Open HamClock Backend - Another HamClock Server Option

Udo Koch, N0LSR has great support for the Inovato Quadra and is marketing the same hardware as Inovata has stopped its sales due to health issues.  At https://www.n0lsr.com/, Udo discusses the future of Hamclock and gives a rundown of the currently three dominant Hamclock related projects: Classic HamClock, Open HamClock Backend (OHB) which Udo supports, and Open HamClock, a browser-based site (that offers an alternative presentation to the traditional HamClock theme.

Classic HamClock: This project is the product of Bruce Edrich, W4BAE and his team of volunteers.  I've profiled the Classic Hamclock backend extensively in my Feb. 25-26 posts and had been running that backend version for a few days.  The current version is still being tweaked (as are all of the projects) and I like it.  However, RandomWire states "that there are a lot of reports that devices are locking up and will require a full factory reset to come back.  I therefore caution not to use the hamclock.com server solution and rather go with OHB" (see below).

Open HamClock Backend (OHB): OHB is from the efforts of Brian Wilkins, KO4AQF and his team.  Based on Udo's suggestions, I'm now trying that backend and I have to say that I really like the map renderings.  The only issue I've found so far is that the VOACAP window (as opposed to the VOACAP related maps) does not seem to populate for the moment, but this may simply be a current propagation issue.  According to Udo, the OHB server has the advantage of being open sourced and not being centrally based.  OHB pulls data in directly from the sources.  Udo provides detailed OHB changeover instructions at: https://www.n0lsr.com/tipsandtricks.  RandomWire also opines that OHB is the most stable and advanced solution and is ready for prime time.  

Open HamClock: I've run the third option, Open HamClock for a couple of weeks.  This option is browser based and should not be confused with Open HamClock Backend (OHB).  I like the information it provides, but have issues in trying to customize it to my liking.  It also radically differs from the traditional HamClock theme which I actually prefer.

How to Set Up Your First Flight Simulator At Home

What works and what to skip when it comes to buying your first flight sim

Some students arrive at their first flight lesson surprisingly comfortable in a cockpit. 

They understand the purpose of most instruments and generally know what most of the various knobs and switches do. They already have some rudimentary flows. Their eyes naturally scan the instruments in a familiar rhythm. 

You can tell they’ve spent time in a home simulator.

However, once they take to the air for the first time, it is not hard to distinguish between those who have only flight simulator software and a joystick and those who have a more realistic setup. Some do well while others struggle as they get used to the feel of real controls, refine their rudder coordination skills, and attempt to tune radios and VORs without the option of hitting a “pause” button. 

The difference is not how much time they spent in the sim. It’s what they used, and how they used it.

Home simulators can be excellent tools, but they can reinforce good habits or train bad ones. They can accelerate learning or slow a student down.

With the right hardware, even a modest home setup can provide real value. With the wrong hardware, all you may be building is muscle memory for mistakes. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but not all budget gear is created equal.

Here’s what’s worth your money—and what isn’t:

How to Update the Inovato Quadra to the Classic HamClock Backend

Here's a great video and instructions from Don, W8CPT on updating the Inovato Quadra to the Classic HamClock backend (as discussed in yesterday's (February 25) post).

The written instructions mentioned on hamclock.com, follow Don's video.

 

 

1.  Exit HamClock, then click on the terminal icon at the bottom of the screen.

2.  Type the following command and press Enter: sudo nano /etc/hosts

3.  If asked for a password, the default Quadra password is 1n0v@t0 — note that both characters that look like the letter O are zeros. The password won't show up as you type it — that's normal, just type it and press Enter.

4.  Use the arrow keys to move to the bottom of the file and add this line:  

3.128.20.228    clearskyinstitute.com

5.  Press Ctrl+O (that's the letter O, not zero) to save the file, then press Enter to confirm.

6.  Press Ctrl+X to exit nano.

7.  Type exit and press Enter to close the terminal, then restart HamClock.

Instructions to update the backend to yet another HamClock project, Open HamClock Backend, will follow in a couple of days 

New Backend HamClock Server Available

The first known community backend server for HamClock is now available for all HamClock users. The project, hamclock.com, is free for anyone to use and will keep existing HamClock installs running indefinitely.

Major work includes: rewriting the VOACAP propagation engine with cubic interpolation, building weather pressure maps in both millibar and inHg units at five resolutions, adding aurora map generation, real-time PSK Reporter spot data, Kp index from NOAA SWPC, overhauling satellite TLE tracking, and hardening the entire server for production use serving 1,600+ HamClocks.

With the passing of HamClock creator Elwood Downey (WB0OEW) on January 29 of this year, HamClock will stop working in June unless users point their installations to a new backend service. Updating existing HamClock installations is a relatively simple task. Users several options, including updating their hosts file, or updating the command used to start HamClock. Both require only simple text changes.  Full instructions are on hamclock.com.

Hamclock.com is run by Bruce Edrich (W4BAE), to whom, along with his team of contributors, the ham community owes a huge debt of gratitude.

In Bruce's words:

FCC Fines Radio Pirate $2,391,097

On January 22, 2026, the FCC released its annual report on the implementation of the PIRATE Act on broadcasting on FM and AM or adjacent bands.

Historically, the fight against pirate radios has proved to be tough because of the lack of repression capacity. For the past 5 years, pirate hunting has become a priority. Authorities have become aware of the danger to the public of such broadcasts as they can disrupt authorized stations that broadcast important public safety emergency alert messages.

The PIRATE Act increases the maximum penalties for operators of pirate radios and gives the FCC increased control over the owners and managers who allow the broadcast of pirate radio from their premises.

The FCC is conducting targeted checks and lawsuits against station owners as well as broadcasting site providers.

The amount of the fine is calculated based on the number of months the station aired.

Here's a partial list of the pirates walking the plank:

New Seasonal Landing Record - On Ice!

The ice runway at Alton Bay Seaplane Base (B18) on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee has set a new seasonal landing record.

Last Monday, 42 aircraft touched down on the frozen surface, bringing the season’s total to 774—surpassing the previous record of 764 set in 2025.

First established in the 1960s, the runway has long been a cherished—if sometimes unpredictable—winter tradition. Warm spells forced cancellations in 2023 and 2024.