DiscoverQ5 Worldwide Ham RadioK1DG’s Global Contest Story: 30 Countries and Counting
K1DG’s Global Contest Story: 30 Countries and Counting

K1DG’s Global Contest Story: 30 Countries and Counting

Update: 2025-08-07
Share

Description

Doug Grant K1DG is a seasoned contester whose career spans six WRTCs, operations from over 30 countries, and a long-standing USA record in the CQ 160 contest. From his early days in suburban Boston, Doug’s path wound through legendary multi-op stations like W2PV and milestone efforts such as co-founding WWROF and organizing WRTC 2014. His reputation in the contesting community rests not just on scores, but on consistency, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the craft.


Doug’s start came through a Boys' Life crystal radio project in 1965. A spark of curiosity became a full-fledged passion, nudged along by supportive parents and early mentors like K1RX. His operating resume includes record-setting runs from HI8, PJ4, and VP2E, and he’s known for navigating unfamiliar DX stations with calm adaptability. Whether climbing towers or knocking on doors in Guadeloupe with coax in hand, Doug leans into radio with a mix of humility and resolve.


A formative moment came during an early contest, when the top operator in Doug’s local radio club turned to him mid-run and said, “Relax. This is supposed to be fun.” That ethos—balanced by a relentless curiosity—still defines Doug’s approach. Though no longer chasing single-op records, he remains active, engaged, and reflective about contesting’s future.


Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.


Thanks to DX Engineering for backing Q5 and for championing contesters, DXpeditioners, and everyday operators pushing the limits of portable and fixed stations alike.

Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

K1DG’s Global Contest Story: 30 Countries and Counting

K1DG’s Global Contest Story: 30 Countries and Counting

Kevin Thomas