Tag: amateur-radio

When Signals Travel One Way: Exploring HF Propagation on 7.185 MHz

Last night, after three years of not using the ham radio, I was listening to a net on 7.185 MHz.

To be clear, I enjoy rag chewing. I want to get to know people, hear their stories, and just maybe include bits and pieces of them in some future book. (I am an author.)

While I was working in the shop, the net ended, and the group decided to chase DX, or distant stations typically located in a different country.

After a CQ call and things being slow, I picked up the mic and tossed my call into the ether.

KD2DMR eventually welcomed me; they were a friendly group of folks.

To my surprise, a station in South Africa responded to me.

Jeremy in Illinois heard him, but I did not.

The first point of this post is simple: if you’re a ham, you might want to listen to 7.185 at night. They are a friendly bunch.

The second part of the post, and clearly the question I was asking myself, is this: why could I not hear this fellow in Nimbini when he heard me?

Of course I knew what the answer was but…Why not share?

Think “asymmetrical propagation.”

On HF bands like 40 meters (7.185 MHz), asymmetrical propagation is actually quite common.

Here are the likely culprits:

1. Ionospheric Conditions and Skip Zones:The ionosphere’s state changes constantly. His signal may have taken a different propagation path to reach me than my signal took to reach him. At certain times, one direction might have a clear skip path while the other does not. This is especially true for long-distance contacts, where the signal bounces off the ionosphere at different angles.

2. Polarization Mismatch:My 260-foot horizontal wire antenna radiates horizontal polarization. When HF signals bounce off the ionosphere, the polarization can shift unpredictably. His receiving antenna may have been oriented to better capture the polarization of my transmitted signal, while my antenna was not optimally positioned to receive his return signal’s polarization state after it bounced back.

3. Antenna Directivity and Takeoff Angle:My long wire antenna has directional characteristics that vary with frequency and height. At 30 feet on 40 meters, my antenna likely has a relatively high takeoff angle, which is good for medium-distance skip but may not be optimal for receiving signals coming back from South Africa at a different angle than my transmission went out.

While the long wire is a perfectly fine antenna for general-purpose communication, including DX, antennas (which to me in 1973 were simply magic) are the stuff of amateur radio’s dreams and fascinations, and they are one of the simpler things to experiment with.

If I had a Vertical antenna that I was listening on, there is a high probability I would have heard him. Many DX chasers have two antennas, one for transmitting and another for receiving for this reason. Even a simple inverted V for 40 might have made the difference.

There is even something called a beverage antenna, for receive only…If you want to maximize receive capability specifically, a Beverage antenna is legendary for HF reception. It is a long, low wire (typically 1 to 4 wavelengths long, running 6 to 10 feet high) that is highly directional and excellent at rejecting noise while capturing weak signals. Many serious DXers use Beverage antennas for receiving while transmitting on a separate antenna. *

If you are interested in such things, I would encourage you to find your local ham radio group and get your feet wet. If you are a ham, I will make a point to be listening on 7.185 and chat with them more, if they ever simply rag chew.

Best, and 73 to the hams out there.

About the Cover Picture:

When the world teeters on the brink of nuclear annihilation, a retired Air Force general is given an impossible second chance: to rewrite history. Sent back in time to 1962 by mysterious alien beings, he wakes up trapped in the body of his ten-year-old self—armed with decades of knowledge, but stripped of his power and authority. With the Cuban Missile Crisis looming, global tensions rising, and secrets hidden in the shadows of the past, he must navigate a world that sees him as a child while carrying the burden of preventing humanity’s self-destruction.

As he re-encounters his family, a young JFK, and the love of his life before they’ve even met, he discovers that saving the future isn’t just about stopping a war—it’s about proving that humanity is worth saving. Along the way, secrets buried deep in Area 51, a chilling conspiracy within the U.S. government, and the cryptic motives of the alien beings reveal the stakes are higher than he could have ever imagined.

Echoes of Tomorrow is a sweeping tale of time travel, love, loss, and redemption. With the weight of the world on his young shoulders, one man must face the ultimate question: can the future truly be changed, or is humanity destined to repeat its greatest mistakes?

This gripping journey will captivate fans of thought-provoking sci-fi, historical intrigue, and heart- through time and the fragile threads of destiny.

Get Your Copy Here

*Why It Is Called a Beverage Antenna

The Beverage antenna is named after its inventor, Harold H. Beverage, an American radio engineer who developed and patented the design on June 7, 1921.

The name is entirely unrelated to drinks; it is simply an eponym honoring the man who created it.

A Bit of History: Harold Beverage (later known by his amateur radio call sign W2BML) was working at RCA when he invented the antenna as part of his efforts to improve the reception of transatlantic radio signals.

The design quickly gained popularity for its excellent performance in long-distance communication.

One of the most impressive early implementations was built by AT&T in Houlton, Maine, for the first transatlantic telephone service.

This massive array consisted of four phased Beverage antennas, stretching three miles long and two miles wide.

Why It Remains Popular

More than a century after its invention, the Beverage antenna is still widely used by amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and professional monitoring stations. Its ability to deliver an extremely low noise floor and a clean directional pattern makes it unmatched for receiving weak signals on the low bands, typically 160 meters through 40 meters.

The design is elegantly simple: a long wire (often several wavelengths in length) suspended low to the ground and terminated with resistors at one or both ends. This configuration allows it to function as a traveling wave antenna, capturing signals along its length while rejecting interference from unwanted directions.

Exploring Digital Modes in Ham Radio

Lately, I’ve noticed an uptick in interest regarding digital modes in ham radio. Instead of receiving comments on a post, I’ve been getting emails from folks who are curious about this topic. It’s exciting to see such enthusiasm, and I wanted to share my findings so far. That said, I’d love to hear from those with experience in these modes to ensure I’m sharing accurate and helpful information.Digital modes are becoming a cornerstone of modern ham radio, thanks to advancements in computer technology. They offer efficient ways to transmit text, images, and even telemetry over radio frequencies. Below, I’ve outlined some of the most popular digital modes and what’s needed to start using them.

Popular Digital Modes

1. FT8 and FT4

Overview: FT8 and FT4 are weak-signal modes that excel in low-power operations and poor propagation conditions. FT8 is slower but more sensitive, while FT4 is faster but requires stronger signals.
Uses: These modes are part of the WSJT-X software suite and are widely used for quick contacts, DXing, and contests.

2. PSK31

Overview: PSK31 (Phase Shift Keying) is a conversational mode designed for real-time, keyboard-to-keyboard communication. It’s efficient in bandwidth and works well with low power.
Uses: Ideal for casual chats and experimenting with text-based communication.

3. RTTY (Radio Teletype)

Overview: One of the oldest digital modes, RTTY uses frequency-shift keying (FSK) to transmit text. It operates at around 60 words per minute.
Uses: Popular in contests and casual QSOs, RTTY remains a classic mode for ham radio enthusiasts.

4. JS8Call

Overview: Built on the FT8 protocol, JS8Call allows for longer, conversational-style messages. It’s especially useful for emergency communications and casual chats.
Uses: Great for ongoing conversations and low-power operations.

5. WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter)

Overview: WSPR is designed for propagation studies. It transmits low-power signals to analyze how far and where signals travel under current conditions.
Uses: Primarily used by operators studying propagation and antenna performance.

6. Packet Radio

Overview: Packet radio allows you to send data packets, such as emails or telemetry, over radio frequencies. It’s commonly used in APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) for tracking and messaging.
Uses: Perfect for location tracking and data transfers.

7. DMR, D-STAR, and Fusion

Overview: These are digital voice modes typically used on VHF and UHF bands. They require specific radios and provide crystal-clear voice communication.
Uses: Popular for local and global communication via repeaters and internet-linked systems.

What’s Needed to Access Digital Modes?

To start operating digital modes, you’ll need a few essential components:

1. Radio Transceiver

A transceiver capable of operating on the desired bands (HF, VHF, or UHF) is essential. Many modern radios come with built-in digital mode support.

2. Computer

Most digital modes require a computer to run software that encodes and decodes signals. Popular programs include:

WSJT-X (for FT8/FT4)
FLdigi (for PSK31, RTTY, and others)
JS8Call

3. Interface

You’ll need an interface to connect your radio to your computer. This could be:

A simple audio cable for basic setups.
A USB interface like the Digimode-4-USB, which manages both audio and CAT (Computer-Aided Transceiver) control.

4. Software

Specialized software is a must for operating digital modes. For example:

WSJT-X for FT8 and FT4
FLdigi for PSK31, RTTY, and other conversational modes
APRS software for packet radio operations

5. License

A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit on amateur bands. The type of license (Technician, General, or Extra) determines which bands and modes you can use.

6. Antenna

A suitable antenna for the frequency band you plan to operate on is critical for effective communication.

Conclusion

Digital modes have revolutionized ham radio, offering new ways to communicate and experiment. From weak-signal communication with FT8 to real-time chats with PSK31 or JS8Call, these modes cater to a variety of interests and operational styles.If you’re new to digital modes, all you need is a capable transceiver, a computer, an interface, some software, and your ham license to get started. I encourage anyone interested in the digital side of ham radio to dive in and explore. The versatility and global reach of these modes make them an incredible tool for amateur operators.Lastly, if you’re an experienced ham or actively using these modes, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share your insights or correct anything I might have missed. Let’s keep the conversation going!

About the Cover, When the world teeters on the brink of nuclear annihilation, a retired Air Force general is given an impossible second chance: to rewrite history. Sent back in time to 1962 by mysterious alien beings, he wakes up trapped in the body of his ten-year-old self—armed with decades of knowledge, but stripped of his power and authority. With the Cuban Missile Crisis looming, global tensions rising, and secrets hidden in the shadows of the past, he must navigate a world that sees him as a child while carrying the burden of preventing humanity’s self-destruction.
As he re-encounters his family, a young JFK, and the love of his life before they’ve even met, he discovers that saving the future isn’t just about stopping a war—it’s about proving that humanity is worth saving. Along the way, secrets buried deep in Area 51, a chilling conspiracy within the U.S. government, and the cryptic motives of the alien beings reveal the stakes are higher than he could have ever imagined.
Echoes of Tomorrow is a sweeping tale of time travel, love, loss, and redemption. With the weight of the world on his young shoulders, one man must face the ultimate question: can the future truly be changed, or is humanity destined to repeat its greatest mistakes?
This gripping journey will captivate fans of thought-provoking sci-fi, historical intrigue, and heart- through time and the fragile threads of destiny.

A Reflection on the Changing Soul of Amateur Radio

From the warm amber glow of a dial light, or perhaps the soft illumination behind the S-meter, the art of radio has never been lost on me. There’s something almost sacred about those old rigs that modern equipment, for all its capabilities, struggles to replicate.

1973: The Golden Era of Homebrew

In 1973, I had a homebrew transmitter, a borrowed crystal set to 7.107 MHz on the 40-meter band, and a Hallicrafters SX-99—a receiver that had already earned legendary status among hams since its introduction in 1953. The SX-99, with its general coverage from 538 kHz to 34 MHz and distinctive slide-rule dial, represented the pinnacle of accessible shortwave reception for countless operators during the post-war boom of amateur radio.That year, amateur radio was thriving. The hobby had grown substantially following the lifting of the World War II ban on amateur operations in 1945, and by the early 1970s, there were approximately 300,000 licensed hams in the United States. Homebrew was not just common—it was a rite of passage. Building your own transmitter demonstrated both technical competency and dedication to the craft.I clearly remember my first CW contact to a fellow in Little Rock, Arkansas. The anticipation of hearing my call sign returned through the static, the careful hand on the straight key, the thrill of bridging hundreds of miles with equipment I had built and understood intimately—Morse code was mandatory then, required for all license classes until the FCC finally eliminated the requirement entirely in 2007.

Wow, Have Things Changed

Indeed they have. Following up on my post about Field Day, the disappointment was real. Field Day, that annual tradition started by the ARRL back in 1933 as an emergency preparedness exercise, once represented the pinnacle of amateur radio camaraderie. Clubs would gather, antennas would rise against the summer sky, and for 24 hours, the airwaves crackled with activity and friendly competition.Today, participation tells a sobering story. While the ARRL reports continued interest, many local clubs struggle to muster the enthusiasm—and the operators—that once made Field Day a highlight of the ham calendar.

The Digital Divide

I’m aware that digital modes exist that I have yet to explore. FT8, developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor (K1JT) and released in 2017, has revolutionized weak-signal communication, allowing contacts with stations that would be impossible to hear with human ears alone. JS8Call, WSPR, and countless other modes offer new frontiers.Yet I cannot shake the feeling that the age of the thrill of DX—of spinning that dial, straining to pull a rare station from the noise, of earning the contact through skill and patience—has been relegated to the dustbin of history. When a computer algorithm can decode what the human ear cannot, and contacts are reduced to automated exchanges of signal reports, something ineffable is lost.

The Club Conundrum

Retired from corporate America, one of the things we must all face is not only can we afford to retire, but what will we do when we retire? Having friends from the local area was most certainly on my list.When I moved here, I researched the local ham club, visited their website, and sent dues money thinking they would contact me, invite me to a meeting, welcome me into the fold. Not even a thank-you email.Sadly, this experience is not unique. Studies and surveys within the amateur radio community reveal a troubling pattern: the average age of a licensed ham in the United States now exceeds 68 years old, and many clubs have become insular, struggling with declining membership while paradoxically failing to welcome new blood. The ARRL itself has acknowledged challenges in club vitality and member engagement.Is this the same attitude that pervades the hobby at large? A community so accustomed to its own decline that it no longer reaches out to those who seek connection?

A Question for Fellow Hams

If you are a ham, I am curious about your thoughts. Have you experienced this same disconnect between the promise of amateur radio fellowship and its reality? Is the hobby we loved transforming into something unrecognizable, or are there still pockets of that old spirit waiting to be found?The dial light still glows. The question is whether anyone is still listening.

When Field Day Falls Flat: A Veteran Ham’s Lament

Every summer, on the fourth full weekend of June, amateur radio operators across North America haul out their gear, string up wire antennas in trees, fire up generators, and take to the airwaves for one of the hobby’s signature events: ARRL Field Day. This year, having relatively recently relocated to East Texas, I made a special effort to track down my local club and introduce myself. My motives were simple. First, I wanted to support the local club. Second, I wanted to see how active and engaged they were in showcasing our great hobby to the public.What I found left me, frankly, disappointed. In all my years in this hobby—and I’ve been licensed since 1973—I have never seen such a lackadaisical display in my life.

What Field Day Is Supposed to Be

For the uninitiated, let me back up and explain what Field Day actually is, because understanding its purpose makes my disappointment a little clearer.Field Day is sponsored annually by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for amateur radio in the United States. It began in 1933 and has grown into the single most popular on-air activity in all of amateur radio, drawing more than 30,000 participants each year across the U.S. and Canada.At its heart, Field Day is part emergency-preparedness exercise, part contest, and part public demonstration. The core idea is to practice operating under field conditions—away from the comfort of a home station, often running on emergency or alternative power such as generators, batteries, or solar. The skills exercised are precisely the ones that matter when hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, or other disasters knock out conventional communications. Amateur radio operators have a long and proud history of providing emergency communication when nothing else is working, and Field Day is where we sharpen that edge.But Field Day is also about the public. The ARRL explicitly encourages clubs to invite the community, elected officials, and the press to come see what amateur radio can do. There’s even a Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) station specifically designed so that newcomers, visitors, and lapsed hams can sit down, key the microphone, and make a contact under the guidance of a control operator. It is, in the truest sense, an open house for a hobby that depends on bringing in new blood.

What I Found Instead

So what did I find when I rolled up to my local Field Day site? A small parking lot with maybe a half-dozen cars and two—count them, two—air-conditioned trailers. Under a shade tree sat exactly one person, watching over a few folding tables loaded with old CB radios and antiquated equipment from a bygone era.It seemed the event had been repurposed as a swap meet. Meanwhile, the folks who owned those trailers were, as best I could tell, playing radio in air-conditioned comfort with absolutely no public access. They were, in effect, portable shacks—closed off, insular, and inviting nobody in.I won’t name the club they represented, and that’s rather the whole point: I had no idea who they were beyond “some hams,” and judging by the swap-table merchandise, more than a few ex-CBers.

How It Used to Be Done

Contrast this with Field Day as I’ve known it for the better part of five decades. In years past, there was a real rhythm to the weekend. On Friday night we’d gather as a club to erect antennas—dipoles, verticals, beams hoisted on push-up masts—working together, swapping stories, and getting the site ready.From the start time on Saturday afternoon until the quitting time on Sunday, every contact we made went into the log. And critically, visitors were welcomed. We’d encourage them to listen for a bit to the rhythm of the bands, then hand them the microphone to make a contact of their own. That little taste was often enough to whet someone’s appetite—to either upgrade their existing license or to start the process of getting licensed and joining the organization.What I witnessed this year was, quite simply, not that.

The Real Takeaway: Be an Elmer

Here’s the lesson I keep coming back to. In ham radio tradition, an “Elmer” is a mentor—an experienced operator who takes a newcomer under their wing and shows them the ropes. The term has been part of our culture for generations, and it points to the single most important survival mechanism this hobby has.It is clearly up to those of us who know what this event is supposed to be to get involved in our local clubs and Elmer them. We need to gently nudge them in the right direction, remind them that Field Day is not a private swap meet in the air conditioning, but a showcase, an invitation, and a recruiting opportunity. If we don’t, this wonderful hobby may well go the way of the telegraph: a quaint relic remembered fondly but practiced by almost no one.I’m not writing this to scold anyone. I’m writing it as a wake-up call to myself as much as anyone else. The seasoned operators among us carry both the knowledge and the responsibility.

Want to learn more? Visit the ARRL Field Day page at arrl.org/field-day, or search for an upcoming licensing class and Field Day event near you. If you’re a licensed operator, consider being someone’s Elmer this year.

About The Image: Echoes of Tomorrow is a sci fi novel I wrote with Ham Radio as a plot device.

What if the future could speak to you… and what if it had already begun to scream?They said the signal was just noise. Background static. The random hiss of a universe winding down.They were wrong. Buried in the cosmic murmur was a voice—faint, deliberate, and unmistakably human. A voice that hadn’t been spoken yet. A warning sent backward across the silence, carried on frequencies no one was supposed to be listening to. But someone was. In Echoes of Tomorrow, the line between memory and prophecy dissolves. Every choice leaves a trace. Every trace leaves an echo. And somewhere out in the dark between the stars, those echoes are folding back on themselves, reaching for the one person who can still hear them before it’s too late.The past is fixed. The future is listening. And tomorrow has already started sending messages home. Some echoes don’t fade. They wait.