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For radio amateurs considering homebrew antenna projects, this resource details several designs from WE6W, an experienced operator. It covers the construction and characteristics of a _160 Meter QRP Loop Antenna_ optimized for high voltage, along with standard and folded variations of the double bazooka antenna. The site also presents a unique Field Day antenna design and instructions for building a Sterba Curtain, a directional array known for its gain. Each design includes practical insights from the author's building experience. The author provides comparative data, such as the performance of a standard bazooka against a traditional dipole, offering real-world context for antenna selection. The Sterba Curtain section includes notes on its beamwidth and gain, crucial parameters for directional operation. These designs are suitable for hams looking to experiment with cost-effective, high-performance antennas for various bands and operating scenarios, from QRP on 160m to directional DXing with a Sterba Curtain, which can offer significant forward gain, often exceeding **10 dB**.

The J-Pole antenna is an omnidirectional antenna that can be used for base, mobile and field day stations. It does not need a ground plane, radials or a complicated matching system. The J-Pole can be cheaply, simply and quickly constructed using a variety of techniques, some of which are discussed in this article.

Amateur Contact Log (AC Log) by N3FJP is a commercial Windows-based general logging program designed for amateur radio operators, supporting Windows 7 through 11. It provides comprehensive tracking for various operating awards, including Worked All States (WAS), Worked All Counties, Worked All Countries (WAC), DXCC, VUCC, Grids, Zones, IOTAs, and Lighthouses. The software features a customizable user interface, allowing operators to display specific data fields and adjust font sizes. It includes built-in databases for counties and countries, facilitates queries by band, mode, or power level, and offers a bearing and distance calculator for DX contacts. AC Log also provides DX spotting via Telnet or packet TNC, supports keyboard CW, and can play wave files. The program offers full support for ADIF import and export, enabling seamless integration with external services like eQSL, QRZ, Club Log, and the ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) for QSO uploads and confirmation downloads. It interfaces with popular transceivers from Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, Ten Tec, and Yaesu, and connects with digital mode software such as WSJT-X, Fldigi, and JTAlert via API. AC Log includes a Net Manager form for group logging, prints basic QSL label strips, and integrates with QRZ and Ham Call lookup services. The software is fully networkable for multi-PC operation, supports Parks on the Air (POTA) logging, and displays worked entities and DX spots on a real-time world map. Full featured Trial version available for 45 days

A wire yagi antenna for 20 and 40 meters band suitable for outdoor and field day operations

A 3 band dipole for 10 15 and 20 meters band, easy to build, and that can be easily setup in any occasion, inclunding field days or portable operations

F6EZX presents a detailed account of constructing a compact, multi-band _Levy antenna_ for portable holiday operations, specifically addressing issues with local QRM from a previous _Deltaloop_ setup. The article outlines the design criteria, including multi-band operation on 40m, 30m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m, a symmetrical configuration to reduce interference, and a low take-off angle for DX. Construction involves 2x 10.3m radiating elements and a 15.3m open-wire feeder (ladder line) with 7cm spacing, made from 1.5mm2 copper wire and foam pipe insulation spacers. Theoretical calculations, referencing F9HJ's "_Les antennes Levy_" book, guide the determination of element lengths and feeder impedance characteristics, aiming for a good match across bands with a commercial antenna tuner. Initial field tests with the _VCI Vectronics VC300DLP_ tuner showed a 1:1 SWR from 80m to 10m, with some difficulty on 17m. The antenna, mounted as a 45-degree slopper with the high point at 12m, successfully facilitated DX contacts to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina, suggesting a lower take-off angle compared to the previous Deltaloop which favored Brazil. The Levy antenna significantly reduced TVI/RFI, attributed to its improved symmetry and greater distance from the QRA. While signal reports on 15m and 20m were 1-2 S-points lower than the Deltaloop, its performance on 40m and 30m was comparable, fulfilling the design goals for a portable, low-cost, multi-band solution.

Unified Microsystems presents a range of amateur radio products, notably the **XT-4 MK2 CW Memory Keyer**, a battery-powered iambic keyer designed for portable operations like Field Day, POTA, SOTA, and DXpeditions. It features four non-volatile memories, each storing approximately 240 Morse characters, and operates at speeds from 8-45 WPM. The XT-4 MK2 also includes an auto power save function and paddle reverse, making it adaptable for multi-operator setups. Beyond the XT-4 MK2, the site details the **W9XT Contest Card**, a PC plug-in board offering DVK and CW interface capabilities, allowing operators to record and playback CQs and contest exchanges. Other offerings include the BevFlex-4X RX Antenna System, RAS-4 RX Antenna Switch, VK-64 Voice CW Keyer, and various USB interfaces. Additional products cover electronic development, such as the ATS-1 Terminal Shield for Arduino™ and VR-X Power Supply Voltage Regulators, demonstrating a broader scope beyond just operating accessories. The XT-4Beacon MK2 / CW IDer is also highlighted for beacon projects, capable of storing messages up to 5 minutes at 25 WPM.

A 2-meter Turnstile antenna, detailed for amateur satellite communication, offers a straightforward build for those looking to engage with orbiting transponders. The author, WB8ERJ, shares his personal design and construction methods, emphasizing the antenna's simplicity and effectiveness for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite work. This design provides a circularly polarized signal, crucial for mitigating _Faraday rotation_ and signal fading often encountered with linearly polarized antennas when tracking satellites. Construction involves readily available materials like PVC pipe and copper wire, making it an accessible project for many hams. The article includes practical advice on element spacing and feed point considerations, drawing from the author's hands-on experience in the shack and field. It highlights the antenna's utility for receiving signals from various amateur satellites, including the popular AO-91 and AO-92. The Turnstile's inherent omnidirectional pattern in the horizontal plane, combined with its circular polarization, yields consistent signal reception, often resulting in **stronger decodes** and **more reliable contacts** compared to basic dipoles or verticals.

This Field Day Vertical Antenna project is the result of many years of attending various field day sites and realizing that what was needed is a simple, easy to assemble vertical antenna.

Do your multiple-transmitter field day or contest efforts suffer from intrastation interference ?

The Buddipole website showcases a range of portable amateur radio antenna systems, including the **Buddipole**, Mini-Buddipole, Buddistick PRO, and BuddiHEX, designed for rapid deployment and multi-band operation from 40 meters to 2 meters. Each product page details specifications, operational modes (dipole or vertical), and compatible accessories like tripods, masts, and baluns. The site also features portable DC power management systems such as the PowerMini 2 and PowerPlus, which include integrated battery chargers and solar controllers, catering to off-grid or field day setups. Instructional videos demonstrate antenna assembly, tuning, and deployment techniques for various configurations, including the VersaTee vertical and Mini-Buddipole. Customer testimonials and DXpedition highlights, such as operations from Montserrat (VP2M) and Dominica (J38), provide real-world examples of the equipment's performance in challenging environments. The company, established in 2001, emphasizes modularity, versatility, and efficiency in its product line, all manufactured in the USA. Shipping information, a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, and contact details for their Heber City, Utah facility are clearly presented. The site serves as a direct sales portal, offering a comprehensive catalog of antennas, power solutions, and components for portable amateur radio enthusiasts.

Antenna that's simple, inexpensive lightwiight and easy to install

A Compact size 80-10 m field day antenna offering a Low angle of radiation and very easy to build and set up

The DXrobot, operational since 1999, offers a free, non-commercial service primarily for the VHF ham radio community. It specializes in automatic real-time E-skip warnings for **144 MHz** in both Europe and North America, delivered via email or SMS. Additionally, the system provides automatic aurora alerts for _50, 70, and 144 MHz_ openings through the same notification methods. Beyond real-time alerts, the DXrobot facilitates the reception of the latest DX-cluster spots via email, a feature useful for operators without immediate WWW or cluster access. The service also displays recent E-skip and aurora spots detected by the DXrobot on 50, 70, and 144 MHz, with updates every five minutes. Historical data includes lists of all DX spots from the previous day on 50, 70, and 144 MHz, updated daily. Key propagation data, such as MUF timeline, Solar X-rays, Geomagnetic Field, and Estimated Kp index, are also presented.

N3FJP's ARRL Field Day Contest Log 6.6.10 is a dedicated software solution for Windows 7 through Windows 11, specifically tailored for the annual ARRL Field Day event in June. This program provides essential contesting features such as duplicate checking, including partials, and a dynamic list of sections that change color upon being worked. It seamlessly interfaces with popular digital mode software like WSJT-X, Fldigi, and JTAlert via API, and supports rig control for most Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu transceivers. The software also generates computer-generated CW via serial port or Winkeyer, plays wave files, and offers DX spotting capabilities. Operators can leverage its fully networkable design to allow multiple PCs to update a single log file simultaneously, enhancing club operations during Field Day. The program outputs ASCII log, dupe, and summary files for contest submission and provides real-time statistics. A quick start video is available to guide new users through the basics of the software. Registration for permanent use costs $8.99, or it can be obtained as part of the N3FJP Software Package, which includes over one hundred amateur radio programs for a one-time fee of $59.99.

Amateur radio club serving NEW YORK area. Club has fully equipped station,holds two hamfests a year,ve exam ,field day and contesting.

D3+ High Performance Antennas for Field Day. This article describes versatile broadband wire antennas. These antennas will double your effective radiated power over a dipole, will be easy and inexpensive to build and install, and will be simple to match.

An external keypad for FT-817(ND), for the serious portable/field-day contester/operator. Homebrew it with the free firmware and public circuit diagram. The circuit is very simple and takes power supply from the ACC port of the radio

Largest general-purpose ham radio club in Twin Cities. Three repeaters, fully equipped two position HF club station, contesting, field day, and more.

The Crossed Field Antenna (CFA) is one of the applications of Correction of Maxwell's Equations which was used over 150 years ago which was proved these days that the Magnetic Field Source is only the Displacement Current not the Conduction Current . These Corrections was made by an Egyptian Doctor Engineer Fathi Kabbary , who reached the New Correct Theory which shows that the height and efficiency of the antenna doesn't depend on the wavelength

FDLog, a Python-based freeware application, addresses the challenge of synchronized logging for multi-station Field Day operations. It facilitates real-time data sharing across a wireless network, enabling operators to monitor band status and active transmitters at a glance. The software's input system is optimized for minimal keystrokes, streamlining the logging process during intense contest periods. Key features include database synchronization over a wireless network, ensuring all connected computers maintain identical log data. FDLog also incorporates a time synchronization function, designed to keep client programs within a second of a designated master machine, mitigating issues previously encountered with NTP. This internal clock sync can be optionally disabled if not required by the operating setup. Developed initially on Windows 2000, FDLog has demonstrated compatibility with _Linux_ and _macOS_ environments, though some font rendering issues may occur on the latter. The program assists in preparing the ARRL Field Day entry form, simplifying the submission of contest results. User feedback and ARRL rule changes drive ongoing development, with a discussion list available for community support and input.

About HF Wire Antennas for field day or any day a basic wire antenna article

A 7MHz Full wave loop antenna in diamond shape for field day operations made with three 31 foot Jackite poles

This article describes a project of asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole, a portable antenna that can be used for field day operations, sota, campings or even for fixed installations. This is a freestanding 20-10m antenna that is really easy to build, easy to tune and relatively easy to carry.

The Resonant Feedline Dipole (RFD) HF antenna design utilizes a single piece of coaxial cable and a stranded wire section, forming a 1/4-wavelength radiator. This configuration, based on a 1997 ARRL Handbook design (page 20.17), functions by RF traveling on the inside of the coax shield and returning on the outside, creating the second half of the dipole. A choke wound into the feedline prevents RF current from flowing back down the feedline. Construction details include using RG-58a/u coax for a 75m version, with a 1/4-wavelength section of stranded wire soldered to the center conductor. The document provides choke dimensions for RG-213, RG-8, and RG-58 coax across 3.5 MHz to 28 MHz, specifying cable length and number of turns. Dipole dimensions are also tabulated for frequencies from 3.6 MHz to 28.4 MHz, listing overall length and individual leg lengths. Field tests included deployment near Bryson City at 5 feet off the ground and as a sloper during WCARS Field Day in Asheville, yielding successful local and regional contacts.

ARRL article on random wire antenna, simple antennas that can be tuned for every band, excellent solution for field day operations

Club Information, Membership roster, officers, meetings, field day and more.

WI ham club partecipate in Field Day, sponsers an annual Swapfest held in August, and provides various repeaters.

The **United States Islands (USI) Awards Program** is an amateur radio operating activity centered on activating and chasing islands located within the fifty states of the United States, its territories, and protectorates. These islands encompass coastal shores, lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, offering a diverse range of operating environments. The program provides numerous achievement awards for both island activators and island chasers, encouraging portable operations and mini-DXpeditions. Participants engage in year-round activities, including the **One-Day-Getaway (1DG)**, a casual portable operation held on the second Saturday of May, and the U.S. Islands QSO Party (IQP), a 15-hour contest occurring on the last full weekend of August. USI encourages hams to discover and operate from islands in their local areas, providing an alternative to traditional Field Day operations for outdoor radio enjoyment. The program supports various operating styles, including portable, walk-on, paddle-to, motor-to, mobile, and drive-on activations. Recent activities include AC1RH activating MA064R Eagle Island daily, aiming for over 100 activations using 600 watts, and KD9ZAB and KD5YZY qualifying MO021R Tower Rock, which is also a POTA US-10147 location. The USI program maintains a clear distinction from the Islands On The Air (IOTA) awards program.

Intended for portable long-term usage and also good for Field Day Events article by By Steve KB1DIG & Kim KB1GTR

We publish a quarterly newsletter, hold Field Day,Public service events and still provide Morse Code classes on our repeater W8USA 145.230

Interesting article on how build your own field day antenna

An Unorthodox Antenna, originally by W3AWH is considered a multi-band antenna suitable for fixed location use and as an easily deployable portable antenna for events such as Field Days.

An home made magnetic loop antenna project using a military surplus 150pf capacitor by KF5CZO

Club activities, news and newsletter Ham Chatter Online features a member each month. Field Day pictures, etc. Home of VOA transmitter sites. Club calls, W4AMC & W1VOA Greenville, NC

Demonstrates the _SQUIRL Field Day Logger_, a specialized software tool designed for efficient contact logging during the annual ARRL Field Day event. The resource details its core functionality, which includes real-time logging to easily readable text files, with filenames structured by callsign, band, and mode (e.g., K8DAA-20M-SSB.txt). It highlights features such as a real-time history grid of previous contacts, a dynamic USA and Canada map displaying contact locations, and a duplicate checker that provides audio notifications and pre-fills class/section data for previously worked stations. The software also includes an ADIF export function, enabling users to transfer logs to other general-purpose logging programs. The software's design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, allowing for rapid on-the-spot training, as noted by users like W4CMB. It supports various operating systems, including Windows 98 through 8, and has been successfully run on Linux via _Wine_. Key usability enhancements include a "double-size" feature for improved readability and a "Space Mode" for quick field navigation. The version history indicates continuous development from 2001 to 2013, with significant additions like the real-time Field Day Map in 2003 and ADIF export in 2004, which allows for seamless integration with other logging platforms.

End fed half wave tuner a handy tool for field day and portable operations

A dipole antenna for 7 MHz support for this antenna is fiberglass military mast

The South African Radio League (SARL) serves as the national representative body for amateur radio in South Africa, holding membership in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It actively promotes the hobby, coordinates national amateur radio activities, and provides essential services to its members, including advocacy for spectrum allocation and regulatory liaison with ICASA. The organization frequently publishes updates relevant to the ZS amateur community, such as "HF Update with ZS4BS" and reports on events like the "ZS6STN Field day." SARL supports various aspects of amateur radio, from contesting and DXing to technical experimentation and emergency communications. The league's website lists upcoming events and news, ensuring members stay informed about national and international amateur radio developments. Its focus encompasses all amateur bands, with recent updates highlighting HF activities. The league's digital presence, including its canonical URL _mysarl.org.za_, provides a central hub for South African hams. The site frequently updates with news, event schedules, and technical information, reflecting an active and engaged amateur radio community.

Random Length Multiband Dipoles can be a good solution for field day operations or outdoor activity, read more at ARRL web site

A simple project for an effective home made band pass filter, designed for the portable field day usage

Manually programming D-Star handheld transceivers like the _Icom ID-51A_ and _ID-31A_ can be a straightforward process, enabling operators to configure repeaters, simplex frequencies, and D-Star specific settings without relying on computer software. This method is particularly useful for field operations or when quick adjustments are needed, allowing hams to set up callsign routing, DR mode, and reflector links directly from the radio's interface. Understanding the menu structure and key sequences is crucial for efficient on-the-fly programming. Operators often find manual programming invaluable for activating new D-Star repeaters encountered during travel or for participating in local nets where specific G2 or G3 gateway configurations are required. While software like _CS-51_ offers convenience for bulk programming, the ability to manually input frequencies and D-Star parameters ensures operational flexibility. This approach also helps hams troubleshoot connectivity issues by verifying individual settings directly on the transceiver, ensuring proper D-Star registration and gateway access.

During a club's "Filetto Day" event, a comparative field test was conducted between a **Buddipole** antenna and a homemade 20/40-meter wire dipole. The author, IW5EDI, performed this personal evaluation from a mountain top at 1500 meters above sea level, utilizing a Yaesu FT-857D transceiver to switch between antennas. The observations on the 20-meter band indicated that the wire dipole consistently delivered significantly stronger signals compared to the Buddipole. Additionally, the Buddipole exhibited higher levels of **QRM** during the listening tests. The commercial Buddipole, known for its multiband capability and compact size with a self-supporting tripod, was contrasted with the simpler, larger wire dipole, which required a fiberglass fish pole for support. This direct comparison highlights practical differences in performance and deployment between a popular portable commercial antenna and a basic wire antenna in a real-world operating environment.

Using portable generators during emergencies or at field day site, using batteries and how to recharge them, using solar panels.

The Mobile-Portable Reflector serves as a dedicated discussion platform for amateur radio operators interested in mobile and portable operations. It facilitates the exchange of information and answers questions specifically related to operating amateur radio from vehicles, temporary field locations, or while walking. The platform is not intended for general amateur radio discussions; its scope is strictly limited to mobile-portable topics. Subscribers can access prior postings to review historical conversations and solutions. The list is administered by _dick at k7vc.com_ and operates on Mailman version _2.1.12_. Subscription requires email confirmation and offers optional privacy password protection, with an option to receive daily batched emails.

Nightly Talk Around Net sparked many new ideals and has promoted Amateur Radio in our area with things like, ARES, Skywarn Classes, Field Day, VE testing, Internet and other events that bring our Hams together as one big family.

Presents the Scranton Pocono Amateur Radio Club (SPARK), K3CSG, highlighting its status as one of Pennsylvania's most senior ARRL-affiliated clubs. The club, also known as the Abington Amateur Radio Club, maintains a consistent presence in the local amateur radio community. It provides a platform for radio enthusiasts to engage in various aspects of the hobby, including operating events and technical discussions. The resource details the club's historical background and its ongoing commitment to fostering amateur radio interest and skill development among its members. The club's activities often encompass participation in field days, local nets, and support for emergency communications. Members frequently operate on HF and VHF/UHF bands, utilizing various modes for local and DX contacts. The club's callsign, K3CSG, is regularly active during club events and contests, representing its collective efforts in amateur radio.

Operating as a local amateur radio club, the Wireless Association of South Hills (WASH) provides a community hub for hams in the Pittsburgh, PA area, identified by the N3SH callsign. The club engages in a range of activities including the Annual Field Day, the PA QSO Party, and a 2 Meter Contest, fostering participation in various aspects of the hobby. WASH also supports local ARES/RACES efforts, highlighting the critical role of amateur radio in emergency communications during disasters, and facilitates ARRL/VEC exam sessions for new licensees. Beyond contests and emergency preparedness, WASH hosts club picnics and an annual hamfest, promoting social interaction among members. The club maintains VHF/UHF repeaters, which are essential for local communication and extending range for members. Regular activities include a Monday evening WASH NET at 8:00 PM, providing a consistent on-air gathering point. The club's focus on both recreational and public service aspects of amateur radio, from making new friends to providing vital disaster communications, underscores its comprehensive approach to the hobby.

The **TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna** assembly video provides a visual walkthrough for deploying this popular portable HF antenna. It details the step-by-step process, from unpacking components to final setup, which is crucial for operators preparing for field day operations or DXpeditions. The video focuses on practical aspects, showing how to connect the various elements and secure the antenna for optimal performance. Operators often seek clear assembly instructions for portable antennas like the TW2010 to ensure quick and correct deployment in diverse environments. This visual aid helps clarify potential ambiguities found in written manuals, illustrating the proper handling of the antenna's radial system and telescopic elements. The video serves as a valuable resource for those aiming to achieve efficient operation with the **TW2010 Traveler** in a portable setting. Understanding the assembly sequence can significantly reduce setup time and prevent common errors encountered during initial deployments.

The ARRL Contest Results Database serves as a centralized repository for official scores and detailed breakdowns from numerous ARRL-sanctioned operating events. This resource typically features comprehensive listings of participants, their submitted logs, and final standings across different categories, modes, and bands. It allows hams to review their performance, compare results with other operators, and analyze contest trends over time, providing valuable insights into competitive amateur radio. Historically, the database has showcased the efforts of thousands of contesters, from single-operator entries to multi-operator, multi-transmitter stations. While the current status indicates scores are not immediately available, the database's primary function is to archive and present the outcomes of events like the ARRL DX Contest, Sweepstakes, and Field Day. This historical data is crucial for tracking individual progress, identifying top performers, and understanding the competitive landscape within the amateur radio community.