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The article by Guy Olinger, K2AV, published in the May/June 2012 National Contest Journal, introduces the Folded Counterpoise (FCP), a compact 516-foot single-wire counterpoise elevated at 8 feet, designed for 160-meter operations on small lots like 100x150-foot backyards. Originating from efforts to revive Top Band for W0UCE on a postage-stamp property, the FCP uses strategic folds to cancel ground fields within 33 feet of center, minimizing losses to 0.13-0.53 dB—outperforming sparse or on-ground radials by up to 15 dB in poor soil—while mimicking opposed radials for efficient feedpoint impedance. Paired with a critical 1:1 or 4:1 isolation transformer (e.g., trifilar on T300-2 toroid) to block common-mode currents on coax feeds, it delivers proven results: K2AV's #8 North America low-power contest score, 7+ dB gains at W4KAZ and K5AF, and over 10,000 global web hits for DIY instructions using bare 12 AWG wire and weatherproof enclosures. Ideal for acreage-challenged hams, the FCP also excels on 80 meters with scaled dimensions, offering a low-loss alternative where full radials are impractical

open890 is a web-based UI for the Kenwood TS-890S amateur radio, and features good usability, clean design, and high-speed bandscope/audio scope displays, among other features not available either on the radio itself, or in the ARCP remote control software. It is currently only designed to interface with the TS-890 via a LAN (or wifi) connection, and not a USB/serial connection. It may work with the TS-990, as the command set is very similar, but is currently untested.

DXContest.org provides a real-time DX cluster, integrating advanced spotting capabilities with features like _propagation maps_, _PSKReporter_, and the _Reverse Beacon Network_. This platform enables radio amateurs to monitor DX activity, apply sophisticated filters to spot data, and even utilize CAT control for their transceivers directly through the web interface. The service is designed for immediate utility, offering free access without requiring user registration. Users can send DX spots, control their radio via CAT, and consult a contest calendar. The platform also provides traditional Telnet access for those preferring client-based cluster interaction. Developed by Pascual R. Salas Vidal, EA5WU, the service aims to be a comprehensive tool for real-time DX operations and contest participation, offering a blend of modern web features and classic cluster functionality.

Tar Heel Designs offers a range of quality products for ham radio operators, proudly made in America. Watch a raw, unedited product video from the 2025 Orlando Hamfest. For more information or to shop online, visit their website powered by eDirectHost, an info & ecommerce website builder. Find everything you need for your ham radio hobby in one convenient location.

This webpage caters to EMRFD owners, offering insights into building popcorn receiver band-pass filters with Ladpac programs and EMRFD Chapter 3 knowledge. Through practical experiments and Ladpac tools, the author explores coupling capacitors' impact on filter response and return loss optimization. The content emphasizes empirical approaches, encouraging builders to embrace experimentation and learn from mistakes. Detailed examples and workflow suggestions aid hobbyist-level designers in creating customized filters, fostering a deeper understanding of filter design principles.

This web page offers an online antenna designer tool for hams to calculate the dimensions needed to construct a J Pole antenna for any desired frequency. The J Pole antenna is a simplified version of the Slim Jim antenna, radiating and receiving signals in an omni-directional pattern. It does not require a ground plane, making it suitable for indoor mounting. With the ability to be made from common household wiring, this antenna performs well for both receiving and transmitting purposes. The calculator is based on radio waves traveling at the speed of light and provides metrics in both imperial and metric units.

This online tool is a specialized web-based utility for orchestrating multi-operator HF contest and DXpedition activities. This tool, _Rig2Cast_, assists station managers in meticulously planning operator shifts, ensuring adequate rest periods, and crucially, preventing operational conflicts such as assigning a single operator to multiple radios concurrently. It integrates support for SO2R operations and offers real-time simulation of operator requirements, a feature I've found invaluable in pre-event planning. The scheduling engine incorporates five distinct algorithms: greedy fairness balancing, round robin, maximum coverage, simulated annealing, and a fatigue-aware model. These algorithms enforce critical constraints like minimum/maximum shift durations and mandatory rest times across all radios, which directly impacts operator performance over long events. My field experience confirms that such robust constraint management is essential for maintaining peak efficiency during intense operations. Key features include distributed multi-station support, printable per-operator cards, flexible band activity windows, and real-time editable operator slots. The drag-and-drop shift management, coupled with full cross-radio swap support and smart constraint feedback (valid targets in green, invalid in red), streamlines complex scheduling tasks. The system's design ensures user data privacy, as no information is stored on the server; schedules are saved and reloaded locally.

The DH1DA ADIF-ToolBox, version 1.0.0.0, released on August 29, 2026, provides a utility for managing amateur radio logs. It enables users to compare two **ADIF** files, identify differences, and filter QSOs based on criteria such as date, band, and mode. The software also supports merging ADIF files and exporting the filtered or merged results into a new ADIF file, streamlining logbook management for contesters and DXers. This web application features a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies logbook analysis. It is designed to handle standard ADIF data, allowing for efficient manipulation of QSO records. The tool's primary functions include a detailed comparison view, flexible filtering options, and robust export capabilities. Contact information for the developer, DH1DA, is provided, indicating direct support for the application. The tool is categorized under Software/Log Converters, emphasizing its role in ADIF data manipulation.

Presents the 9M2PJU QSO Map Tool, a web-based utility designed by Ian Renton for visualizing amateur radio contacts. This tool processes ADIF, Cabrillo, and SOTA CSV log files, allowing operators to plot their QSOs on a selection of base maps, including ESRI NatGeo World Map and OpenStreetMap Mapnik. Users can configure display options such as simple dot markers or xOTA hunter markers, QTH location, outlines, shadows, and geodesic lines, with coloring by band or a fixed hue. The application supports drawing per-band heatmaps and offers overlays for Maidenhead grid squares, CQ zones, ITU zones, and Worked All Britain/Ireland grids. It also provides QSO filtering capabilities and displays comprehensive log statistics, including unique calls, grid squares, CQ zones, ITU zones, and worked DXCCs. Customizable band and mode colors, alongside specific xOTA icons for programs like POTA, SOTA, WWFF, IOTA, and WCA, enhance the visual analysis of operating activity.

Receiving Digital Amateur Television (DATV) signals requires specialized software to interface with hardware tuners and decode the video stream. The _MiniTioune_ software, developed by F6DZP, serves this purpose, providing a Windows-based application for DVB-S and DVB-S2 reception and analysis. It is designed to work in conjunction with _MiniTiouner_ hardware, enabling hams to monitor DATV transmissions, including those from the QO-100 geostationary satellite. The resource outlines the initial setup process, including connecting the MiniTiouner hardware via a high-quality USB2 mini cable and running diagnostic test software. It details how to configure essential parameters such as symbol rate (SR), FEC rate, and DVB mode for various signal sources, from domestic satellite dishes to local DATV transmitters. Troubleshooting steps for common issues like "no video displayed" are also provided, often pointing to corrupted software filters or incorrect _Auto PID_ settings. Advanced features like the Web monitor for remote signal reporting and integration with _VLC_ media player for more tolerant decoding of non-DVB compliant signals are covered. The document also references a comprehensive user guide by W6HHC for the _MiniTiouner-Express_ system, which utilizes the same software, offering further in-depth assistance for operators.

Over 44,000 square kilometers of Scotland's natural beauty provide a unique backdrop for the _GMFF_ award program. Designed for amateur radio operators who thrive on portable operations, this program encourages activators to set up stations in designated flora and fauna areas. Participants engage in _SSB_ and _CW_ modes, making contacts from these scenic locations, which are part of the _WorldWide Flora and Fauna_ network. Activators and chasers alike benefit from the program's structure, which awards points for successful contacts. The _GMFF_ program is part of a larger global initiative, allowing operators to contribute to conservation awareness while enjoying their hobby. With a focus on environmental preservation, the program aligns amateur radio activities with ecological interests, promoting responsible and sustainable operating practices. The program's website provides resources for participants, including maps of designated areas and guidelines for operation. By participating, operators not only enjoy the challenge of portable operation but also support the conservation of natural habitats. The _GMFF_ program thus combines the thrill of amateur radio with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Presents the NED International DX Group, a **CB radio** organization established in the Netherlands on August 23, 2026, by 19NED000 and 19NED001 Henricus. The group primarily operates on the **11-meter band**, utilizing various modes including FM, AM, LSB, USB, CW, FT8, FT4, FT2 Ross, and JS8, with all digital modes permitted. Membership is free and open to active operators and SWLs. Key operating frequencies include 27.405 LSB, 27.265 USB for FT8, and 27.245 USB for JS8. The group also maintains activity on PMR Channel 10 at 446.11875 MHz FM. The organization is actively seeking volunteers for roles such as webmaster (proficient in PHP, MySQL, and security), digital eQSL and paper QSL card management, logo and banner design, and country/province directors.