Why I Still Love JS8Call (and You Should Too)

Every time I fire up JS8Call, I’m reminded why this little mode has a permanent place in my ham radio heart. Sure, the new shiny digital modes get all the buzz—VarAC, FT8, whatever—but there’s something about JS8Call that keeps me coming back. 

Let me explain.

1. It’s Like Having a Full-On Chat in the Apocalypse

When the grid goes down and all you’ve got is a car battery, a wire in a tree, and your trusty rig, JS8Call is the mode you want. Why? Because unlike FT8’s robotic “RR73” exchanges, JS8Call lets you actually talk to people. You can send full sentences. You can ask, “How’s the weather there?” and get a real answer instead of a contest-style signal report. It feels human—and in a world that’s increasingly automated, that’s refreshing.

2. Store-and-Forward = Digital Magic

This feature blows my mind every time. Can’t reach your buddy directly? No problem. JS8Call will pass your message along through other stations like a relay race for bits and bytes. It’s like Winlink Lite with no infrastructure dependency. Bonus: you feel like a digital MacGyver when it works.

3. Heartbeats: Digital Breadcrumbs in the Wild

The Heartbeat feature is pure brilliance. With just a simple ping, you can find out who’s out there listening—even if they’re not glued to their screen. It’s like sending out a digital “Hey, I’m alive out here” and watching the world light up with replies. And it’s not just about ego (OK, maybe a little)—it’s practical. You instantly know who you could relay through or call directly if you needed to.

4. Low Power, Big Reach

JS8Call digs signals out of the noise like a bloodhound with a caffeine addiction. I’ve had solid chats running modest power and a simple EFHW at 25 feet. It’s almost unfair how far you can reach on a few watts.

5. The Community Is Small but Mighty

JS8Call users feel like a secret club of radio nerds who actually enjoy experimenting. It’s not crowded like FT8, and when someone answers your CQ, you know they’re there to chat—not just to fill a logbook.

6. Built for Real Emergencies

As a ham who cares about preparedness, JS8Call ticks a lot of boxes. You can send texts, relay messages, check on stations automatically, and even share your location without needing big infrastructure. It’s a great tool in any emcomm toolkit.

Final Thought: Don’t Sleep on JS8Call

If you haven’t tried it, fire it up. If you tried it and moved on, give it another spin. And if you’re already a die-hard fan like me—well, I’ll see you on the waterfall.

CQ JS8, anyone?

Exciting Times in the Shack!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you!

This little antenna project started as something simple, just a way to share what I love with others in the hobby. I never expected the overwhelming support I’ve received from hams across the country. I’ve been truly humbled by the kind messages, the encouraging comments, and especially by those of you who have trusted my antennas enough to use them in your own stations. It means the world.

Things have gotten a little crazy in the shack lately, and in a good way. My son, Harry, has even jumped in to help keep up with production as orders keep rolling in. It’s been awesome working side by side with him, and I’m grateful for the chance to turn this into a real father and son effort.

We are still dialing in the final touches on a higher-power version of the antenna. I think you’re going to like what’s coming next. It’s almost ready!

In the meantime, here's a quick photo of the latest batch getting ready for trimming and cleaning and then they're headed out the door. Thank you again for your support, your stories, and your trust. You’ve made this whole adventure something really special.

A Personal Note of Thanks

My mom, June Chenault.

Over the past month, our family has experienced a deep loss with the passing of my mother at the age of 88. She had been sick for a long time, and while we’re grateful she’s now at peace, it’s still been a difficult season. As a result, some of our orders from the Etsy shop have been slowed, and I want to sincerely thank all of you for your patience and continued support.

Many in the ham community have reached out with kind words and condolences—and I can’t express how much that’s meant. This truly is an extended family.

My mom was one of the reasons I became a ham in the first place. After my father (the original W5CWT) died when I was young, she insisted on keeping all his old radio gear. As a kid, I used to play astronaut, with his radios and oscilloscope as the control center of my imaginary rocket ship. That spark eventually led me to get licensed in college and I’ve been active ever since.

We’re slowly getting back on track, and I just want to say thank you. Thanks for your patience, your kindness, and for being part of this amazing community!

New Stickers Just Dropped!

If your idea of a great day on the air involves a trail, some trees, and a wire in the wind, you’ll want to check out the two new sticker designs now available in the shop. Both carry the phrase that’s become something of a personal motto:

Find a park. Hang a wire.

But each design brings its own feel, inspired by real places and real activations.

Forest Design – "QRZ?"

This one features a dense pine forest and sunset sky—reminiscent of those late-day activations where the bands finally open up and the pileup gets fun. The QRZ? at the bottom adds a little extra attitude, perfect for the operator who likes to keep things moving.

Lakeside Design – "CQ"

A more serene scene, this version shows a rocky shoreline under a calm, lavender dusk sky. It gives off northern woods or Great Lakes energy, and the CQ up top sets the tone: you’re calling out, ready to log whoever answers.

Printed on high-quality, weather-resistant vinyl, these are built for go-kits, water bottles, hard cases—anything that travels with you when you take the station out of the shack and into the wild. Both are meant to be more than just decals. They’re a simple reminder of why you started doing this in the first place. And both designs are available now in the Etsy store.

Pick your favorite—or grab both—and get ready for the next activation!

New Stickers have Arrived!

We're excited to announce something fun that just landed in the shop — brand new custom stickers designed especially with parks activators in mind!

These high-quality vinyl stickers feature a vibrant mountain scene with the simple but iconic message: "Find a park. Hang a wire. QRZ?"

If you've ever slung a wire in the trees, called CQ from a picnic table, or logged contacts with a thermos of coffee beside you — these are for you. Whether you're running QRP from the trail or tossing out 100 watts from a campsite, the heart of it all is the same: get outdoors, make some contacts, and enjoy the magic of HF with just a wire and a radio. These stickers capture that spirit in a way only activators truly understand.

Bonus for Supporters:

We’ve got a limited batch of early samples, and we're including one free with the next few antenna orders through our Etsy shop. No code needed — just place your order and we’ll toss one in while supplies last!

Perfect for:

• Tackle or Go Boxes
• Field kits and go bags
• Water bottles
• Notebooks
• Radios (if you're brave!)

We’ve already added a few to our own gear, and we can’t wait to see where yours end up. Tag us when you slap one on your kit or post your activation photos — we’d love to share them.

And as always, if you’re looking for a solid, portable antenna to pair with your next park adventure, check out our hand-built End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antennas on our Etsy shop. Built by operators, for operators.

73 and see you on the air — or in the log!

Introducing our DIY EFHW Kit!

I'm thrilled to unveil the latest addition to our product lineup: the DIY Edition of our EFHW (End-Fed Half-Wave) Antenna Transformer Kits. Introducing Our DIY EFHW Antenna Transformer Kit for those who prefer to build and learn. This kit is designed for hobbyists of all levels looking for a hands-on approach to amateur radio.

Why Choose DIY?

Our DIY Kit is an economical alternative to our pre-assembled versions and are perfect for anyone from beginners to experienced operators. The kit includes all necessary parts to assemble a fully functional EFHW antenna transformer.

Kit Contents:

• All components needed for a high-quality transformer
• A QR code linking to our online instructions for an easy assembly process
• The same, reliable 2mm banana plug connector used in our standard model

Educational and Practical

Building your own antenna transformer not only adds to your understanding of radio technology but can also be plain fun!

Coming Soon!

These kits will be available soon in our Etsy store. Stay tuned and be ready to engage in a project that enhances both your skills and your amateur radio gear.

Introducing a NEW VERSION

After I'm excited about the latest addition to my line of EFHW antennas! After a few request from folks and building upon the success of my original model, I've created a new version featuring a completely different connector system.

My original EFHW antenna, with its compact design and reliable 2mm banana connector, remains a popular choice for many hams.

The new model uses a robust lever-lock connector (similar to the Wago design) that accommodates a wide range of bare wire sizes, from 24 AWG to 14 AWG. This innovative design simplifies the connection process and provides greater compatibility with various wire types.

Key Considerations:

• Versatility: The new connector offers increased versatility in terms of wire compatibility.
• Ease of Use: The lever-lock mechanism simplifies the connection process, making setup a breeze.
• Size: Please note that the new connector system slightly increases the overall size of the antenna compared to the original model.

Which Model is Right for You?

• Original Model (Banana Connector): Ideal for those who prioritize compact size. The banana connector offers a certain degree of "breakaway" if the wire is subjected to significant stress, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on your operating environment.
• New Model (Lever-Lock Connector): Recommended for those seeking maximum wire compatibility, the easiest possible connection, and increased connection security.

Both models are meticulously crafted with high-quality components and designed to provide exceptional performance.

Visit my Etsy shop to explore both options and choose the perfect EFHW antenna for your ham shack.

I'm confident that these improvements will further enhance your radio communication experiences.

73,
Dave