In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is World Cup 2026 Special Event Station.

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• Number of Amateur Radio Operators in Japan Continues Declining
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• PRESENTER OPINION : Button, button. Who's got the button?
• Sale Keeps Two More Ham Brands Alive
• HAMSCI asks Canada to Reconsider Shortwave Shutdown
• Amateur Radio Has The Power Of Awareness
• OscarWatch Tracker: A New Satellite Tracking Program
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• The MINT STAR – Creating the STEM Future

Welcome to the chaotic, thrilling world of the HF pileup. When a rare station or a Parks On The Air (POTA) activator goes on the air, dozens or even hundreds of operators might try to make contact at the exact same time. Working a pileup is an art that takes time to master. Whether you are the one calling CQ from a park in Nebraska or the one hunting a rare DX station, success relies on rhythm, frequency management, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

Here is a proper look at how a pileup appears on a modern display, followed by a complete guide on how to survive it.

A “pileup” on shortwave amateur radio frequencies. The main station is at the low frequency, and stays put. The hunters spread out, above, and call on a single frequency somewhere in the calling window of frequencies (I.e., up five to ten).

Over my decades of working Morse code (CW on amateur radio), I have learned a few critical things about how to navigate the chaotic, thrilling world of the HF pileup. When a rare station or a Parks On The Air (POTA) activator goes on the air, dozens or even hundreds of operators might try to make contact at the exact same time. Working a pileup is an art that takes time to master. Whether you are the one calling CQ from a park in Nebraska or the one hunting a rare DX station, success relies on rhythm, frequency management, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

One of the most important strategies is to determine the operating style of the DX station, specifically discerning how that operator scans the pileup for the next station to work. With modern waterfall displays, that process is MUCH easier. As an example, I worked the Temotu DXpedition (H40RH) that had just started a few hours prior to my attempt. I broke through with only five calls into the pileup, and it took me a mere 60 seconds to call and get an answer. Of course, I first listened and watched the waterfall for about five minutes to get a hang of the operating style of H40RH. This was on 10 Meters where 28.026 MHz was the DX frequency. We callers spread out five to 15 kHz UP in frequency from the DX station because we never want to cover up the DX station with our own signals. Even with a long carrier of intentional interference visible on the waterfall, the visual aid of the SDR made the catch possible. Temotu was a new country for my DXCC, so I am incredibly pleased to have made the contact!

Here is a proper look at how a pileup appears on a modern display, followed by a complete guide on how to survive it.

When You Are the Hunted (The Activator)

When you are the station that everyone wants in their logbook, you are the conductor of the orchestra. If the pileup senses hesitation, chaos ensues. You must dictate the pace, for both CW and SSB operations.

Controlling the Pileup on CW

Establish a Predictable Rhythm: Your CQ, your exchange, and your QRZ should follow a strict pattern. Consistency allows hunters to time their calls perfectly. If you change your cadence, the pileup gets messy.

Run Split for Large Piles: If the pileup merges into a single continuous drone, go split immediately. You might send “UP 1” to tell callers to transmit one kilohertz above your listening frequency. This spreads the callers out. Send your “UP” frequently enough that the self-appointed pileup police do not take over your transmit frequency. I suggest sending “UP” after each successful logged contact (QSO).

Own the Partials: If you only pull “NW7” out of the noise, send “NW7?”. Do not send “QRZ?” immediately. Stick to that partial call until that specific station finishes the exchange. If they fade out, clearly send “QRZ?” to reset the pile.

Adjust Speed to Control Volume: A slight speed increase (bumping up 3 to 5 WPM) will naturally thin the pileup down to the more experienced operators. Dropping your speed will invite the newer operators back in.

Receiver Management: Back off your RF gain and use a wider filter than you might expect (around 400 to 500 Hz). A filter that is too narrow will cause you to miss the operators who are smartly calling slightly off-frequency.

Controlling the Pileup on SSB

Command with Your Voice: Speak clearly and maintain a steady, authoritative tone. Avoid shouting. Just like in CW, a predictable rhythm helps callers know exactly when to key their microphones.

Use Standard Phonetics: Stick strictly to the standard NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie). Cute or custom phonetics confuse operators who do not speak English as their first language.

Acknowledge and Isolate: When multiple voices blur together, listen for the last phonetic letter you can understand. If you hear “Sierra,” say “The station ending in Sierra, go ahead.” Ignore everyone else until that station completes the contact.

My POTA / Portable HF station (a low-power, or, QRP, station).

When You Are the Hunter (The Chaser)

When you are trying to break through a massive wall of sound, raw output power is secondary to timing and sharp observation.

Breaking the Pileup on CW

Listen First, Key Second: Before touching the paddle, listen to three or four complete exchanges. If the activator is working split, figure out their pattern. Are they tuning from the bottom up? Top down? Find where they listened last, and place your transmit frequency just above it.

Use XIT (The Golden Rule): Never perfectly zero-beat the DX station if others are calling. To the activator, three zero-beat stations merge into a single tone. Use your Transmitter Incremental Tuning (XIT) to shift your transmit frequency by 30 to 50 Hz. This slight difference in pitch makes your signal pop out of the receiver passband.

Time the Tail-End: Wait for the massive wall of sound to begin fading, and send your call exactly as the main group finishes. A perfectly timed tail-end call lets your suffix ring out in the clear.

Send Once: When the DX sends “QRZ?”, send your callsign exactly once and listen. Sending your call multiple times just causes interference and slows down the entire operation.

Follow Instructions: If the DX sends “NW7?”, and that is not you, keep your hand off the key. Transmitting over the station they are trying to work only prolongs the pileup for everyone.

Breaking the Pileup on SSB

Study the Cadence: Just like with Morse code, listen to the activator to find the rhythm. Wait for the exact moment the activator stops speaking before you key up.

Drop Your Call and Wait: Say your full callsign once using standard phonetics, then unkey and listen. If you are tail-ending, you might just drop the last two letters of your callsign precisely as the noise floor drops.

Adjust Your Pitch: If you have equalization controls on your radio, boost the mid-to-high frequencies on your microphone audio. A slightly punchy and higher-pitched voice will cut through the bass-heavy rumble of a dozen other stations calling at once.

Working a pileup tests your patience and your ear. Whether you are tapping out Morse code or speaking into a microphone, the operator who listens more than they transmit almost always makes the contact first.

Propagation and the Pile-Up

As many of you know, I was the space weather and radio propagation columnist in CQ Amateur Radio Magazine from 2001 through its demise. I strongly advocate for all HF radio operators to understand the basics of radio wave propagation on shortwave frequencies. There are a lot of myths and frankly, horrific theories on how radio waves propagate.

Understanding how the ionosphere refracts radio waves is a crucial tactical advantage. The behavior of a pile-up changes dramatically based on the frequency band you choose and the current mood of our sun.

The Sun Dictates the Rules

The ionosphere is charged by solar radiation. When solar activity is high, higher frequencies become usable for long distances.

Solar Flux Index: The SFI is a great indicator of overall ionization. A higher SFI means better conditions for the higher HF bands. When the SFI climbs, bands like 15, 12, and 10 meters open up globally.

Geomagnetic Storms: Measured by the K-index, these storms can disrupt communications entirely. A high K-index often absorbs signals crossing the polar regions. This can suddenly mute a massive European pile-up for North American operators.

Fading: The ionosphere is always shifting. Signals will constantly rise and fall in strength, which is known as QSB. A smart chaser listens for the rhythm of this fade and throws their callsign into the pile-up exactly when the band peaks for their specific location.

How Bands Shape the Pile-Up

Every amateur radio band has its own personality. The pile-ups you encounter will reflect these differences perfectly.

10, 12, and 15 Meters: These high bands are daytime frequencies that thrive on high solar activity. When 10 meters opens up, signals can be astonishingly loud with very low atmospheric noise. Pile-ups here can ignite suddenly and stretch very wide across the frequency spectrum.

20 Meters: This is the traditional workhorse band for global communication. Pile-ups on 20 meters are massive, sustained, and densely packed. You will often compete with high-power stations and massive beam antennas on this frequency day or night.

40 and 80 Meters: These low bands come alive at night. They are heavily affected by atmospheric noise and static crashes. Breaking a pile-up here requires an exceptionally well-tuned ear and the ability to pull faint CW tones or muffled voices out of a very high noise floor.

The Skip Zone Effect

The propagation of radio waves.

One of the most confusing aspects of a pile-up for a new operator is the skip zone. Radio waves bounce off the ionosphere and return to earth far away, which means they skip right over the geographic areas in between. You might hear the DX station perfectly, but you might not hear the hundreds of other operators calling them because those callers are inside your skip zone. This phenomenon is exactly why you must rely on the DX station’s cadence rather than waiting to hear the pile-up clear.

While raw power is often cited as the key to breaking a pile-up, your antenna system plays a far more decisive role in your overall effectiveness. A directional antenna, like a Yagi or a hexbeam, not only focuses your transmitted energy directly toward the DX station but also actively rejects interfering signals from other directions. However, do not be discouraged if you are running a simple wire antenna. A well-placed dipole or end-fed half-wave can still break monumental pile-ups if you leverage good timing, exploit the skip zone, and listen closely to the DX operator. Ultimately, the best antenna in the world cannot compensate for poor operating habits.

Over to You

Working a pile-up is one of the most rewarding challenges in amateur radio. It tests your patience, refines your ear, and forces you to understand both the science of radio wave propagation and the psychology of your fellow operators. Every massive wall of sound is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Now, I would love to hear from you. What was your most memorable pile-up experience? Do you have a specific tactic that consistently helps you break through the noise, or perhaps a frustrating moment that taught you a valuable lesson? Drop your stories and questions in the comments below, and let us keep the conversation going.

From my shack to yours, 73 de NW7US.

Got my N3ZN Single-Lever Paddle out of storage, along with most of my POTA station. Despite being homeless and living in the hotel for the last few months (see my personal story on my website), I am trying to keep my brain active and that includes Morse code practice. Why? Besides the health benefit, I want to start getting out into the hotel parking lot and set up to work POTA stations.

Eventually, I will get to an official POTA-registered park, too. We became homeless just as I was planning on activating Ohio parks. Now, I am in Nebraska, and as a disabled veteran, can get into some parks without any big fees.

What is left before I can activate a POTA location? I need to find the antenna and coax assembly that I put together for the whole station. In the meantime, I am practicing to get the cobwebs out of my brain and re-learn that muscle memory. Will also do a lot of receiving practice. Gotta get my brain in gear! Read more about POTA, here. For live POTA on-air spotting, go here.

The Spark in the Wire: How Re-Learning Morse Code Rewires the Brain

There is a unique rhythm to Continuous Wave (CW) amateur radio. As I sit at the key, shaking off the cobwebs and practicing to regain that deep muscle memory, I can feel my brain kicking into a higher gear. It isn’t just about nostalgia or the thrill of making a contact through the static using nothing but tones. There is real, hard science behind why copying and sending Morse code feels like a cognitive tune-up.

In preparing to share this journey, I dove into the research surrounding how learning and practicing CW impacts our neurology. What I discovered confirms what many of us experienced operators have long suspected: Morse code is a powerhouse for brain health and cognitive longevity.

The Cognitive Science of CW

When we sit down for a session of receiving practice, we aren’t just listening to dots and dashes. We are engaging in a complex, multi-sensory cognitive exercise. Research shows that mastering Morse code alters the brain’s structure and functional connectivity in profound ways.

* Neuroplasticity in Action: Studies in neuroimaging have revealed that learning Morse code increases the microstructural integrity of the white matter tracts connecting the auditory and motor cortices. By translating sound directly into physical movement (sending) and physical movement or mental text into meaning (receiving), we are literally forging new neural pathways.

* Bi-Hemispheric Engagement: Unlike ordinary speech, which is heavily localized in the left hemisphere of the brain, processing Morse code recruits areas across both the left and right hemispheres. The left side handles the structural, analytical translation of the code, while the right side processes the rhythmic, musical elements of the pitch and timing.

* Enhancing Working Memory: Receiving CW at higher speeds requires a robust “audio buffer” in your working memory. You must hold the sounds of the characters in your mind, decode them, and write them down or copy them in your head, all while the next characters are already pouring into your ears. This builds tremendous cognitive reserve.

The Koch Method: Training the Brain the Right Way

When I first learned Morse code, and now as I work to bring that muscle memory back, the method of training matters immensely. Trying to count dots and dashes visually or memorizing a chart is a trap. It creates a cognitive bottleneck that falls apart at higher speeds.

That is where the Koch method comes in, a technique that aligns perfectly with how our brains naturally process fast, rhythmic information.

* Full Speed from Day One: Invented by German psychologist Ludwig Koch, this method dictates that you listen to characters at your target speed right from the start, typically 20 words per minute or faster.

* Preventing the “Counting” Habit: By keeping the character speed high, your brain is physically incapable of counting the individual dots and dashes. Instead, you are forced to learn the overall rhythmic “sound basket” or shape of the letter.

* Incremental Success: You start with just two characters. Once you can copy them with 90% accuracy, you add a third, then a fourth. This builds immediate, reflexive muscle memory rather than analytical translation.

CWops, CW Academy, and LICW: Modern Gold Standarda

In my exploration of modern training tools that honor this science, I found that the amateur radio community has perfected this instructional approach. Organizations like CWops, through their renowned CW Academy, have taken the core principles of the Koch method and elevated them for the modern era. Another adaptation from the Koch method is the Long Island CW group (LICW) website and support structure.

* Rhythm and Spacing: CW Academy utilizes effective spacing methods related to the Koch philosophy. They send characters at a high effective speed so your brain learns the correct sound patterns immediately, while widening the space between the characters to give your mind time to process them.

* Structured Discipline: Their programs offer the exact kind of structured environment required to overcome writer’s block or training plateaus. It combines the rigorous discipline of daily practice with the support of a community.

* Interactive Learning: By pairing rigorous receiving practice with peer interaction, they stimulate the social and cognitive centers of the brain simultaneously, maximizing the neuroplastic benefits of the hobby.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Gears Turning

Re-learning CW is more than just a return to a beloved pastime. It is a deliberate act of cognitive preservation. Every evening spent copy-practicing and burning those pathways back into my hands is an investment in focus, memory, and mental sharpness. The science proves it, but sitting at the desk, feeling the cobwebs clear as the code starts to flow naturally once again, is all the proof I truly need.

Here’s just some practice after adjusting the key gap spacing and tension.

In 2026, the ARRL is running a program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States (America250). One part of this program is having designated hams activate W1AW (portable) in all 50 states. The operating is spread out over time, with a master schedule determining when each state will operate. W1AW/0 in Colorado Our ... Read more

The post Operating W1AW/0 on Pikes Peak appeared first on Above Average Terrain.

Show Notes

Topic Wheel

• Favorite Cartoon Character
  • Spoke about Favorite Animated Movies and Saturday Morning Cartoons
  • Favorite Disney Princess Movie

This Weekend in Hedonism

• Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
  • Chicken Paprikash
  • Description:
    • This was a fond memory of my childhood, and I’ve not eaten since I was probably 11 or 12… so I started throwing things together, came up with something very close to grandma’s recipe, and then through the power of Google I learned I had made, essentially, Chicken Paprikash. But, I did it as a one-pot meal. :-)
  • Ingredients
    • 2 cups uncooked Egg Noodles
    • 2 TBLS Butter
    • 4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs give the most flavor; substitute if desired)
    • Paprika (Hungarian is preferred, but regular will work)
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Garlic Powder
    • 1 TBLS Butter
    • 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion
    • Roasted Red Peppers (optional)
    • 2 TBLS Paprika
    • 2 cups Chicken Stock
    • 2 TBLS Tomato Paste (optional; provides color more than taste)
    • 1 TBLS Cornstarch
    • 8oz Sour Cream
  • Directions
    • Bring water to a boil in a skillet and cook egg noodles (or, you can serve the dish over rice). While pasta is boiling, cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and season it with paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder (amount to your preference). Set aside. Once pasta is finished cooking, drain well and wipe out pan. Place the skillet back on the stove and add 2 TBLS butter; allow to melt, then add seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 10 minutes, then remove to a plate; set aside. Add 1 TBLS butter to skillet, allow to melt and add chopped onion and saute until soft. Add roasted red peppers to skillet, stir to mix. Add 2 TBLS Paprika to skillet, stir to combine with onions/peppers. Add Chicken Stock and tomato paste to pan, bring to a boil. Stir cornstarch into sour cream, add mixture to skillet and mix well. Add chicken and pasta back into skillet and simmer until warmed through.
  • Notes:
    • You can use Cream Cheese instead of sour cream. This will make the sauce thicker, so there is no need for the cornstarch.
    • Tomato paste is optional. It adds very little flavor to the dish, but DOES add the dark red coloring that is usually associated with Paprikash.
    • If you’re using standard paprika (what you’d typically pick up at the grocery store), you’ll need more and need to boost it with Cayenne Pepper - 1/8 teaspoon for every tablespoon standard paprika (if you’re not into spicy food, just sprinkle a tiny bit and taste to adjust the spice level as you go. Hungarian Paprika, depending on the version, can be VERY spicy)
    • Because I literally threw this together, you may want to add some seasonings to the sauce mixture; my chicken was heavily seasoned before I cooked it, so additional seasonings weren’t needed. But, I also taste-test as I go and adjust as needed.
    • I used Garlic powder with this, as “Jarlic” (the new name for jarred minced garlic) tends to be bitter… and since I was trying to recreate a recipe from 40+ years ago, I wanted to try to make it close to what my grandmother made (and Jarlic" didn’t exist back then). If you would like to use “Jarlic”, I would suggest adding a TINY bit of sugar, a little bit of melted butter and ONLY stir it in over the last minute or two of simmering (just long enough to get warm).
• Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
  • Blueberry Lemonade
  • Description:
    • A refreshing mix of blueberries, lemonade and vodka
  • Ingredients
    • 1 cup of blueberries (frozen work fine)
    • 1/2 cup of sugar
    • 1/8 tsp of salt
    • 1/2 cup of lemon juice
    • 2 cups water
    • Vodka
  • Directions
    • Place blueberries, sugar, salt, lemon juice and water into blender and blend well. Place ice in glass, add 2oz Vodka (or Rum, if preferred) and top with lemonade mixture
  • Notes:
    • Taste lemonade mixture once blended; if it’s not sweet enough, either add more sugar and re-blend OR add simple syrup to your drink. Leave the alcohol out for just a refreshing drink or something fun for the kiddos!
    • You can use this recipe and substitute any berries… strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc. (fresh or frozen)
• Russ’s Drink Corner (now hijacked by Cheryl - and probably occasionally by Bill!)
  • Item: Joseph Magnus Bourbon Cigar Blend
  • Description: I purchased this to take specifically to Hamvention; I picked it because of the ABV (which was Russ’s age). We shared a dram, around the firepit at the hotel, with Steve-KJ5T, on Saturday night.
  • Info: Batch 457 / Bottle #20 (Purchased in late April 2026 from Total Wine in Springfield, MO - $259.99)
  • Mash: Undisclosed; Batch-specific blend of various aged bourbons sourced from different distilleries, primarily MGP and Barton, combined with their proprietary Triple Cask whiskey. Because each batch is uniquely crafted by Master Blender Nancy Fraley to achieve a specific flavor profile that stands up to a cigar, exact mash bill percentages vary from batch to batch. However, all batches follow a blueprint of blending high-rye and low-rye base bourbons.
  • Aroma: (All tasting notes were taken from Nancy Fraley’s Blog) A range of savory and sweet mint notes along with dark berries and citrus fruit, from a blackberry Bourbon smash cocktail with muddled mint, candied blood orange citrus wheels, and chocolate mint chip ice cream.
  • Taste: Breathtaking sensations of wintergreen mint, tobacco, chewing gum, Sarsaparilla, and Thai sweet basil with ripe mango.
  • Finish: Long and savory, with lemon balm tea, crème de menthe, and Cuban mojito cocktails with mint and lime.
  • ABV: 56.19
  • Score: 85
• Bill’s Whatever Corner
  • Item: Piney River Brewing - Bucyrus, MO - Various

Announcements & Feedback:

• Announcements:
  • Support the show!
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  • We need your feedback!
    • Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
  • Repeater for sale!
    • Former AF0SS Repeater - Yaesu DR1X Refurb, HRI-200, and BpBr Circuit WP-639 4-Cavity Duplexer. Package deal, if interested contact [email protected].
  • Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
    • There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
    • https://lhs.fyi/mem
  • Dayton Hotel is booked!
    • Booking opened this morning for Marriott properties in the Dayton area, and we will be staying at Springhill Suites Beavercreek, which is where we stayed this year, and it’s about 10 minutes from Hamvention. When I booked this morning, the cancelable rate was about $175 a night - cancel through May 18, 2026. Convenient to a ton of restaurants, a Walmart, etc.

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Ham College episode 140 is now available for download.

General Class Exam Questions Part 1.
G1A – General class control operator frequency privileges. Primary and secondary allocations.

https://hamcollege.tv

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In this milestone episode of Ham College, “Ham College 140: Beginning Amateur Radio General Class Studies,” Professor Thomas and Dean Martin transition from Technician level studies to the General Class amateur radio license.

Here is a summary of the key topics covered:

In this milestone episode of Ham College, “Ham College 140: Beginning Amateur Radio General Class Studies,” Professor Thomas and Dean Martin transition from Technician level studies to the General Class amateur radio license.
Here is a summary of the key topics covered:
Transitioning to General Class
The Appeal: The hosts discuss why creators should upgrade to General Class, primarily for the expanded HF (High Frequency) privileges that allow for worldwide communication beyond the limited “sliver” available to Technicians on 10 meters.
Exam Details: They break down the Element 3 exam: 35 questions total, with a requirement of 26 correct answers (74%) to pass. The full question pool contains 425 questions.
Study Resources: Recommended materials include the Gordon West General Class study guide, ARRL license manuals, and the question pools available at ncvec.org.
Technical & Regulatory Review:
The episode dives into specific sub-elements of the General Class exam, including:
Operating Privileges: Understanding frequency allocations and where General Class operators are prohibited from transmitting (specifically segments on the 80, 40, 20, and 15-meter bands reserved for Extra Class).
Modes & Power: A review of power limits (up to 1,500W PEP for General, with some exceptions like 30m and 60m) and mode-specific segments (CW, Phone, Image, and Data).
Secondary Usage: Explanation of what it means to be a “secondary user” on a band (e.g., on 60 meters), emphasizing that amateur stations must not interfere with primary users and must accept any interference from them.
Channel Announcement:
A major highlight of this episode is the announcement that Ham College is moving to its own dedicated YouTube channel (Ham College TV). While it remains part of the Amateur Logic family and will still stream live at live.amateurlogic.tv, recorded episodes will now be hosted on this new separate channel, https://youtube.com/HamCollege-ALTV .
The episode concludes with a practice quiz where the hosts (and the live chat) test their knowledge on frequency segments and band regulations, providing a helpful review for anyone looking to upgrade their license before upcoming events like Field Day.