by Mark (KB2PIZ) Every year, when I go to Houston for a conference, I manage to squeeze in an amazing eyeball QSO with Mark Tyler (K5GQ). Mark is my CWOPS Instructor and mentor, instrumental in bringing my CW skills up to speed. We had originally planned to meet on Sunday, but a major blizzard was […]
Month: February 2026
Ham Radio Contesting 101: Using Call Sign & Exchange Databases
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 […]