7 chapters across the catalog
The hosts discuss new developments in amateur radio, specifically the FT8 and JS8Call digital modes. These modes allow for global communication using very low power by bouncing signals off the atmosphere. Plans are announced to establish a "No Agenda Ham Network" to allow listeners with radio licenses to communicate and relay messages during emergencies.
Adam Curry broadcasts from a mobile Airstream setup in the Texas woods to participate in Ham Radio Field Day. He describes testing various portable antennas, including a 63-foot wire and a magnetic loop, while operating at 5 watts. John C. Dvorak discusses the technology behind small fractal antennas used for HDTV reception.
McDonald Observatory Visit and Ham Radio News of Paris Attacks
Adam Curry recounts receiving news of the November 2015 Paris attacks via an old-school ham radio while descending from the McDonald Observatory in Texas. Due to a lack of cell service and internet at 7,000 feet, the information arrived through the "freewheelers net" on the 80-meter band. The hosts contrast this analog information gathering with the surreal experience of being off the grid during a major international crisis.
Sky King Emergency Action Messages, Number Stations
Observations of increased activity on military high-frequency radio bands, specifically "Sky King" emergency action messages. A station using the callsign "Collapse" was noted transmitting coded messages outside of standard amateur radio frequencies.
Transcription Limits and Morse Code Superiority
The hosts discuss the limitations of AI transcription and OCR, noting that computers still cannot match the human ear for decoding Morse code over fading high-frequency (HF) radio signals. They argue that humans are "amazing machines" capable of reading damaged text or signals that would baffle a program like IBM's Watson.
Ham Radio Projects, Aloha Oregon, and Anime Costumes
A donor from Aloha, Oregon, clarifies the local pronunciation of the town name and shares details of a new HF radio project. The segment includes a discussion of "anime" culture and a special "ham donation" of $88.88. One host describes a wireless, low-power radio project designed for easy global communication.
UN Terrorist Internet Report, Software Defined Radio
Adam Curry cites a UN report on the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, specifically point 201 regarding software-defined high-frequency radio. He notes that the digital modes he uses for amateur radio are now being flagged as untraceable communication methods for terrorists.
