AmateurLogic 221: The Night The Lights Went Out


AmateurLogic.TV Episode 221 is now available for download.

The live stream is running and everything is going a planned. What’s the worst that could happen? Power Failure!
Thanks to emergency preparedness, the show goes on.
Watch our memories of Huntsville Hamfest 2026. Emile fixes stuff and saves a buck.

Download
YouTube

In this episode of AmateurLogic.TV (221), titled “The Night The Lights Went Out,” the hosts detail their experiences at the Huntsville Hamfest 2026 while dealing with a power failure during their live stream.

Key highlights and segments include:
Huntsville Hamfest 2026 Coverage: The team provides a comprehensive look at the hamfest (0:04:17-0:07:33, 0:11:34-0:18:50, 0:35:08-0:41:08, 0:45:17-0:57:25). This includes demonstrations of educational robots, discussions with vendors, and a look at various amateur radio hardware, such as Icom transceivers and mesh networking gear.
Technical Discussions: The hosts dive into various technical topics, including D-STAR, MMDVM hot spots, and transmission line theory as detailed in the ARRL Handbook (0:24:42-0:29:17).
Emergency Preparedness: The episode underscores the importance of having backup power solutions, which allowed the show to continue despite a power outage.
DIY and Repairs: The hosts showcase various DIY projects and repair tips, demonstrating how to save money on radio equipment and accessories (0:15:34-0:17:25, 0:29:51-0:31:51).


George Thomas, W5JDX, is co-host of AmateurLogic.TV, an original amateur radio video program hosted by George Thomas (W5JDX), Tommy Martin (N5ZNO), Peter Berrett (VK3PB), and Emile Diodene (KE5QKR). Contact him at [email protected].

Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 439

Amateur Radio Weekly

FCC ISM rules may shatter LoRa mesh communities
How have Meshtastic and MeshCore gotten as far as they have without realizing that they may be in violation of regulations that date back to the 1980s?
Hackaday

Helioclock Review: An in-depth look at a well-crafted situational awareness display
A beautiful and well-designed display piece that gives Geochron a run for both its price and design.
Amateur Radio Daily

The uncertain future of Ham Radio
Software-defined radio and cheap hardware are shaking up a hobby long associated with engineering.
IEEE Spectrum

“Active” call sign probably isn’t what you think
Understand what “active” means when you look up a call sign.
K4HST

Volunteer with ARDC in 2027
ARDC is now accepting applications for our 2027 volunteer cohort. We’re looking for qualified individuals to contribute their time and expertise across several committees and teams.
ARDC

The 28.6-kilogram Amateur Radio satellite AO-7 went silent in mid-1981 after its batteries shorted
AO-7’s 2002 return was not a battery recovery: an inferred change from a short circuit to an open circuit let its solar cells power surviving radio hardware in sunlight.
Space Daily

PSKReporter levels up
A volunteer team has mapped out a three-phase modernization plan. Implementation has begun.
Open Research Institute

HamRadioWeb: Operate FT8/FT4 remotely
From your phone or any PC, anywhere. No port forwarding. No VPN setup.
HamRadioWeb

HamQ: Satellite, SSTV, and logbook tools for Ham Radio
Built for the global Amateur Radio community, HAMQ combines precise SGP4 satellite tracking, automatic SSTV decoding and encoding, and a structured QSO logbook with QSL and LoTW workflows. Use it at home, in the field, or wherever your next contact takes you.
BG5AXS

Hamtrax: Keeping the rest of a POTA activation
An activation leaves you with contacts, photos, equipment notes, and a story. Hamtrax keeps those parts together in one logbook, with POTA folders, radio and antenna details, ADIF import and export, and optional public Showcase links. It runs on the web, iOS, and Android, with a free tier and optional Pro subscription.
Hamtrax

brugtgrej.dk is Denmark’s premier marketplace for used Ham Radio gear
Hams may also be interested in their discussion forums and dashboard.
brugtgrej.dk

Upcoming Events

EN100NP on the Air to Honor 100th Anniversary of Symon Petlura
June 8, 2026

Fire Prevention Week Special Event Highlights Fire Safety
October 4, 2026

Zero Retries Digital Conference 2026
October 16, 2026

Video

Stop paying a subscription: Helioclock
In this interview, recorded at the Huntsville Hamfest, I sit down with the creator behind Helioclock (call sign KA9NWM) to talk about why he built it, how it works, and what makes it different from a traditional Geochron display.
KM4ACK

Battery powered soldering irons
Demonstrating the features of a portable soldering iron.
IMSAI Guy

APRS voice alert
A powerful feature of the Automatic Packet Reporting System that helps Amateur Radio operators make quick voice contacts using position data.
KM4ACK

Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.

Sign-up here


Amateur Radio Weekly is curated by Cale Mooth K4HCK. Sign up free to receive ham radio's most relevant news, projects, technology and events by e-mail each week at http://www.hamweekly.com.

RaDAR Love…

The Dutch rock band, Golden Earring’s classic hit, Radar Love, struck my mind when I received this email from my friend and ICQ Podcast listener, Greg Lane N4KGL, this morning. I was doing my fast-pace walk for cardio training when I saw the notification drop on my Apple Watch. Greg wasn’t thinking of this “radar,” but the amateur radio RaDAR: Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio. He wanted me to help get the word out about his team’s next rally.

Originally conceived by my friend from South Africa, Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE, it has grown to be practiced in many countries. Eddie ZS6BNE and I were co-admins on a Facebook support group for the Xiegu X5105 QRP transceiver. He was developing RaDAR at this time. Greg N4KGL in Mobile AL is a huge proponent and organizer here in the States. RaDAR tests an operator’s ability to set up communications anywhere, anytime, under adverse conditions. Operators must move to a new location or deploy after a specific number of contacts—typically shifting positions after logging 5 contacts. Stations use lightweight, battery-powered gear, handhelds, or portable wire antennas that can be carried in a backpack. It simulates emergency deployments where infrastructure fails and operators must relocate dynamically to maintain radio links.

Here’s Greg’s note to me with all the details for you to have some RaDAR Love. Just avoid running into the Twilight Zone, lol. Contact Greg N4KGL for any questions!


Frank,

Your help is welcome in getting the word out for the RaDAR Rally. See below including the YouTube. I enjoy your podcast.

Greg Lane N4KGL

Dothan, AL

[email protected]

Hello Portable Operators,

RaDAR (Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio), conceived by Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE, encourages outdoor operations with a unique challenge: make five contacts and redeploy as quickly as possible, as many times as possible, within a four-hour window. The RaDAR Challenge has evolved into the RaDAR Rally, featuring a few updated rules.

Please review the complete rules [Link]. If you are interested in participating, please make your plans and register to help facilitate RaDAR-to-RaDAR contacts.

To register, email [email protected], and I will reply with a link to a Google Form. Registrations will be accepted through November 6th UTC. Please note that this is not a contest; it is strictly for fun. You can also check out this intro video: [Link] and join the RaDAR group.io

Registration information needed:

  – Name
  – Call sign
  – Day (Saturday or Sunday)

   -Start time (UTC)

  – State/Province/Country (SPC)
  – Venue  
  – Conveyance(s)
  – Bands
  – Modes
  – QRP (Y/N)
  – Spotting method (optional)

Good R2R,

Greg N4KGL

www.radarrally.info

[email protected]



Frank Howell, K4FMH, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Mississippi, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

Seek and you shall find.

 


If you’ve been visiting my blog, you might have noticed that my sidebar "Blogs I follow"  list has stopped updating with the most recent posts. I have been doing some reading and checking with other Blogger who use Blogger and they has the same issue. It seems to be an issue at Bloggers end and they are very slow to fix it. 

I was getting very tired of seeing the blogs I follow just sit there without updating. It can be frustrating for those who visit my blog and like to read the blogs that I also follow. 

I finally took some time behind the scenes to revamp my sidebar widget! It turns out it is possible to fix those stuck Blogger posts I follow and get fresh feeds flowing again using a few layout tweaks. Along side AI's  help I was able to use the blogger HTML/JAVA widget to assemble some HTML coding that gets the job done. 

Now, whenever you visit, you can check out the sidebar to see the latest posts and active updates from the blogs I follow. It may not be as fancy as the Blogger widget but its now updating. Once blogger fixes the issue I can go back to the Blogger widget for following blogs as at this time it is just turned off. 

 


Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

On The Trail

Our journey on the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail started at the Gateway Arch National Park in St Louis. The arch is a well known structure and tourist attraction with excellent museum at its base, focused on the western expansion of the US. To be more precise, Camp Dubois is normally considered the starting ... Read more

The post On The Trail appeared first on Above Average Terrain.


Bob Witte, KØNR, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Colorado, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

LHS Episode #630: The Weekender CXLIII

Show Notes

Random Topic:

This Weekend in Hedonism

  • Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
    • California Roll Cucumber Salad
    • Description:
      • Russ and I used to go out for Sushi several times a month, but I’ve only had sushi 4 times since he died… so, the craving is real.  This viral California roll cucumber salad is what I make when I want something cold, creamy, and ridiculously easy. It has all the flavors that make a California roll so good, but instead of rolling sushi, everything gets tossed together in one bowl or container for a super simple shortcut. It’s fresh, light, savory, and ready in minutes, which makes it perfect for lunch, a healthy side, a quick snack or a light dinner.
    • Ingredients
      • 1 Large English Cucumber
      • 6-8 oz Imitation Crab, Diced
      • ½ Large Avocado (I use the AvoFresco Avocado/Sea Salt Squeeze Avocado)
      • 2 Tablespoons Kewpie Mayo
      • 2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream Cheese
      • 1 ½ Teaspoon Soy Sauce
      • 2 Teaspoons Sesame Seeds
    • Directions
      • In a bowl or large deli container (which is PERFECT), add the mayo, cream cheese, avocado, and soy sauce. Stir together until smooth, and no avocado lumps remain. 
      • Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the cucumber into ⅛ inch thick slices. 
      • Add the sliced cucumber, imitation crab, and sesame seeds to the deli container.
      • Put on the lid and shake until all ingredients are evenly coated. Eat immediately, either directly from the jar or serve in a bowl and top with additional sesame seeds to garnish
    • Notes:
      • Add a little crumbled seaweed or torn nori on top right before serving.  Furikake seasoning is PERFECT!
      • Add shredded carrots or peppers for more veggies.
      • Add cooked rice or crispy rice to make it more filling. I personally use sushi rice, which is long grain rice that you season with Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar and 
      • Add Furikake (recommended, as it has sesame seeds and tiny pieces of Nori), everything bagel seasoning or extra sesame seeds on top for more texture and crunch.
      • Stir a little Sriracha into the dressing or drizzle spicy mayo (make at home with Kewpie Mayo, Sriracha and a dash of Sesame Oil) over the top for a spicy California roll cucumber salad.
      • Serve it over rice or alongside salmon, shrimp, or edamame.
      • This salad is best eaten right after making it because the cucumber stays crispest that way. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 1 day. Just know the cucumbers will soften and release some water as they sit, so the texture is definitely best fresh.
  • Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
    • Japanese Slipper
    • Description:
      • This Japanese Slipper cocktail is a vibrant, citrusy drink made with just three ingredients: Midori, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. Bright green and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, it’s a simple yet striking cocktail that’s ideal for parties or an easy at-home happy hour.
    • Ingredients
      • 3 ounces Midori (or melon liqueur)
      • 3 ounces Cointreau (or some other orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or inexpensive triple sec)
      • 3 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
      • Garnish: 4 maraschino cherries
    • Directions
      • Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
      • Add Midori, Cointreau and lemon juice
      • Cap shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
      • Divide and pour into the liquid in the martini glass and add the maraschino cherry
      • Garnish with the maraschino cherries
      • Sip, smile, and enjoy.
  • Bill’s Whatever Corner
    • Item: Freemont Brewing Extra Lush Triple IPA
    • Description: Extra Lush is triple the tropical treat from the Pacific Northwest. Brewed with three times the amount of hand-selected malts and tropical hops. Live the Extra Lush Life!
    • Down & Dirty: 2-Row Pale malt with Citra, Mosaic, Citra Cryo, Mosaic Quantum Brite, and Citra Quantum Brite hops.
    • Color: Light orange
    • Aroma: Citrusy aromas of orange and grapefruit, resinous pine, stone fruit, and pineapple.
    • Flavor: Gently sweet, mildly bitter, no saltiness and no sourness.
    • Availability: Year-Round
    • ABV: 9.8% 80 IBU

Announcements & Feedback:

  • Announcements:
    • Support the show!  
      • Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! Your support allows us to continue to pay to host and produce the 18 years of the podcast and participate in person at Hamvention!
    • We need your feedback!
    • 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!
      • Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
  • Feedback:
    • KE2YK on Mastodon
      • @lhspodcast amazing! LS still going after all these years.

Subscribers & Supporters:


Russ Woodman, K5TUX, co-hosts the Linux in the Ham Shack podcast which is available for download in both MP3 and OGG audio format. Contact him at [email protected].

Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 438

Amateur Radio Weekly

APRS Connect
A new APRS client for Android, built around conversations rather than a packet console.
APRS Connect

The next version of the M17 specification
The proposed V3 meets the goals set out for it, but are there any downsides?
M17 Project

AST SpaceMobile’s 800 MHz trial wraps up — But the 70cm interference story isn’t going away
Monitoring data from the SATNOGS network has reportedly shown AST operating with interference to the 70cm Amateur allocation.
ICQ Podcast

FCC regulations and MeshCore 500
We, along with many in the Meshtastic community, recently found out that most of Meshtastic’s presets are not in compliance with the FCC.
Philly Mesh

Which downlink? An open trade study of candidate bands for futureGEO
If the host cannot offer 3 cm, 6 cm (5830–5850 MHz) is the strongest fallback on physics.
Open Research Institute

A Lewis & Clark POTA journey
The main idea is to do a road trip, starting in St Louis, near the Gateway Arch and follow 3,700 miles of river, prairie, mountain, and forest to the Pacific Ocean.
K0NR

PARC: Protected Area Radio Community
PARC Community® is the new Amateur Radio park activation program. Simple, accessible, and open to all Radio Amateurs worldwide.
PARC

Improving the “Titanic” 40m field expedient backpack portable antenna
The revised “Titanic” antenna’s sloping top hat wires are supported on trekking poles, although raising the ends higher does improve the SWR.
Ham Radio Outside the Box

A few things that have made my POTA spots easier and better
I’ve done a lot of experimenting and I finally landed on a set-up that works for me.
Andrew Woodward

Putting my AllStar node on 44Net
Here is how that went, including the parts that did not go well.
EtherHam

Upcoming Events

EN100NP on the Air to Honor 100th Anniversary of Symon Petlura
June 8, 2026

9/11 ‘We Do Remember’ Special Event Returns for 6th Year
September 9, 2026

Activate All RI POTA Event
September 11, 2026

CHOTA 2026: Churches and Chapels on the Air
September 12, 2026

Video

The Ham Widows Ball started with $100—and you’re not invited
There’s a side of the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) that has nothing to do with radios, antennas, multipliers, or scores—and Bill Vinci believes it can make ham radio stronger.
Q5

Ham kit building is booming
Stu, Tom, and Quin present the current Ham Radio rig kit companies and products.
Ham Radio Perspectives

Chasing birds: The addictive world of Amateur Radio satellites
An introduction to the world of Amateur Radio satellite working.
Online Amateur Radio Community

Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.

Sign-up here


Amateur Radio Weekly is curated by Cale Mooth K4HCK. Sign up free to receive ham radio's most relevant news, projects, technology and events by e-mail each week at http://www.hamweekly.com.

Subscribe FREE to AmateurRadio.com's
Amateur Radio Newsletter

 
We never share your e-mail address.


Do you like to write?
Interesting project to share?
Helpful tips and ideas for other hams?

Submit an article and we will review it for publication on AmateurRadio.com!

Have a ham radio product or service?
Consider advertising on our site.

Are you a reporter covering ham radio?
Find ham radio experts for your story.

How to Set Up a Ham Radio Blog
Get started in less than 15 minutes!


  • Matt W1MST, Managing Editor