Learn how a fan dipole (parallel dipole) antenna lets you operate on two HF bands from a single feedline with no tuner. Includes the 468 formula, component breakdown, band pairing tips, and step-by-step building guide
Baofeng UV-5R Mini: Compact Dual-Band Powerhouse
The Baofeng UV-5R Mini brings USB-C charging and Bluetooth to the classic UV-5R platform. While it excels in portability, it faces significant hurdles in Airband reception and UI quirks.
Radio Waves Weekly — Issue #005
Welcome to the fifth edition of Radio Waves Weekly! This week’s digest brings you fresh developments from the SDR world — including a networked receiver making waves at Hamcation — alongside exciting digital mode innovations, a new real-time DX spotting platform, citizen science workshops, rare DXpeditions, and a community effort to keep a beloved ham radio clock ticking.
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.
FT2 Digital Mode: Speed King With Serious Growing Pains
FT2 promises ultra‑fast QSOs with 3.8‑second cycles and up to 240 contacts per hour, but early adopters are divided. This in‑depth report analyzes FT2’s technical trade‑offs, including its weaker –12 dB sensitivity, very tight ±50 ms clock requirement, Windows‑only Decodium client, and limited award support. It also compiles global feedback from Facebook, Reddit, YouTube, blogs, and WhatsApp groups—ranging from contesters who love the speed to operators who see FT2 as risky, unnecessary, or too fragile for weak‑signal DX.
FT2: The Fastest Digital Mode in Amateur Radio
Developed by Martino Merola, IU8LMC, from the ARI Caserta team in Italy, FT2 is a genuinely operational new digital mode — not vaporware, not a proposal. It was publicly verified on 16 February 2026, with dozens of real QSOs logged on 40m and 80m bands.
FT2 – A New Digital Mode Hams Are Starting To Spot
FT2 is an emerging weak‑signal amateur radio mode now visible on PSKReporter, offering hams another option next to FT8 and FT4 for HF QSOs and propagation monitoring
Beginner’s Guide to HF SSTV Setup with SSB Transceivers
Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is a fascinating mode that allows you to send and receive still images over HF radio using your SSB transceiver. The uBITX and similar homebrew/commercial SSB radios are excellent platforms for SSTV operation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete setup process.
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 […]
Honoring the Silent Keys of the Titanic: Special Event Station EG1912T
The Vigo-Val Miñor Amateur Radio Union from Spain is organizing a historic special event station to commemorate the 114th anniversary of the RMS Titanic tragedy and honor its heroic telegraph operators.