From AM to FM: The Evolution of CB Radio Widely used by a broad population in the 1970s, CB radio conjures images of truckers trading highway intel, a few dedicated hobbyists with base stations, and plenty of other pop culture references like Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy, and the aptly-titled…
Once confined to research labs, millimeter wave technology or “mmWave” as it’s commonly referred to, is now the backbone of groundbreaking advancements in 5G networking. As mobile carriers and other industries scramble to harness its potential, mmWave technology is not just shaping the future of communications, it’s paving the way…
mmWave technology is a cutting-edge innovation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of wireless communication. With its high bandwidth capabilities and groundbreaking applications, mmWave technology continues to amaze tech enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Here are ten ways mmWave technology is already changing out lives. 1. 📶…
Primary Goal is to Improve Adoption of 4.9GHz Band FCC Policy Update: Link to original FCC document The FCC on Oct. 24, 2024 issued orders to implement a new management framework for the 4.9GHz spectrum band, aiming to enhance its utilization for public safety communications. This initiative seeks to address…
Potential Impact of Symbol Rate Limit Removal For decades sending “data” with a ham radio meant tapping out a message in Morse code. In recent years, however, modern data modes have become an exciting part of the radio operator’s toolkit. Data modes allow hams to send digital information over the…
The latest proposed bill aiming to protect amateur radio operators from Homeowner’s Association (HOA) overreach and municipal regulations is the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill, introduced in early 2024 by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), seeks to grant amateur radio operators the…
If you’re into ham radio, you probably have a few SDR radios that came from China squirreled away in a drawer somewhere. Platforms like Amazon are stacked with these budget-friendly little devices, and it seems like every month brings a few new models. Features change very little from one model…
In the world of amateur radio, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) holds a central, invaluable place. Established in 1914, the ARRL has spent over a century supporting, protecting, and growing the amateur radio community. If you’re a licensed amateur radio operator—or “ham”—and you haven’t yet joined or supported the…
The J-Pole antenna is a notable design that has gained significant traction among amateur radio operators due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The J-Pole antenna is a half-wave dipole composed of a vertical element and a quarter-wave matching stub for precise tuning. This simple configuration makes it a good choice…
Winter Field Day is a vibrant and challenging annual event that brings together amateur radio enthusiasts from around the globe to test their emergency communication skills in the harshest conditions of winter. Organized by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), this unique exercise is held on the last full weekend…
