The SARC Communicator: March-April 2026

Hello Radio Enthusiasts!

The latest issue of the SARC Communicator is officially live, and it’s one of our most diverse editions yet. Whether you are a history buff, a dedicated tinkerer, or a DX adventurer, there is something in here for you.

Inside this issue:

• Historical Deep Dives: From the electrical empire of Werner von Siemens to the high-stakes drama of the Alexanderson kidnapping, and a special event station commemoration of the Titanic disaster.
• Bench Projects: Learn how to make Homebrew PCBs with a 3D printer and copper tape, or peek at the elegant KD5ZZU Z-match tuner build.
• DX & Field Ops: Travel back to the 1994 Peter I Island DXpedition or get the latest on the North Fraser Club’s 925 MHz Balloon Project.
• Radio Secrets: Unlock the hidden "superpowers" of the Icom IC-7300, 7610 and 9700 and explore the "IPS Buffet" antenna mix-and-match review.

We also take a moment to look at the "Lighter Side" with tales of Field Day chickens and offer a dose of Rational Optimism regarding the vibrant future of our hobby.

Download the Full Resolution Issue Here

Download the Lower Resolution Issue - 6 Mb

Read it On-line as a Magazine

Please note that there are active links for additional content when viewed on your device.

~ John VE7TI, Editor

Contents for this issue: 

• • Siemens built an electrical empire that still exists today           4
  • Trials & Errors: G.E. and the Alexanderson Kidnapping          8
  • Homebrew PCBs with a 3D Printer and Copper Tape             12
  • Amateur Radio’s Most Sacred Symbol of Discipline              13
  • Radio Ramblings: Chameleon Project - Digital Radio            16
  • KA3DRR: The Compass Lied. The Ionosphere Didn’t           26
  • String a horizontal loop                                                            30
  • Hidden features in the Icom IC-7300 transceiver:                   34
  • Activating LZ9X Bulgaria                                                       38
  • High Above the Noise: Charlie and the Field Day Chicken    42
  • The IPS Buffet Antenna: A Mix-and-Match Field Review     46
  • Add Digital Television to Your ARES Tool Kit                      48
  • Fun with Arduino and Semaphore Signaling                          52
  • The North Fraser Club: High‑Altitude Amateur
    Radio at 925 MHz                                                                   54
  • Club in Focus: The Orca DX and Contest Club                      56
  • ‘Probing’ Around Inside an Old Receiver                               60
  • From a ‘Rocket’ radio to an ‘almost’
    real one… and beyond                                                             62
  • When an app outlives its creator                                              64
  • A ‘Barn Find’ Radio                                                                 66
  • RAC Amateur of the Year Award 2025                                    68
  • Closure of the Weatherradio Service in Canada                      69
  • Outside the Box: KD5ZZU’s elegant build of a
    Z-match tuner                                                                          70
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of the Z-Match                      72
  • The ultimate rebuild of an ancient Yaesu FT-817                    73
  • Rational Optimism About the Future of Amateur Radio         76
  • Foundations of Amateur Radio: Transmitting
    into a dummy load… for a year… on purpose                         84
  • To Honour Titanic’s Legacy and the 
    Heroes of the Airwaves                                                            87
  • Twelve Safety Laws for Amateur Radio Operators                 90
  • Profiles of SARC members: Andy Carr VE7SNF                   94
  • BC QSO Party and ARRL DX Contest (CW)                          99
  • Friends Remembered: “Walt” Bond VE7WDB/VE6MW      101
  • SARC General Meeting minutes                                            105
  • Spotless!                                                                                  110
  • QRT: “Radio is the same as in 1920…”  Really?                   114
  • Ham Leftovers                                                                        117