Two new RSGB activities for National Coding Week

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National Coding Week takes place during the third week of September and the RSGB is dedicating the whole of the month to amateur radio and coding activities.

This year, the Society has created two new activities for you to try. Both build on worksheets it shared in previous years, however, you don’t have to have done those first.

Python Pocket Morse activity

The Python Pocket Morse activity has been developed by the RSGB Maker Champion Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI and is a low-cost opportunity to learn some Morse and programming together. The exercise will cover using a BBC Micro:bit V2 and the ‘more advanced’ Python programming instead of the previous block programming mode. It is intended as a gentle introduction to both Python and small computer programming and can be done without any previous knowledge of the micro:bit. You can download the full instructions via the activity web page.

LoRa Balloon Challenge

The other new activity is the LoRa balloon challenge. As well as the manual which guides you through the process of building your own LoRa tracker and seeing how far your signal can reach, the Society has released a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI demonstrates the process. Find both on the RSGB website.

Hams Over IP Invites Hamshack Hotline Users to Apply

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Hams Over IP Invites Hamshack Hotline Users to Apply

In response to recent service changes and anticipated outages affecting Hamshack Hotline (HH) users, Hams Over IP Inc. is extending a warm invitation to all amateur radio operators affected by the transition to apply for service on the Hams Over IP (HoIP) network.

As a volunteer-driven nonprofit platform, Hams Over IP was founded by hams for hams, with a mission to offer a reliable, secure, and modern VoIP network exclusively for licensed amateur radio operators worldwide. With robust infrastructure, active development, and a welcoming community, HoIP is proud to support the continued growth of digital amateur communications.

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South Florida Pirate Radio Operator Arrested on Felony Charge

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South Florida Pirate Radio Operator Arrested on Felony Charge

Abdias Datis, an alleged longtime illegal broadcaster in the Miami area who is also known as “DJ AJ” and “DJ 305,” was arrested while on the air Tuesday by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies.

He was charged with a third-degree felony for “unauthorized transmissions to, or interference with, a public or commercial radio station.” WPLG(TV) in Miami first reported the arrest.

Since at least 2018, according to the FCC, Datis has operated “Unique FM” on 91.7 FM without a license from Miami-Dade county. The commission proposed a $325,000 for Datis’ operation of the station in February, which apparently did not deter his broadcasts.

Datis, 50, no stranger to enforcement action, was charged with similar offenses in North Miami Beach in 2006 and 2007, according to Radio World’s review of his arrest affidavit.

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