Amateur Radio Daily

Linux Kernel Drops AX.25 and Amateur Radio Subsystem Support

2026-04-24T00:00:00Z

Earlier today Linus Torvalds merged a pull request to remove AX.25 and hamradio subsystem support from the Linux kernel. While the headline sounds ominous, most modern AX.25 implementations occur in software at the user level without relying on the kernel level implementation. Direwolf, for example, does not require kernel level AX.25 support. Other software relying on AX.25 may take advantage of dedicated AX.25 Python libraries.

The change comes as a result of AI based bug detection services capable of identifying critical issues among code that may no longer be maintained or utilized by end users. Torvalds stated that the amateur radio related code in the Linux kernel no longer had any active maintainers:

Amateur radio did have occasional users (or so I think) but most users switched to user space implementations since its all super slow stuff. Nobody stepped up to maintain the kernel code.

According to typesense the last Linux kernel commit related to AX.25 was 6 years ago.

Additional code removed includes ISDN support, bus mouse support, and various network drivers including support for old 3Com devices.

Source: Phoronix

Icom Teases X-026 Radio to be Revealed at Hamvention 2026

2026-04-23T00:00:00Z

In a reel posted to Facebook, Icom has teased a new radio, the X-026 to be revealed at Hamvention 2026. Dubbed as a "concept mock-up," the radio appears to be a mobile rig based on the focus of a vehicle through most of the video. The radio also appears to have a detachable faceplate and support multiple antenna inputs.

From hamlife.jp:

It is a separate machine that separates the main body from the main body and the operation part (display) from the image, and the operation part has four dials around the display (upper, lower and right), and the lower left part is a large size. From its shape, it seems to be a different model from the 144 / 430MHz band D-STAR / FM mobile machine "ID-5200" exhibited at last year's "Ham Fair 2025".

Source: Icom

Hams to Honor Police and Emergency Medical Personnel with Special Event

2026-04-22T00:00:00Z

The following is a message from David (VE3KGK):

From May 10 to May 16 a small group in SW Ontario will be putting on the special call sign VB3COPS during Police Services Week to honor and thank all Police Personnel for what they do for us daily, and from May 17 to May 23 we will be putting on special call sign VB3EMS during Emergency Medical Services Week to honor and thank all our First Responders for the job they do daily for which we seldom get to thank them.

Information will be available on QRZ.com under VB3COPS and VB3EMS.

Logs will be uploaded to eQSL after the end of the events. Paper QSLs will also be available.

Source: VB3COPS

📡 DXLook Gets a Full Rebuild — Same Map, Sharper Everything

2026-04-21T00:00:00Z

The following is a press release from DXLook:

After a lot of work behind the scenes, DXLook has been completely rebuilt and is now live in production.

👉 https://dxlook.com

This isn’t just an update. It’s a full rewrite of the frontend — the part you interact with — designed to make the site faster, cleaner, and much easier to use across all devices.

What changed?

If you’ve used DXLook before, the idea is the same:
A single place to see real-time propagation using data from PSK Reporter, WSPR, RBN, DX Cluster, POTA, SOTA, APRS, and space weather.

What changed is how it feels to use it.

The site loads faster
Mobile finally behaves like a proper mobile app
Tablet users now get a real layout (not just a stretched phone view)
Widgets are cleaner and more stable
Navigation is more predictable

Nothing you rely on is gone — it just works better.

What’s new for operators

A few things you’ll notice right away:

Band Activity widget
- A quick way to see which bands are active and where, using DXLook’s data.
Improved layout and controls
- Less overlap, less jumping around, more focus on the map.
Better Events page
- Easier to use when planning operating activity.

Why this matters

The previous version of DXLook had grown a lot over time, and it was starting to show its limits.

This rebuild removes those limits.

It means:

Faster updates and improvements going forward
Better performance on all devices
More flexibility to add new features and tools

In short, this is the foundation for what comes next.

A quick note

This is a fresh release.
If you notice something off, it’s probably real — and feedback is welcome.

About DXLook

DXLook is a free, ad-free, web-based tool for amateur radio operators to visualize real-time propagation and activity across multiple data sources, all in one place.

Built and maintained by
Rodrigo Vazquez — AK6FP / LU6ERV

73,
Rodrigo – AK6FP / LU6ERV

Source: DXLook

SteppIR Returns to Amateur Radio Market

2026-04-20T00:00:00Z

In a message posted to the SteppIR website, the company has announced their return to the amateur radio market. SteppIR originally exited the amateur radio market back in June of 2025. Going forward, their products will be available through online sales.

We will be bringing back select antennas that will be purchased as kits on our website – Urban Beam Yagi 40m-6m (dipole on 40m/30m), 3 element Yagi 20m-6m, 4 element Yagi 20m-6m. The 3E and 4E Yagi will also have the 40/30 loop dipole option available.

Warranty and services will accompany new sales.

Source: SteppIR

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