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For radio amateurs and electronics enthusiasts maintaining vintage tube gear, having accurate documentation for tube testers is crucial. Michael Marx, WB0SND, through SND Tube Sales, provides high-quality reproductions of these essential manuals. These aren't mere photocopies; each manual is digitally scanned, cleaned of imperfections, and professionally printed on a _Laserjet 5000_ with heavy card stock covers and plastic comb binding, often making them difficult to distinguish from originals. The catalog includes instruction manuals, schematics, and roll chart supplements for a wide array of classic tube testers. Operators can find documentation for popular models such as the _Hickok 539B/C_, _AVO CT-160_, and _B&K 700_, along with military-grade testers like the _TV-7_ and _USM-118_. Many listings also offer specialized supplements for obsolete or foreign tubes, ensuring comprehensive coverage for diverse tube collections. WB0SND's offerings extend to calibration instructions and data for specific adapters like the _Hickok CA-4_ and _CA-5_, providing critical support for precise tube testing.

Special purpose amateur radio club devoted to the pursuit of operating and technical excellence. This site serves as a library of amateur radio contest and DX information.

Receiver tests of some transceivers and receivers including FT-1000, FT-2000, IC-751, IC-756 IC-7800 and TS-870

Preparing to contest, and get ready for action

This page contains ideas, hints and tips about Auxiliary Items that will help you to enjoy the sport of HF Contesting without emptying the bank account

Analyzing a decade of contest operations and QSLing from March 1993 to March 2003, K5ZD presents data on QSO totals by band and mode, QSL error rates, and DXCC progress. The article details the author's methodology of only answering incoming QSLs, which allowed for a study of call copying error rates, found to be between 0.8% and 1.7%. These error rates correlate with typical contest log checking reports (UBN/LCR). The data also tracks the percentage of QSOs confirmed by QSL cards annually, averaging 12.1% over the ten-year period, with a steady rate of 14-15% in earlier years. Specific statistics include a total of 215,653 QSOs logged, with 26,184 QSLs received. The article identifies the top 33 countries for incoming QSLs, accounting for over 87% of the total, with Japan, Germany, Spain, and Belgium being prominent. It also touches upon the potential of ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) for instant confirmations, while noting potential error rate implications. The author's station, initially a barefoot setup with a Hygain multi-band vertical, evolved into a fully operational contest station by October 1993, utilizing DX4WIN for logging.

Testing SWR on your antenna and getting the best performance from your investment by L.D. Blake, VE3VDC

The Ukrainian Contest Club (UCC) The Ukrainian Amateur Radio League (UARL)

Contest team 9A7A, basic info and photos about our activities

The Receiver Test Data resource is a detailed review database focusing on the performance metrics of various radio receivers. The methodology involves rigorous lab measurements, often adhering to standards such as the ARRL RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) and BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range). Specific test equipment and protocols are utilized to assess parameters like noise floor (dBm), AGC threshold (uV), and LO noise (dBc/Hz). For example, the _Icom IC-7300_ is evaluated with a noise floor of **-133 dBm** and an LO noise of **-141 dBc/Hz**, providing insights into its performance under different operational conditions. The resource includes a wide range of models, from the _Elecraft K3S_ to the _Yaesu FTdx-101D_, each tested for dynamic range, sensitivity, and selectivity. The data is sorted by key metrics such as third-order dynamic range and phase noise limitations, with RMDR values calculated by subtracting 27 dB from LO noise figures. This structured approach allows users to compare different receivers' capabilities, focusing on technical specifications and performance outcomes in various scenarios. DXZone Focus: Review Database | Lab Measurements | -133 dBm | ARRL RMDR

A PowerPoint presentation by Bruce Draper, AA5B on how to get started in contesting, no matter if you are a big gun or a little pistol

An Arduino based CW contest keyer addon, ideated and designed for the use in conbination with the K3NG Arduino keyer open-source firmware.

A simple coax cable tester built based on the KG0ZZ project.

A system designed to automatically tune small transmitting magnetic loop antennas, particularly beneficial for **contest operations** where rapid frequency changes are common. The core of the system involves a PC-based control application, AutoCap, written in C#, which monitors antenna SWR via an external meter and commands a motor interface to adjust the loop's variable capacitor. The software is compatible with Windows and Linux via the Mono framework, offering a graphical user interface for monitoring system status, SWR, power, and motor commands. Key components include one or more magnetic loop antennas equipped with DC or stepper motors for capacitor adjustment, an SWR meter with data output (such as the Telepost LP-100A or a homebrew serial/USB SWR meter), the AutoCap PC software, and a motor interface. The most effective motor interface utilizes an **Arduino-based controller** with custom firmware, providing precise control over both simple DC motors and stepper motors, and supporting features like motor braking for finer adjustments. The system allows for configurable SWR thresholds, pulse widths, and motor effort settings to optimize tuning speed and resolution. Optional radio integration provides frequency hints, enabling the algorithm to learn the relationship between motor actions and resonant frequency, thereby speeding up initial tuning responses. The software also supports antenna profiles, allowing operators to save and recall specific configurations for different loops, including accumulated frequency hint data.

Frequency counter project. It includes quite a number of useful testing features which were very useful when building other projects

The Northern Greece Contest Team (NGCT)official home page

Offer various contest logging programs, for scandinavian contests, SPDX, PAXX, OK/OM Contests, IARU VHF Contest, Portugal Day DX contests, HSC contest, various polish and norwegian local contests and other utilities

Aspiring radio amateurs in the United Kingdom preparing for their licensing examinations can utilize this resource, which offers mock exam questions covering the Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced license levels. The site provides access to question pools, including associated images, designed for use with _Moodle_ learning management systems requiring PHP and MySQL. These question sets are available for non-commercial deployment by UK amateur radio clubs and organizations, facilitating local training initiatives. The original online mock test service ceased operations in August 2018 due to maintenance overhead. The current iteration serves as a repository, allowing other organizations to download the question databases. This approach enables broader access to the exam preparation material, supporting the UK amateur radio community in achieving licensing qualifications. The resource does not offer direct online testing but directs users to other sites, such as _Radio Tutor_, that implement these question banks.

First Amateur Radio contest club to be organized in the state of Florida

The 2000 CQ WW Multi-Multi operation by the GM0B contest group from Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, is documented, providing insights into a significant **DX contest** effort. This resource outlines the station setup, operational strategies, and team composition for a large-scale, multi-operator, multi-transmitter entry. It details the logistical challenges and technical solutions employed to achieve competitive results from a remote island location, a common scenario for **DXpedition**-style contest operations. The page offers a glimpse into the practical application of contest rules and the coordination required for a successful multi-operator effort. It serves as a historical record of the GM0B team's performance in a major international contest, allowing other contesters to compare operational approaches and understand the scale of such an undertaking. The information can be useful for those planning similar contest expeditions or studying past contest strategies.

Web Morse Runne is an online CW (Morse code) contest simulator developed by DJ1TF - Thomas Fritzsche. This tool allows users to practice their Morse code receiving and sending skills in a simulated contest environment. Key configurable parameters include CW speed, with options ranging from 300Hz to 900Hz, and RX bandwidth, adjustable from 100Hz to 600Hz. Users can also set a monitor level and simulate various band conditions. The interface includes counters for calls and QSOs per hour, along with a timer. Pre-defined function keys are available for common contest exchanges such as F1 (CQ), F3 (TU), F6 (B4), F7 (?), and F8 (NIL). The simulator is designed for ham radio operators looking to improve their CW contesting proficiency.

A special edition of AALog, optimized for the use in a lot of different contests. It can export file in Cabrillo, .SUM and .ALL files, ADIF. To use this program in CW and digital modes you need to use CwType and TrueTTY.

EB5AGV / EC5AAU Boatanchor collection. Useful data on TV-testers, Collins, Drake, Hammarlund, Hallicrafters, National, Heathkit, EF Johnson.

An RTTY only contest calendar, which includes scores and rules and records of recent and upcoming RTTY contests.

Morse code trumps SMS in head-to-head speed texting combat

Accurate frequency measurement is crucial for amateur radio operators, particularly when building or troubleshooting transceivers and test equipment. This resource details the construction of a _PIC microcontroller_-based frequency counter, providing a practical solution for precise frequency display. The design incorporates an LCD readout, offering clear visual feedback of measured frequencies. The counter can operate as a standalone unit, useful for general bench testing, or be integrated directly into a receiver. Its built-in offset functionality allows for seamless integration, enabling the display of the received signal frequency rather than the intermediate frequency. The project focuses on accessible components and construction techniques, making it suitable for homebrew enthusiasts. Key features include a measurement range up to **50 MHz** and a compact form factor.

Yaesu transceiver vx-170 water proof test

Testing performances of indoor antenna. A comparison of a magnetic loop antenna vs a classic wire dipole done using wsprlite on 30 meters band.

GAP Titan DX 10 15 20 40 meter performance tests by AA3RL

Interesting article on how and when sleep during a contest

PZTLog is a freeware amateur radio logging application designed for Windows operating systems, facilitating rapid **QSO entry** and management. It integrates features such as DXCC statistics tracking, a built-in DX Cluster client, and support for various digital modes including PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, and RTTY. The software provides a straightforward interface for inputting essential contact details and supports real-time interaction with DX spotting networks, enhancing the operator's situational awareness during operating sessions. The application's utility extends to contest logging, offering a streamlined approach for competitive operating. PZTLog's capability to manage **DXCC awards** and integrate with digital mode operations positions it as a versatile tool for general logging and specific contest scenarios. Its design prioritizes ease of use for quick data entry, making it suitable for operators who require efficient logging without extensive configuration.

Test Equipment Connection Buys, Sells, Trades, Rents and repairs quality used test equipment.

FRC since 1927, contesting is supported by an extensive PacketCluster Network

Contesting resource pages by OH1NOA

An ham radio contest log sheet in a PDF US letter printable format, can be used for portable operations, free to print and download.

Welcome to SW2A special contest station, with photos, logs and results

VK Contest Log (VKCL) is a free contest log software specialising in Australasian contests but also covering some international ones too. Author is SK, you can donwnload the latest version 4.15.

Operating practice in english

LX5A pictures results LX9SW

Providers of solar panels, photovoltaic systems, Solar Cells and Solar Renewable systems and education for the Do-It-Yourselfer

Rtty contesting using writelog for windows. RTTY records and rules, tutorials

Windows shareware contest log program for the CQ WW DX contest. The contest log software offers a Network version capable to run over a local area network in order to allow several pc to update a single shared contest log file. Windows XP through Windows 10.

Tips and tricks in RTTY Contesting by VA7ST

Mark Connelly, WA1ION article on Medium Frequency Amplifier Circuits in PDF format, include some RF amplifier schematics

Demonstrates a range of specialized radio frequency equipment and consulting services for amateur and professional applications. The offerings include _Vector-Finder_ direction finding antennas, various test equipment such as _gate dip meters_ and RF sniffers, and communications receiving adjuncts. Additionally, the company produces satellite antennas for weather satellite reception, voice amplification devices like the _Flex-Mike_, and custom prototype circuit boards. The company's product line addresses needs for precise RF measurement, signal detection, and specialized antenna systems, particularly for direction finding and satellite communications. Their historical association with National Radio (HRO) suggests a legacy in radio technology. The site also highlights a subsidiary, Sierra Mountain Products, which offers outdoor recreational gear, indicating a diversification beyond core RF manufacturing.

Tests on sloper antennas by WA1ION

The florida contest group, is the first amateur (ham) radio contest club, organized in the state of florida.

IC-7600 User Evaluation and Test Report by VA7OJ

This antenna was designed for the CQ WW CW 2009 at EA8URL. All elements are made out of fishing rods with an insulated copper cable fixed on the rods by cable ties. Both fishing rods and cable are UV resistant.

This useful coax tester allows you to screw the PL-259 onto the tester to get a GO/NO GO status. When the LED lights up- you have a short circuit.