Week 40, 2026: the week in amateur radio
28 Sept – 4 Oct · 133 stories · Mon · Tue · Wed · Thu · Fri · Sat · Sun
Manufacturers & gear
2-
Heil Sound Fall50 Sale
Heil Sound runs a limited-time fall sale with discounts on popular microphones, plus reduced prices on metallic-finish closeouts and B-stock units while supplies last.
-
Icom Launches IC-M430 VHF Marine Radio with First-in-Class Color Display
Icom America announces the IC-M430, a VHF marine radio that the company says has a color display.
Societies & IARU
78-
OPIÐ Í SKELJANESI 8. OKTÓBER.
Open House at Skeljanes, 8 October
The ÍRA clubhouse in Skeljanes is open to members and guests on Thursday 8 October, 20:00–22:00. The QSL manager will have sorted incoming cards, and coffee will be served.
-
HELSTU KEPPNIR HELGINA 10.-11. OKTÓBER.
Main Contests of the Weekend, 10–11 October
ÍRA lists the weekend's main contests for 10–11 October: the Oceania DX Contest (CW) and the Scandinavian Activity Contest, which aims to boost activity among Nordic stations. Members are encouraged to take part.
-
De 42e Friese Elfstedencontest is op 22 november 2026
The 42nd Frisian Elfstedencontest takes place on 22 November 2026
VERON department A-14 Friesland-Noord invites amateurs to the 42nd Frisian Eleven Cities Contest. It runs on Sunday 22 November 2026 from 11:00 to 14:00, with stations aiming to activate Frisian cities and Bartlehiem.
-
Es ist Weltraumwoche!
It's World Space Week!
DARC marks the UN-designated World Space Week, 4 to 10 October, and links it to amateur radio. It points to OSCAR satellites such as AMSAT-OSCAR 7 and QO-100, ARISS contacts with the ISS, and space weather.
-
RADE: Australian Amateur Radio Innovation Takes Digital Voice in a New Direction
The Wireless Institute of Australia highlights RADE, an Australian amateur radio development in digital voice that points the mode in a new direction.
-
04-Oct-2026 Updates from the IRTS — HF News — Return of the Shannon Basin Radio Club SSB DX Nets — TOG Radio Weekend: 24th and 25th October — Silent Key : EI9FN Percy Masters —…
The IRTS weekly news roundup covers HF news, the return of the Shannon Basin Radio Club SSB DX nets, the TOG Radio Weekend on 24-25 October, and the Silent Key notice for EI9FN Percy Masters.
-
NÝTT CQ TF ER KOMIÐ ÚT.
New CQ TF Has Been Published
Issue 4 of 2026 of CQ TF, the Icelandic amateur radio society's magazine, has been published. Editor Sæmundur E. Þorsteinsson, TF3UA, thanks contributors and provides an online link to the issue.
-
Propagatienieuws – week 41 2026
Propagation news – week 41 2026
VERON's weekly propagation outlook for week 41 covers HF MUF ranging from about 10 MHz at night to around 24 MHz by day. It also covers tropo, sporadic-E, meteor scatter, aurora and EME conditions.
-
En ny bok om portabel amatörradio.
A new book on portable amateur radio
SM6YEC has written a 132-page Swedish-language guide to portable amateur radio, covering gear, batteries, antennas, logging software and programs such as POTA, SMFF, WWFF and PARC. It suits beginners and experienced operators and is available in print or as an e-book.
-
Najbolji svjetski radioamateri 2030. dolaze u Slavoniju
The world's best radio amateurs come to Slavonia in 2030
The Croatian Amateur Radio Union has been awarded hosting of the World Radiosport Team Championship in July 2030, held alongside the IARU HF Championship. The event will take place near Čepin in Slavonia, with details on wrtc2030.hr.
-
Neue Koordinatoren für den IARU Intruder Watch Service (IWS)
New coordinators for the IARU Intruder Watch Service (IWS)
Harald Geier, DL9NDW, and Paulo Teixeira, CT2IWW, take over as global coordinators of the IARU Intruder Watch Service. They succeed Gaspar Miró, EA6AMM, who stepped down after leading the group since 2024.
-
800 MHz-proef AST SpaceMobile afgerond – kwestie rond interferentie blijft
AST SpaceMobile 800 MHz trial completed, interference issue remains
AST SpaceMobile has completed its 800 MHz trial, but the dispute over possible interference with the 70 cm amateur band continues. Direct-to-device satellite services increasingly compete with amateur allocations for spectrum.
-
Where Will Your Signal Go? Explore the RSGB's Online HF Propagation Tools
The Wireless Institute of Australia points readers to the RSGB's set of online HF propagation tools, which help estimate where a signal is likely to be heard on the bands.
-
ISTRA CONTEST CONFERENCE 2026
Istra Contest Conference 2026
The fifth Istra Contest Conference takes place this weekend in Poreč, Croatia, with talks also available on YouTube. On Saturday evening the host of the WRTC 2030 contest is to be announced, with HRS among the candidates.
-
HBradio 5/2026 online
Issue 5/2026 of the Swiss society's magazine is available for download. It features an interview with a blind ham, the new USKA website, elevated radial calculations, a magnetic-loop field meter build, the OscarWatch satellite software and contest results.
-
Reminder: Notfunk-Tagung am Samstag, 10. Oktober 2026
Reminder: Emergency radio conference on Saturday, 10 October 2026
USKA holds its EmComm conference in Brütten on Saturday, 10 October 2026, and for the first time also invites authorities and rescue organisations. The programme covers Winlink, AREDN mesh networks, VHF/UHF repeater voice links and equipment displays.
-
FunkWX am Wochenende
Radio weather for the weekend
A predicted coronal mass ejection only grazed Earth overnight, with no lasting effect on propagation. Geomagnetic activity should stay mostly quiet until stronger solar wind arrives around 4 October (Kp 4–5). Flare risk is very low and DX conditions are usable to good.
-
Kort radioamateurnieuws – week 40, 2026
Short amateur radio news – week 40, 2026
VERON's weekly news roundup covers the society's move to a new membership administration system on 1 November 2026. It also mentions an inflatable loop antenna for bicycle tyres, a lecture on 50 years of amateur radio, and a reported Icom X-026 reveal.
-
This Weekend, We Are the DX: Oceania DX Contest Starts Today
The Wireless Institute of Australia notes that the Oceania DX Contest begins today, with stations in Oceania being the sought-after DX for the weekend.
-
The Satellite That Refused to Die: AMSAT-OSCAR 7 Is Still Talking
AMSAT-OSCAR 7, an amateur radio satellite launched decades ago, continues to transmit. The Wireless Institute of Australia looks at its long operating life and what keeps it relevant to satellite operators.
-
SAC SSB: 10-11 oktober.
SAC SSB: 10-11 October
Swedish stations are encouraged to take part in the SSB leg of the Scandinavian Activity Contest on 11–12 October 2026, following a strong CW weekend. Sweden currently leads the Scandinavian Cup; the contest runs from 12:00 UTC Saturday to 11:59 UTC Sunday.
-
D-STAR ENDURVARPINN ER VIRKUR.
D-STAR repeater is active
The Icelandic society reports that the D-STAR repeater TF3RPI in the Bláfjöll mountains is working. It runs on 439.950 MHz transmit and 434.950 MHz receive, with an internet gateway, and the society's repeater information page has been updated.
-
2026 Collegiate QSO Party is October 3 – 4
The Collegiate QSO Party runs from 0000 UTC October 3 to 2359 UTC October 4. Stations operated by students, faculty and alumni use college and university callsigns on CW, phone and digital modes.
-
Less than a week until the RSGB 2026 Convention
Advance tickets for the RSGB Convention at Kents Hill Conference Centre, Milton Keynes, can be bought online until 9am on Monday 5 October. Buying ahead costs less than paying at the event.
-
RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair wins international award
Murray Niman, G6JYB, who chairs the RSGB Spectrum Forum, receives the Roy Stevens, G2BVN Memorial Trophy. He shares the award with one other recipient, presented at the IARU Region 1 Conference.
-
New RSGB Regional Forum Chair and Secretary announced
Philip Hosey, MI0MSO, is appointed the new RSGB Regional Forum Chair. He has held the role before and currently manages the Society's special interest groups.
-
Appointment of Regional Forum Chair
The RSGB appoints Philip Hosey, MI0MSO, as Regional Forum Chair from 1 October 2026. He has previously served in the role and is currently the Society's Special Interest Group Manager.
-
Appointment of Regional Forum Secretary
The RSGB appoints Stephen Purser, GW4SHF, as Regional Forum Secretary from 1 October 2026. He has held various volunteer roles with the Society over many years.
-
Vortrag: Überraschendes zu Monopol- und Vertikalantennen
Talk: Surprising Facts about Monopole and Vertical Antennas
A talk by Wolfgang, DK2FQ, on monopole and vertical antennas takes place on Treff.DARC on 5 October at 19:00. It uses practical examples to show how such antennas actually behave and which assumptions prove surprising.
-
Keeping the Radio Sky Quiet: What Radio Astronomy Can Teach Amateur Radio About Interference
The Wireless Institute of Australia compares how radio astronomers protect against radio interference with the problems amateurs face, and considers what hams could learn from those methods.
-
Also in GB2RS this week…
Two GB2RS News broadcasts will originate from the RSGB Convention on Sunday 11 October. One is an 80m bulletin on 3640kHz at 11am, and the other is read via the QO-100 satellite at 3pm.
-
Beredskap handlar om att vara redo.
Preparedness is about being ready.
Lindesberg Radio Club SK4EA and the volunteer radio organisation FRO Örebro provided backup radio links between 12 polling stations and the municipal office on 13 September. Communication mostly used a 145 MHz repeater, with simplex and a mesh network as fallbacks.
-
Suomen Radioamatööriliiton toimiston tiedote 38/2026, 3.10.2026
SRAL office bulletin 38/2026, 3 October 2026
The Finnish society's bulletin 38/2026 covers its autumn meeting on 21 November in Tampere, board election nominations, continued amateur exam sessions, and several club events and courses in October.
-
Youth WWA 2026 – YOTA Italia presente!
Youth WWA 2026 – YOTA Italia is on the air!
Young radio amateurs worldwide are on the air for the Youth World Wide Award from 5 to 11 October. Several YOTA Italia stations are active on HF bands.
-
ORARI Daerah Riau Siap Dukung Penuh Jojo Fun Camp 2026
ORARI Riau Ready to Fully Support Jojo Fun Camp 2026
ORARI Riau pledges support for Jojo Fun Camp 2026, a scout JOTA-JOTI event planned for 16–18 October at Rumbai in Pekanbaru. About 500 participants are expected, and the club is asked to provide speakers, instructors and radio equipment.
-
Interview unter dem Turm #96: Lars Weiler, DC4LB, über das DARC LAB auf der HAM RADIO
Interview under the Tower #96: Lars Weiler, DC4LB, on the DARC LAB at HAM RADIO
Episode 96 of the DARC video series features Lars Weiler about the DARC Lab stand at HAM RADIO 2026. Visitors could use 3D printers, soldering stations and measuring equipment to work on technical projects.
-
Interview unter dem Turm #96: Lars Weiler, DC4LW, über das DARC LAB auf der HAM RADIO
Interview Under the Tower #96: Lars Weiler, DC4LW, on the DARC LAB at HAM RADIO
In episode 96 of its video series, DARC speaks with Lars Weiler, DC4LW, who staffed the DARC Lab stand at HAM RADIO 2026. Visitors there could work on technical projects using 3D printers, soldering stations and test equipment.
-
“WSJT-X Improved” gaat verder als “WS – Digital Mode Suite”
"WSJT-X Improved" continues as "WS – Digital Mode Suite"
The WSJT-X Improved software is renamed WS – Digital Mode Suite. The change avoids confusion with the version of WSJT-X by Joe Taylor, K1JT.
-
FunkWX - Magnetstürme möglich
FunkWX - Magnetic storms possible
A coronal mass ejection may graze Earth soon, possibly raising geomagnetic activity to unsettled or active with minor G1 storms. Fast solar wind from a coronal hole is also expected on 4 October.
-
Vaalivaliokunta tiedottaa – hallitusvaalin 2026 ehdokasasettelusta
Election committee announces nominations for the 2026 board election
SRAL's election committee opens nominations for two board seats, each a three-year term, to be filled at the autumn meeting on 21 November 2026. Proposals are due by 22 October, 16:00, preferably by email.
-
Deutschland-Rundspruch 39/2026, 40. KW
Germany Bulletin 39/2026, Week 40
The DARC weekly bulletin covers the Bundesrat's fifth amendment to the frequency ordinance, an ARRL look at RADE, ISS SSTV images, SAQ's October 24 transmission, a Kamen radio market and contests.
-
DX-Honor Roll VERON per 1 oktober 2026
VERON DX Honor Roll as of 1 October 2026
VERON publishes its DX Honor Roll as of 1 October 2026, comparing band scores for worked and confirmed DXCC entities among Dutch operators who upload logs to Club Log.
-
WICEN NSW Prepares for the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic
WICEN NSW, the emergency communications group of New South Wales, is preparing to provide radio support for the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.
-
Ionosondas. Qué son y para qué sirven, por David Altadill
Ionosondes: what they are and what they are for, by David Altadill
David Altadill explains what ionosondas are and what they do. These stations analyse the ionosphere, and their worldwide data feed HF propagation understanding and prediction programs.
-
Austrijas radioamatieriem simtgade: ÖVSV svinību videoieraksts
Centenary for Austrian radio amateurs: video of the ÖVSV celebration
A video of the ÖVSV centenary celebration of 21 September 2026 is now online. It features a play by the late Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC, about the society's structure and future.
-
21° Diploma Palazzo Reale di Caserta
21st Royal Palace of Caserta Award
ARI Caserta runs the 21st Palazzo Reale di Caserta Award from October 3 to 11, 2026, on 160-10m in CW, SSB and digital modes. Logs are not sent and are published on HAMAWARD.
-
Vorsicht bei Einfuhr von Geräten aus Russland – aktuelle Einfuhrbeschränkungen beachten
Caution when importing equipment from Russia – observe current import restrictions
DARC warns that importing equipment from Russia can bring trouble under EU sanctions. A buyer of a 23 cm EME amplifier bought in 2023 has been contacted by customs investigators, even though it was hobby use.
-
WRTC 2022: sanctioneringscommissie herziet de resultaten
WRTC 2022: sanctions committee revises the results
The sanctions committee has revised the WRTC 2022 results first published in July 2023. A further review of contest logs, prompted by WRTC 2026 jury findings, leads to at least one disqualification.
-
SDROXIDE & SDROXIDE-SWL: Rust-gedreven innovatie voor Zendamateurs, luisteramateurs en CB’ers
SDROXIDE & SDROXIDE-SWL: Rust-driven innovation for hams, listeners and CB operators
VERON presents SDROXIDE and SDROXIDE-SWL, SDR receiver software written in Rust for transmitting amateurs, listeners and CB users, as a lighter alternative to heavier existing packages.
-
Kempische Amateur Radioclub Radiomarkt 2026
Kempische Amateur Radioclub Radio Market 2026
The Kempische Amateur Radioclub holds its radio flea market on Sunday 20 December 2026, 10:00–14:00, at BRUIS community centre in Bladel, Netherlands. Entry is €6, and stall reservations are open.
-
Übung „First Responder 2026“
Exercise "First Responder 2026"
ÖVSV plans a nationwide emergency-communications exercise on Saturday 3 October, the day of Austria's civil-protection siren test. Participants log siren audibility and whether an AT-Alert cell broadcast arrived, using 2 m and 70 cm simplex and CB channel 9.
-
24° Meeting Digital and Radio Communications
24th Meeting Digital and Radio Communications
ARI promotes its 24th Digital and Radio Communications Meeting. Further details are available through the announcement on the association's site.
-
Crossover-SAT-Transponder 29 MHz USB => 435 MHz FM
Crossover satellite transponder 29 MHz USB to 435 MHz FM
AMSAT-EA's small HADES-L satellite carries a crossover transponder with a 28.472 MHz USB uplink and a 436.665 MHz FM downlink, plus a digital voice beacon and radiation experiments. It is slated to launch on SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare.
-
Starttermin für ERMINAZ-2-Satelliten steht fest
Launch date set for ERMINAZ-2 satellites
Three AMSAT-DL PocketQube satellites, ERMINAZ-2U, 2V and 2X, are set to launch on 1 October 2026 at 18:18 UTC aboard Falcon 9 on Transporter-18. They carry telemetry, image transmission and a digipeater, with IARU-coordinated frequencies.
-
DARC-Seminar „Smithdiagramm und Netzwerkanalysator“ am 23.–24. Oktober
DARC Seminar "Smith Chart and Network Analyzer" on 23–24 October
DARC holds a seminar on Smith charts and network analyzers at the Baunatal amateur radio center on 23–24 October. DK5HH leads it, and the €205 fee includes one hotel night and meals.
-
Electron oktober 2026
Electron October 2026
VERON announces the October 2026 issue of its magazine Electron.
-
Día del Radioaficionado Argentino 2026
Argentine Radio Amateur Day 2026
Radio Club Argentino promotes a week of activity from October 17 to 25 around Argentine Radio Amateur Day, which falls on October 21. Radio clubs are invited to put stations on the air.
-
Winlink Wednesday.
Winlink Wednesday
SSA promotes Winlink Wednesday, a weekly practice in which operators send a standard check-in message by radio rather than telnet. It argues regular use builds skill ahead of real emergencies, following Sweden's preparedness week.
-
Braco Memic & Sven Lovric over diskwalificatie WRTC 2026
Braco Memic & Sven Lovric on their WRTC 2026 disqualification
Braco Memic and Sven Lovric respond to their disqualification from WRTC 2026. The organizers announced on 1 September that results had to be recalculated after cheating was discovered.
-
Visita institucional del presidente de la IARU Región 2 a la sede de la URE
Institutional visit by the IARU Region 2 president to URE headquarters
The president of IARU Region 2, José Arturo Molina, YS1MS, visited URE's headquarters on 28 September. Region 2 covers the Americas from Alaska to Patagonia.
-
Revista octubre 2026 en PDF
October 2026 magazine in PDF
URE's October 2026 magazine is available as a PDF download for members. It includes a piece on IberRadio 2026 and a report on a bivouac radio outing by EA5JVW.
-
Octubre 2026 – Revista
October 2026 – Magazine
URE posts its October 2026 magazine issue.
-
Diploma Día de la Comunidad Valenciana
Valencian Community Day Diploma
URE's Valencian Community council invites operators to take part in a special diploma marking Valencian Community Day. Activating stations use three callsigns, including AO5CV and AM5CV.
-
KUP JADRANA – prijavljeni rezultati
Adriatic Cup – submitted results
The Croatian Radio Amateur Union reports that submitted results for this year's Adriatic Cup (Kup Jadrana) are now published on HF-ROBOT.
-
Noord/Ost Amateur Treffen bij het stoomgemaal te Winschoten op 17 oktober 2026
Noord/Ost Amateur Treffen at the Winschoten steam pumping station on 17 October 2026
VERON lists a free hamfest in the north-east Netherlands on 17 October 2026, starting at 10:00 at the Winschoten steam pumping station. The focus is on a general amateur gathering.
-
L'Editoriale di ottobre 2026
Editorial for October 2026
The ARI president's October editorial looks back on the 5 July general assembly, which dealt with financial, organizational and regulatory matters, including the winding-up of Ediradio and efforts to streamline the association's processes.
-
RÁÐSTEFNA IARU SVÆÐIS 1 2026.
IARU Region 1 Conference 2026
The 27th IARU Region 1 conference took place 19–23 September in Vienna, with delegates from 38 member societies. A new executive committee was elected for three years, with PB2T as chairman. Two Icelandic delegates attended.
-
NÁMSKEIÐIÐ GENGUR VEL.
The course is going well
The Icelandic society's amateur licence course, begun 14 September at Reykjavík University, is entering its third of six weeks. It has 22 participants, about 69% of those registered.
-
Contest IARU Reg.1 UHF & Microwave
IARU Reg.1 UHF & Microwave Contest
The IARU Region 1 UHF & Microwave Contest runs the weekend of 3–4 October and is the year's main event for bands from 432 MHz upward. ARI links to the full rules.
-
SSTV-Bilder von der ISS im Zeitraum 2. bis 6. Oktober
SSTV images from the ISS, 2 to 6 October
ARISS schedules SSTV transmissions from the ISS from 2 to 6 October, the first of Expedition 75, as series 33. Images use Robot 36 on 437.550 MHz, with a theme of student education, and can be submitted to a gallery.
-
Запуск нового вебсайту Belgium Outdoor Shack (BOS!)
Launch of the new Belgium Outdoor Shack (BOS!) website
Belgium Outdoor Shack has launched a website with integrated logging and awards for Belgian programs covering castles, mills, lighthouses and towers. Hams worldwide can register free as chasers or activators and download earned awards at no cost.
-
52. Funktionsträgerseminar im Amateurfunkzentrum Baunatal
52nd Officers' Seminar at the Baunatal Amateur Radio Centre
DARC held its 52nd basic seminar for local-club officials at the Baunatal amateur radio centre from 28 to 30 September. Topics include club administration, finances, elections and press work, plus tours and evening workshops.
-
SAQ geht am 24. Oktober wieder auf Sendung
SAQ goes on the air again on 24 October
The Grimeton VLF transmitter SAQ returns to the air on 24 October for UN Day, on 17.2 kHz, with a peace message at 13:00 UTC. Tests are planned 23 October, and club station SK6SAQ operates on several HF frequencies.
-
WDR-Aktionstag am 3. Oktober: Türen auf mit der Maus
WDR Action Day on 3 October: Doors Open with the Mouse
Germany's WDR open-doors day on 3 October, themed small wonders, offers clubs a chance to show amateur radio to the public. A map of participating locations is on the event website.
-
Bundesrat beschließt 5. Änderung zur Frequenzverordnung
Bundesrat approves fifth amendment to the frequency ordinance
Germany's Bundesrat has approved the fifth amendment to the frequency ordinance, a step toward restoring amateur access to the 4 m band. Publication, frequency plan updates and a BNetzA allocation must follow, so use from 1 January 2027 is not assured.
-
Uitnodiging en programma 45e HF-dag 3 oktober 2026
Invitation and programme for the 45th HF day, 3 October 2026
VERON invites its members to the 45th HF day on 3 October 2026, at a new venue, De Essenburcht in Kootwijkerbroek. Attendees should bring their VERON membership card.
-
Aktuelle Conteste KW 40/2026
Current Contests, Week 40/2026
DARC's list of contests for calendar week 40, 28 September to 4 October, includes Oceania DX Contest (SSB), the IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwave Contest, ON Contest, Russian Digital Contest and several CW activity sessions.
-
Orari lokal Bireuen menggelar maulid dan santunan anak yatim momentum setahun periode 2025-2028
ORARI Bireuen Holds Mawlid and Orphan Support Event Marking One Year of 2025-2028 Term
ORARI Lokal Bireuen marks one year of its 2025–2028 board with a gathering at Sawang Beach, attended by about 50 members. The event included charity support for orphans and a Mawlid commemoration.
DX & contests
28-
3A/WE9G – Monaco
Rick WE9G plans to operate from Monaco as 3A/WE9G between 2 and 9 March 2027, covering 80 to 6 metres. Modes are mainly FT8 and FT4, with some SSB and CW. Confirmations go through LoTW, Club Log OQRS or the bureau.
-
C6AQQ – The Bahamas
Brian, ND3F returns to New Providence, Bahamas (NA-001) as C6AQQ from October 22 to 27, 2026. He runs HF with a K3 and ground-plane antenna, entering CQWW SSB as single-op 15m low power, with SSB and FT8 beforehand. QSLs go via LoTW or EA5GL.
-
6O2M – Somalia
OG2M plans to operate as 6O2M from Garowe in Puntland, northeastern Somalia, from October 5 to 25, 2026. Operation is on 40 to 10 metres in CW and SSB, with QSL via LoTW.
-
C5R – The Gambia
YT3PL has been on the air as C5R from The Gambia on SSB and FT8 across several bands. Recent cluster spots suggesting activity from IOTA AF-060 are incorrect, as the station is not operating from that island.
-
TU7EI – Ivory Coast
-
YJ0SP – Vanuatu
Steve VK2SP plans a holiday-style operation from Port Vila, Vanuatu, as YJ0SP, running from October 30 to November 5 on the HF bands. QSL via home call.
-
OX7AM – Greenland
OZ7AM plans to operate from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland as OX7AM between November 23 and December 7, 2026, on CW only. The operator will enter the CQWW CW contest in the single-operator all-band class. QSL via OZ1ACB and LoTW.
-
T32AZ – Kiritimati, East Kiribati
Ken KH6QJ plans to be active again from Kiritimati Island, East Kiribati (OC-024), during the Oceania DX Contest on 3–4 October and the Arizona QSO Party on 10–11 October. QSL goes via home call, direct or bureau.
-
Club Log & DX-World collaboration
DX-World news is now built into the calendar tool of the new Club Log mobile app. DXers can check upcoming DXpeditions alongside what is currently on the air in one place.
-
9T0MD – Democratic Republic of Congo
The 9T0MD team in the Democratic Republic of Congo publishes an update to address rumors about the operation. They describe arriving to find the hotel without local electricity, which was initially covered by a generator.
-
ZC4OL – Cyprus SBA
TF1OL ended the ZC4OL operation from the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas on October 2nd with 5907 QSOs from 119 countries. Logs are on QRZ and LoTW, and the next stop is Rhodes as SV5/TF1OL.
-
KH8A – American Samoa
The KH8A team reports less than four weeks remain before its DXpedition to American Samoa. The operation focuses mainly on Europe but plans to work North America, Asia and other regions too.
-
A QRX…but not for long!
The DX-World editor thanks readers for messages of support after a health scare that included an overnight hospital stay and further tests. Blood pressure remains high but is falling.
-
V47FWX – St Kitts
G0FWX returns to St Kitts as V47FWX from October 13 to 20, 2026. It is a holiday-style operation from the station of V47JA.
-
DX-WORLD Weekly Bulletin
Edition 682 of the free DX-World Weekly Bulletin, compiled by ON9CFG, is available for download. This issue runs to 19 pages.
-
K6VHF/HR9 – Honduras
K6VHF will operate as K6VHF/HR9 from Roatan island (NA-057), Honduras, between November 25 and December 5, 2026. Activity covers 160-6m on CW, SSB and digital modes.
-
6O6X – Somaliland
The 6O6X Somaliland DXpedition names N2AJ as its East Coast pilot and ON9CFG as its European pilot. They stay in daily contact with a team member on site.
-
V61GSE – Weno Island, F.S.M
JR1GSE is active as V61GSE from Weno Island (OC-011), Chuuk State, Micronesia, October 1-7, 2026. Operation is holiday-style on 80-6m using FT8, SSB and CW.
-
D44JB – Cape Verde
EI8JB plans to operate as D44JB from Santo Antão island, Cape Verde, November 13-20, 2026. Bands are 80-10m using SSB and FT8.
-
FW1P – Wallis & Futuna
Janusz, SP9FIH, plans to join the Oceania DX Contest from Wallis and Futuna as FW1P this weekend, on 40m-10m. He also describes his luggage limits.
-
H49A – Solomon Islands
The H49A Solomon Islands team reports final preparations, with part of the group ready to depart. Equipment is limited to six suitcases.
-
7P8JL, 7P8LZ & 7P8TR – Lesotho
Three South African operators plan to be on the air from Lesotho between October 1 and 11, 2026, using the callsigns 7P8JL, 7P8TR and 7P8LZ on HF, with SOTA and POTA activity. QSL goes via LoTW.
-
JR1LZK/6 & JE1HXZ/6 – Iriomote Island, IOTA AS-024
JR1LZK/6 and JE1HXZ/6 plan to operate from Iriomote Island, IOTA AS-024, Japan, from 7 to 14 October 2026. They will use CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 on 160 to 6 meters.
-
RI1FJZ – Franz Josef Land
A progress report from the RI1FJZ Franz Josef Land expedition describes heavy weather at sea, with strong gusts and high waves forcing the crew to reef the sails down to the minimum.
-
TF/VA3ITA – Iceland
VA3ITA will be active from Iceland as TF/VA3ITA on 8–12 October 2026, on 40 to 10 m. He will also enter the Scandinavian Activity Contest SSB from Grindavík, IOTA EU-021. QSL via IZ7ATN or LoTW.
-
5W0AF – Samoa
SP5EAQ reports from 5W0AF in Samoa that the antenna has moved to a spot 20 meters from the ocean, with good worldwide openings over two days. He notes that 100 W is sometimes not enough to be heard.
-
E51A – Cook Islands
Hrane, YT5A, will operate as E51A from Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on 14–22 November 2026 using CW and FT8. The trip prepares a planned 2027 DXpedition to North Cook Islands (Manihiki).
-
C56XA – The Gambia
Alan, G3XAQ will operate from The Gambia as C56XA on 17 November to 1 December 2026, on CW and FT8. He plans to enter CQWW CW as single-operator single-band 15 m low power.
Space & satellites
4-
ANS-277 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
The October 4 AMSAT News Service bulletin covers the upcoming AMSAT Space Symposium in Jacksonville, Florida, ERMINAZ-2 satellites now in orbit, upcoming HADES-L and UNNE-1B launches, an AO-73 mode change, and FCC and HHS RF exposure proceedings.
-
Astronaut to use Amateur Radio to Talk to UK Students
Students at Wick High School in Caithness are scheduled to speak with ISS astronaut Joshua Kutryk KJ5BFU on October 6, 2026, via ARISS. The downlink is on 145.800 MHz FM, with a live stream and a possible HamTV video downlink.
-
ERMINAZ-2 Satelliten im Orbit
ERMINAZ-2 Satellites in Orbit
Three PocketQube satellites built by AMSAT-DL in Bochum, ERMINAZ-2U, 2V and 2X, launched on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg. They ride on the Spanish OSSIE-D orbital vehicle, which is to deploy them into orbit.
-
Countdown für Bochums erste Satelliten läuft
Countdown for Bochum's first satellites underway
AMSAT-DL's three PocketQube satellites ERMINAZ-2U, 2V and 2X, built in Bochum, are set to launch on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg on 1 October. They ride on the OSSIE-D vehicle and will transmit telemetry once deployed.
Community & news
21-
ICQPodcast Episode 494 – Q and A 2026
Episode 494 of the ICQPodcast is a 2026 question-and-answer edition. Hosts and guests including M1MRB, KB6NU, KD2GUT, M0MNG and DD5LP discuss recent ham radio news, with M6BOY covering news in brief.
-
APRS Connect is Now on iPhone
APRS Connect, an APRS messaging client already available on Android, is now on the iPhone App Store for iOS 16.4 and later. It is free over APRS-IS, with radio connection and extra features in a paid Pro tier.
-
Ham College 144
Episode 144 of the Ham College video series continues General class exam preparation with a fifth round of questions on the G1E topics: control operator categories, repeater rules, third-party traffic, ITU regions and automatically controlled digital stations. It also mentions an Icom ID-5200 giveaway.
-
Amateur Radio Weekly – Issue 441
This weekly roundup covers the WSJT-X 3.2.0-rc1 release, which adds JTTY, a weak-signal keyboard mode aimed at RTTY contesting, and a report on ESP32 chips that can work as built-in SDR receivers.
-
Wrapping Up the Lewis & Clark Trail
K0NR and Joyce/K0JJW complete a Parks on the Air trip retracing the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, driving from St. Louis in early September to the Pacific coast.
-
Legendary DXer Bob Locher, W9KNI, Presents Tales from a Serial Sniper Part 4: My Bouvet Island QRP QSO with 3Y0C
Bob Locher, W9KNI, recalls building an Elecraft K2 kit and using it for a late QRP contact with the sole operator of the 1999 3Y0C Bouvet Island activation. He also reflects on the role of DXpedition lists.
-
The Google gadget is back and running
The author reports that Google's Blogs I Follow gadget, which had stopped updating, is working again. A previous post described a workaround used in the meantime.
-
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2553 for Friday, October 2nd, 2026
Newsline report 2553 covers RFI safeguards urged by UN agencies, US agency comments on RF exposure, a Silent Key for KG8CX, the PA QSO Party, an ARISS SSTV event and DX news.
-
Guide to October 2026 Ham Radio Contests: New Reference Books Edition
DX Engineering's October guide to contests begins with new reference books, including an RSGB beginner's guide to contesting by Ed Durrant, DD5LP, that explains how to take part in a first event.
-
Call sign grace period: A hard lesson learned
K4HST uses the case of KE6MIT to show how an FCC license can expire during the grace period when a renewal payment fails and the resulting dismissal goes unnoticed. The piece stresses confirming that payment actually went through.
-
Arrived at the Pacific Ocean
The K0NR blog reports the end of a 24-day, 3,725-mile trip along the Lewis and Clark trail, reaching the Pacific near Astoria, Oregon. More detail is promised in a later post.
-
Monitor Screens in Ham Radio: Getting the Big Picture
An essay on how computer monitors have become central to the modern ham shack, covering SDR spectrum and waterfall displays, logging and digital-mode decoding, and the use of multiple screens.
-
Enter to win an Icom ID-5200 in our 21st Anniversary Contest.
AmateurRadio.com announces a 21st anniversary contest in which participants can win an Icom ID-5200.
-
Radio Club of America 2026 Technical Symposium & 117th Awards Banquet
The Radio Club of America holds its 2026 Technical Symposium and 117th Awards Banquet on Saturday 21 November in New York City. Registration is open.
-
Manufacturer Spotlight: New and Tried-and-True Products from I0JXX
DX Engineering profiles I0JXX, an Italian maker of VHF, UHF and microwave Yagi antennas that it has distributed since 2024. Products include a 2400 MHz Yagi for QO-100 uplink, power dividers and masts.
-
The ARDC wants you
ARDC is accepting applications for its 2027 volunteer cohort from 15 September to 30 October 2026. Volunteers would serve on committees and teams, including a grants advisory group.
-
SAQ Grimeton to Air United Nations Day Message
Sweden's Grimeton station plans a single VLF transmission from its Alexanderson alternator on 24 October 2026, at 17.2 kHz CW, with a peace message at 13:00 UTC. Test transmissions may occur the day before, and an e-QSL form is available.
-
The Perfect Ham Radio Day—Roving Five Ohio State Parks
A ham describes roving between several Ohio state parks during the Ohio State Parks On The Air contest. Health recovery forced a change of plans, and the author still calls the day a success.
-
LHS Episode #632: 44Net Connect with John Burwell KI5QKX
Episode 632 of the Linux in the Ham Shack podcast features guest John Burwell, KI5QKX, discussing 44Net, along with hosts' own news.
-
Q5 Interview with WRTC team MB1I
A blogger points to a Q5 YouTube interview with the WRTC team MB1I, which addresses the controversy over cheating allegations at WRTC. The video is a one-on-one conversation with Braco, E77.
-
Amateur Radio Daily will Attend Zero Retries Digital Conference and Pacificon
The producer of Amateur Radio Daily and Weekly will attend the Zero Retries Digital Conference and Pacificon from 16 to 18 October, and speaks at ZRDC about hams focused on digital communication and software.