Welcome to The Communicator

Welcome to the July-August 2026 issue of The Communicator. As summer hits its peak, this bumper edition is packed with the perfect blend of technical innovation, operating field reports, and rich radio history to keep you company during those long, warm evenings.

Inside, we dive straight into our summer operations with a full wrap-up and twin perspectives on Field Day 2026 and the RAC Canada Day contest. On the technical bench, we feature some incredible homebrew projects, including a deep dive into building an NTP Dual Clock (plus an intriguing alternative design), a True RMS to DC Converter for your DVM, antenna ideas from John VA3KOT and an Arduino NANO automation mod for the Yaesu FH-2. If you are looking to experiment, check out our pieces on reviving Teletext, expanded bandwidth with eSSB, automated FT8 with MSHV, or tracking the Pico balloon VE7NFR-15.

For history buffs, we explore the legacy of SSB pioneer Nicolaas Kooman and unpack the mystery of the secret Lagercrantz suitcase radio. Top it off with crucial operating advice—like how to avoid bricking your Quansheng UV-K5— Amateur Radio Goes Hollywood, and a classic club Taco Salad recipe, and there is something here for every shack.

So power up, tune in, and turn the page—The Communicator has something for every communicator, now reaching 165+ countries.

73, and enjoy the read!

Download the Lower Resolution Issue - 7 Mb

Read it On-line as a Magazine

Please note that there are active links for additional content when viewed on your device.

~ John VE7TI, Editor

Contents for this issue: 

There I was, minding my own business at Field Day, when I ended up in a conversation with The Matts (KF0RIG and KG0AT). They said something about being in the Brass Knuckle Gang, which I knew nothing about. One of the Matts said “it is kind of fun and kind of dumb.” I thought “this ... Read more

The post K0NR BKG114 appeared first on Above Average Terrain.

Show Notes

Featured Topic

• OscarWatch by Peter Goodhall (MM9SQL)
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LM (github)
  • GPredict: https://lhs.fyi/LR
  • SkyRoof: https://lhs.fyi/LS (The SDR Satellite Tracker I couldn’t remember)

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!
  • We need your feedback!
    • Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [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!
    • Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
• Feedback:
  • YouTube Comment on Episode 620 from @TurtleWaxed
    • Thanks! I didnt know about meshyface..will have to check it out. LHS rocks! :)

Subscribers & Supporters:

• Mastodon
  • [email protected]
• Live Show Participants
  • Tony - K4XSS
  • Mike - K6GTE
  • Steve - KJ5T

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH), Bill Barnes (WC3B) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Windows 10 to Linux

We would like to thank Philip Heckingbottom (VK6ADF) and our and monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

• Volunteers Wanted for Intruder Watch team
• Young Ham Radio Operator Supports the America250 Celebration
• Tour De France is a Tour De Callsigns
• Radio Has a "Senior Moment" to Remember
• New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net
• 2026 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
• New Technician Question Pool Takes Effect 1st July 2026
• WRTC 2026 Update

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH), Bill Barnes (WC3B) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Windows 10 to Linux

We would like to thank Philip Heckingbottom (VK6ADF) and our and monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

• Volunteers Wanted for Intruder Watch team

• Young Ham Radio Operator Supports the America250 Celebration

• Tour De France is a Tour De Callsigns

• Radio Has a "Senior Moment" to Remember

• New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net

• 2026 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting

• New Technician Question Pool Takes Effect 1st July 2026

• WRTC 2026 Update

Show Notes

Amateur Radio Topics:

• ARRL Field Day is happening June 27-28, 2026
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LH (ARRL)
• 13 Colonies Special Event 2026
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LI (13colonies)
• National Scout Jamboree 2026
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LP (scouting)

Open Source / Linux Topics:

• Ubuntu is adding AI-powered voice input to all text fields
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LJ (OMG Ubuntu)
• A pop of color is coming to LibreOffice
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LK (OMG Ubuntu)
• Linux 7.1 has changes galore…
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LL (OMG Ubuntu)

Linux in the Ham Shack Topics:

• N5SAC Ham Club to Keep Ham.Live Net Management Tool Running
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LN (Amateur Radio Daily)
  • Security Code Review:
    • Critical / High - 3
    • Medium - 4
    • Low / Informational - 4
• OscarWatch Tracker
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LM (github) (saw info on Amateur Radio Daily)
  • Security Code Review:
    • Critical / High - 0
    • Medium - 2
    • Low / Informational - 6
• Meshyface
  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/LO (github) (saw info on Amateur Radio Daily)
  • Security Code Review:
    • Critical / High - 2
    • Medium - 3
    • Low / Informational - 2

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!
  • We need your feedback!
    • Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
  • Repeater sold!  Thanks to everyone who inquired about it!
  • 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

Subscribers & Supporters:

• Free Patreons
  • Eggon
  • kev2600
• Paypal
  • Paul Mooney
  • Jeff Zimmerman
• X / Twitter
  • Em Unsupervised
  • clairre17
  • victoria
• Mastodon
  • Grant
• Discord
  • roddybandido
  • InsaneSplash
  • Joe N7AGV [G][VE]
• Live Show Participants
  • K4XSS (Tony)
  • K5FAZ (Tucker)
  • W4DPE