I found this very interesting article on the website of G3YNH, David W Knight.

It gives an in-depth explanation on how Gas Discharge Tubes work.
One particular tube that is based on gas discharge is the Thytatron.

And as a kind of etimological revelation to me I found out that the semi-conductor known as "Thyristor" is actually coined from the combination "Thytatron - Transistor".

I've discovered this amazing video about VP8ORK, South Orkney Islands DXpedition by James Brooks, 9V1YC
The South Orkney Islands are located below 60 degrees south and are one of only four DXCC entities within the UN Antarctic Treaty Zone.

This video is truly a professional broadcast quality documentary, very interesting and entertaining to watch !

You can find it at vimeo: https://vimeo.com/121222178

A "digital all-mode" transceiver, that's what I was waiting for, and now it has arrived (almost)

This DV4mobile is a tri-band VHF/UHF transceiver ( 2m, 1.25m and 70cm) that supports DMR, D-STAR and C4FM ( or "fusion") all in one box.

Even more digital modes can be added later on via software upgrades, so at the same time being a multi-mode, its also a transceiver where software has become the centerpiece.

It will be available in the stores at the end of 2016..