All articles tagged with #ham radio
A hobbyist has built an affordable ham radio data transceiver for under $100 using a Baofeng UV-5R radio, a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, and a few accessories, enabling digital modes like email, APRS, and web chat through a web interface.
The Expedition 73 crew on the ISS conducted various experiments including bio-nutrient production with purple kefir, engaged in educational outreach via ham radio, and performed scientific studies on eyesight, bone density, and plant growth, while also managing station logistics and preparing for upcoming cargo arrivals.
A mother and her son were rescued in a remote California forest after leaving trail notes and using ham radio for help when lost due to GPS failure, highlighting the importance of pre-trip notifications and resourcefulness in emergencies.
A video showcases a Robot slow scan receiver from the 1970s, which was used by ham radio operators for sending pictures via low-bandwidth audio. SSTV-equipped hams would exchange memes and selfies on specific frequencies, but there wasn't much conversation. Nowadays, PC soundcards are commonly used for SSTV, but back then, the Robot with its 6-inch screen and $295 price tag was considered advanced. The machine still works well and serves as a reminder of vintage ham radio gear.
A ham radio enthusiast has built a rugged cyberdeck with a Raspberry Pi 4, 10-inch LCD screen, and a rechargeable battery pack that lasts up to 20 hours. The deck features a USB software-defined radio module, a BNC connector for an external antenna, a game controller, and storage for a mouse. It is designed for use during camping trips and ham radio field days, and is housed in a weatherproof enclosure with 3D-printed parts.
Most of the astronauts aboard the Artemis 2 mission are certified ham radio operators, and there are high hopes in the community that the astronauts may call home from deep space. The first ham radio operator in space was NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, who called an amateur radio operator on Earth in 1983. Today's ham operators communicate with astronauts through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), largely aiming to let students directly talk with spaceflyers. It's unclear if ham radio equipment will be onboard Artemis 2 as the mission manifest is not yet decided.