Here is today’s practical contest snapshot for Sunday, July 26, 2026, anchored to Pacific local time with contest windows shown in UTC/Zulu. PDT is UTC-7.
Today
Phone/SSB
- RSGB IOTA Contest — continues until 1200Z (5 AM Pacific). Phone and CW on 80–10m; send RS(T), a serial number, and your IOTA reference if applicable. Work island stations for multipliers.
CW
- ARS Flight of the Bumblebees — 1700Z–2100Z (10 AM–2 PM Pacific). A portable QRP CW event on 40/20/15/10m; 5 watts maximum. Plan field operating safely and check the sponsor page before heading out.
- RSGB IOTA Contest — its final CW window also closes at 1200Z (5 AM Pacific).
Digital
No digital contest is listed for Sunday local daytime/evening.
Tomorrow Look-Ahead
CW
- QCX Challenge — 1300Z–1400Z and 1900Z–2000Z Monday (6–7 AM and noon–1 PM Pacific); a QRP-friendly CW activity.
- ICWC Medium Speed Test — 1300Z–1400Z and 1900Z–2000Z Monday.
Digital
- RSGB FT4 Contest — 1900Z–2100Z Monday (noon–2 PM Pacific).
Operating note: For IOTA, keep the serial and island reference exchange ready. For Flight of the Bumblebees, bring a simple portable station, stay within your license privileges, and prioritize safe field setup.
Sources
WA7BNM Contest Calendar, RSGB IOTA rules, ARS event rules, and an ARRL Contest Calendar cross-check.
