I recently had the privilege of speaking with Craig Thompson, K9CT, about his numerous contributions to the ham radio hobby. Craig's passion for radio, supported by his parents, led him to obtain his ham radio license at a young age, and his dedication has resulted in significant achievements. Craig is a member of the prestigious DXCC Honor Roll, having confirmed 338 countries. His participation in numerous serious DXpeditions, including rare entities like Midway Island, Palmyra, and Navassa, has showcased his leadership, planning expertise, and teambuilding skills. One of his signature accomplishments is the creation of a world-class contest superstation in Illinois, which we discussed in detail. Most impressively, Craig has played a crucial role in promoting ham radio through various leadership roles. He has been inducted into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame and actively works to increase the hobby's visibility, particularly among younger generations. His involvement with the Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) and efforts to support youth participation in DXing demonstrate his commitment to the future of ham radio. Craig’s story is one of passion, dedication, and leadership. His accomplishments and efforts to sustain and promote the ham radio hobby continue to inspire the community. And he’s quite obviously having fun along the way.
Craig deserves all the accolades for his enthusiasm, operations, leadership, and promotion of amateur radio. He's in all the contests, I've worked him hundreds of times over the years. Promoting amateur radio to the younger generation is and will continue to be a tough road to hoe. Many reasons abound that we didn't experience in the 1950's through the mid 70's...what I call the boom times of ham radio. Back then, wireless communicating to people all over the world was 'magic', inviting the curiosity of many youngsters with even the slightest interest in electronics, and technology in general. Not so today, as I feel that technology available to the general public now has 'out-teched' ham radio. Not that there hasn't been huge technological strides in our hobby, but they're reserved for and known by the ones in (or interested in) HR. IMO, getting the youth movement involved is greatly hampered by (earliest to latest): antenna restrictions in newer communities, the personal computer, internet, cell phones, smart phones, and online gaming. Craig touched on a 'gaming' aspect in contests, due to instant gratification of real time scoring updates...don't have to wait 6 to 9 months for final scores and placements. Well, we already have the Online Scoreboard (raw scores), and probably quicker things to come. Plus, we no longer have to wait for QSL cards to achieve certificates, with LOTW (whenever it returns), eQSL, etc. I think the kids of today prefer the violent shoot-em-ups in the online gaming world. A HR youth movement is a tough subject to solve. No answers from me, only possible reasons. Talk to most people under 45, and they don't even know what ham radio is. But, we still have the 'Contest Crew' youngsters (to me) carrying elite contesting into the future. Another great interview, Kevin! 73, Bob K7JQ
Gang, I am lucky enough to personally know Craig - K9CT. He is a super nice guy indeed, and his Ham Radio history speaks for itself. I am mighty proud to say that I am among the thousands of hams that have QSL cards from him confirming HF and VHF contacts. He is known all over the world in Ham Radio circles, but still seems to act like one of us regular Joe Hams. Craig is truly a cut above many of us in his Ham Radio accomplishments, yet has still has seemed to still be able to relate to us “ Commoner Type “ Hams. Here is to K9CT, well deserved indeed
Craig is a member SMC (Society of Midwest Contesters). I also belong to SMC, and it is always nice to have a QSO with Craig - he's real nice guy, with a killer station to boot! If I can't work K9CT, there's either something wrong with my station, or conditions are majorly awful. Craig often hosts multi-op setups at K9CT during contests, inviting others to join in the effort, and serving as a mentor to hams who want to get their feet wet in contesting. It's good to see him getting the recognition. 73, Ellen - AF9J
Great video of an impressive individual who is making a difference. The attention to detail in his station development is over the top. Incredible. There are some real gems in the last 10 minutes where Craig talks about how to get young people involved in amateur radio. My time at W9JWC, Bradley University, and W9YT, University of Wisconsin set the stage for future success in business. Bravo!
Another great program! Craigs thoughts on attracting younger blood into ham radio struck a chord with me. Something as simple as upgrading, rejuvenating college - and high school - radio clubs are very doable steps many of us can take. Bob W3HKK since 1956. ex: F7AL - SM7/W3HKK - ON8UD - 5A3TG - 9G1GS - PY8/W3HKK - PS7/W3HKK
Great as a person and even greater as an amateur radio operator! Congratulations Craig for your great work and your passion for radio. Enhorabuena amigo. EA1DR Oscar Luis
I like his analogy that he wanted to have a clean contest station, (no splattering). Even though that's not necessarily an advantage in a contest, as he's pointed out other stations like to splatter and keep control of the frequency. The other Contesters, should become clean also. 73 from, The K0UO " Rhombic Antenna Farm" miles of wire in the Air & On the AIR daily
On my drive up from Florida to my 2nd QTH in South Dakota I stopped by Craig's place to offer some suggestions for more efficient SO2R contesting. (And if you believe that, I have some land in FL to sell you!!). Actually, we both purchased LUSO towers at about the same time and I wanted to compare some notes regarding the computer control of the tower rotator. The XYL was along and Craig picked up REAL quick that I wanted to show her that I was not the only crazy ham out there who likes lots of ham radio toys!!
My wife and I were on a simple drive one weekend, saw Craig's antenna farm, and stopped by to say HI. Little did I know, it was a contest weekend, and he was focused on a hot competition on RTTY. I was clueless about the contest, But, Craig took his time, gave us a polite, warm welcome and shack tour, explained about the contest, and we left. He was most courteous, understanding and unassuming. (I should have been a little more aware of the circumstances.) What a true asset to have in our hobby!
