Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

Seth Jones NU1D is a young contester who just got a front-row seat to big-league contesting, operating from J62K in St. Lucia during CQ WPX SSB, and discovering that the view is only half the story. It was also his first trip outside the United States, which adds a layer of awe you can’t fake. The pileups were real, but so was the moment. What begins as an application email turns into a months-long audition. Essays, Zoom calls, strategy sessions, and a slow immersion into how elite multi-ops think. Seth didn’t just show enthusiasm. He showed results, including a top North America finish in his category. By the time he landed in the Caribbean, he wasn’t just a guest. He was part of a system built on preparation, trust, and a team that knows how to win. Then came the shock. A 50-degree temperature swing from Maine. A mountainside villa overlooking the Caribbean. And immediate, relentless pileups. J62K isn’t plug-and-play. It is assemble-on-arrival, a temporary superstation with Elecraft K4s, stacked SteppIRs, and operators who understand how to extract every last QSO. Credit to the J62K team for doing something rare in this space. They make room for youth operators and treat them like real contributors, not spectators. But the real pivot is philosophical. Seth walks away convinced that multi-operator contesting is something deeper than score-chasing. It is shared skill. Operators, schedulers, builders. Everyone contributes a piece, and the result is bigger than any one person at the mic. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. DX Engineering keeps experiences like this within reach, supporting youth operators, contesters, and stations around the world who are pushing the limits of what’s possible on the air.

Ron Koenig WV4P is the guy they told “that won’t work.” He built it anyway and started winning. Licensed during Field Day 2017 because he was “bored,” Ron followed his competitive instincts straight into contesting. Alongside his wife Trina NR4L, that drive quickly escalated from wire antennas to a seven-tower station in Savannah, Tennessee. This was not a copy-paste superstation. Ron challenged long-held assumptions about antenna interaction, station density, and even geography, leaning on modeling and experimentation instead of convention. The result is a 100% remote operation with no on-site operating position, just infrastructure optimized for performance. His “empty-looking” towers are intentional, minimizing interaction to preserve clean radiation patterns. Even more controversial are configurations manufacturers said would not work, like running multiple bands through shared systems. Ron built it anyway. And it worked. But the station is only half the story. WV4P runs like a team sport, with tight operator pairings, carefully planned schedules, and a mix of local and remote operators connected through low-latency links. It is high-performance contesting with real constraints: internet instability, operator training, and the constant challenge of building a reliable team. Ron embraces all of it, treating the station as a living system, iterating, refining, and pushing further. The philosophy is consistent: question everything, trust results, and keep improving. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Big thanks to DX Engineering for supporting operators who do not just follow the playbook, but rewrite it across contesting, DXing, and Parks on the Air.

Mark Pride K1RX is a veteran contester who makes the case that your biggest leap in ham radio might not come from upgrading your station, but from joining someone else’s.
In part six of this contesting fundamentals series, Mark shifts the focus from gear to people. For operators constrained by space, budget, or HOA realities, the multi-operator (multi-op) station becomes a kind of accelerator. It is not just about bigger antennas or better radios. It is exposure to how experienced operators think, adapt, and execute in real time. Mark likens it to competitive sailing. Every crew needs different skills, and there is always a seat for someone willing to contribute. Whether you are running high rates, hunting multipliers, fixing antennas, or just observing, the learning curve steepens fast.
There is also a cultural layer. Not all multi-ops are built the same. Some, like elite contest stations, are tightly focused on winning. Others take a more relaxed approach, balancing points with camaraderie. The throughline is chemistry, how personalities mesh over a 48-hour sprint. It is in that mix of pressure, humor, and shared purpose that “tribal knowledge” gets passed down, the kind you will not find in any manual. And often, it is where lifelong friendships begin.
Mark’s advice is practical. Show up prepared, know your logging software, and be honest about your experience. Start by observing if you can. Reach out through clubs, contest results, or QRZ, because most of these stations are looking for help. You do not need to be a superstar. You need to be curious, adaptable, and ready to learn.
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DX Engineering continues to support operators chasing growth at every level, from first-time multi-op participants to seasoned contesters refining their edge. Their commitment helps keep the momentum alive across Parks on the Air activations and competitive stations worldwide.

Nick Hauser, KT0W, is a young contester proving that the future of ham radio isn’t just alive—it’s remote, hybrid, and remarkably competitive. Licensed in 2016 alongside his father, Nick’s early spark came from National Parks on the Air, where rapid-fire pileups introduced him to rate and rhythm. That gateway led naturally into contesting, with mentorship from local operators like W0SD and opportunities at powerhouse stations including KL7SB and NJ4P. In just a few years, he’s gone from borrowing radios on 10 meters to posting serious scores across multiple stations and bands. What stands out isn’t just the operating skill—it’s the model. Nick is balancing college studies in network security with full-time work, squeezing in contests via remote stations between shifts and classes. From Alaska to Florida, he’s adapted to wildly different propagation conditions and station capabilities, all while maintaining a competitive edge. Yet when asked, he’s clear: remote is convenient, but nothing replaces being on-site—hearing the gear, swapping stories, and learning from veteran operators in person. His outlook is pragmatic and forward-looking. FT8, remote access, Discord chats, and online communities aren’t threats—they’re lifelines bringing new operators into an increasingly noisy RF world. And his advice to other young hams is simple: ask. The big stations want you there more than you think. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for continuing to champion operators at every level—from POTA activators to elite contesters—and for helping fuel the next generation of voices on the air.

Michael Kalter W8CI is the voice and steady hand behind the Dayton Hamvention, serving on its executive committee and as official spokesperson while also helping lead the Dayton Amateur Radio Association.
What he describes is not just a convention, it is a phenomenon. With attendance pushing past 30,000 and every booth and flea market space effectively sold out, Hamvention has become something closer to a global pilgrimage for radio operators. Kalter emphasizes preparation. Study the forums, download the app, plan your days, because the scale can overwhelm even seasoned attendees. The forums, he notes, remain the heart of the event, carefully selected from a flood of volunteer proposals that built Hamvention’s reputation.
But beneath the logistics is something more human. For Kalter, the magic is in reunion, the yearly convergence of voices and callsigns from around the world. It is where friendships pick up instantly and new ideas take shape. He lights up talking about the explosion of Parks on the Air, SOTA, SDR, and new technologies that are pushing operators out of the shack and into the field, testing skill and creativity in real conditions.
There is also a sense of continuity. From building a Knight Kit as a kid to marveling at today’s spectrum displays and software defined rigs, Kalter reflects the evolution of amateur radio itself. And if you want a glimpse of what comes next, he points to the youth forums, where the next generation is already stepping forward.
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A special thanks to DX Engineering for backing the amateur radio community year after year, supporting everyone from serious DXers to operators discovering Parks on the Air for the first time. Their dedication helps keep the spirit of Hamvention alive and growing.

Mark Pride K1RX is a veteran contester who believes the real upgrade isn’t your station—it’s you. In part five of this contesting fundamentals series, Mark shifts the focus away from gear and toward operating skill—the subtle, often overlooked craft that separates competent operators from great ones. His message is clear: improvement happens in the chair. Through short contests, special events, and deliberate “stress tests,” operators can sharpen timing, listening, and decision-making. Whether it’s CWOps sprints or month-long award programs, the goal isn’t just points—it’s building confidence and predictability on the air. What stands out is how quickly growth can happen. Mark shares the story of a Welsh operator he mentored who, with modest equipment, logged over 2,700 QSOs in a single event—discovering along the way her best band, improving her pileup skills, and even curing mic shyness. That’s the throughline: contesting compresses learning. It forces you to hear better, think faster, and adapt in real time. But Mark is equally blunt about what holds operators back. Bad habits—like repeating exchanges, over-talking, or failing to identify—quietly destroy efficiency. Contesting, at its core, is about transmitting maximum information in minimum time. The operators who thrive are the ones who strip communication down to its essentials and learn to match the cadence of whoever they’re working. Perhaps the most original idea here is “parallel play”—a kind of shadow operating where you practice logging real QSOs by listening to top operators, even from an SDR or hotel room. It’s a reminder that improvement doesn’t require perfect conditions—just intention. From search-and-pounce fundamentals to the adrenaline of running a frequency, Mark frames contesting as a discipline built on awareness, repetition, and small, compounding gains. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. DX Engineering continues to be a driving force behind operators pushing their limits, whether chasing DX, activating parks, or competing at the highest levels. Their support helps turn learning into performance across the global ham radio community.

Larry Langs VE3LRL is helping lead one of Canada’s longest-running on-air events, the Ontario QSO Party, and this year he’s focused on a simple goal: get more operators on the air and keep them active. Now in its 29th year, the Ontario QSO Party returns the third weekend of April, with activity kicking off Saturday at 1800Z and continuing through Sunday afternoon. The format remains a classic. CW and SSB span 160 meters through 2 meters, with straightforward exchanges tied to Ontario’s 50 counties. This year brings a meaningful change. Phone contacts now earn the same points as CW, a shift designed to encourage more SSB participation and broaden the tent for operators of all experience levels. There is also a renewed emphasis on mobility and participation. The rover category continues to draw strong interest, with operators covering significant distances across a province that is larger than many expect. Schedule changes reflect that reality, with less late-night operating and more time on Sunday to support safer and more effective rover activity. Add in five bonus stations tied to major Canadian amateur radio organizations, and the contest rewards some additional effort. This conversation is part of the new Q5 Briefing format. It is short, focused, and built to deliver useful insights without unnecessary filler. Expect more of these concise updates highlighting what is happening across amateur radio right now. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. DX Engineering supports the operators who make events like this possible, from contesters chasing multipliers to POTA activators bringing parks on the air. Their ongoing commitment helps keep the bands active and the community growing.

Tim Duffy K3LR is the CEO of DX Engineering and one of the central architects behind contesting’s biggest gatherings, from Contest University to the legendary Contest Dinner at Dayton.
 
In this conversation, Tim lays out the sheer scale and evolution of Contest University, now in its 17th year, with over 20 presentations, global livestreaming, and a growing emphasis on youth. A standout moment: operators under 25 attend free, thanks to foundation support, an intentional investment in the future of the hobby. This year’s lineup blends fresh voices with seasoned leadership stepping into new roles on stage, figures like K1AR, long a pillar of the contesting world, alongside rising operators like Violetta Latham KN2P, who brings both DXpedition experience and a sharp perspective on how to keep young people engaged. The message is clear: Contest University isn’t just for elite operators, it’s for anyone trying to get more out of “a hundred watts and a wire.”
 
The Contest Dinner, born in 1992 from a simple desire to make the “cool kids table” accessible, now draws over 500 attendees and serves as contesting’s cultural centerpiece, complete with Hall of Fame inductions and a global keynote tied to WRTC. Tim’s storytelling here lands: what started as exclusion became one of the most inclusive traditions in ham radio.
 
At Hamvention itself, DX Engineering operates less like a booth and more like a hub. Their massive, interactive space invites operators to gather, ask questions, and get hands-on with new gear, backed by a team that actually operates in the field. It reflects Tim’s broader philosophy that customer support and real operating experience should go hand in hand.
 
Beyond Dayton, the conversation widens into a state-of-the-hobby snapshot. AI in contesting is a natural evolution. Parks on the Air is exploding. Youth engagement is stronger than many assume. Tim’s philosophy is pragmatic and optimistic, innovation belongs in amateur radio, and the real challenge is ensuring spectrum protection and continued relevance. Underneath it all is a consistent theme: the hobby thrives when technical excellence meets human connection.
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The Contest Crew Europe returns to break down a CQ WPX SSB contest that promised records but delivered something messier. Filipe CT1ILT pivoted midweek from a planned multi-two to a single op effort—and still topped Europe. For a day and a half, 10 meters was electric; North America poured in until late evening. Then Sunday hit like a switch flipped. Signals vanished, beams pointed the “wrong” way, and what felt like a record run dissolved. It’s a reminder that even at the highest level, contesting is still at the mercy of propagation. Around him, the stories stack up.
Emir “Braco” Memic E77DX battled literal ice—antennas frozen, noise surging—yet stayed in the fight, glued to live scores in a transatlantic duel. Kris Kass ES7A fielded a youth-powered multi-multi, where a high school operator stole the show by relentlessly QSY’ing stations like a seasoned closer. Meanwhile, Dave Kucelin 9A1UN and crew clawed back from a brutal start to nearly overtake ES9C in one of the tightest finishes of the contest—fractions of a percent separating them.
And then there’s the undercurrent: something is changing. AI voices are creeping into SSB in ways that feel both inevitable and unsettling. Is this evolution—or erosion? Even among elites, there’s no consensus yet.
The episode closes far from Europe, with Sven Lovric DJ4MX recounting a grueling Bangladesh DXpedition: 24-hour travel legs, improvised generators, relentless noise hunting, and fleeting propagation windows. The payoff? Tens of thousands of QSOs, rare all-time new ones for many, and a reminder that the spirit of amateur radio still thrives far beyond the contest scoreboard.
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DX Engineering continues to power the passion behind efforts like these—supporting operators from rare DXpeditions to high-stakes contest weekends. Their commitment helps keep the bands alive, whether you're chasing multipliers or building the next generation of contesters.

The Contest Crew is back—and this time, it’s all about a CQ WPX SSB weekend that didn’t quite go to plan.
Randy Thompson K5ZD is operating from V47T, where preparation starts strong and immediately go sideways: a shack full of amplifiers, and only one survives. What follows is a stripped-down station—one radio, one amp, and a relentless chase against Tom at 8P5A. The result? A second-place North America finish, just 800K behind, and a quiet revelation: even in a hyper-optimized, two-radio world, a disciplined single-op can still hang on if the decisions are sharp.
The contest itself was a study in contrasts. Solar numbers promised magic, but northern operators struggled while the Caribbean and North Africa thrived. Randy finds gold on 15 meters in the dead of night—an hour and a half of uncontested Europe—while Kevin Thomas W1DED, operating ZF2KT, battles the eternal beginner’s dilemma: is it me, or the band? His breakthrough comes not in raw Qs, but in confidence—holding a frequency, trusting his setup, and pushing through the low-band grind he once avoided.
And then there’s the future creeping in. AI voice keying isn’t fringe anymore—it's here, controversial, and effective. Some call it innovation; others, a step too far from the human element. But as Chris KL9A puts it plainly: “It’s not going away.” The subtext is clear—contest strategy is no longer just about propagation and endurance, but about how far you’re willing to lean into automation.
Underneath the tech and tactics, though, the human moments still win. A last-minute headset scramble. A footswitch handoff at an airport. A wife wondering what kind of hobby involves strangers delivering gear at baggage claim. In contesting, logistics can be as intense as the pileups—and just as rewarding when it all clicks.
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DX Engineering continues to show up where it counts—whether it’s overnighting critical gear or backing operators chasing every last multiplier. Their support keeps contesters, DXers, and portable ops in the game when it matters most.