Few of my readers know this, but I have another website not related to radio or off grid power. Twenty First Summer was started in December 2013, predating Off Grid Ham by a year and a half. It is intended to encourage introspection and offer readers thoughtful, positive, and relevant… Read more »
From unknown to everywhere. My very first HF radio, a Heathkit SB-102 I bought used as a newly-licensed teen ham, had the same problem faced by nearly every radio operator of the era: proprietary power connectors. As I got more absorbed into amateur radio, I collected more equipment and every… Read more »
The forgotten, invisible servant. Radio amateurs by nature love “stuff,” especially stuff that looks cool. Lots of knobs and dials. Colorful, dancing displays. Tall towers with imposing antennas. Large solar panel arrays and multi-kilowatt generators. Beyond the bling and all the geeky tech that attracts hams like kids to an… Read more »
Adding valuable utility to your network. Back in July we did an overview of the Meshtastic messaging system. If you’re already using it, MeshWX Pro is an excellent addition to your capabilities. The free application will extend weather alerts to your mesh network. Attention survivalists, preppers, and EMCOMM guys: this… Read more »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »