NA4DA – Andy Allen

Author: NA4DA

  • IP400 Project Marks Halfway Point

    The following is a compilation of updates from ADRCS regarding the IP400 Project.

    [The IP400 Project has reached the halfway point], the hardware development is complete, as well as the research phases for proof of concept. We are now at the point where we will be doing limited production runs for the various hardware components, and the rest of the development effort from here on it will be mostly in firmware and FPGA development.

    The outputs from the development effort are many and varied, there will be a new outdoor 400MHz node with an integrated power amplifier, an AllstarLink upgrade to add OFDM data modes to existing repeater systems, as well as an OFDM TNC for standalone use, all nodes supporting high speed data as well as an AX.25 compatible KISS mode.

    The project development continues on three fronts:

    • Node Hardware
    • Firmware
    • New Modes

    Node Hardware
    The mini-node has been revised to add a POE ethernet adapter, making it now a three board stack instead of two. The 5W power amplifier has been designed, pre-production units will be available soon. The supernode prototype has been built, and the design for the production version and TNC OEM board is complete. Both are pending prototype builds.

    Firmware
    The unified firmware platform is in development, and pending successful testing, will be released for beta testing with Mode A only on the WL33 platforms shortly.

    New Modes
    Development of Mode B is ongoing and is looking very promising. Mode C will be available later this year.

    Source: ADRCS

  • Cat Pix on the Air CPOTA 2026

    Cat Pix on the Air (CPOTA) 2026 will celebrate International Cat Day by transmitting images of cats via SSTV.

    The internet was made for sharing funny cat pictures and movies. On August 8th, International cat day, so will the radio waves! Ham radio amateurs will celebrate this day with a special SSTV event using cat pictures only.

    This contest will score the number of QSOs made by each operator. Special callsigns PD6MEOW (Netherlands) and N1C (US) are already registered. Additional special callsigns may be registered with the event.

    Source: CPOTA

  • ARRL Solar Update

    Solar activity was at low levels with seven numbered active regions

    on the disk.

     

    The largest event of the period was a C3.7 flare on March 25 from

    Region 4400. Region 4403, which was numbered last period, is the

    suspected source of several flares observed beyond the limb prior to

    its rotation onto the disk. Due to its proximity to the northeast

    limb, foreshortening continues to prevent a definitive

    c…

  • H44LM – Solomon Islands

    Team consisting 9A2NA, 9A3MR, 9A3CJY, 9A4WY, 9A7Y and DK8ZZ/YT3ZZ will be active from Guadalcanal (Honiara) Solomon Islands OC-047 as H44LM between October 9-21, 2026. QRV on HF bands and possibly 6m. Full details to follow here on DX-World. NOTE: Most of the above team were last active as TX9A from the Austral Islands in April […]

  • ARISS SSTV Event Celebrates Cosmonautics Day

    ARISS SSTV Event Celebrates Cosmonautics Day

    ARISS will transmit images from Series 31 utilizing the SSTV system on the International Space Station (ISS). This event will run April 10-14 on 437.55 MHz.

    SSTV Series 31 images will pay tribute Cosmonautics Day, 100th anniversary of liquid-fueled rockets, the inaugural Space Shuttle launch, and SuitSat.

    Dates, times, and frequencies will be revealed closer to the event date.

    Source: ARISS

  • S09S – Western Sahara

    During the upcoming CQ WPX SSB contest, look for the special event callsign S09S which will be on air from Western Sahara. QSL via Club Log.  — source: QRZ.com — CQ WPX contest rules

  • Hams Recognize World Autism Acceptance Week

    Hams Recognize World Autism Acceptance Week

    Entering its fourth year, World Autism Acceptance Week will take place April 1-7 with an international cohort of amateur radio operators on the air to recognize the event. Because it’s OK to be Different. Special event stations include:

    • W2A
    • W2A/KL7
    • W2A/KH6
    • GB2AA
    • GB2AAW
    • GB2WAA
    • GB0AAW
    • GB4AAW
    • GB5AAW
    • GW5WAA
    • GB6AAW
    • GB9AAW
    • GB9WAA
    • II2AUT
    • 8A2AAW
    • 9M4CSI
    • 9A24WAW
    • HI0A
    • S76A
    • VC2AA
    • PA24WAAD
    • PD2024AAW
    • VO1BIG/VE3
    • A60WAAD
    • 7A2M

    2026 brings partnerships with II2AUT in Italy and A60WAAW in the United Arab Emirates

    More information is available on QRZ.

    Source: W2A

  • TN8GD – Republic of the Congo

    Darek, known for his activity as TJ1GD, TL8GD, and TT1GD, has been officially granted the callsign TN8GD for operations from the Republic of the Congo. The license has been issued for an indefinite period, allowing for long-term activity planning from this rare DXCC entity. Operations are expected to commence in the near future. The station […]

  • Pirate Hunt 2026

    Pirate Hunt 2026 encourages listeners to seek out pirate radio stations and log them to the Pirate Hunt forums. The contest runs April 3rd through April 6th. SDRs are allowed.

    Logs must include identification but only from stations without a license. Diplomas will be available. More information is available on the Radioactives of Middle Finland forum.

    Source: Sisä-Suomen Radioaktiiviset

  • 5X2VJ – Uganda

    Andy, 5Z4VJ (also G3AB, 5H1VJ, ZD7VJ + many other calls) will be active from Kampala, Uganda as 5X2VJ during March 27-31, 2026. Participation in the CQ WPX SSB contest. QSL via LoTW or M0URX.