Contesting • K4JMC

What is Contesting?

Amateur radio contesting — also called "radiosport" — challenges operators to make as many contacts as possible within a set time period. Contests range from casual weekend events to intense 48-hour marathons, testing operator skill, station capability, and propagation knowledge.

Whether you're running QRP from a park or blasting kilowatts from a super-station, there's a contest category for you. Many operators use contests to sharpen their skills, test new antennas, or simply enjoy the thrill of the pile-up.

Upcoming Contests

Major contests happening soon. All times UTC. View full calendar →

Jan

ARRL January VHF Contest

Jan 18 1900Z – Jan 20 0359Z

VHF/UHF SSB CW Digital

Feb

CQ WPX RTTY Contest

Feb 8 0000Z – Feb 9 2359Z

HF RTTY Major

Feb

ARRL International DX Contest (CW)

Feb 15 0000Z – Feb 16 2359Z

HF CW Major

Mar

ARRL International DX Contest (SSB)

Mar 1 0000Z – Mar 2 2359Z

HF SSB Major

Apr

TBD

Alabama QSO Party

Date TBD — Check ALQP website

HF SSB CW State QSO Party

Jun

🏕️ ARRL Field Day 2026

Jun 28 1800Z – Jun 29 2100Z • K4JMC participates annually!

HF VHF SSB CW Digital Major

Major Annual Contests

🏕️ ARRL Field Day

Fourth weekend of June. The biggest amateur radio event in North America — emergency preparedness meets radio fun. K4JMC sets up field stations annually.

All Modes

🌎 CQ World Wide DX

SSB in October, CW in November. The world's largest amateur radio contest — work 100+ countries in a single weekend.

🧹 ARRL Sweepstakes

CW in November, SSB in November. Work all 84 ARRL/RAC sections. A rite of passage for serious contesters.

🏴󠁵󠁳󠁡󠁬󠁿 Alabama QSO Party

Activate Alabama counties and work stations across North America. Great for GARC members to represent Etowah County!

State QSO Party

Getting Started

1. Pick a Contest

Start with something low-pressure: state QSO parties, the ARRL Rookie Roundup, or just work a few hours of Field Day with the club.

2. Set Up Logging Software

Paper logs work but contest logging software handles dupe checking, multiplier tracking, and Cabrillo export. N1MM+ and N3FJP are popular choices.

3. Know the Exchange

Every contest has a specific exchange (signal report + serial number, state, grid square, etc.). Read the rules before the contest starts.

4. Run or Search & Pounce

"Running" means calling CQ on a frequency. "S&P" means tuning around and answering others. Most beginners start with S&P.

5. Submit Your Log

Export a Cabrillo file from your logging software and submit via the contest sponsor's website. Even small logs count!

Contest Tips

🎧 Use headphones — Essential for pulling weak signals out of the noise and reducing fatigue.
⏰ Work the openings — Band conditions change throughout the contest. 20m is often hot midday; 40m and 80m shine at night.
📝 Keep it short — Contest exchanges are brief. "59 AL" is all you need for many contests.
🔄 Check for dupes — Your logging software tracks duplicates. Don't waste time on stations you've already worked (on that band/mode).
📡 Multipliers matter — A new state, country, or zone can be worth more than 10 additional QSOs. Hunt mults!
💤 Take breaks — 48-hour contests are marathons. Fatigue causes errors. Eat, stretch, and rest strategically.
📊 Review your log — After the contest, check for busted calls or exchanges before submitting.