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 VHF 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 increasingly surprise us with unexpected openings to exotic countries thanks 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 operator mastery. In this article, we will take a closer look at local Slovak and Czech 'delicacies', as well as global giants that will vibrate the ionosphere.

Local scene: Heartthrobs 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 coincidentally Valentine's Day - the perfect opportunity to explain to your partner that the most beautiful expression of love is not being disturbed while searching for multipliers.

• When: 05:00 – 07:00 UTC

• Fashions: CW and SSB

• Why go for it: It is a short, punchy contest where efficiency decides. The advantage is that it is broadcasted 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 high participation and occasional 'fighting' for a clear frequency. It is an excellent training for delivering 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 a significant 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 is a one-hour sprint where accuracy is valued. The reports are simple, allowing 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 'burner' that tests your ability to quickly switch and search for stations. 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 operations on VHF bands.

• Bands: From 144 MHz to 76 GHz.

  For many, it is the main event of the month on VHF. It is the time when antennas on rooftops are 'brushed off' and it is tested whether the winter frosts have damaged the feeders. 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 snowy 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 stage: 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 'paddling' (telegraphy). WPX (Worked All Prefixes) means that the multiplier is each unique prefix of the station.

• Duration: 48 hours.

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

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

If you love telegraphy, this is your weekend. The goal is to make as many contacts 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, do not 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 CW novice, this is your safe zone.

On the other hand, contests like FYBO Winter QRP Sprint (February 7) or our OK QRP Race require almost 'surgical' precision from the operator. When you only have 5 watts available, every 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 Power Supplies: During winter QRP contests from the field, remember that LiFePO4 batteries lose power in the cold. 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 notes for some British and other contests, a note appeared: „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 air. Even in the largest pile-up, one 'TU' (Thank You) or '73' is enough. Aggressive behavior and pushing with power do not belong to amateur radio sports.

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 get into it?

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

It doesn't matter if you have a kilowatt and a rotary monobander at home, or just a piece of wire thrown out of the window and a 5-watt one. QRP transceiver. It is important 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!