02/28/2025

We're seeing peak conditions from Solar Cycle 25 just in time for the ARRL
International DX SSB Contest. It gets underway this weekend at 0000 UTC on
Saturday, March 1, and concludes at 2359 UTC on Sunday, March 2.ÿ

ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, is gearing up to operate as
part of a multi-operator, single-transmitter station for the event. He is eager
to get started. "This is a great contest to work some new DX and to add to your
DXCC totals, as DX stations will be pointing their antennas towards the US and
Canada this weekend," he said.ÿ

The contest is an exercise in endurance, but also a great primer on DX
propagation. Earlier in the month, the CW portion of the contest garnered at
least 4,830 log submissions.ÿ

The nature of the contest means the whole world is trying to work North
America. "Even modest stations can experience the thrill of working some new
countries," said Bourque. "Just get on the air!"

If a full weekend of contesting sounds too overwhelming, ARRL encourages radio
amateurs to set a small goal - perhaps 100 contacts to start. Get into the
groove of it and start stretching the goal. Maybe you'll wind up at 100
multipliers instead. Since each of those multipliers is a DX entity those 100,
if confirmed with a QSL, could equip the operator with the necessary contacts
to apply for an ARRL DXCC¨ Award.ÿ

With band conditions expected to be good, and activity expected to reflect that
excitement, Bourque hopes to receive even more log submissions. "The more, the
merrier. We really hope hams will take advantage of this prime operating
opportunity."

For complete rules and more information, visit www.arrl.org/arrl-dx[1].


[1] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMjY3NjIxJnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zNzA4Njc3MA/index.html


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