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Contests

Contests

Amateur radio contesting (or "radiosport") involves making as many contacts with other amateur radio stations as you can during a specific time frame.

Contests vary in length, rules, and focus, ranging from short local events to large international competitions. Contesting helps operators develop their technical skills, improve station efficiency, and foster friendly competition within the amateur radio community.

The contest rules usually require that you exchange a particular piece of information for the contact to count. Sometimes that's a sequential number, where you live, your age, the year you were first licensed, and so on. 

 

General Ham Resources

Contest Examples

  1. Field Day: Field Day is one of the most popular amateur radio events in North America, combining aspects of emergency preparedness with contesting. It encourages operators to set up temporary stations and make as many contacts as possible within 24 hours. Learn more about Field Day.

  2. Sweepstakes: The ARRL Sweepstakes is a contest that challenges operators to contact as many North American stations as possible over a weekend. It is an excellent way for operators to test their skills and station capabilities. Find details on ARRL Sweepstakes.

  3. International DX Contest: The ARRL International DX Contest is an opportunity for North American stations to contact stations outside the continent. This contest helps operators improve their DXing skills and make international contacts. Read more about ARRL International DX Contest.

  4. QSO Parties: QSO parties are regional contests where operators focus on making contacts within specific states or areas. They are a great way to engage with local amateur radio communities and work toward awards like WAS. Discover more about QSO Parties.

More Resources:

Contesting Basics, from the ARRL.

Weekly Contest Calendar from WA7BNM.

Local Club Activities

RARS participates in two contests each year.

The North Carolina QSO Party at the end of February is a fun state-based contest. Most states have one and they are on the weekends. RARS is a mofor sponsor of the NCQP.

Not specifically a contest, but a great opportunity to learn, the RARS Field Day occurs at the end of June. In 2024, we had 9 stations running at the same time! THe "Get on The Air" station allowed new hams and non-hams the chance to talk on the HF radio.