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Investigates the legal framework surrounding **pneumatic antenna launchers** in Victoria, Australia, specifically their classification under the Firearms Act 1996. The author, VK3KBC, details how these devices, designed to discharge a projectile by compressed air, are defined as 'firearms' and subsequently categorized as **Category E Longarms**. This classification carries significant penalties for unregistered possession or use, with the author noting the lack of provisions for amateur radio operators to legally possess and use such devices for antenna deployment. The author shares personal experiences needing such devices for portable HF radio operations, contrasting them with previously legal slingshots and current alternatives like kites or bow and arrow. VK3KBC outlines efforts to advocate for legislative change, including submissions to the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) and the Victorian Department of Justice, proposing an amendment to Section 3(i) of the Firearms Act 1996 to include amateur radio field operations as an exempted use. The resource also reviews the original intent of the Category E firearm classification, suggesting that pneumatic antenna launchers may have been assigned this category in the absence of a more suitable alternative.

Homebrewing portable antennas for field day operations

Presents the W9VT Tri-Town Radio Club, an ARRL-affiliated organization serving the Illinois amateur radio community. The club maintains a 2-meter repeater on 147.180 MHz (+600 kHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS) and a 70-centimeter repeater on 444.825 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS), both located in Woodridge, IL. Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Woodridge Public Library, focusing on technical discussions, operating practices, and community service. The club participates in Field Day, supports local public service events, and offers licensing classes for Technician, General, and Extra class examinations. Members engage in various amateur radio activities, including DXing, contesting, and digital modes, fostering skill development among hams. The club's repeater infrastructure provides reliable local communication for members and supports emergency preparedness efforts within DuPage County. Participation in ARRL-sponsored events like the Simulated Emergency Test (SET) and various operating awards promotes active engagement and technical proficiency. The club provides a platform for mentorship, allowing experienced operators to guide newer hams through licensing and operational aspects.

A voice keyer for field day or general portable operations made with the DH8BQA cq machine kit

The Tri-County CW Amateur Radio Club, operating under the callsign _W3TCW_, is situated in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. This organization extends an open invitation to all licensed amateur radio operators, regardless of age or experience level, to participate in its activities and community. The club maintains a web presence detailing various aspects of its operations, including a calendar of events, a member roster, and contact information. It also provides resources related to _VE Testing_ and links to other local clubs and the _ARRL_ section website. Historical content, such as information from _Field Day 2008_, is also referenced.

TACLog offers a distinct approach to contest logging for **VHF/UHF/SHF** operations, diverging from the rigid input formats often found in other logging applications. This software prioritizes operational freedom, allowing contesters to input data in a sequence that suits their workflow during a fast-paced event, rather than being constrained by predefined field orders. It's particularly tailored for those participating in contests governed by **Region 1 rules**, ensuring compliance with established regulations. The program's design focuses on practicality for serious contesters, providing a robust platform for managing contacts. Its support for the EDI format is a significant advantage, streamlining the process of submitting logs to contest committees and facilitating data exchange within the amateur radio community. My experience with various logging tools confirms that flexibility in data entry can dramatically improve efficiency during multi-operator or high-rate single-operator contests, where every second counts.

Twenty-four repeaters, including D-STAR and Fusion systems, are maintained and operated by MARCA Inc., primarily located on Arizona mountaintops and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization, holding the callsign _W7MOT_, facilitates a wide range of amateur radio activities, such as ARRL Field Day events near Forest Lakes, Arizona, and participation in ARRL FMT contests. Members engage in antenna experimentation, construction, and maintenance trips to repeater sites. The club's interests span diverse topics, including HF voice, digital modes like _WSPR_, _WSJT-X_ (FT8, FT4), and CW, alongside DXing, MESH networking, and EOC operations. It supports technologies from SDR radio building to antique radio restoration and computer-based operations like Echolink, fostering a Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raspberry Pi group. Monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday, feature business discussions and guest presentations, with informal summer gatherings and an annual holiday dinner in December. Monthly VE testing sessions for Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses are conducted by Ray Vasquez, K4RMV. Post-meeting discussions often cover specialized interests such as repeater operations, technical topics, D-STAR, SDR, APRS, Fusion, and Raspberry Pi projects.

The Club Radio Amateur de Québec (CRAQ) is a prominent amateur radio club based in Québec, Canada, dedicated to fostering interest and participation in amateur radio. It provides a platform for local hams to connect, share knowledge, and engage in various radio-related activities, including **DXing**, contesting, and technical experimentation. The club supports its members through regular meetings, technical presentations, and organized operating events, aiming to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the hobby. CRAQ also plays a role in public service communications, often collaborating with local authorities for emergency preparedness and response. CRAQ's activities include operating club stations, organizing **field day** events, and offering training sessions for new licensees. Members frequently participate in provincial and national contests, contributing to the club's competitive standing. The club maintains a network of repeaters, providing reliable local communication infrastructure for its members and the broader amateur radio community in the Québec area. These resources facilitate daily QSO traffic and serve as critical links during community service operations.

The Medina County Amateur Radio Corporation (MCARC) is an amateur radio club based in Medina County, Texas, dedicated to promoting the hobby and providing community support. The organization actively participates in events such as **Winter Field Day 2024**, demonstrating operational readiness and emergency communications capabilities. MCARC focuses on fostering camaraderie among local hams and engaging in various on-air activities, contributing to the overall health of the amateur radio community in its region. The club's activities include regular meetings and participation in significant operating events, which serve to enhance members' technical skills and operational proficiency. By organizing and engaging in events like Field Day, MCARC members gain practical experience in setting up and operating portable stations, often under challenging conditions. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing robust **emergency communications** skills, which are vital for supporting local communities during times of need.

This resource documents numerous QRP (low power) portable amateur radio operations conducted by W1PID, Jim Cluett, primarily from various outdoor locations in New Hampshire. The content includes detailed accounts, photographs, and operational specifics for over 350 individual "QRP Adventures," often involving hiking, biking, or kayaking to remote sites. Each entry typically highlights the location, date, bands and modes used (frequently CW on HF), and notable DX contacts made with minimal power, sometimes as low as 200mW WSPR. The site serves as a chronicle of practical QRP field operation, demonstrating successful DXing and contesting from challenging environments. It showcases diverse operating scenarios, from mountaintops like Cannon Mountain and Knox Mountain to lakeshores, riverbanks, and even marine mobile operations. The documented contacts span numerous DXCC entities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing empirical evidence of QRP's efficacy in varied propagation conditions and terrains. Specific events like the Worked All Germany contest, 13 Colonies Event, and CWT sprints are also featured.

Amateur radio clubs provide essential local support and foster community engagement for radio operators. The VE2CLM website serves as the online presence for the Club Radio Amateur de la Rive Sud de Montreal, offering information about club activities, events, and membership. It details upcoming gatherings such as monthly member meetings and the annual **Hamfest**, a significant event for local hams to connect and exchange gear. The site also features recaps of past events, including a video from **Field Day 2022**, showcasing the club's participation in emergency preparedness exercises and outdoor operations. The resource highlights the club's focus on regular interaction and event organization, with specific dates mentioned for future activities like the April 9, 2026, monthly meeting and the October 18, 2025, Hamfest. By documenting these events, the club demonstrates its commitment to active participation in the amateur radio community. The content provides practical information for members and prospective members interested in local ham radio operations and social events within the Quebec region.

The _Alessandro Volta RTTY Contest_ is an annual digital mode competition focusing on Radioteletype (RTTY) operation, challenging participants to make contacts across various HF bands. This event typically occurs in January, drawing a global field of operators aiming to maximize their QSO count and multiplier accumulation. The contest emphasizes accurate exchange of signal reports and serial numbers, with specific rules governing single operator, multi-operator, and SWL categories. Participants utilize software like _N1MM Logger+_ or _WriteLog_ to manage their logs and generate Cabrillo files for submission. Scoring is based on points per QSO, multiplied by unique DXCC entities and Italian provinces worked on each band. The contest encourages both seasoned RTTY contesters and those new to digital modes to engage in competitive HF activity, promoting skill development in digital communication. Final results and logs are typically published on the contest website, showcasing top performers and providing detailed breakdowns of scores.

The W1HP Philips Amateur Radio Club, originally the Hewlett-Packard ARC, has a history rooted in Andover, Massachusetts, as an employer-sponsored club. It evolved from a "full-service" club to primarily a Field Day club, maintaining its focus on this major annual effort. The club has participated in Field Day under various configurations, including W1HP/1B in Arizona, and has partnered with K1KKM and utilized GOTA stations like K1KKM and KD1NA. Recent Field Day operations reflect adaptations to changing circumstances, with members operating individually due to COVID-19 and later under "new" ARRL rules, sometimes as a "distributed" club. The club's constitution is also referenced, providing insight into its foundational structure. This page is maintained by W1DYJ, with a last update noted as 9 December 2025.

Founded by a small group of young hams in East St. Louis, Illinois, the W9AIU Egyptian Radio Club serves as a local amateur radio organization. The club's origins trace back to meetings held in Herb Wilhelm's, W9APX, dry cleaning shop, indicating a grassroots beginning for this community group. It operates as a typical ham radio club, fostering camaraderie and likely supporting various aspects of the hobby for its members. As an amateur radio club, W9AIU likely engages in activities such as local nets, field day operations, and perhaps provides licensing support or technical discussions. Such clubs are crucial for new hams seeking mentorship and for experienced operators looking to participate in group activities like contesting or public service communications. The club's presence in Illinois suggests a focus on local and regional amateur radio initiatives.

The Alcorn County ARES group provides crucial **emergency communications** support within Alcorn County, Mississippi, operating under the Amateur Radio Emergency Service framework. This organization mobilizes licensed amateur radio operators to assist public safety agencies during emergencies, natural disasters, and other critical events when conventional communication infrastructure fails or becomes overloaded. Their activities include regular training exercises, participation in local drills, and maintaining readiness to deploy communication assets. Members engage in various aspects of amateur radio, including voice, digital modes, and message handling, ensuring a robust and redundant communication network. The group's focus on preparedness and community service aligns with the core principles of ARES, emphasizing rapid response and effective information relay during crises. They often collaborate with local emergency management agencies, such as the Alcorn County Emergency Management Agency, to integrate amateur radio capabilities into broader disaster response plans. Dustin Brumfield, KD5LAP, serves as the Public Information Officer, facilitating outreach and coordination. The club's operational area is specifically Alcorn County, Mississippi, contributing to local resilience.

Presents field test results for an **elevated SuperAntenna MP-1** portable antenna, configured on a tripod for HF operations. The resource details the antenna's setup and performance during a portable activation, focusing on its use across the 40-meter, 20-meter, and 17-meter amateur bands. It includes observations on signal reports and operational considerations for this specific portable antenna configuration. The content provides practical insights into deploying the MP-1 antenna in a non-ground-mounted setup, which is often a point of interest for portable and QRP operators. It documents the author's experience with the antenna's tuning and effectiveness for making contacts under real-world conditions, offering a user-perspective review of its capabilities. The article also features photographic evidence of the antenna's deployment, illustrating the tripod mounting and the overall portable station setup.

The N1HFX thermal cooling fan controller project details a practical circuit designed to manage cooling fan operation based on temperature, a common requirement for high-power amateur radio equipment. This build utilizes a **LM34** temperature sensor, providing a linear voltage output directly proportional to Fahrenheit degrees, simplifying the control logic. The circuit's core functionality involves a comparator that activates the fan when a preset temperature threshold is exceeded, ensuring efficient cooling and reducing unnecessary fan noise. This controller is particularly useful for amplifiers, power supplies, or transceivers that generate significant heat during operation. The design incorporates a _TIP120 Darlington transistor_ to drive the fan, capable of handling up to 5 amps, making it suitable for a range of fan sizes and current requirements. Field results indicate stable temperature regulation, preventing thermal runaway in enclosed environments. Construction involves readily available components, making it an accessible project for hams looking to optimize their station's thermal management.

When assembling a robust shack, the quality of interconnects often determines overall system integrity and signal fidelity. Neutrik, with over 50 years in the connectivity sector, specializes in professional-grade connectors that withstand rigorous use in entertainment and industrial applications. Their product range includes XLR, speakON, powerCON, and opticalCON series, which are frequently adapted by hams for critical station infrastructure, particularly in contesting or DXpedition environments where reliability is paramount. Amateur radio operators often repurpose these durable connectors for antenna switching matrices, audio interfaces for digital modes, or power distribution systems. The robust locking mechanisms and high-quality contact materials found in Neutrik products ensure stable connections, minimizing intermittent faults that can plague field operations or even fixed station setups. This attention to mechanical and electrical integrity aligns well with the demands of high-power RF environments and sensitive receive chains. While primarily serving the pro-audio and video markets, the engineering principles behind Neutrik's designs translate directly to the needs of radio amateurs seeking superior performance and longevity from their cabling and connection points. Their commitment to innovation, as highlighted by their 50-year journey, suggests a continuous evolution of products that could benefit future amateur radio applications.

Provides custom battery pack assembly services, focusing on portable power solutions for two-way radio applications. The company distributes batteries from numerous manufacturers, ensuring a broad selection for various radio models. This includes replacement packs for popular brands such as _Kenwood_, _Icom_, and Yaesu handheld transceivers, as well as batteries for CB radios and scanners. The core business function involves designing and building specific battery configurations to meet unique customer requirements, extending the operational life of portable radio equipment. Their offerings support a wide range of amateur radio activities requiring reliable, field-deployable power sources. Advanced Battery Systems also supplies individual cells and components, enabling radio operators to repair or rebuild existing battery packs, potentially saving costs compared to purchasing new OEM units. They emphasize durability and performance in their custom builds, aiming for **extended cycle life** and **consistent power output**.

Operating a QRP station in frigid conditions presents unique challenges, particularly concerning power management and equipment reliability. This resource outlines a specific winter portable configuration, focusing on maintaining operational capability when temperatures drop significantly. It details the use of a _Yaesu FT-817ND_ for digital QRP modes, paired with a _Raspberry Pi_ for digital signal processing and logging, demonstrating a practical approach to cold-weather field communications. The article provides insights into selecting appropriate power sources, such as LiFePO4 batteries, and managing their performance in sub-zero environments. It also covers shelter considerations, including tent selection and heating strategies, crucial for operator comfort and equipment protection during extended activations. The author, _OH8STN_, shares firsthand experience from Arctic Circle operations, emphasizing robust gear choices. Further content includes a video walkthrough, illustrating the physical setup of the station, antenna deployment, and the overall operational workflow in a winterized environment. This visual aid complements the written text, offering a comprehensive view of the entire portable station, from the transceiver to the power system and the protective shelter.

The Kitchener Waterloo Amateur Radio Club (KWARC) website provides a central hub for its members and the broader amateur radio community, detailing club activities, meeting schedules, and special events. It features a monthly newsletter, the _Kilowatter_, which archives club news and technical articles, offering insights into local amateur radio operations and projects. The site also includes information on the club's repeaters, operating on various bands, and details about the annual _Central Ontario Hamfest_. Content covers diverse aspects of the hobby, from general interest articles to specific technical discussions. The resource serves as a primary communication channel for KWARC, facilitating member engagement and disseminating information about club-sponsored activities like field days and public service events. It also lists contact information for club executives and provides resources for new licensees.

UN Amateur Radio News, curated by Artur UN6QC, presents information relevant to Kazakh radio amateurs, including details on their account activity and participation in **WFF Kazakhstan** expeditions. The resource also documents various diplomas issued within Kazakhstan, such as those related to WFF Kazakhstan and special programs like the "50th Anniversary of the first manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin" and "The Columbus of the Cosmos" Award. It aggregates international ham radio news and maintains a calendar of international HAM competitions. The site, operational since May 14, 2010, serves as a central point for information on HAM competitions organized in Kazakhstan. It also references external resources like WWW.CQHAM.KZ for award details and WWW.EQSL.KZ for UN EQSL services. The platform aims to be a useful hub for both local and international amateur radio enthusiasts interested in Kazakh-specific operations and awards. Key events like the **UN DX Contest** and the First UN Field Day, held May 19-20, 2012, are highlighted.

The Barrow Amateur Radio Emergency Service Club (BARES) serves as a local hub for amateur radio operators in Barrow County, Georgia, focusing on community engagement and emergency preparedness. Established in 2007, the club provides a platform for hams to connect, share knowledge, and participate in various radio activities. Members often engage in public service events, offering communications support, and conduct regular meetings to discuss technical topics and operational procedures. BARES emphasizes the importance of emergency communications, with members frequently training for and participating in simulated emergency tests (SETs) and real-world disaster response scenarios. The club maintains a focus on local area coverage, ensuring reliable communication infrastructure is available when traditional systems fail. Their activities often involve operating on _VHF_ and _UHF_ bands for local nets and _HF_ for longer-distance emergency coordination. Key activities include field day operations, technical workshops, and supporting local events with radio communications.

Mircules HAM QuickLog provides a mobile logging solution for amateur radio operators, supporting quick contact entry on iOS and Android platforms. It features multiple log file management, instant callsign information display including Country, ITU zone, CQ Zone, and DXCC number, and robust ADIF and CSV import/export capabilities. The application is designed for efficient logging with optional fields and default values, streamlining the process for both shack and field operations. The software includes dedicated support for POTA, SOTA, and IOTA activations through specific fields like MY_SIG_INFO, SIG_INFO, MY_SOTA_REF, IOTA, and MY_IOTA. A specialized contest mode offers real-time dupe checking and automatic TX exchange updates to enhance contest efficiency. Integration with QRZ.COM and HAMQTH.COM allows for direct operator information lookup and import, while Open Street Maps integration provides geographic context for contacts. The application also features a notes and scratchpad function for each log file.

The Eastman Amateur Radio Club (VE4TG) operates a **VHF repeater** at 146.73 MHz and a **UHF repeater** at 444.15 MHz, both located at the Manitoba Hydro gas-fired generating station near Selkirk. These repeaters are situated on the power plant roof, leveraging its infrastructure for antenna placement. The club's primary objective is to offer a reliable local repeater site for members in the East Selkirk and Lockport areas, ensuring consistent amateur radio access. Beyond routine communication, the club maintains a standby communications link to assist local municipal authorities during emergencies requiring communications support. The unique repeater site location at a generating station provides a robust backup power supply, enhancing reliability. The club also organizes activities such as a weekly net and participates in WARC Field Day, fostering community engagement and operational readiness.

Accurate meteorological data is crucial for optimizing antenna performance, predicting propagation, and ensuring safe tower work. This resource provides a curated inventory of weather stations, including models like the _AcuRite Atlas_ with lightning detection and the _Ambient Weather WS-2902_ WiFi Smart Weather Station, which offer real-time data on environmental factors. The product listings detail specific features such as direct-to-Wi-Fi connectivity, rainfall tracking, and temperature insights, enabling informed decision-making for various amateur radio operations. The platform categorizes products by application, featuring weather stations tailored for home and backyard use, as well as more robust systems for farm and agriculture, which can be critical for field day operations or remote station monitoring. It also highlights _Made in USA_ options, emphasizing local manufacturing and support. Beyond weather instruments, the site also presents related surveillance technology, such as the _Waggle solar CCTV camera_, designed for outdoor reliability with an IP65 weatherproof rating. This integration allows for comprehensive monitoring of remote ham radio shacks or antenna sites, combining environmental data with visual oversight.

Approximately 30 active members comprise the _Racine Megacycle Club_, W9UDU, a long-standing amateur radio organization based in southeastern Wisconsin. The club provides a local hub for hams interested in various aspects of the hobby, including contesting, DXing, and technical experimentation. Regular meetings offer opportunities for knowledge exchange, project collaboration, and social interaction among licensed operators. The club actively participates in public service events and promotes emergency communications preparedness within the community. They often host field day operations, providing hands-on experience with portable setups and demonstrating the capabilities of amateur radio to the public. Membership is open to all licensed amateur radio operators. Their website serves as a central point for club news, event announcements, and contact information, supporting the club's mission to advance the art and science of amateur radio.

The Triple A Amateur Radio Association (TAARA) is identified as an ARRL-affiliated Special Service Club, operating within Beaver County, Pennsylvania, approximately 28 air miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The organization provides a community hub for amateur radio operators in its service area, focusing on local engagement and support for the hobby. While the QSL.net hosting platform indicates a 404 error for the specific page, the club's stated affiliation with the _ARRL_ and its designation as a _Special Service Club_ suggest a commitment to public service, education, and promoting amateur radio. Such clubs typically engage in activities like license classes, field day operations, and emergency communications support within their local communities.

Presents the Westcoast Amateur Radio Association (WARA), VE7VIC, a prominent amateur radio club situated in Victoria, British Columbia. The site details the club's organizational structure, including its executive committee and meeting schedules, offering insights into local amateur radio governance and community engagement. It outlines various club activities, such as field operations, technical projects, and social gatherings, demonstrating the diverse interests of its members within the amateur radio hobby. The resource also highlights WARA's involvement in emergency communications, specifically mentioning its role in local ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) initiatives and public service events. Information regarding repeater systems maintained by the club, including operational frequencies and modes, is provided, which is crucial for local hams seeking reliable communication infrastructure. The site also features a section dedicated to membership, detailing benefits and application procedures for prospective members. Furthermore, the website serves as a repository for club news, event calendars, and educational resources, supporting ongoing learning and participation among its members and the broader amateur radio community in the Pacific Northwest region. It also includes contact information for various club officers and general inquiries.

DL1OFC, operating from Hankensbüttel, Germany, shares insights into the fascinating hobby of amateur radio. While the station has been on hiatus since 2016, the site provides a valuable archive of activities and technical information. DL1OFC was active across various bands and modes, including 145.225 MHz FM, 430.225 MHz FM, 29.600 MHz FM, and DMR via DB0AGM on TS-1 TG-262 DL. Shortwave operations included SSB on the 40m through 10m bands, as well as 6m. The site details regional amateur radio activities in and around Hankensbüttel, offering a glimpse into local field days and community involvement. A notable feature is Die Isetalrunde, a regional amateur radio net covering the area from the Harz mountains to the sea. The site also includes general information on radio technology, tips for obtaining an amateur radio license, and discussions on VHF/HF propagation, including specifics on the 70 MHz band.

The Boone Area Radio Klub (BARK) serves Boone County, Iowa, as its local amateur radio club, actively welcoming visitors to its meetings and weekly ARES nets. The club maintains a 2-meter repeater on 146.850/250 MHz with a 114.8 Hz tone and a 440 MHz repeater on 443.9+ MHz, both situated at the Boone County Hospital, with a simplex fallback on 146.550 MHz for the 2-meter net. Additionally, BARK supports the Iowa 160-meter ARES net at 1.972.5 MHz, which operates at 9:30 PM on Sundays, featuring a rotating schedule of net controls including KNØR, KBØMPL, NØISU, KEØQEU, and KBØLPI. BARK conducts bimonthly license testing sessions on the second Saturday of even-numbered months, with specific dates like October 19, 2024, at the Hamboree, requiring a $15 fee and prior FCC Registration Number (FRN) acquisition. The club's activities are well-documented through numerous photo galleries from past Field Days (1998, 1999, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019), JOTA events (2013), and special event stations (2010 B&SVRR&M). Members like KBØMPL (Margot Conard) have contributed educational PowerPoint presentations on topics such as "Fun with Handie Talkies," "HF Propagation," and "Digital Mode - FLDIGI - OLIVIA 8/500 - JT65 HF - BAND PLANS." The club's officers, as of May 2018, include WØFS (Clay Conard) as President, NØISU (Mitch Carroll) as Vice-President, and KBØLPI (Eric Sloan) as Treasurer/Secretary, guiding the club's operations and community engagement.

The resource, "Conventional Use of Transmission Line," meticulously details the operational principles of transmission lines, emphasizing the Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) mode of energy transfer. It clarifies that for a line to function purely as a transmission line, all currents must be confined internally, with external fields ideally zero. The discussion differentiates between balanced and unbalanced lines, asserting that while both require equal and opposite currents within the conductors, the key distinction lies in the voltage relationship of each conductor to the surrounding environment. It highlights that a good antenna pattern does not inherently confirm proper feeder balance, and that common-mode currents can lead to RF in the shack and increased noise levels, even without pattern distortion. The article further explains that a transmission line can become a radiating conductor if energy is applied in a non-TEM mode, leading to common-mode issues. It cites classic texts like Jordan and Balmain's "_Electromagnetic Waves and Radiating Systems_" and Kraus's "_Antennas_" to support its definitions of TEM mode operation. The content also explores non-transmission line applications of parallel or concentric conductors, such as _coaxial dipoles_ and _folded dipoles_, which intentionally operate in non-TEM modes for antenna functionality. The author, _W8JI_, stresses that simply measuring equal currents is insufficient to confirm a balanced feeder; phase and voltage balance to ground are equally critical.

The Newport County Radio Club (NCRC) serves as a central hub for amateur radio operators in Rhode Island, providing resources and activities for its members. The club maintains and operates two repeaters, W1SYE and W1AAD, which are critical infrastructure for local communications and emergency preparedness. These repeaters support various modes and are widely utilized by the amateur community for daily contacts and organized nets. The club's activities encompass a range of interests within the hobby, from general operating to specific technical pursuits. It offers opportunities for hams to engage in field operations, participate in contests, and develop their technical skills through shared knowledge and experience. The NCRC fosters a community environment where members can collaborate on projects and enhance their understanding of radio science. Membership provides access to club resources and participation in events, reinforcing the local amateur radio presence.

Amateur Packet Reporting System (APRS) operations often require compact, reliable solutions for transmitting position data, particularly for mobile or portable stations. This resource details the construction of the _Tiny Track-I_, a transmit-only APRS tracker designed for straightforward integration with a VHF radio and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. It enables hams to broadcast their location without the complexity of a full-duplex TNC. The project outlines the printed circuit board (PCB) layout and schematic, based on an original design by N6BG, with a personal PCB drawing by SV1BSX. It includes specific component placement and notes an additional 10uF/10V capacitor (C5) for improved IC voltage decoupling, a modification not present in the original N6BG diagram. The unit connects to a computer or GPS via a DB9 female connector. This tracker is ideal for basic position reporting, offering a simple and effective way to participate in APRS networks. Its small footprint makes it suitable for vehicle installations or field deployments where space is limited, providing a **reliable 9600 baud** data stream for location updates.

The Pamlico Amateur Radio Club (PARC), founded in 1994 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides a community hub for amateur radio operators in the Inner Banks region of North Carolina. Affiliated with the _ARRL_ since 2011, PARC supports local ham radio activities and offers resources for those living or traveling near the Pamlico River. The club maintains an active presence, participating in events like Field Day and offering various operating opportunities. Members engage in diverse aspects of the hobby, from DXing to emergency communications, fostering skill development and camaraderie. The club's focus extends to public service, providing communication support when needed within its operational area. PARC's commitment to the amateur radio community is evident through its long-standing presence and continuous engagement, reflecting over **30 years** of service since its establishment.

The Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club (IVARC) provides a local hub for radio amateurs in the Southampton and Winchester areas of the UK. This club actively participates in various UK contesting events, including the weekly _RSGB VHF UKAC_ contests, _RSGB AFS club contests_, and _BERU contests_, alongside annual UK field days. As a _Brickworks Accredited_ club, IVARC is committed to supporting both new licensees and experienced operators in exploring diverse aspects of the hobby, fostering skill development and operational experience. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at the Bianchi Suite, Otterbourne Village Hall, offering a consistent schedule for members and visitors. The club's recent activities include supporting _Jamboree On The Air_ (JOTA) for local Scout groups (e.g., GB1ESG), activating special event stations like _GB0SR_ from Solent Rescue Lifeboat Station, and organizing club visits to significant historical sites such as Bletchley Park. IVARC also hosts events like QRP Day and National Field Day, providing practical operating opportunities and fostering camaraderie among members.

Outlines the Club de Radio Amateur de Charlevoix (VE2CCR), a regional amateur radio organization serving the Charlevoix area in Quebec, Canada. The resource details the club's objectives, which include promoting amateur radio, fostering technical knowledge among members, and supporting emergency communications. It lists various club activities such as regular meetings, field day participation, and local repeater maintenance. The site provides contact information for prospective members and details on how to join the club, including membership fees and application procedures. Information on the club's repeaters, including frequencies and access tones, is also presented, facilitating local amateur radio operations. The resource serves as a central hub for VE2CCR members and interested individuals seeking to engage with the amateur radio community in Charlevoix.

Operating in the Caribbean, the Jamaica Amateur Radio Association (JARA) provides a central hub for amateur radio enthusiasts on the island. The association details its **repeater network**, including IRLP node 7673 and ECHOLINK access, alongside information on band activity and packet radio operations. Members can access specific documents like the JARA Membership Form and the JARA Disaster Plan, while general visitors can review the full JARA Regulations and learn about the club's history. The site features a photo album and outlines various radio activities, including what constitutes a JARA Field Day. It also provides essential resources such as the Reciprocal License Form and Jamaica Amateur Radio Regulations, crucial for visiting operators. The **WINLINK Project** and Radio Voice Procedure are also covered, offering practical guidance for communications. JARA maintains affiliations with international bodies like **IARU Region II**, ARRL, and RSGB, and lists important organizations such as SATERN 14.265, Jamaica Red Cross, and the National Hurricane Center. The website also includes links to other amateur radio clubs across North America, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, fostering regional and international connections.

DF0WD/DL4YHF's Longwave Overview details amateur radio operations on the 135.7 to 137.8 kHz segment in Germany. The author outlines the "inofficial" European band plan, specifying segments for QRSS, TX tests, beacons, conventional CW, and data modes. Early LF activities at DF0WD began with a 20-watt CW transmitter, later upgraded to a homemade linear transverter capable of 100 watts, driven by an Icom IC706 on 10.137 MHz. The station's antenna system includes a 200-meter wire, approximately 10 meters above ground, supported by football field light-masts. Despite its length, the antenna's efficiency is noted as very low due to the immense wavelength of about 2.2 km. The author's experience highlights the significant challenge of achieving effective radiated power (EIRP) on LF, estimating DF0WD's EIRP at around 80 milliwatts based on field strength measurements from PA0SE. DF0WD/DL4YHF has successfully worked numerous countries on 136 kHz CW, including DL, F, G, GI, GM, GU, GW, HB9, HB0, LX, OE, OH, OK, OM, ON, OZ, PA, and SM. The author also mentions ongoing efforts to log contacts with CT, EI, LA/LG, and to complete a two-way QSO with Italy, demonstrating persistent activity on this challenging band.

MARCA, Inc. operates approximately 24 repeaters across Arizona mountaintops and Phoenix-area rooftops, supporting modes like D-STAR and Fusion. The club, holding the **W7MOT** callsign, engages in diverse activities including ARRL Field Day events near Forest Lakes, AZ, ARRL FMT contests, and antenna experimentation. Members actively participate in HF operations such as voice, digital, CW, DXing, and various digital HF modes, alongside MESH and EOC operations within the valley. The club's interests span a broad technical spectrum, from SDR radio building to antique radio restoration, and include modern digital modes like WSPR, WSJT, FT8, and FT4. They also explore computer-based operations such as Echolink, fostering a dedicated Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raspberry Pi group. Monthly VE testing sessions for Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses are conducted by Ray Vasquez, K4RMV. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, typically lasting two hours, with a business segment followed by a technical presentation. These gatherings occur in-person at IHop in Mesa, AZ, and concurrently via Zoom, accommodating both local members and winter visitors. Informal chat groups often form post-meeting to discuss specialized topics like D-STAR, SDR, APRS, MESH, and Fusion.

Operating ham radio in international waters

Presents various amateur radio topics through blog posts, detailing operational experiences and technical insights from the perspective of SV2YC. The content frequently discusses antenna projects, such as a **portable 20m/40m dipole** designed for rapid deployment, and explores the performance characteristics of different wire configurations in varied field conditions. Observations on propagation and band activity across the HF spectrum are also regularly documented, providing practical context for fellow operators. Specific entries often include detailed accounts of **DX contacts** and participation in minor contests, outlining station setup, power levels, and antenna choices. The blog also covers modifications to commercial transceivers and homebrew accessory construction, offering practical advice on improving station efficiency and functionality. Further posts delve into software applications for logging and digital modes, sharing configurations and operational tips for maximizing their utility in daily amateur radio activities.

A homemade simple and inexpensive portable antenna support, handy for quick trips to the field and other portable operations

Presents the official online presence for CT1ARR, the Associação de Radioamadores do Ribatejo, a recognized amateur radio club based in Portugal. The site serves as a central hub for members and interested parties, detailing the club's objectives and operational scope within the Ribatejo region. It outlines the organizational structure and provides contact information for club officers, facilitating communication among the amateur radio community. The resource documents the club's engagement in various amateur radio activities, including local nets, field days, and participation in national and international contests. It also lists any public service events or training initiatives undertaken by CT1ARR, supporting the development of amateur radio skills and fostering community involvement. The site functions as a digital archive for club news and announcements, ensuring members remain informed about upcoming events and operational changes.

The Black River Amateur Radio Club (K8BRC) operates as a central hub for amateur radio enthusiasts within Van Buren County, Michigan, and its adjacent regions. This organization facilitates various activities, including local nets, educational initiatives, and community service events, all aimed at promoting the hobby and enhancing operational skills among its members. The club's focus on local engagement ensures a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among hams, from those just earning their _Technician_ license to seasoned DXers. Members frequently participate in field operations and emergency communications drills, applying practical skills in real-world scenarios. The club also maintains resources for new operators, offering guidance on station setup, antenna theory, and operating procedures. Their commitment to public service is evident through participation in events requiring reliable communication. K8BRC provides a platform for hams to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and engage in on-air activities, strengthening the local amateur radio community. Many members have achieved **100** DXCC entities.

Dipole antennas, vertical half-wave dipole antennas with impedence tranformes that can be used for portable operations. Some well worn antenna configurations are the easiest and loudest lash-ups you can try.

DxDozer is a Windows-based amateur radio logbook designed for both new and experienced DXers, featuring a robust logging system with extensive search capabilities. It offers seamless integration with FT8, displaying received stations from WSJT-X in a DX Cluster-like view, indicating LoTW status and prior contacts, and initiating QSOs directly. The software supports an unlimited number of callsign logbooks and allows multiple operators to log simultaneously to a single database, enhancing its utility for multi-operator stations or contest operations. The application includes a sophisticated DX Cluster with highly configurable filters based on band, mode, continent, worked/confirmed status, and LoTW participation, enabling users to monitor specific calls or countries. DxDozer simplifies QSL management by facilitating one-button uploads to LoTW and ClubLog, and downloads of new confirmed QSOs, with a dedicated field for QSL medium. The software provides both 'Easy' and 'Expert' modes to cater to different user proficiency levels, and is available via a yearly subscription after an initial free trial period.

The Delta Amateur Radio Club (DARC) serves as a community organization for amateur radio operators in the Memphis, Tennessee area, providing resources and activities centered around two-way radio communication. The club maintains the W4BS repeater system, which operates on 147.060 MHz with a +600 kHz offset and a 100 Hz PL tone, facilitating local VHF communications. DARC actively supports the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), preparing members for public service and disaster response through training and coordinated drills. The club also hosts regular meetings and events, fostering camaraderie and technical skill development among its members. Membership in the Delta Amateur Radio Club offers opportunities for participation in various amateur radio activities, including field day operations and local nets. The W4BS repeater provides reliable coverage across the Memphis metropolitan area, serving as a critical asset for both daily ragchewing and emergency traffic handling. DARC's affiliation with the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) ensures access to national resources and advocacy, reinforcing the club's commitment to promoting amateur radio and public service within the community. The club's focus on emergency communications strengthens local preparedness.

The PAC-12 Antenna, a multi-band portable vertical, is meticulously detailed in this construction article by James Bennett, _KA5DVS_. The design emphasizes ease of homebrewing using readily available components from local hardware stores, including replaceable loading coils. It outlines the preparation of the 72-inch telescoping whip (originally from Radio Shack, with an alternate source now provided by _Pacific Antenna_), the construction of the loading coils from PVC risers, and the fabrication of the aluminum rod base sections. Specific instructions cover threading aluminum rod with a _1/4-20 threading die_ and assembling the feedpoint insulator with a BNC connector, along with recommendations for radial deployment. KA5DVS, an avid traveler and QRP enthusiast, developed the PAC-12 to address the bulkiness of random wire setups and the limitations of commercial portable antennas like the Outbacker or SuperAntennas MP1. His goal was a lightweight, packable antenna that disassembles into 12-inch sections, achieving an assembled length of approximately 8 feet. The design strategically places the loading coil away from the base for improved efficiency. The PAC-12 notably placed first in efficiency compared to a quarter-wavelength wire vertical at the HFPack antenna shootout during the Pacificon conference in October 2001, demonstrating its practical performance for field operations. Appendix C showcases various _NJQRP Club_ members' PAC-12 constructions, including a 20m beam made with multiple PAC-12 elements.

Spy Numbers Stations are shortwave radio stations that are speculated to have been broadcasting since World War I. The true origin and purpose of them are unknown. A popular theory is that these stations are intended for spies in the field using a One Time Pad. Another theory is that they are used in drug smuggling operations.