Introduction: The Revival of Ham Radio Among the Young In a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and instant messaging apps, one might assume that ham radio is a relic of a bygone era. Surprisingly, though, members of Generation Z are embracing this old-school hobby with enthusiasm. What’s driving this unexpected trend? From a love […]
Introduction: The Power of Amateur Radio in Critical Moments Amateur radio is more than just a hobby; it’s a tool that has saved countless lives in emergencies. When natural disasters strike, power grids fail, or traditional communication systems go down, ham radio operators step in, providing critical communication that bridges the gap between chaos and […]
1. Digital Integration: Bridging Old and New Tech Modern amateur radio operators are combining traditional radio frequencies with cutting-edge digital technologies. Tools like software-defined radio (SDR), digital modes like FT8, and internet-connected devices have brought ham radio into the 21st century. These advancements allow operators to reach further than ever, blending the reliability of analog […]
The concept of Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication has fascinated amateur radio enthusiasts for decades. Reflecting a signal off the lunar surface and back to Earth is no small feat, requiring careful consideration of power, equipment, and technique. While traditional EME setups often rely on substantial power outputs, remarkable experiments have shown that successful communication is possible […]
As a long-time ham radio enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the ever-evolving world of multi-band receivers. Whether I’m chasing DX signals or just scanning the bands for interesting chatter, a reliable, feature-packed pocket receiver is a must-have. Over the years, I’ve tested quite a few receivers, but my latest adventure led me to four […]
Last year I put together both VHF/UHF and HF go kits. While functional, neither of these was as capable or robust as I ultimately wanted my go kit to be. My new goal was to build an all-in-one station in a box that was not overly bulky or heavy. Design If you look around the internet you will see a […]
If you’re a ham radio enthusiast—or “licensed static whisperer,” as my spouse lovingly calls it—you know the hobby can get, shall we say, pricey. Between the transceivers, antennas, and the occasional “accidental” upgrades that involve explaining to your bank why you bought a tower crane (“For better reception, I swear!”), ham radio can start looking […]
In a world where technology keeps getting smaller, faster, and more convenient, leave it to amateur radio operators to do the exact opposite. Enter the latest trend in ham radio: e-bikes outfitted with full-blown HF stations. Because why just bike up a mountain when you can bring enough gear to contact Antarctica from the peak? […]