Rhynhardt Louw - ZS1TT

On the air

Biography & Awards

Licensed since 2001

My Experience with Four DXpeditions and Passion for HF Contesting

2006 – Achieved 1st place in the CQ WPX SSB Contest, earning the title of World Winner from South Africa – ZS6DXB
2006 – Ranked 18th worldwide and 4th in Africa in the CQ WW SSB Contest from Swaziland – 3DA0WW
2006 – Received the ICOM Excellence Award from the South African Radio League – ZS6DXB
2007 – Attained the 17th position worldwide, 4th in Africa, and set the Swaziland Record in the CQ WW SSB Contest
2008 – ZS6DXB – Secured the World Winner (1st place) in the CQ WPX SSB Contest, while also setting the Africa Record from South Africa
2008- VK9DWX – Ranked 29th worldwide and 1st in Oceania in the CQ WW SSB Contest. Set a new all time record for Willis Island

I embarked on my HF radio journey at the young age of 13, and by the time I turned 16, I obtained my Amateur Radio operator license. It didn’t take me long to develop a profound passion for HF contesting and DXpeditions.

2006

World Champion (1st Place) in the CQ WPX SSB Contest

In my debut Amateur Radio Contest, the CQ WPX SSB 2006, I had the honor of securing a remarkable WorldWide victory (1st place). Competing as ZS6DXB in the Single Operator all band Rookie category, I achieved an impressive final score of 3,717,896 points. Throughout the intense 48-hour contest, I diligently worked with dedication, making 1,641 contacts (QSO’s) and successfully communicating with 728 prefixes (WPX).

2006

CQ WW SSB Contest - 18th WorldWide, 4th in Africa

In 2006, I had the privilege of being part of the team operating at 3DA0WW in Swaziland during the CQ WW SSB 2006 contest. Our remarkable performance earned us the 18th position worldwide, 4th in the African continent, and 1st in Swaziland. Competing in the Multi-Operator Two-Transmitter category, we achieved a noteworthy final score of 4,985,264 points. Throughout the intense 48-hour contest, we diligently worked, making 4,345 contacts (QSO’s) and successfully communicating with 118 CQ Zones.

2007

CQ WW SSB Contest - 17th WordWide, 4th in Africa

In October 2007, we returned to Swaziland with an even stronger team to participate in the CQ WW SSB 2007 contest. Our efforts paid off as we achieved an impressive 17th position worldwide, 4th in the African continent, and 1st in Swaziland. Once again, we competed in the Multi-Operator Two-Transmitter category and attained a remarkable final score of 6,053,618 points. Throughout the intense 48-hour contest, we made 4,519 contacts (QSO’s) and successfully communicated with 121 CQ Zones. Notably, our outstanding performance also set a new Swaziland record.

2008

Unmatched Success in the CQ WPX SSB Contest - World Champion (1st Place)

In 2008, I enthusiastically participated in the CQ WPX SSB 2008 contest, operating from my home station as ZS6DXB in the Single Operator 15-meter category. It was an exhilarating experience, and I proudly achieved a remarkable final score of 2,397,668 points. Throughout the intense 48-hour contest, I diligently worked and successfully made 1,307 contacts (QSO’s) with 637 prefixes (WPX). This outstanding performance not only secured another world-wide victory (1st place) but also set a new Africa record, adding to the list of accolades.

2008

CQ WW SSB - 29th WorldWide, 1st Oceania

I had the privilege of being selected as a wild card entry for the VK9DWX Dxpedition to Willis Island, Australia. This opportunity provided me with invaluable experience as an HF operator in one of the top 10 most wanted countries (DXCC). Our journey was met with challenges, as a tropical storm forced that was approaching us to depart from Willis Island before completing the full 48 hours of the CQ WW SSB 2008 contest.

Despite the circumstances, we managed to achieve a commendable final score of 3,505,090 points. In the 18.3 hours that we competed, we made 3,167 contacts (QSO’s) and communicated with 125 CQ Zones. This remarkable performance secured us 29th place Worldwide and 1st in the Oceania region in the highly competitive Multi-Operator Multi-Transmitter category. Although our time was cut short, our dedication and skill allowed us to leave a mark in the contest.

2024

To be Confirmed

After a hiatus of approximately 13 years from Amateur Radio and HF contesting, I am thrilled to announce my return and rekindled passion for the hobby. As I immerse myself back into the world of Amateur Radio, I am eagerly considering my options and contemplating my participation in the upcoming 2024 HF Contesting Season. It’s an exciting time as I explore the possibilities and plan my journey to engage once again in the exhilarating realm of HF contesting. Stay tuned for updates as I embark on this new chapter of my Amateur Radio journey.