Summer Holiday Mode added WSPRlite system

SOTABEAMS has issued a major firmware upgrade for their WSPRlite antenna testing system.

Since its release a little under two years ago the WSPRlite system has become a popular way for DXers to compare antenna systems. 

The upgraded firmware allows users to transmit compound callsigns such as F/G3CWI and also to transmit six character grids. WSPRlites will run directly from an Android phone. The phone provides timing and position information. This combination, together with the firmware upgrade, makes a handy pocket-sized package to take on holiday for some ham radio fun from the beach!

Firmware available from https://www.DXplorer.net

WSPRlite system - https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-antenna-tester/

Ham Radio Technology Used in Thailand Cave Rescue

UK radio amateur John Hey G3TDZ (SK) designed the special low frequency radio equipment, the Heyphone, used in the recent cave rescue in Thailand

“Naturally I got interested in the technical aspects of the cave rescue in Thailand, particularly communications.

They used the “Heyphone”, a voice radio designed by a UK radio ham, John Hey, G3TDZ, as open-source hardware specifically for cave rescues.
It uses upper (single) sideband voice on 87 kilohertz in the VLF (very low frequency) band. (That’s what it says — 87 kHz is actually LF).

The “antenna” consists of two stakes driven into the ground about 20m apart. Enough of the current between them fringes outward to couple to another antenna up to a few hundred meters away (or down).”

— Phil Karn KA9Q

John Hey passed away in 2016 so he didn't get to see his work used here. But ham radio should get some of the credit.

Phil Karn KA9Q (Facebook) - https://facebook.com/phil.karn.98/posts/10155276627256486

Phil Karn KA9Q (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/ka9q

John Hey G3TDZ Heyphone Cave Rescue Communication System - http://bcra.org.uk/creg/heyphone/

Kenwood TS-890S Pricing Announced

News has filtered through about dealer pricing for the new Kenwood TS-890S Amateur / Ham Radio HF/4m/6m transceiver.

Pre-orders are being taken by UK dealers, at a price of £4999.95

Early indication from dealers in the UNited States suggests the radio will be available for €4,000