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Presents the S21WD DXpedition to Bangladesh (IOTA **AS-140**) scheduled for 2026, organized by the Next Generation DX Club e.V. It outlines the project's progress, including final hardware and systems testing, and the team's successful arrival and activation from the target location. The resource provides a concise summary of Bangladesh, covering its geography, cultural aspects, and economic landscape. The page includes the Clublog Most Wanted ranking for Bangladesh, categorized by continent and mode, as of January 2026. The DXpedition aims to achieve over 70,000 QSOs across CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8 modes, with a specific focus on RTTY (targeting over 2,000 QSOs) and **lowband** operations. The team plans a Multi-Single entry in the ARRL CW 2026 contest. QSO data will be uploaded to Clublog and LoTW, with Clublog livestream and daily free LoTW uploads anticipated, contingent on stable internet connectivity. The S21WD callsign corresponds to CQ Zone 22 and ITU Zone 41. Further details include a preliminary bandplan, FT8 operating guidelines using MSHV software, a VOACAP DX Prediction link, and an azimuthal map centered on Bangladesh. QSL services are managed by DJ4MX via Clublog OQRS, offering direct, bureau, and LoTW options, with daily LoTW uploads expected.

qrh-OS is a Ham Radio Operating Environment designed for Windows 10 and 11 PCs, created by IK6QRH (Roberto Borrelli). It integrates various radio utilities, live maps, web pages, audio/video players, and DX tools within a single-window interface. The software offers a 30-day free trial without credit card or payment requirements. Key features include a Telnet terminal for DX Cluster connections, real-time APRS tracking, CAT control for transceivers (compatible with Cluster, POTA, SOTA, WWFF, and Visual DX), and a worldwide Amateur Radio contest calendar. It also provides tools for Flora & Fauna activations, HF Low Bands Beacons, HF propagation conditions, MeshCom Map, POTA Tunable, Reverse Beacons, SOTA Tunable, and Timezone. Visual DX displays DX stations and frequencies on an interactive globe, with one-click radio tuning. Other utilities include WebSDR/KiwiSDR access, real-time weather maps, an integrated IPTV player with over 10,000 channels, and WSPR network monitoring.

Demonstrates the construction of an active loop converter specifically designed for the Low Frequency (LF) bands, addressing common localized noise interference in LF reception. The design integrates a sharply tuned circuit and a tuned loop antenna, utilizing the loop as the sole tuned inductive element. By applying positive feedback, the converter significantly increases the loop's effective Q, achieving factors between 1000 and 2000, which sharpens tuning and reduces noise. The circuit employs an _NE602_ mixer stage, feeding its output to an HF receiver, with a crystal-locked local oscillator at 4 MHz. A 20-turn, 0.8-meter square loop antenna with 500 uH inductance is detailed, connected via 2 meters of figure 8 flex cable. The converter offers three selectable frequency bands: 195-490 kHz, 150-220 kHz (including the New Zealand amateur band), and 128-160 kHz (covering the European amateur band). Performance measurements indicate an effective 3dB bandwidth of approximately 100 to 200 hertz at 200 kHz. The article provides insights into component selection, including an _LF353_ op-amp and a trifilar wound transformer on a ferrite core. Sensitivity figures are presented, showing 7.5 uV of converted output per 1 uV/meter signal strength into a 50-ohm load, or 37.5 uV into an _FRG7_ receiver, highlighting its capability to extract weak signals from noise.

The 4m Slim Jim antenna project provides a construction guide for a low-cost, high-performance aerial designed specifically for the 70 MHz FM band. This design achieves a 1:1 SWR across the 4m FM band with straightforward adjustment of the feed point, utilizing RG-58 coax. Its low angle of radiation contributes to effective signal propagation. Construction involves using plastic knitting needles as spreaders and a telescopic fishing pole for support, with components secured using two-part epoxy. Annealed bare single-core copper wire forms the radiating element. The setup process includes raising the antenna at least 3 meters above ground for tuning, adjusting the RG-58 feed point for optimal SWR, and then soldering connections. Waterproofing is achieved with yacht varnish. The design emphasizes low wind resistance for durability, making it suitable for exposed outdoor installations. A PDF construction diagram is available to supplement the written instructions.

Learn about Amateur Television (ATV) on the 23 cm band (1240-1300 MHz) in this article from the September and October 2000 issue of Mégahertz magazine. Discover how ATV adds a new dimension to QSOs by allowing hams to visit stations, transmit real reports on antenna installations, follow signal paths on camera, and have simultaneous sound transmission. Explore the world of ATV experimentation, comparison, and innovation, made easier by existing equipment in many ham radio operators' homes. Find out about the ATV bands, bandwidth requirements, and the 23 cm band as a starting point for ATV activities.

Examines the Sangean ATS-505 portable receiver, a unit introduced in March 2000, providing an in-depth analysis of its capabilities. The review details critical specifications such as its 6 Volt DC power requirement, utilizing 4 AA batteries, and its physical dimensions of 128 x 214 x 39 mm, weighing 840 g without power cells. Frequency coverage spans **LW** from 153-279 kHz, **MW** from 520-1710 kHz, **SW** from 1711-29999 kHz, and FM from 87.5-108 MHz, making it a versatile listener for various broadcast types. Key features highlighted include a backlit display for low-light operation, 45 memory presets for quick access to favorite stations, and the inclusion of Single Sideband (SSB) mode, which is crucial for serious shortwave listening and utility monitoring. The review also draws technical comparisons with other Sangean models, specifically the ATS-404 and ATS-909, pointing out differences in band coverage and operational features. This independent assessment offers practical insights into the ATS-505's performance, helping enthusiasts understand its place within the portable receiver market.

This online construction guide details the assembly of a signal generator specifically for the **13cm band** (2.4 GHz). The curriculum focuses on the integration of a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), specifically the ROS-2400, to produce a stable RF signal. The resource outlines the necessary components for frequency generation and output, including the use of a Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifier for signal conditioning. The construction protocol involves configuring the ROS-2400 VCO to operate within the 2.3 GHz to 2.45 GHz range, ensuring frequency coverage for amateur radio _microwave experimentation_. The guide specifies the output power level, approximately 70mW, directly from the MMIC stage, indicating its application as a low-power instrumentation source rather than a transmit-capable device. This project provides a practical example of constructing a dedicated test instrument for microwave frequency measurements and system alignment on the **13cm band**. DXZone Focus: Construction Guide | 13cm Signal Generator | VCO Integration | Microwave Experimentation

Heltec Automation specializes in the production of _ESP32-based_ LoRa development boards, wireless modules, and gateways, catering to various amateur radio applications. The product line includes devices suitable for _APRS LoRa trackers_, Meshtastic nodes, and general long-range, low-power RF projects, providing hardware solutions for digital communication experimentation. The company's offerings support diverse wireless protocols such as LoRa, LoRaWAN, Meshtastic, and Wi-Fi HaLow, enabling users to build custom communication systems. Specific products like the _Wireless Stick Lite_ and various Heltec LoRa boards are designed for integration into DIY projects, facilitating rapid prototyping and deployment of wireless solutions. Heltec provides detailed product specifications, documentation, and community support, which assists hams in leveraging their hardware for packet radio, digital modes, and IoT applications within the amateur bands. The focus remains on versatile, programmable modules that bridge traditional amateur radio interests with modern wireless technology.

Presents the 9M2PJU QSO Map Tool, a web-based utility designed by Ian Renton for visualizing amateur radio contacts. This tool processes ADIF, Cabrillo, and SOTA CSV log files, allowing operators to plot their QSOs on a selection of base maps, including ESRI NatGeo World Map and OpenStreetMap Mapnik. Users can configure display options such as simple dot markers or xOTA hunter markers, QTH location, outlines, shadows, and geodesic lines, with coloring by band or a fixed hue. The application supports drawing per-band heatmaps and offers overlays for Maidenhead grid squares, CQ zones, ITU zones, and Worked All Britain/Ireland grids. It also provides QSO filtering capabilities and displays comprehensive log statistics, including unique calls, grid squares, CQ zones, ITU zones, and worked DXCCs. Customizable band and mode colors, alongside specific xOTA icons for programs like POTA, SOTA, WWFF, IOTA, and WCA, enhance the visual analysis of operating activity.

The WSJT Log Viewer, version 1.0.0.10 as of 2026-08-02, is a freeware Windows application developed by Carsten Groen (OZ9AAR) for analyzing signal strengths from WSJT digital mode contacts. It processes the ALL.TXT log file generated by WSJT-X, extracting and presenting data from decoded TX and RX messages. Initially designed for EME operations on 70cm and 23cm, the software has expanded to include all HF bands, 6m, 4m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 23cm, 24GHz, and 47GHz. Key features include displaying total QSOs, unique callsigns, days with activity, and signals heard, with filtering options by band and completed QSOs. The application also monitors the ALL.TXT file for live updates every two seconds, reflecting new decodes in real-time. Users can view session logs, activity charts showing daily signal counts and decoded signals, and a "Top Partners" tab listing the 25 most frequent contacts. The software provides detailed QSO information, including best received SNR and sent reports, with graphical representations of SNR over time. It supports multiple "My Callsign" entries within a single ALL.TXT file and offers a function to generate a text list of initials worked per band. The program is distributed as a single executable file, requiring no installation, and stores its configuration in a LogViewer.cfg file, allowing for different setups via command-line arguments.

Operating an **Echolink** gateway on the 4-meter band presents unique opportunities for extending VHF communications, as demonstrated by the EI4FMG node. Situated at Fieldstown, Monasterboice, this gateway provides coverage across a significant portion of Ireland's east coast, leveraging a Tait TM8100 radio and an EI4JR Echolink interface logic. My own experience with similar setups confirms the importance of strategic site selection for maximizing reach, particularly with a 122-meter elevation above sea level. Access to the EI4FMG gateway, identified by node 57006, requires a **CTCSS** tone of 88.5 Hz, a standard practice for managing access and minimizing interference on shared frequencies. The system transmits with 15 watts of power and utilizes a Sigma CAT70 @5MAGL antenna, a configuration well-suited for regional VHF coverage. The gateway also features an auto-ID every 8 minutes, ensuring compliance and clear station identification. Users can interact with the gateway using various DTMF commands, allowing for connections to specific nodes, random repeater/link or conference nodes, and managing disconnections. These functionalities streamline the process of linking into the broader Echolink network, enabling local VHF operators to communicate globally through the internet backbone.

The Meshtastic documentation outlines critical LoRa configuration parameters for node operation, emphasizing regulatory compliance. It details settings such as Region, Modem Preset, Max Hops, Transmit Power, Bandwidth, Spread Factor, Coding Rate, and Frequency Offset. A comprehensive table provides region codes, frequency ranges (e.g., US **902.0 - 928.0 MHz**), duty cycles, and power limits (e.g., EU_433 **12 dBm**) for numerous countries, including the US, EU, China, and Japan, alongside a 2.4 GHz band option. It explicitly states that devices within a mesh must share identical _Region_ and _Modem Preset_ settings for full communication. Modem Presets, like _LONG_FAST_ (the default), optimize for either speed or range, directly impacting network congestion and message delivery delay. For instance, SHORT_TURBO offers the fastest speed and shortest range, while VERY_LONG_SLOW provides the longest range but is less reliable for mesh formation. The document also highlights specific duty cycle limitations, such as the 10% hourly limit for EU_433 and EU_868 regions, and provides command-line interface (CLI) examples for configuring these parameters.

For amateur radio operators seeking resilient, off-grid communication, the _MeshCom_ firmware provides a robust solution for text-based messaging over a mesh network. Utilizing LoRa modulation and the APRS protocol, this firmware is designed for low-energy consumption and cost-effective hardware, primarily operating in the 70cm band. Nodes, identified by amateur radio callsigns, can send short text messages to all participants or directly to specific callsigns, functioning as repeaters to extend network reach. The system supports automatic status and position messages, with optional sensor data for WX-Data and Telemetry. MeshCom nodes can be configured as gateways to HAMNET or the internet, enhancing connectivity options. The project emphasizes a self-building and self-healing mesh network architecture, crucial for emergency communication scenarios. Operating frequencies include **433.175 MHz** (EU, USA, Africa), 439.9125 MHz (UK), and 433.925 MHz (Norway). The firmware is compatible with hardware platforms such as ESP32/LoRa modules, RAK-WISBLOCK, and ESP32-DEV4/E22-LoRa, offering a flexible deployment for various amateur radio applications.