TSM Reviews
The HobbyPCB IQ32 QRP SDR Transceiver
By Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL
The HobbyPCB IQ32 low-power, software defined transceiver has been out for a few years but just recently grabbed Thomas’ attention for several reasons—it’s a “grassroots” or collaborative effort in transceiver design; it’s an all-in-one portable transceiver that lends itself to his passion for Parks on the Air (POTA) operating; it’s quite capable and relatively inexpensive. He gives us his studied impressions.
Your Radio: A Homeschooling Resource
By Georg Wiessala
Now at over 100 years old, radio continues to prove its worth in modern education. From his own experiences in using his trusted shortwave radio to teach at school and university and the current global lockdown and widespread social distancing efforts, Georg proposes parents and teachers can benefit from using radio as an added resource to limited in-school education in a number of subjects. He offers six scenarios for educators and teach-at-home parents that may prove useful as schools try to “return to normal” activities this fall.
100 Years of Radio Series
Reginald Fessenden: Sadly, Little more than a Blip on the Wireless Timeline
By Richard Fisher KI6SN
In his time, Professor Reginald Fessenden was a towering figure in the radio industry. The industrious academic turned litigious entrepreneur racked up a fortune from his patents and storied lawsuits against his competitors. But it was his achievement on Christmas Eve 1906 that became the stuff of legend—credited by many with the first broadcast of voice and music over the air. But, for whatever reason, there appears to be little documented evidence of the broadcast. Richard travels through the fog of his legacy in search of the truth.
Living with a Hex Beam
By Robert Gulley K4PKM
Many of us have coped with compromised antennas as we make do with the limited real estate at our command, none more so that Robert, whose 25 x 35-foot backyard presents some serious limitations. Because of additional difficulties in living in an historic neighborhood, he never dreamed an HF beam antenna would be in his future—until he met the Hex Beam.
TSM Reviews:
Yaesu FTM-300DR Transceiver
By Cory GB Sickles, WA3UVV
When Yaesu introduced its C4FM digital transceiver concept at Hamvention 2012, there was little to show other than a diminutive FT1DR portable, sitting under a Lucite cover. Today, Yaesu’s C4FM-based FTM-300DR bears some resemblance to its previous relatives, the FTM-100DR and FTM-400DR, it is chock-full of new firmware and features that are not readily apparent until you start exploring and using the radio. Cory takes us on a tour of the versatile transceiver.
Scanning America
By Dan Veneman
Scanning California Wildfires
Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
Las Vegas Follow-up
Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman
Chinese Fax are Back
Milcom
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
Military Monitoring 101
Shortwave Utility Logs
By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman
Digitally Speaking
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
Signs of Life
Amateur Radio Insights
By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z
Hams and Lightning Protection: A Shocking Failure?
Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
International Media use FTA Satellite-TV to Influence Europe, Africa, North and South America
The World of Shortwave Listening
By Jeff White, Chairman, HFCC
Virtual Frequency Coordination for Shortwave Stations? Yes, Indeed!
The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Radio Prague, WBCQ, WWCR, BBC Programming for September
Amateur Radio Satellites
By Keith Baker KB1SF/VA3KSF
Amateur Radio Satellite Primer (Part VII): The Amazing Story of AMSAT OSCAR-7
Adventures in Radio Restorations
By Rich Post KB8TAD
The Cheap Radio: Hallicrafters S-107