There are some contacts you never forget—and this is one of them. Today, I made contact with 4U1UN on 6 meters FT8, a rare and iconic DXCC entity operating from the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The signal was strong, and the exchange is quick—but the thrill? That stays with me.
4U1UN isn’t just another callsign in the log. It’s the official amateur radio station of the United Nations and one of only two such stations worldwide. The other, 4U1A, is based at the Vienna International Centre in Austria. What makes 4U1UN even more significant is that it holds its own DXCC entity status, officially recognized by the ARRL. As of May 19, 2025, it ranks #99 on Club Log’s DXCC Most Wanted list.
4U1UN has a long and fascinating history. The first official UN amateur radio station launched in 1948 as K2UN, broadcasting from Lake Success, NY. It wasn’t until 1978, thanks to the persistent efforts of Max de Henseler, HB9RS (sk), that the station was reestablished under the callsign 4U1UN at the UN Secretariat Building in Manhattan. With the Secretary-General’s approval, it became a standalone DXCC entity—symbolizing peace, international goodwill, and the unique ability of amateur radio to bring the world together.
The first night on the air didn’t go as planned. The original 1978 activation was abruptly shut down by UN security after interference issues—caused by an antenna being installed next to a VHF security system. Operators had to relocate equipment in the middle of the night just to keep the station on the air. That dedication paid off: 4U1UN has since become one of the most sought-after stations in the world.
That legacy makes this QSO on 6 meters even more memorable. Working a rare DXCC entity on the magic band is exciting enough—but working the United Nations? That’s something else entirely. It’s a reminder of what makes this hobby so special: the unexpected moments, and the stories behind every callsign.
73 and on to the next DX!