Easing The Way For Blind Hams To Use Digital Modes

/
Easing The Way For Blind Hams To Use Digital Modes

Software builders and tinkerers are being sent a special message from a fellow ham on behalf of radio operators like him who are blind or have low vision, keeping them from enjoying some digital modes.

One of the gifts that Darrell Hilliker, NU7I, has provided to users of contemporary technology is his blog, Blind Access Journal. As an advocate for people who are blind, like Darrell - or perhaps challenged by low vision or obstacles posed by ageing - he has developed his blog to provide resources to developers, decision-makers and other consumers of technology so they can make the modern world more accessible to everyone.

The Arizona radio amateur has now issued a call - a QST in every sense - asking fellow hams to turn their efforts toward making digital mode software such as WSJT-X more accessible too.

Read More

AMSAT Youth Initiative Takes a Closer Look at Climate Change

/

As students return to school after the holiday break, the AMSAT Youth Initiative has released the second instalment in its free online series about satellites and their impact on life here on Earth.

The course is called "Satellites and Climate Change" and was written by Eric Sonnenwald, N2XSE, a retired educator in New Jersey. Eric was also the author of the first instalment, released in late 2025: "Satellites and Meteorology."

Anyone wanting to help students learn more in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics will have access to material in the Youth Initiatives program, which will have 14 instalments in all.

The program has received two grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications. Two more courses will be launched online shortly: "Satellites and Pollution Control" and "Satellites and Preservation of Natural Resources."

More Information - http://www.buzzsat.com

New Zealand Hams Use "ZM" Prefix for Centenary Year

/

The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters was created for the country's ham radio operators 100 years ago in Auckland on the 16th August 2026. Not looking to miss out on a full-scale celebration this year, hams have already begun marking the occasion with modified callsigns. 

How do you show pride in the group that has come to represent and advocate for amateur radio in New Zealand? One way is to drop the "ZL" prefix and swap it out with "ZM" during the centenary year of 2026. So be listening! The "ZM" prefix is a recognised special-event callsign in New Zealand and has been used before. This occasion is a far happier one than the previous authorisation by Radio Spectrum Management, which allowed the use of "ZM" during the period of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Don't worry, the "ZL" prefix isn't going away for the year. You'll see be hearing for special event callsigns such as ZL100MVL and ZL100AM, which have been approved for use until 31 March.