Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2635

This week, we’ve pulled together a few items that touch on some persistent challenges and evolving technologies in the shack. There’s a practical look at mitigating common-mode issues, something that comes up often when dealing with feed lines and antenna installations, especially for those running higher power or operating portable. We also have a couple of pieces exploring the expanding role of Software Defined Radio, both as a standalone system for advanced modes like Digital Amateur Television and as a valuable companion to traditional transceivers. Finally, a quick nod to the wider RF spectrum with a public safety audio feed, a reminder of the diverse signals out there. It’s a mix that should offer something for those experimenting with RF, optimizing their home station, or even considering satellite operations.

Using Ferrite E-cores for Baluns in Ham Radio Applications

Chavdar Levkov, LZ1AQ, provides insights into constructing baluns using ferrite E-cores. This resource details cost-effective methods and offers practical examples for amateur radio operators looking to improve their antenna systems and reduce common-mode current.

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Integrating SDR and Standard Transceiver

This resource describes a method for integrating an SDR with a conventional transceiver using a splitter box. It outlines how to achieve seamless operation without requiring modifications to existing equipment, benefiting operators interested in adding SDR capabilities to their setup.

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ZL1WTT Software-based DATV System and Experimentation

ZL1WTT presents a detailed overview of a software-defined Digital Amateur Television (DATV) system. The article explains how to multiplex multiple standard and high-definition channels using h264 compression, offering valuable information for those exploring advanced digital video modes.

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SDR Television for QO-100

SDR Television is a software solution for QO-100 DATV, supporting DVB-S2, AAC, H264, and H265 codecs. It enables full-duplex operation on Windows 10/11 x86 systems, providing a robust platform for satellite digital television enthusiasts.

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San Diego City Police and Fire Dispatch Live Audio Feed

This Broadcastify feed provides live audio of the San Diego City Fire Department dispatch. It's a useful resource for scanner enthusiasts, though it notes that police communications are now fully encrypted, highlighting the evolving landscape of public safety radio.

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That wraps up this week’s selection of resources. We hope you found something useful for your next project or operating session. Be sure to follow us for next week’s picks, and feel free to share your thoughts or comments on our social channels.