Inside the CQ WPX Log Checking Process with the Q5 Contest Crew

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the CQ WPX log checking process with insights from experienced contesters.

I’m joined by Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, and Bill Fehring W9KKN for a Contest Crew conversation that starts with one of the most humbling experiences in amateur radio: opening your CQ WPX log checking report. Note: this episode was recorded before Dayton Hamvention 2026, and another brand-new Contest Crew episode—recorded after Dayton—drops tomorrow. Randy breaks down what contesters should actually look for in a log checking report, why a tiny error rate can still trigger big score reductions, and how busted calls, bad serial numbers, and “not in log” penalties pile up faster than most operators realize. Kevin shares his own WPX results, while Bill explains major upgrades to the Super Check Partial database—including smarter validation, faster updates, and new metadata that could reshape how logging software assists operators in real time. The discussion quickly turns philosophical: at what point does contesting stop measuring operators and start measuring technology? From there, the conversation sprawls in the best possible way. Chris and Randy compare WRTC station prep, airline-packing strategies, networking headaches, referee audio setups, and the challenge of…

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Thomas

Guests: Randy Thompson K5ZD, Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Bill Fehring W9KKN

Topics covered

• log checking process
• amateur radio
• contest preparation
• technology in contesting
• WRTC
• contest strategies

Keywords

• log checking report
• contest errors
• amateur radio contesting
• Super Check Partial database
• WRTC preparation
• contest technology
• Dayton Hamvention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CQ WPX, Super Check Partial

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