Remote FT8, No VPN Required: Say Hello to HamRadioWeb

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Remote FT8, No VPN Required: Say Hello to HamRadioWeb

Remote digital mode operating has always come with a bit of setup baggage — port forwarding, VPNs, and enough configuration to put off anyone who just wants to get on the air. A new platform is aiming to strip that away entirely.

HamRadioWeb is a new web-based platform built for remote FT8/FT4 operation, designed to work straight from any mobile browser or PC without the usual complexity of VPNs or port forwarding. It's aimed squarely at the DX community and anyone managing a remote station or DXpedition setup, where quick, low-friction access matters.

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Germany Likely to Get Full 4 Metres Band Back

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Since there was no extension at the end of 2025 to the temporary permission for radio amateurs in Germany to operate in part of the 4m band from 70.150-70.210 MHz, no operation on the band has been permitted in 2026. 

As reported in the DARC's "Radio DARC" broadcast on Sunday 5th July, a recently released communication number 364/26, signed by Friedrich Merz, DK7DQ, sent from the Bundeskabinett to the Bundesrat (two parts of the German government), contains footnote number 12 on page 61 which states that there is no objection to the frequency range from 70.0 - 70.5MHz (i.e. the full 4-metre band allocation) being allocated for amateur use on a secondary, non-interference and no protection from interference from military or commercial users, basis.

This, however, is only the first step for this new (hopefully permanent) allocation. First, the action will need to be authorised at a meeting on July 10th (Friday of the week that we are recording this ICQ Podcast), and following that, how long it will take for full implementation is unknown; however, the commentator on Radio DARC believes it is unlikely that this will be made law before the end of this year's current Sporadic E season.

New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net

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New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net

The ID numbers used for DMR and other amateur radio digital networks are a finite resource. Due to the growing popularity of these modes, along with some users requiring multiple IDs, certain regions are expected to face ID shortages in the near future.

To help ensure that available IDs are being used efficiently, the organisation in charge of maintaining the ID database will periodically verify that currently assigned IDs are still needed and that the information associated with them remains accurate.

Beginning 1st July 2026, RadioID.net will implement an annual verification process. On the anniversary of each account’s creation, it will send an email to the account holder requesting confirmation that the assigned ID(s) are still needed and that the account information remains accurate and up to date.

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