BG News
News for radio amateurs
Our news agent scans Danish and international sources every morning and evening and collects what matters to the active radio amateur. Follow the link to the original source for the full story.
Showing the last 30 days. Go to the archive
- Club newsRSGB News·
RSGB Presentation on the MSF Atomic Time Signal
RSGB is hosting an online talk by M6WSA on the UK's 60 kHz MSF atomic time broadcast from Anthorn. The presentation covers the history and technology behind the standard time service that has operated since the 1940s.
- AstronomyESA Space Science·
Euclid Space Telescope Discovers New Comet
ESA's Euclid space telescope has detected its first unknown comet in survey images captured in September. While primarily mapping the deep universe, the discovery proves its capability in detecting small Solar System bodies.
- Space weatherDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
DARC Space Weather: Calm Before the Storm on HF
DARC reports temporarily quiet geomagnetic conditions, with potential solar disturbances ahead. Operators are advised to take advantage of the current calm HF bands.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
BrowSDR Updated with Multi-SDR Support and New Decoders
The browser-based BrowSDR now supports multiple SDRs simultaneously via WebUSB. The update adds LimeSDR support and decoders for ADS-B, AIS, ACARS, and DMR without requiring software installation.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
Live TEA1 Decryption Support Added to osmo-tetra Fork
A new fork of osmo-tetra integrates real-time TEA1 cipher decryption based on the TETRA:BURST vulnerability, allowing researchers to decode TEA1-encrypted TETRA traffic.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
Etherbulb: ESP32-C3 Smart Bulb Visualizes Nearby RF Activity
Open-source project Etherbulb turns an ESP32-C3 smart bulb into an RF spectrum monitor, changing light colors in real time based on local radio signals sampled at 80 MSps.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
Advanced FT8/FT4 DX Decoder Plugin for SDR++ on macOS
Developer ReLLL has released a free open-source DX decoder plugin for SDR++Brown on Apple Silicon Macs, enhancing native FT8 and FT4 decoding directly in SDR++.
- SatellitesAmateur Radio Daily·
New ISS SSTV Event on 437 MHz
ARISS will transmit SSTV images directly from the International Space Station between October 22 and 25. Transmissions use Robot 36 mode on 437.500 MHz FM and feature ARISS hardware. Received images can be submitted online to earn a commemorative certificate.
- GeneralQRPer – QRP & field radio·
Field QRP: An Unexpected POTA Activation in North Carolina
Thomas (K4SWL) shares an impromptu morning park activation at William B. Umstead State Park alongside WJ3FF, logging solid QRP contacts.
- Club newsRSGB News·
New RadCom Basics: Build Your Own Transmitter Monitor
RSGB has released the latest issue of RadCom Basics, featuring a DIY transmitter monitor build guide and articles on youth STEM outreach.
- Space weatherNOAA SWPC – rumvejr & solvarsler·
NOAA Issues G1 Geomagnetic Storm Watch
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a category G1 geomagnetic storm watch. High latitudes may experience minor fluctuations and potential aurora activity. Radio amateurs should expect variable HF propagation and possible VHF aurora openings.
- Gear & firmwareM17 Project·
Neural Codec2 Decoding Added to Experimental DroidStar Fork
The open-source M17 Project has introduced neural vocoder decoding to an experimental DroidStar build. Using the FARGAN network from Opus, standard Codec2 frames are synthesized into wideband 16 kHz audio rather than classic 8 kHz speech, significantly enhancing voice quality.
- SatellitesAMSAT News·
AMSAT news: CubeSats, meteor scatter, and satellite history
The latest AMSAT bulletin covers highlights from the annual symposium, student CubeSat launches testing open-source radios, and meteor scatter communication.
- Space weatherAmateur Radio Daily·
HAARP active with new HF sounding research campaign
The HAARP facility in Alaska is conducting ionospheric research transmissions between 2.8 and 10 MHz in support of rocket missions. Radio amateurs and SWLs can monitor the signals, which will vary based on real-time ionospheric conditions.
- Space weatherNOAA SWPC – rumvejr & solvarsler·
NOAA predicts G1-class minor geomagnetic storm
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a watch for a G1 geomagnetic storm. This may cause minor HF propagation fluctuations and auroral activity at higher latitudes.
- Gear & firmwareM17 Project·
M17 Project Enhances Codec2 Audio Using FARGAN
The open-source M17 digital radio project has integrated the FARGAN neural vocoder for Codec2 3200. This dramatically improves speech naturalness and eliminates synthetic buzzing without modifying over-the-air bits.
- DXFöreningen Sveriges Sändareamatörer·
Grimeton SAQ on Air on UN Day on 17.2 kHz CW
The historic SAQ Grimeton Alexanderson alternator station transmits a peace message on UN Day, October 24, on 17.2 kHz CW. The transmission will be streamed live on YouTube, and SK6SAQ will also be active.
- Rules & frequenciesNewsreel – This Week in Amateur Radio·
eBay Restricts Radio Sales but Exempts Ham Gear
Online marketplace eBay is restricting listings of transmitting equipment while specifically exempting gear dedicated strictly to amateur radio bands.
- Rules & frequenciesARRL News·
eBay Restricts Radio Sales but Exempts Dedicated Amateur Radio Gear
eBay has implemented restrictions on radio transmitter listings following updated FCC rules. However, the platform confirmed to ARRL that equipment operating exclusively on amateur bands remains exempt.
- Club newsARRL News·
Florida Hams Provide Emergency Comms During Hurricane
Amateur radio operators across Florida supported emergency communications during Hurricane Isaias. Volunteers staffed emergency operations centers to ensure vital links remained operational.
- Space weatherARRL News·
ARRL Solar Update: Increased Activity Improves Upper HF Propagation
Sunspot numbers and solar flux remain near or above 100, boosting propagation on the higher HF bands. The primary driver is complex sunspot region 4551, with mostly quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- AstronomyDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
Leap Second to Be Phased Out in Global Timekeeping
International timekeeping authorities are abolishing the leap second, simplifying digital network synchronization and precision time standards.
- Gear & firmwareQRPer – QRP & field radio·
New macOS utility for Lab599 TX-500 and browser-based SDR
QRPer highlights a new open-source macOS app for the Lab599 TX-500 transceiver and a browser-based SDR utility, alongside helpful tips for D-Star hotspot configuration.
- Gear & firmwareZero Retries (Steve Stroh N8GNJ)·
Zero Retries: Hams.com Debuts Alongside New Digital Ham Tools
The Zero Retries newsletter highlights the launch of Hams.com and clarifies eBay radio sales policies. It also covers developments including APRSBox, RigControl Web, and the NOCT 0.9.0 beta.
- Contests & eventsDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
Get ready for the Worked All Germany (WAG) Contest
DARC invites operators to participate in the traditional Worked All Germany Contest. The event provides great opportunities for HF contacts with German stations across the bands.
- Gear & firmwareM17 Project·
LinHT Rev C: Open-source Linux handheld ready for testing
The M17 Project reports that the Rev C prototype of the LinHT handheld is assembled and ready for testing. The project develops a fully open-source Linux radio for digital ham communication.
- Gear & firmwareM17 Project·
libm17 optimized for microcontrollers and OpenRTX
Recent commits to libm17 significantly reduce memory and code footprint without altering output. This makes the M17 protocol ideal for Cortex-M4 hardware running OpenRTX.
- DXRSGB News·
Special event callsigns active from the UK and Brazil
Cray Valley Radio Society celebrates its 80th anniversary using GB80CV until October 28. Meanwhile, Brazilian special event callsign ZW50B is active through late October.
- DXRSGB News·
DX News: Albania, The Gambia, and Solomon Islands on the air
John (AE5X) operates CW as ZA/AE5X from Albania until October 30. Additionally, C5R is active from The Gambia through November 4, and DL2GAC operates as H44MS from the Solomon Islands.
- Gear & firmwareDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
Find 3D print models for ham radio via 3DSearch
DARC highlights 3D-printed components and accessories for the radio shack. Using 3DSearch, radio amateurs can easily find ready-to-print models for enclosures, mounts, and antenna parts.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
LakeShark: Using a LoRa Chip as SDR on ESP32-P4
A new update to the LakeShark firmware turns a Semtech LR2021 LoRa chip into an SDR receiver on ESP32-P4. This enables portable reception of P25, POCSAG, and FM without an external USB dongle.
- Space weatherDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
Space Weather: Periods of good DX conditions on HF
The latest space weather report from DARC indicates intervals of very good HF propagation. Active operators should watch the higher bands for solid DX openings.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
Demod SDR App Adds OpenWebRX and FT8 Decoding
The Demod SDR client for iOS and Android has been updated with OpenWebRX support. The update also introduces built-in FT8 decoding and Apple CarPlay integration.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
FoxSDR Adds Airports & Navaids Plugin
The FoxSDR software now features a new Airports & Navaids plugin. Users can simply enter an airport code like EGLL or LHR to automatically tune in to the corresponding VHF airband frequencies.
- Club newsFöreningen Sveriges Sändareamatörer·
Lviv Shortwave Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Founded in 1926, the historic Lwowski Klub Krótkofalowców (LKK) is celebrated as a pioneer institution in regional amateur radio history. The club is now marking its centenary milestone.
- DXDX-World·
J79FS active from Dominica with contest focus
Fred, DH5FS, will be QRV from Dominica as J79FS from October 15-27, 2026. His activity includes participation in both the WAG contest and CQ WW SSB Contest. QSL is available via Club Log.
- DXDX-World·
DX-World Weekly Bulletin #684 Available
The latest weekly bulletin from DX-World is available for download. This 18-page issue provides a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming DXpeditions and DX activity on the bands.
- DXDX-World·
J88PI active from St. Vincent in October
Brian, GW4DVB, will return to St. Vincent as J88PI from October 17-24, 2026. Operating 100 watts on 40 through 6 meters, he will be active on SSB, SSTV, and FT8. Direct QSL to his home call.
- Space weatherDARC – Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club·
Space weather: Declining solar wind speeds stabilize bands
DARC reports a decrease in high-speed solar winds and calming geomagnetic activity, leading to more settled HF propagation conditions over the coming days.
- Gear & firmwareRTL-SDR Blog·
OnAir SDR Software Adds Wide Range of Signal Decoders
Open-source SDR application OnAir has expanded its capabilities beyond analog and digital TV, ADS-B, and DMR to include experimental decoding support for numerous digital protocols and signals.