Amateur Radio Contest King
Kevin Stockton N5DX and the Power of the N2QV Catskills Station
A Laid-Back Champion in a Competitive World
Kevin Stockton N5DX, embodies a unique blend of laid-back charm and intense competitive spirit. With a winning smile and an even-keeled demeanor, Kevin has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of amateur radio contesting. His win in the 2024 ARRL DX CW contest last February, where he posted an impressive first-place score in the Single Operator High Power category, was just another feather in the cap of an operator who has made a habit of winning.
Chasing the Record in the ARRL DX CW
The ARRL DX CW contest saw Kevin N5DX go head-to-head with some of the most formidable operators in the field, including Randy K5ZD and Dan N6MJ (second and third place, respectively.) But it wasn't just about winning for Kevin; it was about seizing a moment. "The conditions were phenomenal," he recalls, his enthusiasm palpable. "I could have easily been watching an Arkansas Razorback basketball game instead of operating, but I'm glad I didn’t. The conditions were some of the best I've ever experienced."
Operating remotely to the Catskills station owned by Tariq N2QV and designed by Scott WU2X, Kevin navigated through intense competition, especially from WA1Z, who pushed him to shift his focus from breaking records to simply staying ahead. "I saw WA1Z on the scoreboard, and it was like, 'Oh, I know this guy's really good,'" Kevin admits, illustrating the razor-sharp competitive awareness that has propelled him to the top of the amateur radio contesting universe.
Preparing for Success
Preparation is key in the world of amateur radio contesting, and Kevin N5DX is no stranger to this. "I used to set a goal to make 10,000 practice QSOs leading up to a contest," he reveals, highlighting the rigorous preparation that goes into his seemingly effortless victories. This time, however, Kevin admits to being less diligent, a testament to his seasoned expertise and the confidence that comes with it.
Yet, even with less practice, Kevin's commitment to ensuring everything was in place before the contest was unwavering. "I always try to break something before the contest starts," he laughs, underscoring his philosophy of leaving nothing to chance. His meticulous approach involves everything from on-air practice to studying historical data on conditions and performance, ensuring he enters each contest with a clear strategy.
The Remote Revolution
One of the intriguing aspects of Kevin's recent success is his use of remote operation, a concept that was relatively new in the contesting world when he first started. From his home in Arkansas, Kevin operates the N2QV/WU2X Catskills station, a setup that involves sophisticated technology linking his equipment to the station's hardware over the internet. "We have an Elecraft K3 and a Kenwood TS-890 on-site, and I have corresponding equipment here in Arkansas," Kevin explains, giving a glimpse into the technical details that allows him to compete from thousands of miles away.
The Catskills station itself is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its owners, Tariq N2QV and Scott WU2X. What began as a modest setup has evolved into one of the most formidable stations on the U.S. East coast, boasting towers that support multiple high-performance antennas. "Everything is on two towers," Kevin notes, marveling at the station's efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in comparison to other large stations that typically have many more towers.
The Genesis of a World-Class Station
The story of the Catskills station is as compelling as Kevin's own. Tariq, a Wall Street professional with a passion for ham radio, initially sought to build a station where he could simply enjoy the hobby. But with the guidance of Scott WU2X, what started as a personal project grew into a world-class station for DXing and competitive contests.
"Tariq started off with something pretty modest, but then he decided to go all out," Kevin says, recounting the evolution of the station. The result is a setup that includes a 150-foot tower with four tri-banders for high bands and a 180-foot tower with full-size 40-meter antennas, among other impressive features. "The 160-meter 4-square is just phenomenal," Kevin adds, attesting to the station's capabilities.
Breaking New Ground
Kevin Stockton's relationship with the Catskills station began in 2015, and it was a partnership that would yield extraordinary results. "I moved back from the Cayman Islands in 2015, and Scott invited me to operate the station," Kevin recalls. That year, Kevin won the CQ Worldwide CW contest, a victory that was as surprising as it was significant. "I ended up beating three really well-known guys in Maine, which was definitely not expected," he says, still sounding somewhat amazed by the achievement.
This victory marked the beginning of a new era for the Catskills station and for Kevin himself. The station's success in subsequent contests, particularly in CQ Worldwide CW, solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the amateur radio world. "Things work really well from there," Kevin notes, crediting the station's design and location for its consistent performance.
A New Era in Contesting
The use of remote operation in contesting has become more common in recent years, but back in 2015, Kevin N5DX and the N2QV/WU2X team were among the pioneers. "I don't think contest wise there were too many remote stations back then," he says, reflecting on how the landscape has changed. While he's not entirely sure if he was the first to win a major contest remotely, Kevin acknowledges that he was certainly at the forefront of this now-common practice.
Remote operation has opened up new possibilities for contesters like Kevin, allowing them to operate from the best stations in the world without leaving their homes. But with this convenience comes a new set of challenges. "You still have to remember everything," Kevin says, emphasizing that even with remote operation, the skills and preparation required to win remain the same.
A Humble Beginning
Kevin's journey in ham radio began much earlier, rooted in a family tradition. "I was 13 years old when I got my license," he recalls. Despite his initial reluctance—"I didn't want to do it," he admits—Kevin was encouraged by his father, who is also a well known ham radio operator, Stan Stockton K5GO. "We did the Novice Roundup together, and that's one of my earliest memories," he says, highlighting the familial bond that has been a constant throughout his journey.
This early start, combined with a natural talent and years of experience, has made Kevin one of the most talented contesters in the world. Yet, despite his success, he remains grounded. "I still can't remember S vs H in CW," he jokes, illustrating the humility that endears him to his peers.
The Future of Ham Radio
Looking ahead, Kevin remains as enthusiastic about ham radio as ever, though he admits to having "commitment issues" when it comes to deciding which contests to enter next. "I've worked more contests than I normally do," he says, driven by the exceptional conditions that have made recent contests particularly exciting. Whether it's the ARRL DX SSB or CQ Worldwide SSB, Kevin approaches each contest with the same laid-back attitude that belies his competitive prowess.
As ham radio continues to evolve, Kevin Stockton N5DX stands as a symbol of what is possible in this unique hobby. His success, particularly in remote contesting, has inspired a new generation of operators to push the boundaries of what can be achieved. And as long as there are contests to be won and challenges to be met, you can be sure that Kevin N5DX will be there, quietly participating in the competition with his signature blend of skill, strategy, and a little bit of Southern charm.
The Legacy of a Laid-Back Contester
In the end, what sets Kevin Stockton apart is not just his talent or his victories, but his approach to the hobby. Whether he's operating from the Catskills or from his home in Arkansas, Kevin brings a sense of fun and relaxation to a pursuit that can often be intense and demanding. His laid-back attitude, combined with his competitive spirit, makes him a leader in the ham radio community, inspiring both newcomers and veterans alike.
As Kevin himself might say, it's not just about winning—it's about enjoying the ride. And with every contest, every QSO, and every victory, Kevin Stockton N5DX continues to show us all how it's done.
For more information about the N2QV/WU2X Station go here.
For a listing of N5DX contest results from the Catskills go here.
The video interview with Kevin N5DX on W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio.