SZ1A

SZ1A SZ1A is a Ham Radio Contest station in Redforest near Agrinio in West Greece. When we say everyone, we mean it! Some non Greeks also. What we need?

The Project

After 1994 when we run our first CQ contest we had the same dream: to build a big contest station. Our dream started to become a reality in 2009 when our city's authorities gave us an old abandoned school in Red Forest, a small village 20km (12 miles) far from Agrinio. So we started to build towers, antennas and all these we need to be competitive in contests. Our thought was and cont

inues to be to offer this station to everyone to operate free of charge and promote amateur radio and contesting. Until now many amateurs from all Greek cities have come and operate from SZ1A. We don't look the best operators. We are widely open to everyone! We made a lot and we need to do more. We continue to work almost every weekend on this project: to improve the station. Maybe you can help us, and why not to be the next operator! Continiue reading to learn how....

The story...

From the early days some of our members were very active in contests. Back in 1994 we participated in our first CQ WW SSB as a club in the M/S category using the club's call SV1AFA (Our call has changed after 2004 to SZ1A). We were first SV and this gave us a lot of pleasure!! This first participation created a tradition. So our club has become the most active club in Greece in HF contests. Our dream was to create a contest station. The most of the people in Greece, usually live in small condos and small properties in general. Just a very few Greek radio amateurs have the space for big antennas and towers. There are many clubs that have a small HF station (we have also an HF station in our office), but a big station (by Greek standards) was an unfulfilled dream. Our Club wanted to fill the gap and we would like to offer to every Greek and Foreign ham who wants to operate a contest, a station to make this possible. This dream started to be a reality for us, in November of 2009. Back then we found the place to host us, an old abandoned school in a place called Red Forest about 20 km North of Agrinio. We started to repair the building and we raised our first tower 18m (60 ft) high in October of 2010. Our first participation in a contest from Red Forest in ARRL CW some months later at 2011, just for some hours. This is an ongoing project during last years. We try to build a competitive station, the first of this kind in Greece. Our willing and our try is to offer this station to everyone to operate free of charge. Unfortunately because of the financial crisis in Greece, is really difficult to collect the necessary funds to make our dreams a reallity as quick as we want. In any case the station is quite good at this moment and we have managed very good scores. Many Greek hams come and operate the station in several contests running either with the call SZ1A either with their personal call. In November 2015, we enjoyed the visit by Don G3XTT who is the Editor of Practical Wireless magazine. We expect to have more and more guest operators in the near future and why not you? In any case, you are invited to come and operate from our station as everyone else. Please spread out this info to anyone is interesting. Send an email to sz1a at qsl dot net if you are interesting to visit us. The station has already grown up a lot and our willing is to improve it every day...
Watch this video about the station (filmed by SV1JMO). Equipment

With a lot of offers from our members and other radio amaterus, we have right now three stations working together and two more in progress to complete them. Rigs
Kenwood 850 SAT
Yaesu ft1000 MKV (JH1AJT's offer)
Yaesu ft1000 MKV field (this belongs to SV1CIB)
Yaesu ft1000 MKV (DD2CW's offer)
Yaesu ft990 (SV1DPJ's offer)

Amplifiers
Icom PW1 amplifier (Multiplier)
OM Power 2000 HF (Run1)
OM Power 2000 HF (Mult1)

Antennas
EF14ARC - 4el for 20m (YU7EF design)
EF154A1LX - 4el for 15m (YU7EF design-SV1BDO's offer)
EF106C - 6el for 10m (YU7EF design)
Dipole for 80m
Dipole for 160m
Cushcraft 40-2cd (40m)
Cushcraft R7 (10,12,15,17,20,30,40m) (SV1DPJ offer)
Cushcraft A3S (10,15,20,40) (SV2FWV offer) - inband
Prosistel vertical (10-80m) (I7PHH offer)
5 beverages 185-320m to USA, JA, Indian Ocean, Africa, Carribean

Accomodation
We can host 12-17 operators in the station at this moment. There are a bedroom, kitchen (electric cooker, refrigerator, freezer, coffee machine, dishwasher, etc.), barbecue, living room and bathroom in the station's building. All free of charge... except food (hi hi). Usually many of our members visit the station during contest's weekend and we organize dinners with food and drink. We are doing our best to make your stay here memorable but don't expect something very comfortable. Just like army :)

Invitation
Everyone, Greek or foreign amateur is welcome to come in Agrinio, to visit us and operate the SZ1A station. You need to be a member to enjoy all facilities but if you carry your own radio equipment, you can use the station antennas and accomodation for free, even you are not a member. If you are not a member you can apply for this: it's just 25 euros per year. But it's completely free if you participate in a multi operators team with us. If you need to learn station's schedule or any other help about SZ1A, please send an email to sz1a at qsl dot net

How you can help us
If you have found this project interesting (bulding a station and offering this to radio amateurs worldwide free of charge), get in contact (sz1a at qsl dot net) and help us. We need ideas, your hands and experience, used equipment, money, everything. Especially the last time, with the financial crisis in Greece, is very difficult to find the funds we need to see our dream to become a reality. Maybe we can do this easier "with little help of our friends"...

📡 CQ WW RTTY 2025: SZ1A Roars Back into Action 🚀After a long period of casual part-time RTTY operations, this year Team ...
05/11/2025

📡 CQ WW RTTY 2025: SZ1A Roars Back into Action 🚀

After a long period of casual part-time RTTY operations, this year Team SZ1A decided to do it right, running CQ WW RTTY 2025 seriously, full-time, in the M2 category 💥

What followed was a true comeback story: from last-minute repairs and on-the-fly adjustments to a smooth, well-coordinated operation that kept both radios calling CQ across all bands.

The preliminary results are very promising: 3rd in Europe, 7th worldwide, and 1st in Greece (RAW Scores).
We certainly hope these standings hold after log checking, as it would be a fantastic win for us! 🏆

In his latest article, SV1DPI (Kostas Stamatis) shares the full story of how experience, teamwork, and passion brought SZ1A back to RTTY contesting in style.

👉 Read it here:
https://sz1a.org/en/stories-and-perspectives/cq-ww-rtty-2025-sz1a-roars-back-into-action-with-rtty/

The SZ1A Team Kicks Off the Season with an Impressive RTTY Performance! Contest Review by SV1DPI When Plans Don’t Match Reality Sometimes we plan things as best as we can, and everything goes wrong. Other […]

28/10/2025

🇬🇷 Ham Spirit, Laughter, and… a Tiny Mpifteki! 😂

During our post-contest dinner, there was a special surprise for Andy (SV1DKD). Before the contest, the team had promised him a giant traditional mpifteki (Greek burger) if he did well. And he did! But when the time came to serve it, he got a tiny one instead!

The whole table burst into laughter, including Andy himself, and it was a funny, heartfelt moment filled with love and true team spirit.
Of course, in the end, he got the real giant mpifteki he had earned! 🍔🇬🇷

🍽️ A perfect way to end an amazing CQ WW weekend!Before the team departed, we visited the offices of RAAWG – SZ1A and th...
27/10/2025

🍽️ A perfect way to end an amazing CQ WW weekend!

Before the team departed, we visited the offices of RAAWG – SZ1A and then enjoyed a wonderful post-contest dinner all together at a local tavern, filled with laughter, stories, and some truly special local delicacies.

Good food, great company, and the best way to celebrate another unforgettable contest weekend. Until next time! 🇬🇷

🏁 A Fantastic Finish for Team SZ1A at CQ WW DX SSB 2025!We proudly held our place in the European Top Ten on the live sc...
27/10/2025

🏁 A Fantastic Finish for Team SZ1A at CQ WW DX SSB 2025!

We proudly held our place in the European Top Ten on the live scoreboard, and with a bit of luck, we hope to stay there after raw and final results are out.

Propagation wasn’t at its best this year, but overall, we believe our ranking improved both in Europe and worldwide, marking another big step forward for Team SZ1A.

🌟 The stars of this year’s contest were our amazing youth operators, Tax (16 yo) and Nick (14 yo)!

Tax - SV8SYK brought incredible energy, focus, and determination, logging more QSOs than anyone else on the team by a wide margin. Tireless and composed, he operated for long stretches without losing momentum, keeping the rate high and the spirit even higher. It was his first time operating from a large contest station, and he made the most of every minute. A true rising star, he’s already looking forward to his next contest with Team SZ1A. His enthusiasm reminded us all why we love this hobby!

Meanwhile, Nick, after a month of studying, took his first real dive into the world of amateur radio. He ran his first pileups, discovered the magic of HF, and contacted all six continents. It was an incredible first step into this amazing hobby, and he’s already planning to hang a world map on his wall with every country he worked!

💙 A heartfelt thank you to the entire team, our operators, support crew, visitors, and friends, for another unforgettable weekend and a strong, successful effort.
And a special thank you to our young friends, who are now proudly part of Team SZ1A.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who worked us through the pileups and spotted us after our QSOs. You were fantastic. The ham radio community is alive and well. Keep up the ham spirit, and see you on the air for CQ WW CW! 🎙️

26/10/2025

⚡ Final Stretch of CQ WW DX SSB 2025

With just a few hours to go, the SZ1A team is giving it everything to hold our position in the European Top Ten of CQ WW DX SSB 2025.

Tired but focused, the operators keep the rhythm high. Every QSO counts. Every second matters. 🎙️💪

Let’s finish strong! 🇬🇷

25/10/2025

🎧 The next generation takes the mic!

Just 16 years old, Taxiaris SV8SYK (Tax) is operating from SZ1A for the very first time during CQ WW DX SSB 2025!
Focused, confident, and full of enthusiasm, he’s showing what amateur radio is all about — passion, learning, and passing the torch to the next generation.

📡 His first hours at the station are filled with energy and great QSOs, and we’re all proud to have him as part of the team! 👏

🎧 The next generation takes the mic!Just 16 years old, Taxiaris SV8SYK (Tax) is operating from SZ1A for the very first t...
25/10/2025

🎧 The next generation takes the mic!

Just 16 years old, Taxiaris SV8SYK (Tax) is operating from SZ1A for the very first time during CQ WW DX SSB 2025!
Focused, confident, and full of enthusiasm, he’s showing what amateur radio is all about — passion, learning, and passing the torch to the next generation.

📡 His first hours at the station are filled with energy and great QSOs, and we’re all proud to have him as part of the team! 👏

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🍝 Pre-contest dinner at SZ1A!Just a few hours before CQ WW DX SSB 2025 kicks off, the team gathered for our traditional ...
24/10/2025

🍝 Pre-contest dinner at SZ1A!

Just a few hours before CQ WW DX SSB 2025 kicks off, the team gathered for our traditional pre-contest meal — great food, laughter, and last-minute planning before 48 hours of non-stop action on the bands.

Everything is ready, spirits are high, and the microphones are about to heat up! 🎙️🔥

📡 CQ WW DX SSB 2025 starts at 00:00 UTC — see you on the air!
If you hear SZ1A, call us, spot us, and help put Greece on the map! 🇬🇷

🎙️ It’s time! CQ WW DX SSB 2025 starts in just a few hours! 🌍The microphones are about to heat up and the HF bands will ...
24/10/2025

🎙️ It’s time! CQ WW DX SSB 2025 starts in just a few hours! 🌍

The microphones are about to heat up and the HF bands will come alive with thousands of voices calling “CQ Contest.” From 160 to 10 meters, get ready for 48 hours of pure DX, adrenaline, and global radio energy!

📡 00:00 UTC – 23:59 UTC, October 25–26
🎯 Goal: Work as many countries and zones as you can

⚡ If you hear SZ1A on the air, call us, spot us on the clusters, and help put Greece on the map!

Good luck to everyone taking part in the world’s biggest Ham Radio weekend — see you on the bands! 🇬🇷

📖 Missed the full story? Read our pre-contest feature here:
👉 https://sz1a.org/en/news/cq-ww-dx-ssb-2025-the-worlds-biggest-ham-radio-event-is-this-weekend

🎙️ The microphones will be hot. The bands will be alive. CQ WW DX SSB 2025 is THIS WEEKEND! 🌍🔥 Get ready for the biggest...
22/10/2025

🎙️ The microphones will be hot. The bands will be alive. CQ WW DX SSB 2025 is THIS WEEKEND! 🌍

🔥 Get ready for the biggest Ham Radio event on the planet! 48 hours of pure DX energy as thousands of stations across all HF bands fill the air with “CQ Contest.” 🗼

📡 00:00 UTC, Oct 25 – 23:59 UTC, Oct 26
🎯 Goal: Make as many countries and zones as you can

🎧 This is the weekend when radio comes alive. From 160 to 10 meters, operators everywhere will be chasing signals across continents, battling pileups, and testing their skill, precision, and endurance. Whether you’re a new operator or a veteran contester, CQ WW is the most exciting and unifying moment in amateur radio.

⚡ Expect 48 hours of global radio chaos, amazing propagation, and voices from every corner of the planet. If you hear SZ1A on the air, give us a call and help put Greece on the map.

Learn more in this article, where we explore what makes this legendary contest so special, recap the record-breaking highlights from last year, share what we learned, and explain how you can join the excitement and take part yourself.

👥 You’ll also find our complete plans for this year’s event, including the full SZ1A team competing in the Multi-Two category: DD2CW, HB9EBC/SV0XAF, ON3UN, SV1GE, SV1JG, SV1CIB, SV1DKD and his nephew Nikolas, SV1DPJ, SV8LMQ, SV8PMM, SV8SYK, and SV8TOZ, supported by SV1BDO, SV1CQG, SV1CQK, SV1DPI, SV1HKH, SV1RLC, SV1RRX, SV1TBW, SV1TIQ, and SV1CDN.

📖 Read the full story, learn the secrets of CQ WW, and get inspired to take part:

👉 https://sz1a.org/en/news/cq-ww-dx-ssb-2025-the-worlds-biggest-ham-radio-event-is-this-weekend

CQ World Wide DX Contest SSB 2025 Dates & Time: 00:00 UTC, October 25 (Saturday) – 23:59 UTC, October 26 (Sunday), 2025 Exchange: RS report (59) and CQ Zone Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, […]

20/10/2025
📡 Expedition to Mount Perganti – Taking On VHF Field Day Contest 2025 from the Summit and Restoring the Legendary R2 Rep...
17/10/2025

📡 Expedition to Mount Perganti – Taking On VHF Field Day Contest 2025 from the Summit and Restoring the Legendary R2 Repeater!

🏔️ High above western Greece, the SZ1A team set out on a mission to restore the legendary R2 (SV1E) VHF repeater at the summit of Perganti in the Acarnanian Mountains.

What began as a technical expedition soon evolved into something greater, as the team camped overnight and joined the VHF Field Day Contest 2025 right from the mountain’s peak.

🗼 In this article, Kostas Stamatis – SV1DPI shares the inspiring story of how the R2 repeater came back to life and how a simple maintenance trip turned into an unforgettable adventure in VHF contesting at 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) above sea level.

👉 Read the full story: https://sz1a.org/en/stories-and-perspectives/expedition-to-mount-perganti-restoring-the-r2-repeater-and-taking-on-vhf-field-day-2025-from-the-summit/

Revival at Mt. Perganti, where the R2 repeater came back to life and our passion for VHF contesting was reignited Our return to Mount Perganti brought the legendary R2 repeater back to life and rekindled […]

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Kokkinologgos Sargiadas
Agrínio
30150

Opening Hours

Saturday 15:00 - 22:00
Sunday 09:00 - 19:00

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