Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN: https://www.youtube.com/@OH8STN

This YouTube Channel contains a wealth of useful information!

— Numerous videos are ordered in categories (and much more):
• Portable Ham Radio Reviews
• Portable Ham Radio Go Kits
• Ham Radio for Preppers
• Microsoft Surface for Ham Radio
• Ham Radio with a Raspberry Pi
• Battery & Solar Power for Ham Radio

Some of these videos have been linked to as comments in various topics here.

I thought it would be nice to have them at your fingertips.

For those who thought HF and MF can be scrapped and replaced entirely by satellite, you can read here what happened when one of the major providers of satellite service was hacked the day Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022:

https://nrrl.no/nyheter/nrrls-assistanse-til-meteorologisk-institutts-stasjoner-pa-ishavet/

Google Translate will do a decent job here if you don't read Norwegian.

A couple of background links about the break of communications:

https://thestack.technology/viasat-ka-sat-outage-cyber/
https://news.viasat.com/blog/corporate/ka-sat-network-cyber-attack-overview

http://morse-rss-news.sourceforge.net/

https://sourceforge.net/projects/morse-rss-news/

http://morse-rss-news.sourceforge.net/rssmorsedoc/news.html

This is PC/Windows only, so I cannot test it on my Macs.

https://morsefree.com/

QuoteFree Morse Code Training Course for Beginners
Learn Morse Code from a professional
by Ham Radio Veteran & Morse Code Instructor: Richard C. Fitch (W5RCF)

Lots of useful stuff for beginners:

• Complete Chart of Morse Code Characters with Audio
• List of commonly used Morse Code Abbreviations & Shorthand
• CW Q Codes

I recently found this Norwegian Christmas card, I guess it's up to a century old. Merry Christmas!



For the folkloristic background of these guys, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisse_(folklore)

Quote from: gil on November 14, 2016, 09:57:33 AMI use UHF here more than VHF, so I really would like the RigExpert AA-600 ...

https://rigexpert.com/  —  https://www.facebook.com/pg/RigExpertUkraineLtd/

QuoteThis is the official page of Rig Expert Ukraine Ltd. company, which is the owner of RigExpert brand. This trademark is registered in Ukraine as well as in the USA.

We produce antenna analyzers, transceiver interfaces, ARDF equipment and amateur radio software ...

This company has been referred to only once before in the forum. Now Norway's largest vendor of ham equipment is offering several Rig Expert products. So I guess they produce high quality goods?

https://www.facebook.com/PermoSimarud/  —  https://webshop.simarud.no/hovedmeny/radiokommunikasjon

Anyone in here with user experience of any Rig Expert products?

Quote from: vy2js on November 11, 2019, 08:40:42 PM
Using a great phone app called Morse Mania ...

Puzzled to find that this great software hasn't been mentioned in the forum until today. Here is the developer's site:

https://www.blackcatsystems.com/index.html

I started using Morse Mania on my desktop Mac more than 20 years ago:

http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/morsemania.html

The desktop/laptop version is Mac only, but for cellphones they have made it for both dominant systems:

https://www.blackcatsystems.com/iphone/morse_mania_morse_code_app.html
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/morse-mania/id369359680
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.countrymania.morse

69 plus 75 minutes of Morse Code classroom instruction for beginners, well worth viewing for those who want to learn [Learn Morse Code with KN4GB and the class]:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR0NESR3tJY [Morse Code Class 01]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN0c6_VAyJ0 [Morse Code Class 02]

Homepage: https://w4eey.com/index.html

YouTube channel, many Morse videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI3DKjqB4OLY2UXm2KqDpwQ

W4EEY linked to a 31 pages long PDF:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mhnd6i4cnp8bjag/AADrb7-Uyu5iLfc8CKuQvI7ra
[Introduction To Morse Code — By Melvyn Robinson — KN4GB]

https://qrpver.com/transceivers/all-band-hf-direct-conversion-transceiver-qrpver-dc-3001-minion-mini.html

This $350 transceiver from Odessa in Ukraine looks very interesting and affordable to me.

• "This is a small-size 10 band short-wave QRP transceiver."
• "The transceiver has small dimensions of 100x103x30 mm. and a light weight of 430 grams. It will suit both for work on the field trip, on nature, at the dacha .... So for everyday work, at home."
[...]
• "Power supply voltage: 9-14.8V (Rated supply voltage 13.8V)".
• "Consumed current in the "RX" receiving mode and 25% loudness: ~ 120mA. At 100% loudness: up to  ~ 250mA."

— They say nothing about batteries — so what would be an optimal battery taking this set for hiking in the mountains?

Also, any comment, such as user experience, will be valuable to me.

Edit: Removed 'the' before Ukraine: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18233844

http://morsecode.world/m/eJxdj4EJADEIA_FdoePcuB3BAUv9t40vKEZjiI-PEUZYFn65K7mZXn1mhnJrum8-MZGA6ZQUhyGYDg_Q025MmS-FKyP-2yfikms8bAH4E05M


http://morsecode.world/m/eJxjYhYRsYGALYwgDCGhHCQmiITwljCjqoGJQNgoGuAssDySapggBguiByIAAOVmLtc=

Quote from: https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/morserino-32-multifunctional-morse-code-machine-25-10-2018/Morserino 32 is a new multifunctional Morse code machine specifically built for anyone wanting to learn Morse code or improve their Morse code skills. Watch the demonstration video below to learn more about the system which has launched by a Kickstarter and already raised its required goal with still 12 days remaining on its campaign.

The development team behind the Morserino 32 explain more about its creation and features.

"This kit will change how people learn and practice Morse code. Based on a previous device (the MetaMorserino) and on the experiences of CW Schule Graz, Morserino-32 features a number of functionalities that are, in its combination, unrivalled by any other morse code practice device on the market"

– CW Keyer
– Code Generator
– Echo Trainer (repeat what you hear)
– CW Decoder (from a straight key or from audio input)"
– CW Transceiver, using LoRa in the 70cm band"

It comes with capacitive touch paddles, so you can start learning and practicing without the need to buy an expensive mechanical paddle. But of course, once you have learned the basics and are on your way to the High Speed Club, you can of course connect your favorite mechanical paddle."

Much more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/43258892/morserino-32

Quote from: https://www.sapiens.org/culture/prepping-anthropology/
PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
For Preppers, the Apocalypse Is Just Another Disaster

The prepping movement has a bad image spurred by right-wing extremists. But preppers are a largely misunderstood bunch.
CHAD HUDDLESTON / 14 MAR 2018

Radios are mentioned only briefly: "... the usefulness of short wave radios ...".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r19nbag65po

QuoteHelge Fykse  [LA6NCA] — Published 30 Nov. 2017

I show here two of the best radio receivers made during WW2.
E52b and Lo6K39a.
Lo6K39a is probably the world's best TRF receiver.
E52b is the best receiver made during the war.

Quote from: http://w5nor.org/morse/
You want to learn Samuel F. B. Morse's (shown above) most famous code. The South Canadian Amateur Radio Society (SCARS) wants to help. Mark Kleine N5HZR developed this series of web pages to help you learn the 40 characters of the International Morse Code in about 20 lessons. Additionally, you can continue to practice hearing your code for another 20 lessons. In the first lesson we introduce two characters, the letters K and M. Think of this as if you're learning the sounds 'momma' and 'dada', as an infant. You'll listen to these characters, learning to hear, and differentiate their two sounds. Then, you'll come back each, and every day (or two) and listen to 2 new characters in 5 lessons of 5 minutes each. You don't have to listen to all 5 at one time. You can listen to a couple the 5 minute sessions at breakfast, one at lunch, and the last two in the evening. Make each lesson enjoyable, and you'll have a better experience.

Each day you'll build on the characters you already know. During the first week, you may feel frustrated or you may have trouble hearing each individual character. However, by day 5 or so, you will start to notice that the characters are 'slowing down', and you can differentiate the characters. In reality, you're simply learning to hear these tones quicker.

You should concentrate on how each character sounds, and don't rely on a visual representation of the code. Listen to the characters, and hear the rhythm of each one. You will hear Morse Code sent at 20 Words Per Minute (WPM), sent at full speed, from the very first lesson. These tones are purposely sent too fast to count the beeps. You should be training your ear to hear the sound of the character, like you hear the sound of a word. Listen when you are able concentrate on what you're doing, and not overburdened with other activities. Remember, this should be fun. Enjoy the process. So, when you're ready, sign up for the free reminder emails right here, and start with lesson 1, we hope you'll make it through the 40 lessons, and LearnMorse!

Email Notifications
The best way to learn Morse Code is to spend 30 minutes a day listening to code. The best way to make that happen is to have someone else remind you to do it. Enter your email address, and click SUBMIT to start receiving these messages.

The Commander of Task Force (CTF) 75, Fleet Combat Camera Pacific (U.S. Navy), has recently discovered that HF Radio across the Pacific actually works ...

Quote from: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/243667/ctf-75-successfully-tests-hf-reach-us-mainland
Commander, Task Force (CTF) 75 successfully completed communications systems tests using high-frequency (HF) radio waves to broadcast voice and data 6,050 miles from Naval Base Guam to Port Hueneme, California, July 27, 2017.


The assessment tested the capabilities of expeditionary forces to use HF waves to deliver data over the Pacific. HF has become a viable alternative for military forces when more common forms of communication, such as satellites, are unavailable.
[...]
Common communication devices used by the U.S. military incorporate satellites. CTF-75 has been testing HF systems in the case of satellite communication failure. HF is a frequency wave broadcast that is transmitted around the curvature of the Earth. Unlike other forms of frequencies, such as very-high frequencies and ultra-high frequencies, the transmission is not distorted by terrain or physical obstructions.


"We may not always have access to operational equipment or the latest assets, but as communicators we should have a backup plan that is ready to be executed," said Carmon.

Well done, boys! — Next: The Wheel. And then: Gunpowder ...

I cannot find this Italian radio mentioned anywhere in this forum. Anyone here familiar with it?


I am asking because Norway's major ham outlet runs a summer sale with a 25% discount on this one, and I am considering selling my unused Yaesu FT-817ND to acquire the ELAD FDM-DUO instead.


Some links concerning this radio, mostly reviews:
https://eclecticlight.co/2015/10/04/sdr-the-elad-fdm-duo-an-hf-transceiver-for-all/
http://www.hamradioscience.com/elad-fdm-duo-sdr-done-right/
http://www.rtl-sdr.com/hamradioscience-reviews-the-elad-fdm-duo/
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11933  (Several reviews; mostly very favorable.)
https://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-base-station-radio-elad-transceiver/elad/elad-fdm-duo-5w-multi-use-sdr-transceiver-pd-5447.php
http://sdr.eladit.com  — http://sdr.eladit.com/FDM-DUO/  (Manufacturer's site.)
http://shop.elad-usa.com/sdr-radio/  (U.S. shop.)
http://www.permo.no/index.php/item/654-elad-fdm-duo-tranceiver  (Where the summer sale is.)

http://qrznow.com/how-i-learned-morse-code-fast-and-easy-video/

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jls-PiR-dBI

He used a free Android app called Morse Code Trainer:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hunt.morseDit

Quote from: gil on October 26, 2013, 11:09:55 PM
[K1 vs. KX1] If only they had a K1 with a DDS VFO and SWL! Or a surface-mount KX1 for even smaller size! Elecraft should combine the two radios and call it a KX2.

Quote from: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/may/new_kx2_radio_to_be_announce_at_dayton_hamvention.htm
New KX2 radio to be announced this Thursday at the Dayton Hamvention 2016

Hello to all,
We are please to announce a new radio to complement the KX3 and the KX-Line.  Here are the details.

What:  Elecraft announces the KX2, Ultra-portable radio                   
When:  Thursday, May 16th, 1300Z                   
Where:  Four Days In May QRP event, part of the Dayton Hamfest activities

Elecraft is excited to announce a new radio targeting the Ultra-portable market with a Fit-In-Your-Pocket size.  Please see the attached brochure for details.

Pricing                    
- KX2:  $749.00

- Options and accessories:  Please see the table below for pricing.  Also see the FAQ for details.

Ordering/Availability

Distributors are encouraged to order both the KX2 and accessories now.  The KX2 is already in production and early ordering will ensure your position for deliveries.

Note that the KX2 will be available in full, factory-built form only.  There will be 2 internally-installed options available immediately.  See the FAQ for more details.

— This week's Thursday, however, is not on May 16, but on May 19 (2016). A typo I guess?