2024 CQ World Wide DX Contest
CQ World Wide 2024 HF Contest: A Personal Record for KH6ML
This past weekend, I joined thousands of operators for the CQ World Wide High Frequency Contest, the biggest amateur radio competition globally. Over 35,000 participants were on the air, each of us aiming to make as many contacts across as many DXCC entities and CQ Zones as possible. This year, I surpassed my previous record by a significant margin, achieving 181 contacts with operators in 51 countries and entities—all from my home station!
Using my trusty Icom IC-7300 set to 100 watts and a simple G5RV Jr. wire antenna, I took on the challenge, proving that even with a modest setup, you can reach operators around the world. Although I took breaks and kept close to my usual sleep schedule, the weekend was packed with exciting QSOs and new connections.
5W Samoa VE Canada CT Portugal
9A Croatia VK Australia CX Uruguay
BY China VP2M Montserrat YJ Vanuatu
C2 Nauru W USA YL Latvia
D4 Cape Verde XE Mexico YU Serbia
DL Deutschland ZF Cayman Is EA Spain
DU Philippines ZL New Zealand EA8 Canary Islands
E7 Bosnia EI Ireland F France
FK New Caledonia FM Martinique G England
HA Hungary HL South Korea I Italy
JA Japan KH6 Hawaii KL7 Alaska
KP4 Puerto Rico LU Argentina LY Lithuania
LZ Bulgaria OE Austria OH Finland
OH0 Aland OK Czech Rep. OZ Denmark
PA Netherlands PJ4 Bonaire PY Brazil
S5 Slovenia SM Sweden SV Greece
UA Russia EU UA0 Russia AS V2 Antigua and Barbuda
For amateur radio enthusiasts, the CQ WW isn’t just a test of skill; it's a reminder of the unique camaraderie our hobby brings. Even amid the intensity of a contest, the friendships we forge reach far beyond borders and languages. Now, I’ll wait eagerly as the logs come in to see where I rank. Until then, I’m celebrating a personal best and looking forward to next year’s competition!
Future Contest Dates
SSB is always the last full weekend of October.
2025: October 25 - 26
2026: October 24 - 25
2027: October 30 - 31