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The FT-991 is a nice small size and lightweight radio, it is perfect for portable operations. It can be carried along with a laptop computer as hand luggage in airplane. The weak point of this radio, is it does not have a separate RX antenna capability. Therefore i decided to add this feature. On the back side of the radio a BNC connector is added to connect the RX antenna and a switch is fitted to select between RX antenna or main antenna.

This article provides an in-depth review of the Ciro Mazzoni Baby Loop Ham Radio Antenna. The author, a ham radio operator, compares this magnetic loop antenna with his usual End Fed Half Wave antenna, discussing the performance and installation considerations. The post explains the concept of loop antennas, resonating frequencies, and the benefits of using a small loop antenna with a capacitor for optimal operation. If you are looking for information on magnetic loop antennas and their effectiveness in restricted spaces, this review offers valuable insights and practical experiences for ham radio operators.

Learn how to build wire Yagi antennas for your ham radio setup. Discover how smaller wire elements can offer practical and portable options for temporary operations. Explore designs like the Hex Beam, Spider Beam, and Moxon that require less mechanical complexity and can be easily rotated or supported. Find out how to construct and hang wire Yagis from ropes, trees, or masts with inverted vees or horizontal elements. Get tips on element positioning, gain, and beamwidth considerations. Follow simple construction steps using a rope boom and marking element positions for efficient assembly. Enhance your ham radio experience with versatile wire Yagi antennas.

In his journey to improve Morse code skills, the author developed a straightforward device named the Tiny Keyer using Arduino. Tailored for Morse code enthusiasts and ham radio operators, this project utilized the budget-friendly Arduino ATTiny 85 Kickstarter board. With straightforward setup procedures in the Arduino IDE, the Tiny Keyer's small size and low cost make it accessible for beginners and hobbyist clubs interested in Morse code exploration.

Documents a hardware modification for the _Elecraft KX2_ QRP transceiver, specifically adding an I/Q output to facilitate its use with Software Defined Radio (SDR) applications. The article presents the rationale, despite the author's cautionary note regarding warranty voidance, and details the internal connections required for this upgrade. It illustrates the integration of a small custom board within the transceiver's compact chassis. The resource provides several high-resolution internal photographs of the KX2, highlighting the specific solder points for tapping into the receiver's intermediate frequency (IF) signal path. It also includes a basic schematic diagram of the simple buffer amplifier circuit used to condition the I/Q signals before external output, ensuring minimal impact on the transceiver's primary operation. Component values for the buffer are specified, guiding potential builders. This project demonstrates a practical approach to extending the capabilities of a popular portable HF rig, offering insights into internal transceiver architecture and the challenges of adding custom circuitry in confined spaces. The author, TF3LJ, shares his personal experience and the results obtained, including a screenshot of the I/Q output displayed on an SDR waterfall.

CTR2-Mini is a small radio controller based on the Seeed Studios Wio Terminal. It can control many radios including FlexRadio 6000s. Multiple Minis can be used to control multiple slices on the Flex. It also has a special mode that allows two CTR2-Minis to control the Main and Sub VFOs on the FTdx101. An article on CTR2-Mini appears in the September 2022 issue of QST.

Sita is a small tool that permanently records an input of the sound card into the working memory and repeats the last 10 seconds if needed. This is ideal for connecting the radio to the Line In of the sound card and, if you have not understood something, to have the last 10 seconds repeated.

The Aziloop DF-72 antenna system provides 72 K9AY headings and 36 loop axes, allowing for rapid switching in 60 ms. It integrates a switchable 18 dB preamp, a 4-step attenuator (0-18 dB), and four 7-pole preselection filters to optimize receiver performance. The K9AY load is adjustable from 250 Ohm to 950 Ohm in 50 Ohm increments, offering flexibility for various receiving conditions. Control is managed via an intuitive Windows UI, supporting Local, Client, or Server modes, with headless remote operation possible through the built-in Ethernet Server. _Omni-Rig_ support facilitates auto-filter selection, PTT muting, and Rig-Sync functionality, enhancing integration with existing station setups. Designed by _GW4GTE_, the system utilizes a low visual impact, small-footprint antenna with orthogonal loops and an earth connection. It is suitable for general monitoring, co-channel station resolution, basic direction finding, and interference reduction across the VLF to HF spectrum.

AllScan is a free and open-source web app for AllStar nodes that provides Favorites Management features, AllStarLink Stats integration, and connection monitoring and control functions. Shows your favorites in a Dashboard summary table with Keyed status, Connected Node count and other statistics. Continually scans the status of each favorite using ASL's Stats API data showing which favorites are active and have recently been active. Allows favorites to be connected with a single click (optionally automatically disconnecting any currently connected nodes first). Allows the Favorites Table to be sorted by Node#, Name, Description, Location, etc. Favorites can be added/deleted simply by entering the node# and clicking a button. These features finally give AllStar nodes similar memory management and scan capabilities that analog radios have had for decades. AllScan is mobile-friendly and optimized for ease of use on both small and large screens. AllScan follows the latest web development standards, with PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS cleanly partitioned, runs on both ASL and HamVOIP, and is very easy to install, configure, and update.

Learn how to easily convert between different units like dBu, dBm, W, mW, V, and uV with the dBCalc application. This small windows program allows ham radio operators to quickly check conversions using input and output resistance. It's a useful tool for anyone dealing with electronic measurements and calculations. Best of all, dBCalc is free to use, making it a convenient solution for amateur radio enthusiasts. This tool simplifies complex conversions and helps hams optimize their equipment setup.

If your FT-817 has stopped powering up from the internal battery but works from external power, then maybe the internal battery fuse has blown. There is a small PCB mounted fuse to protect the battery and radio. This fuse can blow, if it does your radio will not work from battery power. This page will describe how to test the fuse and describe how to make a repair.

The CW keyer with memories, inspired by SOTA activities, features three on-the-fly programmable memories for hands-free operation during logging or specific calls. Designed for low power consumption, it uses AAA batteries and an Arduino Mini, optimized for minimal energy use with a sleep function. The compact design fits in a small TEKO box, with a printed circuit board for easy assembly. The keyer includes customizable software for various CW modes and settings, programmable via paddles and command mode. It's an efficient, portable solution for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking enhanced CW functionality.

Learn how an experienced ham radio operator designed and built a compact shack in their motor home. Discover the considerations, challenges, and solutions involved in setting up a radio station in a small space without damaging the vehicle. Find out which radios were chosen for VHF/UHF scanning, HF communications, and QRP operations. Get insights on cabinet design, speaker placement, and radio cabling for a functional and portable ham radio setup on the road.

In this project by building a W2IMU feed horn, the author successfully optimized their 10GHz Small Dish EME project. To position and solder the components together, they used a jig and a conical section made of copper sheet. Stability was ensured by fitting the XLNA to the WG switch. The WG components were shod into a waterproof plastic container, and the feed horn and WG were surrounded by a collar and skirt that were 3D printed. With an average Moon noise of 0.5dB, the Sun and Moon noise readings were better than their previous configuration.

This article examines how geomagnetic activity influences 160-meter radio propagation. K9LA analyzes observations of enhanced signals preceding K-index increases. Modeling shows that as ionospheric electric fields rise from 0 to 75 mV/meter during early geomagnetic storms, they create an electron density valley above the E region, enabling signal "ducting" between the E and F regions. This effect vanishes at higher field strengths (100 mV/meter). The phenomenon may explain both exceptional 160m openings preceding 6m propagation and possibly Marconi's contested 1901 transatlantic reception, which occurred during a small geomagnetic disturbance.

Manually programming a Yaesu FTM-100 with hundreds of channels can be very fustrating. In this article the author highlights the difficulty of entering data with small buttons and the need to look up information for each channel. To avoid this tedious process author used RT Systems software as a solution. This program simplifies programming by allowing selection based on the radio model, download of frequencies from resources like RFinder, and quick loading onto the radio. While paid unlike the free CHIRP software used previously, the author emphasizes the time saved compared to manual entry, making the cost worthwhile.

Provides a real-time intelligence layer for **WSJT-X** and **JTDX** operators, enhancing weak-signal digital mode operations. It enables remote monitoring of decodes and transmit control for FT8 and FT4 from any browser or device, eliminating the need for port forwarding or VPNs. The platform integrates with PSKReporter data to compare a station's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) against nearby operators receiving the same signal, offering immediate feedback on propagation and station performance. Operators can track DXCC entities, grid squares, CQ/ITU zones, and WAC status in real-time through an integrated logbook. A live global band-activity map visualizes who is decoding a station's transmissions, providing tactical intelligence updated every 15 seconds. The system also includes social features like community chat, allowing operators to share station metrics and engage with others. The Companion app, a small bridge application, runs on the shack PC, facilitating seamless remote access and control. This setup transforms the weak-signal operating experience by providing actionable data and real-time insights into propagation openings and station effectiveness.

This page provides information on how amateur radio, or 'Ham' radio, is used by the yachting and small boat community for communication and weather information. It explains the global operation of amateur radio, regulations within the U.S., and the role of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in licensing and training. The page also highlights maritime 'nets' where Hams exchange weather reports, using voice and digital modes. It encourages establishing webpages for nets and mentions the MAROB and SKYWARN Programs for marine observation and severe weather reporting. The content is useful for hams interested in maritime communications and weather reporting.

This resource details a practical RFI fix for the Yaesu MH-59 microphone, specifically addressing interference encountered during Field Day 2004 operations. The modification involves installing a small toroid core onto the microphone's internal cable connector. The author, AE7Q, describes the process: purchasing a ½" outer diameter, ¼" inner diameter toroid core from a surplus store, opening the MH-59, unplugging the cable connector from the circuit board, looping the cable through the toroid, and then reassembling the microphone. This fix is intended for amateur radio operators experiencing RFI with their Yaesu MH-59 microphone, particularly in environments with strong RF fields like those found at Field Day events. The page also directs users to the AE7Q message board for questions and comments.

The **CubeSat** standard, developed by California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and Stanford University, facilitates frequent and affordable access to space for small satellites. This resource serves as a central hub for the CubeSat community, offering a comprehensive directory of active and past CubeSat projects, technical specifications, and educational materials. It details the standardized dimensions and mass constraints for these pico-satellites, which typically range from 1U (10x10x10 cm, 1.33 kg) to 12U configurations, enabling their deployment as secondary payloads on various launch vehicles. The site also provides insights into mission planning, component selection, and regulatory considerations for amateur radio satellite operations. Operators and developers can utilize the project directory to research existing CubeSat missions, understand their communication protocols, and identify potential collaboration opportunities. The platform's forum section allows for direct engagement with other enthusiasts and experts, fostering knowledge exchange on topics such as **AMSAT** frequency coordination, telemetry decoding, and ground station setup. This collaborative environment supports the development of new CubeSat projects, promoting innovation in amateur radio satellite communication and space exploration.