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Mobilinkd Bluetooth APRS TNC. With your radio, your Android phone and this TNC, you have everything you need to get started with APRS.

Explains the fundamental principles of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amateur radio context, serving as an initial entry point for hams interested in these technologies. It covers the architectural shift from traditional analog hardware to software-centric radio systems, detailing how digital signal processing algorithms are applied to modulate, demodulate, and filter radio signals. The resource compiles a list of external links to _white papers_ and project pages, offering further technical depth. This page provides a foundational understanding of SDR/DSP, enabling operators to grasp concepts like direct sampling and quadrature mixing. It references various projects and discussions, allowing users to explore practical implementations and theoretical underpinnings. The curated links direct users to resources that might cover specific SDR hardware platforms or software applications, facilitating deeper research into the subject.

Homebrew 30 meter full quarter wave vertical antenna.

The 160-meter amateur radio band, spanning 1.8 to 2 MHz, was historically the lowest frequency amateur allocation until the introduction of the 630-meter and 2200-meter bands. ITU Region 1 allocates 1.81–2 MHz, while other regions use 1.8–2 MHz. This band, often called "Top Band" or "Gentleman's Band," was established by the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 4, 1927, with an initial allocation of 1.715–2 MHz. Effective operation on 160 meters presents significant challenges due to the large antenna sizes required; a quarter-wavelength monopole is over 130 feet, and horizontal dipoles need similar heights. Propagation is typically local during the day, but long-distance contacts are common at night, especially around sunrise and sunset, and during solar minimums. The band experienced a resurgence after the LORAN-A system was phased out in North America in December 1980, leading to the removal of power restrictions.

The SETI League, Inc., founded in 1994, focused on participatory science, developing technology to seek definitive answers to the question of extraterrestrial intelligence. The organization operated in five dozen countries across all seven continents, maintaining the quest for cosmic companions through the efforts of its 1500 members. Although the organization shuttered its virtual doors after thirty years in 2024, the website remains for educational and historical purposes, documenting past research and activities. Key technical resources include the _SETI League Mini-Manual_ for constructing a 12 GHz radio telescope under $200, and software like _SETIFox for Windows_ and _Radio Eyes_ for radio astronomy sky viewing. The site also features _Project Argus_ detections, moonbounce signal detections, and space probe signal detections, providing concrete examples of amateur radio astronomy applications. Publications such as the quarterly newsletter _SearchLites_ and various articles by Dr. SETI (H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D.) are available, alongside information on the Third Penn State SETI Symposium in 2025. The site also offers insights into hydrogen line emission observations, presented in time domain, frequency domain, waterfall, and surface plot formats.

A beginners guide to DMR. This web site cover all aspects of DMR and is a valuable resource for those who want to get started with DMR.

A interesting guide to help get started with HF published at Essex Ham

Free Windows contest logging software, initially designed for the ARI 40-80 contest supports all major world wide contests. QARtest supports dx cluster, radio control interface and many new features. Can be used for most popular amateur radio contests. Works from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Design for a quarter wave vertical antenna, for the top band in use at V31YN

A 102-inch vertical whip, commonly a CB antenna, forms the core of this low-profile 10-meter antenna design, optimized for the 28 MHz band. The construction details specify three 8-foot radials made from scrap wire, connected to a common point. This simple yet effective setup is designed for ease of construction and deployment, making it accessible for operators with limited space or materials. The design emphasizes using readily available components, including PVC pipe for the mast and a SO-239 connector for the feedline, ensuring a straightforward build process for a resonant quarter-wave vertical. Field results indicate that this antenna provides good performance for local and DX contacts on 10 meters, despite its compact footprint. The author, N8WRL, shares practical insights into its construction and tuning, highlighting its suitability for temporary or permanent installations where a full-sized antenna might be impractical. Comparisons to more complex designs suggest that this low-profile vertical offers a respectable signal-to-noise ratio and effective radiated power for its size, proving that simple designs can yield satisfying on-air results.

The Langley Amateur Radio Club has been in existence since 1988 and received it's charter in 1989. It has a membership of approximately 20 active amateurs.

Getting Started in PC Soundcard Digital Radio, basics of amateur radio digital modes

The collinear antenna, or Marconi-Franklin antenna, is an omnidirectional, high-gain antenna composed of in-phase half-wave dipoles aligned vertically. By using quarter-wave transmission line segments, it maximizes gain at a low horizon angle, outperforming a half-wave dipole. Adding segments increases gain but narrows bandwidth. A popular DIY version, the CoCo antenna, uses half-wave coaxial cable segments connected by non-radiating transmission lines. Built with stable velocity factor cables, a matching quarter-wave sleeve balun, and ferrite rings for attenuation, the antenna achieves performance comparable to commercial models.

A simple VHF quarter wave antenna from PL25

Rotation-Shift Keying description, imlementation and test results. Orthogonal BPSK, Twist Modulation, Moon Bounce

First started in the early 80's by a small group of Hams that resided in Cle Elum, Washington.

K1JJ presents a compilation of insights regarding vertical radial ground systems, specifically applied to 160m vertical arrays. The resource details 19 distinct observations and recommendations, emphasizing that ground radials primarily reduce ground losses rather than influencing pattern formation. It explains that RF current flows inefficiently through average soil, necessitating copper radials to create a low-resistance path back to the antenna base. The content suggests that **50-60 radials** are generally sufficient to achieve optimal efficiency, with diminishing returns beyond that number, and that radials should be laid on the surface for best performance. The discussion also addresses practical aspects such as wire gauge, installation techniques using 'U' shaped staples, and methods for connecting radials in multi-element arrays. It highlights the importance of radial length, stating that 1/4 wave radials are a crucial minimum, and that for 160m, radials should be at least _100 feet_ long. The resource critically examines the efficacy of elevated radials versus ground radials, noting that while a few elevated radials may suffice for VHF, HF applications, particularly on 160m, require extensive ground radial systems to efficiently collect RF currents in the near field. It also touches on the impact of radial systems on parasitic elements and the significance of symmetrical radial patterns for minimizing losses. Further practical advice includes wire type recommendations, proper soldering and weatherproofing techniques for radial connections, and considerations for integrating steel towers into the ground system. The author shares personal experience with installing 60 quarter-wave and half-wave radials under each of three in-line verticals, expressing satisfaction with the results.

Great pages about EME, including how to get started in EME

Moonbounce is the ultimate long path DX. It is exciting and allows you to literally work the world on VHF and UHF. It is not as difficult as you may think. Here is how to get started on this most exciting mode

DXpeditioning since 1993, February/March 2006 - Saint Martin & St. Maarten FS and PJ7, October 2005 - South Africa ZS1/DL7DF, April 2005 - Ghana 9G5SP, Feb/Mar 2005 - British Virgin Islands VP2V/DL7DF, October 2004 - Cameroon TJ3SP, February 2004 - Kenia 5Z4HW , October 2003 - Myanmar XZ7A, March/April 2003 - Tobago 9Y4/DL7DF, Oct/Nov 2002 - Guinea 3XY7C

If you like building good antennas, this one is for you. The J-pole is a slim, omnidirectional, half-wave antenna fed at the end through a quarter-wave shorted transmission line. Its predecessor is the famous Zepp antenna developed for the Zeppelin airship.

A page describing how to setup a magnetic loop antenna with the DIY Magnetic Loop Starter Kit produced by Chamaeleon Antenna. Includes a video and a detailed instructions to setup.

Adapted from a similar project by NA4IT. Made with one quarter wave 2 meter radiating element pointing upward and it is surrounded by four 70 cm elements.

Midwest Mountain Thunder CB Radio Group is a group of CB SSB operators that started in the Midwest as a branch off of the Washington State group. good clean radio

Switching Regulator Basics By Mike Martell N1HFX

In this article the author analyze six different type of VHF handheld antennas and as result of his self training on his new vector network analyzer published this interesting report

Get involved with 70cm Earth Moon Earth communications it is easier than you think, EME promotional Flier

Martek Power designs and manufactures a wide of high performance power supplies for various industries. Power supplies AC-DC, DC-AC inverters, DC-DC, EMI Filters

Wild Rose Chapter 151 - Alberta

RSGB article for beginners. How to build a dipole antenna, construction tips and correct setup of inverted-ve dipole antennas

When a broadcast antenna is to be placed on top of a building, there are special problems of feeding and grounding. The radiator is usually electrically short, that is, much less than one-quarter wavelength high.

A nice article hosted on amateurradio.com on how to get started with HSMM-Mesh, the High Speed Multimedia-Mesh, from selecting a router to publishing applications

PJ7I Online log for Sint Maarten DX Pedition 2011

In his blog, KN9B, explain how he get started in Software Defined Radio

This is a standard calculation method that can help you while tuning dipole antennas, by adjusting wire lengths. This method can be used also when you need to add lenght to your wires, and can be additionally used to quarter waves vertical antennas

Founded in 1995 (or thereabouts) by a small group of QRP enthusiasts in central North Carolina, Knightlites membership quickly started spanning the globe.

You do not need an expensive or complicated interface to get started using psk31 and other data modes with an elecraft k2 transceiver.

The Indiana Repeater Council is a Charter Member of the NFCC and is the only NFCC recognized repeater coordinator in Indiana.

A series of slides, videos and handouts to help people get started in amateur radio in the UK.

The Sullivan County Emergency Services Amateur Radio Association headquarters is located in the Sullivan County Courthouse Laporte, PA.

The structure of this dual band VHF UHF antenna is very simple. It consists of two identical square loops, whose sides measure a quarter wave, connected together at the ends. A project by I5NZR

Chapter 73 fred hammond chapter of the quarter century wireless association

An essential kite antenna plan for the top band, Antenna has been tested at half wave and quarter wave.

Fix VHF TVI problems usign a quarter wave stub filter

High Speed Multimedia (HSMM) radio, as introduced by John Champa, K8OCL, represents a significant advancement in amateur radio's digital capabilities, moving beyond traditional keyboard modes like packet radio. This initiative, driven by ARRL's Technology Task Force, focuses on developing high-speed digital radio networks capable of up to 20 megabits per second. HSMM primarily facilitates digital voice (DV) and digital video (ADV), enabling real-time video transmission from emergency scenes to an EOC without expensive ATV gear, often requiring only a laptop, a PCMCIA card, a digital camera, and a small antenna. The working group's initial efforts concentrate on cultivating microwave skills within the amateur community to build and support portable and fixed high-speed radio-based local networking, or **RLANs**. These networks prove invaluable for RACES and ARES organizations, as well as homeland security and other emergency communications. Field Day exercises and simulated emergency tests (SETs) are encouraged to hone skills in rapid site surveys and deploying broadband HSMM microwave radio networks, with examples like linking Field Day logging stations or antenna test results at the Midwest VHF-UHF Society Picnic 2003. Getting started with HSMM often involves adapting off-the-shelf **IEEE 802.11** (WiFi) equipment to comply with amateur radio regulations, typically operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM bands. While consumer WiFi gear has range limitations under Part 15 rules, proper setup under amateur regulations can extend coverage significantly, with test networks like the Hinternet achieving 5-15 mile ranges at 54 M bit/s using small mast-mounted dish antennas. Careful selection of equipment with external antenna ports, high transmit power, and low receive sensitivity is crucial, along with using low-loss coaxial cable like LMR-400 for optimal performance at these frequencies.

A quarter wave vertical omni-directional antenna for 7 MHz. Formulas for dimensions in feet and meters are provided. Ideal radial angle is between 35° and 45°. Velocity factor (Vf) varies based on coax type.

Our goal is to provide helpful and useful information to Ham Radio Beginners so you can get started as soon as you want to enjoy the amateur radio hobby.

Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) Founded 1947

Amarteur Radio Society Of India, the national society, is issuing Worked Republic of India (WRI) Award to VU and Dx operators.

This J-Pole is mounted on a fishing rod. The radiator L1 is an isolated copper-wire with a length of 281,5 cm while the quarter-wave matching sector L2 is made with 450-Ohm-Wireman-cable