The first September weekend is approaching, along with one of the most watched VHF pretekov sezóny – IARU Region 1 VHF contest. This is a regular reminder for everyone who still hasn't prepared an antenna, a logbook, or planned an outing to a favorable location.
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Basic overview of the rules IARU Region 1 VHF Contest 2026
Contest sa koná v prvý celý septembrový víkend, od soboty 14:00 UTC do nedele 14:00 UTC. Súťaží sa na pásme 144 MHz v kategóriách Single a Multi, v módoch CW a fone. Contestový kód pozostáva z RS(T) reportu, poradového čísla spojenia od 001 a WW lokátora stanice.
Scoring is based directly on distance: one crossed kilometer equals one point, and a connection with a station in its own small locator square counts as 1 point. The final score is the sum of points for all completed connections. Other details follow the General conditions for VHF competitions.
Jeden kilometer preklenutej vzdialenosti sa rovná jednému bodu – jednoduchý princíp bodovania robí z IARU Region 1 VHF Contestu ideálnu príležitosť testovať dosah stanice na maximálnu vzdialenosť, nielen počet spojení.
Overview of activated stations
Among the traditionally strongest and most watched contest stations is IP0A, broadcasting from Sardinia from locator JN40OU. In the 2025 edition, the team operated from Monte Limbara at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level, and six of the ten longest connections of the entire edition were directed to this station. In 2026, IP0A will again be heard from JN40OU, this time with the team Rišo IS0JHQ/IP0A, Jozef OM5AW, Jozef OM5CD, Remco PA3FYM, Stefano IK2QEI, Luca IZ2ZOZ, Nicola IS0IYN, and Marco IS0ZOD.
According to the continuously updated QRV list on darkside.cz other stations have announced participation in this edition, including OE5HKT/P, ON/PD4R, SN7L, YT9Z, OL7J, RT6A, YT2II, 9A/OM5CC, YO2YA, EA3EBN, DA0FF, 9A0V, I1BPU, DR2E, SP9FYS, EA3EZG, ED1R, OM6DN, YU5PD, EA3TJ, IU4HRJ, and OL9W. A complete and continuously updated list of all planned stations, including occasional and field setups from favorable locations across Europe, can be found directly on the QRV list page on darkside.cz, where other stations can also announce their participation before the contest.
Video: IP0A 2025
Anyone who has not yet planned the weekend should check the state of the antenna, prepare a logbook, and monitor the continuously updated QRV list on darkside.cz - in this edition, even one well-planned expedition to a favorable peak can be decisive.