We know where AM going. But what comes next? Anyone who even vaguely follows radio-related news knows that commercial AM radio broadcasting is in its twilight. If it seems every month another AM station goes dark, it’s not all in your head. From 2023 through 2025, the number of licensed... Read more The post The Very Last New Commercial AM Radio Station in the USA: Here’s What We Should Do Next.…
The worst kept secret in communications. Radio amateurs focused on emergency and survival communications depend heavily on traditional ham radio modes. There’s a good reason for that…they work! But every mode has shortcomings that can be amplified during urgent need. Other electronic communication systems outside the realm of amateur radio... Read more The post Move Meshtastic Up On Your List.…
We’re all in the same sea, but not the same boat. I think it’s safe to assume everyone who reads this blog has some sort of off grid power capability. It might be an elaborate photovoltaic system, wind installation, a gas generator, or maybe just a battery operated handheld radio.... Read more The post When Off Grid Goes Off Line appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
A generational split. There’s good chance those under the age of 50 live in a home without a traditional, hard-wired dial up phone. If you’re under the age of 40 you probably never, not once in your life, called through an operator, dialed 411, or used a payphone. Do you... Read more The post The End of POTS is Nigh. An Amateur’s Professional Perspective: COMMENTARY. appeared first on Off Grid Ham…
Yes, it’s cool. But then what? Chasing DX is exciting! Who can’t relate to the thrill of the hunt; the sense of accomplishment when you crack a pile up and add that exotic land to your trophy case? And of course, the bragging rights. But let’s be honest: In the... Read more The post NVIS is an Overlooked Jewel. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
As common as air. Handheld transceivers, or HT, is ubiquitous in amateur radio. For many hams, it’s their first radio. For others, they may operate only one “main” base or mobile radio but have several handhelds. And for some hams, perhaps a lot of them, it’s the only radio they... Read more The post Handheld Transceivers: A Generational Curse. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
Expand your band. One of the habits many off grid hams fall into is they operate in a silo, meaning, they hang out only on the ham bands, often the same one or two bands, and barely know what’s going on beyond that. It’s not by default a bad habit.... Read more The post Knowing Your Radio Neighborhood. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
Removing a barrier to entry. As it has been for, well, forever, used ham radio equipment is still a major gateway into the hobby. Many beginners, and even some old hands, have limited budgets. Or maybe an operator wants to try a new mode or band without risking a lot... Read more The post Buying A Used Radio: How To Avoid Getting Stuck With A Dud. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
Special note: I’m taking time off to spend Christmas with friends and family. Please enjoy this personal favorite Off Grid Ham article from November 15, 2020. May God richly bless you in the new year! As basic as it gets. If you do not own at least one good multimeter,... Read more The post The Secret Life of Multimeters. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
A buffet of options. Amateur radio has a low barrier to entry, but once in the door the learning curve is fairly steep. This may originate from the wide breadth and depth of the hobby. There are so many subspecialties, it’s impossible for any one person to truly know everything.... Read more The post If You’ve Never Done This Before, Click Here. appeared first on Off Grid Ham .
It’s not all about us. As an avocation that is all about communication, amateur radio cannot be effective if it exists in a vacuum. We chatter and exchange information amongst ourselves quite effectively. But what about “everything else”? How and where do we get information outside of our observable environment?... Read more The post Why Hams Should Care About The Decline of Broadcast Radio.…
Two benefits for the price of one. Radio amateurs who operate off grid already know that their pastime has a secondary benefit of being very valuable in times of disaster. In some cases it’s the other way around. Many people get involved with amateur radio primarily for its usefulness during... Read more The post Your Off Grid Backup Radio Might Already Be In Your Basement. appeared first on Off…
