Linux in the Ham Shack

By Black Sparrow MediaTechnology Education Leisure How To Hobbies

Linux in the Ham Shack episodes

September 28LHS Episode #632: 44Net Connect with John Burwell KI5QKX
Show Notes
Featured Topic:
John Burwell, KI5QKX talking to us about 44Net
ARDC - https://lhs.fyi/MF
Portal AMPR - https://lhs.fyi/MD
44Net Connect - https://lhs.fyi/ME
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! Your support allows us to continue to pay to host and produce the 18 years of the podcast and participate in person at Hamvention! We have $2/$5/$10 monthly subscriptions via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/cw/lhspodcast) or you can set up to send us a recurring payment ($2/$5/$10 monthly or $20 yearly) via PayPal ([email protected])
It’s (almost) our birthday!
The very first episode of LHS dropped on October 7, 2008. Cheryl has been here from the beginning, silent until the episodes in the early 100’s (I was too busy chicken herding with Russ and Richard - then I got unceremoniously and unexpectedly popped into my current spot starting with episode #606) and Bill joined us on episode #168! 464 episodes as of tonight… he’s been a trooper! I think we’re going to turn our early October 5th episode (NOTE: We are not recording on Sunday, October 4th!) into a Birthday Party Episode! Mark your calendar and make plans to join us!
Come hang out with us on Minecraft!
It’s been ages since we reminded folks about this, but… in case you missed it, we have 2 Minecraft Servers, and we’d love to have you join us. And, to whoever left me the sign letting me know about the Creeper that blew up our train station… thanks!! I think I’ve gotten the damage MOSTLY fixed! Connect with us to get you whitelisted
minecraft.lhspodcast.info
minecraft.bluecows.com
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Go ahead and send us hate mail, too… we get bored and need something to read and comment on! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Subscribers & Supporters:
Paid Patreon
Rodney Norris
Facebook
Siegrist Peter
Discord
Bob (VK1ED)
cornergrove
jmbwell73
Live Show Participants
Dan - KB6NU
1 hr 8 min
September 21LHS Episode #631: FreeDV and RADE with Mooneer Salem K6AQ
Show Notes
Featured Topic:
Interview with Mooneer Salem, K6AQ, FreeDV Leadership Team, Developer
FreeDV Website: https://lhs.fyi/Cu
ARDC Press Release: https://lhs.fyi/MC
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! Your support allows us to continue to pay to host and produce the 18 years of the podcast and participate in person at Hamvention!
Come hang out with us on Minecraft!
We have 2 Minecraft Servers, and we’d love to have you join us!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
Email from Mike, AE8U
I am interested in the Ambassador Program. I am an avid Linux user and run my entire station with it. What is involved in the program? Also, I have developed a new Desktop application that has lots of features. It runs as a Browser app. It has a station startup tab, a Station operation tab, a logging tab - which includes linking to your WRL Logging, an Automatic FT8 function, a CW send/decode application, and lots more. It is designed to run in Debian, and I run it as a Linux Mint app. I plan to offer it for free just to promote our hobby once I am done with having it Beta Tested. If you are interested in checking it out, please email me with your GitHub username. 73 and all the best, Mike, AE8U
Subscribers & Supporters:
Paypal
Tony Coberly
Discord
DigitalAddiction
themindiswatching [K6AQ]
Live Show Participants
Don - KB2YSI
Dan - KB6NU
56 min
September 14LHS Episode #630: The Weekender CXLIII
Show Notes
Random Topic:
Special HAARP Transmission for 9/11
Source: https://lhs.fyi/MA (ARRL)
Additional Info: https://lhs.fyi/MB (YouTube of Recording)
This Weekend in Hedonism
Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
California Roll Cucumber Salad
Description:
Russ and I used to go out for Sushi several times a month, but I’ve only had sushi 4 times since he died… so, the craving is real. This viral California roll cucumber salad is what I make when I want something cold, creamy, and ridiculously easy. It has all the flavors that make a California roll so good, but instead of rolling sushi, everything gets tossed together in one bowl or container for a super simple shortcut. It’s fresh, light, savory, and ready in minutes, which makes it perfect for lunch, a healthy side, a quick snack or a light dinner.
Ingredients
1 Large English Cucumber
6-8 oz Imitation Crab, Diced
½ Large Avocado (I use the AvoFresco Avocado/Sea Salt Squeeze Avocado)
2 Tablespoons Kewpie Mayo
2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream Cheese
1 ½ Teaspoon Soy Sauce
2 Teaspoons Sesame Seeds
Directions
In a bowl or large deli container (which is PERFECT), add the mayo, cream cheese, avocado, and soy sauce. Stir together until smooth, and no avocado lumps remain.
Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the cucumber into ⅛ inch thick slices.
Add the sliced cucumber, imitation crab, and sesame seeds to the deli container.
Put on the lid and shake until all ingredients are evenly coated. Eat immediately, either directly from the jar or serve in a bowl and top with additional sesame seeds to garnish
Notes:
Add a little crumbled seaweed or torn nori on top right before serving. Furikake seasoning is PERFECT!
Add shredded carrots or peppers for more veggies.
Add cooked rice or crispy rice to make it more filling. I personally use sushi rice, which is long grain rice that you season with Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar and
Add Furikake (recommended, as it has sesame seeds and tiny pieces of Nori), everything bagel seasoning or extra sesame seeds on top for more texture and crunch.
Stir a little Sriracha into the dressing or drizzle spicy mayo (make at home with Kewpie Mayo, Sriracha and a dash of Sesame Oil) over the top for a spicy California roll cucumber salad.
Serve it over rice or alongside salmon, shrimp, or edamame.
This salad is best eaten right after making it because the cucumber stays crispest that way. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 1 day. Just know the cucumbers will soften and release some water as they sit, so the texture is definitely best fresh.
Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
Japanese Slipper
Description:
This Japanese Slipper cocktail is a vibrant, citrusy drink made with just three ingredients: Midori, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. Bright green and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, it’s a simple yet striking cocktail that’s ideal for parties or an easy at-home happy hour.
Ingredients
3 ounces Midori (or melon liqueur)
3 ounces Cointreau (or some other orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or inexpensive triple sec)
3 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Garnish: 4 maraschino cherries
Directions
Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
Add Midori, Cointreau and lemon juice
Cap shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
Divide and pour into the liquid in the martini glass and add the maraschino cherry
Garnish with the maraschino cherries
Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Bill’s Whatever Corner
Item: Freemont Brewing Extra Lush Triple IPA
Description: Extra Lush is triple the tropical treat from the Pacific Northwest. Brewed with three times the amount of hand-selected malts and tropical hops. Live the Extra Lush Life!
Down & Dirty: 2-Row Pale malt with Citra, Mosaic, Citra Cryo, Mosaic Quantum Brite, and Citra Quantum Brite hops.
Color: Light orange
Aroma: Citrusy aromas of orange and grapefruit, resinous pine, stone fruit, and pineapple.
Flavor: Gently sweet, mildly bitter, no saltiness and no sourness.
Availability: Year-Round
ABV: 9.8% 80 IBU
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! Your support allows us to continue to pay to host and produce the 18 years of the podcast and participate in person at Hamvention!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
KE2YK on Mastodon
@lhspodcast amazing! LS still going after all these years.
Subscribers & Supporters:
Paypal
Fabian Berg
Facebook
Nicholas Schuetz
Mastodon
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
Live Show Participants
Steve, KJ5T
Mike, K6GTE
David, W4DPE
26 min
September 08LHS Episode #629: Gamified Learning Part 2
Show Notes
Featured Topic - Part 2 of our Gamified Learning
Study & Exam Prep Tools
HamStudy
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mr (hamstudy)
HamExam
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mq (hamexam)
Ham Radio Prep
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mp (hamradioprep)
Browser-Based Game Suites
RadioBook Game Suite
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mn (Tartanleaf)
SARCNET
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mo (SARCNet)
Mobile Apps
Ham Gaming
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mm (Apple App Store)
Amateur ham radio Q-code quiz
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Ml (Google Play Store)
Video/Indie Games
Full Quiet
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mx (steam)
Morse
Source: https://lhs.fyi/My (steam)
Club-Created Activities
W6HA “Fun Ways to Use Your Radio and Build Skills”
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mw (w6ha)
Morse Code (CW) Practice
CW Bot
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Ms (hamradioduo)
Morse Battleship
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mt (hamradioduo)
CW Checker
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mu (hamradioduo)
Morsle
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mv (morsle)
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! Your support allows us to continue to pay to host and produce the 18 years of the podcast and participate in person at Hamvention!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
SadServers on X
thanks for the SadServers mention!
Subscribers & Supporters:
Paypal
David Eisenhardt
Dillon Angle
X / Twitter
Sadservers
Mastodon
@[email protected]
Discord
Eric W8WEB
Karlg
Jordan KF0YWB
K4CVR Paul
Aaron
Guy in a bad mood
Live Show Participants
Steve - KJ5T
Mike - K6GTE
36 min
August 31LHS Episode #628: Gamified Learning Part 1
Show Notes
News Flash!
California lawmakers unanimously pass Linux exemption from age-verification law
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mk (Tom’s Hardware)
Featured Topic:
Games Designed To Improve Your Knowledge of Linux Command Line Interface and More!
Over The Wire Bandit
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M9 (overthewire)
Command Line Murders
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Ma (github)
Command Challenge
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mb (cmdchallenge)
Linux Journey
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mc (labex)
HackerRank Linux Shell
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Md (hackerrank)
Terminus
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Me (mit)
BashCrawl
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mg (gitlab)
Vim Adventures
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mf (vimadventures)
SadServers
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mh (sadservers)
World of Haiku
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mi (haiku inc)
Linux Survival
Source: https://lhs.fyi/Mj (linux survival)
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
From Justin, KE2GHU (This was the one we missed when we recorded our last episode!)
I just discovered this sweet piece of software (SDRoxide) and would be interested in hearing Bill’s opinion of it. Personally, my mind is blown and I only just discovered and downloaded it an hour ago. My understanding is that it’s available for Windows and Mac, but is natively build for Linux. I had no issues whatsoever installing on Mint, which was refreshing.
Subscribers & Supporters:
Mastodon
@[email protected]
Live Show Participants
Mike - K6GTE
41 min
August 27LHS Episode #627: The Dumpster Returns
Show Notes
Amateur Radio Topics:
OSCARLOCATOR Simulator
Source: https://lhs.fyi/LY (n8hm)
Updated Technician Class Study Guide released
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M8 (kb6nu study guides)
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hNrDSif
FCC Ham “Call Book”
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M4 (PARC W4ZBB via Amateur Radio Weekly)
Open Source / Linux Topics:
BudsLink Brings Advanced Earbud Controls to Linux Desktops
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M7 (linux journal)
Pop!_OS Rolls Out Its “Frosted Glass” Desktop Style For COSMIC
Source: https://lhs.fyi/LX (Phoronix)
Linux in the Ham Shack Topics:
QsoRipper
Source: https://lhs.fyi/LZ
POTACAT
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M0
Hello Contest
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M5
Rayfall: QRZ Logbook Map Viewer
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M6
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing our presence and the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
Tom Foy, N4HAI, on Episode #625, through Facebook
Listened to that one on the plane!!! Gotta check it out! I’m kinda sick of some of the logging apps I’ve been using. I love the idea of starting a new “operation”, and not starting a whole new log. PLUS.. I can stop running Win/N1MM+ on my x86 Mac Mini here in the shack, and go back to Linux!
Jonathan Rhoads, KD2HBV, sent us 2 pieces of Feedback this week via email!
Ham Topic Idea
Hello again - Thanks for answering my question about tuning a dipole antenna based on swr readings. That was a great help in getting on the air with my portable qrp zBitx! I realize that there are many types of antennas used in portable qrp operations, but from what I’ve read, the End-fed half wave and the End-fed “random wire” antennas are the most common. Both are also within my ability for homebrewing, should I need to. I do have an ATU-10 tuner, so I could go with either one. What are the pros and cons of both? Or perhaps there is something even better I’m missing?
Hedonism Idea Grilling
My garden has reached that happy state where I have tomatoes, bell peppers and onions all available, so last weekend I made a batch of “salsa rojo.”
The way I learned to do this is:
Cut the veggies into wedges (removing the pepper seeds).
Brush with olive oil.
Grill, shaking on salt and pepper.
Remove the tomato skins.
Blend, adding lime juice (or zest), salt and olive oil to taste.
Makes a fantastic end-of-summer treat. We eat it with many things (e.g. grilled cheese, chips, grits) and it’s good “while supplies last.” Which typically is not very long!
So that was my weekend hedonism.
Do either of you have anything unusual you like to create on a grill?
Subscribers & Supporters:
Free Patreons
David Helmana
Paypal
Jim MacKenzie
Facebook
Adam Coble III
Robert McNeal
X / Twitter
shininglily43
Discord
KC9YIJ Mark
AJ5CR - Anne
N8XYM Mike
Live Show Participants
Steve - KJ5T
46 min
August 17LHS Episode #626: The Weekender CXLII
Show Notes
Topic Wheel
Introducing HamWorldSpectrumToolsTracker - A New Site
Source: https://lhs.fyi/M3 (Reddit)
This Weekend in Hedonism
Cheryl’s Recipe Corner
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Description:
Summer is the time to use up garden-fresh veggies and do something easy so you don’t spend time slaving over a hot stove.
Ingredients
6 ounces boxed stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
½ cup butter, melted
4 diced zucchini, (about 4-5 cups of bite size pieces)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced into small pieces
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
10 ½ ounces canned cream of chicken soup, (1 can)
½ onion, diced
½ cup sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 350℉.
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix and melted butter. Set aside ½ cup of the mixture for topping.
Add zucchini, cooked chicken, Mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion and sour cream to the stuffing in the large bowl.
Spread zucchini mixture in an even layer in a 9 x 13 inch glass pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Sprinkle reserved stuffing mix on top and bake, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes or until cooked through and the top is golden brown.
If you would like to add more seasoning, you can use garlic powder, parmesan cheese, green onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you don’t have zucchini, you can use yellow squash instead (or a mixture of the 2).
Notes:
Try using a rotisserie chicken from the deli for this recipe to save time and add a savory flavor.
Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner
Cucumber Margarita
Description:
Again, summer veggies can easily be introduced to adult beverages and are very refreshing!
Ingredients
Salt (for rimming the glass)
2 1/2 ounces cucumber-infused tequila (recipe below)
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce triple sec
1 slice cucumber (for garnish)
Cucumber-Infused Tequila
2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise
1 750-ml bottle blanco tequila
Directions
Make the Margarita
Wet the rim of an old-fashioned or margarita glass and dip it in salt. Let stand until dry. Fill the glass with ice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the cucumber-infused tequila (recipe below), lime juice, and triple sec. Shake for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the rimmed glass and garnish with the cucumber slice.
To Make the Cucumber-Infused Tequila
In a large pitcher or mason jar, combine the sliced cucumbers and the tequila. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
Strain the tequila into a clean pitcher or jar; discard the spent cucumbers.
Notes:
How long will cucumber infused tequila last?
The cucumber-infused tequila can be stored at room temperature or chilled for up to 3 months.
Do you have to infuse tequila ahead of time?
If you’re looking to make a single-serving version of this cocktail and want to avoid the hassle of infusing an entire bottle of tequila, a similar profile can be achieved by muddling two slices of fresh cucumber with the 2 1/2 ounces of tequila. Simply muddle well before adding the rest of the ingredients to your shaker and following the rest of the recipe as indicated.
Bill’s Whatever Corner
Item: Buchanan’s Deluxe World Cup Scotch
Description: The Buchanan’s Deluxe World Cup collection is a limited-edition series of 12-year-old blended Scotch whisky bottles released for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Designed in partnership with the LA fashion and design collective Kids of Immigrants, the four-bottle collection features vibrant, football-themed packaging celebrating fan culture.
The Collection Details:
The Bottles: Includes three uniquely designed bottles of Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky and one bottle of Buchanan’s Pineapple flavored spirit.
The Designs: Named ‘El Ritmo | La Calle’, ‘Mi Gente | Mi Juego’, ‘Un Balón | Un Sueño’, and ‘El Golazo | La Fiesta’, honoring the journey from the street to the stadium.
The Liquid: The 12-year Deluxe inside remains the classic, smooth blend with signature notes of honey, citrus, and mild oak (40% ABV).
Availability: Available across the U.S. at select retailers and online platforms like TheBar.
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application! You can also share our Facebook page to your friends!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas! Email us at [email protected]
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Feedback:
YouTube Comment on Episode 621 from @PaulGriffith
Would this run on a Pi Zero? You didn’t say how much memory it took to run OscarWatch..
Subscribers & Supporters:
Facebook
Eric Baber - W8WEB
X / Twitter
@slowdancert
Discord
Forrest KD2MZH
Layla
W0NSX John
Live Show Participants
Steve - KJ5T
Mike - K6GTE
55 min
August 10LHS Episode #625: Sebastián Delmont KI2D - HaLo Next Edition
Show Notes
Featured Topic:
Interview with Sebastián Delmont (KI2D)
Sebastián was last with us on Episode 573 https://lhs.fyi/573 talking to us about Ham2K Portable Logger (PoLo) Project.
Sebastián expanded his popular mobile Ham2K PoLo (Portable Logger) into a next-generation desktop logging application code-named HaLo (Ham2K Logger Next Edition). It brings the clean, modern interface of the mobile app to Windows, macOS, Linux, and Web environments, utilizing physical keyboards and larger screens
Key Features of Ham2K Logger Next Edition:
Cross-Platform: Built natively for Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers.
Optimized for Desktops: Tailored to leverage full physical keyboards, wide screen real estate, and advanced radio/CAT control.
POTA and Contest Friendly: Retains the smooth workflow used for Parks on the Air (POTA) alongside modern template support.
Free and Open Source: Continues the community-driven, open-source philosophy of the original mobile PoLo project
Resources:
HaLo Download: https://lhs.fyi/M2
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas!
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Comments, questions, etc: [email protected]
Subscribers & Supporters:
Facebook
David DesOrmeaux
Mastodon
[email protected]
[email protected]
Discord
GHzandOctain
Kevin-W8NI
Live Show Participants
Mike - K6GTE
1 hr 23 min
August 04LHS Episode #624: National Jamboree 2026
Show Notes
Featured Topic:
Interview with Bill, NE4RD, about the 2026 Scouting America National Jamboree
K2BSA - https://lhs.fyi/pn
National Jamboree - https://lhs.fyi/LP
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
Support the show!
Support us via Patreon, Paypal, Merch, Sharing the Podcast via Social Media, and Rating Us in your Podcast Application!
We need your feedback!
Comments, Questions, Show Topic Ideas!
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Comments, questions, etc: [email protected]
Subscribers & Supporters:
Paid Patreon
Thor (N7JCT)
Paypal
Dillon Angle
Facebook
Dave Orio
Gregory Wood-Ward Dyer
X / Twitter
@bluskyfarm
Mastodon
@[email protected]
Discord
schnitlzd with fancy font
Mushroom Chef
JRantz
T!m
Peas
Live Show Participants
Steve - KJ5T
Tucker -K5FAZ
1 hr 15 min
July 13LHS Episode #623: Dipole Tuning Listener Feedback
Show Notes
Featured Topic
Feedback from Jonathan Rhoades KD2HBV
I’m trying to figure out how to tune a homebrew dipole antenna using the swr readout on my qrp rig (zBitx). Thought if I’m interested in this, perhaps others are, and maybe it would fit into your short topic list.
What Is a Dipole?
A dipole is simply a wire antenna fed at its center, with two equal-length halves extending in opposite directions. It’s a balanced antenna — symmetrical around the feedpoint. To be resonant, it needs to be a half-wavelength long at its operating frequency. The formula: length (feet) = 468 ÷ frequency (MHz). That gives you sizes ranging from about 16 feet on 10 meters all the way to 260 feet on 160 meters.
Resonance matters because it puts the antenna’s impedance in a range compatible with common coax feed lines — but resonance isn’t strictly required; an antenna tuner can compensate for dipoles that are longer or shorter.
What is SWR?
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
When RF power travels down a feed line toward an antenna, some of it gets radiated — but if the antenna’s impedance doesn’t match the feed line’s impedance, some power bounces back toward the transmitter. That reflected wave and the forward wave interact, creating a pattern of high and low voltage/current points along the feed line called standing waves.
SWR is simply the ratio of the peak voltage to the minimum voltage of that standing wave pattern. A perfect match = 1:1 SWR (no reflected power). Higher ratios mean more mismatch and more reflected power.
What is zBitx?
The zBitx is a highly compact, all-mode, all-band Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver designed for portable and QRP (low-power) amateur radio. Very compact in size, it measures 5.5 inches x 3 inches x 1.25 inches, and weighs 250 gms/9 ounces!
It covers the 80M to 10M bands, and runs digital modes like FT8 natively.
The zBitx is built by HF Signals and powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero, running open-source sBitx software that allows for future software upgrades.
Announcements & Feedback:
Announcements:
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Taking a break from recording for a few weeks!
Due to Bill doing that whole Boy Scout Jamboree thing, we’re going to skip recording for a few weeks. Mark your calendars - July 19th and 26th are definitely out, and likely August 2nd. Don’t panic… we’re still around, and Bill will tell us about his Jamboree adventures on the next episode (which will be #124 - typically our “featured topic” episode) after he gets home! NOTE: Bill MAY decide to record a podcast from Jamboree… only time will tell.
Memorial Service for Russ, K5TUX
There will be a memorial service held for Russ at our home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on November 1, 2026. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join us, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll send you more info!
Facebook event page: https://lhs.fyi/mem
Comments, questions, etc: [email protected]
Special Note for this episode:
Bill will be gone for the next few weeks to the Scouting National Jamboree, and they are always needing folks to interact with the kids through the K2BSA. They will be operating HF on 40M – 10M, D-Star on REF033A, EchoLink on JOTA-365, and more as time, conditions, and staffing allowed. SO, if you hear them on the air… please take a minute to chat with the lucky camper! Bill has posted a great list of questions to ask the campers on the K2BSA website https://lhs.fyi/M1
Feedback:
Email from Ray Franz, WB0SMZ
I just listened to a podcast of yours from a few years ago. Podcast 537 for Qlog ham logging software. I have it installed on Linux Mint and enjoy the software a lot. But I have noticed an issue with my installation. The time shown for a qso is incorrect and I cannot find a solution. I have a digital clock in UTC on my desktop so I can reference UTC time at any time. What I found is this example:
Linux local time in the lower right corner is 05:34.
UTC TIME on my digital clock is 00:34.
Qlog time for current qso is 12:35 AM
Would you have any ideas for how I could get Qlog to log qsos is UTC time? Windows programs like Genlog, Dxlog and others default to UTC. Otherwise I love Qlog for general purpose logging. I installed from Software app on Linux Mint.
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38 min