Practical Wireless August 2026

The August 2026 issue of Practical Wireless is now available. Here are some of the highlights:

Keylines: Don looks at the changing sources of our radio equipment.

Home-made three-section wind-up antenna mast: Steve Clements G1YBB embarks on building his very own antenna mast, a much cheaper alternative to buying a commercial one. 

‘Play It Again, SAM’ – The ShackComs Ltd. Solar Activity Monitor: Georg Wiessala checks out a handy and affordable shack accessory.

What Next: Colin G6MXL looks at Club Log, considering some of the wide range of facilities it offers. He also briefly looks at Tiles on the Air – a new award scheme based around locator squares. Finally, there is an important correction regarding the POTA award scheme he covered in the last What Next.

Tracking Amateur High-Altitude Balloons: Ross Wilkinson G6GVI explains the ins and outs of the increasingly popular challenge of tracking high altitude balloons.

The World of VHF: Tim GW4VXE introduces the OscarWatch software and also reports a great month for Sporadic E activity.

Vintage Television & Radio: Keith Hamer and Garry Smith continue their in-depth feature detailing the early days of BBC Broadcasting House in London, focusing on the ‘BBC Grand Organ’. An advertisement from the archives features an ‘Amplion’ valve from exactly 100 years ago. Also from exactly 100 years ago, they look at broadcasting events from September, 1926. The ‘In Focus’ series continues to look at the history of the BBC Crystal Palace transmitting site, in particular, klystron valves. There’s more feedback from a PW reader who has written with first-hand experience of working at BBC LF transmitters. Coverage detailing the early years of BBC-2 describes the emergency opt-in from Ally Pally. The series featuring the development of Icelandic radio and television looks at the British invasion of May 1940.

Data Modes: Mike Richards G4WNC starts with a description of a handy wideband filter / pre-amp before talking about data modes activity and the new FT2 mode.

HF Highlights: Summer usually brings a downturn in HF conditions but Steve G4JVG still has plenty to report.

Amateur Radio on a Budget: Daimon G4USI describes a handy QRP transmitter, the MBOXO, shortly to be available from the G-QRP club.

Microwave Amateur Radio – More Accessible Than You Think: Tim Daniels G7KTP begins a new series of articles introducing the amateur microwave bands, with advice on how to get started.

Using AI assistants such as ChatGPT for Amateur Radio projects – Part 2: Dr Jonathan Hare G1EXG completes his overview of using AI in amateur radio projects.

Antennas: Keith G4MIU starts with some more reader feedback on the Loop on Ground which then leads him on to discussing the present availability of Active Magnetic Receiving Loop Antennas.

The Morse Mode: Roger G3LDI has a full column, starting with news of a significant anniversary!

The Shining: Kristian Birkeland (1867-1917) and the Aurora: Georg Wiessala introduces us to a little known-known but significant scientist from Norway.

Readers’ Letters: This month’s Letters cover FT8, TARS, small radios and several other topics.