In the third round of the Contest Clinic series, top ham radio contesters Randy K5ZD, Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, and Bill W9KKN—collectively known as the Contest Crew—return to answer your most pressing questions! This accomplished group of contesting pros dives deep into everything from station setup strategies to contesting mindsets, sharing insights that only decades of experience can provide. Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the world of competitive ham radio, you won’t want to miss this candid Q&A where the Contest Crew tackles questions from followers of W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. Get ready for expert tips and behind-the-scenes stories in this high-energy episode!

David Jaffe, WD6T, is an American composer, performer, and software developer who has successfully balanced parallel career paths in both music and technology. With over 90 compositions to his name, including the landmark “Silicon Valley Breakdown”, and key contributions like the development of the NeXT Music Kit for Steve Jobs, David’s influence in electronic and computer music is profound. Alongside his professional achievements, Jaffe is also a passionate ham radio contester, which adds an exciting dimension to his multifaceted career.

In the ham radio world, David has seen success as both a single operator and in multi-operator setups at renowned stations like N6RO. Whether operating in person or remotely from stations across the globe, such as K1AR or ZF1A, David thrives on the technical challenges and camaraderie of contesting. He’s especially enthusiastic about SO2R and has honed his skills in contests ranging from the CQ Worldwide to the California QSO Party.

David’s story highlights the beautiful convergence of his musical creativity, technical expertise, and competitive spirit in ham radio. Join us for an in-depth conversation about his journey, contesting strategies, and remote operating adventures. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the discussion!

The Contest Crew, featuring seasoned contesters like Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN, have returned for another round of answering your burning ham radio contesting questions. This crew has become a staple in the contesting ham radio community, admired for their expertise and high-level achievements—including, in the case of N6MJ and KL9A, winning the prestigious WRTC. In this episode, the crew dives into the finer points of contest preparation and analysis. Dan Craig shares how he spends hours analyzing logs before major contests, especially when competing at elite levels, like his team’s attempt to set a multi-single record at ZF1A. Bill Fehring adds that mastering software is critical for success. He spends hours learning the ins and outs of different logging programs like DXLog and Win-Test, emphasizing that familiarity with software is just as important as operating skill. Randy Thompson talks about the evolution of his contesting habits, from obsessively analyzing every contest log in his early days to a more relaxed approach now, preferring to reflect more deeply when he doesn’t win. Chris Hurlbut, focusing on building and refining his station, adds a technical layer, discussing the importance of ensuring that hardware performs flawlessly during the contest. The conversation also touches on broader contesting experiences. How do you handle the pressure when disaster strikes? Dan and Chris recount a thrilling tale of contesting in a Russian tent during a thunderstorm at WRTC, proving that sometimes the only option is to keep going, even when lightning strikes nearby. And for those wondering if it's ever too late to become a serious contester, the crew's answer is a resounding "No!"— with W9KKN offering his story of how he began at a later stage in life, driven by passion and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the world of contesting, there’s a wealth of practical insights here. From the technical intricacies of analyzing logs and band openings to advice on getting started in serious contesting at any age, the Contest Crew covers it all. Don’t miss out on joining the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments, ask your questions, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes. Whether you're a dedicated contester or just starting to dip your toes into the competitive side of ham radio, this is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their game!

Juliana Almeida, PU5JDA, is a young and accomplished ham radio operator from Brazil who’s already making her mark in the world of amateur radio. Licensed at just 10 years old, she was introduced to the hobby by her father, Sergio PP5JR, a well-known contester in Brazil. Juliana has since followed in his footsteps, developing a passion for competition and honing her skills through contests, where she’s learned that “with focus and determination, you can win anything in life”—a lesson instilled by her father that has shaped her approach to both radio and her future.

In addition to her success in contesting, Juliana is also pursuing a career in medicine, like her father. Despite her young age, she’s spoken at major ham conventions, including the world-renowned Dayton Hamvention, where she addressed how to engage more youth in the hobby.

This conversation delves into Juliana’s motivations, the lessons learned from her family, and her balancing act between school, ham radio, and her medical ambitions. Tune in to hear her unique story and be sure to subscribe for more interviews with hams making an impact.

Emir “Braco” Memic, E77DX, is synonymous with excellence in ham radio contesting. With roots going back to his start in Bosnia in 1987, Braco has spent decades honing his skills and building some of the most formidable contest stations in Europe. From his early days contesting in the CQ WPX to operating the legendary OE4A station, Braco’s journey reflects his relentless pursuit of perfection in radiosport.

A master of both station-building and contest strategy, Braco has operated from some of the most iconic contest stations around the world, including D4C, CN3A, and 4O3A. But his crowning achievement is E7DX, a station he built from the ground up in Bosnia over the past 16 years. Today, E7DX boasts an impressive nine towers and cutting-edge technology, making it a powerhouse in major contests like CQ Worldwide and CQ WPX.

Braco’s experience extends beyond contesting—he’s also competed in three World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC), a prestigious event that draws the top contesting talent in the world. He has qualified and participated in the 2014, 2018, and 2023 WRTCs.

The nickname “Braco,” which affectionately means “little brother” in Bosnia, is fitting for a man who embodies the spirit of camaraderie in the ham radio world. Whether he’s sharing his expertise with fellow operators, working on tower installations, or providing support to other contesters, Braco’s impact on the community is immense.

In this interview, we explore Braco’s journey from a small radio club in Bosnia to the heights of international contesting. His story is not just about winning contests—it's about building connections, facing challenges, and continually striving for excellence in the hobby he loves.

Join us as we dive into the mind of Braco E77DX, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more incredible stories from the world of amateur radio.

Mitch Mason K7RL is one of the most accomplished ham radio contesters in the Pacific Northwest. Operating from his station on Camano Island, Washington, Mitch has mastered the unique geographic and propagation challenges of the region. With decades of experience, he’s built an impressive station featuring a 135-foot rotating Bertha pole that is supplemented with a second tower. Those are outfitted with a tribander and stacked mono-banders in addition to what Mitch calls his “JA tree antennas” allowing him to excel in both domestic and international contests. In this interview, Mitch shares how his technical expertise and dedication to improving his station have led to multiple WRTC qualifications. Whether it’s single-op marathon sessions or teaming up for multi-two entires, Mitch’s ability to adapt and overcome the limitations of his location is truly inspiring. Tune in for an inside look at Mitch’s ham radio contesting journey, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

The Contest Crew— Randy Thompson K5ZD, Daniel Craig N6MJ, Christopher Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN—have operated from some of the best contest stations in the world. They’ve contributed to designing and building top-tier stations, explored and implemented new technologies, honed their operating skills through persistent practice and hundreds of contest entries, and won both single-operator and multi-operator categories in major worldwide competitions. Three of the Crew are past WRTC competitors, with N6MJ and KL9A having won the WRTC 2014. Currently, N6MJ and K5ZD are ranked #1 and #2, respectively, in the U.S. qualifying for WRTC 2026. Simply put, the Contest Crew knows contesting inside and out. In this episode, they answer audience questions submitted over the past several days. This was a fun format, and we’re sure to do it again soon. Thanks for watching, and please subscribe to the channel. 73, Kevin, W1DED

Tim Shoppa, N3QE, is back with us to explore how technician-class ham radio operators can expand their operating options. A veteran contester, Tim offers practical insights into technician license holders' opportunities in contests like the ARRL 10-meter and by learning contesting skills in the Parks on the Air program. He also touches on the potential impact of the ARRL's 2018 Technician Enhancement proposal, which could open up new HF privileges. If you're a technician curious about stepping up your game, Tim shares valuable advice on making the leap.Join the conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more great content.

Experience the CY9C DXpedition on the rugged and remote St. Paul Island, located off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. In this exclusive on-island interview, team member Craig Thompson, K9CT, provides an in-depth look at St. Paul Island, ranked 50th on the DXCC most-wanted list. He discusses the island’s challenging weather, its historical significance, and the extraordinary efforts required to reach this isolated location, including the rare use of helicopters. Craig introduces the dedicated team of operators and details the radio and antenna capabilities driving the CY9C operation. Gain insights into the leadership and teamwork that keep the mission on track in such a demanding environment. As the DXpedition enters its final days, the team encourages radio operators worldwide to make contact with CY9C before the operation concludes.

Dave Edmonds, WN4AFP, has had a long, 48-year history in amateur radio, culminating in his deep involvement with State QSO Parties, where he serves as the South Carolina State QSO Party Administrator. After rediscovering his passion for ham radio in 2013, Dave shifted his focus toward State QSO Parties, challenging the conventional belief that high-power stations are necessary to succeed in contests. He advocates for a strategy-first approach, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding propagation. His knowledge and experience, supported by his modest setup of an Icom 7300 and an 80-meter off-center fed dipole, demonstrate that success can come from well-executed planning rather than sheer power. Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, brings a unique perspective with his 43-year history in the hobby. Initially driven by his love for DXing, Anthony has become a QRP (low power) operator, successfully logging over 115,000 QSOs (contacts) with minimal power. His approach to contesting, particularly in the State QSO Parties, is all about precision and strategy, making him a master of “search and pounce” techniques. Anthony’s work in promoting youth involvement in amateur radio and his dedication to providing educational presentations further highlight his commitment to the hobby. In this interview, Dave and Anthony delve into the culture surrounding the 47 State QSO Parties held each year, providing insights into how these contests offer a unique blend of strategy, community, and challenge. They discuss the rise of the State QSO Party Challenge, which has revitalized participation by creating a year-long contest series that ties together these individual events, likening it to a NASCAR cup series for ham radio. The discussion offers valuable perspectives for both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby, particularly in understanding how smaller, state-focused contests can offer just as much excitement and satisfaction as the larger international events. Please join us for the conversation, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio. 73, Kevin Thomas.