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The author describes building a remote switch box to control the direction of two reversible Beverage antennas. The switch uses a buried cable and relays to select the desired antenna direction from the shack. The design is simple and uses common components.

This blog post from KA7OEI covers the author's initial exploration into the world of Arduino, a popular open-source electronics platform. The post likely discusses the author's experiences, challenges, and successes with Arduino projects, particularly in relation to amateur radio or other technical hobbies. It may provide insights, tips, or inspiration for hams interested in incorporating Arduino into their own projects. The content is likely informative, personal, and geared towards amateur radio operators or electronics enthusiasts.

Repair of a Yaesu FT-1000 MP Mark V probably struck by lightning.

Demonstrates a **Progressive Web App** (PWA) approach to amateur radio logging, providing a platform-agnostic solution for hams. The resource details its core functionality, including offline callsign and reference lookups, auto-formatting for data entry, and integration with **POTA spots** and saved re-spots. It highlights support for various logging templates such as General, Contest, POTA, and Field Day, indicating its adaptability for different operating activities. The application emphasizes seamless log synchronization across multiple devices, eliminating the need for manual file transfers. It operates effectively both online and offline, with installation options available for full offline functionality on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux, or direct use within any web browser. The documentation further outlines features like rig control and the continuous development of additional templates, positioning Smart Logger as a flexible and efficient tool for managing amateur radio contacts.

KLog is a free, multiplatform ham radio logging application that runs natively on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It provides comprehensive **QSO management**, including features for logging contacts, managing QSL cards, and tracking DXCC entities. The software integrates a **DX-Cluster client** for real-time DX spotting, supports WSJT-X for digital modes, and includes functionality for the DX Marathon award program. It also offers Club Log integration for uploading logs and managing awards. The application's multiplatform nature ensures broad accessibility for amateur radio operators using various operating systems. Its support for WSJT-X facilitates logging of popular digital modes like FT8 and FT4, while DX Marathon integration assists contesters and DXers in tracking progress. The built-in DX-Cluster client streamlines the process of finding and working rare DX, enhancing overall operating efficiency and award pursuit.

DX Data provides a unified view of real-time DX spots, aggregating data from **DXSpider**, the **Reverse Beacon Network (RBN)**, and PSK Reporter. This online service offers advanced filtering capabilities, allowing amateur radio operators to refine spot displays by DXCC entity, band, mode, CQ zone, and continent. It addresses the challenge of sifting through numerous DX spots by presenting a consolidated stream, enabling DXers to efficiently identify active stations across various bands and modes. The platform integrates with Club Log, which assists in fine-tuning band-entity combinations based on a user's logging history, thereby reducing irrelevant spot noise. Key features include DX email alerts, PSK Reporter tracking, and a custom watchlist for monitoring specific stations or regions. The service also incorporates a live news feed from DX World, providing current information relevant to the DXing community. This design aims to streamline the DX spotting process, offering a responsive interface for identifying operating opportunities.

This blog is to talk of radios in AM on SW from China and TX and RX made in Asia

Operating a web-based DX cluster, this resource presents real-time amateur radio DX spots, facilitating contact logging and propagation analysis. It leverages the Spiderweb platform, offering users the ability to filter DX spots based on various criteria, including inclusion and exclusion rules. The interface integrates directly with QRZ.com for immediate callsign lookups, displaying flag icons for geographical context, and provides charts and statistics derived from spot data. Further enhancing its utility for DXers and contesters, the cluster includes direct links to MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) maps and HamQSL solar condition reports. These external data sources provide critical propagation insights, assisting operators in making informed decisions about band selection and operating times. The service also offers Telnet access at dxc.sv5fri.eu:7300 for those preferring a command-line interface.

This page discusses the construction and design of a shortened 2-element Yagi antenna for the 40-meter band, focusing on the driven element. The author shares insights on adding hats to the coil to reduce losses and improve performance. The article also mentions the use of EZNEC modeling software and an AIM4170 analyzer for tuning. Amateur radio operators interested in such antenna design and optimization for the 40-meter band can find useful information and practical tips on this page.

Hams can be annoyed by noise from PoE cameras and access points. These devices and their long cables act like antennas, picking up and spreading unwanted radio signals. By wrapping ferrites around the cable will reduce this noise. It won't silence it completely, but it can make a big difference.

The author fixed a friend's Kenwood TS-850S radio, which suffered from Capacitor Plague, a common problem in 1990s electronics where capacitors leak and damage circuit boards. The CAR board, responsible for generating signals, was especially affected. The author cleaned the board, replaced the capacitors, and repaired a broken trace. Although the radio mostly functioned afterward, the "Slope Tune" control behaved abnormally. The cause seems to be a software issue, not a hardware one.

Ham radio communication in the VHF and UHF bands, which was previously dominated by analog Frequency Modulation (FM), is increasingly incorporating Digital Voice (DV) modes. DV transceivers digitize audio and offer benefits like as signal integrity, encoded caller ID, and bandwidth savings. Today D-STAR, DMR and Yaesu System Fusion (YSF) are popular DV formats, each with its own set of features but mainly incompatible with the others. Internet access with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) expands DV communication worldwide. Repeaters and personal hotspots expand DV capabilities, enabling seamless worldwide connections. However, implementing DV frequently necessitates learning new technologies and negotiating network complexity.

For phased C-Poles, matching choke baluns are essential to maintain intended phasing, beam pattern, and gain. The author uses a low-loss, ferrite-core balun design with 19 turns of RG-174/U coax for optimal performance.

The website offers technical musings related to amateur radio, with a focus on measuring insertion loss and checking matching. It provides insights and tips for ham radio operators looking to analyze RF devices and circuits effectively.

"The QRP Adventures of VE3FI" is a captivating blog that chronicles the amateur radio experiences of Bill, VE3FI, over two decades. Holding Canadian Basic, 5-word CW, and Advanced licenses, Bill's main interests include DXing and QRP operations. The blog offers detailed accounts of his portable activations, such as a recent outing in March 2025, where he achieved impressive DX contacts on the 10-meter band using just 8 watts and a Hamstick antenna. Bill's engaging storytelling and practical insights make this blog a valuable resource for both seasoned and aspiring amateur radio enthusiasts.

Delta loop antennas, particularly the 30 meter variant, offer unique advantages in terms of vertical polarization and omni-directional coverage. The construction process detailed by VE3VN highlights common mechanical and electrical challenges faced by amateur radio operators. Key design considerations include minimizing interaction with existing contest band antennas, achieving low elevation angles for DX chasing, and ensuring the antenna remains off the ground for agricultural clearance. The article provides specific measurements, such as the loop's height and feed point impedance, which are critical for optimizing performance. The use of NEC modeling software illustrates the importance of accurate resonance calculations, revealing how proximity to the tower affects both pattern and impedance. This practical account serves as a resource for hams looking to build effective antennas while navigating typical construction hurdles.

Predicted Solar Cycle: Sunspot Number And Radio Flux Values with Expected Ranges, sources are Penticton, B.C., Canada, S.I.D.C. Brussels

The blog and website of English amateur radio operator G0RIF, located near Lichfield in central England. Favourite aspects of the hobby are DXing, RTTY, portable operating and experimenting with wire antennas.

The _Icom IC-705_ portable operation power supply guide details the use of a car battery jump starter and a step-up/down converter for field power. It examines various power supply types, including LiFePO4 batteries, lead-acid batteries, and supercapacitors, discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages for QRP and portable setups. The resource emphasizes practical considerations such as capacity, weight, discharge rates, and charging methods crucial for reliable off-grid operation. The article compares the energy density and cycle life of different battery chemistries, noting that LiFePO4 batteries offer significantly more cycles (e.g., **2000-5000 cycles**) compared to lead-acid batteries (e.g., **300-500 cycles**). It also touches upon the integration of solar panels for recharging and the importance of proper voltage regulation to protect sensitive radio equipment, providing insights into maximizing operational time during DXpeditions or POTA activations.

This page showcases the use of ChatGPT for quickly creating a prototype application that maps out individual QSOs from a CZML map. The author details the process of using ChatGPT to generate code that positions and frames a Cesium Ion map based on data from a czml file. The page includes links to the original map, the prototype app, a video demonstration, and the mapped QSOs output. The content is aimed at hams interested in experimenting with AI tools for ham radio applications.

DX Pedition to Glorioso Isl. FT4GL 2024 May 24 - 2024 Jun 19

The KA7OEI Blog offers random musings on technical subjects related to amateur radio, with a focus on improving stability using the QRP Labs ProgRock 2. It provides insights and tips for ham radio operators looking to enhance their equipment.

The Slim Jim VHF antenna, originally designed by G2BCX, is a folded half-wave dipole fed by a quarter-wave matching section. This version, built from a recycled professional aluminum dipole, demonstrates that various materials—such as copper, brass, or twin-lead—can be used. The article details the antenna’s construction, required materials, and tuning process, emphasizing mechanical stability and ease of assembly. With proper adjustment of the feed point, it provides excellent SWR across the band. Its durability and simplicity make it a practical and efficient VHF antenna solution.

Learn how to enhance your 160 meter reception by building and using a custom band pass filter. Discover how this filter can reduce interference from strong AM broadcast signals, improving the overall performance of your receiver. Find out about the challenges of creating a filter that balances signal loss and attenuation at specific frequencies, and how it can benefit hams operating near powerful transmitters. Whether you're experiencing IMD issues or looking to optimize your 160 meter setup, this article provides practical insights and solutions for ham radio operators.

An owner point of view of the Yaesu FT-818 QRP transceiver capable to work HF VHF UHF in CW, AM, LSB, USB, FM, PACKET.

Presents a four-part video series documenting the assembly of the Elecraft KX3 QRP transceiver, offering insights into the construction process. The author, VE9KK, shares practical tips and addresses challenges encountered during his own build, providing guidance to help other builders achieve a smoother experience. The videos, while not a step-by-step instructional guide, showcase completed assembly stages and discuss lessons learned. This approach allows builders to anticipate potential pitfalls and apply proven solutions, drawing from the author's direct experience with the _KX3_ kit. Specific attention is given to areas where builders often face difficulties, ensuring that critical details are covered to facilitate successful completion of the transceiver, which is renowned for its **10-watt** output and versatile operating modes.

Blog of Charly Tango International DX-Group in Germany who keeps up the heritage of Pit who founded this DX group in 1985.

DXLog.net Cluster functions as a dedicated client application designed to enhance DXLog.net contest logging operations. It facilitates simultaneous connections to multiple DX cluster nodes, providing a consolidated view of DX spots. The software also supports integration with local CW skimmers, enabling real-time reception of CW signals and their automatic decoding into spots. The utility broadcasts UDP data across the local area network, allowing DXLog.net to receive and process these spots efficiently. A key feature includes CAT control integration, which automatically QSYs connected CW skimmers to the frequency of interest, optimizing spot acquisition. The system also incorporates duplicate spot filtering to reduce redundancy and offers blacklist management for unwanted callsigns or frequencies. Programmable commands and dynamic skimmer bandwidth control further refine its operation, adapting to varying band conditions and contest strategies. Automatic reconnection capabilities ensure continuous operation, maintaining reliable access to DX information crucial for competitive contesting.

Provides access to a robust DX cluster node, G6NHU-2, running DX Spider software, which facilitates real-time amateur radio contact spotting across HF bands. This service is engineered for high reliability and low latency, ensuring rapid dissemination of DX spots from a global network of interconnected nodes. It features multiple redundant links to prevent data loss and maintain continuous operation, even if individual connections drop. The cluster integrates directly with the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), allowing users to enable or disable skimmer spots for specific modes like CW, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. It also offers an extensive one-year spot history, significantly longer than most other DX clusters, which typically retain only a month of data. The node supports various lookup commands for callsign information, beam headings, QSL routing, and FCC database lookups, enhancing operational efficiency for DXers and contesters. Additionally, it permits self-spotting, a feature increasingly relevant in modern contests, and provides detailed instructions for connecting popular logging software such as N1MM+, HamRadioDeluxe, MacLoggerDX, LOG4OM2, Logger32, and N3FJP's Amateur Contact Log.

SOTA Goat is an essential tool for Summits On The Air participants, offering an offline summit database, comprehensive search features, and real-time spotting through SOTAwatch3. Designed for iOS devices, it aids in planning and completing activations seamlessly.

A homemade oak plank drive-on mast holder proved functional but heavy and cumbersome. A lighter, compact commercial version from Amazon seemed ideal but couldn't fit the preferred Jackite pole. Costly alternatives, like a $100 mast holder from Three Mosquitoes Gear, were impractical. The solution came through DIY ingenuity: a piece of 2" PVC and hose clamps, repurposing materials already on hand. This simple, effective design perfectly accommodated the Jackite pole, demonstrating the power of resourceful problem-solving.

Ham2K PoLo is an android Portable Logger, Support for Parks On The Air (POTA), Summits On The Air (SOTA), Field Day, Winter Field Day, Worldwide Flora and Fauna (WWFF) and more. Fast and efficient yet fully-featured: QRZ.com name lookups, QSO Maps, offline data files, contact rates, duplicate warnings, POTA spots, search parks nearby or by name, etc.

This study analyzes the antenna pattern of the Utah Amateur Radio Club's 146.760 MHz repeater following antenna relocation in 1997. Noting degraded transmission toward the north, a customized signal mapping system using a Yaesu FT-817, GPS, and software was developed to log real-time signal data. Calibration techniques extended the radio's signal range, enabling precise field measurements. The method allowed continuous signal strength monitoring while driving, revealing anomalies in coverage likely due to tower modifications. Findings helped assess and visualize the antenna’s actual radiation pattern and highlighted environmental impact on signal distribution.

The article describes adding lightning protection to Beverage antennas, which are long wires susceptible to lightning strikes. The author reviews common lightning protection circuits and discusses their components. They then detail their design based on existing methods, highlighting choices for components and reasoning behind them. Finally, the author presents the completed design and its implementation on their Beverage antennas.

The International DX Amateur Radio Club provides a structured environment for amateur radio operators interested in long-distance communication. The club offers a variety of awards, including the DX Countries Award, DX United States Award, and DX Continents Award, among others. These awards recognize achievements in contacting stations across different geographical areas, such as Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. The club also supplies resources like DX Spots, Grey Line Map, and Solar Data to assist operators in optimizing their communication strategies. The DX Code of Conduct emphasizes disciplined operating practices. Operators are encouraged to listen carefully before transmitting and ensure they have correctly identified the DX station's call sign. The guidelines advise against interfering with ongoing communications and stress the importance of patience, such as waiting for the DX station to complete a contact before calling. Operators are reminded to send their full call sign and avoid continuous calling, maintaining respect for fellow operators to foster a cooperative amateur radio community. DXZone Technical Profile: DX Awards | DX Code of Conduct | Grey Line Map

Read about a ham radio operator's experience activating a POTA site at the Folk Art Center using the Chameleon MPAS Lite vertical antenna and the Chameleon Universal Clamp Mount (CHA UCM). Discover how the author carefully deploys antennas to avoid interference with other park visitors and learn about the features of the CHA UCM, a simple antenna clamp mount. Follow along as the author shares their setup and operating spot choices to maximize their portable radio experience while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Join Kirk Pickering, K4RO, as he delves into the importance of calling CQ in amateur radio contesting. Learn about the debate over spotting assistance and why developing tuning and identifying skills is crucial for contest operators, especially newcomers. Discover valuable insights on how to enhance your contesting experience and maximize your success.

This page discusses the construction and use of a low pass filter for MF/LF reception, specifically for the 630 meter and 2200 meter bands. The author, KA7OEI, shares technical insights and practical advice related to amateur radio, with a focus on improving reception in the low-frequency bands. This resource is useful for hams interested in building their own filters to enhance their MF/LF reception capabilities.

Learn how to connect your AllStar Node to 44Net in this blog post. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips to make the process easier for hams interested in expanding their networks. Find out how to improve your communication capabilities and enhance your overall ham radio experience with this helpful guide.

Use the official POTA spotting website to search for active parks. This is the official spotting website for POTA. You can see current activations. On the Activations page, you can see the registered activations.

Learn about noise blankers in the FT-817 transceiver, why they may not work, and how to repair them. Follow the repair guide provided to improve your radio's performance, especially for activities like Meteor Scatter. Written by EA4EOZ, an amateur radio electronic enthusiast, this page offers valuable insights for hams looking to enhance their equipment.

Since 1988 and after few decades of activities, Romeo Charlie is an International DX group and counts more than 1700 members in 150 divisions. Serious QSL management * Unique eQSL system, cluster & spot-push-notifications. * Online logs monitors. * Free contests, trophies & Challenges. * Activations all around the world. * Free fee for most of divisions. * Personal web page for members. * One of the most active DX group on 11m band. It's time for a change... Join a modern DX group... Looking to the future !