About contesting and related information
A ham radio contest is a competition where amateur radio operators try to make as many contacts (QSOs) as possible within a set time frame. Participants use voice (mostly SSB), Morse code (CW), or digital modes (RTTY, PSK31) to communicate with stations worldwide. Each contest has specific rules, such as scoring based on distance, unique call signs, or specific regions. Some contests focus on speed and efficiency, while others encourage outdoor or emergency-style operations. It’s a fun way to test radio skills, equipment, and propagation conditions while connecting with operators from around the world.
Here’s my list of the 10 major ham radio contests:
CQ World Wide DX Contest (CQ WW)
The CQ WW is the largest and most popular amateur radio contest, attracting global participation. It occurs in two parts: the SSB contest on the last full weekend of October and the CW contest on the last full weekend of November.
ARRL International DX Contest
Organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), this contest focuses on contacting stations outside the participant’s country or region. It has two modes: CW in mid-February and SSB in early March.
IARU HF World Championship
Held annually on the second full weekend of July, this contest is sponsored by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It emphasizes global participation and allows operators to contact stations worldwide, including special IARU headquarters stations.
SSB Field Day (IARU Region 1)
One of the most exciting outdoor radio contests, the SSB Field Day takes place on the first full weekend of September. Operators set up temporary stations in the field, simulating emergency conditions while trying to make as many contacts as possible.
CQ WPX Contest
This contest rewards contacts based on unique prefixes, making it highly competitive. It has two parts: SSB on the last full weekend of March and CW on the last full weekend of May.
Worked All Europe DX Contest (WAE)
Organized by the Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club (DARC), this contest is unique due to its “QTC” system, where European stations can send received log entries for extra points. It takes place on the first full weekend of September for SSB and in August for CW.
ARRL Sweepstakes
A highly popular North American contest with a unique exchange format, the ARRL Sweepstakes runs on the first full weekend of November for CW and the third full weekend of November for SSB.
Russian DX Contest
Organized by the Russian Amateur Radio Union, this contest is a major worldwide event where participants try to contact as many Russian and international stations as possible. It occurs on the third full weekend of March.
All Asian DX Contest
Sponsored by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL), this contest encourages contacts between Asia and the rest of the world. It has two parts: CW on the third full weekend of June and SSB on the first full weekend of September.
Oceania DX Contest
This contest promotes contacts with stations in the Oceania region. It has two parts: SSB on the first full weekend of October and CW on the second full weekend of October.
These contests provide exciting opportunities for amateur radio operators to test their skills, improve their setups, and connect with operators worldwide!
Rules for participating in a Ham Radio Contest
Ham radio contests typically have structured rules set by the organizing body, such as the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) or CQ Magazine. These rules define the operating bands, allowed power levels, exchange format, and scoring system. Participants must adhere to licensing regulations, ensuring they operate within authorized frequency ranges and power limits. Some contests have specific modes (CW, SSB, or digital), and multipliers such as different states, countries, or grid squares may affect final scores. Logging contacts accurately and within the contest period is crucial, and many contests require electronic logs submitted in formats like Cabrillo or ADIF.
Techniques for maximizing contacts
Successful contesters use various strategies, such as “search and pounce” and “running a frequency.” In search and pounce, operators scan the bands for strong signals and call in quickly to log contacts efficiently. Running a frequency involves staying on one frequency and calling CQ to attract stations, which is effective in high-activity contests. Propagation knowledge is essential, as conditions shift throughout the day, making different bands more or less effective. Operators also use SO2R (Single Operator Two Radio) setups to work on multiple bands simultaneously, and software like N1MM Logger helps track contacts, avoid duplicates, and optimize calling strategies.
How Hams optimize for points
Experienced hams plan ahead by studying contest rules, past results, and propagation forecasts to target the most productive times and bands. They optimize their antenna systems for maximum gain and directionality, often using beam antennas or vertical arrays. Operators prioritize high-value multipliers, such as rare DX entities or specific zones, to boost their scores. Many participate in teams or club efforts, coordinating contacts to maximize overall performance. Fatigue management is also key in longer contests, with operators using planned breaks, voice keyers, and automation tools to maintain efficiency and endurance throughout the event.
A short guide to the “CQ WPX Contest”
The CQ WPX Contest is a major worldwide ham radio contest where operators earn points based on making contacts with stations that have different prefixes in their call signs. It takes place twice a year—one for SSB (March) and one for CW (May)—lasting 48 hours, with single operators limited to 36 hours. The objective is to work as many different prefixes as possible across the HF bands (160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m). Scoring is based on QSO points multiplied by the number of unique prefixes worked. Understanding propagation, band openings, and prefix availability is crucial to maximize the score.
Best techniques for maximizing the score
To perform well, operators often use a mix of “running” (holding a frequency and calling CQ) and “search and pounce” (finding and working stations quickly). Running is best when propagation is strong, while search and pounce helps pick up needed multipliers. SO2R (Single Operator Two Radio) operation can be a game-changer, allowing simultaneous operation on two bands. Using contest logging software like N1MM+, which supports real-time multiplier tracking and dupe checking, is essential. Understanding propagation patterns can help determine which bands will be most productive at different times—low bands (40m-160m) at night and higher bands (10m-20m) during the day.
How to get the most QSO points
To maximize the score, operators should focus on working rare prefixes early before pileups become unmanageable. Operating during peak band openings ensures more QSOs and higher rates. High-power stations with beam antennas have an advantage, but even low-power stations can be competitive by using strategic timing and good operating skills. For serious contesters, pre-contest preparation is key—studying past results, testing antennas, and optimizing station setup can make a big difference. Staying well-rested, hydrated, and mentally sharp is crucial, as endurance plays a big role in performing well in the 36-hour operating window.
Participate in the “CQ WPX Contest”
The CQ WPX Contest is a global competition where participants earn points by making as many contacts as possible with stations having different call sign prefixes. It takes place in two modes: SSB (March) and CW (May) and runs for 48 hours, though single operators can operate for a maximum of 36 hours. Contacts are made on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m, with points awarded based on whether the contact is within the same continent or intercontinental. Operators must exchange a signal report (59 or 599) and a serial number (starting at 001 and incrementing for each QSO). Logging is done electronically using software like N1MM+ or DXLog, ensuring accurate tracking of multipliers and avoiding duplicate QSOs. In pile-ups, operators should listen carefully before calling, timing their responses to avoid excessive QRM (interference) and using split operation when necessary. If a station is too weak or conditions are poor, it’s best to move on and return later rather than waste valuable time. To maximize scores, participants must strategically run a frequency when possible, search for high-value multipliers. After the contest, submit logs in Cabrillo format before the deadline to be officially ranked.
About the plague of self-spotting
In the CQ WPX Contest, self-spotting is strictly prohibited under the contest rules. This means operators are not allowed to post their own call signs and frequencies on spotting networks, such as DX clusters, social media, or any other public platform, to attract contacts. Additionally, asking others to spot you is also considered a rule violation.
However, participants in the Assisted (or Unlimited) category can use spotting networks to find and work stations more efficiently. While they cannot self-spot, they can take advantage of real-time cluster spots to locate new multipliers and high-value contacts. Operators in the Non-Assisted category must rely solely on their own tuning and band-scanning skills to find stations.
Violating the self-spotting rule can lead to disqualification or score penalties, as it gives an unfair advantage by artificially increasing the number of callers. To stay compliant, it’s best to rely on good operating techniques, such as running a clear frequency, using effective CQ calls, and taking advantage of natural propagation to attract contacts.
Vy 73 de Gregor, DO5SSB