Nothing like waiting to the last minute.
It seems whenever I move on to the next windows operating, OS I seem to wait until the last minute. My move from Windows 10 to 11 was no different. For some time I was thinking about it and as always I don't run and upgrade when the new OS comes out. I have found in the past that some of the programs I rely on may not be ready for the new OS. Some time ago, I checked to make sure my PC was worthy of the upgrade. I ran the Windows compatibility test and my system passed.
It was now time to back up any needed files, located any passwords needed for some program re-installs and make a list of all the programs I do have to make sure they back on the PC once the new OS is installed. Having said that it never fails once the new OS has finished installing as programs are being installed I find I forgot to back up one or 2 needed files.The difference this time around is I do have a clone of my hard drive located on a different SSD. If I find I did not back up a critical file, I can always boot to that drive and retrieve the file. As I looked more into the programs loaded on my PC, there were 2 major programs that needed a password when download and re-installed. I had no idea where these passwords were located, and that meant I would have to purchase the programs again.
As I did further investigation, I found out Microsoft offered a Windows upgrade from Win10 to Win11 for free. The catch was if you had Win10 home you have to upgrade to Win11 home, you could not move to Win11 pro. If you wanted pro, you would have to purchase that OS. The main differences I could see were pro had BitLocker, windows information protection and the price. I made the choice to stay with Windows home edition. Also, I opted to go with the free upgrade to Win 11. To do this upgrade go to the Microsoft site and download the Win11 installation tool. This meant the installation would go over top of my Win10 install. Now I have heard and read of issues with doing this, but I thought in time if I find that it's just not working out I can purchase Win11 home and do the installation old school style. So far, things are working out just fine, and I am very happy with that. As a side note, if your system does not pass the Windows upgrade check thanks to a fellow blogger Bas PE3BAS, he posted about a program that can fix this issue and allow you to install Windows 11 on your PC.
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].
LHS Episode #597: arcOS-Linux Deep Dive
Hello and welcome to Episode 597 of Linux in the Ham Shack. In this episode, the hosts check out a ham-radio focused Linux distribution called arcOS. Topics include download and installation, philosophy and use cases, initial configuration and impressions, software package availability. design choices and much more. Thanks for listening and have a great week.
73 de The LHS Crew
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].
It’s our 50th Anniversary!
Commemorative VHF Net check-in
Tuesday 7 October at 8 pm (PST)
SARC will be hosting its usual net at 8 pm (Pacific time) on Tuesday, October 7 on frequency 147.360 MHz +600 KHz, tone 110.9 Hz for a special commemoration of the society’s founding on Tuesday, October 7, 1975.
Members and non-members are invited to check in. We'll also be connecting to IRLP reflector 9005 for any stations who wish to join from outside our repeater’s footprint. You can connect a repeater or your personal device by dialing node 9005.
You can read about SARC's history at The Communicator Digital Edition: The Communicator July - August 2025
We encourage SARC members, past students, non-members, and readers of The Communicator to check in on this historic net and we hope to commemorate our 50th anniversary with a record number of check ins.
~
Nice to see 10m open.
I dipped my toes this weekend in California QSO party. I entered as low power, CW, non assisted. Conditions were good and I was shocked how good 10m was. It was my highest scoring band for my part time effort.
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].
ICQPodcast Episode 467 – Allan Wiener WBCQ
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 Allan Wiener WBCQ.
We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate
Colin Butler, M6BOY, is the host of the ICQ Podcast, a weekly radio show about Amateur Radio. Contact him at [email protected].
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
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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.
LHS Episode #596: The Weekender CXXXIV
Listen Now
Spin the Random Topic Wheel (Segment 1)
- Why is HF Put on a Pedestal?
This Weekend in Hedonism (Segment 2)
Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
Skillet Apple Cider Chicken
Description
This is a great fall recipe. Perfect served over egg noodles.
Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 strips bacon
1 onion, sliced
2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
4 sage leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Season chicken thighs with salt; set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thighs; cook until browned on both sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate; set aside. Cook bacon in the skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels; drain excess grease from the skillet. Cook onion in the skillet over medium heat until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup apple cider; cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add cooked bacon, apples, sage, and thyme; simmer for 2 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup each chicken broth and apple cider. Return chicken thighs to the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook and stir until thighs are no longer pink in the centers, about 15 minutes. Transfer thighs to a serving platter. Remove skillet from heat; add butter, swirl to combine with sauce. Pour sauce over thighs.
Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
Apple Cider Margarita
Description
Fall is in the air in Missouri, and the apples are being picked… so what better than a great apple cocktail?
Ingredients
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup silver tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sugar, for rim
Cinnamon, for rim
Salt, for rim
Apple slices, for garnish
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Directions
In a pitcher, combine cider, tequila, and lemon juice. Dip glasses in water, then into mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Fill with margarita mixture, and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Russ’s Drink Corner
Ironroot Republic Promethean (Batch P16)
Description
Promethean is the creative rebel in our portfolio. Prometheus stole fire from Olympus and gave it to man. This bourbon is perfect as a rainy day dram or the key ingredient in your Manhattan. This batch is aged 30 months.
Details
Mashbill: 80% yellow corn, 15% other corn varietals, 5% rye
Region: Denison, Texas
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Color: Rich amber
Nose: Tobacco, smoked figs
Taste: Candied prunes, dark fruit, caramel, dark chocolate, raisins, dusty oak, hint of cayenne pepper
Finish: Spicy, lingering
Price: $50 (750ml)
Rating: 87
Bill’s Whatever Corner
Headframe Spirits - Orphan Girl
Bourbon Cream Liqueur
West of town, the Orphan Girl mine stands as the centerpiece of the World Museum of Mining, a testament to Butte’s rich legacy. Our Orphan Girl makes a perfect centerpiece for your evening and can be used for sipping, mixing, baking and making great memories.
Nose: Bourbon, caramel
Palate: Rich and creamy but not too sweet, finishing with hints of caramel and bourbon
Shelf-stabilized Wisconsin cream mixed with our Neversweat Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV 35 (17.5%)
$30 (750mL)
Segment 3 (Announcements & Feedback)
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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].



















