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.

Practical Wireless • December 2025 Vol. 101 No. 12

Keylines

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

News from Martin Lynch & Sons

Newsdesk

FA-VA6 1 GHz Vector Antenna Analyzer 99% Kit

Introducing the RSGB mobile app

TX Factor videos available

FTX-1 Optima Game Changer? (Pt II) • Richard Constantine G3UGF completes his in-depth look at the new Yaesu FTX-1.

A Ship-Shape Nation • Georg Wiessala takes a look at the history of the venerable shipping forecast, with an emphasis on radio aspects.

NEWS EXTRA

The Selectone (Pt II) • We go back in time to the early days of Practical Wireless for the second part of this vintage constructional project.

Digital Voice for HF • Eric Edwards GW8LJJ asks “Why Digital Voice on HF?”

Conversations over the Airwaves • Richard Constantine G3UGF takes a look at a book about the colourful life of Rowley Shears G8KW.

Broadcasting history • Once again, Keith and Garry invite you to gallivant through their archives.

More on WSJT-X • With a new version of WSJT-X available for testing, Mike examines the improvements for FT8 operators.

A busy month • Steve Telenius-Lowe G4JVG has a packed column, with lots to look back on and also to look forward to.

The RADE QRP Transceiver • Daimon Tilley G4USI builds an interesting low-cost transceiver.

Repair or Refurbish a CRT device • Geoff Theasby G8BMI offers advice on bringing an elderly oscilloscope back to life.

Licence Schedule & Band Plans • This month Colin looks at the licence schedule and band plans.

FA-VA6 Follow Up • Keith Rawlings G4MIU builds his own FA-VA6 and has news of a forthcoming book from the home of AN-SOF.

What’s so special about VHF/UHF? • Tim Kirby GW4VXE addresses this question as well as reporting on some exceptional VHF propagation.

RSGB HF Convention • The editor reports on the recent RSGB Convention, held at Kents Hill Park, Milton Keynes.

Morse for the younger generation • Roger Cooke G3LDI continues the topic of encouraging young people to try learning Morse.

Fake Plugs • Chris Murphy M0HLS takes readers through the pitfalls of non-compliant plugs, sockets and fuses.

Your Letters

Rallies & Events

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

Available to Order • All issues of Practical Wireless from 1965 to 2024 are conveniently available on handy CD-ROMS.