Part of the antenna party yesterday included installation of a new triband antenna at the tower site to allow for 6m/2m/70cm packet operation to contribute to the regions emergency communications system. While we slacked and didn't get pictures of the antenna in place (yes, we are all sore) the hardware is shown in place here. All three of these Motorola mobiles communicate with the HP thin client PC and other packet stations throughout the region. Shown below is the 28 MHz CW beacon just prior to activation. Watch here to learn more about this sytem!

Amateur Radio is beginning to meet [mass-marketed] digital technology, in the form of D-Star technology. Since it is beginning to gain popularity here in West Central Florida, I have made the investment in an entry-level radio, namely the Icom IC-U82, a UHF-only HT. Here's some of what I've learned so far...

I managed to check into the Feld Hell Net on 40 meters yesterday (had massive QSB). Thought I would share the net details in case you are interested in this mode. I mess with it from time to time and it's fun. Here are the details on the Hell mode nets operated by the Feld Hell Club. The NCS emailed me the details (below)

This is the third installment in a continuing series, discussing the transition of many common services from analog to digital. Here's the scoop on HD Radio.

As more over-the-air transmissions make the move to digital, broadcast radio has begun to jump on the bandwagon. While many countries are promoting DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) technology, the United States is putting its money into HD-Radio. Here's the rundown on this emerging technology.

The second installment of this series covers the ongoing transformation in cell phone technology.

Cell phone technology has undergone a silent transition in recent years. Where most devices were primarily analog even as late as 2000, most phones and networks have gradually migrated to digital modes. The days are officially numbered for analog service, and the FCC will not require legacy wireless carriers (the old A and B side networks) to provide analog service past February 18, 2008. Past that date, it's up to the individual carrier whether to continue with the old analog (AMPS) system, or shut it down. Here's what you should know:

Broadcast television is undergoing its biggest transformation since the switch to color TV. All analog-based transmissions will be discontinued in the United States on February 17, 2009. Here's what you need to know to be prepared...