Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

In this episode we meet JoeBrett, K5YVY, a popular ham radio YouTuber and author of software to map APRS traffic. This is fascinating dive into APRS and how you can create some very compelling software in today's modern AI driven develoment environment.

In this episode we meet Brian, NR7Y, the author of firmware that allows you to operate CW with an inexpensive Quansheng HT. Several other hams pioneered the idea by reverse engineering the Quansheng UV-5K and other radios then wrote firmware to add new features. Brian picked up from there and has improved the idea with several more modifications.

This mode has become all the rage in the POTA/SOTA community and is spreading like crazy thanks to the efforts of the Brass Knuckle Gang.

In this episode we meet Jeremy Fielder, KK7GWY, author or AetherSDR, a software environment for controlling FlexRadio equipment. AetherSDR runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and provides a wide range of compelling features.

In this episode, George KJ6VU, talks about his project to design a Radio Over IP device that can be used to link repeater systems over the internett. All of the HRWB crew talk about their personal ham radio projects in more detail.

In this episode we meet up with Sebastian Delmont, KI2D, the author of the very popular logging application Ham2K, also known as PoLo for Portable Logger. Sebastian has been working on the next generation of Ham2K that will support desktop OS platforms as well as phones and tablets. The goal is to run on Windows, Mac, Linux, IOS and Android. Sebastian gives us an update on the development process and the future direction.

In this episode, we meet the guys from CSN Technologies, the makers of the S.A.T., the Satellite Antenna Tracker. This amazing device connects to your radio and alt/az antenna rotor and will automatically track the satellite as it zips across the sky without the need for a computer. Mike, Keith and Frank are not only smart and knowledgable hams but also a blast to hang out with. This is a good introduction to the topic of satellite tracking and how their product works. We also dip into some other cool products they make including the iGateMini, a self-contained APRS device.

In this episode we meet Jason McCormick, N8EI, one of the main developers of the AllStarLink system. AllStar is a radio-over-IP system that allows repeaters and individuals to connect over the internet. Jason is one of the core team of 10 develoers who volunteer their time and expertise to craft a fantastic technology that we all can use and enjoy. AllStar software and the AllStarLink network of linked repeaters allow users to connect all over the world. Built on the open source Asterisk PBX platform, AllStar has grown into a very capable software tool.

Iin this episode we meet Dave Gilbert, AB7E, the developer of software for diversity reception. Dave's innovative software helps the listener pull out individual signals from the noise and clutter of busy ham radio bands. Dave makes his software available for free for anyone to use. We talk with Dave about the basics of diversity reception and how he went about developing his software.

In this episode we meet Becky Spiceland N4BKY, Mike Spiceland N4FFF and Barb Asuroglu WB2CBA the amateur radio operators behind the Pebble radio project. The Pebble is a small 20m HF QRP transciever. Becky and Mike are avid portable radio operators and wanted a low cost radio that would be great for hams doing POTA and SOTA. They teamed up with Barb, who led the development of the Pebble radio. Met the team and their journey from an idea to a working radio.

In this episode we meet Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, the new president of AMSAT, the amatuer radio satellite organization. Drew shares his passion for satellite and operating VHF and up. With over 20 years of experience at AMSAT, Drew became the new President of AMSAT in late 2025. Drew and his team of volunteers work tirelessly to advocate for amateur radio satellite interests, build and manage satellites and drive technology outreach. Drew and team is making a big push to recruit young hams and potential hams to our hobby and aerospace technology.

Mike VA3MW and I will be at Ham Radio Friedrichshafen this year. I will be demonstrating our new iShareRadio service in the Flex Radio booth. Stop by and say hello !

George KJ6VU

In this episode we take a deep dive into Hamvention 2026. What we did, who we met, what great products we found and more. At the end we also share our thoughts in preparation for Field Day 2026.

In this episode we catch up with Randy, K7AGE, and talk about great gadgets for the ham shack. Randy is a popular YouTuber and very active ham radio operator. Randy has found some great goodies we would all like in our shack. Grab your wallet and hover your finger over the buy button in this episode.

In this episode we meet Lynn Hansen, KU7Q, owner of Lynovation, makers of innovative ham radio control accessories. Lynn's clever design of remote VFO and control panels for many different models of ham radio gear from all the big radio suppliers is wildly popular. A lifelong builder and home brewer, now retired from a career working in operations management for the electrical grid, Lynn can now focus on creating wonderful ham radio products that make operating fun !

In this episode we meet Conrad Trautmann, N2YCH, Technical Editor at the ARRL. Conrad had a distinguished career as a broadcast engineering executive and now works for the ARRL and is responsible for techincal content in QST and other publications. Conrad's extensive experience in electronics, radio, antenna systems, station construction and management gives him a great perspective on everything from determining what would make for a good technical read to the technical details. We learn about his role at the ARRL and some of them most interesting topics he has worked on.

We had such a great time with Conrad, we will have him on in future episodes.

In this episode we meet Andy, N0APX, one of the key people behind the amazing logging software called World Radio League. Andy tells us all about WRL and the future of contact logging and building ham radio community.

In this episode we talk about portable HF antennas for POTA / SOTA / travel and general operating in the great outdoors ! The HRWB team is very active in portable operating. We all have our favorite antennas and provide advice for the ham radio operator new to portable operating.

In this episode we meet Aaron, AE0LZ, owner of Modern Morse, a manufacturer of portable morse code keys. Aaron is professional mechanical design, precision CNC programming and machining, and a very creative guy. Modern Morse keys are popular for POTA, SOTA, travel and anytime you want a portable high quality CW key. Aaron shares his journey through the design and manufacturing process for making his keys.

In this episode we meet Don WB9CYY and Bob WO6W. Both avid CW operators with a love of the old style mechanical "bug" radio telegraph keys. Feeling that the existing CW paddles and keyers sent code that was too highly accurate and lacked any sort of personality, they came up with a very novel way make a modern paddle sound like a bug.

As an introduction we talk about the differnet paddle and key types and then take a deep dive into the development of the bug emulator.

In this episode we meet Paul Wesling, KM6LH, a Silicon Valley veteran and a chronicler of it's history and the ham radio operators who shaped it. Paul tells us about some of the key figures from William Eitel and Jack McCullough (EiMac) to Charles Litton (Litton Industries), Steve Wozniak (Apple). The valley has been a fertile ground for invention and engineering for over 100 years. Paul walks us through some of the most significant people and inventions that impact our world today.