A thread on the CQ-Contest reflector discussed the use of databases to “suggest” call signs or exchange elements during a contest. Most contesting software provides one or more functions which allow the use of such databases. First, I will explain what these databases are and how they might be used. Then I will consider whether […]
10 New Products at DX Engineering for February 2026
Introducing Shadow Circuits Utility Gear & Pouches…and many more station-enhancing products! *** OnAllBands is pleased to once again present a bevy of amateur radio products that have been added to the more than 30,000 items available at DX Engineering. Today’s post highlights the diversity of ways you can update your capabilities, from wire antenna launchers […]
Heavy 40 Meter Morning Pileups from a Quiet North Carolina State Forest
by Thomas (K4SWL) On Wednesday morning, January 14, I decided to squeeze in another Parks on the Air activation while spending a few days in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. This time, I set my sights on Clemmons Educational State Forest (US-4853), which is about a 25-minute drive from where we usually stay when […]
Ham Radio Youth Insights: Using Your Cell Phone in Amateur Radio
Many young people seem to be under the impression that amateur radio is in some way a replacement for a cell phone, or at least that’s how they believe amateur radio operators use it. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, amateur radio can be a “when all else fails” method of […]
Alan’s Elecraft KX2 Field Kit in a Hidden Woodsmen Haversack
My friend Alan (W2AEW) has just posted a video of his new Elecraft KX2 field kit built into a Hidden Woodsmen Haversack M55: Click here to view on YouTube. I love your field kit, Alan! I especially appreciate the number of antenna options you’ve managed to pack into what is still a very compact setup. It’s […]
W7MDN: Trail-Running SOTA with the LNR Mountain Topper MTR-3B
by Matt (W7MDN) The Perfect Combination When my work schedule allows, I try to marry up trail running with a SOTA activation, which adds to the adventure aspect of Summits on the Air. I’ve been tweaking my ultralight SOTA kit recently, with the goal of reducing weight and space to just the essentials needed for […]
Pairing the KX2 & AX1 for a Quickie Activation at Falls Lake State Recreational Area
by Thomas (K4SWL) On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, I was in Raleigh, North Carolina for the week, trying to fit in as many Parks on the Air activations as possible while my wife and I ran errands and worked through a handful of projects around town. That afternoon, we found ourselves in North Raleigh, and […]
Ham Radio 101: The Origins and Evolution of Q-Codes
Who or what is Q? In James Bond films and novels, he was the head of Q Branch, which developed all the cool gadgets that Bond used in his missions. Remember the laser Rolex, Dentonite toothpaste explosive, and “Little Nellie,” a compact helicopter equipped with heat-seeking missiles? All these solutions helped keep 007 alive while […]
Trying to Choose Between the Elecraft KH1 or Elecraft KX2? Here Are Some Questions You Should Ask Yourself.
By Thomas (K4SWL) One of the question I’m asked often by readers—especially those looking for a highly capable, do-it-all field radio—is this: “Which radio should I buy: the Elecraft KH1 or the Elecraft KX2?” I’ve talked about this briefly in some of my activation videos over the years, but usually in passing and often while […]
Building a Portable Station that Can Also Be Used for Base Operations
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Or in ham terms, did you build a base station that you made portable or vice versa? *** Every day I talk to ham radio operators about various rabbit holes that make up our hobby. There are many holes one can choose to explore, and there’s no […]