Contesting: Stephen Kopetsch, M0RTI / M0X

If you aren’t familiar with the contesting element of amateur radio, it can be described as a competition to see who can contact the most stations in a set period of time on certain bands and within specific rules. It is highly addictive and can draw in amateurs from around the world. Each week the RSGB shares scheduled contests in GB2RS news, on our social media channels, and on our website.

Stephen Kopetsch, M0RTI / M0X first began contesting in the 1990s, and after participating in many has now grown to prefer CW contests. More recently he has been travelling to Jersey for some larger contests, where he operates under MJ0X. When he is travelling to contests he has to be mindful to optimise the equipment due to airline allowances, and does say that “using a compact radio and carefully-selected wire antennas gives you a chance for good results.”

One side of contests that Stephen particularly enjoys is the fact that they allow him to meet and compete with fellow radio amateurs from across the globe. It can also act as a launching pad for further technical experimentation, especially with antennas.

Stephen also believes that participating in contests that gather stations from around the world enhances the understanding of radio propagation and its various sources, such as solar activity, space weather, and other astronomical phenomena.

The RSGB has three committees that are dedicated to the administration, development and adjudication of contests. These committees organise contests throughout the year on both the HF and VHF —and above—bands and are keen to encourage new people to try contesting.

The RSGB has published a guide for beginners, specifically aimed at HF contests although much of the advice is equally applicable at VHF and above.

Interested in finding out more? You can also watch the RSGB Tonight@8 “Introduction to Contesting by Lee Volante, G0MTN” or read the contesting features in RadCom and on our website

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