I recently got back into amateur radio with an SDR (listening only, my license has lapsed and I need to renew it)
I found that using the FT8 protocol, I can pick up transmissions from up to ~6000 miles away, using a very cheap magnetic loop antenna mounted indoors in my apartment. My building is made of concrete slabs and I was pretty shocked that I was able to receive such distant transmissions.
I think I've invested maybe $70 into radio equipment for this capability. I've listened to a lot of other signal sources, but so far FT8 is the most interesting. I can run a companion app that maps out all the contacts, it is pleasing to watch on a nice slow evening
I found that using the FT8 protocol, I can pick up transmissions from up to ~6000 miles away, using a very cheap magnetic loop antenna mounted indoors in my apartment. My building is made of concrete slabs and I was pretty shocked that I was able to receive such distant transmissions.
I think I've invested maybe $70 into radio equipment for this capability. I've listened to a lot of other signal sources, but so far FT8 is the most interesting. I can run a companion app that maps out all the contacts, it is pleasing to watch on a nice slow evening