Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Step one in my Python coding adventure
November 14th, 2025 | 
Author: In my first post regarding my Python adventure, I shared how I wanted
to use python coding in the shack. As my readers know I am an avid CW
contester and before a contest begins I have 5 programs that need to be
launched. The issue is if I launch them out of order or if one program has an issue things get all
screwed up, and I have to start all over again. In doing so, most of the
time I need to go into some programs and reconnect some com ports and
clear lots of error messages. My first Python project will be one
double-click on a desktop icon that will get all my contest stuff up and
running smoothly in the right order.
The approach I am using is
to write python code to start each individual program. Then save those in a file. This will get my whistle wet with python coding, both
with success and some head scratching. At this point I have coded out
most of my programs so they start. Once that is fully completed, it will
be grouping them all together into one process.
In a nutshell, here is the plan:
– Turn on a Wi-Fi plug which powers on my power supply and Pi4B power supply
– Start my VSPE virtual com port program and minimize it.
– Start my Wn4icom program which also starts my Icom 7610 radio.
– Start my N1MM contest software.
–
Then finally Firefox will start, open Reverse Beacon Network, log me
in, set up search for my call and set it to refresh my call sign spots
every 10 minutes.
Lets take a fast look at the python coding for the WiFi plug.
import asyncio
from kasa import SmartPlug
async def main():
plug = SmartPlug(“10.0.0.71”) # Replace with your plug’s IP address
await plug.update()
await plug.turn_on()
print(“Plug turned on”
asyncio.run(main())
For the Kasa smart WiFi plug by TP link to work I had to first download into python the kasa library. I opened up python and entered the code below…well actually cut and paste.
pip install python-kasa
Now below in a nut shell is what the code is all about for the Kasa WiFi plug to turn on.
1. Python loads the needed modules. (asyncio and SmartPlug)
2. Program defines async functions or in English connecting to the wifi plug could take time and this allows things not to freeze if the process takes time.
So now modules are loaded and it knows some actions could take time.
3. Now asyncio.run(main()) runs and this is what happens.
Smart plug is created for IP address 10.0.071
The plugs state is defined (on or off)
The plug is turned on via network command
A message printed in python code window “plug turned on”
Program closes.
In closing I am not by any means a pythonista regarding code and I am sure many who are can poke holes in the coding or what I left out regarding what to explain. This is my first attempt at this game and I was actually shocked that it worked. BUT your input will and always is welcomed.
Next post is about the learning curve, hiccups and added lines of code for smoothness and reliable start up.
Having a snake of a time.
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 400
Amateur Radio licensing update during US government shutdown
ARRL Volunteer Examiners should continue giving exam sessions.
ARRL
Review: futureGEO Workshop 2025 in Bochum
Setting the course for the next geostationary Amateur Radio satellite.
AMSAT-DL
ISS Slow Scan TV October 3-9
ARISS Series 29 comprises 6 images to celebrate the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite in 1957.
AMSAT-UK
MicroLink EchoLink node
The smallest, cheapest way to put a radio onto the EchoLink network.
KC1FSZ
Construction of the Simple Low Profile Multiband POTA antenna
Although the antenna is described as “simple,” that term relates more to how it is deployed and its appearance than its actual construction.
Ham Radio Outside The Box
7,000 POTA QSOs at one park
This is no small feat for me.
WK4DS
Direction finding with a KrakenSDR
KrakenSDR is a 5-channel coherent RTL-SDR based software defined radio system.
RTL-SDR
Install a Ham Radio window feed-through
No-drill step-by-step.
Ham Radio Prep
Plotting RF spectrum with the LinHT
The display is so colorful, why not sprinkle it with a bit of DSP maths, generating a nice plot for us to enjoy?
M17 Project
Hurricane Helene: One year later
Amateur Radio became our family’s superpower.
K4SWL
Video
The 44Net origin story
We look back at the beginnings of 44Net, where pioneers share their contributions to putting the Internet over the airwaves.
ARDC
Easy packet radio interface
Digital interface lets you interface your dual-band rig to a Raspberry Pi or PC.
KM6LYW
Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.
Sign-up here
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 399
ARRL – Pass The Bill
While the ARRL is pushing for this bill, I have not seen much written about what is actually IN the bill.
K0NR
MORE Project
The MORE Project is providing free access to US amateur radio courses and licensing for youth aged 12-17.
MORE Project
Radio Shack rebirth may have gone awry in alleged Ponzi-like scheme
The brand was supposed to return to new heights online only to fall afoul of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Hackaday
Urban POTA in downtown San Francisco
So many buildings, so many RF obstacles, and so much fun!
Copasetic Flow
The RSGB LoRa Balloon Challenge 2025
Checking the results showed I’d only got one packet to it, but one was enough!
Ian Renton
AM radio’s death has been grossly exaggerated
The gloomiest headlines about the medium are not justified.
RadioWorld
Novel Amateur Radio drill aids in emergency communications
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Paducah Site has incorporated Amateur Radio into a drill for its emergency management program.
U.S. Department of Energy
Amateur Radio and Morse Code outside of the shack
How Morse Code is being used by major brands.
OnAllBands
Being on time on the Mac
A super accurate clock is critical for digital modes as we’re dealing in milliseconds and not seconds and minutes.
Andrew Woodward
Improving SW reception with a simple ground wire
A very simple lifehack for improving reception on a regular radio broadcast receiver.
SWLing Post
Video
Half-square antenna: 3.6dBi and low takeoff angle
This simple full-wavelength wire antenna has some impressive features: about 3.6 dBi of gain broadside and a low takeoff angle, making it excellent for DX.
K5OHY
I was coiling cables wrong for years
In this video I show the easy way to avoid tangles, knots, and kinks when you’re coiling cables.
Ham Radio DX
DXing at dawn
DXing from West Mersea Essex.
Ham Radio and Kayaking with 2E0WMG
Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.
Sign-up here
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 398
ARRL launches nationwide grassroots campaign to pass Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
ARRL has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant Amateur Radio Operators the same rights to install antennas on their property as those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and flagpoles.
ARRL
Join ARDC’s 2026 Volunteer Team
We’re doing something good for the community and helping groups around the world.
ARDC
IP400 Project publishes roadmap
A design for Next Generation Node Hardware II describes an all-in-one transceiver unit made up of node hardware, a power amplifier, and 9dB gain antenna.
ADRCS
Real Time QSO Manager
Users can see who’s available on all bands and all modes simultaneously.
QRZ
Defending Amateur Radio spectrum: The AST SpaceMobile battle continues
Partial victory in 430-440 MHz band defense.
Open Research Institute
EiffelTenna
A bespoke portable HF antenna is inexpensive and works multiple bands.
K4FMH
Hurricane Helene taught me why HOA antenna bans must end
Please take 30 seconds to help.
QRPer
How to set up your own remote station
An inexpensive way you can control your station from a web browser on your home network.
Ham Radio Hacks
The practicality of solar powered Meshtastic
It’s probable that like us you’ve toyed with the idea of running one from a solar panel.
Hackaday
FCC issues near-million dollar fine against New Jersey radio pirate
Operator has 30 days to pay up.
RadioWorld
Video
Installing FreeDV on Linux
A walk-through of downloading FreeDV and doing the initial setup including audio, rig control, and station identification.
Peter Marks
Meshtastic + Drone
Pushing Meshtastic to the limit, 25 mile test with Spec5 Copilot.
KM4ACK
CB radio operators jammed petrol pumps to get free fuel
By transmitting a strong RF signal near the pump, they could cause the electronic counters on both the pump and the attendant’s console to slow dramatically.
Ringway Manchester
Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.
Sign-up here
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 397
Open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres about 4U1UN: A most wanted entity’s history
4U1UN should be a beacon again.
K3LOE
Phone contest phonetics
Inventing cute phonetics may be amusing, just don’t try it in a contest if you want a good rate.
Pattern and Match
HamXposition Highlights
Saturday was the big day. HamXposition was buzzing with energy, and I was impressed by the number of exhibitors.
QRPer
18 clubs to activate Erie Canal for Parks on the Air
Hams will activate the Erie Canal September 16-25 to celebrate the canal’s 200th anniversary.
Amateur Radio Daily
Satellites without the dish
An 8 turn helix that can be paired with a ground plane to make something that should have useful gain for receiving the geostationary Inmarsat signals with sufficient SNR.
ElMarko says things
ARRL Lab helps Radio Amateurs avoid interfering with US Space Force radar
The ARRL Lab supports the US Space Force’s Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) early warning radar installations which scan the skies for incoming missiles and space junk.
ARRL
Optimizing VLF antennas
Thanks to software-defined radio, you no longer need huge coils. However, you still need a suitable antenna.
Hackaday
IC-7300MK2: Why a 0.7 A receive draw actually matters off-grid
Its reduced current draw finally makes this legendary HF rig off-grid friendly.
Off Grid Ham
Video
QRP Parks On The Air with the Icom IC-705 + POTA Performer
At Maumee Bay State Park (US-1976), I run a low power POTA activation with my Icom IC-705 and my homemade antenna designed by KJ6ER: the POTA PERformer.
Critical Frequency
Ham Radio without the FCC?
What really happens when you push the FCC too far?
Ham Radio Gizmos
Create keyboard-to-keyboard radio chat rooms
AX.25 radio networking is underutilized in the information age. There’s no reason we can’t create texting/chatroom environments just like we have on our phones and PC’s.
KM6LYW
VK3SRC and VK3CKY talking on FreeDV RADEV1
A few minutes of a typical FreeDV RADEV1 contact on 40m.
Peter Marks
Get Amateur Radio Weekly in your inbox.
Sign-up here
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 396
Icom to release updated IC-7300 MK2 and ID-5200
The Icom ID-5200 is a successor to the popular Icom ID-5100.
GigaParts
Build a miniature hotspot for M17
This may be one of the simplest hotspot builds ever. Works with D-STAR, YSF, M17, DMR, P25, NXDN, and POCSAG.
The Random Wire
QuadNet multi-mode digital network
Supports DMR, D-Star, Yaesu System Fusion/C4FM, and M17.
QuadNet
How To get precise time outside your shack
Often when I decide to do POTA, I just grab my gear and go forgetting to sync my laptop’s time. When I get to the park, my system clock can be 5-30 seconds off which means I can’t do FT8.
Ham Radio Hacks
Progress in the revolution: Sunspot cycle forecast accuracy at Cycle 25 peak
Our goal has been to determine if there is Kuhnian movement (Kuhn 1962) toward a revolution in the long-standing paradigm for the sunspot cycle at the midpoint of Cycle 25.
Dr. Scott McIntosh
My first ever RTTY contact
In February 1984 I borrowed a Creed 444 teleprinter.
QSO365
Installing a permanent remote HF station in the Atlantic Ocean
A structure standing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in fifty feet of water on Frying Pan Shoals, 32 miles off the coast of Southport, North Carolina, in international waters.
OnAllBands
HackTVLive
A Go application that captures live video from your webcam and transmits it as an NTSC analog television signal using a HackRF SDR device.
Sarah Rose
The mysterious shortwave radio station stoking US-Russia nuclear fears
A popular shortwave Russian radio station dubbed UVB-76 has been an enigma for decades.
WIRED
TAP
A Morse alternative mode for the Ham, with no need for training.
SV3ORA
Video
T41-EP Open Source DIY SDR HF radio
The T41-EP is an Open Source, 20W, 7-band HF CW/SSB software defined transceiver designed as an experimenter’s platform.
K5YVY
Interview with ARRL CEO David Minster NA2AA
A discussion about the most recent ARRL board meeting as well as an update on the Huntsville Hamfest.
DX Mentor
Morse Code on 2m and microwave?
Join Di KO6BTM and Ormoo the SOTA Cat on an easy SOTA peak.
KO6BTM
Build a radio to receive pictures from space like it’s 1994
Everything I need to receive weather satellite pictures using software, tools, and components that (probably) would’ve been available to an amateur in 1994.
Old Computers Sucked
