A quiet Gulf isn't staying quiet, so the Hurricane Watch Net is back at the dials as Invest 92L eyes storm status. Elsewhere the mood is lighter: KX2 side rails, a youth-powered Christmas Island DXpedition, 18 years of Linux in the Ham Shack, and some shortwave listening to warm the evening. We've also got a low-profile POTA antenna and a cheeky guide for journalists who keep calling us "ham radio enthusiasts."

In today’s roundup

• Watching the Gulf — ARRL News
  The Hurricane Watch Net is tracking Invest 92L, expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias within 24 hours, so keep an ear on the emergency frequencies.
• Elecraft KX2 Side Rails: What I Choose to Protect My KX2 — QRPer
  K4SWL finally answers the reader question that keeps landing in his inbox, sharing the side rails he trusts to keep his field-worn KX2 safe.
• DX Engineering Equipment to Be Used on Upcoming Youth-Focused Christmas Island DXpedition — OnAllBands (DX Engineering)
  The VK9XY Christmas Island activation (Nov. 16–Dec. 4) puts young operators from around the world behind DX Engineering gear—a new-one chase and a passing of the torch.
• LHS Episode #633: 18 Years of LHS — AmateurRadio.com
  Linux in the Ham Shack marks 18 years on the air with episode 633, proof that open-source and amateur radio make a durable pairing.
• Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of NHK & Radiofax (October 5, 2026) — The SWLing Post
  Carlos Latuff pairs cartoonist's flair with a logged reception of NHK audio and Japan Meteorological Agency radiofax—a reminder that weather charts still arrive over shortwave.
• International classic(al) shortwave vibes — The SWLing Post
  Imaginary Stations serves up a classical shortwave broadcast Wednesday at 0200 UTC on 9395 kHz for anyone who likes their music with a side of SDR.
• A Simple, Low Profile, Multiband Antenna for POTA — The DXZone
  A low-profile, multiband antenna built to blend into park surroundings—handy when you want to activate without turning heads or snagging branches.
• A Media Guide to Amateur Radio — KB6NU
  KB6NU channels every ham's frustration at garbled newspaper coverage into a guide meant to help reporters finally get our terminology right.

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