Recent Blog Posts
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Exploring the World of Ham Radio: A Session by GRAS
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On Sunday, June 2, 2024, the Goa Radio Amateurs Society (GRAS) organized an engaging session on ham radio. This event aimed to demystify ham radio for enthusiasts and the general public. I, Sandesh Bhat (VU3FGJ), along with Amey Pandit (VU2YQ), had the pleasure of leading this informative session. Session Overview…
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Overcoming Challenges in Recent BOTA Activations
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Activating beaches for BOTA (Beaches on the Air) is always an exhilarating experience, blending my love for ham radio with the serene coastal environment. However, each activation comes with its unique set of challenges. In my recent activations, I’ve encountered several obstacles that tested my skills and adaptability. Here, I’ll…
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Mandrem Beach Activation – BOTA – 22nd to 23rd June 2024
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After successfully activating Arambol Beach on the afternoon of June 22nd, 2024, I moved to Mandrem Beach in the evening at around 7:00 PM IST to continue the Beaches On The Air (BOTA) activation. I had booked a small cottage right on the beach to serve as a base for…
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Arambol Beach Activation – BOTA – 22nd June 2024
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On June 22nd, 2024, I activated Arambol Beach for Beaches On The Air (BOTA). The stormy weather and no orange alert added significant challenges, with lots of static and a high noise floor making communication difficult. Operating on 20 meters at 14.240 MHz, I had to switch between 14.240 and…
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Building the Ultimate Tactical Go Bag for Ham Radio Operations
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Creating a tactical go bag tailored for ham radio operations requires meticulous planning and strategic packing. Whether you’re preparing for emergency communications, field day operations, or overlanding adventures, having a well-equipped go bag can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed look at a custom-built tactical go bag, loaded with…
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Understanding FT8 Transmission Modes: J2D and J3E
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FT8, a highly efficient digital mode widely used in amateur radio, is designed to facilitate communication under weak signal conditions. However, the technical classification of FT8 and the practical modes of its transmission can be a source of confusion. This article aims to clarify the differences between the ITU emission…
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BOTA Activation at Keri Beach, North Goa
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June 15, 2024 – By Sandesh VU3FGJ Watch the activation video here I am thrilled to share my recent Beaches On The Air (BOTA) activation experience at Keri Beach, North Goa, India. Despite challenging weather conditions, the activation turned out to be quite an adventure and a success. Activation Summary:…
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Detailed Comparison of Firmware Mods for Quansheng UV-K5
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In this post, we provide a comprehensive comparison of various firmware modifications available for the Quansheng UV-K5 and UV-K5(8) transceivers. These mods, developed by different contributors, offer a range of features and enhancements, making the UV-K5 a versatile and powerful radio for amateur radio enthusiasts. Below is a detailed table…
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Military Intelligence and Advanced Frequency Monitoring: A Prototype Overview
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In the realm of military intelligence, monitoring and analyzing radio frequencies is crucial for intercepting communications, evaluating signal environments, and identifying potential threats. Understanding how intelligence agencies efficiently monitor the entire spectrum inspired the development of this sophisticated prototype system. This system is designed to manage and monitor multiple radio…
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Building a Signal Intelligence Go Box with HackRF and PortaPack
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In an era where communication and signal monitoring are crucial, having a portable and versatile signal intelligence (SIGINT) setup can be invaluable. As an avid radio enthusiast and member of the Goa Radio Amateurs Society (GRAS), I embarked on a project to build a comprehensive go box using HackRF One…
