Inside WRTC: Contest Crew North America vs Europe
About this episode
A cross-Atlantic conversation among contest crew members discussing the preparations and challenges of the World Radiosport Team Championship.
Contest Crew North America and Contest Crew Europe come together for a rare cross-Atlantic conversation just days before the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC). Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Randy Thompson K5ZD, Filipe Lopes CT1ILT, and Braco Memic E77DX pull back the curtain on the final scramble before one of amateur radio's most demanding competition. The discussion is equal parts technical and entertaining. The group dives into everything from spare radios and "secret boxes" to antenna rotor management in two-operator competition, revealing just how much coordination needs to happen. Randy offers insight into the enormous logistical challenge facing WRTC organizers, while Chris explains why teamwork, constant communication, and operating accuracy often matter more than expensive hardware. The conversation also tackles bigger issues surrounding WRTC. The operators discuss maintaining a true level playing field, the impact of "cheerleading" by supporters on the air, the event's no-flags policy, and the need for greater visibility throughout the amateur radio community. Filipe also shares the story behind his new CWForever.eu Morse training platform, a project that began as a…
More episodes of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio
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- One Week to WRTC: Strategy, Gear and Last-Minute Prep
- Inside WRTC 2026: What It Took to Pull Off Ham Radio's Biggest Event
- How Top Contesters Prepare for WRTC (Q5 Clip)
- The World's Best Contesters Have One Request: Spot Everyone
- Why WRTC Is Ham Radio's Ultimate Equalizer
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