Issue 390 July 19, 2025

Top links

Thoughts on Open Source and M17
It is exceptionally unfortunate that no warning was given to the thousands of users in our community who use MMDVM and WPSD software.
The Random Wire

Building the CC1200 M17 Hotspot
This small device can be plugged on the Raspberry Pi Zero’s GPIO pins and will then act as a M17 hotspot.
RZ01

What’s new at Digital Library of Amateur Radio & Communications — Packet Radio History
I’ve got huge news for fans of packet radio and packet radio historians: in the last month, the DLARC library has digitized reams of historical documents detailing the birth of packet radio specs, software, and hardware.
Zero Retries

MeshCore: A Meshtastic alternative
"Unlimited" hops, more intuitive system helps this project shine.
MeshCore

Radio Relay International and ARRL sign memorandum of understanding
Future plans for the improvement of NTS include the development of additional robust HF digital networks.
ARRL

Ham Radio users clash with Starlink Rival AST SpaceMobile over spectrum use
AST wants to use the 430 to 440MHz band for a satellite-to-phone service.
PC Mag

Radio hobbyists, Rejoice! good news for LoRa & mesh
A set of radio devices and technologies are opening the doorway to new and revolutionary forms of communication.
EFF

Alternative firmwares for ATS Mini Radio: A technical guide
The ATS Mini DSP radio is a marvel of portable digital signal processing (DSP) radio technology.
DXR Electronics Bits

Handwritten notes, Ham Radio help rescue mother, son lost in California forest
The Ham operator then contacted the El Dorado 911 center, which provided the information to Calaveras Dispatch.
KTLA

Video

This new digital voice mode will impress you
RADE uses just 1.5KHz but can produce 8KHz of audio.
Tech Minds

70cm high power amplifier build
Modifying a commercial UHF pallet for use with 70cm.
Tech Minds

Full guide to setting up HF APRS with YAAC and VARA for beginners
This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the entire configuration process using Linux Mint, making it easy for ham radio operators to get started with HF APRS over VARA on a Linux system.
KM4ACK

An incredibly well-produced local news segment on Ham Radio
At this Ohio Ham Radio competition, every connection makes a difference.
WKYC