Practical Wireless

Practical Wireless is aimed at the licensed radio amateur and caters for the amateur radio hobby. Practical Wireless is a ‘doing’ magazine focusing on the practical and constructional side of amateur radio and appeals to all ages. Written by expert authors and contributors, Practical Wireless reflects developments in the technology, participants, activities and licensing framework of the hobby.

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Practical Wireless

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Newsdesk • Have you got something to tell our readers about? If so, then email practicalwireless@warnersgroup.co.uk

New from ML&S

Northern Radio: The NARSA Blackpool Rally 2026 • Georg Wiessala revisits the epic Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool to take a closer look at a signature event on the annual radio rallies calendar, recognised for its local flavour and unhurried atmosphere.

A Hit from Malahit? The LITEMALADSP MLite-880 • Georg Wiessala takes a closer look at the LITEMALADSP MLite-880 portable HF SDR radio, which offers SSB reception, Airband, Bluetooth, and a monochrome spectrum display.

Servicing BayGen/Freeplay spring-driven radios (Pt II) • Phil concludes this article with a description of some of the faults encountered and repair techniques used in his ten years of servicing and collecting Freeplay radios.

SOTA LoRa APRS Tracker • David Howard M0BGR reviews the SOTA LoRa APRS tracker while out and about.

Antenna Matching Transformers • Daimon G4USI explains the ins and outs of building your own matching transformers as a cost-effective alternative to buying them.

The GMDX Convention 2026 • We bring you a report of the recent GMDX, the 27th Annual GMDX Convention & Dinner, which took place over the weekend of 27 - 29 March 2026 at the King Robert Hotel in Stirling.

NEWS EXTRA

Broadcasting history • Keith and Garry invite you for another trek through the archives.

Multi-band WSPR Beacon • Mike G4WNC turns his attention to the RADE FreeDV software

BOOK REVIEW

Lots of Activity • Steve G4JVG has another packed column, with lots of recent DXpedition activity to report.

Declining solar numbers and what does it mean for the Es season? • Tim GW4VXE has his usual band reports as well as an update on the AnyTone AT-D890UV for satellite use.

50 countries on 2m with 10W • Roger Daniel G4RUW looks back at his quest to work 50 countries on 2m with just 10W – a great accomplishment.

The Log Periodic • Keith G4MIU discusses log periodic antennas including the ZA048 direction finding antenna.

Sue’s Slim Jim • Tom G0CAJ returns to the classic Slim Jim, with some advice on building one for other bands.

Starting Hobby Radio for Free (Pt IV) • David M0BGR introduces the reception of data modes.

POTA Update • Colin updates readers on the Parks on the Air (POTA) award scheme and welcomes a very large increase in the number of parks covered by the scheme both in the UK and around the world.

More about Morse • Roger G3LDI covers a wide range of Morse-related topics in this month’s column.

The 43rd Annual Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP Contest • Colin Redwood G6MXL, our QRP Contest adjudicator, introduces the 2026 event, which takes place on Sunday 14 June 2026.

The 2026 Rules

The Transit Satellites • Tony Jones G7ETW investigates the precursor to the modern GPS satellite system.

Your Letters

Rallies & Events

Next Month • in the UK’s best & only independent amateur radio magazine…