Australian Ham Clubs Build Enterprise-Grade Yaesu IMRS Repeater System

January 7, 2026Australian amateur radio operators have partnered with commercial networking experts, KernWi-Fi to build an “enterprise-grade” network of linked repeaters. The network of repeaters utilizes Yaesu’s Multi‑site Repeater System (IMRS) technology to route repeater traffic over a secure internet link.

Our goal was straightforward: deliver IMRS over an IP fabric that behaves like a carrier network—predictable routing, strong isolation, and security you can audit. If we treat community infrastructure with enterprise discipline, reliability follows. —Phil Kern (VK5PK)

Members of the Darwin Amateur Radio Club and the South Pacific Contest Club were involved in this project. Details of the build are available on the KernWi-Fi website. A network diagram is also available (PDF).

Source: KernWi-Fi open_in_new Yaesu Repeater

52 Week Ham Challenge Returns for 2026

January 5, 2026The 52 Week Ham Challenge is back for 2026.

This year’s challenge consists of weekly exercises ranging from making a QSO on Echolink to eliminating a source of interference.

This is meant to inspire you to extend your horizon in amateur radio by weekly challenges through the year that touch all aspects of ham radio (and related fields). A lot of the challenges may be trivial for some participants (because it is what they do all the time), but very challenging to others. Participants of the challenge are encouraged to help each other in any way possible.

Participants are encouraged to post progress through social media using the #hamchallenge hashtag. An IRC channel is also available.

The 53 Week Ham Challenge is created by Fabian Kurz (DJ5CW).

Source: 52 Week Ham Challenge open_in_new 52 Week Ham Challenge