Articles Archives - Page 4 of 6

ESP32 Lightning Detector and Home Assistant

July 29, 2026

Taking the ESP32 Lightning Detector to the Next Level Adding Home Assistant and Alexa announcements Here is a useful next step for SARC builders. The ESP32 and AS3935 lightning detector can already monitor nearby lightning activity, sound a buzzer, and show information on its local display. The updated project adds a brief Wi-Fi connection, MQTT … Continue reading

Zenith & Amateur Radio History

July 23, 2026

Zenith, Mount Prospect, and Bill Shillington, W9ZCL Here is a local radio story worth exploring. Zenith began with two Chicago wireless enthusiasts and an amateur call sign. A few years later, its WJAZ broadcast station placed two landmark towers in Mount Prospect. Decades after that, Mount Prospect amateur operator Bill Shillington, W9ZCL, showed how radio … Continue reading

When the Midwest Shakes New Madrid Earthquake

July 20, 2026

Earthquake Response and Amateur Radio Prepared for the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club (SARC), N9RJV by Pau Meyers KE9EJX Updated July 20, 2026 Before We Begin This article is about preparedness, not a prediction. In an actual emergency, use 911 for an immediate threat to life or property, follow official alerts, and stay clear of damaged … Continue reading

The International Q-Code

July 10, 2026

History, operating guide, and complete amateur radio reference The Q-code is a family of compact operating groups whose members normally contain three letters and begin with Q. It was developed for radiotelegraphy so operators could exchange recurring questions, answers, instructions, and reports with fewer characters and less dependence on a shared spoken language. The legacy … Continue reading

Portable Measurement Baselines and Troubleshooting

July 9, 2026

Portable Measurement Baselines and Fast Field Troubleshooting When you are out in the field, every minute and every tool counts. From quick checks of matching networks to sweeping coax for common-mode current, a compact kit and a tight process can turn frustrating guesswork into fast, confident decisions. Use the 8-Minute Script View the Park Kit … Continue reading

On the Air. Hands On. Ready to Serve.

Category: Articles

ESP32 Lightning Detector and Home Assistant

Zenith & Amateur Radio History

When the Midwest Shakes New Madrid Earthquake

The International Q-Code

Portable Measurement Baselines and Troubleshooting