Old Stones, New Signals: Segovia’s Combined Contest Evolution

SEGOVIA, CASTILLA Y LEÓN – In the shadow of its majestic Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcázar, Segovia boasts more than architectural endurance. It is also home to a resilient and forward-looking amateur radio community: the EA1RCS section of URE.

Under the leadership of Francisco Javier Valle Martín (EA1O), Segovia’s radio amateurs are not content with merely preserving legacy—they are quietly modernizing it. The club’s flagship event, the Concurso Segovia, has recently undergone a strategic upgrade: it now runs in a “combinado” (mixed-mode) format, blending analog voice and digital contact methods into a unified competition.

From Castles to Code

This evolution is more than a technical detail—it reflects a broader trend across Spain’s radio clubs. As VHF/UHF contests grow increasingly competitive, EA1RCS has opted not to rely solely on tradition but to embrace a hybrid model, positioning itself at the confluence of CW heritage, SSB reliability, and digital versatility.

Operators now have to master not only propagation but also mode-switching logic. The shift places a premium on adaptability—something Segovia knows well, having stood through centuries of change.

Participation as Preservation

Segovia’s radio contest is more than a pastime—it’s a preservation act. Each contact made during the event carries a trace of the city’s ancient gravitas, yet its structure now nods to the fluidity of contemporary communication. A Roman engineer might marvel at the aqueduct, but a digital-age ham would nod with equal respect toward the contest logbook.

And for those who wonder whether old cities can lead in new technologies, the answer from EA1RCS is clear: they not only can—they must.

Participants can view results and updated rules on the official URE Concursos Portal.