Amateur Radio Daily

ARDC Hiring for Software Developer and Technical Writer Roles

2026-04-18T00:00:00Z

ARDC is seeking qualified candidates to fill upcoming contract roles dedicated to software development and technical writing.

Both roles will focus on ARDC's 44Net service up to 20 hours per week for 2 months with potential for contracts to extend further. ARDC is looking for candidates with 2-5 years experience and familiarity with ARDC and 44Net. An amateur radio license is also required.

For more information and how to apply, see the full job descriptions on the ARDC website:

Source: ARDC

DXtra.com Announces New Features

2026-04-17T00:00:00Z

The following is a list of new features announced by DXtra.com:

A Ham radio callsign lookup feature based on the FCC database
Included the fleet of USA ham repeaters with computed Longley-Rice coverage maps
Added a section on FM "Tropo" - tropospheric ducting DX reception with a live FM band scanner. We display a map of CONUS with a live tropo forecast and stat analysis.
Added a lookup for all NWS weather stations with coverage maps
Added the main Public Service emergency frequency database with coverage maps
Enhanced the Disaster Simulation page (Ashville) with additional communication assets
Added USA TV fleet with coverage maps

Here at DXtra we have developed a new free to use radio portal with a variety of frequency databases and visualization tools.

Source: DXtra

Balloon Launch with Amateur Payload set for April 18th

2026-04-16T00:00:00Z

Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) and Intro2Space will launch a balloon with an APRS payload on April 18th. The balloon will launch from Metro State University of Denver in Colorado and carry an APRS beacon utilizing callsign AEØSS-4. In addition to the APRS playload, the balloon will carry an ADS-B beacon and sonar experiment.

The predicted flight path can be viewed here.

A preflight net will take place on the Fun Machine linked repeater system, TGIF talkgroup 815, and Echolink node CANONCTY.

Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) formed in 1990 and has been launching high altitude balloon experiments on behalf of universities, colleges, high schools and middle schools for over 26 years.

Source: Edge of Space Sciences

ITU Corporation Acquires Cushcraft, Hy-gain from MFJ

2026-04-15T00:00:00Z

The Linton News is reporting that ITU Corporation has acquired the Cushcraft and Hy-gain brands from MFJ Enterprises. ITU will move manufacturing from Mississippi to a recently purchased facility in Linton, Indiana and will bring 50 new jobs to the area.

I am thrilled to pass the torch of these legendary antenna brands to Dave & Kambi Carpenter and their team at ITU Corporation. —Martin F. Jue, MFJ President

Source: Linton News

ROC-HAM Radio Network Celebrates 11th Annual World Amateur Radio Day 2026

2026-04-11T00:00:00Z

The following is a message from ROC-HAM Radio Network:

Join us on April 18th for the 11th annual WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY as we celebrate the 101th anniversary of the formation of the IARU in Paris,France.

2026 marks the 11th year I have been putting on this special event marking the formation of the IARU in Paris, France. This event has brought together more than 6,000 contacts over the years. Never did I think for one minute I would be bringing this event to you for more than 10 years. It has been an honor to bring like minded people together and celebrate amateur radio.

Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the the formation of the IARU and this year there is a great theme. “Advancing the spirit of amateur radio through innovation.”

We have come a long way since the inception of amateur radio and the technologies used from the beginning to everything from digital modes to moon bounce to microwave. Loads of different modes of communications and all this done by like minded people using technology to advance communications via technology.

So join us once again to celebrate amateur radio. We will have a limited edition QSL card.

World Amateur Radio Day 2026 – April 18TH – 9AM EST / 13.00 UTC
Echolink ROC-HAM Conference Server Node 531091
AllStar node numbers 2585, 47918, 47620
DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
Extended Freedom SIP Portal 2585
M0XSV YorkshireSVX Reflector TG2585
We will also be on the HF bands. Go to ROC-HAM.net to find which frequency we will be on.
9AM-11AM - VOIP
11AM - ? - HF BANDS

World Amateur Radio Day 2026

IARU is very pleased to announce the theme of: “Advancing the Spirit of Amateur Radio Through Innovation.” IARU celebrated its centenary in 2025. Since its founding in Paris, France, IARU has worked tirelessly to promote innovation in amateur radio and to encourage the growth of the service in communities throughout the world.

IARU has represented the Amateur Services at international and regional regulatory bodies by relying on our volunteers who come from many countries and communities. IARU has been a sector member of the ITU since 1932 and the work of our volunteers has continued since that date with unmatched success, as was highlighted with the accomplishments at WRC-23.

During our centenary year, we should take time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of radio amateurs over the last 100 years. While the Amateur Services have been in operation for over a century, 1924 was the first year that intercontinental amateur communication became more or less commonplace. Since that time radio amateurs have made unparalleled advances in technology related to the Amateur Services that play a critical role today in sustaining world-wide communications and allow us to respond to global emergencies.

World Amateur Radio Day is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements since 1924. We should celebrate our diverse community and the advances and innovations we have made as we look forward to celebrating the IARU centenary next year.

Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

AMSAT Announces Hamvention 2026 Activities and Events

2026-04-07T00:00:00Z

AMSAT has announced their lineup of events and activities for Hamvention 2026:

Dinner at Tickets
Thursday May 14 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT at Tickets Pub & Eatery
Informal social event
TAPR/AMSAT Banquet
Friday May 15 $75
Speaker to be announced
AMSAT Forum
Saturday May 16 from 1:50 PM to 3:10 PM EDT in Forum Room 2

More information is available on the AMSAT website.

Source: AMSAT

Open HamClock Backend now Independent of Clear Sky Proxy Data

2026-04-06T00:00:00Z

The following is a message from Open HamClock Backend contributor Chris Smith (G1FEF), with light editing by K4HCK:

Open Hamclock Backend is now fully independent of the original source and does not proxy any data from the Clear Sky Institute server. When the original backend server goes offline in June, anyone using OHB will find their HamClock will continue to work. We've also made some improvements over the original, especially in terms of CPU and memory use. It is now more efficient, so anyone hosting it on their own hardware will see instant improvements.

We have two more items of exciting news to share:

We now have a publicly available OHB server which anyone using HamClock is welcome to use. Just point your HamClock to: ohb.hamclock.app:80

This server is dedicated hardware hosted in a commercial datacenter and is free for all HamClock users to enjoy.

We also now have a website where you can keep track of the latest releases, find instructions on how to use OHB, see who is behind the initiative, as well as how to contact us to provide feedback and ask for assistance:

https://ohb.works/

Source: Open HamClock Backend

Follow One Ham Radio Operator Tracking Artemis II for NASA

2026-04-05T00:00:00Z

One of the amateur radio operators selected by NASA to help track the Artemis II mission via RF is posting regular updates to Bluesky. Back in January, NASA announced the volunteers selected to help track the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission and one of those volunteers was Scott Tilley (VE7TIL) who is also working with the University of New Brunswick in Canada which was also selected by NASA.

The Vancouver Sun recently published an article featuring Tilley and his progress tracking Orion so far:

The data will help NASA “identify ways to augment future moon and Mars mission support,” according to an agency statement. Or, as Tilley puts it, it’s a way to see if smaller stations that use technology such as his could be used on future moon missions, so they don’t have to task the larger, more costly primary systems.

Tilley tracked the Artemis I mission, Mars probes from both China and NASA, and many other satellites. You can follow his current progress with Artemis II on Bluesky and learn more about his current focus on a new method of Doppler extraction.

Source: Amateur Radio Daily

VOA Museum Announces Expanded Hours During Hamvention

2026-04-01T00:00:00Z

The following is a press release from VOA Museum:

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in conjunction with the West Chester Amateur Radio Association announce expanded hours for the museum during the 2026 Hamvention. We will be open for the following:

Thursday May 14th from 12:00 to 9:00PM
Friday May 15th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM
Saturday May 16th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM
Sunday May 17th from 12:00 to 5:00 PM

Admission is $10.00 at the door. Our Amateur Radio station WC8VOA will be on the air to operate. The museum is a short drive from Hamvention down either Interstate 75 or Route 42 from Xenia. GPS use Crosley Blvd.

Exhibits include a dedicated room for vintage Amateur Radio and shortwave equipment. See the first transmitter for the VOA from 1942. A disc jockey’s station from a vintage radio station. Our Amateur Radio Shack with state-of-the-art equipment from Yaesu, Icom, Elecraft and Mosley. Docents and ARS operators will be available to enhance your visit to the museum.

For further information you can visit us at voamuseum.org or wc8voa.org on the web. You can also find us on Facebook at National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Our regular hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 until 4:00 PM. We are located at

8070 Tylersville Road
West Chester, Ohio 45069

Phone 513-777-0027

Source: VOA Museum

April Fools' Day 2026 Round-up

2026-04-01T00:00:00Z

April Fools' Day wouldn't be complete without several attempts at mischief among the amateur radio community and 2026 has been no exception! Here are links to several April Fools' Day events that made their way across the Amateur Radio Daily news desk.

DX Engineering Unveils a Ham Radio Game-Changer—the All-New Antenna Encabulator
After decades of research, DX Engineering has perfected the balance of inverse reactive current and the automatic syncrization of ham radio grammeters thanks to the all-new high-performance Antenna Encabulator. See the related video.

The RetroRig by N6ARA Electronics
RetroRig offers the least-modern discomforts optimized for the traveling ham. View the video or Place your order.

U.S. Administration Supports Ham Radio Homebrew
In a decision that puzzled many analysts, the Federal Communications Commission has come out with a new policy that seems to support the at home construction ("homebrew") of amateur radio equipment.

POTA Platinum — new paid tier for POTA!
To maximize profits, we're introducing POTA Platinum. New rules, new benefits — for a price. See this video explanation.

Source: Amateur Radio Daily

New Regulations for Hams in Norway

2026-03-31T00:00:00Z

Amateur radio operators in Norway have a number of new regulations including a new entry-level license, "begrenset lisens." Remote control limitations have been lifted, specifically the limitation over remote operation in Norwegian overseas territories. The 23cm band now more closely adheres to CEPT recommendations.

More details are available from Föreningen Sveriges Sändareamatörer.

Source: Föreningen Sveriges Sändareamatörer

IP400 Project Marks Halfway Point

2026-03-30T00:00:00Z

The following is a compilation of updates from ADRCS regarding the IP400 Project.

[The IP400 Project has reached the halfway point], the hardware development is complete, as well as the research phases for proof of concept. We are now at the point where we will be doing limited production runs for the various hardware components, and the rest of the development effort from here on it will be mostly in firmware and FPGA development.

The outputs from the development effort are many and varied, there will be a new outdoor 400MHz node with an integrated power amplifier, an AllstarLink upgrade to add OFDM data modes to existing repeater systems, as well as an OFDM TNC for standalone use, all nodes supporting high speed data as well as an AX.25 compatible KISS mode.

The project development continues on three fronts:

Node Hardware
Firmware
New Modes

Node Hardware
The mini-node has been revised to add a POE ethernet adapter, making it now a three board stack instead of two. The 5W power amplifier has been designed, pre-production units will be available soon. The supernode prototype has been built, and the design for the production version and TNC OEM board is complete. Both are pending prototype builds.

Firmware
The unified firmware platform is in development, and pending successful testing, will be released for beta testing with Mode A only on the WL33 platforms shortly.

New Modes
Development of Mode B is ongoing and is looking very promising. Mode C will be available later this year.

Source: ADRCS

Cat Pix on the Air CPOTA 2026

2026-03-29T00:00:00Z

Cat Pix on the Air (CPOTA) 2026 will celebrate International Cat Day by transmitting images of cats via SSTV.

The internet was made for sharing funny cat pictures and movies. On August 8th, International cat day, so will the radio waves! Ham radio amateurs will celebrate this day with a special SSTV event using cat pictures only.

This contest will score the number of QSOs made by each operator. Special callsigns PD6MEOW (Netherlands) and N1C (US) are already registered. Additional special callsigns may be registered with the event.

Source: CPOTA

ARISS SSTV Event Celebrates Cosmonautics Day

2026-03-26T00:00:00Z

ARISS will transmit images from Series 31 utilizing the SSTV system on the International Space Station (ISS). This event will run April 10-14 on 437.55 MHz.

SSTV Series 31 images will pay tribute Cosmonautics Day, 100th anniversary of liquid-fueled rockets, the inaugural Space Shuttle launch, and SuitSat.

Dates, times, and frequencies will be revealed closer to the event date.

Source: ARISS

Hams Recognize World Autism Acceptance Week

2026-03-25T00:00:00Z

Entering its fourth year, World Autism Acceptance Week will take place April 1-7 with an international cohort of amateur radio operators on the air to recognize the event. Because it's OK to be Different. Special event stations include:

W2A
W2A/KL7
W2A/KH6
GB2AA
GB2AAW
GB2WAA
GB0AAW
GB4AAW
GB5AAW
GW5WAA
GB6AAW
GB9AAW
GB9WAA
II2AUT
8A2AAW
9M4CSI
9A24WAW
HI0A
S76A
VC2AA
PA24WAAD
PD2024AAW
VO1BIG/VE3
A60WAAD
7A2M

2026 brings partnerships with II2AUT in Italy and A60WAAW in the United Arab Emirates

More information is available on QRZ.

Source: W2A

Pirate Hunt 2026

2026-03-24T00:00:00Z

Pirate Hunt 2026 encourages listeners to seek out pirate radio stations and log them to the Pirate Hunt forums. The contest runs April 3rd through April 6th. SDRs are allowed.

Logs must include identification but only from stations without a license. Diplomas will be available. More information is available on the Radioactives of Middle Finland forum.

Source: Sisä-Suomen Radioaktiiviset

Dog Day Radio ARC Promotes Advocacy for Healthy Puppies

2026-03-21T00:00:00Z

Members of the Dog Day Radio Amateur Radio Club are putting the callsign K0DOG on the air to advocate for the responsible care, breeding and rescue of puppies everywhere. Please show your support - and share your stories - by contacting the operators via CW or SSB from 0000 March 22nd through to 2359 March 23rd.

This special-event activation is in recognition of National Puppy Day, a day of recognition credited to US animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige.

All confirmed QSOs will be eligible for a downloadable certificate from the link on the QRZ.com page - or an eQSL.

Please help spread awareness of puppies who need the best start so they can share a lifetime of joy with those who love them!

The club recently completed a successful activation of K9 Veterans Day earlier this month and will be active again in August as part of a global team for International Dog Day.

Source: K0DOG

Buckingham Army Airfield Special Event W4LX

2026-03-15T00:00:00Z

The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) will be honoring Army Air Force members that trained at Buckingham Army Airfield during World War II. The special event station will be on the air March 17-19 utilizing callsign W4LX.

Our annual Special Event at the Buckingham Field in Lehigh Acres will be March 17th, 18th, and 19th 2026 to commemorate all of the men and women who trained at this facility during World War II, when it was called Buckingham Army Airfield.

Frequencies:

28.340
21.350
14.240

Certificates and QSL cards will be available. See the FMARC website for details.

Source: Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club

2026 Skywarn Youth Severe Weather Awareness Special Event

2026-03-14T00:00:00Z

Special event station N0A will be on the air March 15-29 promoting Severe Weather Awareness 2026. Sponsored by Skywarn Youth, this event is designed to promote severe weather awareness across the globe.

Look for N0A across multiple HF bands on SSB and FT8.

About Skywarn Youth Net

The Skywarn Youth Net is a weekly Net (or on-air meeting). This Net provides valuable training for young amateur radio operators by helping them learn how to handle on-air traffic, by introducing them to different geographic locations and names here in the United States and throughout the world, and by encouraging awareness about basic weather facts and current and upcoming weather conditions.

The net takes place every Sunday evening at 7:30 PM central time. More information is available on the Skywarn Youth Net website.

Source: Skywarn Youth Net

RCA and IWCE Announce 2026 Slate of Young Professionals

2026-03-13T00:00:00Z

The Radio Club of America and IWCE are pleased to announce the 2026 slate of Young Professionals. The Young Professionals program celebrates industry professionals 40 years old and younger who have a minimum two years experience in wireless communications. This program offers a unique opportunity to bring together our Young Professionals with senior executives, industry innovators, and distinguished guests from all areas of the wireless industries. This year’s Young Professionals will be feted at a breakfast in their honor during the 2026 IWCE Expo on March 19.

2026 Young Professionals

Precious Fodor

Precious Fodor was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University, where she also commissioned as a U.S. Navy Officer through the NROTC Program, building on a passion for science and technology that began on a FIRST Robotics team at Staten Island Technical High School. She has held multiple leadership roles during overseas deployments as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, leading more than 105 electricians, and engineers in the maintenance and operation of ship-wide communications, radar, and electrical power systems and overseeing 200 Sailors responsible for quality assurance, repair management, navigation, and administrative program. Precious continues to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Currently, Precious serves as the National Service Manager at Eastern Communications Ltd., overseeing a nationwide network of 15 service centers and 80 technicians supporting mission-critical Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems for public safety and government agencies. She is deeply passionate about the engineering and communications industry and its role in protecting and connecting communities, serves on the Radio Club of America Executive Committee as Secretary, and has been actively involved with organizations including the FIRST Robotics Alumni Association, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and New York Veterans Associations, where she mentors

students, supports women in engineering and military careers, and strengthens veteran communities.

Andy Huynh

Andy Huynh is a Telecommunications Systems Engineer in the Interoperable Radio Systems Division of the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department (ISD). He brings extensive experience in wireless and systems engineering, beginning as a Broadcast Engineer for AM/FM radio at iHeartMedia Los Angeles and later as an RF Engineer at Notora (now Centerline Communications), specializing in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Andy transitioned to public service as a Radio Technician at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Network Operations Center before managing projects for low-voltage and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems. In his current role on the Spectrum Management Team, he focuses on interference mitigation and supports mission-critical public safety communications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology from Cal Poly Pomona and is a licensed amateur radio operator (KA6NDY).

Max Johnson

Max Johnson is an Electrical Engineer at Dark Wolf Ventures, a Colorado-based firm specializing in advanced radio and satellite communications systems for military, national security, law enforcement, and first-responder missions. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines with an emphasis in Information and Systems Sciences. At Dark Wolf Ventures, Max works with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, integrate, and validate communication-centric electronic systems. His core responsibilities include schematic capture, PCB design and layout, and embedded firmware development. He develops robust hardware and low-level software that operates reliably in demanding RF and satellite communications environments, ensuring seamless interaction between complex electronic subsystems.

Sean Martin

Sean is a sales professional in the Aerospace and Defense Industry; joining VIAVI Solutions, Inc in 2023. Sean solves customer test & measurement challenges with solutions in the RF, LMR, Avionics, Fiber & Ethernet markets within Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He is an Ohio University College of Business Graduate with a BBA in Management Information Systems and Certificate in Strategic/Technical Selling. Sean also earned a Post-graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Purdue University.

Chris Vargas

I have spent the last ten years working in sales, beginning in retail clothing, then transitioning into consumer electronics, and eventually moving into inside sales. Throughout that journey, I’ve grown not only as a salesperson, but also in how deeply I value the products I represent and the people I work with. I’ve been with Icom for about a year and a half now. Before joining the company, I had little to no experience in radio communications. One thing I take great pride in, however, is fully immersing myself in the products I represent. I believe that if you are going to stand

behind a product, you should truly understand it—inside and out. Over time, I’ve gone from knowing virtually nothing about radio communications to being able to confidently discuss and recommend communication solutions that best fit the needs of customers looking to upgrade or implement new systems. While I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, I also recognize that my time in this industry is only just beginning. The more I learn, the more fascinated I become with communication technology, and I’m excited for the growth and opportunities that lie ahead. Although I’m not physically at IWCE this year to receive this award, I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the IWCE/RCA Young Professional Award.

About RCA
Founded in 1909, the Radio Club of America is the oldest, most prestigious group of wireless communications professionals in the world. Members are dedicated to the wireless art and science for the betterment of society. The Radio Club of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.radioclubofamerica.org.

About IWCE
International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2026 is the definitive critical communications event, uniting the complete ecosystem—from 911 centers to enterprise security—to accelerate mission-critical technology deployments.

Source: Radio Club of America