Search results

Demonstrates the community-driven mission of the McKinney Amateur Radio Club (MARC), a North Texas organization dedicated to advancing amateur radio. The club actively promotes continuous learning, encouraging technical innovation among its members, and provides avenues for public service engagement, skill enhancement, and global connectivity with fellow operators. MARC hosts weekly breakfast discussions every Saturday at 7:30 AM at IHOP in McKinney, Texas, covering diverse topics and offering a Q&A forum. The club emphasizes emergency communication preparedness, antenna design and tuning, and the science of global radio wave propagation, crucial for clear amateur radio contacts. Furthermore, MARC explores modern radio technologies, including digital modes and _Software-Defined Radio_ (SDR), blending traditional amateur radio with cutting-edge advancements. The club also facilitates license testing sessions, hands-on training, and participates in events like _Field Day_ to hone emergency communication skills.

This resource provides a discussion group platform for amateur radio operators interested in APRS within Argentina. It facilitates technical discussions, sharing of operational experiences, and coordination among users of the Automatic Packet Reporting System in the region. The group serves as a central point for exchanging information on local digipeater networks, IGate deployments, and mobile tracking applications, covering both hardware and software aspects relevant to APRS implementation. The forum enables members to post questions, offer solutions, and disseminate news related to APRS activities specific to Argentina, fostering a community-driven approach to problem-solving and knowledge transfer. It supports the collaborative development and maintenance of the APRS infrastructure, allowing for real-time interaction on topics such as frequency usage, network topology, and integration with other amateur radio services.

Discussion group about RTLSDR Dongles, software support and hardware mods for these Software Defined Radio systems based on RTL2832U

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.

This is a discussion group for developers involved with the import or export of data formatted according to the ADIF standard for Amateur Radio Software.

The Vintage Radio and Phonograph Society (VRPS) is a non-profit historical organization, incorporated in Texas, serving enthusiasts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding regions. Its core mission revolves around the **preservation** and **restoration** of antique radios and phonographs, fostering a community for those with a general interest in early wireless technology and vintage audio equipment. The society actively supports the new radio/TV museum in Kilgore, TX, demonstrating its commitment to broader historical preservation efforts. Members engage in activities such as "Show and Tell" days, where they bring items for discussion, and participate in an annual convention. Events like the Spring Auction and the 2026 VRPS Convention, scheduled for October 23-25 at the Grapevine Convention Center, provide opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, and acquire vintage pieces. The organization also highlights related events, such as the Houston Vintage Radio Association's 2026 convention.

**Low SWR Podcast** was a dedicated platform for amateur radio enthusiasts, produced by Rich, **K0EB**, and his son Brady, **AC0XR**. The podcast covered a range of topics relevant to the ham radio community, including technical discussions, DXing, and radio news. Episodes were crafted to engage both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby, providing insights into the evolving landscape of amateur radio. Despite its cessation in 2014, the podcast remains a testament to the dynamic nature of ham radio, reflecting the changing interests and priorities of its creators. The podcast's archive offers a valuable snapshot of amateur radio discourse during its active years. While no new episodes have been produced since 2014, the existing content continues to serve as a resource for understanding past trends and discussions within the community. The podcast's focus on technical content and real-world applications made it a useful tool for operators seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Although inactive, the Low SWR Podcast's legacy persists, highlighting the enduring appeal and educational value of amateur radio media.

radio.McDougallsHome.net The Web site and Blog of Amateur Radio Station K7JM. Homebrew, Construction, Operating, and Discussion

Discussion of radio equipment made by Kenwood

The West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WCARA), operating under the callsign WC8VOA, functions as a division of the _National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting_. This organization actively promotes amateur radio, providing essential facilities for members and guests to convene and exchange technical information about the hobby. The club's primary focus includes fostering community engagement and sharing operational knowledge among enthusiasts. WC8VOA maintains a dedicated ham shack, facilitating on-air operations and technical discussions. Members utilize these resources for various amateur radio activities, including contesting and DXing, contributing to a vibrant local radio scene. The association's commitment to education and hands-on experience strengthens the amateur radio presence in the West Chester area, supporting both new licensees and seasoned operators.

The radio-amatori.it forum provides a platform for Italian radio amateurs to discuss various topics. The forum's content includes general interest discussions relevant to the amateur radio community in Italy. This resource facilitates interaction among hams, allowing for the exchange of information and experiences within a regional context. Currently, the domain radio-amatori.it is listed for sale, indicating a potential change in ownership or operational status. This situation suggests the forum's long-term availability or content stability may be uncertain.

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.

Microwaves101 provides an extensive repository of information covering fundamental principles of microwave design, targeting engineers and radio amateurs interested in the higher frequency spectrum. The site features a detailed _encyclopedia_ of microwave terms and concepts, alongside practical design considerations for various components and systems. It serves as a foundational reference for understanding RF propagation, transmission lines, and active/passive microwave circuits. The resource includes numerous calculators for impedance matching, filter design, and other critical RF parameters, facilitating hands-on project development. Discussions on **10 GHz** equipment and **24 GHz** projects highlight practical amateur radio applications, extending to operations up to 134 GHz. Content spans from basic theory to advanced topics like MMIC design and antenna characteristics, supporting both educational and practical endeavors in microwave technology.

The Davis County Amateur Radio Club (DCARC) serves as a focal point for licensed amateur radio operators in Davis County, Utah, fostering community and promoting radio communication interests. Members engage in various aspects of the hobby, including local nets, public service events, and technical discussions. The club's activities often involve supporting emergency communications preparedness and providing opportunities for skill development among its members. DCARC maintains a presence in the local ham radio scene, facilitating contacts and knowledge exchange. They frequently participate in events like _Field Day_ and offer resources for those interested in obtaining or upgrading their amateur radio licenses. The club also supports local repeaters, ensuring reliable VHF/UHF communication infrastructure for the region. Their website, dcarc.net, provides information on club meetings, upcoming events, and contact details for prospective members.

The Ontario QSO Party (OQP), an annual event, takes place on the third full weekend of April, specifically from 1800Z April 18 to 0300Z April 19, 2026, and 1200Z to 2000Z April 19, 2026. This **QSO party** encourages stations outside Ontario to contact as many Ontario amateur radio stations as possible, while Ontario stations work both in-province and worldwide. Key rule changes for 2026 include phone QSOs now counting equally with **CW** QSOs (2 points), the introduction of VE3RHQ as a bonus station, a 250m county line proximity definition, and a new Fixed County Line Category, alongside an adjustment of contest times. Established in 1998 by Bob Chandler VE3SRE, the OQP has been managed by Contest Club Ontario (CCO) since 2006. The event contributes to the State QSO Party Challenge, offering various award categories and maintaining records of past performance. Participants can submit activation plans, review Ontario multipliers, and access county maps. Final results and certificate winners are published, and a dedicated groups.io discussion group facilitates community interaction and support for logging software.

The Dickson County Amateur Radio Club (DCARC) operates as a local organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Middle Tennessee, providing a focal point for hams in the area. The club's activities typically encompass local nets, technical discussions, and support for emergency communications, aligning with the public service aspects of amateur radio. Members often engage in various operating modes and bands, sharing knowledge and experience to enhance their collective skills. Club members participate in field days, local contests, and community events, demonstrating the practical applications of amateur radio. These gatherings offer opportunities for new hams to gain practical experience and for seasoned operators to mentor others, strengthening the local amateur radio community. The DCARC serves as a hub for camaraderie and mutual support among its members, contributing to the vibrant ham radio scene in Tennessee.

Explains the fundamental purpose of a repeater, detailing how these automated relay stations overcome distance and terrain limitations for VHF/UHF communications. It traces the historical development from early Bell Telephone Labs "relay" stations in 1922 to Art Gentry, W6MEP's, pioneering K6MYK amateur radio repeater in the mid-1950s, which remains active today. The resource clarifies the distinction between simplex and duplex operation, including the unique function of a "parrot repeater" for single-frequency recording and playback. Delving into the internal workings, the guide breaks down a repeater into its core components: the antenna system, feedline (often _Heliax_ or hardline for minimal loss), duplexer, receiver, transmitter, and controller. It emphasizes the critical role of the duplexer in preventing receiver desensitization by isolating transmit and receive signals, even with distinct frequencies. The discussion highlights the importance of high-performance, durable antennas and low-loss feedlines, citing examples of equipment installed in the 1960s and 1970s that are still in perfect working order. Operating a repeater is also covered, with an explanation of frequency offset (e.g., the 600 kHz standard for 2 meters) and the function of _CTCSS_ (PL tone) for access. It outlines standard input/output offsets for various bands, from 6 meters to 23 centimeters, while noting regional variations. The guide also touches on features like autopatch and Digital Voice Recorders (DVRs), providing a solid foundation for understanding repeater technology and usage.

Presents the Utah Valley Amateur Radio Club (UVARC), K7UVA, detailing its organizational structure and activities within the amateur radio community. The club operates repeaters on 2 meters and 70 centimeters, providing local communication infrastructure for its members. UVARC engages in various ham radio activities, including field operations, technical discussions, and support for emergency communications. The club's website provides information on meeting schedules, upcoming events like _Field Day_ and _Winter Field Day_, and resources for new and experienced hams. It also lists contact information for club officers and details about their _ARRL_ affiliation, emphasizing their role in promoting amateur radio education and public service in the Utah Valley area.

The official community website of the AllStarLink amateur radio internet linking system. The communinty requires registration and is the proper place to join discussions for all matters related to AllStar

High Frequency (HF) radio propagation, particularly the phenomenon of "Skip," which enables long-distance radio contacts, is thoroughly explained for newcomers to the amateur radio hobby. The article begins by defining essential terms such as _radio signal_, atmosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere, and aurora, setting a foundational understanding for subsequent discussions. A significant portion of the content focuses on the ionosphere, identifying it as the primary driver of HF propagation. Its structure, including the D, E (E1, E2, E3), and F (F1, F2) layers, is detailed, along with how solar radiation influences these layers to refract radio waves back to Earth. The concept of "The band is opened!" is introduced, specifically noting refraction around **21 MHz**. The guide also touches upon ground waves, space waves, and temperature inversions affecting VHF/UHF propagation, contrasting them with the dynamic nature of ionospheric HF propagation. Factors like antenna polarization, takeoff angle, and the sun's solar cycle are mentioned as critical influences on signal path, with examples like 80-meter band propagation after sunset and 40-meter/20-meter bands offering near-constant propagation.

This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the decibel (dB), its logarithmic nature, and its applications in power, voltage, and antenna gain calculations. It explains how dB simplifies comparisons in electronics, telecommunications, and audio perception. The author clarifies key mathematical concepts, including power ratios, voltage doubling, and absolute levels like dBm and dBV. The discussion on S-units and antenna system gain is particularly relevant for radio amateurs. Overall, this is an informative and well-structured guide to understanding and applying decibels in technical fields.

The Zeppelin antenna, a J-type design, is presented as a two-band HF dipole, offering independent operation on harmonically related frequencies. This resource details its electrical configuration, comprising a half-wave radiator end-fed by a quarter-wave matching section, and explores its historical evolution from early Zeppelin airship applications to modern amateur radio use. The article specifically examines how a Zepp antenna tuned to 28.4 MHz (10 meters) exhibits a harmonic relationship with 15.4 MHz (20 meters), noting a frequency ratio of approximately 1.84:1, which deviates from a perfect 2:1 due to factors like elevation, wire separation, velocity factor, and end-effect. Antenna modeling results, including SWR sweeps at 28.4 MHz (1.1 SWR) and 15.4 MHz (1.6 SWR), are provided through Graph 1 and Graph 2, illustrating the antenna's performance across these bands. Current distribution patterns for both the 28.4 MHz (second harmonic) and 15.4 MHz (first harmonic) operations are visually represented in Figure 2 and Figure 3, respectively. The author also includes a 4NEC2 model's "Symbol Conversion file" definitions and calculated #14 wire dimensions for achieving resonance at 28.4 MHz, with the antenna positioned at a height of 33 feet. The discussion further highlights the antenna's versatility, suggesting its potential as a single-band, center-fed, 15.4 MHz half-wave folded end dipole when fed at a specific low current point. This analysis provides practical insights into constructing and optimizing a multi-band Zepp antenna for HF operations, emphasizing its unique harmonic characteristics and physical compactness.

This article About Noise offers a clear, non-mathematical explanation of noise in telecommunications, making it accessible to radio amateurs. It categorizes noise into fundamental and intermodulation types, detailing sources like thermal, shot, and cosmic noise. The article effectively highlights noise impact on receivers and introduces key metrics like Noise Figure and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). While comprehensive, it remains digestible, balancing technical depth with simplicity. A great resource for understanding radio noise fundamentals without complex equations, though a more detailed discussion on mitigation techniques would further enhance its value.

A podcast dedicated to the technical aspects of amateur radio, featuring in-depth discussions on homebrewing, test equipment, and project building.

This presentation explores the practice of QRP (low-power) amateur radio operation in outdoor settings. It guides operators to identify their specific objectives for portable operations, which inform equipment and antenna choices. The discussion covers considerations including portability, operating modes, power requirements, and weather resistance. Various antenna designs are examined, from vertical configurations to dipoles and end-fed options, with emphasis on deployment practicality in public spaces. The presentation concludes with practical advice on selecting operating locations, RF safety, and resources for equipment and community support for QRP enthusiasts.

VE2AZX's 2013 Radio Talk presentation details the technical aspects of baluns, including reasons for their use, various types, and methods for performance verification using an SWR analyzer. The document specifically examines 1:1 voltage baluns and 4:1 voltage baluns, outlining their winding configurations and typical impedance transformations. It presents empirical SWR measurements for W2AU 1:1 baluns and Unadilla 4:1 baluns, tested with both 50-ohm and 200-ohm resistive loads across the HF spectrum. The presentation further explores the measurement of ferrite impedance and their application in mitigating common-mode currents on feeders and household conductors. Key concepts addressed include balanced-to-unbalanced transformation, ensuring feeder independence from the antenna, and reducing unwanted feeder radiation. The content emphasizes practical testing procedures to ensure optimal antenna system performance and minimize RF interference. Discussions also cover open-circuit tests with SWR analyzers and VNAs to assess winding inductance, distributed capacitance, and insulation quality. The presentation differentiates between voltage and current baluns, explaining how current baluns, particularly those utilizing ferrite cores, reduce outer shield currents without affecting internal coaxial cable currents, thereby preserving the antenna's intended radiation pattern.

Presents the CISAR Isola d'Elba (IQ5IN) club, detailing its role as a central point for local radio amateurs and enthusiasts. The club focuses on educational activities, technical experimentation, and fostering radio culture within the community. It provides resources for obtaining an amateur radio license, offers various didactic materials, and publishes technical articles. The IQ5IN section actively promotes a knowledgeable and engaged community, welcoming new enthusiasts through local events and practical guides. Recent content includes discussions on the role of radio amateurs during wartime, an in-depth analysis of electrical resistors from solid-state physics to RF applications, and a comprehensive guide to the UHF amateur band in Italy, covering its characteristics and uses.