They are in our undershorts... Not Crabs but Corporate America

Qualcomm has recently acquired Arduino which if I looked across my many homebrew projects, the Arduino MCU, in various forms, is just an embed in the rig. 

The next step for Qualcomm was to change/amend their Terms of Service which has the effect of getting into our undershorts. Not being a lawyer, I asked Copilot to explain it to me. Here is the sobering response.

Describe the real impact of the Acquisition of Arduino by Qualcomm with regards to the change to the Terms of Service. Is the maker community getting screwed over?

Short Answer: Yes, the maker community is facing significant restrictions after Qualcomm’s acquisition of Arduino. The new Terms of Service (ToS) limit reverse-engineering, grant Qualcomm perpetual rights to user-submitted designs/code, and introduce surveillance-style monitoring, which many see as a betrayal of Arduino’s open-source ethos.

🔍 What Changed in the Terms of Service

• Reverse-engineering ban: The updated ToS explicitly prohibit users from decompiling, translating, or reverse-engineering Arduino’s platform unless explicitly permitted. This is a sharp departure from Arduino’s tradition of encouraging tinkering and hackability.

• Perpetual license on user content: Any code, board designs, or projects uploaded to Arduino’s platform now grant Qualcomm/Arduino a perpetual license. This means user contributions could be reused commercially without compensation.

• Expanded data collection: The privacy policy now includes broad monitoring provisions, raising concerns about surveillance of user activity.

• Corporate-style control: Critics argue that these changes shift Arduino from a grassroots, open-source community into a tightly controlled corporate ecosystem.

⚡ Community Reaction

• Distrust and backlash: Makers, educators, and companies like Adafruit have openly criticized the changes, calling them a betrayal of Arduino’s open-source DNA.

• Fear of “enshittification”: Commentators describe this as the start of “enshittification” — the process where open platforms become increasingly restrictive after corporate acquisition.

• Arduino’s defense: Arduino has tried to reassure users, stating “anything that was open stays open” and claiming the backlash stems from misunderstandings. However, many remain unconvinced, pointing out that the legal language of the ToS is far more restrictive than past policies.

🎯 Real Impact on Makers

• Loss of freedom: Hobbyists and educators who relied on Arduino’s openness for experimentation now face legal risks if they attempt to reverse-engineer or modify systems.

• Intellectual property concerns: Makers uploading projects may lose control over their work, as Qualcomm can legally reuse or monetize it.

• Cultural shift: The acquisition signals a move away from community-driven innovation toward corporate priorities, potentially stifling grassroots creativity.

⚖️ Are Makers Getting Screwed Over?

Yes — at least in the short term. The new ToS undermine the very principles that made Arduino central to the maker movement: openness, hackability, and community ownership. While Arduino insists that open-source projects remain open, the legal framework now favors Qualcomm’s corporate interests over individual makers.

👉 The big question is whether the community will adapt by forking Arduino’s open-source hardware/software into independent projects, or whether Qualcomm’s control will permanently reshape the ecosystem.

Do you want me to break down practical alternatives for makers (like RISC-V boards, Adafruit, or Raspberry Pi) that could serve as more open replacements if Arduino continues down this path?

Sources:

Yes

Yes — there are strong alternatives to Arduino if you feel Qualcomm’s acquisition and new Terms of Service undermine the maker ethos. Boards like Raspberry Pi, Adafruit’s Feather series, Espressif’s ESP32, and BBC Micro:bit remain open, hackable, and community-driven.

🔧 Best Alternatives to Arduino

1. Raspberry Pi

• Type: Single-board computer (SBC)

• Strengths: Runs Linux, supports Python, C++, and more; huge community support.

• Use cases: Robotics, IoT, AI projects, multimedia applications.

• Why it’s a good alternative: Raspberry Pi Foundation remains committed to openness and education, unlike Arduino’s new corporate direction.

2. Adafruit Feather & Circuit Playground

• Type: Microcontroller boards

• Strengths: Wide ecosystem of sensors and add-ons; strong educational focus.

• Use cases: Wearables, interactive art, STEM education.

• Why it’s a good alternative: Adafruit openly criticized Arduino’s new ToS, reaffirming its commitment to open-source hardware.

3. Espressif ESP32 / ESP8266

• Type: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth microcontrollers

• Strengths: Affordable, powerful, widely supported in open-source communities.

• Use cases: IoT devices, smart home automation, wireless projects.

• Why it’s a good alternative: Espressif embraces open SDKs and community contributions, making it a hacker-friendly platform.

4. BBC Micro:bit

• Type: Educational microcontroller board

• Strengths: Designed for kids and beginners; drag-and-drop coding; strong educational ecosystem.

• Use cases: STEM classrooms, beginner projects.

• Why it’s a good alternative: Backed by a nonprofit foundation, ensuring openness and accessibility.

5. Teensy (PJRC)

• Type: High-performance microcontroller boards

• Strengths: More powerful than typical Arduino boards; compatible with Arduino IDE.

• Use cases: Audio synthesis, advanced robotics, performance-heavy projects.

• Why it’s a good alternative: Maintains open development tools and strong maker community support.

⚠️ Risks & Trade-offs

• Arduino ecosystem lock-in: Many tutorials and shields are Arduino-specific. Switching may require adapting code or hardware.

• Corporate consolidation: Qualcomm’s acquisition shows how vulnerable open-source projects are to corporate takeover. Choosing alternatives with nonprofit or community governance (like Raspberry Pi or Micro:bit) reduces this risk.

• Licensing vigilance: Always check ToS and licensing before committing to a platform — especially if you plan to share or commercialize projects.

🎯 Bottom Line

Makers aren’t powerless. While Arduino’s ToS changes under Qualcomm restrict freedom, the open-source hardware world is rich with alternatives that preserve hackability, community ownership, and educational values. If you want to avoid being “screwed over,” migrating to Raspberry Pi, Adafruit, ESP32, or Micro:bit ensures you stay aligned with the maker movement’s original spirit.

Would you like me to map out which alternative best fits different project types (e.g., robotics, IoT, wearables, education) so you can see a clear path forward?

The Copilot AI response, after all, is just a distillation of what is already posted on the Internet (both true and untrue). I do not think a couple of the alternatives presented are good in the long run. 

By this I mean that Qualcomm could gobble up several on that list like #1 and #2, Raspberry Pi and Adafruit and then you are back to Square One. There is less of a chance to acquire Expressif esp32 as that is an entity in Shanghai not the UK or New York.

We Are Screwed! Them that know don't move slow.

Hoover Dam, Shot on our Las Vegas Trip 11/2025

73's

Pete N6QW

Turkey Coma

 Highlight of a trip to Las Vegas... A trip to the Mob Museum. Surely a must on  things to do.

Amazing to see scantily dressed women on the street and just another day on the strip.

One of the few places where they take all your money and that is just for food.

Hope all those in need got a hot meal.

73's

Pete N6QW

A Symbiotic Relationship and a Revelation!

In a quest to keep me occupied, a result of the loss of my XYL, my kids are in overdrive finding things for us to do as a family. We have an upcoming short trip, and my #2 son suggested a place to go recommended to him by a close friend of his who is Jewish.

It really was not necessary to mention his friend's ethnicity or religion but that was key to his next statement. My son's follow on was to share a saying from his friend which is as follows: You know that Italians are Jews with better food. 

I was shocked to hear that as I have always believed and instilled in my kids that we look at all individuals as contributors while being blind about race, religion, color, creed and/or beliefs.

But then I thought about it and realized that there likely is more to that statement than meets the eye. 

A short diversion here about accomplishments of Italians in general. Look at the art, science, technology and of course the women (Loren, Lollobrigida and of course PM Giorgia Meloni).

PM of Italy Giorgia Meloni

What is not well known is the impact of Italians on Modern Accounting Just as in the American classic book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Wolfsheim proclaims there is a "Gonnection"... there it was!

Unquestionably the Jews know the art of making money and the Italians know how to track and count it! Quite possibly the Italians do have better food as a bonus. 

Matzos in no sub for thin crust Pizza. Lest we forget that the ancestors of today's Italians were the Roman's, so they have been tied at the hip for a long time, albeit the better Italian food. The Caesar Salad simply did not fall off of the back of a chariot.

In a larger ecumenical sense, all of us are tied together at the hip but regrettably that view doesn't prevail universally and today some leaders in our government truly believe ~ white only, Protestant, native born and wealthy describes the America they want to see. That paradigm sure bypasses a lot of us Americans.

Them that know can make it go... and I am counting.

Want to know more about Italian Accounting then read about the Fibonacci Sequence used for predicting what happens when you put two rabbits together. In this case you really can count your chickens before they hatch.

Test your math skills. I only found one perfect square in the 1st twenty numbers in the sequence. 

73's

Pete N6QW

Use Turkey Day to your Advantage

Turkey Day can be stressful! It is a time where if cooking at home can be a huge problem on how do you make all the food get done on time and cooked just right?

But that is not the real stress as this year is complicated by politics. The host discovers the cost of the meal as compared to last year (for the same meal) costs 25% more and so that is significant. Then there are those family members who support a certain party to the extent they wear their red caps during the meal.

This year the hosts had to actually prepare a strategy paper on a list of subjects that could be discussed without the meal ending up in a full-fledged food fight. Boy that sure ended up being a small list. The other tight wire act was the seating to ensure that those who were at war last year are seated apart from those that fought last year. 

The family grace at the meal initiation which in itself can be politically charged is now a simple: Thank you and let's eat. 

Here are some suggestions for surviving the family Turkey Day.

1. Don't ask questions.

2. Answer only yes or no.

3. Make no comments about food prices.

4. Make no comments about tariffs.

5. No discussions about 2026 mid-terms.

6. No discussions about the shutdown.

7. No comments about political figures.

8. No comments about the media.

9. No comments about the good old days

10. Discussions on ailments limited to 50 words.

Well as you see the list is excluding just about everything and anything. So here is a secret strategy.

Start by connecting to this link which describes the use of the esp32 microcontroller. Memorize this so in your head you can design a simple project. So, while the boring and awful 4-hour Turkey Day event is happening around you... you are doing fun stuff in your head. Alternatively use micro ear buds to listen to a KISS concert.

The esp32 is like an Arduino Nano but on steroids and WiFi and blue tooth capable. Just think of what you can do for next Turkey Day as the mid-terms will be complete. The WiFi offers opportunities to remotely sound claxon horns every time your obnoxious relative says something about Tariffs are good.

Seriously this Turkey Day is shaping up to be ugly and is an omen about 2026. Don't forget those who will not have a Turkey Day meal and you still have time to do something.

Them that know can make things go.

73's

Pete N6QW

The projection of power AKA how to be noticed.

 

We all like it when we are noticed except when failing to stop at stop sign and the cop noticed. 

In our hobby, notice takes many forms such as the big antenna planted on a small lot or on the air with a rig such as the Apache Labs Anon plus a Mercury Amp and a 6kHz wide signal.

Then there are those that create You Tube videos of the latest radio from offshore being unboxed. Others will create projects that are published in QST such "How to work 100 FT-8 stations in 20 minutes using AI and a Raspberry Pi". 

Still, some will publish articles about a sojourn to E51 and how they provided contacts so others can achieve the WAR award (Worked All Rarotonga).

Everyone knows someone who belongs to five different ham clubs and has a presence on every social media platform plus two blogs, five websites and two podcasts.

While some will see this as being noticed, at the core, it is a basic caveman born "a projection of power" through visible and audible means. You will hear a 6KHz wide signal using SSB and you can't miss a 90-foot-high tower on a 100X150 foot lot.

The shrinks have constant fodder with those of us that in some ways fit in one of the aforementioned afflictions. Some of this behavior goes back to very early in our lives.

When I lived in the Seattle area, I once had a QSO with a station in Alaska. I could tell by the sound of the voice of the op at the other end was most likely a young teenager. Yet he was a seasoned operator. 

I asked what he was running. He responded an ICOM IC7850, an Alpha 9500 and a choice of two antennas, either a Stepp IR or Log Periodic on individual towers up at 75 feet. Wow, I said that is some station and do you have to fight family members to get on the air. He said NO. I am the only ham in the family.

I felt that this young ham might have missed some of the fun of getting on the air with a single homebrew 6V6 transmitter and converted ARC-5 and that was the whole station. He was already using top of the line gear and so what else was left. 

When I first started operating at an age not much older than him, I had dreams of one day moving up to better gear. He was already there. Then I felt bad for me that I had to wait so long to be noticed.

I won't make any comments about our politicians and how they are noticed or project power but do wonder if it is anything more than self-serving. 😂

Them that know can make things go. There is still time to donate to give some of your fellow Americans a decent meal on Turkey Day.

73's

Pete N6QW

Things that make us want us to go back in time.

A friend from the St Louis area and a blog reader in response to our posting the other day sent me two links to projects of old. (Tnx Pete WB9FLW)

One link is for a 1967 QST and the other a publication on "Transistors". The time of publications (1960's) is important for several reasons. These include a time when electronic technology was rapidly advancing, and transistors were taking a more dominant role in our beloved gear. It also represents a time when our hobby was technically grounded and not all about contests and operating.

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/INTERNATIONAL/QST/QST-1967-06.pdf

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Technology/Author-Groups/Donald%20Stoner/Transistor-Transmitters-for-the-Amateur-Donald-Stoner.pdf

As I read the QST link I was struck by the ads for the then advanced state of the art radios mixed with home-built gear projects like Solid State CW transmitters, Vacuum Tube SSB Transceivers, Beam Construction and operation on 2 Meters.

I must confess I was sad when I read the QST for it was a time (June 1967) when I actually was starting out in life like having finished college, completing my four-year stint in the Navy, and two "vacation trips" to Vietnam and still alive. 

With this issue meant I now would have some $$$, as Navy pay sucked and I could have some decent test gear and more time with the YL's. Why the sadness... QST is now a catalog for offshore ham gear and little emphasis on technology as compared to June 1967!

What really excited me was the technology shift to transistors as transmitters were now more than 100 Milliwatts and promise for the future (in less than 10 years) where we would have 100-watt SS transceivers. They did come.

Don Stoner was a visionary and had the products to back it up. SGC who built Marine SSB gear and for a short while ham gear (SGC2020 and the SGC2000) was a company founded by Don Stoner and Pierre Goral (the S and G in SGC). See the photo of the SGC 2020 below and they are a prized find today.

We can't go back in time and now I personally must adjust that the forward for the hobby will involve no more homebrewing rigs by the ham population in general. My time will be spent at the bench, and I should stop trying to suggest that others join me. It just won't happen. 

Thinking back to 1960 when I was 18 if we only had AI. I tried a test question to Copilot stating if I was 18 how I could become rich. That answer in 1960 would be worth its weight in gold. If I only knew that answer in 1960. So, there are some good things in the future. 

Them that know can make things go. There is still time to donate $$$ to various organizations so others will have a decent meal come this next Thursday.

Almost forgot, the article by Kenner Day, W5TAB on the SSB transceiver using FT241 surplus crystals. I actually acquired those crystals and still have a few of them today but did not proceed with the build. His crystal filter design gave me a bit of a pause.

73's

Pete N6QW

A CW Keyer Project

So, you decided to build the CW transmitter project... good for you but now you need a CW control/keyer and we turn to AI for that piece. This part does not need to be consistent with the constraints document. You can cut and paste the code embedded in the link below.

https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/E3NXGChM6fd1RmTWbswDG

Using an Arduino Nano write a sketch for a CW Transmitter controller. Input pins are A0, A1 and A2. Output pins are 4, 5, 6,7 and 12.

Got it 👍 — you want an Arduino Nano sketch that uses A0, A1, A2 as inputs and controls digital pins 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 as outputs for a CW (Continuous Wave) transmitter controller.

Here’s a clean, well‑structured example sketch:

cpp

/*
  CW Transmitter Controller for Arduino Nano
  Inputs:  A0, A1, A2
  Outputs: 4, 5, 6, 7, 12
*/

const int inputPins[]  = {A0, A1, A2};
const int outputPins[] = {4, 5, 6, 7, 12};

void setup() {
  // Configure input pins
  for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
    pinMode(inputPins[i], INPUT_PULLUP);  // use pullups for switches
  }

  // Configure output pins
  for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
    pinMode(outputPins[i], OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(outputPins[i], LOW);     // start off
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Read inputs
  int in0 = digitalRead(inputPins[0]);
  int in1 = digitalRead(inputPins[1]);
  int in2 = digitalRead(inputPins[2]);

  // Example control logic:
  // - A0 controls pin 4 (keying line)
  // - A1 controls pin 5 and 6 (TX enable)
  // - A2 controls pin 7 and 12 (sidetone or indicator)
  
  digitalWrite(4, (in0 == LOW) ? HIGH : LOW);   // active LOW input
  digitalWrite(5, (in1 == LOW) ? HIGH : LOW);
  digitalWrite(6, (in1 == LOW) ? HIGH : LOW);
  digitalWrite(7, (in2 == LOW) ? HIGH : LOW);
  digitalWrite(12,(in2 == LOW) ? HIGH : LOW);

  // Add timing or Morse keying logic here if needed
}

🔧 How this works

• Inputs (A0–A2): assumed to be pushbuttons or control lines. Using INPUT_PULLUP means they are normally HIGH and go LOW when pressed/activated.

• Outputs (4,5,6,7,12): drive relays, LEDs, or transmitter control lines.

• Logic mapping:

  • A0 → pin 4

  • A1 → pins 5 & 6

  • A2 → pins 7 & 12

This is just a basic controller skeleton. For a real CW transmitter, you’d likely add:

• Morse keying logic (timing dots/dashes, spacing).

• Sidetone generation (using tone() on a pin).

• Debouncing for inputs.

👉 Do you want me to extend this into a full Morse keyer (with dot/dash timing and sidetone), or just keep it as a simple on/off controller for the transmitter lines?

Add in keying logic, sidetone and debouncing

Perfect — let’s turn that skeleton into a real CW keyer controller with:

• ✅ Debouncing for clean input reads

• ✅ Keying logic (dot/dash timing, spacing)

• ✅ Sidetone using Arduino’s tone() function

Here’s a complete sketch you can load onto your Arduino Nano:

cpp

/*
  CW Transmitter Controller with Keying Logic, Sidetone, and Debouncing
  Inputs:  A0 (DOT), A1 (DASH), A2 (Straight Key)
  Outputs: 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 (TX control lines)
  Sidetone: Pin 12 (piezo buzzer or audio output)
*/

const int dotPin   = A0;
const int dashPin  = A1;
const int keyPin   = A2;

const int txPins[] = {4, 5, 6, 7};   // transmitter control lines
const int sidetonePin = 12;          // buzzer or audio output

// Morse timing (adjust WPM here)
const int wpm = 20;                  // words per minute
const int dotDuration = 1200 / wpm;  // ms per dot
const int dashDuration = dotDuration * 3;
const int intraCharGap = dotDuration;       // between elements
const int interCharGap = dotDuration * 3;   // between letters
const int wordGap = dotDuration * 7;        // between words

// Debounce settings
unsigned long lastDebounceTimeDot = 0;
unsigned long lastDebounceTimeDash = 0;
unsigned long lastDebounceTimeKey = 0;
const unsigned long debounceDelay = 20; // ms

int lastDotState = HIGH;
int lastDashState = HIGH;
int lastKeyState = HIGH;

void setup() {
  pinMode(dotPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(dashPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(keyPin, INPUT_PULLUP);

  for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
    pinMode(txPins[i], OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(txPins[i], LOW);
  }

  pinMode(sidetonePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Debounced input reads
  int dotState  = debounceRead(dotPin, lastDotState, lastDebounceTimeDot);
  int dashState = debounceRead(dashPin, lastDashState, lastDebounceTimeDash);
  int keyState  = debounceRead(keyPin, lastKeyState, lastDebounceTimeKey);

  // Straight key (manual keying)
  if (keyState == LOW) {
    keyDown();
  } else {
    keyUp();
  }

  // Automatic dot/dash keyer
  if (dotState == LOW) {
    sendElement(dotDuration);
  }
  if (dashState == LOW) {
    sendElement(dashDuration);
  }
}

// --- Helper Functions ---

int debounceRead(int pin, int &lastState, unsigned long &lastTime) {
  int reading = digitalRead(pin);
  if (reading != lastState) {
    lastTime = millis();
  }
  if ((millis() - lastTime) > debounceDelay) {
    lastState = reading;
  }
  return lastState;
}

void keyDown() {
  // Activate transmitter lines
  for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
    digitalWrite(txPins[i], HIGH);
  }
  tone(sidetonePin, 600); // sidetone frequency in Hz
}

void keyUp() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
    digitalWrite(txPins[i], LOW);
  }
  noTone(sidetonePin);
}

void sendElement(int duration) {
  keyDown();
  delay(duration);
  keyUp();
  delay(intraCharGap);
}

🔊 How it works

• Inputs:

  • A0 → Dot paddle

  • A1 → Dash paddle

  • A2 → Straight key (manual)

• Outputs:

  • Pins 4–7 → TX control lines

  • Pin 12 → Sidetone buzzer

• Debouncing: Each input is stabilized with a 20 ms debounce.

• Keying logic:

  • Dot = 1 unit, Dash = 3 units

  • Intra-character spacing = 1 unit

  • Inter-character spacing = 3 units

  • Word spacing = 7 units

• Sidetone: A 600 Hz tone plays while the key is down.

Well that only took me 30 seconds to write and Caveat Emptor, I haven't actually tried it. This is bad news for those earning a living as coders. It would take me weeks to grope and poke to originate this code and it only took a few seconds to write up what I wanted and less time to spit it out for you. The bonus... it's free.

For those who abhor Nano's and Arduino sketches then check out this Keyer Project from NN1DX. Yeah, IC's another kiss of death to those who know nothing about electronics but are Extra Class Licensee's.

Next, I asked Copilot a dangerous question regarding non-elected officials of the current administration. It was a fun exercise and something you can do in the privacy of your home.

The current administration has been in power for 10 Months. Colorful, questionable, and lacking in gravitas might describe some of those non-elected personnel in key assignments and offices (positions of power). 

I asked copilot who is most at risk of being sacked before the end of 2025.  One simply cannot take that AI generated information and publish it. But you can individually ask your favorite AI program in the privacy of your own home without fear of being found out whose head is on the chopping block. 

Similar to Murder on the Orient Express... the list is likely more than 1 or 2 names. Hopefully those key administration names that show up on your list are not making any expensive and irreversible long-term commitments as AI may be foretelling their sacking. 

Generic reasons for the sacking suggest the lack of 500% loyalty and failing to carry out attack dog tactics the size of a Mastiff on Democrats and Democratic policies.

Mastiff 32 Inches high and weighs 230 Pounds

Telling is the high-profile resignations from the current administration.

Them that know can make things go.

73's

Pete N6QW

In about 6 weeks it will be 2026.

I get it! No one is interested in building anything at any time nor anymore. But this blog posting should get your interest as this is a possible scenario for 2026 and this you can't avoid. I asked copilot "what is up for 2026"? See you could have built a CW rig.

Mike, WN2A did email me about a transmitter he designed that meets our specifications from yesterday. His rig design and project graced the pages of QST so it has a pedigree, and design features we would want in a rig built in 2025! The bonus, designs presented for various bands and good for 20 watts of fire to the wire.

OUTLOOK FOR 2026

In 2026, Americans are expected to grapple with major challenges around the economy, political polarization, government dysfunction, and social division. These issues are shaping both daily life and the upcoming midterm elections.

🇺🇸 Key Issues Facing Americans in 2026

💰 Economic Pressures

• Cost of living & inflation remain top concerns. Polls show voters giving low marks to leadership on economic management.

• While growth has stabilized, structural weaknesses—like debt levels, housing affordability, and uneven wage growth—threaten long-term stability.

• The U.S. economy, now valued at nearly $30 trillion, is resilient but faces tests from global competition and domestic blind spots.

🏛️ Political Polarization & Elections

• The 2026 midterms are shaping up as high-stakes contests, with control of Congress hanging in the balance.

• Retirements and razor-thin majorities in both chambers mean the elections could reshape national politics for years.

• President Trump’s approval ratings among independents are below 30%, signaling challenges for Republicans.

• Americans are navigating a deeply polarized electorate, with generational shifts and evolving media ecosystems intensifying divisions.

⚖️ Government Dysfunction

• The federal government shutdown in late 2025 highlights ongoing dysfunction, raising questions about governance capacity heading into 2026.

• Budget battles and partisan gridlock are expected to continue, affecting public trust and essential services.

🤝 Social Division & Civic Challenges

• Rising toxic polarization is undermining civic life. Nonprofit leaders emphasize the need to bridge divides and rebuild trust.

• Philanthropy and grassroots movements are being called on to counteract contempt and foster unity across communities.

📊 Why These Issues Matter

• Economic strain affects household budgets, retirement security, and business investment.

• Political battles will determine legislative priorities on healthcare, climate, immigration, and technology.

• Government dysfunction risks eroding confidence in democracy.

• Social division threatens cohesion, making it harder to tackle collective challenges.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Americans in 2026 are not just facing isolated problems—they’re confronting interconnected crises where economics, politics, and social trust overlap. The midterm elections will serve as a referendum on leadership, while everyday citizens continue to wrestle with affordability, polarization, and the search for common ground.

Would you like me to break this down into specific everyday impacts (like housing, healthcare, jobs), or keep the focus on the big-picture national challenges?

Taking this a step further the impacts are different by which generation you are from.

n 2026, Americans are grappling with a mix of economic, political, and social challenges, including inflation, healthcare costs, political polarization, climate change, and global instability. These issues are shaping both daily life and the upcoming midterm elections.

🌎 Key Issues Facing Americans in 2026

💰 Economic Concerns

• Inflation & Cost of Living: Rising prices for housing, food, and energy remain top worries. Many households feel squeezed despite wage growth.

• Jobs & Automation: Technological disruption, especially AI and automation, is reshaping industries and raising fears about job security.

• Federal Debt & Budget Battles: Ongoing government shutdowns and disputes over spending priorities highlight fiscal instability.

🏥 Healthcare & Social Well-Being

• Healthcare Costs: Americans continue to cite medical expenses and access to affordable care as major problems.

• Mental Health & Addiction: Concerns about opioid addiction and rising mental health needs are pressing issues across communities.

• Moral & Social Values: A growing share of Americans view the state of moral values as a “very big national problem”.

⚖️ Political & Cultural Polarization

• Deep Partisan Divides: The electorate is highly polarized, with generational and cultural shifts intensifying debates.

• Trust in Institutions: Confidence in government, media, and even elections is fragile, fueling political battles.

• Midterm Elections: The 2026 races are seen as pivotal, with retirements in Congress and shifting voter priorities shaping the landscape.

🌍 Global & Environmental Challenges

• Climate Change: Extreme weather events and debates over energy policy remain urgent concerns.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Americans are increasingly aware of global conflicts and their economic and security impacts.

• Immigration: Border security and immigration reform continue to be divisive national issues.

📊 Why These Issues Matter

• Economic pressures affect everyday life, from rent to groceries.

• Healthcare costs directly impact family budgets and well-being.

• Polarization influences not just politics but workplace and community dynamics.

• Climate and global instability tie local realities to international events, making Americans feel the world’s turbulence at home.

In short: 2026 is a year where Americans are balancing pocketbook concerns with broader cultural and global challenges. The midterm elections will likely serve as a referendum on how well leaders address these intertwined issues.

Would you like me to break this down into top 5 priorities by age group (e.g., Gen Z vs. Boomers)? That could show how different generations experience these challenges.

Sources:

Yes

Here’s a generational breakdown of the top 5 issues Americans face in 2026, showing how priorities differ across age groups.

👩‍💻 Gen Z (Born ~1997–2012)

• Climate Change & Sustainability – Urgency around renewable energy, plastic reduction, and protecting habitats

• Mental Health – High concern about anxiety, depression, and access to care

• Gun Violence – Seen as a major national problem

• Higher Education Costs – Rising tuition and student debt weigh heavily

• Racial Equity & Civic Engagement – Strong focus on fairness, activism, and political participation

👨 Millennials (Born ~1981–1996)

• Financial Struggles Despite Earnings – Many feel “broke” even with higher incomes

• Housing Affordability – Difficulty buying homes or affording rent

• Debt Management – Student loans, credit cards, and rising living costs

• Emergency Savings & Financial Planning – Building resilience against economic shocks

• Political Representation – Growing presence of millennial candidates in elections

🧑 Gen X (Born ~1965–1980)

• Retirement Readiness – Many feel underprepared for retirement

• Sandwich Generation Pressures – Supporting both children and aging parents

• Mortgage & Debt Burdens – High monthly obligations compared to other generations

• Financial Insecurity – Struggles with balancing debt, savings, and obligations

• Healthcare Costs – Rising expenses for family and personal care

👴 Baby Boomers (Born ~1946–1964)

• Social Security Changes – Concern over benefit adjustments and retirement age

• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) – Worries about insufficient increases in benefits

• Healthcare & Prescription Costs – Rising medical expenses in retirement

• Delayed Retirement – Many continue working longer than expected

• Housing & Wealth Transfer – Holding onto homes and assets, affecting younger generations

👵 Silent Generation (Born ~1928–1945)

• Healthcare & Long-Term Care Needs – Managing aging-related medical challenges

• Financial Stability – Living on fixed incomes, often reliant on Social Security

• Family & Values – Strong emphasis on tradition, responsibility, and community

• Political Polarization – More divided views compared to younger generations

• Mobility & Independence – Concerns about aging in place and support systems

📊 Big Picture

• Younger generations (Gen Z & Millennials) prioritize climate, equity, and affordability.

• Middle-aged Gen X is squeezed by debt, mortgages, and retirement planning.

• Older Boomers & Silents focus on Social Security, healthcare, and aging with dignity.

👉 This generational lens shows why national debates in 2026 feel fragmented: each group is fighting battles shaped by their stage of life.

Would this have been the same answer if a majority of Americans had made a different choice in November 2024. Some of the 2026 impacts would likely progress as they have, regardless. But would you have seen the chaos, stagnation in government, unemployment, tariffs, loss of confidence and hope in the future or have such fears of what is next. The track we are on does not make America anything other than we are in deep poop! 

Red hats may be a symbol no longer in vogue. Sensing danger, the rats always leave the sinking ship.

Them that know, know we need to look hard at the 2026 Mid-terms.

73's

Pete N6QW

Looking for something to build?

So, I had this hairball idea about a challenge project consisting of building a solid-state two (or more) transistor CW transmitter that is constrained by the following.

No Michigan Mighty Mites

No Circuits from EMRFD

No Circuits from Bitx

No Si5351 PLL

No IC transmitters

No 1 transistor rigs... must be at least two transistors

No new purchased parts*... Junk Box only

No Kits... all scratch built

* Bartering parts and used parts found at ham fests are exempt. It is also OK to use Claude.ai for help. Bonus points for those using Analog VFO's and for your dining and dancing pleasure a sample of possibilities is shown below.

Read the article 

So, the why do this has many aspects, including for the 99% who do not homebrew anything a chance to enjoy an exciting aspect of the hobby and you might even learn how to use Morse code. 

Who is up for the challenge? BTW this would be a perfect companion to the DCR from N2CQR/KK4DAS. 

Just imagine what could be done with two or three 2N3904 transistors and if you search this blog for the date January 26, 2024, and look at the CW Generator schematic you will see those two transistors.

Them that know can make things go.

73's

Pete N6QW

How do you feel when you are lied to?

Alert: WSJTX, Win 11, Thetis, Success!

The year was late 1966 and I just got back from a second trip (short tour) to Vietnam and also just dumped my girlfriend. (I was subsequently married to her for 57 years until her passing earlier this year). So, what do you do after escaping death for a 2nd time and no strings attached... you get active again on the ham bands.

At the time I was living on the beach in Oxnard, in a real dumpy apartment but did have the National NCX-3 that I acquired when I was on Midway. I desperately needed some sort of stealth antenna to get back on the air when I saw an ad in CQ or 73 magazines for a Joystick DX antenna from the UK. This antenna would do everything except mix very dry martinis. I bought one through a US Agent and a month later it shows up.

My Joystick (Antenna) looked like the above with rubber caps on each end and the instructions said with the rubber end caps you could lean it against the wall in an apartment and with a short counterpoise essentially work the world. It worked nothing and the received signals were really very weak. I was lied to!

The NCX-3 with AC Supply was bought through the Navy Special Services at a huge discount. It was a piece of crap, and I was lied to. 

Maybe the Joystick issue was not the total problem, and it might have been the NCX-3. I hadn't used it much on Midway since I had access to a KWM-2 and 30L1, so I really never experienced the full joy of its terrible short comings. I was lied to!

Now you could argue that was 60+ years ago and it was just how things were. 

But even in recent times hams were being lied to and an example of 4 years ago was the uSDX SDR radio that supposedly would even make you martinis. Mind you I haven't touched this rig in 4 years so maybe later models might be better, but the SSB transmit signal was simply awful and I don't know how it did on CW. Receive was very marginal at best. I was lied to.

Many Americans must feel they were lied to about inflation, Tariffs, job growth and the price of hamburger. Hey, the bright shiny red hats must have blinded you or were you lied to.

A bit of a follow up to and caution about hamburger. About 15 years ago I was shopping in Costco and had never purchased hamburger meat from them. I saw a really great price on a 5lb pack (nothing is in one-pound packs at Costco). 

As I was tossing it in my cart, I happened to read on the label that the meat product contained beef from foreign countries like Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the US. I carefully put it back. If old what is his name removes the tariff on beef that is one way to drop the price of ground beef by introducing beef from foreign countries into the mix.

Fish and shrimp (protein substitute) is another watch the label for the country of origin. About five years ago, I was purchasing some shrimp from the local chain supermarket... the country of origin was Vietnam. Been there and saw how they irrigated fields from benjo* ditches. Stopped that purchase. With pressure on pricing and the elimination of the food safety rules, your health is at risk. Somehow eating shrimp grown in poop water likely wants to make you gag!

 

*

So, what was the magic to get WSJTX to work with Windows 11? Do Not Use HamLib! For the HL2, Thetis and other SDR suites you can call your rig a Kenwood TS-2000 or TS-480. The other fix is to use the VB Cable app build 45 versus Build 43. THAT my friend makes it clear that the latest software often has to have the latest versions of the supporting apps. 

In 10 minutes on 20M FT-8, netted a DX station and several US stations. Go FT-8!

You Tube is great but You Tube often has info that is wrong. It wasn't until I watched one video that said forget all that crap you have been told about WSJTX and do this... yes, that did work! Though I still wonder about Vick's Vapor Rub curing ED.

Them that know can make it go.

73's

Pete N6QW

Who doesn't like a burger and fries?

About 40 years ago the answer might have been everyone loves a burger. But today with a greater understanding of healthy eating that is not a unanimous answer. But there is now a sub-text to those who don't indulge and that is cost.

[You can stop here as no ham hardware or software has been developed over the last couple of days as my attention has been focused on getting the Windows 11 computer working on WSJTX. But today's topic is right on your dinner table.]

I am starting to think about the kids coming over for Christmas and what would that holiday be (in an Italian home) without spaghetti and meatballs. The plan involves cooking the meatballs and freezing them. The principal ingredient is ground beef. That is when sticker shock set in about the cost of ground beef. A quick chat with copilot produced the following.

Here’s the graph of the average monthly price of ground beef per pound in the U.S. for 2025. It shows how costs steadily climbed throughout the year, hitting record highs in the summer and continuing upward into the fall and winter.

Key Highlights from 2025 📈

• January 2025: $5.72 per pound

• May 2025: $5.98 per pound (16% higher than May 2024)

• June 2025: $6.12 per pound (first time breaking $6)

• July 2025: $6.25 per pound (new record high)

• September 2025: $6.32 per pound

• End of 2025 (estimates): Prices projected to reach around $6.55 per pound

What Drove Prices Higher?

• Drought conditions reducing cattle supplies

• Rising feed costs and high interest rates

• Cyclical herd contraction tightening supply

This visualization makes it clear: 2025 was a year of historic beef price inflation, with costs climbing month after month and little relief for consumers.

Would you like me to also compare this with previous years (like 2024) so you can see how steep the increase really was?

Yes

Here’s the comparison chart of monthly ground beef prices for 2024 vs. 2025. It clearly shows how prices surged in 2025 compared to the previous year, with costs breaking past $6 per pound for the first time.

Key Insights 🥩

• 2024: Prices averaged around $5.35 per pound, with a peak near $5.55 in December.

• 2025: Prices jumped to an average of $6.12 per pound by mid-year, reaching $6.32 in September and projected to hit $6.55 by December.

• Year-over-year inflation: Ground beef rose 8.4% from 2024 to 2025, far outpacing general inflation.

Why the Increase?

• Supply constraints: Drought and herd contraction reduced cattle numbers.

• Higher feed and input costs: Rising grain and energy prices pushed production costs up.

• Consumer demand: Despite higher prices, demand remained strong, keeping upward pressure on retail costs.

This side-by-side view makes it clear: 2025 was a historic year for beef inflation, with prices consistently higher than 2024 across every month. Would you like me to extend this comparison back to 2020–2023 so you can see the longer-term trend?

yes long term trend

Here’s the long-term trend of U.S. ground beef prices from 2020 through 2025. Prices rose steadily each year, with 2025 marking the sharpest increase yet.

📊 Key Data (Average Price per Pound)

• 2020: $4.10

• 2021: $4.27

• 2022: $4.53

• 2023: $4.94

• 2024: $5.35

• 2025: $6.32 (through September, projected $6.55 by December)

🔎 What the Trend Shows

• Steady climb: Ground beef prices have increased every year since 2020, reflecting both inflation and supply constraints.

• Acceleration in 2025: The jump from $5.35 in 2024 to over $6.30 in 2025 represents the fastest rise in recent years.

• Drivers of cost: Drought, reduced cattle herds, higher feed costs, and strong consumer demand all contributed to the surge.

🌐 Context

Compared to overall inflation, beef prices have risen faster, highlighting how food costs—especially protein staples—are under unique pressure. The chart makes clear that what was once a $4 staple in 2020 is now pushing past $6.50 in 2025, a ~60% increase in just five years.

So now we have to go back a year ago when a person promised that inflation would be over literally overnight. The jump in price for the cheapest cut of meat is historic, and it happened literally overnight. For those who made that choice a year ago, your decision came with a price.

Them that know, do know meatballs made out of turkey meat or tofu is not Italian! My magic meatball recipe is posted on https://www.pastapete.com

73's

Pete N6QW