HAM RADIO NOTOM (NoticeToOm)

  In every ham radio operator's journey, there comes a crossroads: should I stick with my trusty paper log or switch to dedicated logging software? It's clear that transitioning to an electronic log offers advantages that simply can't be matched by our old paper companion The real dilemma is how to navigate the dozens of freeware and payware logging software options available. Which one is the best? The answer is simple: the one that best meets your needs. I've tried almost every logging software for Windows, both payware and freeware. While I found most of them quite functional, each had its strengths and weaknesses. What I was looking for was a program that offered CAT control, a solid cluster system, smooth performance even with thousands of QSOs, support for digital QSLs like LOTW and eQSL, comprehensive award tracking, and an advanced filtering system to display specific fields. I had found a decent suite, but it struggled to handle the 50,000+ QSOs in my log, taki...

Cluster: Nirvana and Golgotha Technology, when used properly, is something truly wonderful. Our passion for radio is a perfect example of this. Tremendous strides have been made in the world of communications. Think of our radios, SDR technology, digital communications, and optimized antennas. Among the many technological innovations, we also have Mr.  Cluster. This tool was created to "publicize" stations on air and allows us to find a station we want to connect with. There’s no doubt that the cluster is a highly useful tool. I can filter results to see just one station or all the stations on a band, view the history of spots for a specific station, and much more. In short, we can say that the cluster greatly simplifies our lives when it comes to contacting an operator or a specific area. Then there’s the added benefit of pairing it with the radio’s CAT system. With this integration, simply clicking on a station tunes the radio to the correct frequency and emission mode. ...

  What characteristics should a radio software have? It should be: beautiful, organized, ergonomic, with a fast learning curve, comprehensive, versatile, able to integrate with other programs, trendy, and, most importantly, social. Well, if these are the requirements for having software on your PC that looks great on your screen… MULTIPSK shouldn’t even be considered. This program uses an outdated interface, and there’s an apparent lack of organization both in the settings screen and in the digital modes menu. You need to study, study, and study some more to use it effectively. Moreover, it doesn’t have its own built-in CAT system. To use it properly and manage your radio, you can rely on the excellent (though rather old) Commander by DXLab. The first few times you run the program… well… you feel a bit lost. Let’s say that, from a superficial and aesthetic point of view, this program might seem like one to discard. But is that really the case? My interest in this program began some...

A: how do you hear me now? B: You're S9 A: Wait... now? B: Wow! Now you're 9+20. What did you do? A: Ha ha ha, I turned on my power buddy C: hooooola hoooooola test test sorry, how do I sound? A and B: very strong 9+40 C: great thanks, I'm using hoooooollaaaa... 4.5KW. This is what happened a few nights ago on 40 meters with local stations. They didn't talk about anything but their signal. After countless tests, they were very happy, satisfied  and said goodbye. I kept  looking at the S-meter, which only showed S3 of noise.  Don't get me wrong. This post is not another one that wants to criticize power, but the correlation between happiness and power. Is happiness measured on a logarithmic scale like signal strength? To the posterity the tough sentence.. I repeat, everyone is free to use the power they deem appropriate, but my question is: what changes? If I can hear you well, what's the point of adding more power? But even if this operation is, let's say, t...

  Looking back, I can hardly believe I’ve been a licensed radio amateur for 34 years. I was trying to get back in time when radio ham passion lit up. Mumble.. when did my love for radio begin? My earliest memory takes me back to watching tv series such as Truck Driver and CHIPS , I was a little child. I was fascinated by the way these people could communicate through their radios. Since my childhood, I had a habit, something I still maintain today—gazing at antennas on rooftops. Those iron sculptures, reaching skyward, left me speechless. One day, at my uncle’s house, I went down to the basement with him to grab some tools. Let’s just say my uncle wasn’t the tidiest person; the underground room was packed with boxes and all sorts of random stuff. From one box, a CB walkie-talkie radio peeked out. I picked it up as if I had found a priceless gem. My uncle glanced over and said, “It doesn’t work, Daniel, but you can have it if you want.” I really was a happy camper. I remember...

A New Setup for Emcomm  I have dedicated my life to volunteering and have helped in various ways, from teaching languages to preparing documents, from explaining how to farm during COVID-19 to sharing advice on how to lead a happy life and maintain a united family, as well as providing practical assistance in many other areas. As a ham radio operator, I’ve had the opportunity to assist with emergency communications during several natural events, such as 7.5 earthquake we experienced in the Amazon a few years ago. Upon returning to Italy, I thought deeply about how I could continue helping people. Volunteering remains a part of my life here in Italy as well. However, I’ve noticed that global events and disasters are increasing dramatically. What recently happened in Spain deeply moved me. I asked myself: what can I do to give help in case on need? From these thoughts, "The CQD Project" was born. What is it about? In simple terms, I want to create a mobile emergency station ...