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If you are having problems with RFI from Solar Panels this document from QST provides useful advice. According to this article it is possible to prevent and mitigate RF interferences, with your amateur radio equipment, by suppressing the RF either in the shack and to the solar power infrastructure.

Welcome to the G7IZU Radio Reflection Detection website. This site provides also Live Solar Events, and propagation map

HAMRS v2.52.0 provides a portable logging solution for amateur radio operators, supporting macOS, Windows, Ubuntu, Raspbian, iOS, and Android platforms. The software includes offline databases for POTA parks and US callsigns, facilitating logging without internet connectivity. It features ADIF import/export capabilities, enabling one-click uploads to QRZ.com. Rig control is supported through native _Hamlib_ and _FLRIG_ integration, alongside compatibility with _WSJT-X_ for digital modes. Recent updates in v2.50 introduced a QSO Map for visualizing contacts with band colors and filtering, real-time solar and HF/VHF propagation conditions, and a dedicated logging template for ARRL Field Day exchanges. An interactive US Band Plan displays privileges and sub-bands, while a live POTA Spots Map highlights the active park and offers license-aware spot filtering.

This article discusses the potential for solar power systems to coexist harmoniously with amateur radio, challenging the notion that they are inherently incompatible. Drawing from personal experience, the author emphasizes the importance of selecting RF-quiet components, focusing on series-string Sunny Boy grid-tie inverters. The article also highlights considerations for system design and limitations based on roof orientation, shading, and array size. Overall, it presents a valuable perspective on creating a radio-friendly solar PV setup.

Stop EMI RFI Interference in Off Grid Solar PV Systems, in this article the author provides hints on tracking down the EMI or RFI source, shielding and grounding in order to eliminate interferences on the whole HF and VHF ham radio bands

Operating on the HF and VHF bands, the URE WebCluster serves as a real-time DX spotting network for amateur radio operators. It aggregates DX spots from various sources, presenting them with detailed information such as DX callsign, frequency, mode, and spotter details. The platform integrates essential propagation data, including current solar indices like _K-index_ and _A-index_, alongside visual propagation maps, which are crucial for planning long-distance contacts. Users can submit new DX spots, contributing to the collective intelligence of the amateur radio community, and filter existing spots by band, mode, or callsign, enhancing operational efficiency. This resource enables operators to monitor band openings and identify active DX stations, significantly aiding in _DXCC_ pursuit and contest operations. The integration of solar-terrestrial data directly within the cluster interface allows for immediate correlation between propagation conditions and observed DX activity, a feature not universally present in all web clusters. By providing both raw spot data and contextual propagation information, the URE WebCluster offers a practical tool for real-time decision-making during operating sessions, allowing hams to quickly adapt to changing band conditions and target specific _DX_ entities.

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

During radio's early days, high frequencies were under 30 MHz due to technical limitations. As understanding grew, components improved, allowing for higher frequencies like VHF and UHF up to 3 GHz. The HF band's long wavelengths provide unique propagation challenges influenced by solar activity. VHF and UHF bands face diffraction and reflection issues but offer diverse applications, from amateur radio to 5G and GPS technologies.

Protect your radio tower and solar charged battery power supply by sending the correct Morse code transmissions. Tap out alphanumeric characters in Morse code to prevent your radio station from being destroyed by the Morse code meteor attack! Meteors may be destroyed in any order. All levels start with a fully charged battery. Each DIT uses 1% battery power. Each DAH uses 3% battery power. Your battery charges at a nominal rate of 1% every 5 seconds, and total charge increases by 1% for every correct Morse code transmission. In addition, you have two solar panels that each contribute 1% to the battery charge rate. If your solar panels are destroyed, there are no replacements for that game. When your battery runs low, an SOS prosign bonus appears. Destroy this entity to recharge your battery.

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.

Understanding radio wave propagation is fundamental for effective HF communication, and this guide from the Galway Radio Club elucidates the principles behind _Near Vertical Incidence Skywave_ (NVIS) operation. It begins by contrasting NVIS with line-of-sight and surface wave propagation, highlighting its utility for reliable regional coverage, particularly in challenging terrains or within the skip zone. The document explains how NVIS leverages high-angle radiation, refracting signals from the ionosphere to return to Earth within a circular region, typically up to **650 km** (400 miles) from the transmitter. The guide delves into critical factors influencing NVIS, such as the _critical frequency_ (Fo) and the Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF), emphasizing their dependence on solar activity, time of day, and season. It provides practical advice on frequency selection, noting that 40 meters is often the highest daytime NVIS band, with 60 meters and 80 meters favored as darkness falls. The author, EI5DD, suggests using an ionogram for real-time propagation data, considering it more reliable than generic ham-clocks. Antenna considerations are also covered, recommending dipoles, inverted vees, or phased dipoles positioned 0.1 to 0.25 wavelengths above ground for optimal high-angle radiation. The document mentions mobile NVIS setups, including military configurations and commercial options like the Barrett Communications roof-rack antenna, which can cost around **£2000.00**. It concludes by reinforcing NVIS as an essential technique for national emergency communications, with 5 MHz (60m) and 80 meters being primary bands for daytime and nighttime operations, respectively.

In 2004, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, wrote a guide on using W6ELProp for radio wave propagation predictions. This tutorial, translated for broader accessibility, explains initial setup, configuration, and daily use. It emphasizes using mean solar index values for accuracy, helping users effectively predict and interpret propagation for improved amateur radio operations.

This page provides information on solar conditions and their impact on ham radio propagation, specifically focusing on the HF bands. A daily graph show the predicted solar flux and Kp Indexes

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

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

AM radio listening excels at night due to sky-wave propagation, where signals travel farther by reflecting off the ionosphere’s F1 and F2 regions. Daytime ground wave propagation falters as solar radiation ionizes the D region, absorbing signals. At night, reduced ionization allows recombination, letting waves reach hundreds of miles. This enables tuning into distant stations, like KGO in San Francisco from Northern California. Enhanced by tools like the CCRadio-2E, sky-wave propagation turns AM listening into an exciting nocturnal adventure.

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

The short-term aurora forecast, based on the OVATION model, predicts aurora location and intensity 30 to 90 minutes ahead, aligning with solar wind travel time. Maps show aurora ovals in green, turning red for higher intensity. Aurora, visible after sunset or before sunrise, impacts technologies like radio communication, GPS, and power grids. It's a mesmerizing space weather spectacle, drawing travelers to the Arctic.

This is a website that sells CubeSat components and kits, including solar panels, batteries, and radios.

LILYGO specializes in the research and development of IoT solutions, offering a diverse range of development boards. Key products integrate LoRa and GPS capabilities, alongside various display options such as LCD and OLED. Specific examples include the _T-SIM / T-A Standard Series_, _T5 E-Paper S3 Pro Lite_, _T-Halow P4_, _T-Dongle C5_, and _T7-C5_. The company also provides the _T-Solar Kit_ and _T-Sim Shield_, catering to diverse project requirements. Hot sales items feature the _T-Display S3_, _T-Embed CC1101_, _T-Deck Plus_, _T-Embed CC1101 Plus_, _T-Deck Plus Meshtastic_, _T3 LoRa32 V1.6.1_, and _T-Display S3 AMOLED_. These boards often incorporate ESP32 microcontrollers, facilitating wireless communication and display functionalities essential for amateur radio digital modes and data telemetry applications. LILYGO provides entry-level sample code for most products, aiding learners in rapid prototyping and deployment. They also offer customization support for specific customer needs, demonstrating a commitment to supporting both individual makers and larger-scale integrations. The company actively participates in events like Maker Faire Rome, showcasing open-source solutions to the global maker community.

The Bahamas Amateur Radio Society (C6ARS) serves as the primary amateur radio club for the Bahamian archipelago, providing a hub for operators interested in DXing, portable operations, and emergency communications. The society actively participates in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations monthly, deploying portable stations to various parks and protected areas to put The Bahamas on the air for global hunters. Additionally, C6ARS engages in the annual ARRL Field Day, setting up off-grid stations powered by batteries, solar, and generators to practice emergency preparedness and operating skills. C6ARS also offers licensing assistance and mentorship for new operators, highlighting amateur radio's role as a STEM education platform through practical applications in physics, electronics, mathematics, and computing. The club emphasizes resilient emergency communication, particularly crucial for an island nation in the hurricane belt, demonstrating how trained operators can maintain vital communication links when conventional infrastructure fails. Their regular off-grid activations serve as rehearsals, ensuring readiness for disaster response.