Veľký prehľad contestov na February 2026

February is a fascinating month in the amateur radio world. Although it is the shortest in the calendar, for HF operators and UHF stations represents one of the most intense periods of the year. Winter conditions on the lower bands are still in full swing, while the upper bands are increasingly surprising us with unexpected openings to exotic countries due to the ongoing solar cycle 25.

Whether you are a fan of fast telegraphy, a lover of digital modes, or a loyal supporter of classic SSB, February 2026 offers you a palette of competitions that will test your technique, patience, and operating mastery. In this article, we will take a detailed look at local Slovak and Czech 'delicacies', as well as global giants that will vibrate the ionosphere.

Local scene: Favorites of Slovak and Czech radio amateurs

Domáce Contesty majú neopakovateľnú atmosféru. Je to čas, kedy sa na pásmach stretávajú starí známi, kde sa pestuje „hamspirit“ a kde si začiatočníci môžu vybrúsiť svoje zručnosti pred veľkými medzinárodnými pretekmi.

OM Activity contest

Tento Contest je pre slovenských (ale aj českých) operátorov absolútnou klasikou. Vo februári 2026 pripadá naSaturday, February 14, which is by the way Valentine's Day - an ideal opportunity to explain to your partner that the most beautiful expression of love is not to disturb while searching for multipliers.

• When: 05:00 – 07:00 UTC

• Modes: CW and SSB

• Why go there: It is a short, punchy contest where efficiency decides. The advantage is that it is broadcast on the 80-meter band, which is ideally open in the morning hours within OM/OK.

SSB League

Right at the beginning of the month, on Saturday, February 7th, we have SSB League.

• When: 06:00 – 08:00 UTC

• Mode: Exclusively SSB

  This contest is known for its high participation and occasional 'battles' for a clear frequency. It is excellent training for exchanging reports and codes in quick succession. If you want to succeed, don't forget good filtering and clear articulation.

Memorial OK1WC

This contest is a tribute to an important figure in Czechoslovak amateur radio. It takes place every Monday, making it a perfect Monday ritual to relieve work stress.

• Dates in February: February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

• Time: 16:30 – 17:29 UTC

• Mode:CW

  It's a one-hour sprint where accuracy is valued. Reports are simple, allowing even operators who are just starting with CW to participate.

CUC

It follows immediately after the OK1WC Memorial (on Mondays from 17:30 to 18:00 UTC). It is a half-hour 'burn-off' where your ability to quickly switch and search for stations is tested. If you like dynamics, CUC is for you.

VHF Operating Activity (PA)

The third Sunday of the month (February 15) belongs to a very long morning (08:00 – 11:00 UTC) of operation on VHF bands.

• Bands: From 144 MHz to 76 GHz.

  For many, this is the main event of the month on VHF. It’s the time when antennas are 'dusted off' on rooftops and it is checked whether the winter frosts have damaged the feeds. In 2026, we expect stable participation, especially in the 2m and 70cm bands.

OK QRP race

For lovers of 'low watts', here is February 22 (06:00 – 07:30 UTC).

• Mode:CW

  Vysielať s výkonom do 5W je skutočné umenie. V tomto závode nerozhoduje sila koncového stupňa, ale kvalita antény a trpezlivosť operátora. Je to skvelý protipól k „veľkým“ Contestom.

Winter QRP contest on VHF

For true 'hardcore' radio amateurs, here is February 7 (09:00 – 13:00 UTC) Winter QRP contest. Often associated with ascents to snow-covered mountain peaks (SOTAštýl). Ak sa rozhodnete vysielať z terénu, nezabudnite na teplý čaj a náhradné batérie – mráz vie kapacitu akumulátorov zredukovať rýchlejšie, než stihnete povedať „CQ contest“.

World scene: Where history is written

Februárové svetové Contesty sú charakteristické svojou masovosťou. Pripravte sa na preplnené pásma a pile-upy, ktoré siahajú od Japonska až po Aljašku.

CQ WPX RTTY contest (14. – 15. február)

This contest is a celebration for all fans of 'pounding' (telegraphy). WPX (Worked All Prefixes) means that each unique prefix of the station is a multiplier.

• Duration: 48 hours.

• Strategy: Focus on new prefixes. Even a regular station from the USA with an unusual number in the call sign can bring you more points than a rare DX station with a common prefix. RTTY is still very popular in February 2026, although it faces strong competition from FT8.

ARRL International DX Contest CW (21. – February 22)

If you love telegraphy, this is your weekend. The goal is to make as many connections as possible with stations from the USA and Canada.

• For us in Europe: We are the 'prey', stations from W/VE are the 'hunters'.

• Tip: Watch the propagation on 10m and 15m. If solar activity is favorable, the upper bands will be the key to victory. If not, 40m and 80m at night will be a certainty.

PACC contest (14. – 15. február)

Holandský národný pretek, ktorý si získal veľkú obľubu v celej Európe. Holanďania sú veľmi aktívni a ich „provincie“ slúžia ako násobiče. Je to veľmi priateľský Contest s vysokou úrovňou Ham Spiritu.

CQ WW 160m DX SSB contest (27. február – 1. marec)

Koniec mesiaca patrí „top bandu“. Pásmo 160 metrov je známe ako „pásmo džentlmenov“, ale počas tohto Contestu sa mení na bojisko. Vyžaduje si to poriadnu anténu (beverage antény na príjem sú výhodou) a pevné nervy pri počúvaní slabých signálov v šume.

Overview table: HF and VHF contests February 2026

For better orientation, I have prepared a summary overview of key events for you. Times are given in UTC, don't forget to add local time (+1 hour).

Short Waves KV - selection

Very Short Waves VHF - selection

Analysis of specific disciplines

Phenomenon 'Slow Speed' and QRP

February 2026 is rich in events such as Moon contest či K1USN Slow Speed Test(every Monday and Friday). These contests are a counterbalance to the extreme speeds in ARRL DX or CQ WPX. They are intended for radio amateurs who want to enjoy the beauty of telegraphy at a pace of 15-20 WPM. If you are a newcomer to CW, this is your safe zone.

On the other hand, competitions such as FYBO Winter QRP Sprint (February 7) or our OK QRP race require the operator to have almost 'surgical' precision. When you have only 5 watts available, any mistake in timing or tactics means that no one can hear you.

Digital Revolution: FT4 and FT8

Although the older generation sometimes shakes their heads at digital modes, the data clearly shows that NCCC FT4 SprintaDARC FT4 contestmajú svoje pevné miesto. FT4 je navrhnutý špeciálne pre Contesty – je rýchlejší ako FT8 a umožňuje vyššie tempo spojení. Ak máte málo času, 30-minútový NCCC Sprint v piatok ráno je skvelým „fast-foodom“ pre vaše logy.

MOON contest: Pravidelnosť nadovšetko

České a slovenské stanice sa pravidelne zúčastňujú MOON contestov. Sú to dvojhodinové etapové preteky (každú stredu iné pásmo – 144 MHz, 432 MHz, 50 MHz a 1296 MHz). Sú skvelé na testovanie techniky uprostred týždňa. Výsledky sa sčítavajú za celý rok, takže februárové body môžu byť v konečnom zúčtovaní v decembri kľúčové.

Strategic preparation for the February marathon

To enjoy February on the bands and not just 'endure' it, it is important not to underestimate preparation.

Technical review

• 

  Antennas and Ice:Február vie priniesť nepríjemnú námrazu. Skontrolujte PSV svojich antén ešte pred začiatkom veľkého Contestu. Ak je PSV podozrivo vysoké, môže to znamenať vodu v konektore alebo poškodený žiarič.

• Backup Sources: During winter QRP contests from the field, do not forget that LiFePO4 batteries lose power in the frost. Keep them warm (e.g., inside your jacket) until you start transmitting.

• Software:Aktualizujte si databázy prefixov (CTY.DAT) vo vašom logovacom PROgrame (N1MM,DXlog, Win-Test). Vo WPX Conteste je to životne dôležité pre správne započítavanie násobičov.

Operator ethics (Ham Spirit)

In the documents, a note appeared in some British and other contests: „The Contest organizers violate the principles of Ham Spirit“. This is an important reminder. Amateur radio is about connecting people, not politics or division.

My Tip: Always behave politely on the band. Even in the biggest pile-up, one 'TU' (Thank You) or '73' is enough. Aggressive behavior and pushing through with power does not belong in amateur radio sport.

Health and well-being

Pri 48-hodinových maratónoch (CQ WPX , ARRL DX) nezabúdajte na spánok. Únava vedie k chybám v logu (tzv. „busted calls“), ktoré vás stoja cenné body. Krátke, 20-minútové „power nappy“ (zdriemnutia) robia zázraky.

Conclusion: Why go for it?

February 2026 offers us a unique combination of local tradition and global competition. From the intimate atmosphere Memorial OK1WC to the roaring bands during ARRL DX CW, everyone will find their own. Amateur radio is not just about points and diplomas; it is about community, testing the limits of physics, and the joy of every successful connection that travels halfway around the globe just by reflecting off the ionosphere.

It doesn't matter if you have a kilowatt and a rotating monobander at home, or just a piece of wire thrown out the window and a 5-watt one. QRP transceiver. The important thing is to turn on the station, tune in, and become part of this amazing invisible world.

See you on the bands in February 2026! GL & 73!