Show Notes

Spin the Random Topic Wheel

• Ubuntu DDOS - https://lhs.fyi/Lr (OMG Ubuntu)
• Fedora 44 Released - https://lhs.fyi/Ls (Fedora Project)
• AX.25 Linux Kernel Removed - https://lhs.fyi/Lt (Jonathan G4KLX ARDC Mailing List)
• Deep Dive Renaming Perhaps? - https://lhs.fyi/Lu (Podcasting 2.0 - Slopjacked)

This Weekend in Hedonism

• Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
  • Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
  • Description:
    • This creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken and asparagus comes together quickly enough for a weeknight, but it is special enough for guests. The creamy sauce makes it perfect to serve with fettuccine or rice; a tossed salad and some great bread are nice additions.
  • Ingredients
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 cup minced shallots
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
    • fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Directions
    • In a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag, combine flour, Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Move ingredients around in the bag to mix well, and set aside.
    • Place chicken pieces between 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Pound the breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2-inch, and blot dry with paper towels.
    • Add chicken pieces to flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake until all chicken is lightly coated.
    • Melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat,. When butter stops sizzling and the pan is hot, carefully add chicken pieces. Lightly brown each side, cooking 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
    • To the same skillet, with the drippings, add remaining tablespoon butter, shallots, and asparagus pieces. Cook, stirring often, about 3 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and bright green. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Stir in cream, lemon juice, and pecorino Romano cheese; stir until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Nestle chicken back pieces into the pan and cook until sauce is thickened and chicken is heated through, about 3 minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh flat leaf parsley, and serve warm.
  • Notes:
    • Pecorino Romano is salty, and the pan drippings in this recipe are also seasoned. Taste before adding additional salt and pepper.
• Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
  • Blackberry Mint Julep
  • Description:
    • Since Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby, and the Mint Julep is the “official drink” of the Derby, I decided to go with a fun version of it!
  • Ingredients
    • 4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
    • 1 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
    • 6 fresh blackberries, divided
    • Ice
    • 2 oz. bourbon
  • Directions
    • In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, muddle mint, sugar, 5 blackberries, and 1 ounce water until blackberries have lost their shape and a thick puree forms.
    • Strain into a (preferably frosty) ice-filled coupe glass. Add bourbon and stir until well chilled.
    • Garnish with remaining 1 blackberry and more mint leaves.
• Russ’s Drink Corner (now hijacked by Cheryl - and probably occasionally by Bill!)
  • Nothing this week… check back after Hamvention where Bill and I will BOTH review a Bourbon I bought to take to Hamvention!!
• Bill’s Whatever Corner
  • Item: Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel
    • Kentucky may be known for its bourbon, but no town does rye whiskey and high-rye bourbon better than Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Since the mid-1800s, “Whiskey City” has been synonymous with the world’s finest rye whiskey.
    • Nestled in between the Ohio River and Tanner’s Creek sits a monument to Lawrenceburg’s rich distilling history, Ross & Squibb Distillery. Our globally renowned tradition of crafting the finest ryes and high-rye bourbons continues today under the discerning eye of our Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman.
  • Mash - 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Barley (2024 Barrel Pull)
  • Aroma - Sweet, with notes of maple and vanilla
  • Taste - Hint of vanilla and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor
  • Finish - Smooth, long finish, giving way to the subtle vanilla sweetness
  • ABV: 54.25 (108.5 Proof)

Announcements & Feedback:

• Announcements:
  • Can you help support the show?
    • You can do that via Patreon, Paypal, Merch - just a few bucks a month helps us out immensely when it comes to covering the costs of giving you the most terrific amateur radio podcast on the internet!
  • We need topics!
    • Weekender episodes - anything goes!
    • We need ideas for things you’d like to hear about in our Deep Dive episodes! Help us out by emailing suggestions to [email protected]
  • Come see us at Hamvention
    • May 15-17, 2026 - Booth 2206, Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. That is building E2/Tesla Hall, and we’re directly across from Flex Radio and Begali Keys in the big walkway between the 2 garage doors (so it’s nice and cool!). We’ll be there from 9-5 on Friday and Saturday… and since we both have long drives ahead of us, we’ll be there at 9am and leave early (probably by 11) on Sunday… so make sure, if you’re waiting to visit us until Sunday, you get there EARLY!
  • Join us for dinner at Hamvention!
    • Friday:
      • Join Bill and I for dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse (2715 Fairfield Commons Boulevard, Beavercreek, OH 45431; it’s about 10 miles from Hamvention) on FRIDAY, May 15th, at 6pm. Their menu is extremely diverse… pizza, pasta, burgers, steaks, etc. Several Gluten-Free (although, because of their menu, there is a chance of cross-contamination; management told me to alert the server and they would do their best to avoid contamination) and Vegetarian options are available, too
    • Saturday:
      • Join Bill and I for dinner at Chuy’s Tex-Mex (2717 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, OH 45431) on Saturday, May 16th, at 6pm. Bill and I are very keen on Mexican food, so this is somewhat of a no-brainer. And there are Gluten-Free (again, possible risk of cross-contamination) and Vegetarian options available!
  • Repeater for sale!
    • Spread the word to anyone you think might be interested, if you’re not! The repeater that Russ had set up has been taken offline because of Russ’s death. If anyone is interested in everything available (sold as a package deal only), please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll send you the details/pictures. Pickup in SW Missouri, the Billings, Montana area or at Hamvention (or if you live along the route between either of our homes and Hamvention; other places hinge on whether we will be traveling through/to where it needs to go. Don’t hesitate to ask!).
  • 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!

Subscribers & Supporters:

• Paid Patreon
  • John - NZ7W
• Facebook
  • Daniel Hallford
  • Beaf Yoeri
• Mastodon
  • KC9RED
  • jpphoto22
  • technodad
  • jflinchbaugh
  • ItsL
  • jwalsh2
• Discord
  • lunqriss
  • JCVV-N9oL
• Live Show Participants
  • Tucker - KJ5NIT
  • Adam - K3CAN
  • Tony - K4XSS
  • Dan - KB6NU
  • Mike - K6GTE

Show Notes

Spin the Random Topic Wheel

• Ubuntu DDOS - https://lhs.fyi/Lr (OMG Ubuntu)
• Fedora 44 Released - https://lhs.fyi/Ls (Fedora Project)
• AX.25 Linux Kernel Removed - https://lhs.fyi/Lt (Jonathan G4KLX ARDC Mailing List)
• Deep Dive Renaming Perhaps? - https://lhs.fyi/Lu (Podcasting 2.0 - Slopjacked)

This Weekend in Hedonism

• Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
  • Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
  • Description:
    • This creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken and asparagus comes together quickly enough for a weeknight, but it is special enough for guests. The creamy sauce makes it perfect to serve with fettuccine or rice; a tossed salad and some great bread are nice additions.
  • Ingredients
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 cup minced shallots
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
    • fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Directions
    • In a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag, combine flour, Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Move ingredients around in the bag to mix well, and set aside.
    • Place chicken pieces between 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Pound the breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2-inch, and blot dry with paper towels.
    • Add chicken pieces to flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake until all chicken is lightly coated.
    • Melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat,. When butter stops sizzling and the pan is hot, carefully add chicken pieces. Lightly brown each side, cooking 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
    • To the same skillet, with the drippings, add remaining tablespoon butter, shallots, and asparagus pieces. Cook, stirring often, about 3 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and bright green. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Stir in cream, lemon juice, and pecorino Romano cheese; stir until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Nestle chicken back pieces into the pan and cook until sauce is thickened and chicken is heated through, about 3 minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh flat leaf parsley, and serve warm.
  • Notes:
    • Pecorino Romano is salty, and the pan drippings in this recipe are also seasoned. Taste before adding additional salt and pepper.
• Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
  • Blackberry Mint Julep
  • Description:
    • Since Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby, and the Mint Julep is the “official drink” of the Derby, I decided to go with a fun version of it!
  • Ingredients
    • 4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
    • 1 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
    • 6 fresh blackberries, divided
    • Ice
    • 2 oz. bourbon
  • Directions
    • In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, muddle mint, sugar, 5 blackberries, and 1 ounce water until blackberries have lost their shape and a thick puree forms.
    • Strain into a (preferably frosty) ice-filled coupe glass. Add bourbon and stir until well chilled.
    • Garnish with remaining 1 blackberry and more mint leaves.
• Russ’s Drink Corner (now hijacked by Cheryl - and probably occasionally by Bill!)
  • Nothing this week… check back after Hamvention where Bill and I will BOTH review a Bourbon I bought to take to Hamvention!!
• Bill’s Whatever Corner
  • Item: Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel
    • Kentucky may be known for its bourbon, but no town does rye whiskey and high-rye bourbon better than Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Since the mid-1800s, “Whiskey City” has been synonymous with the world’s finest rye whiskey.
    • Nestled in between the Ohio River and Tanner’s Creek sits a monument to Lawrenceburg’s rich distilling history, Ross & Squibb Distillery. Our globally renowned tradition of crafting the finest ryes and high-rye bourbons continues today under the discerning eye of our Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman.
  • Mash - 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Barley (2024 Barrel Pull)
  • Aroma - Sweet, with notes of maple and vanilla
  • Taste - Hint of vanilla and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor
  • Finish - Smooth, long finish, giving way to the subtle vanilla sweetness
  • ABV: 54.25 (108.5 Proof)

Announcements & Feedback:

• Announcements:
  • Can you help support the show?
    • You can do that via Patreon, Paypal, Merch - just a few bucks a month helps us out immensely when it comes to covering the costs of giving you the most terrific amateur radio podcast on the internet!
  • We need topics!
    • Weekender episodes - anything goes!
    • We need ideas for things you’d like to hear about in our Deep Dive episodes! Help us out by emailing suggestions to [email protected]
  • Come see us at Hamvention
    • May 15-17, 2026 - Booth 2206, Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. That is building E2/Tesla Hall, and we’re directly across from Flex Radio and Begali Keys in the big walkway between the 2 garage doors (so it’s nice and cool!). We’ll be there from 9-5 on Friday and Saturday… and since we both have long drives ahead of us, we’ll be there at 9am and leave early (probably by 11) on Sunday… so make sure, if you’re waiting to visit us until Sunday, you get there EARLY!
  • Join us for dinner at Hamvention!
    • Friday:
      • Join Bill and I for dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse (2715 Fairfield Commons Boulevard, Beavercreek, OH 45431; it’s about 10 miles from Hamvention) on FRIDAY, May 15th, at 6pm. Their menu is extremely diverse… pizza, pasta, burgers, steaks, etc. Several Gluten-Free (although, because of their menu, there is a chance of cross-contamination; management told me to alert the server and they would do their best to avoid contamination) and Vegetarian options are available, too
    • Saturday:
      • Join Bill and I for dinner at Chuy’s Tex-Mex (2717 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, OH 45431) on Saturday, May 16th, at 6pm. Bill and I are very keen on Mexican food, so this is somewhat of a no-brainer. And there are Gluten-Free (again, possible risk of cross-contamination) and Vegetarian options available!
  • Repeater for sale!
    • Spread the word to anyone you think might be interested, if you’re not! The repeater that Russ had set up has been taken offline because of Russ’s death. If anyone is interested in everything available (sold as a package deal only), please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll send you the details/pictures. Pickup in SW Missouri, the Billings, Montana area or at Hamvention (or if you live along the route between either of our homes and Hamvention; other places hinge on whether we will be traveling through/to where it needs to go. Don’t hesitate to ask!).
  • 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!

Subscribers & Supporters:

• Paid Patreon
  • John - NZ7W
• Facebook
  • Daniel Hallford
  • Beaf Yoeri
• Mastodon
  • KC9RED
  • jpphoto22
  • technodad
  • jflinchbaugh
  • ItsL
  • jwalsh2
• Discord
  • lunqriss
  • JCVV-N9oL
• Live Show Participants
  • Tucker - KJ5NIT
  • Adam - K3CAN
  • Tony - K4XSS
  • Dan - KB6NU
  • Mike - K6GTE

Here’s a post from way back in 2005. It falls into the category of “notable VHF contacts,” so I am reposting it here. Last July, my wife and I were walking along the beach on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Ludington State Park to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While we waited for ... Read more

The post Across Lake Michigan on 146.52 MHz appeared first on Above Average Terrain.

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), 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 AMSAT President Drew KO4MA

We would like to thank our Paul Elliott (G0TXL) and monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

• Free antenna booklet by Jukka Siitari
• Hamlib Named Winner of the 2026 Amateur Radio Software Award
• FCC Grants Frequencies' Use for Satellite Service
• Linux Kernel Drops AX.25 and Amateur Radio Subsystem Support
• Rocket Lab Launches Eight JAXA Satellites on Kakushin Rising Mission
• Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution
• Amateur Radio to Participate in DoD Armed Forces Day Crossband Test

Welcome to The Communicator

Amateur radio has always been a pursuit of contrasts—venerating the past while racing toward the future. This issue celebrates that duality from cover to cover.

We begin with history: Harry Melville Dowsett, the architect of practical radio, and the curious case of author Zane Grey’s on-air adventures in Tahiti. Then pivot sharply to the present—AI’s creeping influence, TETRA digital tech, California’s controversial Bill AB 1043 that may affect you, and a look at the ARRL’s struggle in the digital age. 

Our technical deep dives range from the IC-9700’s capabilities for digital modes to rebuilding the Icom IC-PW1 amplifier to building a vertical HF antenna without radials. For the space-minded, we track LEO satellites, pico balloons, and the mysterious Judica-Cordiglia recordings (fact or fallacy?). And don’t miss the Baker Street walkie-talkie heist or British Columbia’s 2026 QSO Party wrap-up,

Need something lighter? Check page 13's New You Can Lose, try using a bluetooth speaker IKEA-style, exploring POTACat, or enjoying a classic Spam fritter and mash recipe (yes, really).

Don't miss the run-up to the FIFA World Cup Special Event Stations and learn how to participate.

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

Download the Lower Resolution Issue - 7 Mb

Read it On-line as a Magazine

The AI LLM Version

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

~ John VE7TI, Editor

Contents for this issue: 

Show Notes

Deep Dive Topic - Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon

• Canonical released Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” on April 23, 2026, marking a significant modernization of the distribution with GNOME 50 and the Linux kernel 7.0. This LTS version offers five years of standard support until April 2031, extending to ten years with Ubuntu Pro.
  • Key updates include:
    • Wayland-Only Desktop: The GNOME session now runs exclusively on Wayland, dropping Xorg support, though X11 applications remain functional via XWayland.
    • Enhanced Security: The release introduces TPM-backed full-disk encryption, post-quantum cryptography support in OpenSSL, and the Security Center app for desktop management.
    • New Default Applications: Canonical replaced legacy tools with modern GTK4/libadwaita apps, including Ptyxis (terminal), Papers (PDF), Loupe (images), Showtime (video), and Resources (system monitor).
    • Developer & Server Improvements: The toolchain features GCC 15.2 and Python 3.14, while server editions support Intel TDX and AMD SEV-SNP confidential computing.
    • Hardware Requirements: The recommended minimum RAM has increased to 6 GB to accommodate the modern desktop environment.
• Source: https://lhs.fyi/Lq (Press Release)

Subscribers & Supporters:

• Facebook
  • David Campbell
  • Amateur Radio Digital Communications
  • Stephan Forka
• X / Twitter
  • Ted Poppke
• Mastadon
  • KE9V Jeff
  • IU2WJH Salvatore
• Live Show Participants
  • K4XSS - Tony
  • K1TTZ - Jill
  • KJ5T - Steve
  • KQ4ALK - Delring
  • KB2YSI - Don
  • BX8AAD - Gene