Radio contesting, or "radiosport," is a popular way for amateur radio operators to test their skills, equipment, and strategy by making as many contacts as possible in a set period.
I enjoy contests because it usually means that the bands are alive with lots of nice DX and as much as I don't keep score or submit logs, I do like to make as many contacts as I can during each contest just to make the most of the elevated levels of activity to be enjoyed at these times.
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| CQ World Wide WPX (CW 2009) - my 52 countries worked during the contest |
However, if you want to take contesting more seriously, for operators in the UK, there are several routes into contesting, each offering unique experiences and learning opportunities.
1. Participate in RSGB weekly contests
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) runs a variety of contests that are perfect for beginners. These include HF contests like the RSGB 80m Club Championship and the UKAC (UK Activity Contests), which are held on different HF, VHF, and UHF bands throughout the month. VHF and UHF contests are particularly accessible to those with basic equipment and smaller antennas, as they typically involve shorter-range communication, making them ideal for operators in urban areas or with limited space. Participating in these contests allows you to familiarise yourself with contesting procedures and improves your operating skills in a structured, yet relaxed environment. The RSGB also provide a lot of useful information here: https://rsgb.org/main/radio-sport/radcom-contesting/
2. Join a local Amateur Radio Club
Many local amateur radio clubs in the UK have active contesting groups. By joining a club, you can benefit from the collective experience of seasoned contesters and access to club equipment, which may be more advanced than your own. Clubs often participate in RSGB contests as teams, which is a great way to learn from others and get involved in the community. Clubs such as the Drowned Rats Radio Group and the VHF Contest Club are known for their participation in VHF and UHF contests, providing opportunities to operate in a group setting and learn about different aspects of contesting.
3. Engage with online contesting communities
Online communities and forums provide valuable resources for new contesters. Websites like the RSGB Contest Committee's site offer detailed information about upcoming contests, rules, and results. Engaging with these communities allows you to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from more experienced operators. The UK Contest Reflector and the VHF Contest Forum are popular places where UK contesters discuss strategies, share tips, and organise activities.
4. Explore VHF and UHF contesting
Contesting on VHF and UHF bands provides a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to HF contesting. These bands are affected by different propagation modes, such as tropospheric ducting and Sporadic-E, which can lead to surprising long-distance contacts. VHF/UHF contests often have a regional focus, making them accessible to operators with basic equipment. Participating in these contests helps you understand the nuances of these bands, such as the impact of terrain and the importance of antenna height and gain.
5. Contest Logging Software
Effective logging is essential for successful contesting. Contest logging software, such as N1MM Logger+ or Win-Test, is widely used to track contacts, score accurately, and manage log submissions. These tools are particularly useful in contests that involve rapid exchanges and numerous contacts, as they help prevent duplicate contacts and errors. Familiarising yourself with logging software will improve efficiency and accuracy, making the whole contesting experience more enjoyable.
For more information, visit http://www.contesting.com and follow the links in the “New to Contesting?” section.
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