For amateur radio operators, few tools provide as much insight into antenna performance and HF propagation as WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter). Whether you’re experimenting with a new antenna, comparing feedline configurations, evaluating solar conditions, or simply curious about how…
Starter notes for MeshCore experiments.
In an age of smartphones, satellites, high-speed internet, and digital communication, it’s easy to assume that Morse code has become a relic of the past. Yet every day, thousands of amateur radio operators around the world continue to communicate using…
Moving beyond your first amateur radio license is one of the most rewarding steps in the hobby. Passing the General and Amateur Extra examinations opens entirely new sections of the spectrum, introduces more operating opportunities, and gives you access to…
Earning an amateur radio license is a milestone. Helping someone else earn theirs is something entirely different. After becoming an ARRL Volunteer Examiner (VE), I quickly learned that the role is much more than simply handing out exam papers and…
By now, you’ve learned what Meshtastic is, built your first node, and explored how to deploy a solar-powered relay. This fourth part in the series has taken a while to write as i had to learn a good bit more…
My Local Amateur Radio Club
CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) are privacy code systems used in analog two-way radio communications. They do not create new channels nor encrypt your communications — they simply help radios filter which transmissions are accepted (i.e.,…
Now from a different prespective One Radio vs. Purpose-Built Stack — Which Wins in 2026? If you’ve spent any time in DMR, APRS, or mixed-mode VHF/UHF work, you’ve probably faced this decision: This comparison breaks down: The Philosophical Difference Before…
One Radio to Rule Them All… or Two Radios Done Right? The Question As handheld radios evolve, we’re seeing a push toward “do everything in one box” radios like the AnyTone AT-D890UV. At the same time, many experienced operators still prefer a modular approach—pairing…