I’ve always felt that contesting makes you a better operator. Now, I in no way am a die hard contester, but I do enjoy the competition and have learned something every time I go into competition mode. There is one contest that is fun and full of dx contacts, doesn’t require a lot of equipment or antenna farm to be competitive, and is accessible to every ham, even technician class operators. That’s the ARRL 10 meter contest that happens every December.
This week’s video: ARRL 10 Meter Contest: Ham Radio’s most ACCESSIBLE contest! gives you the information you need to get on the air and have fun on ten meters: https://youtu.be/UU1-KXXhY_g
ARRL Ten Meter Contest, December 13-14, 2025: https://www.arrl.org/10-meter
Why 10 Meters?
I think the 10 meter amateur radio band gets a bit of a short shrift. It certainly has its detractors: propagation can be fussy, it will close up for weeks at a time when solar activity is low, and its primary use is during the daylight hours. But when the band is open, it’s pure magic.
Technician class operators have access to the 10 meter band, and for many it’s their HF contact. For others, getting on 10 meters is an act of frustration that can possibly sour them of the hobby forever.
There-in lies the problem. We give some of our newest and inexperienced radio operators access to some of the most challenging segments of radio frequency. Of course when the band is closed, 10 meters still affords good local coverage via ground wave (much like the 11 meter Citizens Band). Historically this wouldn’t been a problem, as new hams could use local 10 meter nets to connect and communicate. That may have been the case 30 or more years ago, but no longer is the case today. Just like 2 meter activity is dying, local 10 meter use lays fallow.
So, for all of us that cut our teeth on 10 meters and moved on the other bands. Let’s not forget our roots.
Here in North America, we’re at peak 10 meter activity. We are cresting the peak of solar cycle 25 and from Mid November to the end of February, sporadic-E propagation will give the band a boost. Now is the time to get on the ten meter band and make some noise. Participating in the ARRL 10 meter contest is a good start.
Another, if you like me enjoy POTA, is to start your Parks on the Air activations on the 10 meter band. Call CQ for ten minutes on 10 meters and see what develops. You might be surprised at the results.
Finishing Up
The ground is frozen and we’ve got snow. Using some of my antennas and accessing some of my favorite spots have become more challenging. For those that live in northern climes like me, don’t get yourself into a spot you can’t get out of. I may drive a Subaru, but I also know the limits of all wheel drive.
Our monthly livestream is coming this Thursday December 4th at 7:00pm central time. You can watch it here: https://youtube.com/live/2HGNqs3enxI?feature=share
We’ll be talking about holiday gift ideas and I’ll make the big announcement of the location for the 2026 Wisconsin Ham Radio campout. Please join us.
I hope to get you on the bands soon
Michael
KB9VBR
Recent Comments