FT4 and JS8 Added to the RFzero

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A new version of the RFzero library has been released that among other things include FT4 and JS8 encoding. Thus the RFzero is now able to transmit PC-less FT4 free text or hex messages and JS8 heartbeat message from kHz to GHz.

The RFzero is a multi-purpose GPS controlled RF unit. It can be used as a beacon (IBP, SPB, CW, FT4, FT8, JS8, JT9, PI4, WSPR, …), signal generator, VFO, QO-100 dual LO, low-cost GPSDO, e.g. for 10 MHz, or… Furthermore, the RFzero is an Arduino compatible platform. So it is possible for you to write or modify the software yourself. More than 20 programs, Arduino sketches, are integrated into the Arduino IDE for easy upload to the RFzero.

RFzero library - http://www.rfzero.net/


African Parks-on-the-Air Programme

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African Parks-on-the-Air Programme

At present there are 545 Parks registered for Southern Africa in the Worldwide Fauna and Flora database - 8 in Eswatini, 7 in Lesotho, 13 in Botswana, 10 in Mozambique, 26 each in Namibia and Zimbabwe and 455 in South Africa.

The Southern African Parks-on-the-Air programme will run 1 January to 31 December 2020 with various awards available for activators and chasers.

For an activity to be valid, you must make sure you and all your gear are inside the reserve, on foot, bicycle, motorbike, car, motorhome. You must make 10 QSOs (44 QSOs for the international awards) for your activity to count towards an activator award, but the QSOs can be made over a number of days.

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ARRL Reshapes its Podcast Offerings for 2020

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ARRL Reshapes its Podcast Offerings for 2020

In conjunction with the launch of its new On the Air magazine, which is aimed at those just beginning their journey in amateur radio, ARRL is reconfiguring its podcast lineup.

Heading up the new schedule will be a free companion podcast to the bimonthly On the Air magazine. The “On the Air” podcast will take a deeper look into select features and projects from the magazine. Each month, host and On the Air Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, will offer additional resources, techniques, and hints to help less-experienced radio amateurs to get the most from the magazine’s content.

In addition to the podcast, ARRL will introduce a free “On the Air” blog featuring curated content from the communicators and makers who are the driving force of amateur radio today. Curated by ARRL Product Development manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, the blog will highlight opportunities and activities available to new licensees. The “On the Air” blog is intended as an entry point into the world of amateur radio for those seeking original voices and perspectives. Readers will be invited to take part in the conversation by sharing their stories and experiences.

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