If you’ve been listening to the Ham Radio Workbench podcast, you might have heard Vince (VE6LK) mention that he and VE6TD planned to order parts to produce a batch of pre-built VK3IL pressure paddles. Well, I just heard from Vince that they have completed a limited run. Here are the details from the ordering page: … Read more
This afternoon, instead of venturing out to a local park, I decided to do a little POTA hunting from home—QRP portable style. It was a fun experience and felt a bit like an at-home activation, except, of course, there was no actual activation since I wasn’t at a POTA site. Fair warning: the video is … Read more
Last Sunday, my family set out on a trip across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast. Our destination was Beaufort, a charming coastal town I hadn’t visited in 17 years. This quick pre-Christmas getaway was a surprise for my daughters—and for Hazel, our dog, who loves adventure just as much as we do. … Read more
In this edition: * Taiwan’s PARUS-T1A Launch Failed * NASA Astronauts Face More Time In Space With Return Delayed * NASA Now Knows Why Its Mars Helicopter Crashed * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution * ARISS SSTV Event December 25 – January 5 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * AMSAT Ambassador Activities * … Read more
A Triple-State POTA activation! by Bryce Bookwalter (KD9YEY) and Joe Ladwig (W9NVY) It’s finally winter here in Southern Indiana, which, for many, brings a time of cozy indoor activities and quiet radio time in the comfort of a warm shack. For Joe and me, however, this means it’s winter POTA time! I have always preferred … Read more
I finally got to try something I’ve always dreamed of: proper QRP saltwater ground-planing! This week, we’ve been in Beaufort, North Carolina—a charming coastal town that I can’t recommend enough. As I mentioned in a post last week, I brought along my Elecraft KX2 and KH1 for the trip. On Tuesday, we hopped on a … Read more
If you don’t mind, indulge me in something that’s slightly off-topic. I’ve always loved maps—especially paper maps. Even in an age of GPS and sat nav, I still keep a North Carolina Gazetteer in my car. I love the detail, the elevation lines, and the fact that a Gazetteer doesn’t need a charge. So, while … Read more
As I’ve mentioned countless times, what I love most about the Elecraft KH1 is how it has become my EDC (Everyday Carry) radio. It’s the perfect companion for those impromptu activations I manage to squeeze into my daily routine. Take Thursday, December 5, 2024, for example. Around 3:00 PM, fresh from a physical therapy session … Read more
In this edition: * Five CubeSats Successfully Deployed from “Kibo” Module on ISS * Celebrate SO-50: Amateur Radio Special Event Marks 22nd Anniversary * ESA’s Proba-3 Satellites Launch to Create Artificial Solar Eclipses * VUCC / DXCC Satellite Standings for December 2024 * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 13, 2024 * ARISS News … Read more
It’s a question as old as time itself: “What radio should I take on vacation?” This month, we’re heading out for a short vacation, and while I think I’ve already answered this question for myself, it’s always fun to explore the possibilities a bit further. As you probably know, I’ve accumulated a fair number of … Read more