Users looking at MURS vs FRS and other radio services face many options with important differences in what they can do. FRS radios work within a frequency range of 462-467 MHz and can reach 1-2 miles in open areas with a maximum power output of 2 watts. GMRS radios use the same frequency band … Read more
C4FM represents one of today’s most versatile digital modulation technologies in amateur radio. The Continuous Four Level Frequency Modulation system drives Yaesu’s System Fusion and provides both voice and data transmission capabilities with a maximum raw data rate of 9600 bps. The system’s automatic backward compatibility with analog FM makes it particularly appealing. The … Read more
You can get into digital mobile radio for very little these days, and talk to people around the world without needing fancy equipment or big outdoor antennas. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute created DMR back in 2005, and it’s completely changed what’s possible with ham radio. I’ve … Read more
Over 20,000 ham radio enthusiasts use APRS across the United States right now. APRS, the Automatic Packet Reporting System, has changed how amateur radio operators track locations, send messages and share immediate data. Bob Bruninga (WB4APR) developed APRS radio technology in the 1990s. The system has now grown into a global communication platform that operates … 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
Why am I wondering what happened to JT65? The other day, I decided to fire up my JT65 software and make some contacts. I had not played with JT65, or any digital modes, in several years but had fond memories of using it. To my astonishment, I could not get it to work. I tested … Read more