Image is a photograph of a ham radio antenna array.

Radio a la Mode

In case you were wondering, this page is NOT about an ice cream dessert.

This is the place to be if you want to pick up some ideas or work on improving techniques specifically related to one of the ham radio operating modes. 

Articles on this page focus on:

Morse Code (CW) ,
Radio Teleprinter (RTTY) ,
Slow-Scan Television (SSTV) ,
Voice Communications (SSB, AM, FM) ,
Digital Modes (Sound Card Based) — FTx, JTx, WSPR, PSK, Olivia, EchoLink, more.)
Digital Radio — DMR, D-Star, Wires, Fusion, C4FM, NXDN, more

 

Image is a photograph of a classic morse code sending key.

Image is a screen snapshot of an oscilloscope in use for accurately tuning a radio teletype signal.

Image is a photograph of a ham radio desk microphone.

Morse Code — CW

Straight Key Century Club

Posted December 23, 2020

The Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) exists to promote the use of manually generated Morse Code.  Our author describes how SKCC helped him develop his Morse Code skills and on-the-air confidence.  Read this great article and soon you will be saying:  “Yes, CW is for me !”.

How Do I-CW SKCC [PDF]

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Why I Operate CW…

Posted February 24, 2019

A blend of humor and How Do I… techniques inspired by David Letterman’s Top Ten Countdown, as seen on the CBS Television Network LATE NIGHT show.

Note to the younger members of our audience:  David Letterman used to be on CBS-TV a long time ago.  He had a late night talk show.  Your grandparents may remember who he was.

 

I Operate CW [PDF]

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CW — Getting Up To Speed

Posted November 18, 2020

Written by an avid CW Operator, this article explains that becoming a good CW Operator involves more than just learning the dits and dahs that make up each letter and number. 

CW Operators communicate in a world of abbreviations which compensate for the longer time needed to transmit a morse code message.

Part of the How Do I… series.

CW – Getting Up To Speed [PDF]

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CW — Are You Talking To Me?

Posted November 18, 2020

Voice communications via Ham Radio comes naturally to many people.  Have you ever wondered what it takes for a ham radio operator to learn the ways and means of carrying-on a Morse Code conversation?   Our author provides insights and helpful tips for overcoming the barriers to success.

Part of the How Do I… series.

Are You Talking To Me [PDF]

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Radio Teleprinter — RTTY

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Slow-Scan Television — SSTV

Slow Scan Television

Posted July 01, 2019

In the world of Ham Radio technology there is cutting-edge new technology such as FT8 and FT4 digital modes.  There is fully functional old technology that works the same today as it did one hundred years ago (e.g. Morse Code).  And, we have some fairly old technology that very few hams have actually used.

This article talks about Slow Scan Television (SSTV) which has its foundation in the 1960s and still draws “oohs” and “aahs” when demonstrated to a curious audience.

SSTV [PDF]

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SSTV Images – What Happened?

Posted Month DD, 20YY

Our author examines the Slow-Scan Television images he recently received via Amateur Radio from the International Space Station (ISS).  He shares tips and techniques you can use to improve your reception results.

How Do I… SSTV What Happened [PDF]

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Voice Communications (Analog) — SSB, AM, FM

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Digital Modes (Sound Card Based) — FT8, FT4, JT9, JT65, WSPR, PSK, Olivia, EchoLink, more

How Do I… Install EchoLink

Posted May 02, 2021

This article is targeted to the prospective EchoLink User who wishes to install EchoLink on his or her PC using the Individual Computer User model.  This is a great model for any licensed ham radio operator who does not yet have a transceiver or antenna.  This model works great for Snow-Birds who want to stay in touch back home without taking a radio station to sunny Florida.

Part of the How Do I… series.

How Do I-Install EchoLink [PDF]

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No Radio?  Try EchoLink

Posted June 07, 2020

There are so many innovative concepts that expand the capabilities of Ham Radio beyond radio-frequency transmissions.  In this article Frank talks about IRLP and using the EchoLink app to make up for what you might be unable to do with your own station or HT radio.

How Do I Tower of Babel IRLP [PDF]

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Olivia

Posted December 03, 2023

As part of our How Do I… series of articles we have updated content describing the OLIVIA digital mode and its conversational characteristics.

Olivia Digital Mode [PDF]

Keywords: OLIVIA, DIGITAL MODE, 

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Digital Radio — DMR, D-Star, Wires, Fusion, C4FM, NXDN, more

DMR Adventures — Getting Started

Posted May 25, 2021

Welcome to the ham radio world of Digital Radio.  This introductory article builds a foundation for what we expect will be a series covering a wide range of digital radio topics .

Part of the How Do I… series.

DMR Adventure Getting Started [PDF]

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VHF/UHF Digital Radio

Posted Month DD, 20YY

Here you will find a series of documents containing information about Digital Radio — DMR, D-STAR, SYSTEM FUSION and NDXN.   

How Do I… DMR Radio [PDF]

How Do I… D-Star [PDF]

How Do I… System Fusion [PDF]

How Do I… NXDN [PDF]

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DMR Roundtable

Posted May 25, 2021

Three experienced CARC members talk a fourth member through the initial steps of getting ready to use his DMR radio.

Part of the How Do I… series.

DMR Roundtable [PDF]

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Central PA DMR Repeaters…

Posted May 24, 2021

CARC Member Steve, N3FWE has provided a list of DMR Repeaters accessible in Central PA and asked that the list be freely shared with our website audience.  The document also includes a listing of DMR Talk Groups.  

Your Webmaster is pleased to honor Steve’s request.  The document is here for your enjoyment.

Part of the How Do I… series.

How Do I-DMR Central PA Repeaters

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Unboxing an Alinco DJ-MD5

Posted May 23, 2021

Somebody got himself a new dual-band DMR transceiver.  Share in the excitement as our author opens the carton and describes its content.

How Do I-Unboxing Alinco DJ-MD5

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Alinco DJ-MD5
Progress Report

Posted September 26, 2021

Four months have passed and our Author has provided his Progress Report.  Today’s report includes several links to resources our Author found helpful.

How Do I-Alinco DJMD5X Progress Report

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DMR Hot Spots

Posted November 28, 2021

Our author poses two interesting questions to get this article off to a good start.
1.)  What is a DMR Hot Spot?   
2.)  Do I Need One?   

If you read the article you will soon know the answers.  Enjoy.

How Do I-DMR Hotspot [PDF]

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