How to Participate in a Ham Radio Contest

A ham radio contest, often referred to as an amateur radio contest, is a challenge offered by various ham radio groups, clubs and publications. Contesting, also known as radiosport, offers individual ham radio operators and teams to test their skill and speed in contacting as many stations as possible in a designated period of time. To participate in a ham radio contest, the first and most basic requirement is to have your FCC operating license.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• FCC operating license
• DXing skills, referring to the telegraphic code for 'distance'
• List of ham radio contest opportunities for which you qualify

Participate in a Ham Radio Contest

1. Decide what aspect of a ham radio contest appeals to you most, be it improving your operating skills, better understanding your equipment or meeting fellow hams. The type of contest you choose and how you participate should be influenced by this overall goal.

2. Choose a contest category, at least for your first time, which doesn't require you to purchase any additional equipment than you have. For example, if you have just a single element antenna, look for a ham radio contest designed specifically for that category.

3. Keep things simple for your first contest by not worrying about a computerized logging program. While you will see these with every operator in a big international ham radio contest, you can fairly easily participate in state and national contests doing your logging of stations you contact by hand.

4. Find a comprehensive list of contests through the American Radio Relay League (see Resources below) by searching for the clubs in your area.

5. Contact your local ham radio operators club and ask about membership. Ham radio clubs welcome new members and are usually eager to help new members learn the ropes regarding their how to operate their rigs and how to participate in their first ham radio contests.

Tips & Warnings

• For your first ham radio contest, consider joining a team of other hams for a multi-operator designation. They can show you the ropes and the many intricacies of contest participation, which will allow you to fully enjoy your first experience without feeling too much pressure to get everything right. You can usually find nearby teams of hams through your local amateur radio club.

Resources

• American Radio Relay League to find your local amateur radio club
• Subscribe to the National Contest Journal