view this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/69cf93191549/contest-update-for-september-30-2026?es8576ac55)


September 30, 2026 Editor: Max Freedman, N4ML (mailto:mfreedman@arrl.org?subject?ody?
ARRL Homepage (https://www.arrl.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

Contest Calendar (https://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/amateur/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558



** In this Issue:
------------------------------------------------------------
* Upcoming Contests '" Things to Do (#Upcoming-Contests-_-Things-to-Do)
* Busted QSOs (#Busted-QSOs)
* Contest Summary (#Contest-Summary)
* News, Press Releases, and Special Interest (#News_-Press-Releases_-and-Special-Interest)

* Word to the Wise (#Word-to-the-Wise)
* Sights and Sounds (#Sights-and-Sounds)
* Operating Tip (#Operating-Tip)
* Technical Topics and Discussion (#Technical-Topics-and-Discussion)
* Conversation (#Conversation)
* Contests (#Contests)
* Log Due Dates (#Log-Due-Dates)


** Upcoming Contests '" Things to Do () ------------------------------------------------------------

We made it through the poor high-band conditions during CQWW RTTY this past weekend and are on to some more great contests in this next period.


This weekend there are a couple of events to talk about with some neat synergies. The phone edition of the Oceania DX Contest is this weekend, as is the California QSO Party (CQP). Both are really fun events, so how do you
pick which one to do? The organizers of both contests have made some
decisions that ensure you don'(tm)t have to pick. When you set up your logger for either contest, both exchanges are recognized and accepted. Then, at the end of the contest, you can submit your full log to both Oceania DX and CQP, and the valid QSOs for both are accepted. So, whether you want to get on for one event or the other, submit your log to both contests; you'(tm)ll be surprised at your results!



Also this weekend is the Collegiate QSO Party, an event designed to encourage college club activity. It'(tm)s open to all types of entrants, and over the years has successfully seen more colleges on the air participating in radiosport.



For those that enjoy Oceania DX, the CW event is next weekend. Also next weekend is the SSB running of the Scandinavian Activity Contest, Makrothen RTTY, and the Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Arizona QSO parties.

http://carlsontowers.com/free-shipping/?CU&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558



** Busted QSOs ()
------------------------------------------------------------

No mults lost this week! As always, feel free to email us if you identify any errors!



** Contest Summary () ------------------------------------------------------------

October 1, 2026 - October 14, 2026

See the "Contests" section below for complete contest information.

Note: Contest dates and times are in UTC. This means that a contest that is listed to start on a Saturday at 0000z, for example, really starts on a
Friday night in US time zones.


October 1
* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (https://qrpcontest.com/pigwalk40/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* SKCC Sprint Europe (https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/skse/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 2
* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 3
* Collegiate QSO Party (https://collegiateqsoparty.com?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Oceania DX Contest, Phone (https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* German Telegraphy Contest (https://www.agcw.de/contest/dtc/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Russian WW Digital Contest (http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest (https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rules-IARU-R1-VHF-up-Contests.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* California QSO Party (https://www.cqp.org/Rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* International HELL-Contest (http://www.darc.de/referate/ukw-funksport/sonder/tei-helk.htm?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 50 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* IARU Region 2 Area G HF SSB Contest (https://concursoareag.lu4aa.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 4
* UBA ON Contest, SSB (http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules/ubateston_en.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 5
* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW (https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rautumn.shtml?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 6
* ARS Spartan Sprint (http://ars-qrp.com/Spartan_Sprint/Spartan_Sprint.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 7
* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (https://ft8activity.eu/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* UKEICC 80m Contest (https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 432 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 8
* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 9
* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 10
* Makrothen RTTY Contest (https://www.pl259.org/makrothen/makrothen-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (http://qrparci.org/contest/fall-qso-party?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 10-10 Int. 10-10 Day Sprint (https://www.ten-ten.org/qso-party-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Oceania DX Contest, CW (https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB (https://www.sactest.net/blog/scandinavian-activity-contest-2025-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Arizona QSO Party (https://www.azqp.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Pennsylvania QSO Party (http://paqso.org/pa-qso-party-rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* South Dakota QSO Party (http://www.sdqsoparty.com?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* PODXS 070 Club 160m Great Pumpkin Sprint (http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/160m-great-pumpkin-sprint?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 11
* UBA ON Contest, CW (http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules/ubateston_en.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 12
* 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (http://www.4sqrp.com/SSS/sss_rules_revised_02_2026.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 13
* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* DARC RTTY Sprint (https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/rtty-kurz/darc-rtty-contest-english-version/darc-rtty-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 14
* NAQCC CW Sprint (http://naqcc.info/sprint_rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (https://ft8activity.eu/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data (https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rautumn.shtml?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)


https://www.kf7p.com/KF7P/Dacron_Rope.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558



** News, Press Releases, and Special Interest () ------------------------------------------------------------

Still running a Kenwood TS-850S, or an old amplifier that just works better than something new? The Digital Library of Amateur Radio & Communications (https://archive.org/details/dlarc?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
(DLARC) has recently uploaded over ten thousand manuals donated from the now-defunct Manuals Plus company. Curator Kay Savetz, K6KJN, says:


'?Big news: the Manuals Plus project is done. Like, done done, put a bow on
it. This massive manual scanning project started more than a decade ago, in 2015 when a company called Manuals Plus went out of business and donated pallets of rare manuals to Internet Archive. Then, a couple of years ago,
DLARC scanned four pallets of the radio-related manuals. In September 2025, I announced in this space that we were back for another bite of the apple, with nine more pallets of tech manuals going to the scanning center. There was no way to know ahead of time what products the manuals were for: some would be
for radio-related equipment, some wouldn'(tm)t. Internet Archive scanned it all, then we separated out the material relevant for DLARC. More than 10,600 manuals (https://substack.com/redirect/fdd79126-713a-494d-9e05-40235f943b28?j?J1IjoiM3JiNTEifQ.o7WLi6IlyXHeI6BPjwrW8CoUuUhnHdPgIwEJUlynssU&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
were deemed '?DLARC-worthy" out of a total collection of 13,046 manuals

(https://substack.com/redirect/4463b5be-f04a-4e2a-b0d4-a6c0516b15ee?j?J1IjoiM3JiNTEifQ.o7WLi6IlyXHeI6BPjwrW8CoUuUhnHdPgIwEJUlynssU&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
. You'(tm)ll find manuals for rare amplifiers, radios, and all sorts of tools and test equipment. My colleague Jason Scott wrote a blog post titled Manuals Plus: The Wrap-Up (https://substack.com/redirect/fdbe092d-c4c4-4e34-8f89-e0bb7538f859?j?J1IjoiM3JiNTEifQ.o7WLi6IlyXHeI6BPjwrW8CoUuUhnHdPgIwEJUlynssU&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
that nicely summarizes the whole adventure.'?

https://rigselect.com/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558



** Word to the Wise () ------------------------------------------------------------

Action Produces Information


If you'(tm)re not sure what to do in contesting, do anything. That action
will produce the needed information to move forward, even if the action
itself isn'(tm)t productive.



** Sights and Sounds () ------------------------------------------------------------


** Pim, PC8M, at the helm of the PI4CC station during CQWW RTTY. PI4CC
appears to have made it into the top three for Multi 2 in Europe! [Pim Polderman, PC8M, photo]

------------------------------------------------------------


** Operating Tip () ------------------------------------------------------------

Push to Pass

'?What'(tm)s the easiest way to get more mults? Pass the mults that work you
to bands you need them. If they called you, they'(tm)ll probably be more than happy to get a new band from your station, and you get a multiplier that you might not otherwise get.'?



** Technical Topics and Discussion () ------------------------------------------------------------

In the world of digital modes, a neat paper (https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.06427?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
about a new weak-signal mode was published to Arxiv. Luis Quesada proposes a new encoding method to fit grid locator and signal report into a single
reply. This could become very advantageous to high-rate activities like contesting, DXing, and more.



** Conversation ()
------------------------------------------------------------

I finished up my first leg of the CQWW triathalon, being on the NJ4P Multi 2 effort for CQWW RTTY. Ron gave a great presentation on the station at Mini
CTU, and it lives up to the hype. The station performed amazingly during the weekend, and the operating team was Johnny-on-the-spot when it came to band changes, in band, and hunting those rare multipliers. It looks like we'(tm)re #1 for North America, and #2 overall. Most important, it was a ton of fun!
With it being a remote-focused station, I didn'(tm)t have to hear the
amplifier fans running for 48 hours, travel to the station, and deal with the sleep deprivation associated with getting a station ready for a major
contest. We still were able to do all the things you need to do for a successful multioperator effort. Using mumble, run and inband pairs were able to relay information and coordinate band changes, and both runs were able to pass mults to each other. Overall it was a ton of fun and a great result. Thanks to Ron, WV4P, for having me on

the team.


This past weekend proved what we all suspected; 10 meters is on the downturn. Conditions during the contest were not conducive to anywhere near the same performance as last year, and it'(tm)s only going to get worse. This comes
with the tradeoff of much better low-band performance on 80 and 160 meters,
so make sure to put some effort into those bands for the rest of the year!
You have 25 days until CQWW SSB.


That's all for this time. Remember to send contesting-related stories, book reviews, tips, techniques, press releases, errata, schematics, club information, pictures, stories, blog links, and predictions to contest-update@arrl.org (mailto:contest-update@arrl.org) .


73, Max, N4ML


** Contests ()
------------------------------------------------------------

October 1, 2026 - October 14, 2026

An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral (http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
is available as a PDF. Check the sponsors' website for information on operating time restrictions and other instructions.


October 1
* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (https://qrpcontest.com/pigwalk40/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* SKCC Sprint Europe (https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/skse/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 2
* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 3
* Collegiate QSO Party (https://collegiateqsoparty.com?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Oceania DX Contest, Phone (https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* German Telegraphy Contest (https://www.agcw.de/contest/dtc/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Russian WW Digital Contest (http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest (https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rules-IARU-R1-VHF-up-Contests.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* California QSO Party (https://www.cqp.org/Rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* International HELL-Contest (http://www.darc.de/referate/ukw-funksport/sonder/tei-helk.htm?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 50 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* IARU Region 2 Area G HF SSB Contest (https://concursoareag.lu4aa.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 4
* UBA ON Contest, SSB (http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules/ubateston_en.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 5
* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW (https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rautumn.shtml?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 6
* ARS Spartan Sprint (http://ars-qrp.com/Spartan_Sprint/Spartan_Sprint.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 7
* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (https://ft8activity.eu/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* UKEICC 80m Contest (https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 432 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 8
* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 9
* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 10
* Makrothen RTTY Contest (https://www.pl259.org/makrothen/makrothen-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (http://qrparci.org/contest/fall-qso-party?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 10-10 Int. 10-10 Day Sprint (https://www.ten-ten.org/qso-party-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Oceania DX Contest, CW (https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB (https://www.sactest.net/blog/scandinavian-activity-contest-2025-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Arizona QSO Party (https://www.azqp.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Pennsylvania QSO Party (http://paqso.org/pa-qso-party-rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* South Dakota QSO Party (http://www.sdqsoparty.com?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* PODXS 070 Club 160m Great Pumpkin Sprint (http://www.podxs070.com/o7o-club-sponsored-contests/160m-great-pumpkin-sprint?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 11
* UBA ON Contest, CW (http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules/ubateston_en.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 12
* 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (http://www.4sqrp.com/SSS/sss_rules_revised_02_2026.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 13
* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* DARC RTTY Sprint (https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/rtty-kurz/darc-rtty-contest-english-version/darc-rtty-rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 14
* NAQCC CW Sprint (http://naqcc.info/sprint_rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (https://ft8activity.eu/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data (https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rautumn.shtml?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



** Log Due Dates () ------------------------------------------------------------

October 1
* New Hampshire QSO Party (https://w1wqm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NHQP_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* New Jersey QSO Party (https://sites.google.com/view/k2td-bcrc/nj-qp/rules?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Kansas QSO Party (https://ksqsoparty.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 2
* UBA ON Contest, 6m (https://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/on-contest?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 3
* Bill Windle QSO Party (https://www.g4foc.org/bill-windle-qso-party/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 4
* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ARS Flight of the Bumblebees (http://ars-qrp.com/FOBB/FOBB.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Washington State Salmon Run (http://salmonrun.wwdxc.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (https://www.agcw.de/contest/vhf-uhf/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* QCX Challenge (http://www.qrp-labs.com/party.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Texas QSO Party (https://www.txqp.net/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 5
* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 6
* 144 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 7
* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* UKEICC 80m Contest (https://www.ukeicc.com/80m-rules.php?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* YU DX Contest (https://www.yudx.yu1srs.org.rs/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 8
* ARS Spartan Sprint (http://ars-qrp.com/Spartan_Sprint/Spartan_Sprint.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* SKCC Sprint Europe (https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/skse/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (https://qrpcontest.com/pigwalk40/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* ICWC Medium Speed Test (https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW (https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rautumn.shtml?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 9
* UBA ON Contest, SSB (http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules/ubateston_en.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 40 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Mini-Test 80 (http://minitest.narod.ru/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Phone Weekly Test (http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page?les2l&utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Russian WW Digital Contest (http://www.rdrclub.ru/rdrc-news/russian-ww-digital-contest/51-rus-ww-digi-rules?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 10
* CWops Test (CWT) (https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (https://ft8activity.eu/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 11
* NCCC Sprint (https://ncccsprint.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* NCCC FT4 Sprint (https://www.ncccsprint.com/ft4ns.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Weekly RTTY Test (https://radiosport.world/wrt.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* IARU Region 2 Area G HF SSB Contest (https://concursoareag.lu4aa.org/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 12
* IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest (https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rules-IARU-R1-VHF-up-Contests.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Maine QSO Party (http://www.ws1sm.com/MEQP.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* A1Club AWT (https://a1club.org/contest/awt/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 13
* VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (https://ft8activity-na.net/rules/?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



October 14
* 222 MHz Fall Sprint (https://packratvhf.com/index.php/fall-sprints?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (http://www.4sqrp.com/SSS/sss_rules_revised_02_2026.pdf?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (https://wwsac.com/rules.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* Tuesday's Telegraphy Contest (https://spcwc.pl/ttc/rules/en?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)

* K1USN Slow Speed Test (http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)



** ARRL Information ------------------------------------------------------------

Clickhere (mailto:ads@arrl.org) to advertise in this newsletter, space
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Your One-Stop Resource for amateur radio News and Information.

Join or Renew Today (https://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
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No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you
get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.


Subscribe to NCJ - the National Contest Journal (http://www.arrl.org/ncj?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
. Published bimonthly, it features articles by top contesters, letters,
hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint, and QSO Parties.


Subscribe to QEX - A Forum for Communications Experimenters (http://www.arrl.org/qex?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
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to The ARRL Letter (weekly digest of news and information), the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), Division and Section news, and much more!


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Donate (https://www.arrl.org/arrl-donation-form?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
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** Acknowledgements ------------------------------------------------------------

ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information from WA7BNM's Contest Calendar (http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal?utm_source?RL&utm_campaign?3bddad92-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_30_11_39&utm_medium?ail&utm_term?-bb3bddad92-443795558)
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--- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)