Podcast peeks behind the scenes at DLARC
Radio Survivor is a podcast that covers anything related to radio, including amateur radio. In a recent episode, they interview Kay, K6KJN, curator of the Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications (DLARC).
SatDump Gains Notable Updates
I found this on Amateur Radio Daily:
SatDump, a popular piece of software used to decode imagery from weather satellites such as NOAA-18 and others, has gained significant updates to the way it processes and projects received images on maps. Imagery projections are much more accurate as a result of recent code refactors. A detailed deep-dive into the changes have been published.
SatDump is available for all major platforms.
This looks like a pretty cool program. I’ve added this to my list of projects to get up and running one of these days.
Speed key test
I forget on which mailing list or forum this came up, but the talk rolled around to the poor fists of some operators who use bugs and cootie keys. Someone mentioned that Navy radio operators had to pass a “speed key” test before they were allowed to use a bug on the air, and when they passed the test, they were given a certificate, like the one at right. Then, someone, with tongue firmly in cheek, suggested that hams should have to pass a similar test.
I realize that the logistics of developing and administering a speed key test for radio amateurs—not to mention enforcing it fairly—would make it an impossibility. Even so, I would encourage straight key users and cootie key users to test their fists. You can use either fldigi or a a program called Precision FistCheck to do this. Improving one’s sending not only makes it easier for the other operator to work you, but should also help you make more contacts.