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photo: K6JEY / ARRL – Helen KI6LQV working from a station equipped with a parabolic antenna on 10 GHz during the ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest.
Over the weekend September 19–21, 2026 the second part of this year's contest will take place ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest. ARRL reminded operators about the event in Contest Update published on September 16, encouraging microwave operators to prepare transverters, parabolic antennas, and portable stations.

The contest is intended for stations in North America and covers all amateur bands from 10 GHz up to the range designated by the organizer as „Light”. The objective is to make as many contacts as possible from different locations. During the contest, operators may change their operating location, which is particularly important for microwave contacts, where terrain and line of sight between stations often determine whether a QSO succeeds.

The second weekend will begin on September 19 at 09:00 UTC and end on September 21 at 07:59 UTC. Each participant may operate for a maximum of 42 hours in one round. All modes are permitted, and during QSOs, stations exchange a six-character Maidenhead locator.

The rules prohibit counting contacts made via satellites, EME, or with aeronautical mobile stations. Logs for this year's edition must be submitted no later than October 21, 2026. 

ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest – contest website
Full ARRL 10 GHz rules