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Digirig is an open-source integrated digital modes interface for amateur radio. As a differentiating feature, Digirig only requires a single USB connection to the computer with all the digital goodness packed in a single small enclosure. The internals include a USB hub, audio codec, a fully featured serial CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) interface, and potentially other modules such as GPS receiver for time synchronization.

The IC-705 has a built-in server to to send and receive audio and radio control via WLAN. This allows the IC-705 to be connected directly to the user’s computer without the need for an additional server computer. Perfect to run e.g. digital operation modes completely cordless.

A primer on Ham Mesh networks, hams using our radio privileges to operate a private, self-contained wireless computer network

The CW typewriter is a compact adapter board that transforms Morse code into ASCII characters using an Iambic key. It connects to a computer via USB, emulating the keyboard. The device features inputs for Iambic keying and a WPM speed potentiometer, and outputs for a key and a speaker for side tone. The device can be used with various software and online typing games for practice, offering a unique and interactive way to learn and use Morse code.

How to verify what Com Port you have on your computer running WIndows XP or Windows 7. Installing the Proper New Prolific PL-2303 Drivers and how to verify the prolific drivers are correctly installed.

Learn how to troubleshoot and configure ICOM 7300 Rig Control under Linux for seamless communication between your radio and computer. Author Colin from Canada shares his insights and experiences with setting up rig control software for digital signal decoding.

Controlling a rotator via computer can be costly, but a budget-friendly solution exists using an Arduino Nano and free software by Anthony K3NG. This setup allows for easy and enhanced rotator control, including screen and network management. Though initial software setup can be complex, pre-configured versions are available. Building and customizing the hardware interface is required, with comprehensive support provided by K3NG's resources.

Documents the design and construction of a **four-band Moxon beam** antenna, covering 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters. Author W7JMP shares his journey from initial research and computer modeling using 4NEC2 to the final on-air testing and optimization. The project aimed for gain over a dipole on 20 meters, with a budget under $500, including the antenna rotor. The design incorporates fiberglass spreaders and a single feedpoint, avoiding complex relay switching. The article details the selection of materials, assembly techniques, and the critical tuning process. W7JMP describes fabricating the hub, mounting spreaders, and attaching elements made from stripped THTN wire. A notable innovation is the use of a half-wave tuning stub with a loading coil for in-situ adjustment of the 20-meter reflector, optimized via remote S-meter readings using a webcam and smartphone. This method allowed for fine-tuning the **front-to-back ratio** without lowering the antenna. Initial testing revealed a dipole-like pattern, which was significantly improved after tuning, resulting in reported 2 to 4 S-unit front-to-back ratios and enhanced signal strength for DX contacts on multiple bands, including sporadic E on 10 and 6 meters.

The programming cable is intended to be used with a computer RS-232 port for programming radios and other devices. The main goal of this cable schematics is inverting signal levels.

This article explores the conventional wisdom about antenna height in amateur radio operations, challenging the common belief that "higher is always better." Through practical examples and computer modeling, it examines how low-height antennas like Beverage antennas, VP2E, and End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW) configurations can perform effectively in various scenarios. The analysis includes radiation patterns and efficiency considerations for antennas at different heights, particularly focusing on portable operations. The article demonstrates that while height affects antenna performance, lower installations can still provide practical and efficient solutions for specific applications, especially in portable and QRP operations.

The FT-991 is a nice small size and lightweight radio, it is perfect for portable operations. It can be carried along with a laptop computer as hand luggage in airplane. The weak point of this radio, is it does not have a separate RX antenna capability. Therefore i decided to add this feature. On the back side of the radio a BNC connector is added to connect the RX antenna and a switch is fitted to select between RX antenna or main antenna.

The page presents JRX, a virtual radio receiver interface written in Java that can connect to about 200 ham radio transceivers and receivers using the Hamlib library. It offers features like 200 read/write memories, a programmable scanner, and spectrum scope, making it easier to use than traditional radios. The article explains the benefits of virtualizing a radio with controls and highlights the advantages of using JRX, especially for radios requiring computer control. Author P. Lutus provides insights on the development of JRX and its improvements over previous virtual radio projects.

GridViewer is an interactive and lightweight open source web-based tool designed for ham radio operators to visualize and analyze their worked grid squares from ADIF-log files. GridViewer was developed to address a real-world challenge faced by many ham radio operators using lightweight or single-board computers like the Rock 4 SE (in my case) or Raspberry Pi.

SW Keyer for remote operations. This is a simple tool based on the Morse Code Iambic and Semi-Automatic Keyer from the Morse-Code-Tools projects. You can use your key, bug or Iambic Paddle stright connected to your personal computer without a hardware morse keyer.

FreeDV uses an audio codec as a software based modem to decode and encode the voice and text data from your computer. The data is encoded and then is transmitted over the HF radio using AF signals that can then in turn be decoded by the receiving station.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) has always been a source of concern for the Radio Amateur. Until the recent introduction of complex circuitry in the home, our communications gear has been the main source of potential RFI. In this computerized age of ours, increasingly complex and sensitive receivers are being barraged by these and other sources of RFI.

This article details the development of an 80-meter antenna within the confines of a restrictive covenant community. Faced with limited space, the author explores various options before implementing a clever hybrid design: a short 30-foot vertical wire running discreetly down the building's exterior combined with a capacitive top hat installed in the attic. Computer modeling confirmed the superiority of capacitive loading over inductive loading, increasing radiation resistance from 6 to 14 ohms. The perimeter wire top hat, naturally supported by the attic structure, resonates effectively at 3.5 MHz. The system is completed with four buried 60-foot radials installed "after dark" to maintain compliance with community restrictions.

Learn about the POTA PERformer antenna, a portable, elevated, resonant whip designed by Greg Mihran KJ6ER. Discover how this unique antenna requires fewer radials to be efficient, making it ideal for portable operations. Explore the benefits of using two radials for a directional radiating pattern, compared to just one radial. Find out how computer modeling can help optimize the performance of the POTA PERformer antenna for your ham radio activities.

The PicoFox is a versatile fox transmitter for 2-meter ham radio operators, built around the RP2040 microcontroller. With open-source hardware and software, it can be customized to suit your needs, from APRS to other digital modes. This fully assembled transmitter comes with a rechargeable battery and antenna, ready for use. The design allows for easy addition of features like sensors or interactivity. Modulation is handled in software for smooth FM output, with ample CPU, flash, and GPIO available. Configure your PicoFox by connecting it to a computer via USB and adjusting settings in a text file. Explore the possibilities of this innovative transmitter for your amateur radio projects.

This presentation offers a beginner's guide to digital communication modes in Ham Radio, specifically PSK31 and RTTY. It covers the basics like what data modes are and the equipment needed (radio, computer, interface). It explains the technical details like PSK vs. RTTY, AFSK vs. FSK, and data transmission processes. The presentation also provides instructions on software setup, live testing procedures, and where to find data transmissions on different bands. Finally, it covers communication styles and etiquette for data QSOs.

Online browser-based resource for your computer, tablet or other mobile device. Use this review and practice exam resource with the current editions of ARRL License Manuals.

Programming the Wouxun KG-UV3D and the Baofeng UV-5R+, getting your computer to recognize the programming cable, installing the Wouxun software and hints on how to program Baofeng radio UV-5R.

The Icom IC-9700 transceiver, a popular choice for VHF/UHF/1.2 GHz operations, gains enhanced remote control capabilities through Pycom Radio Controller. This software provides direct _CI-V based control_, enabling operators to manage frequency, mode, memories, and tones from a connected computer. It integrates a built-in rigctl server and supports popular satellite tools like Gpredict and SatPC32, facilitating full duplex Doppler control for satellite passes. Key features include real-time meters, a waterfall display, and remote RC-28 integration. Designed for practical amateur radio use, the application streamlines voice and digital satellite operations. It allows for full duplex remote Doppler control, crucial for maintaining accurate frequencies during satellite contacts. The software also incorporates callsign lookup and logging functions, alongside enhanced memory management. Documentation pages offer configuration guidance and operating examples, ensuring users can effectively set up and utilize the software for their satellite communication needs, potentially improving success rates for contacts and contests.

The Interlock Monitor (IM) program allows you to control and monitor the Interlock device from any computer in your network. The Interlock is an equipment designed to be used by contesters where they need to check, supervise and limit, how many radios are in transmission at any given time

The _Amateur Radio Logbook ADIF File Analyzer_ processes ADIF files locally within the user's browser, ensuring no QSO data is uploaded to a server. It generates a visual map of contacts and detailed statistics across various parameters, including band, mode, time, grid squares, and DXCC entities. The tool offers insights into operating patterns and station performance without requiring any software installation. Users upload their ADIF log files directly, and the analysis is performed client-side, providing immediate results. The output includes charts and graphs that visualize QSO distribution and activity. This approach prioritizes user privacy and data security, as logbook information remains on the user's computer throughout the analysis process. The analyzer supports standard ADIF formats, enabling hams to quickly review their log data for trends and achievements. It is a free, open-source utility designed for general amateur radio log analysis.

KISS703 is a 703 Hz narrowband digital mode for amateur radio, designed for simple, low-power operation without computers. A 500 Hz pilot tone ensures frequency alignment, replaced by unique tones for 37 symbols (letters, numbers, space). Built from common discrete components, it draws about 40 mA at 12 V, ideal for SOTA/IOTA use. The receiver uses amplification, wave shaping, and a pulse-counting frequency meter for manual decoding via a calibrated meter. Transmitter and receiver calibration involves marking meter positions for each tone, enabling fully self-contained messaging with minimal hardware in portable or fixed operations.

The Kenwood TS-50 is a reliable 25-year-old mobile HF radio, widely used in DX operations but lacking CAT and DATA ports for modern logging or contest software. To overcome this, a custom CW interface was built using an USB to TTL module (FT232/FT232RL) and an optocoupler (e.g., 4N25, H11A1) for galvanic isolation. This setup enables the TS-50 to connect with a computer via USB, facilitating integration with software like LOGGER32 and Win-Test. The interface is cost-effective and driver-free for Windows XP and 7, making it an accessible solution for enhancing the TS-50's functionality.

MyWaveRecorder is a lightweight utility designed to capture and save any audio played on your computer. Whether it’s sounds generated by programs like CW_PLAYER, WX_PLAYER, MyWaveRecorder itself, your microphone, your sound card, or even streaming audio from the internet, this tool records them all with a single click.

The ZL1WTT resource details an experimental software-based Digital Amateur Television (DATV) system, demonstrating the multiplexing of up to six standard-definition (SD) and one high-definition (HD) channel utilizing _h264 compression_. The author encountered peak data rates reaching 32 Mbit/s, necessitating a shift to Freeview and Sky settings (22.5M Sym/s 3/4FEC) to manage bandwidth. The setup employs four networked computers, with a laptop functioning as the multiplexer to re-code PIDs for various inputs, including looped MPEG2 playlists, MPEG2 encoder card input from a VCR, satellite feeds, and an off-air UHF receiver. The system highlights the inherent flexibility of the DVB transport stream, supporting diverse formats such as MPG2, h264, AC3, and AAC. A significant advantage of this software-defined approach is the absence of video quality degradation from stored MPEG2 files to the displayed output, coupled with the ease of reconfiguring settings for MPEG2 encoder cards (e.g., size, bit-rate, frame rate, video input, coding format) and satellite receiver cards (e.g., frequency, LNB volts, symbol rate, FEC). The author also discusses the development of a new graphical user interface (GUI) using _Gambas_ for Linux, aiming to simplify configuration for this DATV project. Specific hardware components mentioned include Hauppauge WinTV PVR-150 and Nova-S plus cards, with a focus on optimizing analog video input via Y/C (S-video) to minimize frequency roll-off. The resource also provides insights into data rates for HD (1080i) content, recommending 8 to 12 Mb/s for optimal performance. Software utilized includes _Ubuntu Studio 10.04_, WinFF, VLC, and TMPGEnc Editor, underscoring the project's reliance on open-source tools and a foundational understanding of LAN networks and DVB transport streams.

Andrew Roos (ZS6AA) details his practical approach to building a Single Operator Two Radio contest station within suburban constraints. The article explains how he leveraged a Force-12 C-31XR triband beam's unique separate feed arrangement to operate on two bands simultaneously. Using band-pass filters and an antenna switch, he achieved sufficient isolation between bands without requiring multiple towers. The setup includes automatic band selection, audio switching, and computer control. Testing during the 2007 CQ WPX CW contest confirmed the system's effectiveness, demonstrating that competitive SO2R operation is achievable with limited space and budget.

Learn how to modify your Baofeng 888s radio to use in an Allstar node. This article provides step-by-step instructions on programming the radio with suitable frequencies for amateur radio use, including tips on using the Chirp program. Make sure to use a cable with a Genuine FTDI Chipset for easy connection to your computer. Avoid transmitting on pre-programmed channels to prevent trouble. Follow the guidelines provided to customize your radio settings and ensure a smooth modification process. Visit the link for Chirp program download and consult Miklor for programming assistance.

Illustrates the potential for radio frequency (RF) energy from amateur transceivers to interfere with vehicle electronics, drawing parallels to military _Radio Frequency Vehicle Stopper_ (RFVS) technology. The resource details personal experiences with VHF/UHF signals activating household devices and then pivots to the complexities of RF interaction with automotive systems, noting the development of multi-frequency RFVS (MFRFVS) to overcome vehicle-specific vulnerabilities. It highlights that while car manufacturers conduct RF immunity tests, the rigor varies, with luxury brands likely performing more extensive evaluations than others who merely meet minimal certification. The article explores practical considerations for mobile amateur radio installations, suggesting antenna placement over the car, using lower power output, and proper grounding to mitigate adverse effects. It acknowledges the lack of comprehensive data on RF/vehicle combinations but emphasizes that adherence to these basic principles can reduce risks. The author shares observations of unexplained car computer codes in a 2002 SUV, speculating on potential RF induction. Concerns are raised about the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of modern car electronics, including Bluetooth, remote access, and electronic control systems for critical functions like steering and braking. The article points out the diminishing space for third-party installations in contemporary vehicles and references the ARRL's stance on auto manufacturer policies regarding amateur radio installations, which generally advise against them.

SDR Television v1.0 operates as a DVB-S2 / AAC / H264 / H265 program, specifically engineered for QO-100 satellite Digital Amateur Television (DATV) operations. It provides a full-duplex solution on modern x86 computers running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit, 8+ cores, AVX2 support recommended), leveraging DLLs from _SDR Console_ for control of devices like _Pluto_ and _LibreSDR.TV_. The software requires installation of the SDR Radio kit for wideband mode support. Initial development focused on a proof-of-concept for QO-100, with future enhancements planned to include H266 / AV1 / Opus codecs and an improved cross-band user interface. The current stable release functions reliably for QO-100 DATV. Users must install the SDR Radio kit, followed by the SDR Television kit, into the same directory. Support inquiries are handled via the SDR-Radio.com mailing list, ensuring direct assistance for operational questions.

Demonstrates an **Arduino-based** solution for the Icom IC-7300 transceiver, specifically addressing the operational inconvenience of switching between a CW paddle and a straight key. The project leverages the IC-7300's **CI-V bus** (Computer Interface 5) to provide instant keyer type selection and two preset power levels, bypassing the rig's menu system which otherwise requires eight button presses. This implementation utilizes the 3.5mm CI-V connector, leaving the USB port free for CAT control and the internal soundcard, a critical design choice for integrated station setups. The system's utility is particularly evident for CW operators who frequently alternate between keying methods during contesting or general operating. The article details the hardware setup, including an Arduino Nano, a 3.5mm jack for CI-V, and pushbuttons for control. An update in 2023 expanded the project to incorporate an 8-button Nintendo controller, enhancing user interface flexibility and demonstrating the adaptability of the initial design for further customization and feature integration.

Radio classifieds, technical articles, reviews and antenna designs for CB and Amateur bands.

This page provides a detailed instructions on how to setup the KX3 transceiver with the Win-Test software. How to configure the contest logging software Win-Test to be use with the Elecraft KX3 transceiver for CW. Using only the dedicated Elecraft KXUSB cable between the radio and the computer, enabling to send CAT commands and pre recorded CW messages with the F1 to F7 keys.