José Nunes, CT1BOH, is a force of nature in ham radio contesting. Licensed at the age of 15, José’s journey began with a fascination for DXing, but it was a dinner with the legendary Jim Neiger, N6TJ, in 1985 that transformed his hobby into an obsession. He made a vow to himself that night to win the CQ Worldwide Contest—and he did, shattering records along the way. José has competed in an incredible 69 CQWW contests from locations around the globe, including Cape Verde, Madeira, Aruba, Venezuela, Canary Islands and Hawaii, racking up world titles and pioneering operating techniques like SO2R and 2BSIQ. His analytical mind and relentless drive for perfection have not only earned him elite status but also made him a mentor and innovator in the ham radio community. Whether it's mastering pile-up management, developing log-checking algorithms, or revolutionizing real-time propagation monitoring, José’s impact on the hobby is profound. In this captivating interview, José shares the mindset and strategies behind his success, his passion for propagation and DXing, and his views on the future of contesting. Don’t miss his inspiring advice for aspiring contesters and a behind-the-scenes look at the obsession and preparation it takes to reach the top. Join the conversation, and if you’re as fascinated by José’s story as we are, subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more interviews with the legends of the hobby. Your next big ham radio inspiration might be just a click away!
There are alot DXCC I haven't contact yet. For me, contest just one way for chasing them. Hope see u on air! I am a rookie, have't yagi, 100W is limited power. DE BD4THU LEE 73!
Dear Oms, The inteview is shallow and superficial.... All I learned is BASICLY and YOU KNOW which were said too often.... CT1BOH operated simultaniously two bands on two radio in CW on a high speed when conditions to Hong Kong were not the best plus echo.... I called and received a progressive number which was not easy to understand.... He got my number and qso points plus a multiplier when I had no chance to ask to repeat my number and lost time , points and a multiplier too... Since I prefer not to call so called top contest operator who has a little respect to an air plancton.... Igor VR2T / VR2ZQZ HONG KONG
What a great interview. I not only learned a lot, I find myself inspired to get obsessed! And besides that, Jose is a completely charming guy. Thanks for doing this. 73 Skip K4EAK
But didn't he lost the point as well? I thought that if the exchange is not copied at both ends, then both lose the point? This is a real question, I would like to know what happens when only one side makes a mistake in a contest.
I had the pleasure of watching Jose run at 4U1UN in 1982(?) FANTASTIC operator, rattling them off at 4-5 QSO's per minute! N2KW
Training, practice, skill, location, station engineering, opportunity and persistence. Like all endeavours in life. There is no free lunches and shortcuts. It also helps to have extraordinary CW skills like Jose. Listening to him in CW pileup is like listening to a Master like Vivaldi playing a violin, a true master. The best of the best. The other key takeaway is that talent needs to be rewarded and mentored for the next generation. VK3OD
