The world's best contesters are almost on the air, and this is what the final days before WRTC really look like. Just days before WRTC 2026 begins, I'm joined by Randy Thompson K5ZD, Dan Craig N6MJ, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Bill Fehring W9KKN, and special guest Tim Duffy K3LR for one last conversation before everyone heads to the UK. From last-minute radio problems and travel logistics to strategy, pit crews, youth teams, and the new live scoreboard by the World Radio League, this episode captures the anticipation that only comes before the biggest event in contesting. Chris and Dan discuss preparing for what could be their final WRTC together, Randy shares the realities of sorting through contest equipment just days before departure, and Tim offers perspective from his European tour, Friedrichshafen, and meetings with many of the operators who will soon be on the air. We also talk about the expanded WRTC media coverage, the stories worth following beyond the leaderboard, and why every amateur radio operator can become part of the event simply by getting on the air and making contacts. From experienced veterans to the next generation of youth competitors, WRTC 2026 promises compelling stories both on and off the bands. If you enjoyed our earlier WRTC conversations, this episode sets the stage for everything that follows as contest weekend begins. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
They don't waste time with "TU". And there is much much more to contesting than what you alledge. Station build, operator endurance, operator skill. This was a one day contest not the entire weekend and it did not involve the WARC bands. So if they bother you so much you have options other than participating or listening. Some of the most significant advancements in station design (filtering, antenna switching and many more) have come from contest operations.
Like always... There is no middle ground... Either you love contests or you hate them. Those "TU" is not a waste of time. If you can make a contact in shorter amount of time then you can make more contacts during the contests. Contests make the bands alive! You can make contacts with DXCCs you have never made before I am a contester and DXer myself. If there would be no contests, I would probably sell my tower, my antenna, my radio and other equipment, and quit this hobby altogether. So If contests bother you so much, just go into WARC bands because there is no contests in those bands. Or perhaps go outside and do something more useful 73!
"USELESS" QRM? Well, to that end OM, your specific take on QRM leads me to believe that there is indeed...A USEFUL QRM?!? Or just maybe this guy is just messing with my head?!? Damn you Michael!
I'd absolutely LOVE to hear your definition, even vaguely, of who "THEY" are , OM. Staying silent in rebuttal to flaming nonsense has put especially this once great and disciplined country in a world of escalating hurt. Please sir. Define "they."
