I’ve actually entered an HF contest. Usually, you’ll find me stalking the VHF bands, looking for new grids, and entering contests. But this time, I tried out the WW Digi DX Contest, which limits entries to HF and WSJT-X FT8 and FT4.

Considering Entry Category

I spent some time this past week considering the correct entry category. I noted that the record for W5 entries in the 10-meter single band low power category was 10 points. I should be able to beat that. I also saw that there were no W5 records/entries for any of the single-band QRP categories. Since we’re near the sunspot cycle’s peak, I thought there was no better time than now to enter the 10-meter QRP category.

10-Meter QRP Results

There was some activity, but not a great deal. Plus, it’s always hard to be heard with just 5 watts. Plus, I ran an MA6V vertical, so there was no antenna gain whatsoever. Even so, I put 29 stations into the log along with 19 multipliers for a score of 1,748. All were FT8 contacts. I heard one station on FT4, but they didn’t hear me.

The first station into the log Saturday morning was South Africa, followed by the Falklands and Namibia. By Saturday night, I was working a few Australians and New Zealanders.

For logging, I used the N3FJP WW Digi contest log connected directly to WSJT-X. It worked quite well. The rig was an IC-746PRO with a Rigexpert interface and a Diamond Wattmeter to ensure I was at 5 watts.

I had some fun with this contest and learned or refreshed a few things about HF operating.

Update — Results

I finished 1st in North America and 7th in the World. And, set a North America Record, as predicted above. Of course, I’m the only one who entered from North America. Choose your categories wisely!