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VarAC is a FREE, modern HF P2P real-time chatting application for the amateur radio operator that leverages the glorious VARA protocol

Ionospheric Propagation of Radio Waves in Action, How Do Ionized Layers Form to Enable Ionospheric Propagation of Radio Waves, the foundamental role of F layer, and the role of the other ionized layers

Experimenting and testing vertical antenna for HF bands on mobile operations.

The author shares a unique experiment with a 200ft Grasswire antenna—laying wire directly on the ground. Despite inherent losses, the setup enables successful radio communication with a Kentucky station, highlighting the antenna's practicality for portable use with minimal power.

Learn how to easily improve your handheld VHF performance on the 2-meter band with the Flowerpot antenna. This simple DIY antenna made from coaxial cable requires minimal tools and materials, providing a big range upgrade compared to standard rubber-duck antennas. Discover how to build, tune, and optimize the Flowerpot antenna for excellent performance. Ideal for hams looking for lightweight, portable solutions for handhelds, mobile rigs, home stations, SOTA/POTA activations, and emergency communication.

The article describes a high-gain, compact beam antenna design for the 2-meter band (144-146 MHz). The NSH 4x4 Boomer is a 4-element antenna that is mounted on a 4-foot boom with an 8.2 dB gain, 1.2:1 SWR, and a front-to-back ratio of 18 db. It is designed for mobile operations and little area, making it perfect for field usage such as disaster management. The design employs regularly spaced parts with a straightforward gamma match for tuning, and the construction materials include a square boom and polished aluminum tubes. In local and portable tests, the antenna worked regularly, achieving contact distances of up to 15 kilometers.

A half wave wire that is tuned for resonance on 80m will NOT be resonant on 40m despite a precise harmonic relationship between the two bands. The End Effect is caused by a capacitive coupling between an unterminated wire end and the ground.

This article help on explaining what you need to start with amateur radio. By using a local ham radio club station to purchasing second hand radio equipment and how to get help on installing antennas.

This page discusses the CLEFHW (Coil Loaded End-Fed Half-Wave) antenna, a portable variation of the popular EFHW design for ham radio operators. The article explains how the CLEFHW allows for backpack portable operation without the need for trees or poles, making it ideal for POTA activations and rapid deployment scenarios. The author details the design, optimization for 20m band, and compares efficiency to full-length wire antennas. Suitable for hams interested in portable antenna solutions and quick setup options for amateur radio activities.

This page delves into the debate surrounding the End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna, exploring whether it is truly a multiband antenna without the need for a tuner. The author investigates the claims and criticisms surrounding these popular antennas, discussing their resonance on various bands and their efficiency for DXCC achievements. The content is valuable for hams interested in understanding the capabilities of EFHW antennas and their performance across different HF bands, with a focus on practical usage and real-world results.

This article explores the marriage of amateur radio and bushcraft, advocating the pleasure of setting up a portable station in nature rather than operating from the confines of a vehicle. The Parks on the Air (POTA) programme is highlighted as a catalyst for outdoor radio activities. The author shares his experiences and techniques, from transporting equipment into the wilderness to setting up shelters and antennas. Knot tying skills and the use of frogs are emphasized for efficiency, and a unique method for launching wire antennas is described. The article emphasizes the synergy between amateur radio and bushcraft skills, enhancing the enjoyment of radio operations in wilderness environments.

This article focus on the radiation angle of vertical antennas and the fundamentals of electromagnetic wave propagation. The calculation of antenna length at 145 MHz is followed by an explanation of electromagnetic wave speed and the link between wavelength, frequency, and velocity. Author discusses the 5/8th wave vertical antenna, namely its performance and the influence of radiation angle on signal transmission. Figures and analogies demonstrate how different antenna types produce distinct radiation patterns. This highlights the importance of selecting the right antenna for a certain purpose, such as local traffic or dxing. The article discusses a variety of factors that affect antenna performance, including SWR, propagation conditions, and equipment dependability

Inrad Roofing Filter installation instruction, The IC-775 Roofing Filter Mod consists of a 6 pole, 5 kHz wide filter followed by a high dynamic range, feedback amplifier.

During radio's early days, high frequencies were under 30 MHz due to technical limitations. As understanding grew, components improved, allowing for higher frequencies like VHF and UHF up to 3 GHz. The HF band's long wavelengths provide unique propagation challenges influenced by solar activity. VHF and UHF bands face diffraction and reflection issues but offer diverse applications, from amateur radio to 5G and GPS technologies.

This page provides a detailed guide on building a 25 Watt QRP dummy load for hams. It includes a list of required parts and supplies, along with a documentation section. The project is aimed at hams interested in QRP operations and looking to build their own dummy load. The page offers step-by-step instructions and resources to help hams successfully complete the project.

Provides a comprehensive overview of the Hentenna design, construction methods using aluminum tubing, and discusses its bidirectional characteristics with illustrative photos

Focusing on the Indian amateur radio community, this resource provides a collection of articles covering news, technical tutorials, and DIY project instructions. It features content on various aspects of ham radio, including club activities, circuit ideas, and general information relevant to operators in India, often referencing local events and regulations. The site serves as a central point for information exchange within the region. The author, VU3HZW, shares insights and practical guidance, drawing from personal experience to present topics such as antenna construction and station setup. The content aims to support both new and experienced hams, with articles detailing specific projects and offering practical advice for improving station performance or engaging in local ham radio activities. For instance, one article might detail a simple _QRP transceiver_ build, while another could discuss optimal antenna placement for **local nets**.

This article presents a novel Top Loaded End-Fed Half-Wave (TLEFHW) antenna design for 20-meter ham radio operation. The antenna features a compact 14-foot vertical radiator with a capacitance hat configuration, eliminating the need for radials or ground systems. Using EZNEC modeling and field testing, the design achieves a 1.5:1 SWR across the 20m band with a 4.11 dBi gain. Key features include quick deployment, lightweight construction, and directional radiation pattern with 110-degree beamwidth. The design, while requiring a 45-foot footprint due to the top hat, offers an effective portable solution for amateur radio operators seeking a no-ground, no-tuner 20m antenna option.

A 13-foot total radiating element length is achieved by combining a Buddipole Long Telescopic Whip with 4 feet of modified tripod tubes, forming a low-profile, multiband antenna for **POTA** operations. The resource details the transformation of an Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand, focusing on electrically isolating the top two radiating sections from the bottom support. John, VA3KOT, outlines component sourcing, including the 9-foot 4-inch fully extended whip, and emphasizes using adhesive copper tape for reliable electrical contact and conductive grease to prevent oxidation at tube connections. The construction process, while not requiring specialized tools, highlights careful assembly to ensure proper electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. The author's experience with this setup suggests its effectiveness for portable activations, offering a discreet profile compared to larger antenna systems. The design prioritizes ease of deployment and transport, making it a practical solution for operators seeking a compact yet versatile antenna for field use.

Ham Radio Solutions offers CW Hotline, a WiFi connected tool for keying a remote radio station in CW mode or for private Morse code communication with friends. It is like 'The Bat Phone' for CW enthusiasts. Simply configure with local WiFi information, power up, and start sending and receiving Morse code messages. The site provides assembly manuals and user guides for CW Hotline.

This article discusses the evolution of portable amateur radio operations, focusing on optimizing backpack-carried equipment for outdoor use. The author shares his journey from using wheeled carts to developing an innovative backpack-mounted antenna system, emphasizing the transition from high-power (QRO) to low-power (QRP) operations to reduce weight. The piece details practical solutions for antenna mounting, equipment selection, and portable operations in challenging terrain, particularly along Ontario's Niagara Escarpment. The author's approach prioritizes mobility and functionality while maintaining effective radio communications in remote locations.

Learn about the POTA PERformer antenna, a portable, elevated, resonant whip designed by Greg Mihran KJ6ER. Discover how this unique antenna requires fewer radials to be efficient, making it ideal for portable operations. Explore the benefits of using two radials for a directional radiating pattern, compared to just one radial. Find out how computer modeling can help optimize the performance of the POTA PERformer antenna for your ham radio activities.

The 2m 7 element Yagi antenna is a perfect beam antenna with 11dB gain and a front-to-back ratio of 20-25 dB. It has seven elements and requires a matching network built of 3/8" aluminum tubing and RG-8 cable. The gamma tube is adjusted to provide the best fit, and the gamma-driven element feeding clamp is tightened. If the beam is vertical, a non-conducting mast is utilized to prevent detuning and skewing of the radiation pattern. For optimal VHF operating, the antenna is installed at a height of 30 feet or higher.

Demonstrates a cloud-based suite of tools for amateur radio operations, eliminating local software installation. The platform integrates a comprehensive logbook with import/export functionality, an _eMap_ application displaying DX spots, user locations, and grayline data, alongside a dynamic band map derived from DX cluster information. It also provides a _vQSL_ system for QSL management and a mailbox with QSO verification. Users can access a Web DX cluster to monitor spots and _DXCC_ status, or connect via Telnet using external programs like _Logger32_ or Ham Radio Deluxe. The cluster supports advanced spot filtering by QRG, spot call, spot from, and origin, with configurable mail alerts based on IARU zone filters. Additional features include a real-time chat for skeds, azimuth/distance calculations from a user's QTH (with QRA locator), a search engine for spot and logbook databases, a band status matrix, and a propagation tool for MUF calculations, leveraging data from N0NBH.

GDX is a free Linux DX Cluster client for Radio amateurs. It allows hamradio operators to connect to the Packet Radio DX Clusters network via telnet. Connection via radio frequency modem, or TNC, not available at the moment.

Ham radio communication in the VHF and UHF bands, which was previously dominated by analog Frequency Modulation (FM), is increasingly incorporating Digital Voice (DV) modes. DV transceivers digitize audio and offer benefits like as signal integrity, encoded caller ID, and bandwidth savings. Today D-STAR, DMR and Yaesu System Fusion (YSF) are popular DV formats, each with its own set of features but mainly incompatible with the others. Internet access with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) expands DV communication worldwide. Repeaters and personal hotspots expand DV capabilities, enabling seamless worldwide connections. However, implementing DV frequently necessitates learning new technologies and negotiating network complexity.

The Greencube Terminal Program enhances communication with the Greencube/IO-117 satellite by enabling message exchange via a PC's soundcard and integrating with multiple loggers like ACLog and Cloudlog. It supports new contact identification through an ADIF file, featuring a color-coded "Dupelist" for tracking unconfirmed contacts and grids. The software is compatible with voice notifications for efficient satellite communication management.

This article explores the role of velocity factor (VF) in calculating stub lengths for VHF/UHF Baluns. It clarifies misconceptions about VF's relevance, distinguishing between coaxial cable interior fields and external stub fields. Practical examples, such as the Pawsey Stub and Coaxial Cable Balun, are analyzed alongside experimental findings. The results reveal that traditional VF adjustments are unnecessary for stubs with external fields but critical for internal coaxial applications. Historical and theoretical insights provide a comprehensive perspective for antenna enthusiasts and designers.

The **5-Port 12 Volt DC Power Strip Kit (Rev 4)** offers a practical solution for managing shack power distribution, providing one input and five fused outputs. All connections utilize the ubiquitous Anderson PowerPole connectors, a standard for many amateur radio operators, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe way to power multiple 12 VDC transceivers and accessories from a single source. This design mitigates the common issue of tangled wires and overloaded connections in a typical ham shack. Rated for a maximum current of 20 Amps at 12 VDC, the strip incorporates an integrated LED to indicate when external power is applied. Each output is individually fused, a critical safety feature that protects connected equipment from overcurrent conditions without affecting other devices on the strip. This level of protection is essential for preserving sensitive radio gear during operation. Assembly requires basic soldering skills and hand tools, with a high-power soldering iron and wide chisel tip specifically recommended for best results. The kit's compact dimensions of 4.13" x 1.78" allow for flexible mounting via screw holes, making it suitable for various shack configurations and portable operations.

Learn how to connect your AllStar Node to 44Net in this blog post. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips to make the process easier for hams interested in expanding their networks. Find out how to improve your communication capabilities and enhance your overall ham radio experience with this helpful guide.

HamRadioSchool.com combines traditional textbook learning with modern online tools. Their approach focuses on building conceptual understanding rather than just memorizing answers. The site offers structured courses with clear learning paths, video tutorials, and interactive quizzes. Their materials are particularly strong on electronics theory fundamentals. The site also maintains an active blog with tips for new operators and explanations of confusing exam topics.

Provides access to a robust DX cluster node, G6NHU-2, running DX Spider software, which facilitates real-time amateur radio contact spotting across HF bands. This service is engineered for high reliability and low latency, ensuring rapid dissemination of DX spots from a global network of interconnected nodes. It features multiple redundant links to prevent data loss and maintain continuous operation, even if individual connections drop. The cluster integrates directly with the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), allowing users to enable or disable skimmer spots for specific modes like CW, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. It also offers an extensive one-year spot history, significantly longer than most other DX clusters, which typically retain only a month of data. The node supports various lookup commands for callsign information, beam headings, QSL routing, and FCC database lookups, enhancing operational efficiency for DXers and contesters. Additionally, it permits self-spotting, a feature increasingly relevant in modern contests, and provides detailed instructions for connecting popular logging software such as N1MM+, HamRadioDeluxe, MacLoggerDX, LOG4OM2, Logger32, and N3FJP's Amateur Contact Log.

BC Amateur Radio South Of The Fraser. Coastal Ham Radio Club is for the amateur radio enthusiast. We are a group of local British Columbia amateurs who wish to socialize, learn, share and promote the hobby.

A podcast dedicated to the technical aspects of amateur radio, featuring in-depth discussions on homebrewing, test equipment, and project building.