Digital-mode operators have a big weekend coming up. The 2026 World Wide Digi DX Contest takes place August 29–30, offering 24 hours of worldwide FT4 and FT8 activity.

The contest begins at 12:00 UTC Saturday, August 29 and ends at 11:59 UTC Sunday, August 30. Organized through a collaboration between the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) and the Slovenia Contest Club (SCC), WW Digi challenges operators to contact as many stations and Maidenhead Grid Fields as possible. (WW Digi⁠)

The Basics

Operation is limited to FT4 and FT8 on six HF bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. The exchange is simple — your four-character Maidenhead Grid Square. Distance matters, with QSO points increasing based on the distance between the two stations, while two-character Grid Fields serve as multipliers. (WW Digi⁠)

There are categories for high power, low power and QRP, with QRP limited to 5 watts, making this an especially interesting event for portable and low-power digital operators. (WW Digi⁠)

One important point for 2026: fully autonomous operation is prohibited. A human operator must initiate the calling of each QSO partner. Logs must also be submitted within 48 hours after the contest, with the deadline at 2359 UTC September 1, 2026. (WW Digi⁠)

If you’re using WSJT-X, be sure to select the WW Digi Contest special operating activity so the proper grid-square exchange and Cabrillo logging are used. Accurate computer time synchronization is also essential for reliable FT4 and FT8 decoding. (WW Digi⁠)

Whether you’re chasing DX, grid multipliers or simply seeing what FT4 and FT8 can do when the bands get busy, WW Digi should provide plenty of activity this weekend.

Full rules, recommended contest frequencies and log submission information:
World Wide Digi DX Contest official website⁠