Who invented the radio? Popov, Marconi or Tesla?

Radio: A puzzle pieced together by many geniuses

In the history of science, few questions are as electrifying as the one about the „father of radio.“ Depending on where you studied, the answer is different. But if we put aside political biases, the truth turns out to be much more complex and interesting – radio is not the work of one person, but an evolution of ideas. It is not an „instantaneous“ discovery, but rather the culmination of a series of discoveries by different people at the same time.

Alexander Popov: The Pragmatic Scientist

On May 7, 1895, Alexander Popov demonstrated to the Russian Physico-Chemical Society the world’s first radio receiver, equipped with an antenna and a coherer with automatic recovery. Popov’s contribution was fundamental, because he transformed Hertz’s theoretical waves into a working device.

• Why he’s important: He created the first system that responded to electromagnetic signals in real time.
• Context: Working for the Russian Navy under strict secrecy, he was slow to patent, which cost him official recognition in the West.

Guglielmo Marconi: The Visionary Entrepreneur

The Italian Marconi was the man who „took“ radio out of the labs and sent it across the ocean. In 1896, he received the first patent for wireless telegraphy.

• Why he’s important: Marconi had a brilliant business acumen. In 1896, he received the first patent for „wireless telegraphy.“ He succeeded in sending a signal across the Atlantic (1901) and proved that radio could be used for global communication and was not just a laboratory experiment.
• Context: Although he used ideas from his predecessors, without his energy the technology would have developed much more slowly. Many of his early patents were based on the work of others (Hertz, Lodge, Tesla). In 1943, the US Supreme Court even invalidated some of his patents in favor of Tesla.

Nikola Tesla: The Theoretical Giant

Tesla is the man whose contributions are often overshadowed by his more eccentric ideas. But at the heart of every modern radio are his „resonant circuits“ (tuning to a specific frequency). Today his contributions are considered fundamental.

• Why he’s important: As early as 1893, he demonstrated the principles of radio and used resonant circuits (tuning to a specific frequency)—something without which radio today is impossible. In 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated key Marconi patents, recognizing them as Tesla’s work.
• Context: Tesla saw much further than simple telegraphy—he dreamed of wireless transmission of energy and information around the world. His ideas were so far-reaching that they often remained misunderstood or unfinished.

The Objective Verdict

Can we name just one? It’s not fair. To be completely impartial, radio is a collective creation in which everyone had a role:

1. James Clark Maxwell predicted it mathematically.
2. Heinrich Hertz proved the existence of waves.
3. Alexander Popov created the first effective receiver.
4. Nikola Tesla gave the concept of resonance and tuning.
5. Guglielmo Marconi connected all this into a working commercial system and made it available to the world.

The Conclusion

Popov is the discoverer of science, Marconi – of business, and Tesla – of the future.

All three deserve their place in the Pantheon of Technology.

Bibliography and recommended sources:

1. Marconi, G. (1897). Improvements in Transmitting Electrical Impulses and Signals, and in Apparatus therefor. British Patent No. 12,039. (Marconi’s official patent).

2. Tesla, N. (1919). My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla. Electrical Experimenter magazine. (Tesla’s personal memoirs where he describes his ideas for wireless transmission).

3. Popov, A. S. (1896). Relation of metal powders to electrical oscillations. Journal of the Russian Physical and Chemical Society (ZRFHO). (The publication describing his „ugly flag“ – the first receiver).

4. U.S. Supreme Court (1943). Marconi Wireless Tel. Co. v. United States, 320 U.S. 1. (The U.S. Supreme Court decision that recognized the priority of Tesla’s patents over Marconi’s.)

5. Lodge, O. J. (1894). The Work of Hertz and Some of His Successors. London: „The Electrician“ Printing and Publishing Company. (An important source for the development of the coherer, used by both Popov and Marconi).

6. Süsskind, C. (1962). Popov and the Beginnings of Radiotelegraphy. Proceedings of the IRE. (One of the most objective Western studies of Popov’s contributions).

7. Aitken, Hugh G. J. (1985). The Continuous Wave: Technology and American Radio, 1900-1932. Princeton University Press. (A classic work on the technological evolution of radio).

Материалът Who invented the radio? Popov, Marconi or Tesla? е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Wandering through the jungle of fast charging protocols: Why „powerful“ is not always „fast“.

Once upon a time there were two wires and the most difficult part of charging was not to confuse plus with minus. Charging batteries today has nothing to do with that – along with plus and minus, there is a continuous conversation between the device being charged and the charging device. And this conversation, on top of everything, takes place in different languages, the so-called protocols.

And even before we get to this conversation, the hardware must be fully compatible: we use different chargers, cables, adapters from one standard to another… And even if we match everything, it may turn out that the charger provides the necessary protocol, but does not provide the full range of voltage and current for the most efficient charging. There are electronics in the cables themselves, some even have their own firmware that can be updated.

The wandering through the jungle of protocols for fast charging begins.

Cables are not what they used to be.

Of course, most users don’t care about this. For them, there are „branded“ chargers and cables, and „counterfeits“. They are willing to pay many times more for original chargers, thereby compensating for their ignorance. If you are one of these people, this article is not for you.

In fact, there are almost no counterfeits on the market

Hardware usually has a description, and it is true. The fact that someone does not understand what is written in the description does not make the hardware a „counterfeit“. A large part of users do not read what is written about the devices at all – be it cables, chargers or adapters. Yes, some manufacturers use marketing tricks to sell their products, but this does not make them guilty, nor their products – counterfeit.

Never forget that when you point your finger at someone, three other fingers are pointing at you! If you think the same way, I recommend that you continue reading and I hope that this reading will be useful to you, as I plan to try to explain everything simply, so that even I can understand it!

Let’s start with the cable

Plus and minus are no longer enough. You need at least two more, and for Type-C four more wires – D+, D- and CC1, CC2 (and let’s not forget one more – a common ground for everyone).

• D+ (Data Plus) and D- (Data Minus): These are the data signal lines in the old, classic USB standard (USB 2.0).
• CC1 (Configuration Channel 1) and CC2 (Configuration Channel 2): These are the configuration channels that are specific and critical only for the USB Type-C connector.

A detailed explanation of each of them:

A) The D+ and D- (Data Lines) pair

These lines were created to transfer data (for example, from a flash drive to a computer). However, in the pre-USB-C era, engineers found a way to use them for fast charging.

• How they work to charge: When you connect your old phone to a charger, they „negotiate“ for power using the voltage on these two lines. For example, if the charger outputs 3.3V on D+ and 0.6V on D-, the phone “knows” that it is a QC3.0 charger and can request 9V or 12V.
• Protocols that use D+ / D-:
  • BC1.2 (CDP): The oldest charging standard.
  • APPLE: Apple uses specific resistors on D+ and D- to indicate whether the charger is 5W, 10W or 12W.
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) 2.0 and 3.0: Rely entirely on the voltage levels on D+ and D-.
  • Samsung AFC: Same as QC2.0.
  • Huawei FCP: Uses a digital signal on the date lines.
  • OPPO/OnePlus/Realme (old versions VOOC / DASH / WARP): Uses a proprietary protocol on D+ and D-, which requires an original cable.

B) The CC1 and CC2 pair (Configuration Channels) 

This is the innovation in USB Type-C. These pins are the reason why USB-C is so smart and can be plugged in from both sides (reversible).

• How they work:
  • Orientation detection: When you plug in a USB-C cable, the charger measures which of the two CC pins is connected. This way it understands which side is “up” and which is “down” so it knows where to supply power.
  • Role detection: They allow the device to know whether it is plugged into a charger (Host) or another device (Peripheral).
  • USB Power Delivery (PD): This is where all the magic happens. The PD protocol doesn’t use the old data lines (D+/D-). Instead, it sends a digital code on the active CC pin (the other one is left for powering „active“ cables). Through this code, the charger and the phone talk to negotiate high voltage and high current (e.g. 20V @ 5A for laptops).
• Protocols that use CC lines:
  • USB Power Delivery (PD) 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1: Fully digital signals on the CC line.
  • PPS (Programmable Power Supply): As part of PD.
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 / 5.0: Since these standards are compatible with PD, they also use the CC line.
  • Chinese fast protocols (Huawei SuperCharge, OPPO VOOC) in modern USB-C versions: Some of them also use CC to recognize the original cable or for compatibility with PD.

The difference between BC1.2 DCP and CDP 

The BC1.2 (Battery Charging 1.2) protocol can be either DCP or CDP. Here’s what it means. There is a significant difference between DCP and CDP, but the commonality is that both allow charging with a higher current than the standard USB 2.0 (which is only 500mA).

DCP (Dedicated Charging Port) 

A port that is designed solely for power. It does not have digital logic to transfer photos or files.

• How it works: To tell the phone that it is a powerful charger, it simply „shorts“ the two data lines (D+ and D-) inside the port itself. When the phone „senses“ that D+ and D- are connected together, it knows that this is a DCP and can safely draw up to 1.5A of current at 5V.
• When it works: When you use devices that plug directly into a wall outlet or car cigarette lighter (old adapters, old and not so old power banks).

CDP (Charging Downstream Port) 

A much „smarter“ port. It allows your device (e.g. phone) to simultaneously charge quickly and be recognized by your computer as a data device (for file transfers, ADB debugging, etc.).

• How it works: The CDP contains specialized electronics. When you connect your phone, this port uses a complex series of signals on the data lines (D+/D-) to tell your phone, “I’m a USB data port, but I also have a powerful power supply. You can draw up to 1.5A while we talk.”
• When it works: When you’re testing the USB ports on a modern computer or an expensive docking station.

When the cable is smart: the E-Marker chip

I mentioned that some cables have a chip embedded in them. This is most often a microscopic chip embedded in one or both connectors of a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, and is called an E-Marker (Electronic Marker).

The E-marker can be likened to an “electronic ID” for the cable.

• What it is for: In the standard USB PD (Power Delivery) protocol without E-Marker, the charger is not allowed to deliver more than 3A of current (i.e. a maximum of 60W at 20V), so as not to overheat and ignite a thin or cheap cable.
• How it works: However, when the charger and the phone „talk“, they „ask“ the cable: „What are you?“.
  1. If the cable has an E-Marker, it responds digitally on the CC line: „I am a certified cable, I can withstand 5A of current and support USB 3.2 data.“
  2. Then the charger safely activates profiles from 60W to 100W (and even 240W in PD 3.1).

What about VOOC/SuperVOOC cables?

Some cables do not need E-Marker (for example, those from OPPO/OnePlus/Realme, which work on SuperVOOC protocols). They have their own proprietary chips. Their approach is different – in them the voltage is low (5V or 10.5V), but the current is significant (up to 6A-12A) to achieve the desired charging power.

• Different standard: E-Marker is an open standard of USB-IF. SuperVOOC is privately owned by OPPO. If the charger uses the PD protocol to „knock on the door“, the OPPO chip will not respond. That’s why the FNIRSI tester will write to you: „No E-Marker Found“.
• Hidden Hardware/Software: In older USB-A to USB-C cables for VOOC, recognition is often done in a purely hardware way – an additional, proprietary pin inside the USB-A connector that the phone detects. In modern OPPO USB-C to USB-C cables there is a chip, but it uses proprietary cryptographic keys to identify itself to the phone as „original“.

The original OPPO cable has a chip, but the PD protocol cannot read the information inside it because it is locked.

The difference in approaches (20V/5A vs. 10V/10A) 

• PD (Power Delivery): It uses high voltage (e.g. 20V) to transfer power. The chip (E-Marker) is needed to confirm that the cable can withstand high current (5A) so that it does not catch fire.
• SuperVOOC: It uses low voltage (5V or 10V) to transfer power, but with extremely high current (up to 6A-12A depending on the version). Here, the chip is not for voltage safety, but for authentication. OPPO wants to make sure that you are using their specific cable, which has thicker copper wires to transfer this high current without loss.

Most mass PD cables (without E-Marker), even if they are of good quality, cannot transfer 10-12A current at 5V-10V. The OPPO phone „knows“ this, „talks“ to the chip in the original cable and only then activates SuperVOOC. If the chip does not respond, the phone limits charging to the basic 5V/2A.

Systematizing the Jungle: A Table of Fast Charging Protocols

Here is my attempt to systematize the jungle in a table:

Conclusion

Please be lenient if there is a mistake somewhere – the jungle is a jungle for me too, although I am already quite successfully navigating. I will be happy to receive any constructive comments and additions – the comments are at your disposal!

Sources and useful information about the article

1. USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF):

   • Official technical specifications for USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.1, USB Type-C® Cable and Connector and Battery Charging (BC1.2) standards.

   • URL: https://www.usb.org/documents

2. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.:

   • Technical information and overview of Quick Charge (QC) technology generations: QC 2.0, 3.0, 4, 4+ and QC 5.

   • URL: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/features/quick-charge

3. OPPO Global:

   • Official information about the patented VOOC and SuperVOOC fast charging technologies also used by the OnePlus brands and Realme.

   • URL: https://www.oppo.com/en/newsroom/press/oppo-supervooc-flash-charge/

4. Samsung Electronics:

   • Adaptive Support Information Fast Charging (AFC) in older models and the implementation of universal PD/PPS standards in new devices.

   • URL: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/what-is-fast-charging/

5. Huawei Consumer BG:

   • Details of Huawei FastCharge Protocol (FCP) and SuperCharge Protocol (SCP) technologies.

   • URL: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/content/en-us00693997/

6. MediaTek Inc.:

   • Technical overview of the MediaTek Pump Express (PE) standard.

   • URL: https://www.mediatek.com/features/pump-express

7. FNIRSI Technology Co., Ltd.:

   • User manuals and specifications of the FNB58 and FNB-C2 USB testers used for diagnostics of the described protocols.

   • URL: https://www.fnirsi.com/download

Материалът Wandering through the jungle of fast charging protocols: Why „powerful“ isn’t always „fast“ е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Master Class: A Practical Guide to Precise Measurements

Unlock the full potential of the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Smart Tweezers with my practical tips and experience.

After going through the ins and outs of DeepVNA together, FTX-1F and FTDX10, it’s time to pay attention to a tool that has quickly become an indispensable assistant on my workbench – the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 smart tweezers.

This is my fourth book in the „Master Class“ series. In it, I decided to share not only dry technical data, but also real diagnostic methods that I use every day. In the world of miniature SMD components, a good tool is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you know how to decipher the „truth“ that the numbers on the screen are trying to tell you.

What will you find in this „Master Class“?

The manual is structured to take you from the first turn-on to the expert analysis of complex faults. In it I reveal:

• Dynamic Parameter Control: How to use the “hidden” joystick functions to see Q-factor, Impedance (Z) and phase shift directly on the main screen.
• Capacitor Diagnostics: My “Golden Rule” for measuring ESR (Rs) at 100kHz and why capacitance is often not the most important metric.
• Short Circuit Locator: The milliohm technique I use to find a blown component on a power rail without unsoldering everything.
• Frequency Analysis (SCAN): How to understand the behavior of coils and transformers in real operating conditions.

“Where “Numbers meet truth” is the motto for this guide.

My goal is to give you confidence in every measurement you make.

This book is the perfect complement to my previous „Master Classes“ for DeepVNA, FTDX10 and FTX-1F for practicing radio amateurs.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FNIRSI LCR-ST2 MASTER CLASS Complete guide to precise measurements with LCR-ST2“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: FNIRSI LCR-ST2 MASTER CLASS – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This manual is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If the information in it was useful to you and you want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the link below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical advice and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73! “ — Tony, LZ3AI

Friends, creating these guides takes hundreds of hours of testing, researching, and describing every feature. If you find my work useful and it has helped you save time or solve a difficult repair, you can express your gratitude and support my future projects. Your support is the „fuel“ that gives me the strength to continue sharing knowledge with the amateur radio community.

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your device? Do you have a „secret recipe“ for easily measuring different components without removing them from the board?

I would be glad if you share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or over a cup of coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the amateur radio community!

73 and see you on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

About the author (LZ3AI): „I believe that sharing experience is the basis of the amateur radio movement. My „Master Classes“ focus on the practical side of things to help you get the most out of your equipment.“

Literature and sources used

In preparing this „Master Class“ I relied on:

• FNIRSI Technology Co., Ltd. – Official documentation and specifications of firmware v1.5.1.
• H. W. Ott – “Noise Reduction Techniques in Electronic Systems”.
• Galanto Electronic Library – Materials for ESR diagnostics and internal resistance of batteries.
• Personal laboratory practice – Dozens of hours of tests with reference components.

Материалът FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Master Class: A Practical Guide to Precision Measurements е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

April 18 – The Day the World Connects Without Borders

Every year on April 18, millions of people around the world tune in their transceivers to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. This is not just a date on the calendar, but the anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in Paris in 1925.

Today, with over 3,000,000 licensed operators worldwide, amateur radio is more vibrant than ever. The theme for 2026 – “Developing the Spirit of Amateur Radio through Innovation” – reminds us that we are not just consumers of technology, but creators of it.

Success Story: From Paris to the World

A century ago, skeptics believed that the shortwave spectrum was useless. However, pioneering amateur radio operators proved otherwise by discovering long-distance propagation. It was to protect these discoveries and preserve frequencies for the community that representatives from 25 countries founded the IARU. Today, the organization includes 160 countries in three regions, with Bulgaria being a proud part of Region 1.

The Bulgarian Footprint on the Air

Bulgarian radio amateurs have a long and distinguished history. From the first experimental signals in the 1930s to today’s high-tech DX expeditions and contest achievements, LZ operators have always been among the most active and technically prepared in Europe. The Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs (BFRA) continues to maintain this spirit, uniting generations of enthusiasts who both preserve the traditions of Morse code (CW) and master the latest digital modes.

Innovations Born in the Ham Radio Den (Ham Radio Shack)

Few people know that many of the modern technologies we take for granted have their roots in amateur experiments:

• Mobile Communications and Cellular Networks: Early developments in the field of VHF/UHF repeaters laid the foundations of modern mobile telephony.
• Satellite Technologies: Amateur radio operators were among the first to design and launch small satellites (OSCAR) into orbit, demonstrating the capabilities of low-orbit communications.
• Digital Modes and Practical Applications: Amateur radio operators not only create protocols, but also successfully implement them in critical situations. A striking example from Bulgarian amateur radio history is the work of Toni (LZ3AI) and Vasil (LZ3WW). During the mission of the Bulgarian contingent in Cambodia, when official reports were transmitted slowly via telegraphy (CW), LZ3AI and LZ3WW demonstrated the power of Packet Radio on HF. They established a Sofia-Cambodia service link, where reports that previously took over half an hour were transmitted in a matter of minutes. This case clearly demonstrated to military authorities the advantages of amateur radio digital technologies for fast and reliable data exchange.
• The revolution in weak signals: Protocols such as FT8, developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor (K1JT), have revolutionized communication by allowing communication at extremely low signal levels (below the noise floor) – an innovation that finds application even in deep space.
• The next step: FT2. Today, in the spirit of the IARU theme for 2026, the amateur radio community is once again at the forefront of innovation with the experimental FT2 mode. Although not yet officially adopted as a standard, FT2 promises even better efficiency and resilience, proving that the search for better communication solutions on the air never stops.

Why is amateur radio important today?

In a world dependent on the internet and infrastructure, amateur radio remains the only community capable of establishing communication in global emergencies when all else fails. We are the „last line of defense“ and at the same time a laboratory for future engineers.

The story of LZ3AI and LZ3WW is proof that amateur radio is not just a hobby, but a powerful tool for innovation and practical help when it is most needed. Today, with modes like FT8 and experiments with FT2, we continue to pave the way for future communications.

Happy holiday, colleagues! May the air be clear, and the connections – far! 73!

Bibliography and sources:

• International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). (2025). World Amateur Radio Day 2026 Theme: Sustaining the Amateur Radio Spirit through Innovation. Source: www.iaru.org
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Amateur Service Regulations and History.
• Danev, P. (LZ1US), Radio Amateurism in Bulgaria. History, facts, memories, Sofia, 1998.
• Silver, H.W. (2023). The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications. American Radio Relay League.

Материалът World Amateur Radio Day 2026: More than a century of innovation and global friendship е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

DeepVNA Master Class: Your Practical Guide to the Vector Analyzer

Introduction: When a Transceiver Is Not Enough

Every radio amateur knows – a good antenna is half a transceiver. But how do we know if it is really working at its maximum, especially when we are in the field in field conditions (SOTA/POTA)? This is where the vector analyzer comes to the rescue. NanoVNA and its older brothers, such as DeepVNA 101, changed the rules of the game, but they come with one serious problem – the official instructions are often „dry“, incomplete and written in an incomprehensible technical language, which is sometimes only Chinese.

That’s how the idea for this book was born. After I was often asked how exactly I use my DeepVNA to tune JPC-12 or End-Fed antennas, I decided to turn my experience into a structured, practical guide. „DeepVNA Master Class“ is not just a translation of the official operating instructions – it is a „Master Class“ born from hundreds of measurements and practical experience in the field.

Who is this book for?

For beginners: If you have just bought a DeepVNA (NanoVNA or similar device) and are wondering what all those graphs it draws mean, this book will take you step by step in understandable language to learn them. You will learn why calibration is critical and how not to be “tricked” by your own device.

For advanced users: Here you will find details about the Smith chart (without unnecessary formulas), TDR diagnostics for finding defects in cables and how to use PC software (NanoVNA Saver) for precise tuning of multi-band antennas.

Key highlights in the “DeepVNA Master Class”

The language of the radio amateur: Forget complex mathematical formulas. Everything is explained simply, with clear examples from practice.

Practical scenarios: Tuning of dipoles, vertical antennas (like Rybakov), end-fed systems and filters.

Practical recipes: Specific data for popular antennas (coils and windings of JPC-12, lengths for End-Fed).

The Hidden Dangers: How to calibrate, where the power setting is located, and what to do if the touchscreen stops working.

PC Software: A quick guide to the NanoVNA Saver and how it helps with End-Fed antennas and other multiband antennas.

This book is the perfect complement to my previous FTDX10 and FTX-1F “Master Classes,” closing the loop between transceiver and antenna.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FTX-1F MASTER CLASS Complete Guide to Filters, Audio Settings and Operational Mastery for the Yaesu FTX-1F Transceiver“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: DeepVNA 101/NanoVNA-F Master Class – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This guide is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If you found the information in it useful and want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the link below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical advice and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73!“ — Tony, LZ3AI

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your VNA? Do you have a „secret recipe“ for easy and quick tuning of your antenna for field work?

I would be happy to share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or over a coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the amateur radio community!

73 and see you on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

About the author (LZ3AI): „I am a passionate supporter of all things radio. I believe that sharing experiences is the foundation of the amateur radio movement. My „Master Classes“ focus on the practical side of things to help you get the most out of your equipment.“

Материалът DeepVNA Master Class: Your practical guide to the vector analyzer е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Why are we called „HAM“? From the legends of Harvard to the first Bulgarian HAM

Have you ever wondered why radio amateurs are called „HAM“ (which means „ham“ in English)? It sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it? After all, what does a smoked ham have to do with antennas and transceivers?

In this adventure, we will find out how an insult became an honorary title and how Bulgarians “broke” the airwaves long before the internet was even an idea.

Legends: Three Students and a Congress

One of the most entertaining (albeit slightly embellished) stories takes us back to 1908 at Harvard University. It is said that three students – Hyman, Almy and Murray – founded one of the first amateur radio stations. They simply called it HAM (from their initials).

The story goes that when the US government decided to get its hands on the airwaves in 1911, young Hyman gave such a passionate speech to Congress that politicians were moved and left frequencies for amateurs. Since then, the whole world has started calling operators “HAMs.” A nice story, isn’t it? Almost like Hollywood!

The Truth: Ham Hands and “Filthy” Airwaves

If you ask serious historians, however, the version is a little more prosaic and… biting. At the beginning of the 20th century, professional telegraph operators were real “aristocrats” of the airwaves. They called any novice operator who transmitted Morse code clumsily and with errors, „ham-fisted“ (with hands like hams – fat and clumsy).

When radio amateurs started building transmitters in their basements and “interfering” with serious military stations, the professionals angrily shouted: “Those hams are jamming our signals again!”. Instead of getting angry, the radio amateurs said to themselves: “Hey, that sounds cool!” and proudly adopted the name.

The Bulgarian Trail: The True Pioneers of LZ

While the rest of the world was called “hams,” in our country history is written with great enthusiasm and little available materials. Here’s how it all happened:

• The Beginning (1926): It all started in the Sofia City Casino, where 38 daredevils founded the first “Bulgarian Radio Club.” Their goal? To unite all those interested in the „invisible waves“.
• The First Call (1938): The legendary Ivan Djakov constructed a transmitter in Sofia and on April 24, 1938, sent the first amateur radio call from Bulgaria: „CQ de LZ1ID“. Djakov became so popular abroad that he was a „desired prey“ for every amateur radio operator in the world! In 1945, Ivan Dzhakov resumed his amateur radio activity from Sofia with the initials LZ1XX, and later LZ1RF.
• The first club station (1949): At the very peak of Christmas (December 25) in 1949, LZ1AA began operating with operator Ognyan Kukurov.
• LZ1KAB and the era of DOSO (1952): The Central Radio Club was opened on Slaveykov Square. The first official connection was on 7 MHz, again by Ognyan Kukurov. From then on, Bulgarian radio amateurs became some of the best in the world in “fox hunting” and high-speed telegraphy.

Why are we HAMs today?

Whether the name comes from “clumsy hands” or from three students, today being a HAM means being part of a global network. We are the people who stay connected when everything else stops. We are the ones who organized the first radio connections between computers, when the Internet had not yet entered our daily lives, including to the military contingent in Cambodia (Anton Ivanov – LZ3AI here and Vasil Vassilev – LZ3WW there). We are the experimenters who reflect signals from the Moon and talk to Antarctica (with initials LZ0A, thanks to Miko Mikov – LZ1RR and Yordan Yankov – LZ1UU).

So, if you hear „HAM“, don’t think of a sandwich. Think of 100 years of innovation and friendship on the air!

73 and a follow-up on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

Bibliography and sources

1. Danev, P. (LZ1US), Radio amateurism in Bulgaria. History, facts, memories, Sofia, 1998.
2. Boyadzhiev, S., Macedonia in my life. Memories, Sofia, 2013.
3. Wikipedia, History of Amateur Radio in Bulgaria (free encyclopedia).
4. Radio Magazine (archives), organ of the Bulgarian Radio and Television Association/National Radio and Television Association.
5. ARRL (American Radio Relay League), Etymology of the term ‘HAM’.

Материалът Why do they call us „HAM“? From the legends of Harvard to the first Bulgarian HAM е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

How to set up a hand telegraph key: old-school master tips

For many radio amateurs, the hand telegraph key (the telegraph manipulator, affectionately called a „pedestrian“ key or „hammer“) is a symbol of true radio amateurism. But to make broadcasting a pleasure, not a wrist torture, the key must be precisely tuned.

In this short guide, I have gathered the experience of generations of professional radio telegraphers and radio amateurs to help you find your ideal balance.

The roots of craftsmanship: the old school

Before we move on to the technical details, I would like to mention the people from whom I „stole“ the craft half a century ago and more in Veliko Tarnovo. These are men for whom telegraphy was not just a profession, but an art and a calling. The craftsmanship was passed down to me by the strict but fair officers Colonel Ovcharov and Colonel Kokalov in the radio club, and later in the military school and Colonel Rakov. In amateur radio, my mentor and teacher was Pop Stefan (LZ2PS), at that time LZ2F166 (hence my call sign is LZ2F266). These teachers didn’t just show us how to transmit and turn the screws on the key, they taught us the „music“ of radiotelegraphy, respect for the correct sign. This article is a small bow to their contribution and recognition of their care, which grew into endless respect and lifelong friendship.

The „love“ of the hand key is a diagnosis that is not cured, but only passed on to the next generations. It is something intimate. The rhythm of the correct key is like meditation – a feeling that no automaton can replace.

A poorly tuned key is like an out-of-tune violin – no matter how hard you try, the melody is lame, and your hand seizes up in 10 minutes of work.

Here is my “philosophy” for tuning the classical treble clef, conveyed as text.

1. Preparation: stability and position

Before turning the screws, take care of the base. The key should be firmly fixed on a heavy pad or directly to the table.

The golden rule for posture:

• The elbow should be at table level.
• The wrist should be off the edge of the table (in the air) so that it can move freely. The hand should be a natural extension of the key.
• Visualization: Imagine that the contact is not in the key itself, but just below the crease of your wrist. Try to mentally „contact“ there, with this joint, which without a signal is slightly raised, and with dashes and dots it goes below the level of the base of the key.

2. The side bearings: eliminating the backlash

First of all, pay attention to the side screws.

1. Loosen them as much as possible until the arm starts to click noticeably.
2. Start tightening them carefully until the lateral movement disappears completely, but no more. The arm should move freely only up and down, without any movement left and right.
3. Caution: Stop right at this point! If you overtighten, the up and down movement will become „wooden“ and heavy, and the spring will not do its job properly.

If the key has lateral play, it „dances“ under your fingers and the focus is lost. You feel it as foreign and unruly.

3. The distance between the contacts: the „A4“ method

Here is the great secret of speed and a clean sign. Too much distance leads to jostling, and too little – to sticking of the signs.

• For beginners: start with a larger stroke (about 0.6 mm) to “loosen” the wrist.
• For advanced users: the gold standard is 0.15 – 0.3 mm.

The A4 sheet trick: Take a regular printer sheet (A4, 80 g). Fold a strip along the narrow side 4 times (to make four layers – this is about 0.6 mm). Place it between the contacts and adjust so that you pull it with force. As you progress in your training, reduce the folds to 1 or 2 layers (this is about 0.15 – 0.3 mm).

Many beginners make the mistake of leaving an extremely large stroke, thinking that this way they transmit more accurately. About a millimeter. Big mistake! Such a stroke leads to a “bump”, which tires the wrist and spoils the rhythm.

4. Spring tension: the weight of the hand

The spring should not “stretch” and fight with your hand. It only serves to return the key to its original position.

• Adjustment: Loosen the spring as much as possible. Start tightening it very slightly until you feel that it can withstand the weight of your hand (with a relaxed hand, without resting your wrist on the table). It should not allow the contacts to close. The key should be “soft”, but firmly open when at rest. The spring should be just enough tension to reliably return the lever up without „kicking“ you back.
• When the spring is too tight, you will feel as if your hand is starting to work „from the shoulder“, and this should not happen – it should only work from the wrist.

5. Conclusion and advice from the old school

Handling with a manual key is not a job with your fingers, but a „swing“ of the entire wrist. Your fingers only surround the knob, without squeezing it. With your index and middle fingers, you press down, and your thumb and ring finger support the ball of the key as it moves up. The swings are made with your wrist, not your fingers! When you achieve the correct setting, you will feel how the key „sings“ along with you, you will feel it as an integral part of your hand.

My “secret” tip: posture and attitude

Don’t adjust the switch while holding it in your lap. It should be firmly attached to a heavy base (a marble slab, a thick metal base, or directly to the table). Your elbow should be at the level of the table, and your wrist should be slightly raised, as if you were holding a tennis ball.

Feel the switch! Love it! It will pay off and you will be proud that you master the “craft” that only selected people are dedicated to.

Do you have your own specific trick for adjusting the manual switch? Who were your mentors and teachers? Share it in the comments, this will be your personal contribution and motivation for young radio amateurs or those who want to become one.

Материалът How to set up a manual telegraph key: old-school master tips е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Frequencies, Antennas and a Little Stubbornness: Practical Amateur Radio Frequencies and Bands for Bulgaria

Have you ever opened the official band plan to check exactly where the center of activity was for SOTA/POTA, and after five minutes of reading sub-sections and definitions you forget why you turned on the station in the first place? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

After dozens of attempts, drawing graphs (which look beautiful, but don’t work in the mud of field conditions) and versions that looked more like an accounting report than an amateur radio guide, I present to your attention… version 18.0 (or somewhere in between).

Why another table?

Because I’m tired of „too much info“. I had options with powers, classes, broadcast designations and administrative details in which you can get lost more easily than in the thick fog of Botev Peak.

This table is intentionally incomplete. You won’t find everything in it, but you will find the most important. It was created with one and only one goal: to be a practical tool. I wanted it to have a practical and applied focus, without being some great scientific work.

What’s „under the hood“?

• Only the „live“ bands: I’ve focused on the frequencies where life is really boiling in Bulgaria.
• Operational accuracy: Where are the Bulgarians (LZ Chat), where are the activators (SOTA/POTA) and where to adjust your antenna so that the SWR doesn’t surprise you right in the middle of the call.
• The 60-meter bonus: The exact borders for Bulgaria are reflected (for example 5250–5450 kHz) – let’s know our rights (but don’t forget 100 watts for first class, nor how far are the powers of second class!).
• SOS section: Because in the mountains, safety comes first.

The „One Sheet of A4“ Format

The whole philosophy was to fit the table onto one sheet of A4. The idea is simple: print it out, laminate it and throw it in your backpack or stick it on the radio lid. It should withstand coffee, rain and the excitement of another DX.

Work in Progress

Amateur radio is a dynamic activity. This table is not „cast in concrete“. It is alive and will probably undergo further changes in motion while we use it in the field.

I also need your “report” (feedback): If you see a mistake, if a frequency has “escaped” or you think something important is missing – shoot me with comments and suggestions. I am open to any constructive comments (and a virtual coffee). Or at least a comment below.

Here is the table „Practical amateur radio frequencies and bands for Bulgaria in PDF format“.

As well as the link from which you can buy a coffee! Here!

„Buy me a coffee“

73 and see you on the air!

Tony

Материалът Frequencies, antennas and a little stubbornness: Practical amateur radio frequencies and bands for Bulgaria е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Yaesu FTX-1F Master Class: Much More Than an Instruction

We present to you the long-awaited detailed manual for the revolutionary Yaesu FTX-1F. This is not another dry translation of the technical manual. This is a „Master Class“ – a practical synthesis of Yaesu engineering and the real-world experience of Tony, LZ3AI.

The FTX-1F is a revolutionary field transceiver, but its true power is often hidden behind complex menus, layered functions, and unspeakable touch-screen magic. This book is your key to mastering this machine.

What will you find in this manual?

Written for those who don’t just want to operate a radio, but want to master the airwaves and feel the radio as a part of themselves, the manual covers:

• Intuitive Navigation: Detailed mapping of the menus and the secrets of fast, operational control in the field.
• Light Intelligence: A complete explanation of the unique VMI (VFO Mode Indicator) system and LED indication, which allow you to operate the radio almost „blindly“.
• Energy Independence: The critically important battery power section, DC-IN and USB-C (Power Delivery). You’ll learn about battery care and how to stay powered up on the mountaintop.
• Mastery of Reception: A deep dive into SDR filters, DSP settings, and unique features like Memory Tune (MT).

“Because in the field, you don’t have time for mistakes—you only have time for connections.”

Whether you’re on a SOTA activation on a mountaintop or in your backyard, this guide will transform your FTX-1F from a complex machine into a natural extension of your senses.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FTX-1F MASTER CLASS Complete Guide to Filters, Audio Settings and Operational Mastery for the Yaesu FTX-1F Transceiver“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: FTX-1F MASTER CLASS – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This guide is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If the information in it was useful to you and you want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the button below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical tips and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73!“ — Tony, LZ3AI

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your microphone? Do you have a “secret recipe” for a light and easy antenna for field work?

I would be happy if you share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or with a coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the Bulgarian community!

73 and see you on the air!

Toni, LZ3AI

Материалът Yaesu FTX-1F Master Class: Much More Than an Instruction Manual е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

FT2 – The New Speed ​​Champion in Amateur Radio – A Practical Guide

The World of Amateur Radio Communications is changing at lightning speed, and if you thought FT8/FT4 was the pinnacle of efficiency, get ready for something new. Starting in early 2026, a new player has hit the airwaves – FT2. This experimental mode promises to make our connections faster than ever, shortening the transmission cycle to an incredible 3.75 seconds.

In this article, we’ll look at what exactly FT2 is, how to set it up, and why time accuracy is no longer just a recommendation, but a critical requirement.

What is FT2?

FT2 is an ultra-fast digital mode integrated into the latest version of WSJT-X Improved (3.1.0) by Uwe, DG2YCB. It should be noted that the name FT2 originally appeared in the Italian project Decodium, but the version in WSJT-X Improved is completely open source and optimized for mass use.

(author’s note. Please note that Decodium’s FT2 and WSJT-X Improved’s FT2 are currently not compatible. Don’t be too happy if you see that JTDX-improved starts decoding FT2 – there is no transmission support, nor are the frequencies set – for the author of JTDX-improved FT2 it is not yet a priority)

FT2 is also integrated in the MSHV version (2.76.5) version by Christo, LZ2HV.

Main features

• Cycle (T/R period): 3.75 seconds (Compared to 15 sec on FT8 and 7.5 sec on FT4).
• QSO Duration: A full contact can be completed in less than 15-20 seconds.
• Sensitivity: About -12 dB to -14 dB (ideal for contests and strong DX signals).
• Bandwidth: About 120-150 Hz.

What’s the situation with JTDX Improved?

Although the author of JTDX Improved (also based on Igor’s work, UA3DJY) keeps up with the latest news, he is a bit more conservative than Uwe (DG2YCB) regarding experimental modes.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Decoding Only: JTDX Improved (in its latest test versions) can detect and display FT2 signals on the waterfall if they are within range of its decoder. This is possible thanks to shared libraries between the two „Improved“ versions.
2. Transmit (TX): As of March 2026, JTDX still does not have an official „FT2“ button in the main mode selection menu. JTDX is focused on maximum FT8 sensitivity, while WSJT-X Improved is the „innovation platform“ where new things like FT2 are tested.

Where to find FT2? (preferred frequencies as of early 2026)

Since the mode is new, it does not yet have official IARU segments, but the international community has already adopted the following frequencies (for all USB, DATA-U):

Note: You don’t need to manually enter these frequencies in WSJT Improved – go to the settings from /File/Settings/Frequencies and somewhere in the field where the frequencies are listed, right-click and select Reset. Most of the frequencies for FT2 will appear (the current version of WSJT Improved is missing only the frequency for 160 m).

How to find out if and where there is activity?

Although the mode is quite new, PSK Reporter filters it correctly under the name FT2. Set Using: FT2 and you will find out where the coupon is now.

The critical point: Time synchronization

If with FT8 perhaps even a difference of 1 second (DT) is permissible, with FT2 this will make you „deaf“ to the air. Due to the extremely short cycle, your computer must be synchronized with an accuracy of ± 50 ms.

Recommendation: The standard Windows synchronization is not enough. Use software like Dimension 4 or NetTime, set to check every 10-15 minutes, or the professional solution Meinberg NTP. I use the free version of NetTime with a synchronization period of 15 minutes (for a shorter period, the full version is required). 15 minutes is a good interval, but if I notice that the DT (Time Difference) in WSJT-X starts to exceed 0.2 – 0.3, I may have to look for an alternative, as much as I don’t want to push something I’m used to.

Alternatives to NetTime: Dimension 4 or Meinberg NTP

If you decide to experiment, many digital mode operators use:

1. Dimension 4: Completely free, allows synchronization every few minutes and is very lightweight.
2. Meinberg NTP: This is the „heavy artillery“. It turns your Windows into a true NTP client that maintains the time accurate to milliseconds in real time, without „jumping“ at intervals.

Important: If you use NetTime or one of the alternatives, do not forget to completely disable Windows synchronization to avoid conflicts and inaccuracies in synchronization.

Practical Tips for Operating the Yaesu FTDX10 and Other Modern Radios

1. ALC and Levels: Since switching between receive and transmit is extremely fast, make sure your ALC levels are set to zero. Rapid transitions can generate interference if the audio levels are turned up too high. Adjust the levels so that the ALC needle does not move, so as not to „slap“ on neighboring stations in this fast mode.
2. Split Mode: Be sure to use „Fake It“ or „Rig“ in the WSJT-X Improved settings (from the Radio settings) to maintain signal purity.
3. Filter Width: FT2 is wider than FT8 (about 120 Hz vs. 50 Hz). Make sure your radio’s filter in DIGI mode is at least 2400 Hz or 3000-3050 Hz to see the entire waterfall without „clipping“ at the edges.
4. Temperature mode: Your radio will work much harder. Intervals are shorter, but so are breaks. Watch for cooling during longer sessions.

Logbook and Acknowledgements (QSL)

Currently, QRZ.com reports FT2 connections as MFSK mode.

LoTW is still in the process of adding official support. At the moment, it will report your FT2 connections as errors due to the requirement for digital signing with TQSL.

If you use Wavelog, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Since FT2 is not yet officialized, QSL is unlikely to be needed for diplomas or competitions. But if you still want your confirmations to take effect immediately, then in software that does not support FT2, you can export your connections as MFSK or DATA. And hope that your correspondent announces them the same way. So, until the ADIF standard is officially updated – all fans of digital modes hope that this will happen soon.

Conclusion

FT2 is not here to replace FT8, but to give us speed when conditions allow it. This is the ideal mode for contests and „bursts“ of radio waves on 10 meters.

Download the latest version of WSJT-X Improved, set your watch and see you on 14.083 MHz!

73 de LZ3AI!

Материалът FT2 – The New Digital Revolution: Faster than FT4, more dynamic than FT8 е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.