Ham Radio Hall of Fame: Craig Thompson K9CT

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Craig Thompson, K9CT, about his numerous contributions to the ham radio hobby. Craig's passion for radio, supported by his parents, led him to obtain his ham radio license at a young age, and his dedication has resulted in significant achievements.
Craig is a member of the prestigious DXCC Honor Roll, having confirmed 338 countries. His participation in numerous serious DXpeditions, including rare entities like Midway Island, Palmyra, and Navassa, has showcased his leadership, planning expertise, and teambuilding skills. One of his signature accomplishments is the creation of a world-class contest superstation in Illinois, which we discussed in detail.
Most impressively, Craig has played a crucial role in promoting ham radio through various leadership roles. He has been inducted into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame and actively works to increase the hobby's visibility, particularly among younger generations. His involvement with the Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) and efforts to support youth participation in DXing demonstrate his commitment to the future of ham radio.
Craig’s story is one of passion, dedication, and leadership. His accomplishments and efforts to sustain and promote the ham radio hobby continue to inspire the community. And he’s quite obviously having fun along the way.

[@ng7m-ham-shack]

I missed the premiere on this interview, but once I started watching I couldn't stop. Kevin, you really have a good thing going with your channel and it's clear the snowball effect is taking place. I hope current subscribers and new hams that come across the channel get the word out about your library of content. I'm seeing posts to different amateur radio / ham radio groups now when you post a new video, so that is a good sign. I say, let that snowball get bigger and bigger. Thumbs up as always Kevin!
Craig's positive leadership vibe is contagious. There is an obvious trend across your interviews with the big station builders, contesters and DXers, where the mindset is concerned but positive regarding the hobby. Its really up to all of us to promote the hobby and use of the allocated frequencies in a positive way. In many ways the hobby is thriving, and getting younger people interested is critical. I really enjoyed the discussion around Craig being involved in so many things. I think the old adage of when you need to get something done, you find the busiest person in the room and ask them to do it.
I really appreciated Craig's input on the DXpedition side of operating too. Where Craig has been to Swains, he nailed the experience on how you do your best to grunt things out and just operate on a crazy schedule (with difficult conditions) trying to put as many QSOs in the log as you can. There are certainly other expedition experiences that are more taxing than Swains, but at the same time its important to understand and think about what the teams are going through on the DX side of the big piles (when you are chasing them). Plus, on the organization side of these expeditions, you rarely hear about the years, months and days that go into the planning by the main team leads and organizers. There are so many selfless individual donations that make things happen along with the larger business level support. I really have only had a small glimpse into the time and effort required at this point on what goes into planning and executing a successful DXpedition.
To touch on the cost of getting into HF operating or contesting (as one of the other commenters mentioned), it can be very inexpensive or as expensive as you want to make it. It is not expensive to setup an HF station. If there is a will there is a way. With all the categories in a contest, everyone can compete, and it might only be competing with yourself or other stations that are close to you in the same situation. You do not need $7000 rigs. You can find very good and outstanding rigs used. If you get in the right circles other hams might even loan a rig to you. Too many new HF interested hams spend way too much money on some flashy rig with a pretty display, when at the end of the day they should focus on their antenna setup. The antenna setup doesn't need to be fancy or expensive either, you would be shocked at what a lot of contesters can do with home brew wire antennas. There are so many outstanding rigs that are very cost effective for contesting too. The Kenwood TS-590 series comes to mind. For the money and used, a TS-590 is very tough to beat. Other good starter rigs can even be had for less. Honestly, all the primary manufacturers make fine rigs IMHO.
The future of ham radio is positive and the number of logs submitted in contests continues to go up. It just depends on how you look at it. Look at all the manufacturers that are creating some really high end gear. They would quickly go away if their was no profit to be had. Sure as the solar cycle peaks and starts waning, activity will ebb and flow likely lower, but the over all trend from the stats I see is that activity has gone up over the years.
Everyone, get the word out about Kevin's interviews in your own circles and at your local club meetings and online forums. This effort alone will help further the interest in the hobby. Max NG7M

[@k9eihamradio]

I saw Craig at CTU 2024 and he’s always happy and excited! These are the hams I want to hang with.

[@AA0Z]

Craig is a class act. He is awesome! Every conversation I have with Craig I learn something new. He wants to further the hobby, however that is....he gets it.

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Craig does great interviews! Thanks to you both for taking the time.
Craig made some great points - showing a positive attitude and avoiding complaining, helping new hams get on the air and taking the time to lend them a radio and erect an HF antenna, as well as revitalizing university club stations. I know that my university didn't have a club. While I had other help to get on the air and my time as a very new ham was marked by the pandemic, it sure would have been valuable if I didn't have that help, as is the situation for others.
73 VE3GKT

[@Steve_NN2NN]

Great interview Kevin. Craig has a very interesting story. Thanks for sharing Craig! 73 till the next contest. Steve NN2NN

[@KC2BKM]

Great talk!. Lot of Great points. Ham radio in general in not a cheap hobby, contesting especially. Young people do not have the disposable income to play. If guys like Graig, and other superstations bring them in, or maybe Club contest stations, and light that fire, show them whats possible and modern. The Future is bleak.