The Appeal of Ham Radio in 2025

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 moon (EME) with 1 watt of power only?

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 […]

Build your own Gobox

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 […]

From Bread Loaf to Airwaves: The Art of Hamming it Up with a $29 Radio

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 […]