Open Source and Linux in Amateur Radio

Speaker: Steve Stroh

Room: CC 235

Time: Sun 11:20 am – 11:50 am

Format: Lecture (30 Min + Q&A)

Difficulty: Introductory

Track: Education

Presenter Location: In-person

Experience: umpteenth time speaking

Description:

In many ways, Amateur Radio was the original open‑source community. Long before “open source” had a name, radio amateurs freely shared schematics, designs, and techniques. That ethos continues today — and has only grown stronger with the rise of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and powerful open‑source tools like GNU Radio.

This talk explores how Linux and open‑source software are transforming modern Amateur Radio. Steve highlights the most impactful current project: the Linux Handheld Transceiver (LinHT) — a portable radio that runs Linux and GNU Radio, allowing operators to literally shell into their handheld device.

Attendees will learn how open‑source development is reshaping experimentation, accessibility, and innovation across the amateur radio world.

Target Audience:

Techies curious about radio technology

Anyone interested in going beyond unlicensed spectrum