I have been checking DXHeat DX cluster for E44OM and this morning I saw them spotted on 10 meters at 28.005 to be exact. I double clicked on NA5B Web SDR to see if I could hear the action, if so then hit the shack to see if I could break the pileup and get E44OM in the log. When tuned to the frequency I was very disappoint to hear a solid carrier being transmitted on the exact frequency for E44OM. Some folks have way to much time on their hands.

In this special release episode, we review the first part of our Interviews from UK Hamfest 2025, including the big hardware announcement from ICOM, the IC7300 MK2.

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

• ICOM Announce the Launch of the IC7300 Mk2

• The Work of the RSGB Makers Group - UK Hamfest 2025

• The Work of Vintage Military Amateur Radio Society (VMARS) - UK Hamfest 2025

• Introduction to SDRSwitch - UK Hamfest 2025

• Kanga Products Radio Kits - UK Hamfest 2025

My bespoke portable HF antenna, called the EiffelTenna, is featured in the October issue of Practical Wireless. I was inspired by a video of Jim W6LG on his Youtube Channel as well as the further work of Jason VE5REV via Twitter (X). It’s a fun build, inexpensive, is very portable, and works 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. I use Faraday Cloth for the counterpoise and place the tripod directly on it.

The 40 meter operation works as a center-loaded vertical, something I posted on regarding the inductor coils recently. If you intend to build the EiffelTenna, check out that article too. The EiffelTenna base alone would be good for Technicians since it works on 10 meters without a whip or coil. A stainless steel whip on top of the tripod makes for a solid vertical with its own mounting base. For windy conditions, I use some 1lb ankle weights attached to each tripod leg using the built-in velcro straps.

Shown below is the EiffelTenna deployed for testing on my driveway. (Click for full image) It is setup for 40 meters using a JPC-12 inductor coil. Others work as well or better so this was just the option used here because it’s adjustable. The RF sweep has the coil bypassed using KB9VBR’s trick for use on 20 meters. Nearly 50 ohms with SWR of 1.06 at 14.154 MHz. Note how relatively small the counterpoise cloth is in this picture.

This full antenna system packs down into an inexpensive camera tripod bag ($16 via Amazon). A RigExpert antenna analyzer is underneath the Faraday Cloth for matching in the field. Coax from RG-316 with a ferrite bead choke is wound on a wire winder printed by my public library for the cost of resin ($4). Blue ankle weights were purchased at Academy Sports while on sale.

The EiffelTenna uses traditional vertical antenna concepts with unexpected objects serving as both a ground mount and a radiating element. Thanks Jim W6LG and Jason VE5REV for the inspiration!

Listen Now

Spin the Random Topic Wheel (Segment 1)

• What do You Chase (Grids, IOTA, POTA, etc)?

This Weekend in Hedonism (Segment 2)

• Cheryl’s Recipe Corner

• Effin’ Fishermans Pie

• Description

• Russ fell in love with this dish at a nearby Irish Pub, and I decided to recreate it at home (nearby=150 miles each way).  I fixed it for dinner last week, and I think he decided that we might not have to make that 300 mile drive.

• Ingredients (Filling)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 8oz portabella mushrooms, chopped

• 1 bunch green onions, washed thoroughly and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1-1/2 cups seafood stock (or clam juice)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/2 lb raw bay scallops

• 1/2 lb cod fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces

• Ingredients (Phyllo Crust)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, or butter-flavored cooking spray

• Directions

• Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.  Add sliced green onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Make the sauce: Pour in the wine or sherry and deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Add the seafood: Stir in the Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shrimp, scallops and cod.  Gently combine the filling until the seafood is evenly distributed. Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie dish or a 2-quart baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Prepare the phyllo: Lay out the thawed phyllo sheets on a flat surface and cover them with a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Create the crust: Take one phyllo sheet, brush it lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray, and place it over the filling. Crumple or fold the edges to create a rustic, ridged texture around the sides of the dish. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets, lightly brushing each layer with butter as you go. Bake the pot pie: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the phyllo crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Rest and serve: Let the pot pie stand for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve hot.

• Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner

• Shamrocked

• Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Midori Liqueur

• 1 oz. Irish Whiskey

• .5 oz Irish Crème

• Directions

• Shake and strain over ice into a double old fashioned glass. Top with whipped cream and fresh mint garnish.

• Russ’s Drink Corner

• AnCnoc 12 Single Malt Scotch

• Description

• The anCnoc 12 Years Old is renowned the world over. Known as a must-have in any whisky drinker’s collection, it’s light and yet complex. Smooth and approachable, with each twist and turn delivering a surprise, this is a dram that has something for everyone. Our flagship single malt is the perfect starting point for those beginning their exploration of whisky.

• Details

• Mashbill: 100% malted barley

• Region: Aberdeenshire, Scotland

• Proof: 86 (43% ABV)

• Color: Very pale amber with a slightly yellow hue

• Nose: Honey, lemon, salt, light aromatic herbs

• Taste: Sweet nondescript fruitiness, melon, grass, honey, light citrus

• Finish: Medium length with hints of smoke, black pepper, chilis, creamy white chocolate

• Price: $50 (750ml)

• Rating: 87

• Bill’s Whatever Corner

• Headframe Spirits - Neversweat Distiller’s Select Bourbon Whiskey (7 Year)

• ABV 67.7% - 135.4 Proof

• A perfect glass of whiskey begins with the grain. Through mashing, fermenting and distilling, our distillers pay expert attention to detail. Sometimes, the barrel itself adds something special. When great whiskey meets great wood, that deserves to be shared as is.  Single barrel, cask strength, Distiller’s Select. A hand-chosen barrel from us to you. A Headframe Tasting Room exclusive.

• Nose: Vanilla, oak

• Palate: Subtle, rich notes that unlock different flavors in each sip

• Proprietary blend of corn, rye and wheat

• 2023 – Bronze, International Wine and Spirits Competition

Segment 3 (Announcements & Feedback)

• YouTube Comment on Commodore OS Vison 3 Videom from @radpet7

• How long does it take to “update all”?

• Please Help Support the Show

• Patreon

• Paypal

• Merch

• Topics

• YouTube

Segment 4 (New Subscribers, New Supporters & Live Participants)

• Subscribers and Patreons

• Clayton Workman

• Instagram

• @aleijonguth

• Mailing List

• Keith Tilley

• Viktor Lindberg

• Discord

• N4FOX

• Jake W4EWO

• Live Chat

• Woody, KC1VOP

• Mike, K6GTE

• Jon, K1BTZ

• Jared, W7AQB

• BikeMe

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 Q&A Plus.

We would like to thank Simon Wilton (G7HCD) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

• Hurricane Watch Net Marks 60 Years of Service
• Resilience Through Amateur Radio for National Preparedness Month 2025
• Hams Help Sonoma Springs Residents with GMRS
• A Radio Homecoming, One Century Later
• Ocean Washes Away Almost All Expeditioners’ Equipment
• NASA Seeks Volunteers to Track Orion Spacecraft in 2026
• WRTC 2026 Announces PRIME Sponsor!
• Icom Unveils the IC-7300MK2 — The Evolution of a HF Legend!
• Hans Summers, G0UPL Confirmed as the RSGB Convention After-Dinner Speaker
• ESC Announces Updated Version of the Direct to Full Syllabus
• UK National Hamfest Pre-Show Walkaround Video

This publication, "The Communicator" from Surrey Amateur Radio Communications (SARC), serves as a bi-monthly electronic periodical for amateur radio operators. It covers a wide array of topics, including historical figures in radio. This month Jonathan Zenneck and Edwin Armstrong. In this issue we also provide technical explanations of radio propagation phenomena such as the Gray Line and solar indices, and practical guides for amateur radio activities like building antennas. We take a closer look at specific radio equipment (Baofeng, Icom, and Anytone), and engaging in digital modes like FT8. 

The Communicator also features emergency preparedness strategies, and the diverse interests and community focus within amateur radio. Furthermore, it touches upon innovative developments like the Linux Handie Talkie (LinHT) and the importance of in-person technical conferences for knowledge exchange.

Now read in over 165 countries, this issue brings you 130 pages of Amateur Radio content from the Southwest corner of Canada and around the globe. With less fluff and ads than other Amateur Radio publications, you will find Amateur Radio related articles, projects, profiles, news, tips and how-to's for all levels of the hobby.

Previous Communicator issues:

Search for past Communicator issues

We now have a comprehensive searchable index back to 2007
HERE.  

As always, thank you to our contributors, and your feedback is always welcome. 

The deadline for the next edition is October 15th.

If you have news or events from your club or photos, stories, projects or other items of interest from BC or elsewhere, please contact us at [email protected]

73,

John VE7TI
'The Communicator' Editor

The Table of Contents for the September - October 2025 Communicator issue: