This is a project of an easy to build dual band (UHF and VHF) j-pole antenna done with a common TV twin lead and some coax cable.
Original PDF document can be downloaded here
Jacars 2.0
Jacars2 is a free (as in beer) program designed to connect you to ACARSD servers around the world via the Internet. 
Jacars2 requires the Java runtime environment (JRE) and an internet connection. You are on your own for the connection, but get Java now.
Provided you have the JRE installed, simply unzip Jacars2 and run Jacars2.exe.
A discontinued copy of JACARS 2.0 ACARSD Client software can be donwloaded here.
II5ITA
I’m one of the operator activating the Special Event Station II5ITA.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, three special callsigns will be used throughout 2011 by members of ARI Torino (II1ITA), ARI Firenze (II5ITA) and ARI Rome (II0ITA).
Details on the event and the special edition of the Diploma dell’Unità d’Italia (Italian Unification Award) can be found at www.dui150.it
All of the QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.
Direct QSLs may be requested, complete with SAE and valid IRC or 2 US$, via IW5EIJ
Online Log with calendar and latest spots can be rached at ARI Firenze web site
CQ WW 2006
LoTW and Contestia mode
I was uploading the latest LoTW entries to ARRL LoTW today, and the TQSL application found errors on validating some QSOs done in Contestia mode.
Looks like the Contestia mode is not recognized by ARRL !
I solved the problem by editing the ADIF file and changing the contestia record with DATA
Hope this can help
Eco Antenne SK
ECO Antenne Closed
World-wide famous antenna manufacturer has closed it’s business on 1st decembrer 2010.
This is what I’ve learned by some hams, that have been in touch with Mr. Sergio Berutti formerly Eco Antenne owner.
Causes are not public domain, but everyone suspect has been due to economic factors.
Eco Antenne, has affirmed in the market for it’s economic product line, and for a wide range of antenna product line, allowing many hams to buy HF VHF UHF antennas at affordable prices.
Many dealers have still lot’s of antennas in stock, but will be the last ones. Website is down since a couple of weeks.
I’ve never owned an Eco Antenna, but at least here in Italy, Eco Antennas are very popular.
Good Bye Eco Antenne.
RadioAnnunci.it
Last night I’ve published my latest ham radio related service on the internet.
It’s a regional classified ads web site, (Mercatino Radioamatoriale) fully in Italian, and dedicated to itailans Radioamatori.
It’s time now to spread the voice, making some direct promotion for the service that I’ve setup in only 3 weeks, using a craig list clone php application I bought last year, but never used anywhere.
So it’s now time to start promoting it for a while, even if I don’t expect a huge number of ads in coming weeks.
So if you are Italian, make a visit and register yourself. http://www.radioannunci.it
A Mobile Antenna Farm
Mobile Antenna Farm
Mercatino Scandicci 2010
Mercato Radioamatori Scandicci
This year maybe due to the fact that the Computerfest at stazione Leopolda has been cancelled, there were many more exposers selling and exchanging amateur radio products.
Genesis 3020 SDR vs Yaesu FT-950
Genesis 3020 SDR presentation
This evening at our local Club Station, ARI Firenze, we had a special event on SDR technology and in particular a Genesis SDR has been presented and tested with behind our club main radio the Yaesu FT-950.
At the event there were aproximately 20 persons, everyone almost interested and curious.
We were not able to make detailed measurements as happened before for the K2 vs K3, but rather has been a good occasion to play with that radio, switching antenna with the FT-950 and comparing signal reception.
First impression has been that selectivity and sensivity of that SDR receiver looks if not superior, at least equal to the FT-950 receiver.
We have also decided to buy a stock of those SDR kits at Genesis SDR and assemble the kits all together. During the event 8 hams joined the builder group and agreed to buy a full 160-6m Kit.
Furthere SDR events will follow in next months, so I will probably keep this blog updated.