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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is Worked All Zones (WAZ)?

Learn what the CQ Worked All Zones (WAZ) award is and how amateur radio operators earn it.

Getting Started HF Fundamentals Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what the CQ Worked All Zones (WAZ) award is and how amateur radio operators earn it.

Explanation

Overview Worked All Zones (WAZ) is an amateur radio award sponsored by CQ Magazine . It recognizes operators who confirm contacts with all 40 CQ Zones around the world. Because propagation varies widely among the zones, earning WAZ often requires patience, seasonal planning, and effective antenna systems. The 40 CQ Zones The world is divided into 40 CQ Zones for award and contest purposes. These zones are used extensively in DX operating and international competitions. Operating Challenges Rare zones. Changing propagation. Seasonal openings. Band selection. Confirmation Methods Electronic confirmations. Paper QSL cards. Award program requirements. Applied to Chameleon Products Efficient Chameleon HF antennas allow operators to take advantage of changing propagation conditions while pursuing WAZ from home or during portable operations. Related Articles What Is DXCC? What Is DX? What Is HF Propagation? What Is Club Log? Related Products CHA MPAS 2.0 CHA TDL CHA F-LOOP Series

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.