This special event is to promote amateur radio and celebrate the unique cactus of the USA southwest. Join in the fun and contact one of the 6 special station call signs (CACTUS K7C, W7A, N7C, K7T, K7U, K7S) along with the 2 bonus stations (K7RST, AK7AZ). All HF bands will be in play, with the exception of 60 meters. Simplex and repeater contacts on 2 meters and 6 meters are encouraged. All popular modes of operation may be represented - SSB, AM, CW, RTTY, FM, FT8, PSK, etc. The mode of operation is the special operators choice, check the TBD: Public view of CACTUS Operator schedule (no password needed) for current information.
Thank you to those who participated in the 2025 event, we had a blast and we hope it was fun for you also! We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
Dates: October 9 (Friday) 5:00am MST - October 18 (Sunday) 4:59pm MST
2026-10-09 12:00 UTC - 2026-10-18 24:59 UTC
Operating Stations:
- CACTUS K7C, W7A, N7C, K7T, K7U, K7S
- Bonus stations: K7RST, AK7AZ
The exchange for this event is not fixed, but typically is:
CALL SIGN
RS / RST / RSQ
STATE / PROVINCE or COUNTRY
A typical exchange as an example:
(CACTUS op) CQ CACTUS Special Event this is K7U Kilo 7 Uniform
(caller) Kilo Charlie 1 Sierra Quebec
(CACTUS op) KC1SQ thanks for the call, you’re 57 in Tucson Arizona
(caller) QSL, you’re 59 in Maine, 73 and good luck
(CACTUS op) Thanks, 73, QRZ CACTUS
(CACTUS op) If no immediate response, go back to CQ
Keep it fun and relaxed. And let them know they can get more information on the appropriate qrz.com page:
K7C
W7A
N7C
K7T
K7U
K7S
K7RST
AK7AZ
Send your QSL card requests to:
Radio Society of Tucson, Inc.
Attention: QSL card request manager
PO Box 13603
Tucson AZ 85732-3603
The suggested donation is $2.00 for the first card and an additional $1.00 for each additional card. One card = $2, two cards = $3, three cards = $4, four cards = $5, 8 cards = $9, etc. Donations are voluntary, of course.
In addition, we request 1 Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for each group of 4 cards. 1-4 cards = 1 SASE, 5-8 cards = 2 SASEs, etc.
As a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization your donations help us a lot in managing our costs. The Radio Society of Tucson is incorporated as a STEM outreach and STEM teaching organization. We conduct at least two Technician classes each year, two merit badge classes for Scouting America, and free VE testing, plus a lot of other hands-on operating events like our CACTUS 2025 event and Radio Days in the Park
QSL card requests and Certificate requests should not be combined as we have two different processes for handling them.
You can receive a participation certificate for working one or more of the CACTUS operating stations. (See example below)
Send your Certificate request to:
Radio Society of Tucson, Inc.
Attention: CACTUS Certificate request manager
PO Box 13603
Tucson AZ 85732-3603
The CACTUS Special Event is a not-for-profit event. All donations are used to fund the next years event, and to defray any expenses incurred. All donations are used for operating costs, supplies, equipment and RST initiatives. RST is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Donation is voluntary. If you have difficulty with a donation, tell us on your log sheet, and we will send you the certificatge earned - No Questions Asked!
If you would like to help with this event by operating one of the special call signs, follow these steps:
Thank you for your help in making this an outstanding event!
Selected FAQ's:
If you have further questions you can contact us by email: rst-cactus-work-group@googlegroups.com
2026-03-22 updated by RST Cactus Work Group.