amateur radio

Bilingual

VarAC. HF/FM/SAT Digital Chat Reinvented
2 months ago
- VarAC is a free digital chat system for amateur radio operators and CBers, using the VARA modem.
- It operates on HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite frequencies, with a list of calling frequencies provided (e.g., 20m, 15m, 10m, 40m, etc.).
- Key features include CQ calls, 'is typing' indicator, chat gestures, RIG control, frequency monitor, message queue, real-time metrics, automated and canned messages, bandwidth options, beacons, spell checker, file and image sending, automatic QSY, QSO logging, customizable UI, multilingual support, UI modes, VMail-Box, ping, email gateway, HamPlay games, inquire module, and relay notifications.
- A weekly broadcast-mode chat net is held on Sunday 20M (14.108.750 MHz) from 14:00-16:00 UTC.
- Users are reminded to respect amateur radio frequencies as a shared resource and to monitor before transmitting.
- VarAC has received coverage in selected publications from 2022 to 2025.
OE3GBB
2 months ago
- Licensed since 1969, with special interests in antennas and propagation on short-wave.
- QTH located in Wartmannstetten, Austria, at 425 m elevation with detailed terrain description.
- Equipment includes TS690S, 1 kW linear amplifier, Sommer beam XP708, and delta loop for 160/80m.
- Two towers: a 16m self-supporting tower and a 26m tower reconstructed from a utility tower with rotating upper section.
- Detailed construction of the 26m tower, including bearings, concrete base, and manual rotation mechanism.
- Uses SWISSLOG for logging, PROPLAB and ICEPAC for propagation simulation, and EZNEC for antenna simulation.
The Mighty Big Array of Finn Jensen LA8YB
2 months ago
- Finn Jensen LA8YB spent over 10 years building a 32 x 17-element Yagi antenna array for 144 MHz near Oslo, creating one of the world's largest amateur radio antenna arrays.
- The antenna is mounted on a horizontal mast supported by two towers on a rail system in a forest, with operation from a cottage; it allows hearing echoes with just 10W RF and easily working CW stations.
- Finn was an outstanding, helpful radio amateur who achieved the WAS award for contacts with all 52 U.S. states via Moon bounce on 144 MHz, but he passed away from cancer on August 20, 2011.
The 'absolute magic' of Morse code that still connects people globally
3 months ago
- Amateur radio enthusiasts use Morse code to make global connections, describing the experience as 'absolute magic'.
- Clubs like the European Network of Morse Clubs and Shirehampton Amateur Radio Club are attracting younger people and expanding, fostering curiosity and community.
- Morse code involves sending messages via dots and dashes, enabling communication even without modern internet infrastructure, ensuring reliability in emergencies.
- Activities such as Parks on the Air (POTA) encourage operators to set up in natural areas and earn points by contacting locations across Europe and beyond.
- Members express excitement and a sense of discovery, with friendships formed through the hobby, highlighting its varied and engaging nature for all interests.

amateur radio

VarAC. HF/FM/SAT Digital Chat Reinvented

OE3GBB

The Mighty Big Array of Finn Jensen LA8YB

The 'absolute magic' of Morse code that still connects people globally