Category Archives: Ham Radio

Joe Walsh Shares How He First Learned Morse Code

Joe’s HQ-145C was placed on auction (a Hammarlund HQ 145A in the photo)

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia for sharing the following article from People Magazine: “Joe Walsh Reveals the Surprising Way He Ended Up Learning Morse Code as a Kid.”

In this short piece, musician Joe Walsh discusses the unexpected way he was first introduced to Morse code during childhood. It’s an interesting bit of background for those who follow Walsh’s involvement in amateur radio.

Read the full article here: https://people.com/joe-walsh-reveals-surprising-way-he-ended-up-learning-morse-code-as-kid-11865496

A Conversation About Amateur Radio and Hurricane Helene with Mark Hurst on Techtonic

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I wrote the following for QRPer.com, and thought readers here on the SWLing Post might appreciate it too:

I was recently invited onto Techtonic, the weekly technology program on WFMU, hosted by Mark Hurst. If you’ve never listened to Techtonic, I encourage you to check it out—it’s one of the most thoughtful shows out there about how technology shapes our lives and communities.

Mark invited me to talk about amateur radio and its role after Hurricane Helene.

Many of you know I’ve been speaking about Helene quite a bit since the storm–anything I can do to share lessons learned and help others prepare is worth the time. What struck me during our conversation was how quickly I felt a connection with Mark. He asked thoughtful questions, and he gave me room to share what I love about this hobby and the community around it.

I’ve always felt that enthusiasm is infectious, and Mark gave mine room to breathe.

Afterward, I realized something: this was the first time I’d ever been asked to discuss amateur radio on a show that approaches technology from the perspective most people experience today. And that contrast made something click for me. Perhaps part of the renewed interest in radio–especially Morse code–comes from people quietly longing for technologies that offer direct connection without intermediaries, algorithms, or someone’s marketing model riding shotgun. Amateur radio–at its very core–is open, peer-to-peer, decentralized, and resilient. When everything else falls apart, it keeps going.

Perhaps that simplicity and directness feel refreshing right now.

This isn’t about being anti-tech. I use plenty of online tools every day. But I’ve become more mindful about choosing paid services that treat me as a customer rather than a product. Over the past few years I’ve deliberately stepped back from social media, moved my email servers to Proton, shifted my web searches to Kagi, and spend most of my online “social” time on Mastodon. (I’m sure there’s a deeper post about all of this forthcoming.)

These changes weren’t born out of fear–they were born out of wanting a better “signal-to-noise” ratio, more community and less manipulation/division, and a little more privacy in a world where privacy seems to be fading.

Maybe that’s why amateur radio resonates so deeply for me. It’s a communications network that puts people first. It’s transparent, open, direct, human, and there’s no hidden agenda or algorithm at work.

There’s nothing in my conversation with Mark that will surprise regular readers here, but I hope you’ll give the episode a listen and consider subscribing to Techtonic. Mark brings years of experience in big tech and uses it to ask thoughtful, critical questions about the tools we rely on every day.

I’m grateful he invited me, and even more grateful for the conversation. Thanks, Mark!

73/72,
Thomas (K4SWL)

P.S. I’ve always said amateur radio’s greatest strength is its people. When Hazel passed, over a hundred of you reached out with messages, comments, and emails. I read every one of them. Thank you — your kindness reminded me how deeply connected this community really is.

Paul Reviews the Radtel RT-880G

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by Paul Jamet

Looking for a versatile radio?

Which radio listener hasn’t dreamed of owning a portable multi-band receiver allowing them to explore the widest possible radio spectrum?

For nearly a year now, walkie-talkies have appeared on the market which, beyond the classic VHF–UHF functions, also allow listening and transmitting on CB (27 MHz) as well as listening to LW/MW/SW bands (LSB/USB/CW). The RADTEL RT-860 has won over those who have tested it.

Read here: Dan Reviews the Radel RT-860

The arrival of the Quansheng TK-11 — available in three versions — has caused quite a stir on social networks. Then, almost at the same time, the RADTEL RT-880 and RT-880G (G for GPS) appeared, also sold under other names such as iRadio UV98.

Among all these available models, I chose — as a radio listener, especially when I’m traveling — the RADTEL RT-880G. My choice is explained mainly by its antenna connectors (SMA-Female and SMA-Male), its large color display, its GPS module, its thousand memory channels, and the possibility of simultaneously monitoring three VHF/UHF frequencies. This device is highly customizable, but its user manual would deserve to be much more detailed and explicit.

The RT-880G comes with a “standard” 18 cm antenna for VHF-UHF bands, which is also used for FM station reception. I haven’t yet tested the device on the 27 MHz (CB) band, for which a dedicated antenna is preferable. No antenna is provided for LW/MW/SW listening.

For listening to LW/MW/SW bands, the device is often shown with small donut-type loop antennas (10 cm diameter).

However, for easier transport, I simply chose this small telescopic SMA-Male antenna, 48 cm long (weight: 20 g): to which it is possible to clip a wire antenna, such as the SONY AN-71, which can prove very useful.

I also used an antenna normally intended for CB, the ABBREE 27 MHz telescopic antenna (130 cm), admittedly heavier (weight: 78 g) and bulkier, but which gives very good results for the HF band.

The purpose of this contribution — which concerns only listening — is to arouse curiosity among mobile (or stationary) listeners, to invite those who own this walkie-talkie to come here and share their experience, and to collect your comments. It is therefore not a full review of the RT-880G, but simply an illustration of what it offers for listening to LW/MW/SW bands.

For LW/MW/SW bands, the RT-880G allows you to set the:

step to 1 – 5 – 10 – 50 – 100 – 500 – 1,000 – and 9 kHz],
bandwidth [0.5 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 2.2 – 3.0 – 4.0],
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
BFO – (Beat Frequency Oscillator) – used for fine tuning SSB reception (the minimum step being 1 kHz).

Sample Recordings

Local park where some of the recordings were made.

Here are a few audio files that will help you form an opinion. The recordings were made with a smartphone placed near the receiver. The recordings were made using a smartphone placed near the receiver. The sound quality is quite good, even surprising. Continue reading →

Taking the checkered flag at Indy by racing and radio

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By Brian D. Smith, W9IND

It’s Brickyard 400 week in Indianapolis, and the checkered flag awaits – not only for NASCAR drivers, but also for radio enthusiasts who’ve contacted all three of the 2025 special events staged by amateur radio station W9IMS. From now through the end of Sunday (Race Day), hams and SWLs who’ve already bagged the station during the two previous races at Indy can claim their Checkered Flag Award by working or tuning in W9IMS a third time.

The special events’ organizer, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Amateur Radio Club, also offers new and unique QSL cards for each race, providing collectible consolation prizes for those who don’t complete the clean sweep (and welcome extras for those who do).

The month of May witnessed the first two steps toward the colorful certificate with a full week of special event operation devoted to each major race at the Speedway – the IndyCar Grand Prix and the venerable Indianapolis 500. Then came a two-month wait for the third race, the Brickyard 400, which will go green on Sunday, July 27. This week’s special event will continue through the end of Race Day, with midnight in Indy (0400 UTC Monday) marking the end of on-air activity for W9IMS until May 2026.

W9IMS operates almost exclusively on 20 and 40 meters (and occasionally 2 meters on Race Day morning for fans in the stands and locals). Preferred frequencies are 14.245 and 7.245 SSB, plus or minus QRM, and 146.52 simplex FM.

A few tips on locating W9IMS:

Check DX Summit (www.dxsummit.fi) for spots listing the current frequency or frequencies of W9IMS. You can customize your search by typing “W9IMS” in the box at upper right.

Go to the W9IMS web page (www.w9ims.org) and look for the heading, “2025 Operating Schedule.” Click on the “NASCAR 400 at the Brickyard” link, which opens into a weeklong schedule of individual operators and their reserved time slots. Although operators frequently get on the air at unscheduled times, your odds of catching the station improve significantly during hours with a listed op.

Prime time for weeknight operations is 6 to 10 p.m. in Indy (2200-0200 UTC). That’s also your most likely shot at finding W9IMS active on two bands. However, operators may continue till 11 p.m. or later if band conditions allow. It can also be fruitful to check DX Summit during mornings and early afternoons.
Remember that the published schedule can be shortened by adverse circumstances, such as local thunderstorms, a lack of calling stations, and solar anomalies. Don’t wait till the final hour to look for W9IMS.
But if you still haven’t worked W9IMS by the final weekend, don’t give up too soon. Toward the end of the special event, W9IMS ops often call for “only stations that haven’t worked us this week” and/or switch to contest-style operations, exchanging just signal reports to put more calls in the log.
Keep in mind that both hams and SWLs are eligible for QSL cards and the certificate. So if your ham station isn’t able to work W9IMS by Sunday night, you can combine your two previous QSOs with an SWL report to fulfill the requirement for three credits. Just copy down the basic details – such as date, frequency, UTC, and the callsigns of several stations you heard W9IMS working. SWL reports count as credits too, although the certificate will likely feature your name instead of your call.
Still have questions? Email [email protected] for answers.

Amateur Radio Resources for Visiting Hams at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

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Photo by lamnatheshark via Unsplash

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares this information for anyone visiting the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year:

Visiting HAM Operators at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: Repeaters and Networks Available

As the world-renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place, we warmly welcome all amateur radio operators (HAMs) visiting the Sarthe region. Whether you’re here to experience the race live or just passing through, several radio communication options are available to help you stay connected and exchange with fellow operators.

Available Repeaters Around Le Mans

- F5ZGG: This DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) repeater provides digital connectivity throughout the Le Mans area. Ideal for operators using digital equipment, it ensures reliable coverage across the region.
- F1ZMP: Located at the Le Mans Radio Club, this analog VHF/FM repeater is accessible to all operators with standard analog equipment. It serves as a key local contact point.
- RRF VHF Repeater: Operating on 145.300 MHz with a CTCSS tone of 103.5 Hz, this repeater links to the French Repeater Network (RRF), enabling conversations with operators across France and beyond through IP gateways.

Meshtastic Network Active in the Area

In addition to traditional repeaters, the Le Mans region features several active Meshtastic nodes — a mesh radio system using ISM bands (433 MHz and 868 MHz) in long_fast mode.

Meshtastic uses LoRa modules to send text messages fully off-grid, with no reliance on cellular or Wi-Fi networks. It’s particularly useful in crowded areas like paddocks or rural zones, for close-range communication, field tests, or tactical use.

Operators who are curious or equipped are encouraged to activate their modules and join the local network. Some nodes are fixed, while others are mobile — carried on vehicles or backpacks.

We warmly encourage you to make the most of your visit by connecting with local HAMs, sharing your passion, discovering the region’s radio infrastructure, and maybe trying out new technologies like Meshtastic.

Enjoy the race, happy DXing, and we look forward to hearing you on the airwaves!

The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event: July 1-7, 2025

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Saul Broudy (W3WHK), who writes:

13 Colonies Special Event 1-7 July 2025

For years I have been one of the operators for WM3PEN, the ham station in this event representing the city of Philadelphia, where the USA officially declared its independence from Great Britain on 4 July 1776. I thought the SWL world might have an interest in logging the 16 stations participating in July’s 13 Colonies event described below, and sending for a certificate and/or QSL cards.
73,
Saul

In just a few weeks, one of the most popular summer operating events kicks off – The 13 Colonies special event. Now in its 17th year, the event has grown from special event stations making approximately 12,000 contacts to last year making 292,496 contacts around the world.

The event runs from 1 July 9:00am EDT – 7 July midnight EDT (1 July 1300 UTC – 8 July 0400 UTC).

This year, event organizers are recognizing the 13 Colonies event founder Ken Villone, KU2US.

The event consists of one station operating in each of the 13 original colonies (K2A – K2M) and three bonus stations (WM3PEN – Philadelphia, GB13COL – England, TM13COL – France) each representing their city, state, or country’s role in America’s colonial period.

Ham radio operators and SWLs alike can participate in the event(all modes). Complete information about the callsign for each colony station and the bonus stations can be found on the event website 13colonies.us, and they can follow us on Facebook – 13 Colonies Special Event Community. Stations need only make one contact or report with one of the participating stations or they can go for a clean sweep and listen for all 13 Colonies stations and the 3 bonus stations. Each station offers a special QSL card for the event as well as a different certificate each year. Operators can keep an eye out for the various stations by watching many of the DX spotting sites such as DXSummit.fi.

Patrolling The Ether: A 1944 Film About Tracking Down Nazis With Radio!

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Fred Waterer, who tipped us off to Patrolling the Ether—a 1944 short film produced by the U.S. Office of War Information. This wartime documentary highlights how amateur radio operators and federal agents collaborated to monitor the airwaves and track down enemy spies. A fascinating glimpse into radio’s role in World War II era homeland security: