Search results
Query: low band
Links: 613 | Categories: 4
-
Details the offerings of Ham Buerger Inc., a company founded in 1965 to support the amateur radio community with communications products. The business provides a range of equipment, including Uniden Digital scanners, and maintains a section for equipment blow-out sales that feature professional 2-way radios and cell phones. Additionally, the company stocks hard-to-find NuTone products and provides repair services for most NuTone equipment. The site also references an Amateur Radio Band Plan and links to other ham radio resources, alongside a new product offering for RV and marine toilets, indicating a diversification beyond core amateur radio supplies.
-
JJ0DRC's HF multi-band delta loop antenna project, initially conceived during the waning peak of Cycle 23, addresses the common challenge of achieving effective DX operation from a small residential lot in Japan. Dissatisfied with a ground plane antenna's performance in SSB pile-ups, the author sought a beam-like solution without a tower, drawing inspiration from a JJ1VKL article in CQ Ham Radio Sep. 2000. The antenna, constructed in October 2000, employs two 7.2-meter fishing rods (37% carbon fiber, reinforced with cyano-acrylate glue and aluminum tape) and 1mm enameled wire, fed by an Icom AH-4 external antenna tuner. While the exact beam pattern remains unmeasured, JJ0DRC observed a significantly higher callback rate compared to dipole antennas, particularly on higher bands. The system's circumference length of 15-20m is crucial for maintaining a good beam pattern across HF bands, though performance on lower bands like 80m, 40m, and 30m becomes less directional as the length deviates from a full wavelength. Ongoing maintenance addressed degradation issues, including aluminum tape cracking and wire breakage at connection points due to strong winds (often exceeding 10-15m/s in winter). The author reinforced rod connections with IRECTOR PIPE SYSTEM components and INSU-ROCK ties, and improved wire attachment methods using Cremona rope and epoxy bond to enhance durability.
-
-
Allow 9 bands and 1300 Watt output on the TL-922 amplifier with this document by PA0FRI
-
A 7 MHz vertical half-Moxon array, designed by F6IRF, is presented with its MMANA model, featuring a 20cm gap between the two horizontal elements. The design aims for a low take-off angle, crucial for DX work, and includes specific dimensions for the driven element and reflector, which are constructed from 2mm copper wire. The antenna's feedpoint impedance is approximately 50 ohms, allowing for direct coax feed without a matching network, and it is intended for portable or temporary installations. Field results indicate the antenna provides a **3 dB** gain over a quarter-wave vertical, with a front-to-back ratio of **10 dB** on 40 meters. The author notes successful DX contacts into _VK_ and _ZL_ from France, demonstrating its effectiveness for long-haul communication. The design emphasizes simplicity and portability, making it suitable for operators seeking a directional antenna solution for the 40m band without complex setup requirements.
-
7.5 MHz wideband audio delivered via AMC-7 satellite transponder 5 provides a robust platform for disseminating amateur radio news. This service caters to operators seeking timely updates on regulations, technology, and DX news. The bulletin is accessible in both MP3 and RealAudio formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and listening preferences. Regularly updated content keeps amateur radio enthusiasts informed about the latest developments in the hobby. The service covers a broad spectrum of topics, including contesting, digital modes, and antenna technology. By leveraging satellite and internet distribution, it reaches a global audience, making it a vital resource for operators worldwide. Listeners can expect a consistent flow of information, with new episodes released frequently. The service's commitment to providing high-quality content ensures that amateur radio operators remain well-informed and engaged with the community.
-
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.
-
MMMonVHF maintains the data for 6m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands in collaboration to LA0BY. This site allow display of a beacon map and latest beacon spots.
-
Illustrates the construction of a compact _Moxon_ beam antenna specifically tailored for the 40-meter band (7 MHz). The resource details a homebrew project by W7XA, emphasizing its design for limited space while maintaining good bandwidth and directivity characteristics. It highlights the practical application of the _Moxon_ rectangle model to achieve performance on a lower HF band. The primary content is a downloadable PDF document titled "40-Meter-Mini-MOXON-Beam-Antenna.pdf," which provides comprehensive illustrations and technical specifications for replicating the antenna. This includes dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions, making it a practical guide for radio amateurs interested in directional antennas for HF. The project demonstrates how a relatively small footprint can yield a directional antenna suitable for DXing or contesting on 40 meters, a band typically requiring much larger arrays for similar gain and front-to-back ratios. The documentation supports hands-on construction.
-
This antenna allow transmission and reception on all bands between 7Mhz and 28 Mhz. Similar in concept to the Miracle Whip by VK3YE
-
This project outlines the construction of a 3-element reversible quad antenna specifically designed for the 40-meter band. The materials required include pushup towers, pressure-treated posts, insulated wire, and various electrical components such as relays and a balun. The construction process is straightforward, beginning with the installation of the posts in a straight line, followed by the assembly of the antenna elements and their elevation to the desired height. The antenna's design allows for directional signal reception, making it ideal for operators looking to enhance their communication capabilities on the 40-meter band. The project includes detailed instructions on tuning the antenna for optimal performance, ensuring that operators can achieve the lowest SWR possible. Additionally, the design can be adapted for other bands by extrapolating dimensions, providing versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts. Overall, this reversible quad antenna project is suitable for both beginners and experienced operators, offering a practical solution for improving signal strength and directionality in 40-meter communications.
-
The TU2T DXpedition log provides a critical resource for verifying contacts made during the 2011 operation from _Ivory Coast_. This online tool allows operators to quickly confirm their QSOs, which is essential for QSLing and award applications. Users can typically search by callsign, date, or band to locate specific entries, ensuring accuracy for their personal logbooks. Such online logs are indispensable for DXers pursuing awards like **DXCC**, as they offer immediate confirmation of rare or distant contacts. The ability to verify a QSO without waiting for a physical QSL card significantly streamlines the award application process. This particular log facilitates the confirmation of contacts with the TU2T operation, a highly sought-after entity.
-
Pre amplifier using a 2N5109 for the 160 meters band
-
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.
-
The K0RWU 75-meter mobile antenna design features a 7.5-foot overall length, incorporating a 2.5-foot loading coil wound with #20 enamel wire on a 1/2-inch fiberglass rod, subsequently covered with 1/2-inch shrink tubing to increase diameter to 3/4 inch. This configuration achieved resonance at 3965 kHz with a 5-foot stainless steel whip. The antenna integrates a matching transformer, identified by larger turns near the PL259 connector, and is constructed using a modified Radio Shack CB antenna base. Construction involves drilling and epoxying a 1/2-inch fiberglass rod into a PL259 connector, feeding #20 enamel wire through the rod, and winding 17 turns of #18 matching coil wire between the PL259 sleeve and the center feed point. The main loading coil fills the 2.5-foot rod section. The design allows the antenna to bend for garage clearance and emphasizes maintaining a 50-ohm feed impedance to prevent vehicle electrical damage. The author also discusses experiences with a Yaesu ATAS-100 motorized antenna and a 10-meter antenna project, noting issues with auto couplers and the ATAS-100's performance on 17 meters. Future modifications considered include adding a small servo for band spreading and increasing the fiberglass rod length for a 3-foot loading coil to improve bandwidth. The antenna's sharp tuning, between 3960 kHz and 3970 kHz, necessitates careful adjustment of coil turns for optimal VSWR.
-
The ZS6BKW wire antenna, a variant of the G5RV, utilizes a specific 13m (42.6 ft) length of 450-ohm window line as its matching section, feeding a 28.5m (93.5 ft) flat-top element. This design aims for lower SWR on 40m, 20m, 17m, 12m, and 10m compared to a standard G5RV, often achieving SWR values below 1.5:1 on these bands without an antenna tuner. The feedpoint impedance transformation provided by the window line allows for direct connection to 50-ohm coax on multiple bands. F4FHH's experience involved constructing the ZS6BKW and evaluating its performance against an _OCF dipole_ (Off-Center Fed) on various HF frequencies. The article includes observations on SWR readings and operational effectiveness, highlighting the ZS6BKW's suitability for multi-band operation. The antenna's overall length, including the flat-top and window line, is approximately **41.5 meters** (136 feet), making it a significant wire antenna for fixed station use. Comparative analysis with the OCF dipole provided practical insights into the ZS6BKW's advantages and limitations, particularly concerning bandwidth and tuner requirements.
-
Presents the Light Loop, a small magnetic loop antenna optimized for 40m through 10m operation, demonstrating its construction for portable QRP use. The design emphasizes lightweight materials and a compact form factor, making it suitable for handheld or backpack deployment during field activities. It details the primary radiating element, the coupling loop, and the variable capacitor required for resonance across the specified HF bands. The article provides specific component choices, such as the 1.5-inch diameter aluminum tubing for the main loop and the 10-365 pF variable capacitor for tuning. It discusses the importance of precise loop circumference and spacing for efficient impedance matching and bandwidth characteristics. The resource includes practical advice on achieving resonance and optimizing performance for low-power transceivers. Construction notes cover the mechanical assembly, including mounting the capacitor and feedpoint connections. It highlights the antenna's suitability for pedestrian mobile operations, offering a practical solution for HF communication without extensive setup. The design aims for a balance between portability and effective radiation on the lower HF bands.
-
The following are the opinions expressed by various amateurs
-
Multiband no trap no gap antenna. This Antenna is a small wonder, easy to build and allow you to work all HF spectrum with your TRX and it's internal ATU.
-
Demonstrates the iterative design and construction of a **tapped HF/VHF mobile vertical antenna** by K0EMT, detailing four generations of development. The antenna supports operation on 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m, and 2m bands. Initial designs, like Generation 1, featured a 3/8" x 24TPI bolt in a PVC end cap with a 1" aluminum tubing mast, resulting in a 9'9" overall length and resonance around 6.9 MHz with the full coil. Subsequent generations refined the mast and coil forms, transitioning from aluminum to copper tubing (Generation 3, found too weak) and eventually fiberglass for the coil form (Generation 4, in progress). Coil tapping points were adjusted to achieve resonance without an external tuner in Generation 2. The project outlines material costs, totaling approximately $25, and mentions a successful 28 MHz QSO with EA3XA using an ICOM IC-706 mk II at 100 Watts. For 80m operation, an external wire with the maximum coil setting is used, or a 56" extender below the coil for stationary use.
-
A 20-meter Moxon antenna design provides a compact directional solution for the 14 MHz band, achieving approximately **5.5 dBi** of forward gain and a front-to-back ratio exceeding 20 dB. This rectangular wire array, consisting of a driven element and a reflector, offers a smaller footprint than a traditional 2-element Yagi, making it suitable for space-constrained installations. Construction details focus on specific dimensions for the wire elements, fed with 50-ohm coaxial cable. The _Moxon rectangle_ inherently delivers wide bandwidth and a clean radiation pattern, simplifying tuning with a relatively low SWR across the entire 20-meter band. Its robust performance makes it a practical choice for both fixed stations with limited tower space and portable _DXing_ operations. The design's characteristics are particularly beneficial for contesting and long-haul communications on 20 meters.
-
RemAud is a Voice over IP (VoIP) application primarily designed for two-way amateur radio remote control over the Internet. RemAud uses streaming-audio technology in a client-server architecture. It features high radio sound quality, low latency, low bandwidth and very low CPU usage by DF3CB
-
The following frequencies are assigned to datacommunications in the HF bands within the UK By RSGB data communications committee information.
-
This resource details the construction of a mobile screwdriver antenna, patterned after the original W6AAQ DK3 design from 1991. It covers the mechanical and electrical aspects of building a robust, multiband HF antenna for vehicular operation. Specific components discussed include the lower mast section, the coil wound on Schedule 40 PVC pipe, beryllium copper contact fingers, the motor drive assembly utilizing a Black & Decker screwdriver, and the capacity hat design with a brass hub and steel wires. The article provides insights into material selection, such as heavy copper tubing and silicone grease for assembly, and addresses practical considerations like coil length limitations for 80m operation due to lathe size. The construction results in an antenna capable of tuning from 6.5 MHz (40m) up to 6m, with slightly reduced range when the capacity hat is installed. The author describes the mounting base with soldered brass nuts for secure attachment and a U-channel bracket for vehicle mounting on a Dodge Ram 1500. The article includes close-up photographs illustrating the coil, contact fingers, drive mechanism with rubber tubing clutches, and the capacity hat assembly. It also mentions the use of Rustoleum hammer finish enamel for painting the copper pipe, indicating attention to durability and aesthetics.
-
An easy to build multiband trapped dipole that can work well on short low bands for skip contacts
-
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.
-
A new SDR-receiver from the italian SDR developers community. Low-cost, DDS-less Software Defined Radio full coverage receiver for all HF bands, used with powerful software on the PC for multi-mode operation
-
Constructing a functional spectrum analyzer for the 0-100 MHz range presents a significant challenge for radio amateurs, often requiring specialized components and careful calibration. This project details a homebrew spectrum analyzer design utilizing common integrated circuits like the _SA605D_ FM receiver IC and _MAR-6_ MMIC amplifiers, aiming for a cost-effective solution. The design incorporates a low-pass filter, RF amplification, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for downconversion, and multiple IF stages at 150 MHz and 10.7 MHz, with a resolution bandwidth (RBW) of 15 kHz. Critical components such as the _SBL-1_ mixer and varicap diodes are specified, alongside instructions for winding inductors and tuning filters. The analyzer's performance is discussed in terms of input level limitations, specifically the 1dB-compression point and third-order intercept point, to ensure accurate measurements and prevent component damage. The _SA605D_'s logarithmic Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) output serves as the detector, driving the Y-input of an oscilloscope, while a _TL084_ op-amp generates the sweep signal for the X-input. Potential enhancements include adding a step attenuator, improving front-end filtering, and implementing switchable IF filters for variable RBW, allowing for greater versatility in analyzing RF signals.
-
An Active antenna designed for VLF and shortwave radio reception. A small antenna capable of excellent performances on low bands, made on a copper plate and introductio to active antennas.
-
Operating a ZS6BKW antenna often involves understanding its lineage from the _G5RV_ design, with specific modifications by ZS6BKW to optimize performance on several bands. Through computational analysis and field measurements, the antenna's dimensions were refined to allow operation on 10, 12, 17, 20, and 40 meters without an antenna tuner. For 80, 30, and 15 meters, a tuner is necessary, though efficiency on 30 and 15 meters is noted as not particularly high. The physical configuration consists of two 13.755-meter radiating elements fed by a 12.20-meter section of 450-ohm ladder line. Tuning the antenna on the 20-meter band is critical, and any deviation in the ladder line's characteristic impedance necessitates recalculating the element lengths. The design is also referenced in the 12th edition of _Rothammel's Antennenbuch_, page 219. Proper common mode current suppression is crucial at the transition from ladder line to coaxial cable. This can be achieved with a common mode choke, such as several turns of coax wound into a coil or over a ferrite toroid like an Amidon T130. While a 1:1 balun is an option, it may introduce issues.
-
The document details the construction of a compact, two-element Quad antenna specifically designed for the 10, 12, and 15-meter HF bands, featuring a single feedline for all three bands. It provides specific dimensions for the driven element and reflector loops, along with boom length and spacing, emphasizing a **0.12 wavelength** spacing between elements. The design incorporates a gamma match for impedance transformation and uses PVC tubing for spreaders, aiming for a lightweight yet robust structure suitable for portable or restricted-space operations. Performance measurements indicate a forward gain of approximately **6 dBd** on 10 meters and a front-to-back ratio of _20 dB_ on 15 meters, demonstrating effective directivity and signal rejection. The antenna exhibits a VSWR below 1.5:1 across the target bands, achieved through careful tuning of the gamma match. This compact Quad offers a viable directional solution for HF DXing and contesting, particularly where full-size Yagis are impractical.
-
A 90-foot vertical antenna constructed from **aluminum irrigation tubing** is detailed, focusing on its innovative raising and lowering mechanism. The resource describes a **45-foot ginpole** system, allowing a single operator to erect or lower the antenna in minutes. It covers the mechanical design, including the pivot base, insulated joints for the tubing sections, and guy wire attachment points. The antenna consists of two 30-foot sections of 4-inch tubing and one 30-foot section of 2-inch tubing, stacked with the smaller diameter at the top. The electrical design incorporates PVC "condulet" boxes at the 30-foot and 60-foot points, housing relays to change the effective height for multi-band operation on 160, 80, 40, and 30 meters. Ferrite rod inductive chokes are used for DC control and to tune out gap capacitance. The antenna is fed with 1000 feet of open wire line, connected to a matching transformer comprising stacked toroids and a coaxial/toroidal balun. Grounding is achieved with a 3x3 foot grid of 16-gauge tinned copper wires with soldered crossovers.
-
Operational testing of a 10.07-meter portable HF vertical antenna, constructed from telescoping aluminum tubing (36, 32, 22, 17 mm diameters), yielded SWR measurements below 1.5 across multiple bands. Initial trials on 14.150 MHz showed an SWR of 1.6, while 7.075 MHz was problematic. Subsequent adjustments, including a 13 cm extension to the radiating element, improved performance, enabling operation on 6, 15, and 40 meters without a balun, and adding 12 meters with a balun. The design prioritizes portability, allowing transport in a standard vehicle and single-person deployment. Four 10.07-meter radials are connected at the base to enhance ground plane effectiveness. The article details the mechanical assembly, including custom adapters for tube transitions and a PVC sanitary tube sleeve for base insulation, ensuring robust field deployment. Final SWR measurements, documented with an _MFJ-259_ antenna analyzer, confirm operational ranges: 6.800-7.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5), 20.800-22.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5), and 48.800-51.500 MHz (SWR < 1.5) without a balun. With a balun, the antenna achieved SWR < 1.5 on 13.750-15.000 MHz and 24.890-28.350 MHz, demonstrating its versatility for portable _DXpeditions_.
-
Demonstrates practical solutions for reducing **Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)** in amateur radio operating environments, specifically addressing issues with PC monitors, receivers, and transceivers. The resource compiles advice from experienced operators regarding the selection and application of ferrite cores, including split cores and toroidal cores. It details specific material types like **43, 73, 75, and 77 ferrite**, outlining their effective frequency ranges for RFI suppression, such as 43 material for 30-400 MHz and 77 material for 2-30 MHz. The content provides part numbers for various ferrite products from manufacturers like Fair-Rite Products Corp, distributed by Amidon, and discusses their impedance characteristics across different HF bands. It compares the performance of various ferrite materials at frequencies like 4 MHz, noting that 75 material offers 27 ohms, 73 material 17 ohms, and 43 material just under 10 ohms. Additionally, it touches upon the use of bypass capacitors in conjunction with ferrites to create low-pass filters, emphasizing the importance of identifying common-mode versus differential-mode RFI paths for effective mitigation.
-
An cheap, easy to construct and not too visible antenna for the low bands
-
This antenna consists of 4 resonate dipoles made from 12 insulated copper electrical wire. The dipoles are resonate on the following bands: 6 meters, 10 meters, 12 meters and 17 meters.
-
Operating Slow Scan Television (SSTV) on Apple macOS systems requires specialized software to encode and decode images for transmission over amateur radio frequencies. MultiScan 3B was an application designed for this purpose, enabling Mac users to engage in SSTV communications. It supported various popular SSTV modes, including Robot Black & Color, Scottie, Martin, PD modes (P3, P5, P7), and AVT, catering to a wide range of operational preferences and compatibility requirements within the SSTV community. The software's capabilities extended to both transmitting and receiving pictures, offering flexibility in how images were processed. Users could select regular, narrow, QRM, and narrow+QRM modes, allowing for adaptation to different band conditions and signal environments. This feature was particularly useful for mitigating interference and optimizing image quality during transmissions on HF bands. MultiScan 3B was built to run on Mac OS X 10.6 and later versions, providing a dedicated solution for Mac users interested in this classic digital mode. Its support for multiple modes and operational settings made it a versatile tool for SSTV enthusiasts.
-
Constructing an effective mobile antenna system for HF bands often presents challenges in achieving multi-band operation with a compact footprint. This project details the assembly of a versatile mobile antenna utilizing a standard _Hamstick_ base, enabling operation across 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The design incorporates a 102-inch whip and a custom-fabricated coil, allowing for quick band changes by adjusting the coil tap point. The document provides a parts list, step-by-step assembly instructions, and tuning considerations for optimizing SWR on each band. It emphasizes practical construction techniques for the coil and mounting hardware, ensuring mechanical integrity for mobile use. The antenna's performance is discussed in the context of typical mobile operating environments, highlighting its adaptability for various HF frequencies. Final adjustments involve precise trimming of the whip and coil taps to achieve resonance, with a focus on minimizing losses and maximizing radiation efficiency.
-
W3DZZ trapped multi-band antenna, exposed in this practical wireless article
-
Simple, easy to build, low cost, compact, multiband By Robert Wilson, AL7KK
-
Have you ever wanted to listen in on a serious SO2R DX contest effort? hear what the low bands sound like from New England? enjoy a contest without having access to a radio? This is your chance!
-
This vertical antenna consist of a 18 meters telescopic pole and allow operations from 160 to 30 meters band, project by Daniel Zimmerman N3OX
-
One specific challenge in the KazShack, operating Single Operator Two Radios (SO2R), involved sharing a K9AY receive antenna between two transceivers without direct RF connection or manual feedline swapping. The solution, detailed in this project, adapts the **W3LPL RX bandpass filter** design to split 160m and 80m signals, feeding them to separate radio inputs while maintaining isolation. This approach also addresses the issue of strong broadcast band interference from a nearby 50KW WPTF transmitter on 680kc. The construction utilizes T-50-3 toroids and NP0 ceramic capacitors, built in a "dead bug" style on copper clad board. Each band's filter coils are identical and resonated to the desired frequency using an MFJ-259 antenna analyzer. A single DPDT relay, controlled by a remote toggle switch mounted on an aluminum panel, facilitates quick band switching between radios, simplifying low-band operations. While some signal loss is noted, the expected lower noise levels from the receive antenna are anticipated to compensate, potentially reducing the need for constant volume adjustments during toggling between transmit and receive antennas.
-
This is a 6 band receive only filter designed to protect your receiver front end and provide 45dB reject at the stop bands. This is a 6-band receive only filter designed to protect your receiver front end and provide 45dB reject at the stop bands. Stop band reject may be limited by the relay isolation. Worse case isolation is at 28 MHz or 35 dB or better. Relay K3/K8 protects the filter during transmit via the PTT line. A 25-50ms delay must be used between transmit and PTT. Do not rely on your radio to provide adequate delay with out using the PTT. You logging software must be set to allow a delay between PTT and time of 1st transmit. This filter will not work with VOX or QSK keying as you will damage the filter.
-
A GSM1800 Moxon Square antenna project is presented, detailing its construction using three 1.5mm copper wire pieces for the reflector and dipole elements. The design inherently offers a 50-ohm feedpoint impedance, allowing direct connection to 50-ohm coax without complex matching networks like baluns or gamma matches, which are prone to high attenuation at 1.8 GHz if not precisely built. The resource includes a construction plan, expected **SWR plots**, and **radiation patterns** for the GSM 1800 band, specifically covering the 1710-1785 MHz transmit (red zone) and 1805-1880 MHz receive (blue zone) segments. The SWR remains below 2:1 across the entire GSM 1800 band, with the main lobe consistently achieving 5-6 dBi gain. While the radiation pattern shows some changes across the band, these primarily affect the back of the antenna, maintaining consistent forward gain. Practical considerations for high-frequency operation are emphasized, such as minimizing coax length (e.g., under 1 meter for RG-174) and selecting appropriate connectors like N, SMA, or BNC to mitigate significant attenuation. The article also discusses direct connection to the phone's RF PCB for minimal loss and notes observed signal strength variations with antenna orientation despite crossed polarization at cell sites.
-
CWRX, a freeware Windows application, decodes Morse code (CW) signals directly from a sound card's audio input, presenting the decoded text on screen. It supports various receive bandwidths and filtering options, allowing operators to optimize signal reception in different QRM conditions. The program's core functionality focuses on robust CW decoding algorithms, crucial for weak signal work and contesting environments. Developed by OZ1IVA, Lars Harbo, this utility provides a straightforward interface for real-time CW interpretation. It integrates basic logging capabilities, enabling users to record decoded transmissions for later review or contest submission. The software is specifically tailored for the Windows operating system, ensuring compatibility with common shack computer setups. Its design emphasizes ease of use for amateur radio operators seeking a dedicated CW decoding solution. The program's small footprint and direct functionality make it a practical tool for both casual listening and more intensive operating sessions, without requiring extensive system resources.
-
This strange looking antenna is a combination of Coupled-Resonator principle by K9AY and a quarter stubs to achieve low angle radiation pattern. Designed with 4nec2 NEC based antenna modeler and optimizer for 145/220/440MHz bands
-
A Moxon rectangle antenna design for the 11-meter band is presented, offering a compact and lightweight solution for directional HF DX operation. This two-element parasitic array, popular among amateur radio enthusiasts, provides considerable directional gain and lower noise on horizontal polarization. The design is suitable for both 27 MHz Citizens Band (CB) and the lower portion of the 28 MHz amateur radio band, making it versatile for operators interested in either service. Construction can utilize materials like bamboo, squid poles with wire elements, or aluminum tubing on a central boom. The article includes a plan view diagram with specific dimensions (A-E) in centimeters and inches for building the antenna, such as a 392.09 cm (154 3/8 inch) driven element. The Moxon configuration inherently presents a 50 Ohm load to the transceiver, often eliminating the need for an external matching unit or balun. Performance data for an antenna mounted at approximately 30 feet indicates a gain of 10-11 dBi and a frequency range of 27.300 MHz to 28.300 MHz. The design is noted for its excellent front-to-back rejection, with tested signal drop-offs from S5-S7 to S2 when turned, demonstrating effective suppression of unwanted signals.
-
Presents a construction project for a linear-loaded 40-meter rotatable dipole, detailing the design evolution from mid-element coils to 300-ohm twinlead loading. It covers material selection, including repurposed fishing poles and EMT conduit, and outlines the assembly process for the antenna elements and mounting plate. The resource provides specific measurements for element lengths and linear loading sections, along with SWR plots demonstrating the antenna's resonance at 7.035 MHz with a 1.1:1 SWR, and bandwidth up to 7.120 MHz below 2:1 SWR. The article documents the antenna's performance during various RTTY and CW contests, including the SARTG RTTY and SCC RTTY contests in August 2006, and the ARRL DX CW and CQWW WPX RTTY contests in February 2007. It reports successful operation at 500-1000W, noting improved performance after replacing a faulty coax cable. Specific DX contacts from British Columbia, including stations in Europe and South Africa, are listed, illustrating the antenna's capability despite its shortened length and relatively low height of 55 feet. The content highlights practical considerations such as weatherproofing the connections and supporting the fiberglass elements to prevent sagging. It also includes a brief comparison to an inverted-V at similar height and a ground-mounted vertical, noting the rotatable dipole's quieter reception. The author shares insights into the iterative design process and tuning adjustments made to achieve optimal resonance.
-
CQDX11.com serves as a vital hub for Citizens Band (CB) radio operators, particularly those interested in the 27 MHz band. The site offers a wealth of information on CB radio models, modifications, and antennas, catering to both beginners and seasoned DXers. Users can explore various resources, including a logbook for tracking contacts, forums for community interaction, and guides on equipment and techniques for effective communication. In addition to technical resources, CQDX11.com emphasizes the social aspect of CB radio, providing a platform for users to share experiences, tips, and engage in real-time chat. The site also features a section dedicated to CB radio news and updates, ensuring operators stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the CB community. Whether you're looking to enhance your setup or connect with fellow enthusiasts, CQDX11.com is an essential destination for all things related to CB radio.