Ready for CQ WPX? Contesting Tips from Hall of Famer K5ZD

If you're hoping to participate in the upcoming CQ WPX Contest (or any contest), get some inspiration and tips from one of the best contesters in the world. Randy Thompson, K5ZD, has been contesting for 50 years and was inducted into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in 2008. Randy recently participated in the ARRL DX SSB Contest where he is currently (and unofficially) ranked third worldwide in the Single Operator Unlimited High Power category. He racked up over 4.4 million points while also taking care of some household errands, taking his wife out to dinner and watching some Formula 1 racing. You'll be impressed with Randy's cool, measured approach to amateur radio contesting and his focus on keeping up with the changes to the "game" with positivity. Watch my interview with Randy Thompson, K5ZD, to get a glimpse into the contester mindset.

 

Remember, the WPX is not limited to 'working the dx' from stateside. Everyone is fair game!

 

Is 9.2 miles DX? Hello neighbor. Look forward to logging you this weekend. AI1G

 

Slight correction to the video - CQ WPX does still distinguish assisted vs unassisted as a Single op "overlay" category called "Classic operator"

https://www.cqwpx.com/rules.htm

 

Thanks for the clarification!

 

Thank you (and K5ZD) for the video! The only reason I know about CQWPX rules is because it is going to be my first contest so I have been studying studying studying!

This video was a very good resource for me as someone new to contesting, and I really appreciated his perspective about automation in ham radio.

 

WPX is a blast!

 

From abroad point of view, it's even better since everyone works everyone. Meanwhile the US has vast variety of prefixes so if one's concerned about getting higher scores then the US is really good territory to work both from abroad and from the US itself.

 

Hope to work you all and good props 73

 

Just downloaded and installed N1MM (whatever it is) software log, now if I can figure out how to use it!

73

 

Can I use my contest contacts for my WAS award?!? If so I'm going to get some significant progress...

 

Sure. If you want to get the WAS via ARRL, make sure and upload to LoTW. For the awards via QRZ, make sure and upload to your QRZ log.

.............Bob

 

Good interview, he has a good attitude, One of many that suffer from Praise Addition and the need of reconicition. He seems to know his stuff.

 

CQ WPX was Fun! I Entered the Youth overlay.

 

It's valid for this two ways at same time you can select one or both ways to apply for your award