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 • January 2026 Vol. 102 No. 1

Keylines

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

Don’t miss KW Days 2026

News from Martin Lynch & Sons

Meet the RSGB President • The editor catches up with Bob Beebe GU4YOX, who became President of the RSGB in 2025.

The 17th PW 70MHz Contest: Results 2025 • Colin Redwood G6MXL presents the results of the 2025 contest.

Morse Code Practice Oscillator with Echo • Eric Edwards GW8LJJ brings an earlier project up to date.

Oliver Heaviside • Tony Jones G7ETW profiles an important scientist in the evolution of radio.

Licence changes, FT8 and more • Steve Telenius-Lowe G4JVG has another full column, as we move into the busy autumn HF season.

Capacitor ESR meter • Philip Moss M0PBM has a handy constructional project.

Looking back on 2025 • Tim Kirby GW4VXE reflects on VHF/UHF propagation and activity during 2025.

Data modes software versions • Mike Richards G4WNC looks at what software versions are in use, before turning to generating reliable test signals.

The Selectone (Pt III) • Connecting up, and using the Selectone.

Tools & Ideas for Monitoring Radio Wave Propagation (Pt I) • Georg Wiessala looks at ways of keeping track of Space Weather and radio propagation generally.

The Practical Wireless End of Year Quiz • This year’s quiz is a little different. It looks back on the 2025 issues of PW and, conveniently, the questions are in chronological order with at least one from every issue of PW during the course of the year.

NEWS EXTRA

A Low Cost Cable Rack • This note describes how to make a low-cost cable rack from a redundant wire frame CD rack.

Answers to the End of Year Quiz

Further Two Port Measurements Using the NanoVNA • Keith Rawlings G4MIU looks at further uses for a NanoVNA, starting with Common Mode Chokes.

Broadcasting history • Another tour de force of radio and TV history with Keith and Garry.

Delta Vee AutoLoop • Frank Howell K4FMH describes a Lightweight Portable Auto-Tuning HF Antenna.

Build a MilliOhm Meter • Michael Jones GW7BBY/GB2MOP constructs a handy piece of shack test equipment.

NEWS EXTRA

A Compact QRP Antenna Tuner and SWR Meter • The conversion of a series of portable QRP SSB HF transceivers led to the development of a compact antenna tuner.

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