2026 WHY CW ... IT's the BEST
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listen for my WSPR beacon on 28.126.100
please try to LISTEN TO 146.52 (simplex) more often
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x6x_6mDV
need a CW qso - www.qsofinder.com
| YB DX Contest: 0000Z-2359Z, Jan 10 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | SSB | |
| Bands: | 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op All Band Multi-Single | |
| Max power: | HP: 1500 watts | |
| Exchange: | RS + Serial No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO with same country 2 points per QSO with different country same continent 3 points per QSO with different continent 10 points per QSO with YB station | |
| Multipliers: | Each YB prefix once per band Each DXCC country once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 17, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://ybdxcontest.com/log-submission/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://ybdxcontest.com | |
| Old New Year Contest: 0500Z-0859Z, Jan 10 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW, SSB | |
| Bands: | 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (CW/SSB/Mixed)(Low/High) Multi-Op (Low/High) SWL | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts | |
| Exchange: | RS(T) + sum of operator age and years on the air | |
| Work stations: | Once per band per mode | |
| QSO Points: | Copied age+experience | |
| Multipliers: | (none) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 24, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | contest[at]radio[dot]ru | |
| Upload log at: | https://ua9qcq.com/hf-logs.php | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.contest.ru/old-new-year-contest/ | |
| SKCC Weekend Sprintathon: 1200Z, Jan 10 to 2400Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Awards: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) Multi-Op | |
| Exchange: | RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (SKCC No./"NONE") | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO Bonus Points: (see rules) | |
| Multipliers: | Each state, province, or country once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = (total QSO points x total mults) + bonus points | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 18, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/submit-display.php | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/ | |
| UBA PSK63 Prefix Contest: 1200Z, Jan 10 to 1200Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | BPSK63 | |
| Bands: | 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op All Band (QRP/Low) Single Op Single Band (QRP/Low) Multi-Op SWL | |
| Max power: | LP: 50 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | ON: RSQ + UBA Section non-ON: RSQ + Serial No. (starting with 001) | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each prefix once per band Each UBA section once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 18, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://contestupload.uba.be/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/uba-psk63-prefix-contest | |
| North American QSO Party, CW: 1800Z, Jan 10 to 0559Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | North America | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Awards: | North America | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low) Single Op Assisted (QRP/Low) Single Op Overlay: Youth Multi-Two (Low) | |
| Max operating hours: | Single Op: 10 hours Multi-Two: 12 hours | |
| Max power: | LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | NA: Name + (state/DC/province/country) non-NA: Name | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | NA station: 1 point per QSO non-NA station: 1 point per QSO with an NA station | |
| Multipliers: | Each US state and DC (including KH6/KL7) once per band Each VE province/territory once per band Each North American country (except W/VE) once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0559Z January 18, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://www.ncjweb.com/naqplogsubmit/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.ncjweb.com/NAQP-Rules.pdf | |
| NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB: 0600Z-0800Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Nordic/Baltic countries | |
| Participation: | Nordic/Baltic countries | |
| Mode: | SSB | |
| Bands: | 80, 40m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (Low/High) Multi-Op | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. + 2-letter Fylke/Lan/Province/Region | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 2 points per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each Fylke/Lan/Province/Region, once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | January 18, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | http://www.nraubaltic.eu/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.nraubaltic.eu/ | |
| NRAU-Baltic Contest, CW: 0830Z-1030Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Nordic/Baltic countries | |
| Participation: | Nordic/Baltic countries | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 80, 40m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (Low/High) Multi-Op | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. + 2-letter Fylke/Lan/Province/Region | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 2 points per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each Fylke/Lan/Province/Region, once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | January 18, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | http://www.nraubaltic.eu/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.nraubaltic.eu/ | |
| DARC 10-Meter Contest: 0900Z-1059Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW, SSB | |
| Bands: | 10m Only | |
| Classes: | DL Single Op (CW/SSB/Mixed)(Low/High) DL Trainee non-DL Single Op (CW/SSB/Mixed) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100W LP: 100W | |
| Exchange: | DL: RS(T) + QSO No. + DOK non-DL: RS(T) + QSO No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per mode | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each WAE/DXCC country once Each DOK once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 18, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://dxhf2.darc.de/~d10mlog/upload.cgi?form=referat&lang=en | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/darc-10m-contest/regeln/ | |
| RSGB AFS Contest, Data: 1300Z-1700Z, Jan 11 | ||
| Mode: | RTTY, PSK | |
| Bands: | 80, 40m | |
| Classes: | Single Op/Multi-Op (Low/Medium/High) (see rules for team requirements) | |
| Max power: | HP: 400 watts (RTTY), 100 watts (PSK) MP: 100 watts LP: 10 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | (none) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 12, 2026 | |
| Upload log at: | http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/hfenter.pl | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2026/rafs.shtml | |
| K1USN Slow Speed Test: 0000Z-0100Z, Jan 12 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Maximum 20 wpm Name + (state/province/country) | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO (starting with Jan 4 contest) | |
| Multipliers: | Each state/province/country once per band W/VE do not count as country mults (starting with Jan 4 contest) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 14, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html | |
| 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint: 0100Z-0300Z, Jan 12 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | North America | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW, SSB | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op | |
| Max power: | CW: 5 watts, SSB: 10 watts | |
| Exchange: | Member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country) + Member No. Non-member: RS(T) + (State/Province/Country) + Power | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO with non-member 2 points per QSO with member | |
| Multipliers: | (none) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points | |
| Submit logs by: | January 14, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Post log summary at: | http://qrpcontest.com/4sqrp | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://www.4sqrp.com/SSS/sss_rules.pdf | |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test: 1300Z-1400Z, Jan 12 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Name + QSO No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0400Z January 15, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/ | |
| OK1WC Memorial (MWC): 1630Z-1729Z, Jan 12 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 80, 40m | |
| Classes: | Single Op All Band (QRP/Low) Single Op Single Band (QRP/Low) | |
| Max power: | LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each last character of worked station call suffix once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0600Z January 16, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page=logs | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://memorial-ok1wc.cz/index.php?page=rules2l | |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test: 1900Z-2000Z, Jan 12 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Name + QSO No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0400Z January 15, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/ | |
| Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest: 0100Z-0159Z, Jan 13 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | SSB | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) Overlay: Youth (26 years old or younger) Youth YL (female 26 years old or younger) YL (female older than 26 years | |
| Max power: | HP: 1500 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth) | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO with OM 5 points per QSO with YL 10 points per QSO with Youth 15 points per QSO with Youth YL | |
| Multipliers: | Each DXCC once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0159Z January 14, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://logs.wwsac.com/ | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://wwsac.com/rules.html | |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test: 0300Z-0400Z, Jan 13 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Name + QSO No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0400Z January 15, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://internationalcwcouncil.org/mst-contest/ | |
| DARC RTTY Sprint: 1800Z-1929Z, Jan 13 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Germany | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | RTTY | |
| Bands: | 80, 40m | |
| Classes: | Single Op Single Xmtr (QRP/Low) | |
| Max power: | LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | DL: RST + (DOK/"NM") non-DL: RST + Serial No. | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each DOK once per band Each prefix once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 1929Z January 20, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | https://dxhf2.darc.de/~shortrylog/upload.cgi?form=referat&lang=en | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/conteste/rtty-kurz/darc-rtty-contest-english-version/darc-rtty-rules/ | |
| QRP Fox Hunt: 0200Z-0330Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | United States | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 40m Only | |
| Classes: | Single Op (Fox/Hound) | |
| Max power: | 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + (state/province/country) + name + power output | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | (none) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points | |
| Submit logs by: | 0330Z January 15, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (see rules) | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm | |
| Phone Weekly Test: 0230Z-0300Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | North America | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | SSB | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15m | |
| Classes: | Single Op | |
| Max power: | 100 watts | |
| Exchange: | NA: Name + (state/province/country) non-NA: Name | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | NA station: 1 point per QSO non-NA station: 1 point per QSO with an NA station | |
| Multipliers: | Each US state (including KH6/KL7) once per band Each VE province/territory once per band Each North American country (except W/VE) once per band | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0300Z January 16, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://www.perluma.com/Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf | |
| A1Club AWT: 1145Z-1300Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Member: RST + Name | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | January 19, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://a1club.org/contest/awt/ | |
| CWops Test (CWT): 1300Z-1400Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Awards: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Member: Name + Member No./"CWA" non-Member: Name + (state/province/country) | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0800Z January 17, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/ | |
| VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest: 1700Z-2100Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Europe | |
| Participation: | Europe | |
| Mode: | FT8/4 | |
| Bands: | 432 MHz | |
| Classes: | Single Op (Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >LP limit LP: 2m: 100 watts, 70cm: 75 watts, 23cm: 10 watts | |
| Exchange: | 4-character grid square | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per unique call sign | |
| Multipliers: | Each grid square | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 2359Z January 19, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Upload log at: | http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/upload-log | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/ | |
| Mini-Test 40: 1700Z-1759Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 40m Only | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per 10 minute period | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | January 16, 2026 | |
| Upload log at: | https://ua9qcq.com/hf-logs.php | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://minitest.narod.ru/ | |
| Mini-Test 80: 1800Z-1859Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 80m Only | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | RST + Serial No. | |
| Work stations: | Once per 10 minute period | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | January 16, 2026 | |
| Upload log at: | https://ua9qcq.com/hf-logs.php | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | http://minitest.narod.ru/ | |
| CWops Test (CWT): 1900Z-2000Z, Jan 14 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | Worldwide | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Awards: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m | |
| Classes: | Single Op (QRP/Low/High) | |
| Max power: | HP: >100 watts LP: 100 watts QRP: 5 watts | |
| Exchange: | Member: Name + Member No./"CWA" non-Member: Name + (state/province/country) | |
| Work stations: | Once per band | |
| QSO Points: | 1 point per QSO | |
| Multipliers: | Each call once | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points x total mults | |
| Submit logs by: | 0800Z January 17, 2026 | |
| Post log summary at: | http://www.3830scores.com | |
| Mail logs to: | (none) | |
| Find rules at: | https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/ | |
| AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest: 2300Z, Jan 14 to 2300Z, Jan 15 and 2300Z, Jan 17 to 2300Z, Jan 18 | ||
| Geographic Focus: | United States | |
| Participation: | Worldwide | |
| Mode: | CW | |
| Bands: | 160, 80, 40, 20m | |
| Classes: | (none) | |
| Exchange: | RST + Eqpt Year + Input Power (see rules for format) | |
| QSO Points: | (see rules) | |
| Multipliers: | (see rules) | |
| Score Calculation: | Total score = total QSO points | |
| Submit logs by: | February 15, 2026 | |
| E-mail logs to: | smfetter[at]verizon[dot]net | |
| Mail logs to: | Steve Fetter, WA8UEG 263 McKay Road Henryville, PA 18332 USA | |
| Find rules at: | https://www.antiquewireless.org/homepage/linc-cundall-memorial-cw-contest/ | |
Thanks to WA7BNM
