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How to Get on the Air With WSJT-X and FT8

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Something I have been eyeing for many years is getting into HAM radio.  Having worked in technology for the better part of 25 years, RF is not something new to me, but radio communications is.  I have always been fascinated with radios from my younger days running around in the yard with $20 walkie talkies to sitting beside my great grandfather while he talked on his HAM radio end even now that I can combine my love for technology with my new found curiosity of radio with digital radio modes like FT8. What is FT8? FT8 (short for "Franke-Taylor design, 8-Frequency Shift Keying") is a digital mode used in amateur radio communication. It was developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN) as part of the **WSJT-X** suite of weak-signal digital modes. FT8 is specifically designed for making efficient, quick, and reliable contacts over long distances, even in very weak signal conditions. It is highly popular due to its ability to complete exchanges in less-than-ideal conditi...
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ESPHome Automated Drip Irrigation System

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Every spring, we plant flowers in a dozen or more flower pots and hanging baskets around the pool. For several years, we dragged the water hose around to water the plants 1-2 times per day. This, of course, got old really quickly. So, naturally, in true Home Hack Lab style, I came up with a system to automate the process using ESPHome and Home Assistant. I leveraged some rain barrels, an ESP8266, various electrical components, a 12V battery and water pump, as well as drip irrigation lines and nozzles. This is how I put it all together. I'll break this into several parts, and links to all components will be at the end of the post. Providing a Water Source for the ESPHome Automated Drip Irrigation System To build a watering solution, you need a water source, right? Exactly! For this project, I purchased four blue 55-gallon rain barrels from a local internet listing and built an elevated platform out of cinder blocks and decking material. Unfortunately, I had to install the barrels be...
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Location: United States
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