The First Class CW Operators' Club
Spring 2026 FOC QSO Party

Soapbox comments from your fellow participants.

CallsignSoapbox
2E0OBO
It was good to share a few qso's with our friends in Europe and across the pond. I'm not a member but hope to be one day.
4Z4KX
The safest place to hide from the ballistic rockets coming from Iran

was the BWQP activity.
AB4I
The thunderstorms started early this year and just in time for BW! I did get in a few hours of operation and enjoyed the camaraderie of FOC.
AB5XM
Thanks for those who sponsored the contest and to those who worked me. Enjoyed it!! A nice relaxed event!
AC5XK
Thanks for a relaxed event. I look forward to chatting in the future.
AD0AB
Thank you for a fun event.
AF8A
It was nice to have some propagation to EU from NA. Though many stations were very, very weak, I and sure I was even weaker on their end! It is always a pleasure to operate an event where the other operators have great skills!
DJ6ZM
Unfortunately, this weekend overlapped with our HSC and AGCW meeting near Fulda. Nevertheless, I managed a very few QSOs via Wi-Fi from the hotel. As often the case, the Wi-Fi was overloaded and there was a lot of jitter distortions. On the one hand, I missed many friends at the BWQP, but on the other hand, I met many friends again at the meeting. Til next. 161 dj6zm
DL1CW
Just returned from German Telegraphy Championship, and took the last 3 hours to operate. Condx were reasonable, and some members catched me even on four bands. Thanks for the fun. Arno #2070
DL3YM
Returning from a one week vacation in OE-land meant I would not start into the QSO Party before early afteroon - which I managed to do tnx to the fact that there is no speed limit on Germany highways, hi.

Lots of fun during my roughly 8 hours operating time, despite the fact that condx were not really great. Most Qs on 10 meters with NA were with the beam pointing towards SA. I almost fell out of my chair when Jim, K6AR called me there. Mind you, I was running low power to my trusty mini beam.

Tnx all for your brilliant ears. It sure is a pleasure to work FOC members when you are not loud.
EA5XQ
it has been my first time that I participate in FOC, congrats, good CW contest, 77
EA6EJ
Frankly, a show of friends everywhere, very fun, friendly 161 from the island of Mallorca (ea6ej #2209)
G0IBN
There is a lot i would like to say but would probably upset members !!
G0KPE
Good band conditions made this BW QSO Party very enjoyable.

Nice to have quite a few non-members call for a contact. Some may well progress to be future members.



161 de Carl G0KPE
G3NKS
Rotten condx.
G3RWF
Lovely to see my family but it restricted air time! Conditions were not great but still great fun
G3SYM
Despite having a dreadful cold enjoyed the event,after the recent storms only low fan dipole in use suprisingly it performed pretty well.
G3VMW
I thought activity levels seemed a little down on previous BWQP events, particularly G stations. Conditions were not great, but still managed a few QSOs on 10m. Always enjoy the BWQP here.
G3WGE
Rig: FTDX101MP

Power: 100W

Antenna: G5RV up 7m agl.

A busy weekend, so only managed a few QSOs.

Good to meet some new members. Thanks guys.
G3WZD
I was pottering in the shack doing odd jobs with the rig on in the background, so not a serious effort. Excellent standard of operating (as would be expected). It was nice to have a personal greeting from a couple of fellow CWops members who recognised my call.
G3YLA
Limited time this year but nice to work a few stations in between family demands... 161 Jim G3YLA
G3ZGC
15m poor, 10m very poor. My simple wires and a SteppIR Verticle did well. I managed ZS1C 5X and VK with ease. A very enjoyable event.
G3ZRJ
Sorry so few contacts, inundated trying to clear the rental QTH as landlord wants to get out of renting.
G4BSW
Just under three hours spent at the key. We were practising for a ballroom dance evening!

Conditions not the best but did manage Andy as 5X2VJ on three bands. He was the only QSO on 10m.

A few short rag chews with some old friends. Great fun as always - G4BSW
G4BUE (QRP)
Probably my lowest ever BWQP score due to poor conditions, unexpected visitors and my decision to run only 1W during 2026. Thanks to those members who heard my QRP, especially Andy, 5X2VJ on 20m for a new 2026 DXCC.
G4BYG
Great to be back QRV again after several months without antennas.

Mad rush to finish installing my repaired Cobweb antenna.

Woke on Friday Morning to see the antenna had slipped on its mounting bracket and was at a rather drunken angle.

On checking the swr found all was good, so decided to leave it alone for the duration of the QP.

Limited time due to a couple of family members passing away within a week of each other.

What operating time I did have was most enjoyable. Band conditions were at times challenging with many ESP type qso's. So thanks to those who called me.

Hope the next event is rather less stressful in the run up to it.

I may have even invested in a Hexbeam and rotator by then.

161 all

Vic G4BYG
G4CWH
My first time in this event. Great fun. Hope to see a lot more of you in the future, maybe with my own FOC number? :-)



Great also to see 579 as well as 599!!
G4DRS
Great fun, especially when people who are clearly CW novices call. It's nice to slow down and ensure they have a good experience.

Good to meet some members that I've not met before, as well as loads that I have worked many times before.
G4IZZ
Not a lot of spare time to play today, but great to work a few members at least.
G4RCG
I only returned from a 2 week cruise at 16z, dropped the cases told the wife to get a cup of tea while I had an hour in the BW, thats what I did just one hour,
G4RMV
All search and pounce.

Need some practice at calling Test BW though.



Very slow the first three quarters only getting lively later.
GM3YOR
Very limited activity as I was attending GMDX Club convention which was on same day, only 80 and 40m. Enjoyed meeting up with others during my short time of activity

161 Drew GM3YOR
GW4MM
Not too much activity this time from me, as the date clashed with Julie's birthday - but I enjoyed the QSOs I made.
HK3CQ
This time I couldn't participate as much as I wanted. It was a day with many long family interruptions. Still, I enjoyed it a lot. Half the time I answered calls, and the other half I was doing CQ's. Most stations were from the US, two from Japan, one from Australia, and very few from Europe. Plus, not great conditions. Again, thanks for the fraternity that characterizes FOC members. I'm very proud to be with you guys. Until the next BWQP! 161, Juan, HK3CQ
IK0YGJ
I could operate for 5 hours totally, but the fun is always there!

161 de IK0YGJ
IK1WNO
Good morning everyone,

It's always a pleasure to meet so many friends on the air. Thanks to everyone we exchanged greetings with!

Unfortunately, propagation wasn't 100%, and some bands weren't open. However, I had a lot of fun, and it was also my first BW QP with my own membership number.

Thanks everyone for the great QSOs.

From Enrico IK1WNO.
IK4EWX
Nice fun time with fine friends (and loved Frattini Evolution dual levers bug). In september, retired from job, i will partecipate to BWQP full time.
IN3TWX
Hello to all and great to find again lots of FOC members. Last year I was qrv for most of the day and logged more than 50 stations. This year I just came back from a longer trip and entered my house around 20:30 UTC to get the radio warmed up asap. Only made it to 30 stations in just 4 hours, which overall is not too bad. Mostly EU stations on 80 and 40, a few DX stations on 20m as well. Bill Windle is always a fun event to join.

73, WoLF IN3TWX
JA1GZV
The conditions for this FOC BW QP were poor; I listened for over 10 hours, but could barely hear any signals from Japan towards Europe. I suspect this was due to a magnetic storm caused by solar activity.
JA1KIH
It was very hard to find members on high bands since the propagation was getting poor due to going to end the cycle 25 compared last year from Japan. I had no QSOs on 10m at all, just heard a very weak VK signal. Looking at RBN I found many members from NA and EU, but never heard them!!
JN4MMO
Thanks to all members!
JS2AHG
No fun from Asia under the poor condx.
K0VBU
Sorry I did not have more time to participate. Condx were marginal here, but great to hear our great members!

161

Bill K0VBU
K1DW
Off and on... Good fun...

TNX fer Qs de Dallas k1DW
K1ESE
Strange band conditions this BW. Friday night was poor on 20m and down. On Saturday, most ands were only average at best. The exception was 15m, where signals from other continents were booming in. Signals from North America were mostly quite weak.



I enjoyed the activity and said hello to many friends. It was great fun.



161 de K1ESE

John
K1JD
I had fits with N1MM+ for a few hours. Finally reinstalled it and was back in business.

The BWQP was fun despite rather poor DX conditions in the SW USA. N1MM+ presents my score as 326/259. Gained 186 Windle points after uploading the log to Fabian’s site but worked none of my 6 missing members.
K1TH
I really enjoyed the friendly greetings and welcome by a number of ops. Tom, K1TH
K2ZR/4
RIG: K2 @ 90W

ANT: 40M OCF WIRE @ 15'-25'HIGH + QTH GUTTER SYSTEM ADDED FOR 80M

LOG: N1MM

CONDX: FAIR @ BEST

TIME OTA: 11 HOURS 30 MINUTES



BW QSO Party Always Fun!

161,

DICK, K2ZR/4

Key West IOTA NA-062

The Southernmost HamShack in the Continental USA
K3JT
Fun but conditions were terrible.
K3TW
"Overall, band conditions were above average here in Florida."
K4AEN
What a fun time! Although the propagation wasn't as good as one would like, there was enough to allow EU and a few VKs through. 101 and 15 opened late and closed early so 20 seemed to be a mainstay. little activity on 160, but managed a few Qs. I spent an enjoyable amount of time, but not too much so that there was family time. It was nice to hear K4FOC in its inaugural event with Amanda (2215) at the key; great to hear the Carolina - Virginia FOC club call on the air! Highlight for me was working G0PNM, Pete, as my first on air QSO - Pete and Angie hosted us when we were visiting Cornwall 3 years ago. Thanks Pete!
K4BAI
No. Thanks. 161, John.
K4BSK
Operated this year from our family "get away QTH" near Lexington VA near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Operating time was limited but still a fun event.
K5TF
Ran my Wilderness Radio Sierra (max output 2 watts) into end-fed 40m half wave antenna. 40 meters only. What fun! 38 qso's including F5IN!
K5VG
My first one. Only had time for 7 QSOs, but enjoyed it.
K5XK
Still using part of my rain gutters from the HOA!
K6AR
As widely noted the band conditions made it difficult. Thanks to those who struggled with me at times to make contacts. Special thanks to Red and Andy. Also to Raoul. And I should mention Leo who made the effort on my behalf to get in the log. Cheers 161 Jim
K6KII
My compliments to Andy, 5Z4VJ, and Red, DL1BUG, for their "super ears" and excellent operating skills. They provided two more WAFOCC countries!
K7NJ
Total time on was 4:19 hours.
K7SV
Conditions seemed quite good, but activity down a bit, perhaps due to the SSB WPX contest running at the same time. Always nice to exchange greetings with old FOC friends and new non-FOC folks as well.
K8VA
FOC OPS are the best. They are courteous, accommodating and friendly

I love working this contest. I don't spend a lot of time in the chair, 30-40 QTCs are about all I need to satisfy my thirst.

73 and best DX

Mike K8VA
K9FN
Condx were not very impressive here... and I had very limited time, but did manage to add a few Windle points and picked up an Augie as well... AND... it was FUN.
KF6NCX
I enjoyed the contest. Thanks for the qsos. One suggestion. I am a general-class amateur. Most of the time I could find one or two participants just above the 025 point on the bands. Once, I tuned down lower on 20 meters and heard much more activity in the extra portion. It would help guys like me if the ops spent a little more time in the general portion of the bands. Tnx and 73!
KN2D
First time entering the contest. Enjoyed the additional interaction beyond RST and name!
KP3W
Bands were rough Saturday morning but improved gradually. Great to QSO so many friends. 161
KP4FOC
Operator was Luis, KP4DX. Band condx were not good but I guess the 75 watts and my dipole did OK...
KR2Q
I had a really FUN time! de Doug KR2Q
KW7Q
Pretty dismal conditions, especially to EU from here in Colorado. However, still lots of fun. Had many short chats with members which I enjoyed. The highlight was having Drew, VK3XU answer my CQ on 40 m for an all time Augie. Now just 5 Augie's remain. The participation from non-members was good.
LA1TV
As a FOC nominee this was my first meeting with the BW qso party, and it was without a doubt a fun one. Many well-known and skilled operators made this a relaxing and enjoyable Saturday. The radio conditions were also quite good, and qso´s were made on all bands except 10m.



Thanks for all the qso´s and we will hear you next time...hopefully with my own FOC number!



Regards



Trond , LA1TV
LB2TB
Another great BW QP in the books, as always!



Conditions were a bit of a mixed bag this time — up and down throughout the event — but still plenty of fun to be had on the bands. No Augies for me this year, unfortunately, but it was really nice to catch a few stations I haven’t worked in several years.



All in all, just another fantastic club activity. Big thanks to everyone who got on the air and made it enjoyable as always!
M0KTZ
Conditions were not stellar, and participation was somewhat down, especially from Europe, but it was good fun. It is always nice to see on air friends old and new, and the BWQP really feels like a family party.
M0TDW
A very enjoyable format, unable to spend as much time as I would of liked.
N2ATB
Lots of fun although propagation was not that great.
N3RS
Was under the weather for this one. Only put in ~7.5 hours. Participation seemed a bit down this year.



161 to all,



Sig, N3RS
N4AF
Condx disturbed. Good to qso my friends.
N5AW
Operated from my station at our ranch rather than the noise retirement facility we are in. Unfortunately SWR was sky high on 40 Friday evening. The next morning I found the coax had pulled out of its connector. Fixed it but not much activity on 40 during the day and had to QRT at 220Z. Enjoyed the contest - conditions were up and down. Fifteen was my best band.
N5CW
ALWAYS ENJOY TALKING TO THE GROUP. N5CW
N7US
Low power - 100W from IL.



Had fun working so many I work all the time in CWTs and other contests. Hope to see many at the CWops dinner at Dayton.



Jim N7US
N8KH
This was a highly disappointing contest, due to lack of activity.

If this continues into future years, I won't waste my time on it.

3830Scores doesn't even list it!
NE5A
This is the first time I have ever done remote operation. Running my Flex 8600 from an RV park in Gulfport, MS. Hand keying with a Morconi device is a challenge sometimes due to a slight latency with the router and Starlink-Mini. Only real problem was my Antenna Genius at home. It sometimes goes crazy and tries to connect over and over. When is does that is won't let me transmit. I only think it affected one qso so if there were other issues, I am sorry! I had fun though.



George NE5A
NY2PO
The BWQP was fully enjoyable as always although Saturday morning to the early afternoon propagation was somewhat compromised (should have been better due to decent Kp numbers) but did come back in the late afternoon. It was great to make q's with many members that I haven't worked in some time.



161,

Pat NY2PO
OE3IAK
My first BWQP as part of FOC - I enjoyed that some members took time for a brief chat or welcome.
OH2BN
Good to say hello to members of a club that I myself was

once a member of.
OH3GD
Rather challening conditions this time. 73 to all!
OZ5DX
Only QRV in the evening on the low bands.

161

Hans OZ5DX
OZ6XT
I managed to log 21 European FOC stations during this BWQP, though conditions were far from ideal.
OZ8SW
Bad condx, but always good to qso so many foc-members
PA3AAV
Nice to work so many friends
PA4N
Only had a short time available to be active. Conditions weren't great, but managed to work a couple fellow FOC members. 161 de Frank PA4N.
R7KZ
It was great to see many old friends!
SC6O
This was my first BW QP but definitely not the last
SM2CEW
Limited time to enjoy the full QP. But good to at least participate and make some QSOs.I mainly used my old WW2 Lionel J-36 bug this time. Glad that so many members switched over to using their bugs during the QSO with me. Bug to bug QSOs always invite to having a short chat which is something I really appreciate, even in the rush a QSO Party.



73/Peter SM2CEW #2145
SM2EKM
Sorry for late submission
SQ9S
Tnx for great fun ! Best 73 Adam SQ9S
SV1UG
DEAR ALL

I WAS HAPPY TO PARTICIPATE IN A SHORT TIME WAY DUE TO MY HEALTH PROBLEMS!

ITS VERY IMPORTAND NOT TO FORGET OUR PEOPLE AND TO DO THINGS FOR THEIR MEMORY !

THANK YOU



PS

I USED 100 WATTS AND A MULTIBAND VERTICAL AS ALWAYS FOR THE QSOS.

I HAVE THIS ANTENNA MANY MANY YEARS FROM THE TIME OF MY NAVY LIFE
TY5FR
Was busy in WPX SSB ,but spend some Time for the BW QSO-Party .
VA3FN
Very good CW operators.Pleasure to work them !!
VE9KK
A very nice and relaxing event.
VK2BJ
Conditions from VK2 were generally pretty awful. Spent a lot of time CQing and listening on 80 and 160 but did not hear a single solitary signal.
VK2GR
The band conditions were very poor from south eastern Australia.
VK5FOC (OP VK5GG)
A very quiet BWQP this time. I lost the last hour or so due to a feedline issue (now rectified). I look forward to the next BWQP in September.
VK6GX
Unfortunately the BWQP was just about a non-event for me, as propagation and available operating time conspired against me. LP USA was wiped out by the long duration M class solar flare and by the time I was able to get back on air, the LP to EU had all but gone, resulting in just one very difficult QSO with Ini, EA6EJ (2209). Thanks for your perseverance Ini!

161, Phil VK6GX.
VU2TUM
Happy to work my first Bill Windle QSO party. Maybe one day, I hope to join the FOC club

73
W0CCA
Simply aimed for 25 qsos per band. Didnt make it on 10 with the conditions. Short timer, about 3 hours in the saddle.
W0UA
Pretty awful CONDX but even that can't put a damper on the fun!
W0VTT
It was great fun in the limited time I had available. Once again, I used my VE5SDH Memorial paddle; a Begali Simplex Basic. It comes out for all FOC events.
W1FOC
W1FOC, K1AJ operator FOC 1635
W1UU
Made FOC QSOs on all bands 160-10, but CONDX were marginal. It is an easy-going event on a quiet non-super-contest weekend. I did not operate QRP as I usually do in the Marathon. Making Qs was a bit easier. Thanks one and all! Peter, W1UU, 806
W1ZT
Good activity during available time. Always nice to chat when stations amenable.
W2TB
crummy conditions spoiled it for w while. too bad. Had fun anyways!
W2VT
This was a very nice QSO party, with good propagation and many CW friends!
W3MA
Fun event
W3RJ
First BWQP as an FOC member - 2251.
W4CK
Busy weekend with family and other commitments, but I was able to make some contacts. It is always much fun saying Hello to my Friends Over Continents!
W4PM
Low power to a 40m EDZ and rather poor conditions limited the fun factor this time.



Thanks to the 115 different members who could hear me and called!



73,

Puck W4PM
W4SV
Conditions not the best. Had set a goal of 200 LP S&P FOC contacts for last three parties. Finally made it. Limited time; but great fun!
W4ZYT
Nice to see a lot of old friends and connect with some new ones. Not so much activity this year, but conditions didn't seem as good. Appreciate all the Qs
W5FB
Regrettably we had way to many family obligations for me to put in much time. However, I look forward to making up for it during next September's BW QSO Party.
W6OAT
Conditions were awful.
W7RF
Lots of things got in the way of more operation but glad I had this many!
WA1DX
Thanks for the opportunity to commemorate a ham.

73

Allan
WA5FOC
THE MOST ENJOYABLE QSOS WERE MORE THAN 5NN/NAME/NUMBER.
WA9AQN
Sorry to say I had very limited time over the weekend, but thoroughly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with friends. I hope for better condx and time this fall.
WG4FOC (OPR. K3TW)
"Overall, band conditions were above average here in Florida"
WS1L
Friday evening was pretty good, so I stayed up until 0200Z and enjoyed some good 40M signals from western Europe. VK1A made an appearance on 15M despite the late hour. Saturday morning around 1100Z found 20M open nicely and by 1200Z 15M had opened as well. Too bad 10M never really got going here in New England. Late afternoon brought TY5FR and 5X2VJ into the log on 20M. By 2300Z 80M had opened to the East, with another handful of European stations in the log.



It is always a great time to exchange greetings with friends old and new. Thank you to all for the Windles and even an Augie!



VY 161 DE WS1L
YT1XC
check log