HF propagation—the ability of high-frequency radio waves to travel long distances—relies on the complex interaction between solar activity and the Earth’s ionosphere. At the core of this process is solar flux, which drives ionization of the ionosphere and determines how effectively radio signals are reflected back to Earth. In this…
It’s always a nice surprise when I open a gift and find out that it’s something to do with my beloved ham radio hobby. It is super thoughtful when friends or family take the risk and buy something they may not know anything about just because it’s something they think…
With my recent move to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, I decided it was also time to upgrade to a Victron Energy SmartSolar charge controller. For two years, I had relied on a Renogy Rover 40A MPPT charge controller to keep a bank of flooded lead acid batteries healthy. It…
My Gear of Choice: Jump below to see What Gear Makes the Cut in my Ham Shack As a licensed ham, I rely on lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries to keep my gear running 24 hours a day. In fact, I am continuously on backup power. I have utility…
One of the most valuable tools for ensuring clarity over noisy channels is the phonetic alphabet. This standardized system replaces potentially ambiguous letters with easily recognizable words. For instance, saying “Alpha” instead of “A” helps minimize confusion caused by static, poor connections, or accents. The phonetic alphabet currently used by…
Amateur radio has long been a fascinating hobby for technology enthusiasts and communicators worldwide. However, its potential as an educational tool is often overlooked. Now, by integrating ham radio and STEM education programs, educators are offering unique, hands-on learning opportunities that bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications. From understanding the…
Revolutionizing Emergency Communications The invention of Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless telegraph in the late 19th century ushered in a new era of communication. Before Marconi’s breakthrough, sending messages required physical wires or reliance on slower methods like semaphore, carrier pigeons, or written correspondence carried on horseback. Marconi’s invention fundamentally changing how…
This is a list of San Jose repeaters in the 2m and 70cm bands that are workable from most locations within the South Bay Area. If I have something wrong, please let me know. I don’t list DMR, Yaesu Fusion, or D-Star repeaters here. This is a simple, clean list…
Shopping for a new dual-band mobile ham radio can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a newcomer to amateur radio, finding the right VHF/UHF dual-band transceiver is essential not only for reliable performance, but for your own personal satisfaction as…
International Telecommunications Union Region 2 (ITU Region 2) covers the Americas, including North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as some Pacific Ocean territories. Here’s a list of countries and territories included in Region 2: North America Canada, United States, Mexico Central America Belize, Costa Rica,…
