Ham and Shortwave Radio
Amateur radio, commonly known as ham radio, is a regulated pursuit and public service in which licensed individuals use allocated radio frequencies to connect with fellow operators worldwide.
This is achieved via methods such as voice transmission, Morse code, digital protocols, or even satellite relays, primarily for recreational purposes, technological innovation, critical emergency support, and honing expertise in radio operations.
Put another way, Ham radio (or amateur radio) is a licensed hobby and service of using designated radio frequency bands to communicate with other enthusiasts worldwide through voice, Morse code, digital modes, or satellite, often for fun, experimentation, emergency communications, and technical skill-building.
Getting your ham radio license is the first major step into amateur radio, whether your interest is emergency communications, storm spotting, off-grid preparedness, or technical experimentation. In the United States, all amateur radio operators must pass an FCC-administered exam, and preparation is key. Today, most new operators choose an online ham radio licensing course instead … Read more
My Surprising Discovery- Hey everyone! If you’re into amateur radio, shortwave listening (SWL), or just exploring the capabilities of your transceiver, you know how frustrating impulse noise can be—those sharp, crackling bursts that drown out signals. In my YouTube video from 2019, I shared a quick real-world demo of just how effective the noise blanker … Read more
The “333 Rule”—better known as the 3-3-3 Radio Plan—stands out as a cornerstone protocol for maintaining communications during SHTF scenarios. This plan transforms basic radios into reliable lifelines when conventional systems like cell towers, internet, or power grids collapse due to natural disasters, societal unrest, or other crises. Drawing from the classic “Rule of Threes” … Read more
You’ve heard of WebSDRs, but what exactly are they? This deep dive article breaks it down for beginners, explaining the basics, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone starting out in software-defined radio (SDR). We’ll cover everything from setup tutorials to comparisons with traditional radios, all in easy-to-understand language to help you … Read more
This guide provides a step-by-step process for receiving SSTV signals using an SDR, covering both general amateur radio transmissions and specific events like those from the International Space Station (ISS). We’ll focus on RTL-SDR as it’s popular and cost-effective, but the principles apply to other SDRs. Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is a method used primarily … Read more