In 2008 I began participating in amateur radio contesting, also known as “radiosport.” Like many other facets of the hobby, contesting is not for everyone, but any licensed ham operator can participate. While I don’t enter contests to win, I do challenge myself with personal goals I want to achieve. My “lil pistol” station cannot compete with the likes of “big gun” stations running linear amplifiers, antenna arrays and towers.

In the same year became a member of the local contest club, the Northern California Contest Club, which was founded in 1970 and is 200 members strong. Much like my approach to contesting, the club goals are in line with mine:

* To promote the fun, satisfaction and competitive thrill of radio contesting.
* To help our members develop their operating and technical skills to become better contesters.
* To win the club competition of major amateur radio contests.

I feel fortunate to be located near a “big gun” station in Oakley, California, N6RO or “Radio Oakley” run by Ken Keeler. The operators who call this station home during contests are experienced and bring with them a wealth of knowledge with them. You can read about N6RO in the January, 2004 edition of the NCCC online newsletter, The Jug.

Search my online logbook to see if I have verified a contact.

CONTEST PARTICIPATION

American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Contests
ARRL 10-Meter Contest
Mixed: 2009

ARRL Sweepstakes
CW: 2011*, 2010*, 2009
SSB: 2011, 2010, 2009

ARRL DX
CW: 2012, 2010
SSB: 2011*, 2010, 2009

ARRL RTTY Roundup
RTTY: 2010, 2009

ARRL Field Day
Mixed: 2012, 2011, 2010

ARRL Kid’s Day
2011

CQ Amateur Radio Contests
CQ World Wide WPX
CW: 2011, 2010, 2009
SSB: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
RTTY: 2012, 2010*, 2009

CQ World Wide RTTY
RTTY: 2009

CQ World Wide DX
CW: 2011, 2010, 2009
SSB: 2009

NCJ Contests
North American QSO Party
CW: 2012 (Aug), 2012 (Jan), 2011 (Aug), 2010 (Aug), 2010 (Jan), 2009 (Aug)
RTTY: 2012 (Feb), 2010 (Jul), 2010 (Feb), 2009 (Feb)
SSB: 2012 (Jan), 2010 (Aug), 2010 (Jan), 2009 (Aug),  2009 (Jan)

North American Sprint
RTTY: 2011 (Mar)

Japan International DX Contest
CW: 2011, 2010

State QSO Parties
7QP: 2011, 2010, 2009
CQP: 2011, 2010
INQP: 2011, 2010
MNQP: 2010
NEQP:2011, 2010
VAQP: 2011

Other Contests
RAC Canada Winter: 2008
RAC Canada Day: 2009
RDXC: 2011
RSGB: 2010

* denotes award won in contest