Luca Aliprandi, IK2NCJ, is back! In this much-anticipated Part Two, Luca joins us live from the renowned D4C superstation in Cape Verde for an exclusive deep dive into its history, operations, and the world-class contest results that have cemented D4C’s legendary status. Luca takes us behind the scenes with stories of resilience—from rebuilding after natural disasters to maintaining bonds with top operators like E77DX Emir and CT1BOH José. Discover how this contest station evolved from its humble beginnings into a global powerhouse with a record-breaking track record. The interview features details about station logistics, including the strategic decision to avoid rotors due to harsh conditions and the meticulous organization of antennas across the mountainous terrain. Luca also discusses the dedication it takes to sustain such a remote station, emphasizing the critical role of teamwork and innovation, including remote operating setups for added flexibility. If you're curious about how operators like Luca and his team continue to dominate, or you’re inspired to sharpen your contesting game, this conversation is packed with insights and advice for beginners and seasoned hams alike. Don’t miss the unforgettable stories and stunning visuals of D4C in action. Be sure to watch until the end, and as always—join the conversation and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more incredible ham radio content!
No question that D4C is a world class contest station. I have logged them many times. However, to say that it is the world's most dominant station I think is an overstatement. Not that QRZ callsign lookups are the gold standard of dominance but there are other contest stations with much larger lookup numbers than D4C. As but two examples PJ2T and W3LPL are way ahead of D4C in the lookup race. All mega contest stations are admirable. The effort that goes into building, maintaining and staffing such stations is amazing. But to single out one as being the most dominant is, IMO, a stretch.
I see your point—‘most dominant’ may indeed be too strong a term. D4C is certainly a powerhouse among an elite group of world-class contest stations, but you’re right that there are other incredible stations like PJ2T and W3LPL with impressive records and visibility. Something that often comes up in conversations, both on and off camera, is how top operators select station locations where their skills, combined with favorable geography, can maximize scoring potential and even set world records. It really highlights how much thought and strategy go into making a station stand out on a global scale.
Absolutely! I have had the pleasure of contesting alongside 2 of the best--N6MJ and KL9A, as you well know both past WRTC gold winners. KL9A is now putting together his own future world class contest station in Montana. N6MJ does what you suggest. He is welcome to operate anywhere given his skills but he picks contest locations to operate from based on the station itself, its location and favorable propagation. In years past they, and I, operated from the (now QRT) NK7U mega station. The station itself in terms of equipment and antennas was world class and with operators like Dan and Chris it was well staffed. And while NK7U won some contests in its category based on location it was never going to be a world class operation. Situated in Eastern Oregon it just did not have the location and propagation needed to be world class. There were many, many DX contests where looking at the DX cluster spots we would see stations in Southern CA working DX that we could not until hours later. Early band openings and location makes, as you know, a huge difference. Stations in the Carib, PJ2T being just one example have a clear shot to parts of the world that a station in the PNW simply doesn't have. Our big scores often came from HUGE JA runs on all bands. But it appears that the number of JA contest ops today is far less than it was 20 years ago. I enjoy watching your videos. You and your guests offer some great tips especially valuable for new contest ops.
Its difficult to compare PJ2T versus D4C. Depending on the year and depending on the contest, either station can do very well. What is very, very difficult to challenge D4C on is the fact that it literally is on a mountain top which avails itself to some very low take off angles. PJ2T is in a great location for the Caribbean but it does suffer one fault - its on the west side of a rather annoying hill that does partially block the path to Europe. While steps have been taken to limit that issue, it remains a challenge and will continue to be so. Teams have won the world in all six of the "major" contests from both locations. D4C seems to be having a rather strong string of victories recently though. If you want current competitors for comparison sake: CN3A and D4C is the more relevant comparison right now.
If your going to talk about dominant from the point of being heard almost anywhere . Then Stan KE5EE would have to be added to that list.
Amateur Radio - perhaps the only place where total world dominance is not a bad thing. Took the rest of the world to help make it happen. 73 NE5B - Ben
I have a lot of respect for this team. Real ham radio. Additionally, they confirm LOTW contacts without demanding anything in return. It's not like others who take log books hostage. Well done and thank you.
Really, these stations are like NSA receiving locations. Not on the hobby level more on the Govt level.
