Q5 Contest Crew Inbox: You Asked, They Answered

Randy K5ZD, Chris KL9A, and Bill W9KKN are… answering your questions in this special Contest Crew Inbox edition. From the top: Yes, Randy’s new Ohio station is coming along. Listeners wanted an update—and he delivered, sharing the goals behind his build (spoiler: he claims he's not chasing top-five scores—we’re not so sure) and the practical decisions that led to twin 80-foot towers. Chris checked in from Montana with a progress report of his own: big plans, limited time, and a summer of upgrades ahead. Then: the Inbox deep dive. You asked about WRTC 2026—who’s in, how team selection works, and what still needs to shake out.You asked why top operators live in the Extra portion of the band—and got a candid breakdown from Chris on rate strategy, propagation, and why upgrading finally made sense.You asked what it would take to get more elite competitors using the Contest Online Scoreboard—and the crew delivered straight talk on culture shifts, competitive hesitation, and whether real-time visibility helps or hurts performance.You asked about livestreaming contests—and the responses were thoughtful and mixed. It’s an intriguing idea, but concerns about fairness, rules, and audience engagement remain.And finally: Is contesting a sport? Depends who you ask. Chris says it’s fun because it’s serious. Randy calls it a game with serious players. Bill likens it to golf: casual or cutthroat—it’s all part of the landscape. The Inbox is staying open. Got a question for the Contest Crew? Hit send. Big thanks to DX Engineering for supporting Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Whether you're a contester, DXer, POTA activator, or just getting started, DX Engineering supports every corner of the hobby—and helps make these conversations possible. Join the community and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.