I intend no disrespect to all the varied Emergency Communications activities that are performed within Amateur Radio, or those that perform them. The emergence of Starlink as a Broadband Internet Access system with few dependencies other than power has changed the paradigm of emergency communications. But now, but the emergence of the new Starlink Mini has profoundly changed the paradigm of emergency communications.

Modes like Olivia, JS8call and PSK31 offer a great opportunity to communicate non-verbally but still personally. It could be the perfect way to enjoy ham radio as an introvert or as a ham with a sub-optimal antenna situation in a way that it’s still a personal communication

In his Power Tool Batteries for Portable or Emergency Operations article (a free preview from the July 2024 issue of QST Magazine), Gordon S. Novak, AF5KA, demonstrates how inexpensive DC–DC convertors can turn easily accessible lithium power tool batteries into a good backup or portable source for powering a radio.

This is a very timely and topical discussion in light of RRRA’s July Portable Operations July Activity.

Along with his usual Field Day antenna supplies, Dale WB6BYU brings along a handy table of wire lengths for each band for the antennas he is most likely to put up. This reference guide eliminates the need to calculate wire lengths in the field and can be easily shared with other operators who need to build an antenna.

W6BYU has published a version of his Field Day antenna length table at the Practical Antennas website

These two easy to build Powerpole projects could be a useful addition to your gear bag or go-kit.