Category: Opinion
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The Petition That Could Finally Give Technicians a Reason to Explore HF
ARRL’s RM-11828 petition would give Technician licensees limited HF phone and digital privileges. Here’s what it proposes and where it stands with the FCC in 2026.
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The “Pay to Confirm” Problem: DX Stations Charging for QSL Confirmations
There is a growing frustration in the DX community over stations, mostly in rare or hard to reach entities, who ask for money before they will confirm a contact. Here is what is going on, and why it matters.
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What’s Wrong With Amateur Radio Clubs in 2026
Amateur radio sits at the intersection of electronics, software, emergency communications, and pure experimentation. So why do so many local clubs feel like they’re actively working to drive newcomers away?
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Tactical Team Comms vs. SHTF Comms: Why You Can’t Copy-Paste the Playbook
Why the PACE-driven, locked-down comms plan of a tactical team doesn’t hold up in a grid-down scenario, and what your radio setup actually needs instead.
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Weekly Nets Are Stuck in the Past, and They’re Not Preparing Anyone for SHTF
Most weekly nets have become a comfortable check-in ritual that teaches nothing and tests nothing. Here’s why that’s a problem for preparedness-minded hams.
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Getting Kids and Teens Licensed: Programs, Camps, and What Actually Works
The average ham’s age keeps climbing, and the hobby’s long-term health depends on getting more kids and teens licensed. Here’s what actually gets young people through the exam and, more importantly, on the air afterward.
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A Short History of Amateur Radio: From Spark Gap to FT8
The hobby you’re operating today was shaped by a century of experimentation, regulation fights, and a surprising number of amateurs who ended up changing how the world communicates. Here’s the short version.