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Fabio I4UFH's Masterstroke: Turning ‘African Italy’ into a 3-Point Powerhouse

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by W1DED, Jan 13, 2025.

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  1. W1DED

    W1DED Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page


    Fabio Schettino I4UFH is a fascinating figure in the world of ham radio contesting. With over 45 years in the hobby, Fabio has pushed boundaries—from masterminding massive multi-multi operations at IG9A in Lampedusa and setting records from Cape Verde’s D4C station. He’s not just a top-tier contester but also an innovator, creating log analysis software and SO2R switching devices that raised the bar for operators worldwide.

    In one of his boldest moves, Fabio spearheaded the campaign to convince the CQ Contest Committee that Lampedusa Island, part of Italy, should be considered part of Africa’s continental shelf—turning it into a coveted three-point multiplier. His persistence paid off, making Lampedusa a prime destination for Italian contesters and a key battleground in the pursuit of world records.

    In this conversation, Fabio takes us behind the scenes of some of ambitious contest efforts —complete with towering 24-meter antennas and gear hauled across islands and stories of camaraderie, rivalries, and technical wizardry. He shares how he helped define Italy's ham radio landscape, leading efforts like WRTC 2023 and mentoring the next generation of operators through Italy’s first dedicated contest school.

    Curious about how an SSB legend with a competitive streak approaches radiosport with just 100 watts at WRTC? Or why he believes SSB contesting demands sharper skills than CW? Fabio’s insights into the future of contesting—and his plans for 2025—are a must-watch.

    Catch the full story soon—subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio so you don’t miss this exclusive interview with a true trailblazer.
    W1DED_228_I4UFH_Thumb02.jpg
     
    AK5B and PY2YJ like this.
  2. KB2ANG

    KB2ANG Ham Member QRZ Page

    If only the USCG Loran-C tower was still standing....
     
    N0YXB likes this.
  3. K4VMG

    K4VMG QRZ Lifetime Member #302 Platinum Subscriber Life Member QRZ Page

    I remember using Loran C in my seagoing days. Average at best and really subject to wide variations. It was OK for guesstimates but stars and sun never failed.
     
  4. W7ACP

    W7ACP Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    I'm a plank owner of USCG LORSTA LAMPEDUSA. I watched the tower construction as we were installing the ATLAS (Air Transportable LORAN Station), and I've climbed it several times for maintenance. Lampedusa has come a very long way from the sleepy post WWII state it was in in 1973 to the tourist destination it is today. I remember a local named Fabio who was also there from the beginning. We didn't interact much as I was an ET3 standing watch on the timers (mostly mid--watches).

    I'm pretty sure Fabio is in this photo - on the right first row. Don't try looking for me, I was on watch at the time.
    LORSTA LAMPEDUSA First Crew.JPG
     
    W1DED, N0YXB and AE0Q like this.

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