RadCom Basics

RadCom Basics is a bi-monthly digital publication that explores key aspects of amateur radio in a straightforward and accessible way

Welcome to the latest edition

With the long-awaited easing of lockdown, we’ve made this is a bumper edition of RadCom Basics.

Check out the topics covered by new and familiar contributors—whether you’re new to the hobby, or returning and looking to brush up on the basics, there’s some great help here.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading the articles as much as I have.

Lee, G4EJB, Editor.

In this edition…

Getting started with Summits on the Air
Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an amateur radio award scheme that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas. It’s a great way of combining some radio fun with fresh air in beautiful locations. James Stevens, M0JCQ gives a great grounding of this very popular pursuit. With lockdown easing, here’s your chance to get ready!

How to enter a contest – part one
Have you wanted to enter a contest but don’t know how to submit your log? Ian Pawson, G0FCT takes you step-by-step through the process and what happens to your log during checking. There’s no excuse now for not taking part in that contest coming up on the calendar!

QSL – the final courtesy?
Despite the advent of the internet many people still like to exchange and collect QSL—confirmation of QSO—cards as the final act of completion of a QSO or to confirm a country or state, etc. for awards, or just because they like to do it. Steve Clements, G1YBB provides a straightforward and colourful insight into QSL and eQSL cards with plenty of links to get started

Using FT8 on the VHF bands
FT8 is a digital mode which has taken the HF bands by storm. It’s replaced a lot of the SSB and CW activity we used to see. What might not be immediately obvious, is that FT8 is widely used on the VHF bands too. James Stevens, M0JCQ shares some really good techniques with the mode on the VHF bands

Split frequency operating – part one
Just what is split frequency working? A welcome return to Jonathan Constable, M5FUN/AC9PG with the first of two really instructive articles. In part one, he explains different forms of split frequency working and gives some fine examples that can benefit all of us.

Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 22
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We welcome your feedback

If you like the new look RadCom Basics, please email Lee, G4EJB at radcombasics@rsgb.org.uk and let him know what helped you the most—he looks forward to reading your comments.