One Week to WRTC: Strategy, Gear and Last-Minute Prep

What to Expect at the 2026 Cincinnati Hamfest

The Cincinnati Hamfest has become much more than a flea market—it's a gathering built around learning, friendships, and the future of amateur radio. Ron Brooks, AC8MA joins Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio to preview the 2026 Cincinnati Hamfest, which also serves as this year's ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention. From major exhibitors and technical forums to VE testing, RV camping, and club recognition, Ron explains why this regional event continues to attract operators from across the Midwest and beyond. This year's program includes appearances from Ten-Tec and AlphaRF, demonstrations of the Phoenix SDR, presentations on DXing, fox hunting, and an ARRL update, plus on-site support from QRZ. Ron also shares how the Milford Amateur Radio Club uses the hamfest to strengthen the amateur radio community—not simply as a fundraiser, but as a place where operators reconnect, meet new friends, and encourage newcomers to earn their first license. One particularly interesting development is the club's ARDC-supported repeater project, which will create what Ron expects to be the highest-profile Wires-X system in southwest Ohio. It's another example of how today's hamfests continue to support tomorrow's infrastructure while preserving the traditions that make amateur radio unique. Whether you're planning to attend, looking for technical presentations, or simply enjoy seeing how successful regional hamfests are evolving, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Midwest's signature amateur radio gatherings. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for supporting Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio and helping operators everywhere—from DXers and contesters to builders, POTA activators, and everyday hams—get more from the hobby.

One Week to WRTC: Strategy, Gear and Last-Minute Prep

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. Thanks to DX Engineering for supporting Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio and helping bring coverage of the people, stations, and events that inspire contesters, DXers, Parks on the Air operators, and builders across the amateur radio community.

Inside WRTC 2026: What It Took to Pull Off Ham Radio's Biggest Event

The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC 2026) was far more than a 24-hour contest. It was three years of planning that culminated in one of amateur radio's most ambitious international events. Mark Haynes M0DXR, WRTC 2026 Chairman, joins Q5 just days after the closing ceremonies to reflect on what worked, what nearly didn't, and what it really took to bring the world's best contest operators together under equal conditions. From building 50 identical operating sites to coordinating volunteers, referees, transportation, generators, networking, media coverage, and hundreds of participants, Mark shares the stories viewers never saw during the event. He also discusses the surprisingly small volunteer force that made it all possible, the technical challenges encountered during the contest, and the emotional closing ceremony after years of preparation. The conversation also looks beyond the competition itself. Mark explains how WRTC continues to evolve through live scoreboards, expanded media coverage, youth participation, and the lessons already being documented for the organizers of WRTC 2030. Along the way, he shares memorable moments from contest weekend, unexpected logistical challenges, what impressed him most about the competitors, and why the event succeeded despite its extraordinary complexity. If you've been following Q5's WRTC coverage, this episode continues the story with an inside look at one of the most challenging volunteer efforts ever undertaken in amateur radio. It also offers valuable insight for contesters, event organizers, volunteers, and anyone interested in how a world-class ham radio competition comes together. A special thank you to DX Engineering for believing in Q5 and our vision for ham radio media. Your support has made it possible to bring in-depth coverage like this to the amateur radio community. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

Inside WRTC: Contest Crew North America vs Europe

Contest Crew North America and Contest Crew Europe come together for a rare cross-Atlantic conversation just days before the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC). Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Filipe Lopes CT1ILT, and Braco Memic E77DX pull back the curtain on the final scramble before one of amateur radio's most demanding competition. The discussion is equal parts technical and entertaining. The group dives into everything from spare radios and "secret boxes" to antenna rotor management in two-operator competition, revealing just how much coordination needs to happen. Randy offers insight into the enormous logistical challenge facing WRTC organizers, while Chris explains why teamwork, constant communication, and operating accuracy often matter more than expensive hardware. The conversation also tackles bigger issues surrounding WRTC. The operators discuss maintaining a true level playing field, the impact of "cheerleading" by supporters on the air, the event's no-flags policy, and the need for greater visibility throughout the amateur radio community. Filipe also shares the story behind his new CWForever.eu Morse training platform, a project that began as a simple tool for his contest team before attracting some of the world's fastest CW operators. Whether you're preparing to chase WRTC stations or simply curious how the world's best contesters think, this conversation offers a candid look at the preparation, philosophy, and friendly rivalry behind radiosport's premier event. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. A special thanks to DX Engineering for making conversations like this possible. Their continued support helps contesters, DXers, Parks on the Air operators, and amateur radio enthusiasts around the world stay connected and keep pushing the hobby forward. Welcome to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio!

How Top Contesters Prepare for WRTC (Q5 Clip)

How do the world's top contesters prepare for the biggest competition in amateur radio? Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Bill Fehring W9KKN, and Tim Duffy K3LR discuss the preparation, strategy, and mindset behind competing at the World Radiosport Team Championship. From intensive CW practice and log analysis to equipment checklists and operating strategy, they explain what matters most before the contest even begins. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for supporting Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio and helping contesters, DXers, Parks on the Air operators, and station builders pursue excellence on the air. Their continued support helps bring conversations like these to the amateur radio community.