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CONTESTS:

Contesting:

One of the enjoyments of ham radio is taking part in contests. There are many contests in which ham operators may take part, even for those who are not serious contesters.

Why take part in contests?:

Some hams are attracted by the ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, or even with astronauts on space missions. Others may like to build and experiment with electronics. Computer hobbyists enjoy using Amateur Radio's digital communications opportunities. Those with a competitive streak enjoy "DX contests," or any kind of contest for that matter, where the object is to see how many hams in distant locations they can contact, or to just make a simple contact.

Everyone has their own reasons for participating in contests. Some of mine are: to sharpen my operating skills, to learn to get the most I can out of my equipment, to compete against my peers, to be a part of the community of contesters.

Not only that, but entering a ham radio contest gives the participant a positive and rewarding experience. By doing so, you will be testing your skills as a radio operator in competition with other radio operators. Are there winners? In some contests --- yes. In others it will be the satisfaction of reaching your goal.

Whatever your reason, have fun!

What category of contest should you enter?:

If you don't have a kilowatt linear, then single operator low power (QRP) is an attractive option since you don't have to compete with all the kilowatt-plus signals in the high power category. If you are an experienced QRP operator, then by all means choose QRPp instead, but if you are not a QRP operator then you may find this category a bit frustrating at first as you will have to learn how to make your QRP signal heard while learning the ropes of contesting at the same time. If your antenna system is limited then you may want to enter single-band or, like me, enter all-band anyway because it's more fun and just live with a less competitive score.

You may find that you have a favorite contest:

Like me, you may find that you have a favorite contest and spend all your time trying to reach your goals with that contest.

My favorite is County Hunting. There are 3,077 counties in the U.S. --- including Alaska and Hawaii --- and I have made a radio contact in all 3,077. I have a beautiful plaque attesting to the fact that I accomplished my goal --- at least once. I need just 30 more for Second Time Around.

Many County Hunters received their first USA-CA # (Worked All Counties) by using various bands and various modes. I received USA-CA #969 on February 22, 1999 by using mixed bands and mixed modes.

After receiving their first number, many County Hunters try making all county contacts on just 20 meters, or all SSB, or all CW, or all YL/XYL (women operators), or OM/YL teams, or a BINGO award, or Big Rig (18 wheelers). It's great fun.

More information is available about County Hunting. Click here, or here.

I am also a member of the Professional Loafers Club, the Rotten Apples Club, the Rag Chewers Club, the "Teenagers" Club, the Early Bird Club, and the Kadiddlehoppers Club (see below for more information).

Hurry and upgrade!:

If you hold the Tech level license, we encourage you to upgrade to General so that you may enjoy contesting on the HF bands. You'll have fun, and you'll be glad you did.

Listed here are many contests that you may want to enter: