesting egos trapped together in conference rooms before radio’s equivalent of the Olympics begins. The episode also offers one of the clearest explanations yet of what WRTC actually feels like from the inside: the pressure, the exhaustion, the randomness, and the reality that four years of preparation can be destroyed by one bad band change or one unlucky station draw. But beneath all the technical detail and banter is the reason Contest Crew conversations work so well: these are operators who genuinely love the craft, still obsess over getting better, and still find ways to laugh at themselves while chasing perfection. This episode is sponsored by DX Engineering, supporting amateur radio operators worldwide with the equipment, technical expertise, and station solutions that keep contesters, DXers, and everyday hams on the air. Whether you're building a serious contest station, activating a park, or chasing rare DX, DX Engineering continues to be one of the hobby’s biggest champions. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

Mark Pride K1RX is a seasoned contester who sees Parks on the Air and contesting as two sides of the same coin, sharing skills, instincts, and a natural path between them. In this final episode of the contesting fundamentals series, Mark makes the case that many POTA operators are already doing contesting in all but name. They manage pileups, operate under real-world constraints, and make fast decisions with limited resources. The difference is not skill, but setting. POTA tends to be more casual and time-limited, while contesting stretches those same abilities across longer durations and more structured competition. The shift often comes when operators take those same skills into a different environment. At a home station or in a multi-operator setup, limitations fall away and performance scales rapidly. What once meant working a few dozen stations from a noisy park can turn into handling hundreds or thousands of contacts. Mark points to this as the fastest way to grow, especially when learning alongside experienced contesters with stronger stations and better antennas. Still, the pull of the field remains strong. Mark shares a story of a rare-county activation where preparation made all the difference. Arriving early, setting up more capable antennas, managing generator noise, and even running a modest 500 watt amplifier transformed a park operation into a serious contest effort. It was not about beating big stations, but about maximizing what the environment allowed and having fun doing it. Looking ahead, there is room for evolution. With tens of thousands of active POTA operators and rapid growth worldwide, Mark suggests contest sponsors could explore new categories that reflect portable and lower power realities. Until then, operators crossing over should expect tough competition, but also recognize they are bringing fully developed skills with them. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. DX Engineering continues to support operators across every style of operating, from park activations to high performance contest stations. Their commitment helps hams refine their setups, improve their signals, and get more out of every contact.

Kevin Thomas W1DED is one of the newest board members guiding Parks on the Air through its next chapter — but his connection to ham radio stretches back nearly 50 years. Licensed as a teenager in 1977, Kevin grew up around Heathkit gear built by his father, WA1YOA, before life, career, and raising three children pulled him away from the hobby for decades. Yet even after his license lapsed, he carried the radios, logbooks, and QSL cards with him through every move, convinced he would someday return. That return finally came in 2022. After earning his Extra Class license, Kevin discovered Parks on the Air and immediately connected with the simplicity and accessibility of portable operating. Living on a small island community in Maine without room for towers, POTA offered exactly what he was looking for: grab a radio, head to a park, and get on the air. What began as casual activations soon expanded into contesting, DXpedition-style operations in the Caribbean, interviews with some of amateur radio’s top operators on Q5, and eventually a seat on the POTA board itself. After spending weeks interviewing fellow board members, Kevin realized interviewing himself would be awkward at best — so he invited Jim Davis N8JRD from the Everyday Ham podcast to turn the tables. The result is a more personal and reflective conversation about leadership, growth, and the philosophy behind one of amateur radio’s fastest-growing programs. One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion is Kevin’s belief that the board’s best work should largely go unnoticed by the average activator or hunter. Parks on the Air succeeds, he argues, because it feels simple, welcoming, and dependable. The board’s responsibility is not to radically change that experience, but to quietly strengthen the infrastructure underneath it: modernizing systems, improving volunteer support, scaling databases and log processing, tightening governance, and preparing the organization for millions more QSOs and tens of thousands of additional parks worldwide. Kevin also discusses the remarkable volunteer culture behind POTA and the challenge of sustaining a fully volunteer-run organization experiencing explosive international growth. From upgraded mapping and improved awards systems to what many are informally calling “POTA 3.0,” much of the work happening behind the scenes is intentionally invisible — the kind of operational stability users only notice when it’s missing. And woven through all of it is a familiar truth for many radio operators: ham radio never entirely leaves you. Even after a 40-year absence, Kevin says he always kept his Kenwood TS-830 nearby, waiting for the right moment to get back on the air. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for continuing to support amateur radio operators around the world. Whether it’s Parks on the Air activators setting up in the field, contesters chasing multipliers through the night, or DXers reaching across oceans, DX Engineering helps keep the equipment, knowledge, and enthusiasm flowing throughout the hobby.

Nick Hacko VK9DX is one of ham radio’s most colorful voices, an elite contester, watchmaker, refugee-turned-builder, and unapologetically opinionated character who somehow manages to be equal parts philosopher and entertainer. Broadcasting from Norfolk Island, a tiny speck in the South Pacific with a population of just 2,000, Nick joins me for a conversation that ranges from Cold War-era Yugoslavia to CQ WW strategy, remote island station building, and why contesting still matters in an increasingly automated world. Nick traces his ham radio roots back to the golden age of Yugoslav contesting, where domestic 80-meter battles were treated with the intensity of world championships. After fleeing the Balkan conflict in the early 1990s, he chose Australia over Canada for one simple reason: ham radio. Decades later, during the COVID lockdowns, he bought property on Norfolk Island sight unseen and moved there with little more than an IC-7300 and a wire antenna. What followed was a one-man effort to build a serious contest station under extreme logistical constraints, shipping delays, antenna height limits, and near-total self-sufficiency. But what makes Nick fascinating isn’t just the contest results. It’s the way he talks about radio. Contest weekends aren’t “all-you-can-eat buffets,” he says. They’re birthday parties with friends. He pushes back on hyper-optimized contesting culture, argues for more recognition of station builders, and makes the case that amateur radio’s future depends on keeping the hobby human, welcoming, and fun for operators at every level. One moment he’s discussing phased vertical arrays and propagation windows across the Pacific; the next he’s joking about hiding from his wife during SSB contests or revealing his CB radio alter ego. This was one of the most enjoyable and unexpectedly thoughtful conversations I’ve had about contesting culture, island life, and the personalities that make ham radio so compelling.
Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
Special thanks to DX Engineering for supporting operators everywhere, from serious contesters and DXpeditioners to everyday hams chasing signals from parks, islands, and backyard shacks around the world. Their continued support helps keep the spirit of experimentation and adventure in amateur radio alive.