The front page for active ham radio operators.

If you’ve been in the hobby for a while and feel like you’ve hit a rut, **you’re not alone**. Maybe you’ve worked all the DX you care about, or you’re tired of the same local repeater chatter. But instead of walking away from ham radio, why not explore **a new aspect of the hobby**? With so many different modes, bands, and challenges out there, there’s always something new to try!

## Mix Up Your Operating Style

Contesting isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t care about high-pressure pileups, contests are a great way to grab

Running a Meshtastic device? Let’s see what you’ve got! Whether it’s a simple handheld, a mobile rig in your truck, or some DIY setup with wires everywhere, we want to check it out.

Meshtastic is growing fast, and San Diego’s network is getting stronger. Sharing our setups helps everyone expand coverage, troubleshoot issues, and swap ideas.

What to Share
📸 A pic of your setup
⚙️ What gear you’re running (radio, antenna, power setup, etc.)
🗺️ How you're using it—mobile, home node, emergency backup, off-grid comms?
💡 Any mods, custom enclosures, or cool

DigiPi is a powerful and compact amateur radio data transceiver designed for Raspberry Pi, offering seamless access to various digital modes over Wi-Fi via a phone or web browser. This innovative device transforms traditional ham radio operations by enabling FT8, JS8Call, APRS, packet radio, Winlink email, and more—just like using a mobile app.

Ideal for portable and remote operations, DigiPi is lightweight and energy-efficient, making it perfect for Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA). With integrated features like an APRS WebChat interface, Winlink email support, Slow Scan TV, and AX.25 networking, it

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have been transforming various hobbies and industries, and ham radio is no exception. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out, AI can become a valuable asset in your radio activities. Here’s how you can use AI to enhance your ham radio experience.

### 1. Technical Troubleshooting and Guidance

When setting up your equipment or troubleshooting issues, AI can act as a knowledgeable assistant. For instance, if you’re unsure about antenna placement or need help calculating the best propagation times, you can ask ChatGPT for advice. AI can also provide

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Spiderbeam 12m Mast Guy Wire Plate

Source: https://www.printables.com/model/225224-spiderbeam-12m-mast-ham-radio/files

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I created some Christmas ornaments for my fellow operators using my new Flashforge Adventurer 5M! To achieve the multi-color design, I used pauses at different layer heights during the print. It was a fun project to put my new printer to the test!

Picture:

One of the most common questions new hams ask is, “How do I get a vanity call sign?” Although the process can seem a bit complicated at first, it’s something any ham can navigate with a little guidance. In this article, I’ll simplify the steps so you can get your own custom call sign without any hassle. Keep in mind that the FCC now charges a $35 fee for vanity call sign applications as part of its new license application fees.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:

1. 1. Choose one or more call signs you’d like

Setting up a solid grounding system is one of the most important steps in establishing a reliable and safe ham radio station. Proper grounding helps protect you and your equipment from electrical issues, reduces noise for clearer signals, and provides a safe path for static and lightning discharge. Here’s a comprehensive look at grounding and how to set up an effective system.

### Why Grounding Is Important

**A well-grounded station serves three primary purposes:**

**1. Safety:** Grounding provides a safe path for electrical currents,

Ham radio is an exciting hobby, but it involves handling electrical equipment that, if not treated with respect, can pose serious risks. Understanding how to protect yourself from electrical shock is essential to staying safe while you enjoy your radio activities. This article will cover some key precautions and best practices that every ham radio operator should follow to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

**1. Understand the Dangers of High Voltage**

One of the first things to keep in mind is that ham radio equipment often operates at voltages higher than household levels. Even small

### DigiRig Quick Start Guide for FT-891 & Windows 10 Setup

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### Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, I’ll walk you through setting up the DigiRig with an FT-891 radio and a Windows 10 laptop. This compact tool makes it easy to get on digital modes in the field. Here’s a quick guide to get you up and running.

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### What You’ll Need

FT-891 radio

Windows 10 laptop

DigiRig (with USB, audio, and serial cables)

Ferrite chokes (recommended to reduce interference)

### - **COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS FUNDAMENTALS Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines, and Antennas**

Download:

.

### - **TACTICAL SINGLE- CHANNEL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNIQUES**

Download:

The Nifty! Mini-Manual
pretty cool little manual for the Yaesu Ft-891, thank to N6FN for creating this manual. www.niftyaccessories.com

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The SO-50 (Saudi-OSCAR 50) satellite is a popular satellite among amateur radio operators worldwide. Launched on December 20, 2002, SO-50 is one of the most accessible amateur radio satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), providing a reliable platform for satellite communication. This article explores the key features of SO-50, how to access it, and tips for making your first contact.

### Overview of

Single Sideband (SSB) modulation is a highly efficient and widely used mode of communication in the ham radio world, especially for long-distance (DX) contacts on HF bands. Understanding its benefits and why it’s preferred by many operators can help you get the most out of your station. This article explores the technical and practical advantages of SSB, demonstrating why it remains a cornerstone in amateur radio communication.

### **What is Single Sideband (SSB)?**

SSB is a form of amplitude modulation (AM) where only one of the sidebands (either upper sideband—USB, or lower

In ham radio, repeaters play a crucial role in extending the range of communication, enabling contacts over vast distances that would be difficult to achieve with simplex (direct radio-to-radio) communication. A key concept in using repeaters is the *repeater offset*, which is fundamental for ensuring smooth and efficient communication. This article provides a detailed technical explanation of repeater offsets, including how they work, why they are used, and how to correctly set them up on your radio.

### **What is a Repeater Offset?**

A repeater offset is

In the world of ham radio, reliable power is essential. As ham radio operators, we often find ourselves in remote locations where access to the electrical grid is limited or non-existent. Solar power provides an efficient and sustainable solution, allowing us to maintain continuous operations while also promoting environmental responsibility. This article delves into the technical aspects of setting up and optimizing a solar power system tailored specifically for ham radio use, focusing on equipment, system design, and efficiency.

### **Understanding Solar Power Systems**

Before

Yaesu FT-891 Powerpole Conversion
https://www.printables.com/model/418238-yaesu-ft-891-powerpole-conversion
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WebSDR (Web Software-Defined Radio) is a web-based platform that allows users to listen to and interact with remote radio receivers using their web browsers. It's particularly popular among amateur radio enthusiasts, shortwave listeners, and those interested in radio frequencies and signals. Here's a detailed explanation:

### Key Features of WebSDR:

25G RG8U coax cable bracket
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6797768

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