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Constructing an effective directional antenna for the 40-meter band presents unique challenges due to its physical size requirements. This resource details the homebrew construction of a 2-element _Moxon_ Yagi antenna specifically designed for 7 MHz operation. The author, TA7OM, provides a visual guide to building this antenna, showcasing the boom, element mounting, and feedpoint connections through a series of high-resolution photographs. While textual descriptions are minimal, the imagery clearly illustrates the mechanical aspects of the antenna's assembly. The _Moxon_ rectangle design offers a compact footprint compared to a full-size Yagi, making it a practical choice for many hams with limited real estate. The visual documentation allows builders to replicate the antenna's structure, including the use of PVC pipe for element support and the method for spacing the driven and reflector elements. The project emphasizes practical construction techniques for achieving a directional pattern on a challenging HF band, suitable for DXing and contesting.

Awards, contesting, dxing, IOTA and Island info, on-line log searches, and much, much, more.

Tips and tricks in RTTY Contesting by VA7ST

An interesting article about planning and testing beverage antennas for 80 and 160 meters in a rural location

Testing log wire antennas and a unun by G0KYA

Amateur Radio Club in Edinburgh. Founded in 1949 with twice monthly meetings and a range of activites including talks, DF hunts, vists and contesting.

Contesting, CW, antennas and review on TK/OE5XVL DXpedition 1999 plus my GD/OE5OHO DXpedition in 1997.

Operating RTTY digital mode, this resource provides access to various versions of the _2Tone_ software engine, specifically designed for decoding and encoding RTTY signals. It details the evolution of the software, highlighting a significant technical requirement change where versions 24.09b through 26.01a necessitate a PC CPU with the AVX instruction set, a crucial detail for operators considering system compatibility. The page lists numerous historical and current releases, enabling users to select a version compatible with their hardware and operating environment. The utility of 2Tone lies in its ability to interface with established amateur radio programs such as _N1MM Logger+_, WriteLog, and QARtest, enhancing their RTTY capabilities. While specific performance metrics like decoding accuracy or WPM limits are not quantified on this page, the availability of multiple versions, including those without AVX requirements, suggests a commitment to broad user accessibility. The software's integration with major contest logging applications indicates its primary application in competitive RTTY operations, where reliable decoding is paramount for achieving high scores.

Minnesota Wireless Association, the Minnesota contesting connection.

Nightly Talk Around Net sparked many new ideals and has promoted Amateur Radio in our area with things like, ARES, Skywarn Classes, Field Day, VE testing, Internet and other events that bring our Hams together as one big family.

Optimizing weak signal reception on the HF bands, particularly in the presence of strong local QRM, often necessitates specialized receiving antenna systems. This resource details the _HI-Z Antennas_ product line, focusing on phased vertical arrays designed for superior noise rejection and directivity. It covers components such as the 4-Square and 8-Element array controllers, which allow for rapid switching of receive patterns, and dedicated low-noise preamplifiers to improve system sensitivity. The site also presents various bandpass filters, crucial for mitigating out-of-band interference and enhancing the dynamic range of the receiver. The HI-Z systems are engineered to provide significant front-to-back and side rejection, often yielding **20-30 dB** of attenuation to unwanted signals, which is critical for DXing and contesting. Users can achieve a notable reduction in local noise, allowing for the discernment of signals that would otherwise be buried. The array controllers facilitate quick pattern changes, enabling operators to null out interference or peak weak signals from distant stations, effectively extending the reach of their receive capabilities by improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

Local amateur radio clubs often serve as vital hubs for hams to connect, share knowledge, and participate in group activities. The Orleans County Amateur Radio Club (OCARC), operating under the callsign WA2DQL, provides a focal point for amateur radio operators in Albion, New York, and the surrounding Orleans County area. These organizations frequently host events, offer technical assistance, and foster camaraderie among members, supporting various aspects of the hobby from contesting to emergency communications. OCARC's activities include discussions on proposed Technician class privileges for **80, 40, and 15 meters**, indicating an interest in regulatory changes affecting entry-level licensees. The club also promotes the use of online tools like _Radio Mobile Online_ for antenna pattern analysis and _VOACAP Online_ for propagation predictions, aiding members in optimizing their station performance. Furthermore, OCARC highlights participation in _Parks On The Air_ (POTA) events, such as the Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration in 2025, encouraging outdoor operations and public engagement with amateur radio.

Established around 1968, the Wichita Amateur Radio Society (W.A.R.S.) N5WF provides a central hub for amateur radio operators in the Wichita Falls, Texas area. The society actively supports local ham radio interests, fostering community engagement and technical development among its members. W.A.R.S. is known for its commitment to public service communications and promoting the amateur radio hobby through various activities and educational initiatives. The society's activities often include field operations, technical presentations, and participation in emergency communications drills, which align with its mission to support the amateur radio community. Members frequently engage in _DXing_ and _contesting_, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help others improve their operating skills. The club also maintains local repeaters, providing essential infrastructure for regional communications.

Ham radio Blog, focusing on homebrewing and testing antennas, rig mods and contesting.

An introduction to RDF contesting in southern California, updated from a paper originally submitted for Proceedings of the 1992 West Coast VHF/UHF Conference.

The Araucaria DX Group, based in Brazil, functions as an amateur radio club specializing in **DXpeditions**, **contesting**, and organizing various related events. The group actively sponsors contests and provides resources for DX enthusiasts. Its primary focus is on facilitating and participating in long-distance radio contacts and competitive operating events, contributing to the global amateur radio community. The group's activities include coordinating expeditions to rare DX entities, participating in major international contests, and fostering skill development among its members. By sponsoring events, the Araucaria DX Group supports the growth of amateur radio in South America, encouraging participation in competitive operating and promoting the pursuit of DX. The group's initiatives aim to enhance operational proficiency and expand the reach of amateur radio communications.

Ham radio activities, from satellite operations, eme communications, dxing and contesting, qsling and direction findings, are just some of ham radio exciting activities

Getting started on RTTY contesting. A PDF by ED Muns, presented at CTU conterst university, about amateur radio RTTY Contesting

Contesting Norway, forums on contesting from scandinavia.

This online project guide details the construction of a homebrew boom microphone system. It details the assembly of a microphone shell from a 3/4" PVC pipe section and an end cap, requiring a drilled hole for a snug fit of the electret or condenser mic element. The internal wiring schematic specifies a **2.2 K** resistor and a **47 uF** polar capacitor for signal conditioning, with a circuit diagram provided for integration with IC-706 series transceivers. The guide outlines the use of CAT-5 cable for internal connections, incorporating strain relief at the rear of the mic shell, and an inline 3.5 mm jack to facilitate an external _PTT_ line, designed for a foot-mounted switch. Further construction involves fabricating a microphone shock mount from a 2-inch PVC connector, detailing the creation of four "fingers" and the insertion of screw-eyes for attaching elastic bands, which are twisted 180 degrees for tensioning and vibration isolation. A foam wind screen is also incorporated into the microphone assembly, secured with adhesive. The boom arm itself is repurposed from an articulated architect lamp, with the original lamp assembly converted into a **60 watt** resistive load for testing power sources. Microphone cabling is secured to the boom arm using wire ties, ensuring sufficient slack at hinge points to maintain articulation. The boom base is mounted to a bookshelf, requiring specific positioning to achieve proper microphone placement in front of the operator. Performance evaluation of the microphone system is conducted through on-air audio signal reports from other amateur radio operators. DXZone Focus: Online Project Guide | Boom Microphone Construction | Electret Mic Element | PTT Line

When I tell friends that I enjoy amateur radio contesting, their reaction is usually a quizzical stare. "What's that?" It is hard to explain in the span of a cocktail conversation, so here is the answer.

The Superantennas MP-1 portable HF antenna is analyzed for its design and field performance, particularly its high-Q loading coil and 3/8-inch mounting. The review details the antenna's construction, including an 8-inch vertical section, a large-diameter loading coil tuned by a sleeve, and a 4-foot whip that disassembles into six rods for transport. Initial testing with the supplied 10-foot ribbon cable "ground plane" yielded poor SWR and RF hot conditions, indicating an inadequate ground system. Further experimentation with longer radials and resonant counterpoises for each band improved matching and eliminated RF hot issues, but introduced significant operational complexity. The author notes the difficulty in optimizing both counterpoise length and coil setting without an antenna analyzer, and the sensitivity of the MP-1 to counterpoise deployment. The review also discusses the recommendation to tune for maximum received signals rather than minimum SWR, often necessitating an external ATU due to the antenna's typical low impedance. The **MP-1**'s critical dependence on resonant counterpoises for effective operation, especially when elevated, is highlighted as a major drawback for portable use. The author ultimately sold the antenna, concluding that despite its sound technical design, its fussy nature and the need for extensive counterpoise management or an ATU detract from its portability and convenience compared to simpler, less expensive dipole solutions. The **Superantennas MP-1** is deemed a flawed portable antenna, requiring considerable effort to achieve its claimed performance.

Operating on the 146.880 MHz repeater, the Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs (IEVHFRA) hosts a weekly net, providing a consistent on-air gathering for amateurs within Eastern Washington and Spokane County. My experience with similar regional VHF nets confirms their value in fostering local ham radio community and sharing information, often covering topics from equipment troubleshooting to upcoming hamfests. The club, active for over **50 years**, also organizes the _Inland Empire VHF Tailgate Swap_, an event featuring vendors, emergency communication demonstrations by Spokane ARES-ACS, and POTA/SOTA activity setups. Such events are crucial for hands-on learning and direct interaction, which I've found invaluable for new licensees and seasoned operators alike. Beyond on-air activities and events, IEVHFRA supports the hobby through amateur radio classes and testing, facilitating new license acquisition and upgrades. They also maintain an online messaging group for members, ensuring continuous communication and information exchange.

Win32 command line utility, that allows you to create Master Callsign Database file (DTA), used in many contesting programs, from different logs in ADIF, Cabrillo, and plain text formats.

After a year of preparation, 150 students and 11 professors participated in 10 hours of intense Contesting instruction covering some 22 topics, with over 400 pages of text

Fellowship for all Amateur Radio Operators of Rockingham County. Home of the N4IV repeater system. Licensing classes, testing, ARES, and Skywarn

Aggregating real-time contest scores, this online scoreboard serves as a central hub for participants and spectators to monitor live progress during amateur radio competitions. It directly interfaces with widely used contest logging programs, collecting score data as operators make contacts. The platform then processes and displays these scores on dedicated contest pages, offering an immediate overview of standings. Supporting a diverse range of **DX contests**, the system accommodates various operating modes and rulesets. It facilitates score tracking for events like the YB DX RTTY, RSGB Commonwealth (BERU), EA PSK63, and the South America 10 Meter contest, among others. This functionality allows contesters to gauge their performance against competitors instantaneously, fostering dynamic participation. The scoreboard's integration with multiple contest log software applications ensures broad compatibility, making it accessible to a significant portion of the contesting community. It provides a crucial service by centralizing score visibility, enhancing the competitive experience for **amateur radio operators** worldwide.

NRSC AM bandwidth measurements with the loop antenna

Ukrainian radioamateur on HF: DX News, Contesting, Propagation, Conference, Photo, Radioamateur Map, Online Logs etc.

Amateur Tosno contest club Russia ATCC was founded 25.08.2008. ATCC invites everyone who loves ham radio, CW, dx, ssb, digi and contesting, to become a member.

On this page you will find information about previous, current and future operations of our contest team, different articles, links and info about contesting, DXing, contests calendar, propagation, antennas, equipment, awards, and much more.

Documents the construction of a **VHF/UHF** antenna addition for the Buddipole HF antenna system, leveraging the existing Versa-Tee component. The project details the fabrication of a custom antenna mount from angle aluminum, including specific drilling and tapping for 3/16"-24 bolts, and the creation of radials from Simpson Strong Tie Insulation Supports. It specifies radial lengths for 70 centimeters (6 inches from the center stud) and 2 meters (19 1/4 inches), noting the use of wire nuts for safety. The resource outlines the construction of a mast from 1/2" ID PVC conduit, connected with 3/8"-24 connecting nuts and bolts, mirroring the Buddipole's modular design. It describes the integration of a mobile dual-band antenna with a 3/8"-24 mounting stud and the custom coax setup with BNC and **PL-259** connectors. Field testing with an FT-817ND and a separate dual-band SWR meter confirmed good SWR on both 2 meters and the 440-450 MHz section of 70 centimeters, with positive reception reports during Field Day activities. Further, the article describes the creation of a custom carrying solution, including a 22-inch tripod bag and a fabric roll-up, to emulate the portability of the original Buddipole system.

Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club website provides information on club events, history, officers, licensing, and how to join. Users can download newsletters, hamfest flyers, and net scripts. The club serves the Sonoma Valley wine country, holding monthly meetings, weekly nets, and breakfast gatherings. The club call sign, W6AJF, honors Frank Jones, an Amateur Radio pioneer. Various events are listed on the site, including picnics, VE testing, and breakfast nets.

K8CU technical topics article about high voltage breakdown tester necessary for testing of any high voltage components like vacuum tubes, high voltage capacitors, vacuum relay

The Broadcast Employees Amateur Radio Society, Inc. (BEARS) operates an extensive network of **VHF and UHF repeaters** across New York, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey, accessible to all licensed amateur radio operators. This resource details the club's structure as a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit, emphasizing its role in providing ham radio training, testing, and critical communications support to various public and private emergency response agencies. Key repeaters include W2ABC/RPT on 147.27 MHz with a 141.3 PL tone, serving as a central point for club activities and broader network access. BEARS is also a founding member of the **Disney Amateur Radio Interconnect (DARI)**, a consortium of open, linked VHF and UHF repeaters spanning major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington DC, Orlando, Bristol, Los Angeles, and Boston. This interconnected system facilitates wide-area communication for members and supports emergency preparedness efforts across multiple regions. The club's focus extends beyond Disney employees, welcoming aspiring and current hams from outside the company to participate in its activities and utilize its robust repeater infrastructure.

Presents the W9VT Tri-Town Radio Club, an ARRL-affiliated organization serving the Illinois amateur radio community. The club maintains a 2-meter repeater on 147.180 MHz (+600 kHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS) and a 70-centimeter repeater on 444.825 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 107.2 Hz CTCSS), both located in Woodridge, IL. Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Woodridge Public Library, focusing on technical discussions, operating practices, and community service. The club participates in Field Day, supports local public service events, and offers licensing classes for Technician, General, and Extra class examinations. Members engage in various amateur radio activities, including DXing, contesting, and digital modes, fostering skill development among hams. The club's repeater infrastructure provides reliable local communication for members and supports emergency preparedness efforts within DuPage County. Participation in ARRL-sponsored events like the Simulated Emergency Test (SET) and various operating awards promotes active engagement and technical proficiency. The club provides a platform for mentorship, allowing experienced operators to guide newer hams through licensing and operational aspects.

This project details the construction and testing of a M0PLK Delta Loop antenna for the 20-10m ham radio bands. Inspired by positive reviews highlighting its reduced local QRM compared to Cobweb antennas, the author built the antenna using aluminum tubes, DX-Wire FS2 wire, and a 1:4 balun. A mix of custom 3D-printed parts and careful assembly ensured stability and performance. Initial VSWR measurements met expectations, and test QSOs demonstrated success across multiple bands. Future enhancements include adding a lightweight, remote-controlled rotator for directional capabilities.

Contesting, IOTA, DXPeditions, DX, and much more.....worth a click!

The Tri-County CW Amateur Radio Club, operating under the callsign _W3TCW_, is situated in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. This organization extends an open invitation to all licensed amateur radio operators, regardless of age or experience level, to participate in its activities and community. The club maintains a web presence detailing various aspects of its operations, including a calendar of events, a member roster, and contact information. It also provides resources related to _VE Testing_ and links to other local clubs and the _ARRL_ section website. Historical content, such as information from _Field Day 2008_, is also referenced.

This resource compiles claimed scores, often referred to as "rumor scores," for numerous amateur radio contests, providing a historical snapshot of competitive activity from 1993 through 2007. It lists entries for prominent events such as _CQWW CW_, _ARRL Sweepstakes_, _IOTA Contest_, and various _NAQP_ events, categorized by year and contest. Each entry typically includes the contest name and the month/year of operation, allowing users to quickly navigate to specific contest periods. The site also references the _3830 Web Page_ on Contesting.com as the primary submission portal for these claimed scores. The collection offers a unique perspective on contest participation and performance trends over more than a decade, preceding the widespread adoption of real-time score reporting systems. While not official results, these rumor scores provided early indications of top performers and overall activity levels for a wide array of HF and some VHF contests, including _ARRL 10M_ and _CQWW VHF_. The historical data can be useful for analyzing past contest popularity, identifying consistently strong operators, or simply reminiscing about earlier competitive eras in amateur radio.

The WB5RVZ Genesis Radio G40 build log documents the construction of a 5W QRP 40m SDR transceiver kit, detailing each phase of assembly from power supply to RF filtering. It provides specific component lists, parts placement diagrams, and testing procedures for stages like the local oscillator, Tayloe detector, and RX op-amps. The resource highlights discrepancies between documentation versions and offers practical advice for builders, including a "virtual build" approach to preemptively address potential ambiguities in component identification and placement. It also addresses a specific "VK6IC Fix" for early board revisions, involving trace cuts and jumper wires for improved performance. The build log presents measured voltages and expected current consumption for various stages, such as the 4.9-5.0 Vdc on the 5V rail and under 100mA for RX current. It outlines critical adjustments like image rejection tuning, a common procedure for direct conversion receivers. The resource also includes practical tips for handling components like the 2N3866 transistor and its heatsink, emphasizing pre-assembly. It details the winding of two 1.45 uH toroidal inductors on T50-6 cores with 17 turns of #20 AWG wire, crucial for the RF path.

The Noantri WebCLX presents real-time DX spots, including frequency, DX callsign, country, and comments, facilitating active DXing and contesting. It operates as a web-based cluster, offering an alternative to traditional Telnet clusters for accessing spotting data. The interface displays current UTC, allowing operators to track propagation and activity across various amateur bands. This service is maintained by the _Noantri DX Group ARI Roma_, indicating its origin within the Italian amateur radio community. It supports the dynamic exchange of DX information, crucial for operators seeking new entities or participating in competitive events. Key features include the display of spots for modes like FT8, and it functions as a DXSpider-based system, providing a robust platform for **DX spotting** and **propagation analysis**.

Twenty-four repeaters, including D-STAR and Fusion systems, are maintained and operated by MARCA Inc., primarily located on Arizona mountaintops and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization, holding the callsign _W7MOT_, facilitates a wide range of amateur radio activities, such as ARRL Field Day events near Forest Lakes, Arizona, and participation in ARRL FMT contests. Members engage in antenna experimentation, construction, and maintenance trips to repeater sites. The club's interests span diverse topics, including HF voice, digital modes like _WSPR_, _WSJT-X_ (FT8, FT4), and CW, alongside DXing, MESH networking, and EOC operations. It supports technologies from SDR radio building to antique radio restoration and computer-based operations like Echolink, fostering a Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raspberry Pi group. Monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday, feature business discussions and guest presentations, with informal summer gatherings and an annual holiday dinner in December. Monthly VE testing sessions for Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses are conducted by Ray Vasquez, K4RMV. Post-meeting discussions often cover specialized interests such as repeater operations, technical topics, D-STAR, SDR, APRS, Fusion, and Raspberry Pi projects.

MFSK is an easy-to-use chat mode for real-time amateur contacts, nets and bulletin transmissions, but not intended for contesting or Bulletin Board System (BBS) use. It is a half-duplex non-Automatic Repeat ReQuest (ARQ) forward-error-correcting (FEC) mode. It performs well on long-path fading conditions and in the presence of interference

The **HamRacer** voice keyer, a Windows-based application, is showcased in this video, illustrating its utility for radio amateurs participating in SSB contests. It functions as a synthesized PC-based voice keyer, specifically designed for HF and VHF SSB contest operations, allowing operators to transmit pre-recorded or text-to-speech generated messages during rapid-fire exchanges. The demonstration includes actual recorded QSO examples from a contest, featuring contacts with stations such as SP6OWA, S57O, OK1IEI, 9A1DL, OE1PAB, OK1GTH, and 9A1E. These examples highlight the software's practical application in a live contesting environment, demonstrating how it facilitates contest participation for operators who might otherwise face challenges with traditional voice keying. The resource provides a direct look at the software in action, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusivity within the amateur radio contesting community. It details the use of Windows SAPI for speech synthesis, a core component of HamRacer's functionality.

Right Mark Audio Analyzer is a suite designed for testing quality of any audio devices, be it a sound card, an MP3 player, a consumer CD/DVD player or a radio.

The Club Radio Amateur de Québec (CRAQ) is a prominent amateur radio club based in Québec, Canada, dedicated to fostering interest and participation in amateur radio. It provides a platform for local hams to connect, share knowledge, and engage in various radio-related activities, including **DXing**, contesting, and technical experimentation. The club supports its members through regular meetings, technical presentations, and organized operating events, aiming to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the hobby. CRAQ also plays a role in public service communications, often collaborating with local authorities for emergency preparedness and response. CRAQ's activities include operating club stations, organizing **field day** events, and offering training sessions for new licensees. Members frequently participate in provincial and national contests, contributing to the club's competitive standing. The club maintains a network of repeaters, providing reliable local communication infrastructure for its members and the broader amateur radio community in the Québec area. These resources facilitate daily QSO traffic and serve as critical links during community service operations.

Configure the Kenwood TS-590S for Digital Voice Keying DVK, a must for contesting.

Contesting (also known as radiosport) is a competitive activity pursued by amateur radio operators, read more about contesting at wikipedia

Lake county races/ares, volunteer auxillary communications group working under lake county emergency management agency. offical skywarn site for lake county. VE testing and radio clases offered. not-for profit 501(c)3