Category: Digital Modes
Building and Using Packet Radio for Message Relays
In the digital age, ham radio continues to evolve with new ways to communicate and share data. While we’ve added new digital modes such as FT8, one of the most versatile methods for sending information across distances without relying on the internet is still packet radio. This technology enables ham radio operators to send and receive digital data packets, offering a reliable form of communication for message relays, emergency use, and experimentation.
Ham Radio Mesh Networks: Building a Community Data Network
As ham radio continues to grow, operators are finding new and innovative ways to communicate and share data without relying on the traditional internet infrastructure. One such innovation is the development of ham radio mesh networks. These networks allow ham operators to build decentralized communication systems, enabling a wide range of uses from emergency communications to local community projects.
Connecting an old Weather Station to APRS
Is it possible to take an old weather station with no computer connectivity and pull the data to send to APRS? Turns out, this is a fairly doable project with certain models of weather stations. In my case, an older Acurite 5-in-1 weather station with a remote display worked perfectly. Let’s take a look at how!
Russian ISS SSTV Event
The International Space Station is currently running a special SSTV event to celebrate the Russian Cosmonautics Day. Amateur Radio operators are able to receive images from the ISS with nothing more than a VHF radio.
FT8 Operating and Important Notes
So I started playing around with FT8 the other day, and have had pretty good success with contacts in North America and out towards Europe. Noticed a few little quirks that I thought I’d address for anyone looking to get into this mode.