Tired of lost packets and weak signals in your ADS-B setup? STREAM1090 introduces a paradigm shift in demodulation, moving away from fragile preamble detection to a robust, CRC-validated bit-streaming approach that extracts more data from the noise.
VHF/UHF
The VHF/UHF section concentrates on 6 m, 2 m, 70 cm, and nearby bands, covering everything from FM repeaters and local chat to satellite, ISS, and experimenter‑friendly projects. You’ll find DIY antennas like full‑wave loops, bi‑square designs, Super J‑poles, collinears, hotel antennas, and compact mobile whips, as well as small transmitters, preamps, and SDR‑based handhelds suited for these frequencies.
Articles emphasise gain, pattern control, and practical mounting options so that your handheld, mobile, or base rig can make the most of limited height and cluttered surroundings. Many builds are optimised for simple materials such as copper wire, aluminium tubing, and PVC, making them easy weekend projects. Start here if you want stronger repeater coverage, better simplex range, or a more capable VHF/UHF station for both local and experimental work
The New Digital Frontier: Meshtastic vs MeshCore for HAM radio
While Meshtastic has long dominated the LoRa scene, MeshCore has emerged as a serious contender for structured, infrastructure-based communication. Here is how they stack up for the modern ham.
The Silent Revolution: DRM+ Radio in the FM Bands
Analog FM is hitting its limits. Enter DRM+, the open-standard digital revolution that brings CD-quality audio, multimedia data, and emergency alerts to the 88–108 MHz band. Explore the technology and global adoption of 2026.
VHF DXing Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Tropospheric Ducting for Radio Hams
Tropospheric ducting is the ultimate “power-up” for VHF/UHF operators, turning line-of-sight signals into long-haul DX. By understanding how temperature inversions and high-pressure systems create atmospheric waveguides, hams can communicate over hundreds of miles with clarity and ease
The OSJ Dual-Band Antenna: An Elegant Amateur Radio antenna in a Compact Package
Unlock dual-band performance with the Open Stub J-Pole. This comprehensive guide details how to construct a 2m/70cm antenna using a single feedline. By following precise dimensions for the 146 cm, 48.9 cm, and 15.9 cm rods, hams can build a durable, high-gain vertical dipole perfect for home or field use.
DIY Double Dipole Antenna for 50 MHz Band
This 6 meter antenna gives you strong, stable performance with a simple build. It covers a wide range, holds a good match, and behaves like a compact directional array.
Getting Started with AIS: Track Ships from Your Shack with a RTL-SDR
Every vessel larger than 300 gross tons is legally required to broadcast its identity, position, speed, and heading every few seconds on VHF radio. With a $25 RTL-SDR dongle and free software, you can receive, decode, and map those live transmissions from your living room — no licence required, no nautical background needed. This guide walks you through the AIS standard, the hardware and software stack, antenna options, and how to contribute your decoded data to global ship-tracking networks.
Sporadic E Propagation: The Science Behind Long-Distance FM Radio Reception
Discover the science behind Sporadic E propagation — the ionospheric phenomenon that lets FM radio signals travel 2,000+ km. Includes antenna tips, best seasons, monitoring tools, and DX listening tricks
Join the 8-Meter Experiment: Monitor FT8 on 40.680 MHz with WQ2XDM
Join FCC-licensed WQ2XDM’s 8-meter experiment on 40.680 MHz FT8 and 70 MHz WSPR/FT8. Monitor 24/7 digital modes, decode Sporadic-E signals with SDR, and contribute real propagation data for future band access. Schedules, tips inside.
Build Your Own 6m Delta Loop Antenna: A Simple Weekend Project
If you are looking to get active on the “Magic Band” without spending a fortune on commercial aluminum, the 6m Delta Loop antenna is one of the most effective and forgiving antennas you can build. It offers a low noise floor and a slight gain over a standard dipole, making it perfect for catching those […]