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Restoring vintage amateur radio gear often presents challenges with accurate dial calibration due to the non-linear characteristics of analog tuning capacitors. This resource details the construction of a 100 kHz crystal calibrator, a crucial tool for precisely setting the frequency of older rigs lacking digital readouts. The design cleverly circumvents the scarcity and cost of 100 kHz crystals by utilizing a readily available 8 MHz microprocessor crystal, such as a _HC49U_ type, in conjunction with common _CMOS ICs_ like the 74HCT00 quad NAND gate and 74HCT393 dual 4-bit binary ripple counter. The circuit employs a two-stage frequency division process: the 8 MHz crystal oscillator output is first divided by 16 to yield 500 kHz, then further divided by 5 to achieve the desired 100 kHz output. A 5.1-volt Zener diode, _1N4733A_, regulates the power supply for the HCT series logic. The article also provides a modification to produce a 50 kHz calibrator by altering the counter reset logic. Installation involves feeding the output to the receiver front end, ensuring it's post-TR relay to prevent RF damage, and incorporating an ON/OFF switch for the 12V supply line.

Home page of the Dallas Amateur Radio Club, located in Dallas, Texas. The DARC is one of the oldest clubs in the country, founded in 1914.

Vintage and reproduction electronic parts specialist - Antique radio dials and knobs, 1940-1970 era phonograph cartridges, needles, idler wheels.

How to build a beacon keyer for 28 MHz using an old CB Radio transceiver, by Tom Sevart

Demonstrates the essential steps for winding **toroidal cores**, a fundamental skill for amateur radio operators engaged in homebrewing and kit building. It addresses the critical aspects of selecting the correct core material and wire gauge, emphasizing the importance of precise turn counting and consistent winding tension to ensure optimal circuit performance. The resource details methods for preparing the wire, including techniques for safely removing enamel insulation from leads using flame, sandpaper, or a solder pot, and provides guidance on tinning the exposed wire. Explains the process of mounting the wound toroid onto a printed circuit board, highlighting the need for careful lead placement and secure soldering to prevent shorts and ensure mechanical stability. It also offers a practical formula for calculating the required wire length based on the desired number of turns and the specific **toroid** size, referencing common core types like T-50 and FT-240. The guide stresses the importance of verifying the inductance of the wound component, often using an inductance meter, to confirm it matches design specifications. Provides practical tips for handling multi-filar windings and managing short lead lengths, which can be particularly challenging. It underscores the necessity of meticulous attention to detail throughout the winding and installation process to achieve reliable and efficient RF circuits.

Based in San Diego CA, collectible radios, test equipment, tubes, antique radio parts, speakers and kits

The half wave dipole antenna is a simple and practical antenna model that consists of a half wavelength long centre fed conductor.

Over **10 million** antennas and flags have been sold worldwide by Firestik Antenna Company, a veteran-owned manufacturer specializing in both CB and amateur radio communication products. Their offerings include a range of antennas, mounting accessories, and coaxial cables, designed for various mobile and fixed applications. The company provides technical support and maintains a network of dealers for product availability. Firestik products are known for their fiberglass construction, which is evident in their _Firestik_ and _Firefly_ antenna lines. The company also produces unique items like the "342 mile per hour Firestik flag," highlighting their diverse manufacturing capabilities beyond just radio antennas. They emphasize their commitment to quality and customer service, including direct technical assistance. The company is located in Tempe, Arizona, and operates under the registered trademark of _Pal International Corporation_. They actively protect their brand, including variations like Firestick and Firestix, ensuring proper representation of their products in the market.

The Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club (DARC) e.V. serves as the largest association for radio amateurs in Germany and Europe, structured into 24 districts and approximately 960 local chapters nationwide. Its core mission involves fostering amateur radio and establishing favorable conditions for the Amateur Radio Service. The DARC actively participates in international affairs as a member of the **International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)**, ensuring German interests are represented on a global scale. Recent activities include the announcement of the FUNK.TAG in Kassel for April 25, 2026, and the HAMCamp at **HAM RADIO** in Friedrichshafen from June 26-28, 2026, offering discounted participation for young operators up to 27 years old. The club also supports special events, such as a short-term award and special callsign DB15ØWG to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Weimar–Gera railway line, active from April 1 to June 30. Regular updates, like the Deutschland-Rundspruch 11/2026, cover topics from the status of 70 MHz band permissions to satellite deployments like Ten-Koh 2, and contest results such as the WWA YL event. Propagation forecasts, including Kp indices and solar flux values, are provided by Hartmut Büttig, DL1VDL, offering insights into HF conditions and Gray-Line DX opportunities. The DARC also reports on district elections and space-related events like the Bochumer Weltraumtag, highlighting the diverse engagement of its members.

This page displays a 404 error, indicating the original content describing a simple _RS232 interface_ circuit is unavailable. The circuit was reportedly designed for older Kenwood transceivers and featured in chapter 22 of the _ARRL Handbook_. It likely involved basic electronic components for level shifting and signal conditioning between a computer's serial port and the radio's control interface. The intended project would have detailed the construction of a hardware interface, enabling CAT control for specific Kenwood models. Such interfaces typically convert TTL or CMOS logic levels from the radio to the +/-12V levels required by RS232, often utilizing ICs like the MAX232 or discrete transistor circuits. While the specific schematics and bill of materials are absent due to the page error, the context suggests a DIY electronics project for enhancing legacy amateur radio station functionality through computer control.

A folded wire antenna for 160 meters as appeared on 73 amateur radio magazine june 1997

A copper pipe Hentenna for 144 MHz. The Hentenna, a compact, high-gain loop antenna developed in Japan in the 1970s, offers approximately 5.1 dBd gain, comparable to a three-element Yagi. Adapted for 2 meters, it is crafted from copper pipe for simplicity, affordability, and broadband performance. Requiring no feed-point tuning, its construction involves soldering standard copper fittings. Installation demands non-conductive materials to minimize signal disruption. Versatile for vertical or horizontal polarization, it is ideal for FM, repeater, SSB, or CW applications. This design emphasizes practicality and performance for amateur radio enthusiasts

The Icom IC-7300 is a popular HF transceiver among amateur radio operators, known for its advanced features and performance. This modification guide focuses on enabling extended transmission capabilities, specifically for MARS and CAP frequencies. The instructions are based on the work of PA2DB and include detailed steps for removing specific diodes to unlock additional frequency ranges. Before proceeding with the modification, users are advised to take necessary precautions, such as ensuring the radio is powered off and using ESD protection. The guide emphasizes the importance of using appropriate soldering techniques and tools to avoid damaging sensitive components. A video demonstration is also provided to assist users visually in performing the mod. While this modification can enhance the functionality of the IC-7300, it is crucial to note that it may void the warranty and should be undertaken at the operator's own risk. The guide serves as a valuable resource for those looking to expand their operating capabilities with this versatile transceiver.

Building the Balanced Termination Folded Dipole

TR4W is a contest logging software package supporting over **180** amateur radio contests. The program operates on Windows 7 to windows 11 operating systems. It supports CW keying via serial port, LPT port, or Winkey, with CW speeds ranging from 1 to **99** WPM. Paddle input via LPT port enables the program to function as a keyer, with paddle input aborting computer-generated CW. PTT support includes programmable delay. The software incorporates automatic super check partial and call checking, along with an expanded .DTA database format for names, QTH, grid, and SS check information. A band map displays color-coded aging data. The software features a built-in telnet DXCluster interface, automatically inserting spots into the band map. It supports RTTY operation via the MMTTY engine and includes WAE QTC support for both European and non-European stations. TR4W provides radio interfacing for Elecraft, Icom, Japan Radio, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, and Yaesu transceivers, utilizing serial or USB-to-serial adapters. Networked multiple-rig operation is supported through a client-server model using TCP/IP protocol. Integrated two-radio support (SO2R) is present. The program includes on-the-fly MP3 recording and log backup to USB drives or selected HDD folders. It uses the standard CTY.DAT file for country and beam heading data.

YO Yagi Optimizer by K6STI is an old MSDOS based antenna modelling software that has been very popular among ham radio community. YO.exe is still today used to optimize Yagi Antennas.

Windows remote control for Yaesu or Icom. Displays the current transceiver settings frequency, mode, and others on the PC in an old-fashioned way that corresponds to the look of receivers in 70's. DX-Cluster Watch (DCW) is an application that automatically refreshes a web page with the dx-cluster content, parses spot lines from it, keeps a consolidated list and inserts the spots to VLR as frequency markers by OK1FIG

The Old Tube Radio Network is dedicated to those real, American-Made, Old Tube CB Radios

Basic information on the folded dipole antenna

Over 1,000 stations in approximately 60 countries were worked using this modified twin-lead folded dipole, demonstrating its effectiveness with just 4 watts on 20 meters. This design, adapted from an ARRL Handbook concept, eliminates the shorting strap found in traditional folded dipoles, simplifying construction while maintaining performance. It utilizes readily available 300-ohm TV antenna feeder ribbon, making it a cost-effective solution for radio amateurs. The antenna's robust construction allows it to handle up to 100 watts without issues, even without a **balun**. The inclusion of a variable trimmer capacitor at the stub provides flexibility for tuning across different frequencies within a band, a practical feature for operators using transceivers like the Icom 735. Formulas are provided to calculate the precise dimensions for any desired operating frequency, enabling customization for various **HF bands**.

An old post by John Doty about effects of noise in longwire antenna.

This online article provides a list of individuals who hold or have held amateur radio callsigns, detailing their public recognition. The resource identifies specific callsigns such as **K1JT** (Joe Taylor, Nobel Prize in Physics), **W6OBB** (Art Bell, syndicated radio personality), and **JY1** (King Hussein of Jordan), linking them to their non-amateur achievements. It also notes operational statuses like _Silent Key_ for deceased operators and _lapsed callsign_ for inactive licenses. The article includes information on callsign changes due to vanity callsign programs and provides examples of individuals involved in specific technical areas, such as Percy L. Spencer (**W1GBE**), inventor of the microwave oven, and Jay Kolinsky (**NE2Q**), inventor of electronic sirens. It also references amateur radio involvement in _space missions_ for individuals like Owen Garriot (**W5LFL**) and Helen Sharman (**GB1MIR**). DXZone Focus: Online Article | Famous Hams | Callsign Status | Vanity Callsigns

Details Guglielmo Marconi's foundational contributions to radio communication, highlighting his 1898 Patent **7777** which introduced tuning circuits for independent simultaneous communications. Chronicles the historic transatlantic reception of the Morse code letter 'S' on December 12, 1901, from Poldhu, Cornwall, to St. John's, Newfoundland, a distance of over _3,500 kilometers_. The exhibit showcases early Marconi 10-inch spark transmitters, identical to those used on the _Titanic_, alongside Canadian Marconi crystal detector models. It also features high-end commercial receivers like the IP501, weighing **87 pounds** and originally priced at $595.00, demonstrating the robust construction and technological advancements of the era.

Grahams Goldcoast Australia Radio Scanner Frequencies

Over 1.5 million US amateur radio call signs are managed by the FCC, and this online service assists operators in finding available vanity call signs. Users can specify desired **call sign suffixes** to narrow down search results, which are drawn directly from the current FCC database. The platform clarifies that some valid call signs, never previously held since online FCC record-keeping began, may not appear in search results; for such cases, a separate "call lookup" function is recommended to verify availability before applying. The service provides crucial guidance on the application process, noting that applications should generally not be filed before the indicated "Available Date" unless the applicant is a former holder or a close family member. It also dispels the common misconception that call signs are granted on a first-come, first-served basis on any given day. Instead, all applications received on a particular day are metaphorically "thrown into a hat," with a winner randomly selected. This mechanism ensures fairness in the assignment of highly sought-after **vanity call signs** across the US amateur radio community.

Replicating vintage radio components addresses the challenge of restoring classic receivers and transmitters to their original aesthetic and functional condition. Many historical radios, particularly those from the _Golden Age of Radio_ (1920s-1940s), suffer from brittle or missing control knobs and trim pieces, making authentic restoration difficult. This resource focuses on manufacturing new parts that precisely match the originals, ensuring period-correct repairs. The service offers a vast catalog of reproduced items, with thousands of molds created since 1987. This extensive inventory includes a wide spectrum of knobs and pushbuttons, along with some plastic escutcheons, grills, and handles. The meticulous reproduction process ensures that restorers can find accurate replacements for brands like Philco, Collins, and Atwater Kent, preserving the historical integrity of these valuable pieces of radio history. The owner, Larry Bordonaro, has been in business since 1987, demonstrating deep experience in this niche.

Antique Radios for Sale, Old Radios Repaired, Reproduction Parts and CD's

The silver springs radio club is the oldest amateur radio club serving ocala

Online ham radio practice exam by eHam, allow practice current exams but also old amateur radio exams based on old licence classes.

Buy old manuals, military radios, kits, receivers online shop

Since 1998, Radio Age has offered for sale antique radios from the Golden Age of radio

Personal Web Site of UX7CQ. Information about Ukraine. Old military radios collection. CW Straight Keys.

The Folded Dipole is not used much amongst Radio amateurs, probably due to the fact that this antenna uses twice as much wire as a single-wire dipole.

Antique radios and audio sold to collectors and dealers

Here is an old ham radio operators trick for cleaning wires for soldering that are old and corroded. It is hard to find this technique printed anywhere!

Antique radios, ham radio, electronic parts, test equipment, stereo equipment, record players, phonographs, tape recorders, gadgets, Bought & Sold Online

This publications page lists articles on surface mount devices, amateur radio, soldering, shunts, and measuring large direct currents.

Unlocking the full multiband potential of the 225 Ohm elementary radiator in a folded monopole, dipole-like or turnstile layout, by Francesco Errante

All types of Military Antennas, Law Enforcement Antennas, Mobile Radio Antennas, GPS Antennas, Satellite Antennas, WLAN/Wi-Fi/WiMax Antennas, Cell Phones, TV, HDTV Antennas available and sold

Hobby kits and electronics, semiconductors, components, batteries, ham radio gear and more. The store sells a variety of electronic components including resistors, capacitors, and fuses. They also sell tools such as screw connectors and box cutters. Some of the featured items on the website are Nixie tube clock kits and battery holders.

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

This tutorial will show you how to connect a Morse key to the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins, and how to write code to play tones when you hold the key down. You will also decode the Morse that you're keying so that it comes up on the screen.

W5AC is the Texas A&M University Amateur or "Ham" Radio Club. This club, founded in 1912, is one of the oldest university radio clubs in existence.

Demonstrates the construction of a custom programming cable for Yaesu VX-7R and VX-5R handheld transceivers, enabling computer interfacing for memory management and frequency coverage adjustments. The resource details a six-transistor circuit design, powered by the computer's RS232 interface, utilizing readily available and inexpensive discrete components. It includes a complete bill of materials, specifying transistors like the _2N2222_ and _2N3906_, diodes, and resistors, along with a matrix board layout for compact assembly within a 75x50x25mm enclosure. The guide provides practical tips for working with matrix board, such as scoring and snapping, track cleaning, and component soldering order. It outlines the specific connection requirements for both the VX-7R (via Yaesu's CT-91 breakout lead with a 2.5mm stereo jack) and the VX-5R (via CT-44 or a four-section jack), detailing signal and ground pinouts. The author successfully tested three circuits, documenting the one with complete two-way communication, allowing users to program their rigs with software like _VX-7 Commander_ and achieve capabilities beyond commercial cables, including band adjustments.

An overview of some of the ways, and the key tips on how electronics soldered joints can be unsoldered or desoldered.

Ham radio frequency list consolidation software. The Ham Radio database can house a unlimited number of records. Holding frequency information from DC to Daylight. The Radio Scanner Database is designed to emulate a radio scanner. A 5,000 record table is provided and is organized by channel number.

Cannot record CW message, AFSK not working, tracking not working, meter peak hold, on Yaesu FT-920.

The Receiver Test Data resource is a detailed review database focusing on the performance metrics of various radio receivers. The methodology involves rigorous lab measurements, often adhering to standards such as the ARRL RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) and BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range). Specific test equipment and protocols are utilized to assess parameters like noise floor (dBm), AGC threshold (uV), and LO noise (dBc/Hz). For example, the _Icom IC-7300_ is evaluated with a noise floor of **-133 dBm** and an LO noise of **-141 dBc/Hz**, providing insights into its performance under different operational conditions. The resource includes a wide range of models, from the _Elecraft K3S_ to the _Yaesu FTdx-101D_, each tested for dynamic range, sensitivity, and selectivity. The data is sorted by key metrics such as third-order dynamic range and phase noise limitations, with RMDR values calculated by subtracting 27 dB from LO noise figures. This structured approach allows users to compare different receivers' capabilities, focusing on technical specifications and performance outcomes in various scenarios. DXZone Focus: Review Database | Lab Measurements | -133 dBm | ARRL RMDR

Over 130 years after its inception, Morse Code remains a fundamental skill for many amateur radio operators, enabling efficient QRP operations, DXing, and contesting. This resource provides an in-depth look at the **Koch Method** of Morse training, a widely adopted technique that emphasizes high-speed character recognition from the outset. It details how this method can significantly accelerate proficiency, moving beyond traditional, slower learning approaches. The site also delves into the rich history of amateur radio, presenting articles such as "Radio on the Rio," which chronicles local ham activity in Socorro, New Mexico. Another piece, "The Russian Woodpecker," recounts the Cold War-era efforts of hams to counter Soviet over-the-horizon radar interference on the HF bands. Furthermore, the resource explores the fascinating intersection of ham radio and radio astronomy, highlighting the direct lineage between amateur experimentation and the development of modern radio telescopes like the **Very Large Array (VLA)**. It also includes an introduction to the 6-meter band, often called "The Magic Band," detailing its unique propagation characteristics and suitability for no-code licensees seeking long-distance contacts.