The Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece consistently aims to participate in the largest and most popular amateur radio contests of the year which are the two most popular CQ World Wide DX Contests, SSB and CW, and the big CQ World Wide WPX Contests, in SSB and CW respectively.
This year was no different. Except that we are at, or near, the peak of the 11-year sunspot cycle, so HF propagation is at its zenith, and our station, and team, is better than it has ever been.
The station and the team is becoming a true International effort, and this is something that renews our energy and hope of achieving new heights never before accomplished by a station in our country.
So following the CQ WW DX contests in October and November where we broke a few records, it was time for CQ WPX, and we were ready for “battle”.
Introduction to the CQ WPX Contests
The CQ World Wide Prefix (WPX) Contest, formerly organized by CQ magazine (hence the name) and now organized by WWROF, is a premier event in the amateur radio contesting scene. It is held twice a year, on the last weekend of March (SSB) and on the last weekend of May (CW). The contest challenges operators to contact as many unique prefixes as possible, enhancing communication between radio amateurs around the world and their operational skills.
Key Characteristics of WPX contests:
- Objective: Maximize contacts with different call sign prefixes.
- Categories: Single Operator, Multi-Operator, High Power, Low Power or QRP (5W).
- Scoring: Emphasis on unique prefixes, encouraging diverse global contacts.
- Duration: Full 48-hour participation or shorter segments (ie. 36 hours for single operators).
The WPX Contest prefix-based scoring system levels the playing field, allowing stations from rare prefixes to compete effectively. It is an excellent opportunity to refine operating skills, test equipment, and engage with the worldwide amateur radio community.
Whether you’re a seasoned contester or a newcomer, the WPX Contest is an exciting platform to showcase your capabilities…
The CQ WPX Contest also offers a unique opportunity for stations in our region to achieve better rankings, given that scoring in the corresponding CQ WW DX contests is less favorable for our part of the world.
Coupled with our prefix (usually no other station uses SZ1), we often have enough of an advantage in order to secure a spot in the Top 10. An achievement which for us is next to impossible to accomplish in the World Wide DX contests.
CQ WPX SSB Contest 2024
The CQ WPX SSB Contest is a cornerstone event in the amateur radio calendar. It challenges operators to maximize contacts across unique call sign prefixes, fostering worldwide communication and operational skill. This contest is particularly exciting because it encourages creativity and strategic thinking, making it a favorite among seasoned operators and newcomers alike.
In the 2024 contest, the SZ1A team made a significant mark. Known for our dedication and competitive spirit, team SZ1A took our participation to a new level by welcoming two distinguished operators from Belgium: Jef Claus – DD2CW / ON4ACA and Dirk Martens – ON3UN. Both Jef and Dirk brought a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the team. Their involvement was not just a boost in numbers but a strategic enhancement that influenced the team’s overall approach.
The synergy between the Greek and Belgian operators highlighted the importance of diverse skill sets and the benefits of cross-cultural exchanges in amateur radio.
We were delighted to welcome these two new friends to our team. We met Jef online some time ago, during the pandemic lockdowns, when he helped us purchase our second OM-Power amplifier. He immediately became a true believer and supporter of our project and donated a Yaesu FT-1000 MK-V Field HF Transceiver and a Microkeyer-II, wow!!!
Since then, we have been planning and eagerly awaiting his participation in a contest with us. This blessed moment finally came in March 2024. And, he brought along another wonderful person, Dirk (ON3UN).
Our new friends arrived on Thursday before the contest, and we had the opportunity to get to know each other better in the city. All signs indicated we would have a great weekend and that there was true chemistry with our team’s new members.
Jef Claus, with his extensive background and experience in operation and contest strategy, provided valuable insights into optimizing station performance and managing pile-ups efficiently.
His prior involvement with SZ1A, including his support in acquiring critical equipment, demonstrated his commitment and passion for the team’s success.
Dirk Martens, an accomplished operator with a knack for precise and effective communication, added another layer of expertise.
His skill in managing complex QSOs and his ability to quickly adapt to changing band conditions were instrumental in navigating the intense contest environment.
This collaboration not only bolstered the team’s performance and morale, but also exemplified the contest’s essence of international fellowship and technical prowess. The synergy between the Greek and Belgian operators highlighted the importance of diverse skill sets and the benefits of cross-cultural exchanges in amateur radio.
Our team is proud to announce Jef and Dirk as our new members, and not only…they are more than that. They are true brothers! We are sure that the future is going to be bright with both of them on board!
So watch out, SZ1A is coming! Hi Hi!
Fellowship, Comradery and Hospitality
Our team is proud to announce Jef and Dirk as our new members, and not only…they are more than that. They are true brothers! We are sure that the future is going to be bright with both of them on board!
Our primary goal is always to have a good time. As the song by Savvopoulos goes, “with transmitters and antennas to create circuits and history”…
This time was no different!
The steaks by Lakis (SV1CIC), the spit-roasted meat by Spyros (SV1CQM), the traditional wild boar stifado stew prepared by SV1CQG’s XYL, and the roast hog by Giannis (SV1GE) were some of the highlights that satisfied our appetites, made us laugh, and have a good time.
On the other side, the neck-to-neck QSO count battle between Jef DD2CW and Cliff SV1JG as our leading operators was great fun for the whole team – a truly friendly sportsmanly competition between the best of peers. Jef just managed to beat Cliff who vouched to “get his blood back” in a rematch of the “battle of the titans” in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest in October. We can’t wait!
Contest Results
We participated in the Multi-Two (M2) category, operating primarily two stations, with an additional inband station contributing occasionally. We managed to score 13 million points in the raw scores, which were ultimately reduced to 11,083,944 after log checking, with 4,724 contacts and 1,356 multipliers. This was our best score ever in SSB, and for the first time ever we surpassed 10 million points!
This was our best score ever in SSB, and for the first time ever we surpassed 10 million points!
We were extremely pleased with our performance, even though our sister station, J42L, with their international team, managed to surpass us, placing us second in Greece. In Europe, we ranked 10th, and we came 16th Worldwide, which was well within our goals and we’re extremely proud of this achievement.
Considering that one of our new operators was participating for the first time in a contest and that other key operators were absent, it was an excellent result that gave us great satisfaction!
Note that global participation this time exceeded all previous records in this contest, with more than 8000 contact logs being submitted. A fact that made our achievement much harder, and the team even more proud.
Operators were Jef DD2CW, Cliff SV1JG, Dirk ON3UN, Andy SV1DKD, Dimitris SV1CIB, Giannis SV1PMQ, John SV1GE, Dimitris SV8LMQ, Kostas SV1DPI, and Teo SV1SYM (in his first contest).
Jef and Dirk have already booked their tickets for October with plans for further improvements!
…and in the end, what’s left?
In the end, we were left with the satisfaction of having a great time, seeing the station improve, and making great new friends who will join us again in the future with even better days ahead…
Jef and Dirk have already booked their tickets for October with plans for further improvements!
Look out! SZ1A will soon be even stronger!
For full statistics on our participation, visit our website here.
CQ WPX CW Contest 2024 was next…
The CW portion of the CQ WPX contest is at the end of May and always marks the end of our contesting year. By then, we have decided on the improvements for the next year and simply want to enjoy the “last dance” of the season!
The CQ World Wide Prefix (WPX) CW Contest, held annually at the end of May, is a premier event for Morse Code enthusiasts in the amateur radio community.
This contest challenges operators to maximize contacts using unique call sign prefixes through CW communication, testing their proficiency in Morse code, strategic thinking, and technical skills.
The fact that it requires an exchange of serial numbers makes it quite a bit more challenging in comparison to the CQ WW contests in Fall.
Participants can compete in various categories, including Single Operator, Multi-Operator, High Power, Low Power, and QRP. The scoring system focuses on unique prefixes, promoting diverse global contacts.
Early on, three friends from afar confirmed their participation: the usual suspects, Garo Molozian – G0PZA, Gianni Capitanio – I7PHH (founder of the famous Pro.Sis.Tel), and in his first visit, a new friend, Raffaele Moretti – IK7MIY.
The CQ WPX CW Contest is a rigorous and rewarding event that fosters global camaraderie and technical excellence, offering an exciting opportunity for seasoned contesters and CW newcomers alike to showcase their skills and connect with the worldwide amateur radio community.
This year was no exception. Early on, three friends from afar confirmed their participation: the usual suspects, Garo Molozian – G0PZA, Gianni Capitanio – I7PHH (founder of the famous Pro.Sis.Tel), and in his first visit, a new friend, Raffaele Moretti – IK7MIY.
They were joined by the hard-core team members Vasilis SV1DPJ, Cliff SV1JG, Kostas SV1DPI, Dimitris SV1CIB, Bill SV1BJW, and Andy SV1DKD. Supporting them were Kostas SV1CQG and our club president Thanasis SV1CQK, with many visitors including SV1HKH, SV1TIQ, SV1CQR, SV1SN, and others.
Participation and Score
This time, we again participated in the Multi-Two (M2) category, achieving a final score of 11,026,384, placing us 1st in Greece, 13th in Europe, and 20th worldwide.
Our initial goal was to surpass our best score from 2016
However, the odds were against us, as solar disturbances, major geomagnetic storms, and radio blackouts before the contest made propagation conditions non-optimal, and thus we ultimately achieved our second-best score.
We aim to try again and break our record next year!
This time, we again participated in the Multi-Two (M2) category, achieving a final score of 11,026,384, placing us 1st in Greece, 13th in Europe, and 20th worldwide.
Food and Atmosphere
As always at SZ1A the food was simply excellent! With lots of BBQ, drinks, and fun as usual. On Saturday, we enjoyed a slow-roasted mutton offered by Bill SV1BJW.
This time we also enjoyed a very special treat made by our Italian friends, who among other delicacies also brought wonderful Italian Wines and Cheeses. On Sunday, Gianni and Raffaele prepared traditional homemade Italian Lasagna with ingredients directly from Italy, which was a huge hit!
Absolutely Fantastic!!!
The fine dining and great company at SZ1A boosted the team’s morale and effort to do our very best in the contest.
In Summary
This time round, we focused more on the contest, with the third station working better in an in-band and multiplier role.
Even though our score was ultimately lower than the SSB portion of the contest, this was due mainly to HF propagation conditions, and our general impression was that we operated more efficiently.
That said, we still have work to do in order to improve operator coordination, especially in contests such as CQ WPX, which only allows one signal on the air.
For full statistics on our participation, visit our website here.
Final Thoughts…
The station operated almost flawlessly in both contests. Achieving scores above 10 million is a significant milestone that we once couldn’t even dream of. We always play fair, which should go without saying but is important to highlight.
We encountered some interference issues between 20 and 10 meters, and the in-band setup needs improvement (adding a rotor, measures for less interference, height adjustments, etc.).
George – SV1ELF (SK) left us at the beginning of the year, and we miss him dearly. However, we continue to move forward, which is the most important thing, and, something that George would have wanted.
The international members bring a vast amount of experience, support, and knowledge to the table, which is an invaluable asset for our team and project as a whole.
Meeting new people and seeing old friends again is always a great achievement for us. Improving the station and introducing new people to contesting is equally important.
The station and the team is becoming a true International effort, and this is something that renews our energy and hope of achieving new heights never before accomplished by a station in our country.
The international members bring a vast amount of experience, support, and knowledge to the table, which is an invaluable asset for our team and project as a whole.
We hope to improve even more in the next season. We already have plans in motion for the new year. More importantly, we hope you can join us, see what we’ve accomplished, and get involved in contesting.
Whether you’re a skilled operator or a beginner, we’d be delighted to have you join us!
In short, we’re getting bigger and better, and are looking forward to a bright future at SZ1A!
Thank you to all who support our project! 73 and CU in the next TEST!
