The ARRL Contest Update for May 13, 2026 undefined

 

 

 

 

May 13, 2026

Editor:

iCom

 

In this Issue:

Upcoming Contests – Things to Do

Xenia, Ohio weather forecast: Partly cloudy Thursday through Sunday, high temperatures range from high 60s on Thursday to low 80s on Sunday. Don’t forget sunscreen even though it’s cloudy.

 

Many contesters will be attending the Hamvention this weekend. Don’t forget to use those cameras on your phones and send some contest-related snaps to . If you’re going, tear yourself away from the flea market and attend some of the contest-related forum presentations Saturday and Sunday, in addition to the festivities at the Hope Hotel and other offsite locations. During the Hamvention-weekend hijinks, there are traditionally CW pileup contests, and sometimes even CW sending contests using body parts not normally employed in this endeavor. On good years there are performances by the .

 

For those staying home, on the air this weekend you might find the Arkansas QSO Party dominating the domestic airwaves. For some DX, the contest on CW, and the could work for you. Next weekend, the four-hour would be something new for many. The contest requires that you stay logged into their servers and reporting scores for the duration of the event.

 

For the , I invite you to read the rules, as published by Kazakhstan Federation of Radio Sports and Radioamateur and the Committee of Sports and Physical Culture of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The exchange sent by Kazakh stations consists of signal report and a number and a letter denoting the “district code of KDA;” non-UN stations send a serial number. Сәттілік!

 

 

Contest Summary

May 14, 2026 - May 27, 2026

 

See the "Contests" section below for complete contest information.

 

Note: Contest dates and times are in UTC. This means that a contest that is listed to start on a Saturday at 0000z, for example, really starts on a Friday night in US time zones.

 

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 24

May 25

May 26

 
RigSelect Radio Switch SO2R Controller

 

News, Press Releases, and Special Interest

SteppIR Communications is serving the ham radio market once again. According to their website, their Urban Beam, BigIR, and SmallIR verticals, and three- and four-element Yagi antennas are available for online purchase. Their DB-series products are available, but must be scheduled to fit within the production schedule of their commercial operations. CEO John Mertel said in a recent Groups.IO post: “We never left ham radio because we wanted to, we did it because what we had been successful at for many years in the ham market was not working any longer and we were trying to be too many things to too many people and taking a lot of (deserved) heat in the process from our ham customers. We knew for certain that something had to change and while we did not know how this was all going to turn out, we always were hoping for some kind of rekindling of the ham radio consumer market. Now a year later, here we are; we have a stable, growing commercial business platform, key commercial partnerships, and we feel we can responsibly start going back to our original roots — our ham radio customers. We’re still not a perfect company by any means, for example we’ve got work to do on making the user experience a better one — albeit through more modern means of communication and support.” I spoke with John recently: “Though we’re not exhibiting at the Hamvention, we have donated an UrbanBeam to the grand prize pool. You can find our products online at our website, along with parts for all of our products.”

 

The WSJT-X development team has released a new version of WSJT-X and associated programs. Joe, K1JT, noted in his email announcement:

 

“We are pleased to announce that WSJT-X 3.0.1 is available for download. This is a bug-fix release, correcting a few known flaws in WSJT-X 3.0.0. For a summary of changes see the Release Notes at .

 

We have made a number of significant changes in the ways we develop, maintain, and deploy our code. Our public repository is now at GitHub: . Anyone can clone this repository, which contains the project's full open-source history back to 2005. Scroll down this page to the README tab for a summary statement about the project.

 

We encourage those with interests and skills in software development to click on the "Contributing" tab for some details about contributing to the WSJT project. If you have something to offer, we welcome your input!

 

Bug reports, Issues, and Pull Requests can be submitted on the GitHub site.

 

Download links for Windows, Linux, and macOS are available at these web sites:

 

GitHub:

SourceForge:

 

Uwe, DG2YCB, announces that his WSJT-X Improved 3.1 has some new functionality: “We have been working on better ways to connect WSJT-X or QMAP to SDRs, which is particularly important for EME operations. A new 260510 (beta) version of WSJT-X Improved 3.1 is now available for testing, featuring new QMAP technology developed by Andreas, N6NU. In addition to the standard I/Q bandwidth of 96 kHz, QMAP v0.7 now also supports bandwidths of 128, 192, and 256 kHz. With 256 kHz spectrum we can cover almost the whole sub-band for EME operation! However, QMAP v0.7 is fully backward compatible. It still works very well with 96 kHz streams … QMAP v0.7 works seamlessly with the , providing a modern solution for connecting various SDRs to WSJT-X (Improved) and QMAP without the need for Linrad or SDR-Console. For those who don't know yet: N6NU's Bridges generate both a narrowband audio stream for connection to WSJT-X Improved (via virtual audio cable VAC), and a wideband I/Q network stream for QMAP or MAP65.

 

In addition, they retrieve the frequency set in WSJT-X Improved via UDP so that the SDR as well as QMAP are synchronized.

 

Besides QMAP v0.7, this 260510 (beta) build includes some minor improvements to the wsjtx(.exe) program.

 

As usual, . Currently, 64-bit Windows and Linux builds of WSJT-X Improved 3.1 260510 are available for download and testing, as well as the source code.”

 

Vevor’s tossed their imported hat into the ring for antenna launchers with the “king of alternate use” — or as they call it “Bead Blaster!!!” You’ll need to add a few things before you’re lofting your tennis balls over trees to pull up your wire antennas. Maybe just use the , where you have all you need from the get-go.

 

Word to the Wise

Sunday Driver

 

“Casual contest participants who appear late in the contest (usually Sunday afternoon) to make a few contacts.” You might have to talk them through the exchange, but you’ll (maybe) get a contact.

 

Sights and Sounds

 

Results and Records

The January VHF Contest full results are out! Jim, K5ND, noted in the results “…there were quite a few new records set in divisions, sections, and call sign areas.” If you’re planning your participation in a future contest, reviewing the information from last year’s contest can help. For example, when it might be best to be on the air, and why it’s good to be on when the contest starts. See the results article for more details.

 

 

Operating Tip

Just Ask.

 

When your run rate just drops, but you don’t notice a difference in signal strengths of the remaining stations calling you, ask the stations calling you whether the run frequency is clear on their end. It could be that another station that you cannot hear has started using the frequency.

 

Technical Topics and Discussion

The mechanism that causes lightning discharges is still an area of active research. A discusses the possibility and evidence for a connection between cosmic rays and other high energy particles and the avalanche mechanism that precipitates a strike.

 

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), aka 3D printing, in its most popular form takes spools of filament material and extrudes it under computer control into complex shapes. It’s been around for a while now, and has continued to improve in reliability, applicability, and capability over what was available a decade or two ago when there was more hype, and less “there” there. Today, you can find filament material composed of a wide range of plastics to address strength or flexibility needs. Some have various additives like and fibers for enhanced strength. Some filament ; some filament . There’s even filament to . Software for modeling and printing has improved as well. Online sites provide vast libraries of user-contributed designs for download and print, and there are specialty sites to generate models on the fly. Answer a few questions, and you’re downloading a model you can print or bring into a CAD package (also online) for modification.

 

Those seeking a more intuitive understanding of linear algebra may want to work through “” which combines the Jupyter notebook environment with exercises that apply linear algebra to various tasks. Chapter 7 of the book “Applies LU decomposition and matrix equations to analyze electrical circuits.”

 

N1MM Logger+ may be the most widely used Visual-Basic-based application in ham radio. A talks about the people involved in the early days of the language, topics that other histories of this language don’t cover.

 

In an in a way that doesn’t let the smoke out, the author discusses using e-bike “Julet connectors” for low-level signals. They’re designed to be waterproof, though that really depends on the manufacturer. Of course, you can find these on Amazon, too. I can see using these for some outdoor control circuits for antenna switching.

 

 

Conversation

Expecting the Multiplicity

 

There are just a few technology pieces missing before your logging program will be able to work with an AI agent that you can use during a contest. That AI agent — shall we name it HALmer? — will be able to look at your current log, look at the spots, access propagation models, interpret current A and K indices, reference your and your competitors’ logs from last year, see real-time PSKreporter information, and make recommendations on what you should be doing during a contest, minute by minute or hour by hour. It will tell you whether you’re ahead or behind your competition, and what you’re doing differently from those that are currently ahead of you in the scores. It may be able to present QSOs to you to work on the second VFO. It can listen in to your audio stream and “suggest” what the correct call sign was that you miscopied. Even if it’s SSB using phonetics. It will definitely be able to critique your operating, urging you to do better.

 

If you used such an assistive technology, would these capabilities be too assistive, and put you in the Multi-op category?

 

The AI will never say “Please copy.”

 

Don’t leave the operating chair, it might take over for you.

 

That's all for this time. Remember to send contesting-related stories, book reviews, tips, techniques, press releases, errata, schematics, club information, pictures, stories, blog links, and predictions to .

 

73, Brian, N9ADG

 

Contests

May 14, 2026 - May 27, 2026

 

An expanded, downloadable version of QST's is available as a PDF. Check the sponsors' website for information on operating time restrictions and other instructions.

 

HF CONTESTS

 

, May 13, 0230z to May 13, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: May 15.

 

, May 13, 1145z to May 13, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: May 18.

 

, May 13, 1300z to May 13, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 16.

 

, May 13, 1700z to May 13, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 15.

 

, May 13, 1800z to May 13, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 15.

 

, May 13, 1900z to May 13, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 16.

 

, May 14, 0300z to May 14, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 16.

 

, May 14, 0700z to May 14, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 16.

 

, May 14, 1400z to May 14, 2200z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + "/" + class + number of components; Logs due: May 28.

 

, May 15, 0100z to May 15, 0130z; FT4; Bands: (see rules); 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 17.

 

, May 15, 0145z to May 15, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 17.

 

, May 15, 0230z to May 15, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 17.

 

, May 15, 2000z to May 15, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 17.

 

, May 16, 0600z to May 16, 2100z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Kazakhstan: RS(T) + District Code, non-Kazakhstan: RS(T) + QSO No.; Logs due: May 31.

 

, May 16, 0800z to May 16, 1100z; CW; Bands: 80; ZL: RST + Serial No. + Branch No., non-ZL: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jun 15.

 

, CW, May 16, 1200z to May 17, 1200z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; EA: RST + province, non-EA: RST + Serial No.; Logs due: Jun 1.

 

, May 16, 1200z to May 17, 1200z; BPSK63; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; EU: RST + EU area, non-EU: RST + QSO No.; Logs due: May 22.

 

, May 16, 1400z to May 17, 0200z; CW, Phone, Digital (no FT8); Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, 2; AR: RS(T) + County, non-AR: RS(T) + (state/province/"DX"); Logs due: Jun 1.

 

, May 16, 2000z to May 16, 2359z; Feld Hell; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; (see rules); Logs due: May 20.

 

, May 16, 2100z to May 17, 0200z; CW, SSB; Bands: 80; RS(T) + Serial No.; Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 17, 2300z to May 18, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + (state/province/country) + (Member No./power); Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 18, 0000z to May 18, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 20.

 

, May 18, 1300z to May 18, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 21.

 

, May 18, 1630z to May 18, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 22.

 

, May 18, 1900z to May 18, 2100z; FT4; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Signal report; Logs due: May 19.

 

, May 18, 1900z to May 18, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 21.

 

, May 19, 0100z to May 19, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: May 20.

 

, May 19, 0300z to May 19, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 21.

 

, May 20, 0230z to May 20, 0300z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15; NA: Name + (state/province/country), non-NA: Name; Logs due: May 22.

 

, May 20, 1145z to May 20, 1300z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: RST + Name; Logs due: May 25.

 

, May 20, 1300z to May 20, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 20, 1700z to May 20, 1759z; CW; Bands: 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 22.

 

, May 20, 1800z to May 20, 1859z; CW; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 22.

 

, Data, May 20, 1900z to May 20, 2030z; RTTY, PSK; Bands: 80; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 21.

 

, May 20, 1900z to May 20, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 21, 0000z to May 22, 0300z; CW; Bands: 20; Maximum 13 wpm, RST + (state/province/country) + Name + (Member No./power); Logs due: May 28.

 

, May 21, 0030z to May 21, 0230z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; RST + (state/province/country) + (NAQCC No./power); Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 21, 0300z to May 21, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 21, 0700z to May 21, 0800z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Member: Name + Member No./"CWA", non-Member: Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 21, 1900z to May 21, 2000z; CW; Bands: 80, 40, 20; NTC Member: RST + Member No., non-Member: RST + "NM", Less than 25 wpm; Logs due: May 25.

 

, May 22, 0100z to May 22, 0130z; FT4; Bands: (see rules); 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 22, 0145z to May 22, 0215z; RTTY; Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 22, 0230z to May 22, 0300z; CW; Bands: (see rules); Serial No. + Name + QTH; Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 22, 2000z to May 22, 2100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 24, 1600z to May 24, 2000z; CW, SSB; Bands: 40, 20, 15, 10; Serial No. + 4-character grid; Logs due: May 24.

 

, May 25, 0000z to May 25, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + (state/province/country) + (ARCI no./power); Logs due: Jun 10.

 

, May 25, 0000z to May 25, 0100z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Maximum 20 wpm, Name + (state/province/country); Logs due: May 27.

 

, May 25, 1300z to May 25, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: May 31.

 

, May 25, 1300z to May 25, 1400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 28.

 

, May 25, 1630z to May 25, 1729z; CW; Bands: 80, 40; RST + Serial No.; Logs due: May 29.

 

, May 25, 1900z to May 25, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: May 31.

 

, May 25, 1900z to May 25, 2000z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 28.

 

, May 26, 0100z to May 26, 0159z; SSB; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6; RS + age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth); Logs due: May 27.

 

, May 26, 0300z to May 26, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; RST + Name + (state/province/country) + Rig; Logs due: May 31.

 

, May 26, 0300z to May 26, 0400z; CW; Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10; Name + QSO No.; Logs due: May 28.

 

VHF+ CONTESTS

 

, May 13, 1700z to May 13, 2100z; FT8/4; Bands: 432 MHz; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 16.

 

, May 14, 0000z to May 14, 0500z; FT8/4; Bands: 432; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 19.

 

, May 20, 1700z to May 20, 2100z; FT8/4; Bands: 1.2G; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 23.

 

, May 21, 0000z to May 21, 0500z; FT8/4; Bands: 1296; 4-character grid square; Logs due: May 26.

 

Also, see , and , above.

 

Log Due Dates

May 14, 2026 - May 27, 2026

 

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

 

 

 

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