February might be the shortest month on the calendar, but from the shack it felt huge. With propagation playing along and the bands staying lively, February 2026 turned into one of those months that reminds you exactly why amateur radio is such an addictive hobby.
Over the course of the month, I logged an eye-watering 3,949 QSOs, working 3,613 unique callsigns across 123 countries. That averages out to 141 QSOs per day – proof that even quick sessions can stack up when conditions are right and the bands are open.
But the real thrill?
👉 10 brand-new DXCC entities
👉 91 new grid squares confirmed
That’s the kind of progress that keeps the logging software open just a little longer each night.
February delivered some absolutely choice DX. Adding countries like Nauru, French Polynesia, Solomon Islands, Greenland, and Central African Republic to the log was deeply satisfying. A few Caribbean gems also fell into place, including Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, while Africa kept things exciting with Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.
Many of these came courtesy of solid digital-mode propagation, with FT8 once again proving its worth for pulling rare DX out of the noise.
10 metres stole the show this month with 1,782 QSOs, reminding us all that when 10m is open, it’s really open. Long-haul DX, rapid-fire contacts, and a constant stream of new grid squares made this band an absolute joy.
20 metres wasn’t far behind with 1,679 QSOs, delivering consistency and DX reliability day after day.
15 metres chipped in with 488 QSOs, including several new countries and some surprisingly long paths that popped up when least expected.
Grid hunters would have been in heaven this month. Across all bands, 91 new grids were added, with particularly strong performances on 20m and 10m. Every new Maidenhead square felt like a small victory, especially when they came from unexpected directions or marginal openings.
FT8: 3,938 QSOs
FT4: 11 QSOs
FT8 dominated the month, and for good reason – fast, efficient, and deadly effective when conditions are shifting. FT4 made a brief appearance, but FT8 was clearly the workhorse.
Contacts spanned the globe, with North America and Europe providing volume, while Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa added spice and rarity. Even a handful of African and Pacific contacts can make a session memorable – and February delivered those moments.
February 2026 was one of those months where everything just clicked. Strong high-band openings, steady digital performance, and a steady stream of new DX and grids made it incredibly rewarding. It’s a perfect reminder to always check the bands – even when you’re “just going to have a quick look.”
If March carries even half this momentum, we’re in for a fantastic run. Until then…
73 and see you in the waterfall! 📻✨
ZS6KVZ Posted 1 month ago
No Comments have been Posted.