Guide to January 2021 Ham Radio ContestsStart the new year on the air with some vintage radio, RTTY, VHF, and top-band contesting! Plus, bundle up for summer Field Day’s frozen cousin, Winter Field Day, at the end of the month. Here are just a few of January’s Ham radio events to mark on your calendar:
- Antique Wireless Association (AWA) Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest (January 6-7 and 9-10) 2300Z to 2300Z. This event honors the memory of Linc Cundall, W2QY/W2LC (SK), one of three founders of the AWA back in 1952. From the AWA website: “This contest is designed to favor those using low power equipment constructed before 1950. As with other on-air events, you do not need to be an AWA member to participate.” Participants are encouraged to send in photos of the gear used during the event, as the website reads: “This is a great opportunity to get that World War II surplus gear on the air!” For more details on the AWA, check out the AWA website.
- North American QSO Party, CW (January 9-10) 1800Z to 0559Z. From the National Contest Journal: “The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. The NAQPs are low-power only (no amplifiers allowed) which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. Small stations can generate very effective ‘runs’ in the NAQP contests. Multipliers count once per band, which makes for an exciting format, as multipliers can be ‘moved’ from band to band. The NAQPs allow stations from all parts of North America to be in the running for the top spots.”
CW not your thing? The SSB portion of the contest runs January 16-17, 1800Z to 0559Z.
- ARRL January VHF (January 16-18) 1900Z to 0359Z. For amateurs in the U.S. and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz.
- Winter Field Day (January 30-31) 1900Z to 1900Z. Sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), this weekend event is a great opportunity for amateur operators to come together, spend time in the great outdoors, and put their emergency communication skills to the test. Get all the details at the WFDA website. Want to keep your head warm while braving less-than-balmy conditions? Check out these DX Engineering Logo Knit Caps.
- CQ 160 Meter Contest, CW (January 29-31) 2200Z to 2200Z. For amateurs around the world to contact other amateurs in as many U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and countries as possible utilizing the 160 meter band. You’ll find plenty of help for your 160 meter pursuits at DX Engineering, including 160 meter preamps, vertical antennas, add-on kits, ARRL’s Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio book, matching networks, and more.
