When you look at the history of radio, radio’s growth in America is nothing short of amazing. I’ve always been fascinated by how quickly Americans adopted this technology – jumping from just 60,000 radios in 1922 to a whopping 10 million by 1930. This has to be one of the fastest technology adoptions we’ve ever … Read more
Programming software for ham radios comes down to two main choices these days – CHIRP and RT Systems. Having used both extensively over the years, I can tell you each has its place depending on your needs and experience level. CHIRP gives you a free, open-source option that works with lots of different radio brands. … Read more
Software defined radio, or SDR, really applies to a huge range of products ranging from cheap add-ons for your computer, all the way up to very expensive stand-alone radios with a massive feature set. In this article I will be concentrating on the former. Software defined radio might sound complex, but these little devices pack … Read more
When thinking about getting into digital modes for amateur radio, the DMR vs D-Star vs Fusion debate is front and center. While everyone has their opinion, I wanted to present a more balanced approach, hopefully. Looking at the current state of amateur radio, DMR has quickly become the go-to digital voice mode for many operators. … Read more
I’ve watched digital ham radio grow from a niche interest into something truly amazing over the past 15 years. What started with basic computer connections has evolved into sophisticated systems that let us do things we could only dream about before. Having used both traditional and digital modes extensively, I can tell you that while … Read more
In an increasingly connected world, the need for reliable communication in off-grid scenarios has never been more pressing. Enter Meshtastic, a groundbreaking technology that’s changing the game in decentralized, long-range messaging. What is Meshtastic? It’s an open-source project that turns inexpensive radio modules into powerful, low-power communication devices, enabling users to stay connected even when … Read more
One of my favorite inexpensive radios is the Baofeng UV-9R Plus, is the Baofeng UV-9R Pro basically the same radio? That is what I wanted to find out so let’s take a deep dive into these two radios and see how they compare. Ergonomics I frequently seem to start my reviews with how a radio … Read more
When talking about the history of ham radio, we need to define ham radio first. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a wireless communication service used by enthusiasts around the world to talk to each other and to send and receive messages. It has been around for over a century and there is … Read more
For many survivalists and preppers, communication is treated almost as an afterthought. They grab a cheap Baofeng and throw it in their backpack. How hard can a radio be to use? This guide will delve into the importance of radio communication in emergency and survival scenarios, the various types of radio communication devices, and how … Read more
Do you need a radio license? This question may be more complex than you might imagine. Then again, since radio frequencies and their use is managed by the government, maybe not 😉 I should start with a few disclaimers, the information I provide here is correct to the best of my knowledge for people in … Read more