The are plenty of ways to compete in ham radio. A hobby is something to relax and get away from the daily grind. But us type "A's" still have to compete and win, even if it is only a hobby! So amateur radio contesting was devised. And I love it and have done well for many years.

Type A's enjoy having awards displayed on their walls.

The basic premise of all contests is to contact as many stations in different locations as you can within a defined time period. Most contests last 48 hours. A contact is usually a very short message sent by each station to verify that each hears the other. A complete contact could be "my call is K0LUZ, you are the 925th station I have worked since the beginning of the contest, and I am located in Florida". That's it...the other station gives me their information and you start looking for someone else to contact. Often 70 to 100 stations are contacted in a single hour.

In a 48 hour time period, it is not unusual to work over 1500 stations in every state or 125 countries if it is an international contest. What makes a good contester? Well, like many sports (sports car racing, yacht racing), equipment is a major factor. Better radios and antennas allow more stations to be able to hear you. Also, the person operating the station makes a big difference. The operator has to have good ears (be able to hear between static crashes and other stations interference). A good knowledge of the atmospheric conditions helps to find more countries to contact. Also, a operator must be quick, efficent, and accurate.

Working on the antennas so that the signal will be LOUD

Suggested Links

	A comprehensive list of all the awards that can be attained in ham radio
	After you have gone to this site, there will no need to give you any more contests sites because there are mega links here

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