Master Strategist: Fabio Schettino I4UFH’s Ham Radio Legacy

W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio

Fabio Schettino I4UFH is a fascinating figure in the world of ham radio contesting. With over 45 years in the hobby, Fabio has pushed boundaries—from masterminding massive multi-multi operations at IG9A in Lampedusa and setting records from Cape Verde’s D4C station. He’s not just a top-tier contester but also an innovator, creating log analysis software and SO2R switching devices that raised the bar for operators worldwide. In one of his boldest moves, Fabio spearheaded the campaign to convince the CQ Contest Committee that Lampedusa Island, part of Italy, should be considered part of Africa’s continental shelf—turning it into a coveted three-point multiplier. His persistence paid off, making Lampedusa a prime destination for Italian contesters and a key battleground in the pursuit of world records. In this conversation, Fabio takes us behind the scenes of some of ambitious contest efforts —complete with towering 24-meter antennas and gear hauled across islands and stories of camaraderie, rivalries, and technical wizardry. He shares how he helped define Italy's ham radio landscape, leading efforts like WRTC 2023 and mentoring the next generation of operators through Italy’s first dedicated contest school. Curious about how an SSB legend with a competitive streak approaches radiosport with just 100 watts at WRTC? Or why he believes SSB contesting demands sharper skills than CW? Fabio’s insights into the future of contesting—and his plans for 2025—are a must-watch. Catch the full story soon—subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio so you don’t miss this exclusive interview with a true trailblazer. 🎙️🌍 #HamRadio #ContestLife #IG9A #Lampedusa #WRTC #WorldwideHamRadio