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2026 CQ WPX SSB - HD8R

This contest was not originally planned for me to operate. Mariano LU8EOT was going to do it remotely, but we couldn't get the configuration to a point where a serious effort was possible. He tried until the last minute to adjust his work schedule to come to the station, but it didn't work out. Eventually, he told me: "You go!"

He even booked the flights for me. No small challenge — the only options available started Wednesday of contest week.

Not being a phone operator myself added a bit of anxiety. Arriving just two days before the contest was also far from ideal.

2026 ARRL DX SSB - HD8R

Another one for the books… and maybe one of the best ones I can remember.

ARRL DX SSB is one of my favorite contests to be on the DX side. That's why I didn't hesitate for a second when my friends from the HC8 project offered me the chance to operate SOAB HP from HD8R, while they would do M/2 from LP1H. I stayed the two weeks after the CW leg, waiting for the long-awaited moment.

2025 CQ WW DX SSB - HD8R

⚠️ Long-text warning — about a one-hour read, on average. If you keep going, don't say I didn't warn you. If you already know my style, you know I'll try to bring you along for the whole ride.

One more for the books.

I don't think I've ever seen the bands like this in my life — at least from 40 meters up — which surely helped make participation massive and made it extremely hard, almost impossible, to find a clear spot on any of those bands. To make it worse, I had the misfortune of having to operate with Flex radios again, which let you see the bands in real time. I've seen people up above 29,000 every now and then, but not above 29,300, and much less below 28,300 among the beacons…

2025 CQ WPX SSB - HC8M

⚠️ Long-text warning.

Someone who knows me way too well told me yesterday: "This is exactly your kind of thing — sitting in a chair and just operating isn't your style."

And yeah, they nailed it. I'm all about the improvised, the unplanned. I don't like over-scheduling stuff; I love the expedition style. The only reason I'm not going on more expeditions is budget and time — but believe me, I would if I could.

Sure, operating from the biggest, fanciest stations in the world is amazing. Sitting in front of all that gear and feeling like the band king is cool… sometimes. But I also really love the other side of the coin: the raw, rustic version.

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