Issue #84 April, 2026

A message from the founders

🥚 Dear readers,

Easter is one of those moments when everything slows down, just for a while.

The days grow longer, and we often find ourselves gathered around a table with family or friends, sharing traditional meals, stories, and a few extra laughs.

It’s also the time of year when we feel like going outdoors again — checking the station, setting things up, maybe even taking the radio outside and enjoying a QSO under the sun.

Easter is, above all, a time to be together in whatever way feels right.

And in many ways, that’s exactly what our hobby is about: people far apart who meet, listen, and recognize each other.

An invisible thread that crosses borders, languages, and cultures.

Today more than ever, in a world that often feels divided, this has a deeper meaning. From space, missions like Artemis II remind us of something simple and powerful: we all share the same Earth.

Even in our small way, every contact is an act of openness, curiosity, and friendship. That’s the spirit we celebrate.

73, Good DX and Happy Easter!
IK1TZO Pietro and IW1DGL Franco

What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.

— Lao Tzu

Latest News

New check and manager update available

Release 03/20/2026

Download the manager updates and the updated check which also recognizes TX5EU starting from March 13, 2026 from the Reserved Area of the easylog.com website

Thanks to IK1GPG, Max and Betty IK1QFM

Download

The latest Release 2026.1.2.1 is available for download!

Completely Renewed DXHunter: Improved performance, stability, and memory management. Optimized graphic rendering for a much smoother and more responsive experience even after long operational sessions.

Full Support for the New FT2 Mode: Introduced the digital FT2 mode with full integration into EasyLog: QSO entry. Import and export of ADIF (from the QSL and Print section) and from the ADIF converter module. FT2 fully integrated into online services: LoTW, QRZ.com, eQSL, and ClubLog. Tested with Decodium ver 3.0 for download and more info: FT2.it

Updated ADIF import/export to the latest official specifications 3.1.7

Download

The new release is available for free for download to everyone with active support
If your support has expired you can renew at any time to regain access to the Reserved Area for another 12 months.

FT8.it read the review on our FT8 and FT4 Manual

We are pleased to share the review recently published by the authoritative site on digital ways FT8.it

In the realm of digital modes, FT8 and its "fast brother" FT4 have literally revolutionized radio operations in recent years. Whether you are a seasoned HF operator or newly licensed, the volume "FT8 and FT4 Handbook: A Practical Guide for Radio Amateurs to Maximize FT8 Potential" serves as the ultimate compass for navigating these digital waters.

What is it about?
It's not the usual instruction manual that only tells you where to click. This text delves deep, analyzing not just the software setup (which is fundamental, of course) but focusing on making the station truly efficient. The focus is clear: maximizing performance.

The manual's strengths
The book is structured to guide the operator through a logical path:

Optimal Configuration: Detailed explanations on time synchronization (crucial for these protocols) and audio gain management to avoid distortions and "splatter."

Operational Strategies: It's not enough to transmit; you need to know when and where to do it. The manual offers intriguing insights on how to interpret the waterfall and manage the virtual "pile-up" during contests or DX activations.

Software Integration: Ample space is dedicated to the ecosystem surrounding WSJT-X and JTDX, including logging software and alert systems.

Why read it?

In an era where signals are often weak and urban electromagnetic noise (QRM) is at its peak, mastering FT8 means achieving contacts that would be impossible in voice.

What we particularly appreciated:

Clear Language: It avoids unnecessary academic technicalities, speaking the language of radio amateurs.

Practical Approach: It’s clear that the author has spent hours in front of the waterfall; the advice is born from field experience, not just theory.

Final Verdict
If you have just downloaded WSJT-X and feel overwhelmed by the settings, or if you've used FT8 for a while but feel you're not fully exploiting its potential, this manual is an excellent investment for your station. It’s a guide that deserves a place on the shelf (or the desktop) of every modern radio amateur.

This Second Edition 2025, updated and expanded, includes new chapters and revised content to meet the needs of modern radio amateurs, from beginners to the most experienced operators.

Read the article on FT8.INI

https://www.ft8.it/news/manuale-ft8-e-ft4-una-guida-pratica-per-radioamatori-per-massimizzare-il-potenziale-dell-ft8/2232/

Purchase the FT8 and FT4 manual on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK1HTD65

Support expiring at the end of the month?

Last days for renewal with 13 months ~~instead of 12~~. If your support expires at the end of March, renewing before the expiration gives you the right to an extra month of free renewal.

Check the expiration date in the menu EasyLog Reserved Area.

Renew

All our ebooks FT8 and FT4 Manual, Mastering the DXCC and Smart DXing are now available on amazon.it in paperback!

Buy the FT8 and FT4 manual on Amazon

Buy Smart DXing

Buy Mastering the DXCC

If you purchased the book on Amazon and found it helpful, your opinion can make a difference. Reviews help other radio enthusiasts determine if this manual is suitable and keep a technical culture alive. Take a minute to share your experience on Amazon. Every contribution is valuable.

Thank you for your support and for being part of this community.

Discover our ebooks for

amateur radio from only 2,95€

Our printable PDF format ebooks are always available on our site for immediate download.

Born from a passion for radio, designed for those who want to learn peacefully and effortlessly. The reading is smooth, clear, and rich in practical examples that make each topic immediate and enjoyable.

Between pages, you'll discover small tricks, curiosities, and useful ideas to improve your ham radio activity and perhaps even the pleasure of carving out a moment to read something truly tailored for you.

Good reading!

Buy our ebooks now

For more details, visit our ebook page by clicking on the image or using this link: visit the ebook page

Our promotions

The promotion for new users continues, EasyLog with 12 months of free downloads and update services for only €39.95 ~~instead of €49.95~~

Renew EasyLog with the new offer

With the renewal of your license, you will receive another 12 months of free updates to new versions and related services: Manager, DXCC and CHECK (country recognition engine), diploma updates, and much more.

And if you renew before the expiration you will receive 13 months of support ~~instead of 12.~~

Renewing also guarantees you access to the dedicated Facebook group and our priority technical support — because those who choose EasyLog choose to never fall behind!

Renew

And if you purchase EasyLog today, you will pay €39.95 ~~instead of €49.95~~

EasyLog is not just software: it's a true companion for every amateur radio operator.
With its unbeatable Award management, integrated FT8/FT4 support with LoTW, ClubLog, QRZ, eQSL, and many exclusive features, it simplifies your life and makes every QSO a pleasure.

You also have technical support always by your side — because with EasyLog, you will never be alone.

Buy

Tips & Tricks

Reproposing this Tip & Trick on searching and sorting the DX-List as we've received questions about its functionality.

Search in the DX-List

Did you know that you can search for text in all fields of the DX-List? Click on the magnifying glass button as shown in the image below and type the text you want to search for. An icon in the shape of a magnifying glass will appear next to the found text. The search is performed automatically on all columns.

When the text appears in multiple locations, you can use the arrow button next to the search field to navigate through all the found entries. This is helpful for verifying if a station is on-air or checking a specific diploma reference, among other things.

DX-List ordering

Did you know that you can sort the DX-List in real time by clicking on the column titles? Clicking a second time changes the sorting from ascending to descending.

This option allows you to sort the Spots and, together with the search function, it is very powerful for finding specific spots. For example, if you sort by the UTC column in descending order, the latest spots will always be displayed at the top; if you sort by b, the spots will be sorted by frequency. By clicking on the LoTW column, all the spots of stations registered to LoTW will be displayed in a block; similarly, if you sort by callsign (CALL), all the spots will be sorted by spotted station or spotting station if you click on DX de. The arrival of a new spot will follow the active order, automatically inserting itself in the right place according to the active order.

It is possible to sort by all columns

From Our Community

We publish a brief report sent to us by a loyal user, Gabriele IK1NEG, about the 'Antarctica Calls Imperia' event held on February 21st with over 70 participants. The special call sign II1SR (also on air as I1SR/P) was activated to celebrate Renato Cepparo I1SR's expedition in 1975/1976 - totaling approximately 1200 QSOs. The original radio used during the expedition, a Swan 700cx, was used for the activation.

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the First Italian Expedition to Antarctica, the Naval Museum of Imperia hosted a conference dedicated to the 1975–76 mission led by Renato Cepparo, which culminated in the establishment of the Giacomo Bove Base, and a special guided visit "Stories of the Sea".

Two events that intertwined memory, scientific research, and the narrative of the territory, with the reactivation and listening to the historic radio of the Antarctic mission.