ICQPodcast Episode 488 - World RadioSport Team Championship (WRTC) 2026

In this special episode, Martin Butler (M1MRB), Chris Howard (M0TCH) and Colin Butler (M6BOY) attended and brought you a flavour of the World Radiosport Team Championship 2026 taking place in the UK.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for helping keep the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

ICQPodcast Episode 487 - A Taste of Ham Radio Friedrichshafen

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is a Taste of Ham Radio Friedrichshafen.

We would like to thank Frank Westphal (K6FW), Ken Delap (KX9U), Reggie Waller (G6YAJ) and Pete Weston (2E0DED) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: 

• Germany Likely to Get Full 4 Metres Band Back
• Eyeball-to-Eyeball Off-the-Air QSO Party
• Canada Reviewing Policy on Antennas, Towers
• Researchers Create Space 'Wall' to Weaken Solar Storms
• YOTA CAMP Region 1 - Austria July 2026
• RSGB Offers RFI Workshop Using SDRPlay at This Year’s Convention
• OSCAR LOCATOR Web Generator Turns Live Elements Into Printable Tracking Sheets

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

 GB3XP Repeater

ICQPodcast Episode 486 - Windows 10 to Linux

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH), Bill Barnes (WC3B) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB)  to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Windows 10 to Linux

We would like to thank Philip Heckingbottom (VK6ADF) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: 

• Volunteers Wanted for Intruder Watch team
• Young Ham Radio Operator Supports the America250 Celebration
• Tour De France is a Tour De Callsigns
• Radio Has a "Senior Moment" to Remember
• New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net
• 2026 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
• New Technician Question Pool Takes Effect 1st July 2026
• WRTC 2026 Update

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 483 - Fault Finding

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Fault Finding.

We would like to thank Peter Weston (2E0DED) and monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• STEM On and Off the Air
• Award Recognises Dxpeditions with Remote Operations
• WIA asks for Changes to Sub-Antarctic Callsign Prefixes
• CW Ops Needed to Copy Data from Tokyo-Built Cubesat
• Closure of BBC Radio 4 on Long Wave (LW)
• Salty Walt Goes “Next Level” with New Portable Antenna Sketchbook
• New Edition of No Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide
• Morse Code Used as Part of a Hack to Steal $200,000 Worth of Cryptocurrency
• Cat Pix on the Air - 2026

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 485 - World Cup Special Event Station

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Ed Durrant DD5LP  to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is World Cup 2026 Special Event Station.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the  podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Number of Amateur Radio Operators in Japan Continues Declining
• Find the Right Rig: New Comparison Tool for ARRL Members
• PRESENTER OPINION: Button, button. Who’s got the button?
• Sale Keeps Two More Ham Brands Alive
• HAMSCI asks Canada to reconsider the shortwave shutdown
• Amateur Radio Has The Power Of Awareness
• OscarWatch Tracker: A New Satellite Tracking Program
• FCC Relaxes Amazon's Satellite Internet Deadline
• The MINT STAR – Creating the STEM Future

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 484 - New Lead Free Solder

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB,  Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH), Bill Barnes (WC3B) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is New Lead Free Solder.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Volunteers for Emergency Preparedness
• Project Pursues Mysteries of Sporadic E-Skip
• Open-Source Software Modem Called a Vara Replacement
• ARISS Announces Plans for Moon-Based Ham Radio
• Helping Girl Guides Earn Licenses in the Caribbean
• Alamogordo Hamfest Turns 40 This September
• Student Joins South Georgia Island Dxpedition Team
• Turn Your Android Phone into a Modern Ham Radio Transceiver
• Icom UK and Icom America Partner to Sponsor WRTC 2026

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 482 - AMSAT President Drew Glasbrenner KO4MA

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Frank Howell (K4FMH), Bill Barnes (WC3B) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is AMSAT President Drew KO4MA

We would like to thank Paul Elliott (G0TXL) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Free antenna booklet by Jukka Siitari
• Hamlib Named Winner of the 2026 Amateur Radio Software Award
• FCC Grants Frequencies' Use for Satellite Service
• Linux Kernel Drops AX.25 and Amateur Radio Subsystem Support
• Rocket Lab Launches Eight JAXA Satellites on Kakushin Rising Mission
• Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution
• Amateur Radio to Participate in DoD Armed Forces Day Crossband Test

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

 

ICQPodcast Episode 481 - Home Brewing & Kit Building

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Colin Butler M6BOY to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Home brewing / Kit building.

We would like to thank John Merkel (AJ1DM) and monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

ITU Corporation Re-purposes Linton Armoury Facility to House Iconic Amateur Radio Manufacturing

News stories include: -

• New Regulations for Hams in Norway
• Students are ‘Over The Moon’
• Station's Experiments Explore Use of 4m and 8m Bands
• Arrest for Interference with Emergency Radio Channels
• Britain Seeks Views Before it Drops the Hammer on Signal Jammers
• 2026 ARRL Field Day Merch Now Shipping
• VOA Museum Announces Expanded Hours During Hamvention
• Your TP-Link Router is Under Attack from Russian State Hackers

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 480 - Bob K0NR: VHF, Summits and More

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH) and Bill Barnes (WC3B) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Bob K0NR: VHF, Summits and More

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: - 

• Hams Respond to Historic Floods in Hawaii
• FCC Warns Pittsburgh Amateur Radio Operator for 911 Interference
• Doomsday Radio awakens after 50 Years - Repeats “Degazator”
• Starlink Satellite Broke Apart in Orbit after Suffering an Unexplained "anomaly."
• Cat Pix on the Air CPOTA 2026
• ARISS Outlines Opportunities for Space Station Contacts in 2027

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

 

ICQPodcast Episode 479 - Baofeng UV-5R Mini

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Baofeng UV-5R Mini Review.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: - 

• FO-29 Enters Full Sunlight: Veteran Satellite Sees Renewed Activity in 2026
• New Indiana Law Protects Ham Radio Antennas, Towers
• Radio Interference Has Landed U.S. Airlines With an $8 Million Bill to Fix Faulty Equipment on Boeing 787s
• Tennessee Approves Credentials for Amateur Radio Technician License
• 630M at Dayton Hamvention
• New Microwave Capabilities for the NRC
• Start Planning for ARRL Field Day 2026
• Judge Orders Voice Of America Back On The Air
• WRTC 2026 Not Permitting National Flags, Symbols

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 478 - QRP Labs Q&A

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG, and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is QRP Labs Q&A.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Hams Help Forecasters with Real-Time Data on Northeast Blizzard
• Hamclock Users Get Free Backend Server
• Drone Video Captures East Texas Hot Air Balloon Rescue at 1,100 Feet
• Listen out for RSGB President operating as GB5CC
• British Science Week: What Are Your Plans?
• Astro Pi Mission Zero Challenge Offers Youth Chance to Run Code Aboard ISS
• RAC Names Recipients of Amateur of the Year Award 2025
• K9 Veterans Day Activation Honours Military Dogs

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 477 - ARRL Bylaw 46 Changes

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG, and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is ARRL Bylaw 46 Changes.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Victory in Scotland for Amateur's Tower Installation
• Hams Respond to Tragedy In Chilean Andes
• Indiana BMV Unveils New Amateur Radio License Plate
• Not Moonbounce, Rather Building- And Pedestrian-Bounce
• HAM Radio Operators Bridge UP200 Communications
• Radio Clubs Encouraged to Plan Now for April Ham Radio Open House
• Amateur Radio Software Award Nominations Open
• Construction Competition in UK Eyes Maker Community
• Ofcom Approves VMO2’s Request to Provide Satellite Connectivity to UK Smartphones

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 476 - QRV App

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Martin Rothwell (M0SGL), Frank Howell (K4FMH), and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is QRV App

We would like to thank Geoffrey Collier (G4STS) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

Details of the QRV App, and how to claim your free trial can be found at - https://www.icqpodcast.com/download-the-show

News stories include: -

• Thailand’s KNACKSAT-2 CubeSat Preparing for Deployment from the ISS
• RSGB Band Plans: Key Changes You Need to Know
• Radio Club Keeping Communication Open During Extreme Weather
• Amazon Asks FCC for 2-Year Extension in Leo Satellite Deployment Deadline, Citing a Rocket Shortage
• World Thinking Day
• Student Coding Competition is Underway - $25,000 Award
• Register Now for HamSCI 2026, Hosted by ARRL
• 3Y0K Bouvet 2026

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

 

ICQPodcast Episode 475 - Expanding Portable OPs on 70cm/2m

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT, Edmund Spicer M0MNG, and Ed Durrant DD5LP to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is 475 - Expanding Portable OPs on 70cm/2m.

We would like to thank Jeremy Reese (N8YP), John R Stengel (​​W8UC) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Biggest solar storm in 20 years hits Earth
• Can Ham Radio Help Taiwan Survive?
• UK Regulator Eyes Frequency-Sharing By Devices
• German Amateurs' Access To 70 Mhz Band In Limbo
• SOTA 2026 Challenge Brings Back Activity to 2m/70cm SSB/CW
• New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of 13th February 2026
• Maritime Radio Days 2026 April
• Silent Key's Rig Donated to Assist American Red Cross

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

ICQPodcast Episode 474 - New Radio Shack Additions

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Chris Howard (M0TCH), Frank Howell (K4FMH) and Leslie Butterfields (G0CIB) to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is New Radio Shack Additions.

We would like to thank our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert-free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate

News stories include: -

• Easing The Way For Blind Hams To Use Digital Modes
• AMSAT Youth Initiative Takes a Closer Look at Climate Change
• New Zealand Hams Use "ZM" Prefix for Centenary Year
• Starlink is Lowering Thousands of Satellites' Orbits to Reduce the Risk of Collisions
• Broadcast Marks Historic Radio Site's 100th year
• FCC Reminds Experimental HF Stations to Identify Themselves
• 2026 is ARRL’s Year of the Club -- A Celebration of Amateur Radio Clubs
• HamSCI Speaker Series Explores WSPR Spectral Width 
• First Desecheo Island Activation Since 2009

The ICQPodcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com