Bdale Garbee KB0G is the President of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), the private foundation quietly reshaping the future of ham radio. With deep roots in the early internet and the historic allocation of 44Net, ARDC today manages a $100M+ endowment, granting millions each year to fund innovation, education, and community growth. In this conversation, Bdale traces the remarkable journey from ham radio’s early experiments with packet radio and TCP/IP, through the unexpected windfall of 44Net’s value, to the creation of a professional, forward-looking foundation now driving some of the most ambitious projects in amateur radio. He offers an inside look at how ARDC evaluates grants, what defines success, and why the foundation’s long-term vision matters for anyone who cares about the future of communication, experimentation, and connection.

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After reconnecting with amateur radio, I started W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio to learn, explore, and share. But something bigger emerged—a community, a vision, and a deeper sense of what this hobby truly deserves. Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio is the next chapter: an expanded platform for thoughtful storytelling, sharp interviews, and real conversation—across Substack, YouTube, podcasts, and maybe even print. It’s a name that goes beyond one person. This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a raise-the-standard moment. Join me.

Kevin Thomas W1DED is back with the Contest Crew—Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, Randy K5ZD, and Bill W9KKN—for a relaxed but revealing breakdown of CQ WPX SSB 2025.

This time, it was ND7K vs. K3LR—not a grudge match, but a fun, full-throttle rivalry kicked off by Tim Duffy himself. K3LR, with Randy on the team, shattered the longstanding NQ4I US record, finishing with a massive 58 million points. Meanwhile in Arizona, Dan, Chris, and Bill turned ND7K into a mini-Dayton. With 18+ ops on site, last-minute rewiring, and a ton of teamwork, they pulled off 33 million points—breaking the same record just hours behind.

The conversation dives into what made both stations click: smart strategy, sharp ops, great food, and even better camaraderie. K3LR ran like a Formula One machine. ND7K brought flexibility, hustle, and smoked meat. A shared WhatsApp group kept the banter flowing and the spirits high.

Then the spotlight shifts. The Crew turns their attention to Kevin’s solo run from VP5E, where he earned an uniffical Top 6 North American finish in Single Operator High Power (Unassisted). Running 400 watts to a SteppIR with no rotor, it was a gritty effort with standout runs on Saturday—and a few hard lessons on 40 meters.

There’s advice. There’s critique. There’s encouragement. And this from Dan N6MJ: “You weren’t supposed to win. You were supposed to learn. But a #6 finish in North America? That’s outstanding.”

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