2025-08-09 –, Ham Radio Village (W321)
This beginner-friendly presentation introduces amateur radio operators and enthusiasts to popular digital modes, highlighting recent advances and innovations. Attendees will learn the basics of well-known digital modes such as APRS, FT8, FT4, and JS8Call, and discover new and emerging technologies, including FreeDV’s RADE and the open-source M17 protocol. The session emphasizes accessible and affordable equipment and software solutions, ensuring that both new and returning participants leave with fresh insights and practical guidance for exploring digital amateur radio.
Digital modes continue to transform amateur radio, offering efficient communication methods and exciting new possibilities. This updated introductory presentation for amateur radio operators and hobbyists covers essential digital modes commonly used across HF, VHF, and UHF bands, providing foundational knowledge and recent developments.
Participants will:
- Explore Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), now enhanced by innovative LoRa technology, modern mapping interfaces, and new portable hardware options.
- Get an overview of WSJT-X modes, especially FT8 and FT4, which remain favorites for weak-signal digital communication, along with recent enhancements in usability and contesting.
- Learn about JS8Call, a conversational data mode built on FT8 technology, and WSPR, an automated beacon mode ideal for propagation study.
Be introduced to cutting-edge digital voice modes such as FreeDV’s RADE, which utilizes machine learning to significantly improve HF voice quality, and the M17 digital voice protocol, an open-source, community-driven alternative to DMR and D-STAR.
Discover accessible, beginner-friendly hardware solutions, including low-cost HF QRP digital rigs, integrated sound card interfaces, and mobile/portable digital operation setups.
This presentation is designed to appeal to newcomers, while offering valuable updates and fresh content for returning attendees.
Jon is the Cybersecurity Evangelist at VikingCloud with a true passion for information security. Jon is an amateur radio operator, lockpicker, phreaker, repairer of all things, and maker. As a result of his long-standing commitment to open source software, Jon has offered his expertise as a package manager for the Debian GNU/Linux OS distribution since 1998.