An IETF draft proposes allocating the 44::/16 IPv6 block (about 2^112 addresses) to the amateur radio community, echoing the historic 44/8 IPv4 allocation, and raises questions about internet governance and policy.
The ITU‑R Recommendation P.833‑2 provides guidance on estimating radio‑wave attenuation caused by vegetation for frequencies between 30 MHz and 60 GHz. Because foliage conditions vary widely and experimental data are limited, the recommendation offers separate models for different frequency bands and path geometries. For a terrestrial link with one end inside a woodland, the extra loss is expressed using two parameters: the specific attenuation rate γ (dB / m) that describes short‑range scattering loss, and a maximum attenuation Am that caps the total excess loss due to additional mechanisms such as surface‑wave propagation and forward scattering. The excess attenuation for a path length d inside the vegetation is given by Aev = Am 1 – exp(–d γ / Am) » . This formulation allows engineers to calculate the additional loss when a transmitter or receiver is located within dense vegetation.
Information about Meshtastic, an open-source, decentralized, off-grid mesh network, and the MDARC's involvement with it, including node locations and configurations.
Thomas Witherspoon recounts his renewed appreciation for the Elecraft K2 kit radio, highlighting its enduring appeal, build quality, and performance in both shack and field operations as of 2025.
* **Nostalgic Rediscovery:** Thomas rekindled his love for the K2 after using it on field activations, appreciating its superior audio quality and low noise floor, which make it a pleasure to operate.
* **Kit Radio Advantages and Challenges:** The K2’s status as a kit radio offers excellent serviceability, repairability, and long-term support, though build quality can vary and requires careful inspection when purchasing used.
* **Enduring Value and Legacy:** Despite being over two decades old, the K2 remains a highly satisfying and reliable transceiver, valued by operators for its simplicity, craftsmanship, and suitability for both QRP and QRO operations.
* **Nostalgic Rediscovery:** Thomas rekindled his love for the K2 after using it on field activations, appreciating its superior audio quality and low noise floor, which make it a pleasure to operate.
* **Kit Radio Advantages and Challenges:** The K2’s status as a kit radio offers excellent serviceability, repairability, and long-term support, though build quality can vary and requires careful inspection when purchasing used.
* **Enduring Value and Legacy:** Despite being over two decades old, the K2 remains a highly satisfying and reliable transceiver, valued by operators for its simplicity, craftsmanship, and suitability for both QRP and QRO operations.
HiR Information Report - Personal page of ax0n, featuring projects, blog entries, social media links, and professional background in cybersecurity and technology.
Edward F. "Ed" Hare, Jr., W1RFI, a long-time ARRL Lab engineer, passed away on October 10, 2025, at the age of 75. He was a dedicated ham radio operator, RFI expert, and contributor to ARRL advocacy efforts.
Meshtastic is an open-source mesh networking platform designed to facilitate decentralized, long-range, and ad-hoc communication. This article provides a full guide on how to get started, covering its features, use cases, compatible hardware, and setup instructions.
QSL World offers an AI-powered tool to visualize ham radio contacts by uploading ADIF files and generating an interactive map. The tool integrates with QRZ.com for accurate data and allows users to select QSL card designs for confirmations.
It is a high-performance tracker designed for Meshtastic, as small as a credit card, effortlessly fitting in your pocket or attaching to your assets. It embeds Semtech's LR1110 (Supports 863-928 MHz range), Nordic's nRF52840, and Mediatek's AG3335 GPS module, providing Meshtastic users with a high-precision, low-power positioning and communication solution.
OpenEmbed is creating the MeshWalkie, a Meshtastic-ready LoRa handheld using the housing of a Baofeng UV-K6 radio. It features an Espressif ESP32-S3, a Seeed Studio Wio-SX1262 LoRa transceiver, and a Seeed L76K GNSS receiver, all on a custom PCB. The project aims to provide a rugged, open-source alternative to 3D-printed or expensive injection-molded handhelds.
