Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

ARRL Field Day: Is it a Contest or Not? The Contest Crew Opines

The Contest Crew agrees that it is not officially a contest, but as Randy K5ZD likes to say, "if there is stack ranking, it sure looks like a contest!" Field Day takes place every year on the fourth full weekend of June, and in 2024 that's June 22-23. Randy K5ZD, along with Chris KL9A and Bill W9KKN, discuss the long-standing tradition of Field Day, sharing their personal experiences and offering tips on how best to enjoy this non-contest event. They also talk about the fun and camaraderie, not to mention the great food. Join us for this light-hearted discussion about setting up radio gear, towers, and antennas in nature, all in the spirit of camaraderie and a bit of (quiet) competition. Listen to the end for a bonus track by N2NT.

Distributed Category Tech: AA0Z, KD9SLV and the Contest Crew

The IARU HF World Championship took place the second weekend of July. In this contest, every IARU member entity puts their headquarters station on the air, with each counting as a multiplier. Special rules allow for IARU member HQ stations to operate from multiple sites. The IARU Headquarters station NU1AW/0 did just that. Under the leadership of Ward Silver, N0AX, and with the technical expertise of Kyle Krieg, AA0Z, and Connor Dickey, KD9LSV, they put nine physical stations on the air. Kyle and Connor joined the Contest Crew to discuss how they accomplished this and how everything turned out. As a bonus, Kyle shared some additional ideas about the future of contesting. Join us for this episode of the Contest Crew, and if you like what you see, please subscribe. 73, Kevin, W1DED

Antenna Design, Orography and HFTA: Claudio Capelli I4LEC

Claudio Capelli, I4LEC, has had a long, 30-year history in competitive HF contesting that ended with his successful 2010 WPX SSB effort from NQ4I in Georgia. After that contest, Claudio abruptly shifted his interests toward other facets of the hobby; primarily, tailored antenna setups based on specific locations and orography, challenging the conventional belief that more elements, longer booms, and higher antennas are always better. He advocated for a "do more with less" approach, ensuring each setup was optimized for its environment. His knowledge and experience with antenna design and selection, buttressed by HFTA and extensive experimentation, are impressive. Claudio has also turned his attention to SDR platforms, rig performance and measurements, and innovative antenna designs. The discussion provides unique insights and perspectives, inspiring us all to delve further into the technical aspects of ham radio that contribute to improved performance. Please join us for the conversation, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. 73, Kevin W1DED

DXpedition Pilot at TX5S: Glenn Petri KE4KY

Glenn Petri, KE4KY, has had a long, nearly 50-year history in ham radio, starting with his novice license in 1975. His journey through the hobby saw him participating in significant DXpeditions such as to Campbell Island ZL9HR and Mellish Reef VK9MT, becoming an expert on the role of DXpedition Pilots, and speaking at ham radio conferences such as Visalia. In this interview, Glenn focuses on the expectations of a DXpedition pilot, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the hobby. He challenges the conventional belief that pilots are merely logistical support and advocates for their integral role in real-time propagation feedback and operational optimization. Glenn opines that the best DXpedition pilots blend DXpedition experience with highly effective communication techniques and supported by tools like Groups.io and Starlink. Glenn has also turned his attention to mentoring and supporting the next generation of ham operators, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the hobby. Please join us for the conversation, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide. 73, Kevin W1DED.

IARU HF World Championship: Contest Crew

After a brief hiatus, the Contest Crew is back with their experiences, analysis, and tips from the mid-July IARU HF World Championship. Despite the summer heat and distractions, Bill W9KKN, Dan N6MJ, and Randy K5ZD put in the work to make this annual contest memorable and boost their WRTC '26 qualifying totals. Their insights will provide valuable tips for any contester at any level, helping you improve your score in future competitions. I hope you can join us for this episode and add us to your watch list in the weeks ahead. 73, Kevin W1DED

HF Contesting for Technician Class Ham Radio Operators: Contest Crew

“What’s your best advice to a Technician class ham radio operator who wants to get involved in HF contesting?” That was the question posed to the Contest Crew and, despite the limitations on Technician Class licensees, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Christopher Hurlbut KL9A and Bill Fehring W9KKN, provide a clear path for techs to get started. If you're a Technician class and want to learn more about how you can take your first steps into the exciting world of ham radio contesting, watch the show. For all others, join us for the usual friendly repartee between "Team Contest Crew" and to learn what is on their short term contesting horizon.

Software Engineer WO5T is On the Air: Contests, DXpeditions and Parks on the Air

Sam Mauldin, WO5T, is a young and accomplished ham radio operator who has rapidly ascended in the hobby since getting licensed in 2022. In this interview, Sam shares his journey, from his initial interest sparked by family tradition and friends, to his extensive involvement in Parks on the Air (POTA) and contesting. He discusses his equipment preferences, including his go-to KX2 transceiver and DX Commander vertical antenna, and the unique challenges of operating portable and in contests. Sam's experiences range from setting up in parks to participating in multi-single DX operations, including a significant trip to Bonaire. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, adaptability, and community support in ham radio. As a software engineer, Sam also touches on how new technologies might shape the future of the hobby while expressing his preference for its traditional aspects. This engaging conversation highlights Sam's achievements and provides valuable insights for both new and veteran ham radio operators, inspiring listeners to explore the diverse and dynamic world of amateur radio.

Northeast HamXposition: Bob K1IW and New England's Largest Ham Radio Gathering

Get ready to dive into the heart of the Northeast's biggest ham radio event—HamXposition 2024 in Marlboro, MA. In this episode, we sit down with Bob DeMattia, K1IW, the chairman of HamXposition, to explore the history and evolution of this premier event. Originally known as the Boxborough event, HamXposition has found new life in Marlboro, boasting better parking, more conference rooms, and a central location. This year’s event promises to be the best yet, with over 2,000 attendees expected. Bob walks us through what makes HamXposition a must-attend for hams of all ages and experience levels. From the mini Contest University to a wide array of educational forums, vendor exhibits, and a dedicated youth program, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don't miss the stellar lineup of speakers, including contesting experts like Tim Duffy K3LR, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Gerry Hull W1VE, and the renowned Space Weather Woman, Dr. Tamitha Skov. Bob also highlights the crucial volunteer efforts that keep this event running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned ham or new to the hobby, HamXposition offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes ham radio special. Tune in for the conversation, and if you enjoy it, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio.  73, Kevin Thomas W1DED

Unlocking the World of DXing: Mark WC3W’s DX Marathon Success Story

Mark Wohlschlegel, WC3W, has had a distinguished 61-year journey in the world of ham radio, leading to his leadership of the DX Marathon program. Since taking the reins in 2022, Mark has overseen remarkable growth in the program, with participation increasing by over 50% in just the past year alone. His strategic focus on making the DX Marathon accessible to all hams—regardless of their equipment or experience—has revitalized the program and brought new life to the art of DXing, the pursuit of contacting distant radio stations across the globe. DXing, at its core, is about the thrill of long-distance communication. The DX Marathon, however, elevates this pursuit into a year-long challenge where hams compete to see who can contact the most countries and CQ zones. The beauty of the DX Marathon lies in its simplicity—no expensive gear or complicated procedures are required, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers and a fun challenge for seasoned operators. Mark has also made significant strides in expanding recognition for participants, adding more plaques and certificates to honor achievements and encourage continued participation. His dedication to outreach through platforms like Zoom has further propelled the program’s global growth, making DXing more accessible and exciting for operators worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned DXer or new to the hobby, the DX Marathon offers a rewarding way to engage with ham radio’s most thrilling aspect. Join the conversation, explore the world of DXing, and see how you can push your own limits. If you enjoyed this discussion, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. 73, Kevin Thomas W1DED.

Ham Radio Traveler: Operating Around the World with Gabry IT9RGY

Gabriele Iuliani, IT9RGY, has journeyed far since his introduction to ham radio through the Scouts in Palermo, Italy. He credits ham radio with broadening his horizons beyond Sicily as he traveled extensively. Along the way, Gabry consistently sought opportunities to meet other ham radio operators and find stations to operate from. His list of special callsigns, contest stations, and countries where he’s operated is impressive. Some of the contest stations where Gabry has multi-oped include D4C, OM7M, 9A1P, OL7M, 4O3A, and IR4X. Gabry is widely liked and appreciated for the youthful and positive perspective he brings to amateur radio. I think you’ll enjoy this conversation with Gabriele, IT9RGY. Please subscribe to the channel, and thank you for watching. 73, Kevin W1DED