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Band Master is a program for Radio Amateurs that downloads DX spots and displays them in different ways, including a graphical band map. It can be used either as a stand alone application or as part of a logging or contesting software. Price USD 25

An online audio signal generator application capable to reproduce different waveforms with variable frequency range

Illustrates the global distribution of **DX-Cluster** nodes through an interactive map interface, enabling radio amateurs to visualize and access real-time DX spots. The resource provides direct TELNET and HYPER links for each node, facilitating immediate connection to various clusters for up-to-the-minute propagation information and station activity. This visual approach simplifies the process of locating and connecting to a suitable DX-Cluster, whether for local or international DXing. Amateurs can use this tool to quickly identify active clusters in different geographic regions, which is particularly useful for **DXpedition** planning or contest operations. The direct links streamline access, bypassing manual configuration for many cluster types. It serves as a practical aid for operators seeking to monitor band conditions, find rare DX, or participate in competitive operating events by leveraging aggregated spotting data.

Explains the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vanity call sign program, outlining the specific rules and procedures for amateur radio operators in the United States to obtain a personalized call sign. It details the eligibility requirements based on license class, the application process using FCC Form 605, and the various group formats (e.g., _1x2_, _2x1_, _2x2_) available to different license classes, such as Extra and Advanced. The resource clarifies the priority system for vanity call sign requests, including previous holders and close relatives, and discusses the typical processing times for applications. It also provides insights into how the FCC assigns available call signs and offers practical advice for increasing the likelihood of securing a desired call, referencing the _ARRL Letter_ for updates.

Contest LogChecker is a set of contest tools for Microsoft Windows, combining advanced text editing with keyword highlighted, and the ease and flexibility of import, export, statistics and charting utilities. With LogChecker you can edit, fill in the log, check Cabrillo Format and Header, convert files from the most popular logging software to Cabrillo, print customizable files, calculate statistics and export logs to RTF, PDF or HTML for publishing. You can examine a log in many different ways by highly interactive methods. LogChecker includes a Master Callsign Database tool for managing databases, which have been generated from actual contest logs. Commercial

For amateur radio operators seeking a specific call sign, RadioQTH offers a specialized online service to track FCC vanity license applications. The platform provides detailed listings of ham call signs from the FCC database, indicating those becoming available for vanity requests on specific dates. Users can access links to future availability, view recently granted vanity applications, and check the current status of applications already filed with the FCC. The data is sortable by call prefix, district, or suffix, facilitating a targeted search for desired call signs. This resource leverages real-time FCC data to assist hams in navigating the vanity call sign application process. It serves as a practical tool for predicting when a call sign might be obtainable, which is crucial for operators planning to upgrade or personalize their station identity. The site's functionality helps users monitor the progress of their own applications or identify potential call signs for future acquisition, streamlining a process that can otherwise be quite opaque.

This project is intended to aid in tuning a balanced antenna or feedline that has a high impedance 100-600 ohms

Constructing a linear focus parabolic antenna for WiFi operation involves precise metalwork, as detailed in this project. The author, AB9IL, shares a build that can be completed in a few hours, emphasizing the hands-on process of shaping and assembling metal components. This design aims to provide enhanced signal range for 2.4 GHz wireless networks, a common challenge in many ham shacks and home setups. The project outlines the practical steps required, from initial measurements to the final assembly, including cutting, bending, and bolting various metal parts. While specific gain figures are not provided, the parabolic design inherently offers significant _directional gain_ compared to omnidirectional antennas, making it suitable for point-to-point links or extending network coverage over distances. The construction process focuses on readily available materials and basic shop tools, aligning with the DIY spirit prevalent in amateur radio. This antenna project is presented as a straightforward build, requiring attention to detail in fabrication to achieve optimal performance.

RF Choke to prevent hf currents on the feedline. This Magnetic Longwire Balun (MLB) makes it possible to efficiently use a coaxial lead-in cable with all forms of longwires, T-forms or other types of wire antennas, without the need for an antenna tuner.

W1ZY's 40 Meter MOXON is the product of 9 months of experimentation. The final array is reversible and constructed from No. 12 insulated wire fed through two RF current baluns

The G5RV antenna, a popular multi-band wire antenna, typically employs a center-fed design with a specific length of 300-ohm or 450-ohm open-wire line acting as an impedance transformer, feeding a coaxial cable run to the shack. Its overall length for 80-10 meters is approximately 102 feet (31 meters) for the flat-top section, with a 34-foot (10.36 meter) matching section. The original design by Louis Varney, G5RV, aimed for efficient operation on 14 MHz (20 meters) as a 3-half-wave antenna, with the matching section providing a good match to 50-ohm coax on that band. While the G5RV offers multi-band capability, its performance varies across bands, often requiring an antenna tuner for optimal SWR on bands other than 20 meters. The matching section's length is critical for its impedance transformation properties, influencing the feedpoint impedance presented to the coaxial cable. Variations like the G5RV Junior and ZS6BKW utilize different flat-top and matching section lengths to optimize performance for specific band sets or to achieve a lower SWR without a tuner on certain bands, demonstrating the adaptability of the basic G5RV concept.

The page provides detailed information on coax stub filters for multi-transmitter setups, including specific lengths for different bands and types of coax. It also references additional technical notes for further analysis.

RF Choke to prevent hf currents on the feedline or...1:1 Choke Balun, sometimes called the "UGLY BALUN"

For amateur radio operators running Microsoft Windows XP or later, Lux-Log provides a robust logging and contest software solution, designed by Norbert Oberweis, LX1NO. It is capable of managing over 30,000 logbooks within a single database and image copy, offering comprehensive data handling features. The software facilitates data import and export via **ASCII** and **ADIF** formats, ensuring compatibility with other logging applications, and includes an integrated tool for converting data from other programs into ADIF. It provides instant feedback on previous contacts and country information during data entry, alongside static or serial value generation for contesters. Lux-Log integrates a versatile award module, currently supporting 123 definitions for popular awards such as DXCC, WAZ, WAS, US Counties, IOTA, and more. Operators can generate pre-defined and user-definable data queries, visualize statistics through bar/pie charts, and print QSL labels. The software also interfaces with the RAC Callbook and HamQTH, supports LoTW, and offers radio control for Icom and Yaesu FT-857 transceivers. Additionally, it supports telnet connections to internet clusters and integrates with K1EL's WinKey for CW generation, making it a comprehensive tool for both general logging and contesting activities.

This resource catalogs a significant collection of historical military radio equipment, detailing various sets from World War II and the Cold War eras. It presents information on British, German, Japanese, USA, and other nations' wireless apparatus, including specific models like the _WS-19_, R1155, and WS-18, alongside clandestine spy equipment. The content covers the preservation and restoration of these historical items, with research results published on the site. The site provides dedicated sections for different national origins of equipment, such as "British sets," "German sets," and "North American sets," allowing for focused exploration of specific military communication technologies. It also features specialized pages on topics like the _Enigma machine_, PARASET builds, and historical events such as Arnhem and D-Day, contextualizing the use of these radios in significant military operations. The collection includes detailed descriptions and images of transmitters, receivers, and associated gear. The museum, located in Kidderminster, Worcs, U.K., organizes physical exhibitions and actively seeks new equipment for its collection, emphasizing its role in preserving military radio history.

About 1 to 1 current balun by Roy Lewallen, W7EL

This article reviews the proposition that a 4:1 current balun in the style of Guanella can be constructed with both pairs of windings sharing a common magnetic circuit.

This Arduino project decode ICOM CAT frequency information and switch antennas according to preset values. RX and TX antennas can even be different, a project by ON7EQ

The Screwdriver Antenna Memory (SAM) product is designed to enhance the mobile antenna commonly called the "Screw Driver". It replaces your current control unit and provides an automated memory feature that eliminates the visual coil tuning method commonly used.

Constructing a compact, two-band magnetic loop antenna for HF operation, especially from constrained locations like a balcony, presents unique challenges. OK1FOU's design, inspired by DJ3RW's 50 MHz loop, addresses these by employing an unusual side-fed configuration and placing the symmetric, two-section variable tuning capacitor at the bottom of the loop, directly connected to the coax shield. The article provides specific material recommendations, including two 1-meter wooden pales and about 3 meters of thick loudspeaker cable, noting the high current (60A at 100W) in the loop. Construction steps detail forming two turns with a 5 cm gap, using a GDO to pre-tune the open loop to a frequency slightly above the desired highest band, and then integrating the tuning and coupling capacitors. For 10/14 MHz, an open loop resonance of 16-17 MHz is suggested. Practical experience with the 10 MHz band from a third-floor balcony in Prague (JO70GC) shows a 1:1 SWR across most of the band without an external ATU. While DX traffic was modest due to the urban environment, QSO examples with RA6WF, LA6GIA, G0NXA, and LZ1QK on 10 MHz are provided, demonstrating its operational capability.

RadioQTH's Vanity Calls service provides a utility for US amateur radio operators to locate available vanity callsigns, specifically focusing on the shortest possible options. The system filters through all potential callsigns within a user's license class and presents only those currently unused, with results weighted by either their actual character length or their equivalent length in _Morse code_. This approach assists hams in securing memorable and efficient callsigns for CW operation. The service also lists recently granted vanity callsigns, sorted by prefix, offering insight into current FCC assignments. It clarifies the common misconception that callsigns are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, explaining the random selection process for applications received on the same day. The platform updates frequently, providing current data on available 1x2, 2x1, 2x2, 1x3, and 2x3 callsign formats, which are highly sought after by _Extra Class_ and _Advanced Class_ licensees.

The RigPix database entry provides a comprehensive technical overview of the Icom IC-746 amateur HF/VHF transceiver, detailing its operational parameters and physical characteristics. It specifies the transmit frequency ranges across 10-160 meters plus WARC bands, 50-54 MHz, and 144-146/148 MHz, alongside receive coverage from 0.03-60 MHz and 108-174 MHz. The resource outlines supported modes including AM, FM, SSB, CW, and RTTY, noting a tuning step resolution down to 1 Hz and a frequency stability of ±5 ppm. Key electrical specifications are presented, such as a 13.8 VDC power supply requirement, current drain figures for RX (1.8-2 A) and TX (Max 20 A), and RF output power ranging from 5-40 W for AM and 5-100 W for FM, SSB (PEP), and CW. The entry details the triple conversion superheterodyne receiver system, listing IF frequencies at 69.01 MHz, 9.01 MHz, and 455 KHz, along with sensitivity ratings for various modes and bands. Transmitter section specifics include modulation systems and spurious emission levels. Additional features like a built-in auto ATU, electronic keyer, simple spectrum scope, DSP, and CI-V computer control are noted. The page also lists related documents, modifications, and an extensive array of optional accessories, including various filters, microphones, and external tuners, providing a complete profile of the IC-746.

In this designs G8ODE explains different methods to builds a choke balun

Thermocouple ammeters are very rare these days, but the job they were perfect for - measuring antenna currents - is still a modern requirement especially in respect to groundplane currents. By David A. Reid PA3HBB G0BZF

LogDDM, a freeware logging application, supports the tracking of over **100** different awards, including _DXCC_, WAZ, and WAS, directly within its interface. This software facilitates comprehensive log management for amateur radio operators, integrating functionalities such as a built-in callbook lookup, real-time packet cluster access, and direct rig control for various transceivers. It also offers robust import and export capabilities, primarily utilizing the ADIF format, which is essential for submitting logs to award sponsors or transferring data between different logging platforms. Developed by Giorgio, IV3DDM, the program is designed to streamline the logging process, allowing hams to efficiently record contacts and manage their QSL information. It provides a centralized hub for operational data, from initial QSO entry to final award application. Key features include detailed QSL management, support for multiple operating modes, and a user-friendly interface, making it a practical tool for daily operating and contest logging.

The ICOM IC-7300 is a cutting-edge HF transceiver that has garnered significant attention since its release. This review, published by ARRL in QST, provides an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and usability. The IC-7300 is known for its direct sampling technology, which enhances its sensitivity and selectivity, making it a favorite among amateur radio operators. The review covers various aspects, including the user interface, audio quality, and overall operational capabilities, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced hams. In addition to its technical specifications, the review discusses the IC-7300's performance in real-world scenarios, such as DXing and contesting. It highlights the transceiver's ability to handle weak signals and its versatility across different modes. The review serves as a helpful guide for those considering the IC-7300 for their station, offering a balanced perspective on its strengths and potential drawbacks. Overall, this review is an essential resource for anyone interested in the ICOM IC-7300 and its place in the amateur radio landscape.

The W1TAG LF Receiving Loop is a specialized antenna project for LF reception, designed to mitigate local noise and enhance weak signal pickup on the lower frequencies. This square loop, measuring 6 feet per side, utilizes 14 turns of #12 THHN wire wound on a PVC frame, offering a robust mechanical structure. The design incorporates a series-tuned circuit with a coupling transformer, allowing for tuning from over 400 kHz down to _45 kHz_ using a switched capacitor bank. Construction details include the use of 1.5-inch PVC pipe for the frame, with specific measurements for spreaders and drilled holes for wire threading. The two 7-turn sections of wire are connected at the center, providing an option for a center tap. The loop rotates on a 1-inch steel pipe, enabling directional nulling of noise sources. The tuning unit, housed in a box clamped to the PVC, employs a 1:2 step-up transformer wound on an _FT-82-77 core_ and uses relays to switch capacitance values from 50 pF to 6400 pF, providing precise frequency adjustment. The current setup connects to the shack via 100 feet of RG-58, feeding into a W1VD-designed preamp, with plans for a balanced, shielded twisted pair cable upgrade.

LogView is a free post-contest log-visualisation tool, for analysing contest performance. It plots the QSOs in a Cabrillo-format contest-log on to one of 8 different maps by finding the position of each QSO from an online database of about 970,000 W/VE callsigns.

Xcorder is a windows Freeware audio recorder written by MM0BFF, designed to work mainly with radio receivers but may be used also in several different ways for audio recording needs.

The Ameritron AL-1200 Amplifier is in current production. In its factory configuration it uses a single 3CX1200A7 (triode) tube, grounded grid configuration. Re-tubing the AL-1200 with a GS-35b with success.

Outlines recommended operating procedures for amateur radio repeaters, detailing best practices for general on-air conduct. It emphasizes using simplex when possible, monitoring the frequency before transmitting, and maintaining concise, thoughtful transmissions to avoid monopolizing the repeater. The resource also stresses the importance of legal identification, such as the Canadian requirement at the beginning and end of a contact and every thirty minutes of operation. Furthermore, the article provides specific instructions for **autopatch** operation, including access codes and the necessity of brief calls, while cautioning against misuse for long-distance calls or commercial purposes. It highlights the financial support expected from regular users to maintain repeater infrastructure. Finally, the guide differentiates between permanently linked repeaters, which offer extended coverage, and **code access linked repeaters**, explaining the sequence of identification and code entry required to establish and terminate links for broader communication.

The Q-signal **QRP** signifies a request to reduce power, and in amateur radio, it defines operating with 5 watts or less for CW and 10 watts or less for SSB. This article addresses common inquiries from new hams regarding the practice, its benefits, and implementation methods. It explains how a 5-watt QRP signal, compared to a 100-watt signal, typically results in only a 13dB drop in signal strength, equating to about two S-units, still providing solid copy under most conditions. Hams choose QRP for various reasons, including seeking a greater challenge in DXing or contesting, reducing band interference, or enabling portable field operations with lightweight, battery-efficient equipment. A modern single-band CW transceiver, key, and antenna can fit into a pocket, offering receiver performance comparable to commercial rigs and extended operation on a small battery. This portability facilitates operations in remote locations where higher-power setups are impractical. Operating QRP can involve simply reducing power on an existing commercial HF rig or building a dedicated QRP transceiver from a kit, such as the **Wilderness Radio SST** with its 2-watt output and 15mA receive current draw. While SSB is viable, CW remains the most popular and efficient mode for QRP due to its superior signal-to-noise ratio. The article lists common QRP calling frequencies across 160m through 10m bands for both CW and SSB, and highlights organizations like QRP ARCI and NorCal that support the QRP community.

This is a popular antenna design as the performance is very good across the HF bands and requires little or no tuning. It is a dipole fed off center with a 4:1 current balun at the offset feedpoint. The antenna shown covers 80, 40, 20 and 10 meters with 15 meters and WARC bands

The U.S. Amateur Radio Callsign Lookup service, hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), offers a direct interface for querying the FCC's amateur radio license database. This resource is specifically designed for rapid retrieval of licensee information, including callsign, name, address, license class, and expiration date, all critical data points for QSLing and contact verification. The underlying database is refreshed daily, ensuring that the presented information reflects the most current FCC licensing records available. This service distinguishes itself by its direct reliance on official FCC data, processed and maintained by a university institution, which lends a degree of authoritative accuracy to its lookups. Users can input a specific callsign to instantly access detailed license particulars, facilitating efficient station identification and record-keeping for DXers and contesters alike. The daily update cycle minimizes discrepancies often found in less frequently synchronized callbook services. The UALR callsign lookup functions as a straightforward, no-frills utility, prioritizing data integrity and accessibility for the amateur radio community. Its operational simplicity and consistent data refresh schedule make it a reliable reference for verifying U.S. amateur radio licenses.

Understanding high-frequency (HF) skywave propagation is crucial for amateur radio operators seeking to optimize long-distance communications. This resource details the fundamental principles of HF radio propagation, including the properties of electromagnetic waves, the characteristics of various HF bands, and distinct propagation modes such as skywave, ground wave, and line-of-sight. It places significant emphasis on the ionosphere's pivotal role in refracting HF waves, explaining how solar activity directly influences ionospheric conditions and, consequently, propagation paths. The resource integrates real-time monitoring capabilities, featuring dynamic charts and data from DX clusters, WSPRnet, and the Reverse Beacon Network, which allow users to track current band activity and propagation conditions globally. It also delves into advanced topics like Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) and gray line propagation, providing insights into ionosonde data and various propagation prediction models. The site presents a detailed analysis of solar-terrestrial interactions, geomagnetic indices, and space weather phenomena, illustrating their direct impact on HF communication reliability. Practical tools and applications are highlighted, including real-time QSO planners, online Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) maps, and alerts for solar flares or geomagnetic storms. The guide systematically breaks down complex concepts into accessible chapters, offering a structured approach to learning about ionospheric regions, diurnal and seasonal effects, and the interpretation of propagation indicators like foF2, MUF, and Lowest Usable Frequency (LUF). This makes it a robust reference for hams aiming to deepen their technical understanding and improve operational effectiveness.

A different approach can help you optimize attic-bound aerial by W6HPH

The current ARRL DXCC country list by Bill Brelsford, K2DI

Amateur Radio Maps online mixer of different selectable layers, including DXCC references, IOTA references, ITU and WAZ Zones. Works with most web browsers make heavy javascript usage.

Demonstrates the construction of two distinct wideband RF preamplifiers, detailing their component requirements and performance characteristics. The first design leverages monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) such as the MAR-6, MAR-8, or PGA103, offering a broad frequency response from DC to 2 GHz with a gain of 22.5 dB at 100 MHz and a noise figure typically below 3 dB. This MMIC-based amplifier incorporates protection against power supply transients and features a 50 Ohm input/output impedance, operating from an 8-20 volt supply with low current drain. The second preamplifier design utilizes a BSX-20 transistor, providing amplification across the 14 MHz to 550 MHz range. This simpler, more economical build achieves an average gain of 12 dB at 145 MHz and a noise figure of approximately 1.1 dB. It operates from a 7-15 volt battery supply with a current draw of 6 mA. Both projects emphasize critical construction techniques, such as maintaining short RF connections, ensuring 50 Ohm impedance paths, and mounting the circuit within a shielded enclosure to optimize performance and minimize noise. The resource also discusses phantom power options for antenna-mounted preamplifiers and precautions for use with transceivers, including output protection diodes and static bleeders.

Motorola dealer , garmin GPS , cb, HAM radio , radio rental ,portofoon verhuur , walkie talkie located in Amsterdam , Holland

Circuit diagrams to homebrew different baluns by vk2awx

MorseMaker is an up-to-date replacement for the Morse Machine shown further down this page. It has been re-written using a different programming language and is now entirely 'stand-alone' requiring no run-time support files. This version also works with Windows XP and can use the soundcard but please note that, unlike its predecessor, it does not split the alphabet into smaller 'learning' blocks and does not incorporate the Morse reader.

Ham Radio Android Apps to displays your current QTH locator on Google Maps using the GPS or WiFi / network location.

The QRP choke balun described utilizes a high permeability ferrite rod and RG-174 coax, aiming to present high impedance to common-mode currents across the HF spectrum. The construction involves winding as many turns of RG-174 as possible around the ferrite rod, then encapsulating the assembly with hot glue. This design prioritizes maximizing inductance to suppress unwanted shield currents, particularly in unbalanced antenna configurations. While the balun's effectiveness is subjectively reported as good, a potential design consideration involves the dielectric properties of the hot glue. This material could increase turn-to-turn capacitance, potentially reducing the balun's performance at higher HF frequencies, though this specific aspect has not been formally tested by the author, _AA5TB_. The project serves as an illustrative example of a practical, junk-box construction rather than a rigorously engineered solution. Photographs detail the evolution of the balun, from the initial winding process to its integration within a _B&W dipole center insulator_ and final camouflaged assembly.

Accessing current contact information for amateur radio operators is crucial for QSLing, award tracking, and general communication within the Ham Radio community. This online tool provides a specialized callbook service, focusing exclusively on Croatian (9A) amateur radio operators who maintain active membership with the Hrvatski Radioamaterski Savez (HRS). It functions as a centralized database, allowing users to look up specific 9A call signs and retrieve associated information, primarily for verification purposes within the Croatian amateur radio scene. The utility of such a focused callbook lies in its direct relevance to local and regional operating activities, including contests, nets, and emergency communications within Croatia. While not a global callbook like QRZ.com or HamQTH, it serves a vital role for Croatian hams and those seeking to confirm contacts with 9A stations, ensuring data accuracy by linking entries directly to HRS membership status. This targeted approach streamlines the process of verifying Croatian amateur radio licenses and membership details.

Live realtime satellite tracking system show current status of amateur radio satellites, ISS tracking is also provided by showing ISS Visible Passes based on your own location. This web site show the International space station live position and can be used as an iss tracker app to determine future satellite and ISS transit over your location.

A simple current balun for the FM broadcast band

Different band dipoles can be put together with a single feed, learn how by W8HDU

The Crossed Field Antenna (CFA) is one of the applications of Correction of Maxwell's Equations which was used over 150 years ago which was proved these days that the Magnetic Field Source is only the Displacement Current not the Conduction Current . These Corrections was made by an Egyptian Doctor Engineer Fathi Kabbary , who reached the New Correct Theory which shows that the height and efficiency of the antenna doesn't depend on the wavelength

Managing extensive QSO data efficiently requires robust logging software capable of handling diverse operational needs, from casual ragchewing to competitive contesting. HAM OFFICE provides a comprehensive solution for amateur radio operators, integrating essential logging functionalities with advanced features for analysis and award tracking. It supports detailed QSO entry, offers various display and evaluation options, and includes helpful functions to guide users through its interface, ensuring a smooth workflow for both new and experienced hams. The software's design emphasizes user-friendliness while incorporating a wide array of functions, making it suitable for different screen sizes and operating preferences. It features innovative databases for enhanced data protection, improved handling despite increased functionality, and significant speed gains from new background calculations. The program runs stably on Windows XP through 11 (32 and 64 bit) and offers a mobile app for QSO entry and analysis on _tablet PCs_ and smartphones. HAM OFFICE is widely adopted, with an estimated **80%** of German contests logged using the software, and it is utilized by amateurs in **58** DXCC entities. The program supports various aspects of amateur radio, including contest logging, detailed evaluations, and integration with internet resources and shack equipment. It also provides specific support for new license classes like DN9 and actively supports initiatives such as the recognition of _Morse Telegraphy_ as a cultural heritage.