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Ham radio blog from west malaysian station 9W2MSG

The P4 Aruba Callbook, last updated in 2010, serves as a directory for amateur radio operators active from the Caribbean island of Aruba. It meticulously categorizes P4 callsigns into several types: **P41-** for special resident calls valid for one month, **P43-** for permanent resident calls renewable annually, **P49-** for permanent visitor calls also renewable annually, and **P40-** for temporary visitor calls valid for one month, often used in contests. The resource notes that obtaining a permanent visitor callsign requires passing a local examination. The callbook lists numerous specific callsigns, including their QSL routes, operator names, and sometimes addresses or activation dates. For instance, P41A routes via P43A, and P40HQ was used by P43ARC via I2MQP for IARU contests. The entries include both active and Silent Key (SK) operators, with dates of passing where known, such as P43ADA (SK, Sep 2014) and P43JB (SK Jan 2012). This detailed listing assists DXers and contesters in verifying contacts and ensuring proper QSLing for Aruba operations.

A 3.2m EME dish project that provides a better performance on 1296 MHz (10+dB sun noise vs. 6dB with my 432 array) and an even better performance on 2304 MHz

Sort of similar to the one of the 6m omni. Instead of using twin-lead, this design makes use of a more or less regular double bazooka antenna (coaxial dipole). Your attention shall be drawn to the available standart literature, such as Rothammel. In order to "compute" the dimension, Karl Rothammel mentioned that the total length of the dipole shall be 95% of the free-space wavelength. The short-circuit bridges (closing the folded dipole) are to be placed at a distance-fraction being equal to the velocity factor of the coax cable used, which will be 66% using RG-58 or RG174.

A 3CX1500/A7 8877 144mhz W6PO amplifier, that running a little over 4kv on the plate, this Amp will do over 2kw out.

The world's oldest beacon OZ7IGY in JO55WM 28 MHz to 24 GHz.

Documents the operational experiences and technical insights of amateur radio station VA3STL, offering a firsthand account of various on-air activities and equipment. The blog features a detailed narrative of a **QRP transatlantic QSO** on 12m SSB, achieving a 55 report with 10W to a mobile station in Italy using a homebrew 90ft doublet antenna. It also introduces the _Ten-Tec 539_ QRP HF transceiver, a 10W output rig covering 80m through 10m, designed for portable operations and featuring DSP and dual VFOs. The resource also delves into historical radio technology, specifically the "Gibson Girl" survival radio, an emergency transmitter operating on 500kHz (and later 8280/8364 kHz) with a hand-cranked generator and kite-deployed antenna. This section explores its origins from German designs and its use during World War II, including its distinctive curved shape for ergonomic hand-cranking. Further historical content includes a visit to Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland, commemorating Marconi's reception of the first transatlantic radio signal in 1901. The post describes the Cabot Tower exhibit and the VO1AA station, highlighting the site's significance despite the thick fog during the visit. It also showcases a homebrewed _Marconi-style straight key_ by WB9LPU, crafted to celebrate the centenary of Marconi's achievement.

Yaesu FT-7800R dual band 2m/440Mhz mobile radio review

The W6JWS 2-meter Repeater Maintenance and Repair Log documents the ongoing upkeep of a 146.745 MHz repeater, specifically addressing modifications to enhance its functionality. It details changes made to ensure the repeater powers up in _PL mode_ and to improve the reliability of touch-tone control, drawing comparisons to similar work performed on the AE6KE repeater. The log also notes a repair to a fused wire in the reverse battery protection circuit after an accidental polarity reversal, highlighting a temporary workaround where a wire was omitted but the system remained operational. The resource includes practical insights from Jeff Liebermann, AE6KS, regarding jumper configurations and programming, with accompanying photos. It provides access to several documents for the Icom RP-1510 repeater, including operating manuals and a schematic for the single logic board version, which differs from the dual-board configuration described in some printed manuals. The log mentions a specific modification to adjust the dropout delay, which was later deemed unnecessary, and references a related project for the AE6KE repeater, aiming to replicate successful modifications on the W6JWS machine, resulting in improved touch-tone reliability and proper PL mode activation.

The TBJ-1 – a triband base antenna was published in March 2017 QST. This antenna covers 2M/220 MHz/70cm in one 6ft 3/4 inch PVC pipe and requires no radials.

Mirage BD-35 2M/70CM RF amp high SWR, how to troubleshoot

Network Analyzer on an Arduino Shield which covers from 0-72MHz using an Analog Devices AD9851 DDS chip

Visualizing DXCC award progress often requires manual parsing of Logbook of the World (LoTW) reports, which can be time-consuming and prone to error. This web-based utility streamlines the process by allowing hams to upload their LoTW DXCC Credit Report spreadsheet, providing an interactive dashboard for tracking confirmed entities, bands, and modes. It processes .xlsx, .xls, and .csv files, performing all calculations client-side within the browser for privacy and speed. The tool presents a comprehensive stats overview, detailing total entities, confirmed slots, and overall completion percentage. It includes progress bars for bands from _160m_ through _2m_, and modes such as CW, Phone, and DIG. A sortable DXCC Entity Details Table lists each entity, its confirmed count, and specific missing band/mode slots, with a CSV export option. Further features include a Band/Mode Matrix grid for granular confirmed status per entity, toggles for specific bands like _6m_ and _2m_, and tracking for DXCC Challenge progress across 10 eligible HF/VHF bands. It also highlights nearly complete entities and identifies most-wanted DXCC entities based on the uploaded data.

An attempt to build a 2m antenna. Consist of a 4 element yagi antenna for SOTA activities

The new home of MLARS

North Carolina's Largest 2M Repeater Network

28.222mhz transmitting with 2 watts of power

YU7EF EF0206 2m Band 6 Element Yagi Antenna project, provides 11.8 dbi gain

Documents S21RC's construction of an impedance transformer harness for a VHF/UHF cross yagi, utilizing 20m of _RG179_ cable. Details the creation of a DIY RF sampler with a -50dB sampling output, primarily for measuring HF radio PA section output with a Spectrum Analyzer, also applicable for _Pure Signal_ transmission. Chronicles the deployment of a 200m long beverage antenna for the _S21DX IOTA_ operation in 2022, positioned 2m above ground. Discusses the construction of a 3-element short beam for 10m to replace a previous 2-element antenna, with assistance from S21DW. Provides guidance on operating cheap _PA-70_ and _PA-100_ type Chinese SSPAs using IRF530 MOSFETs, emphasizing the necessity of a final LPF. Outlines the design and construction of a fully isolated interface for radio-to-computer connections, supporting various digital modes with isolated ground, audio transformers for IN/OUT, optical isolation for CAT/CIV, and isolated PTT/COS lines. Includes a log of software updates, such as the _HMI/TFT for NX8048K070_ and _2.1.14 Lite_ release with bug fixes for PEP hold and gradual watt decay.

Taken from: Brief History of Amateur Radio in Calcutta-by Avinash Missra, VU2EM

The Burlington Amateur Radio Club (BARC) provides a community hub for amateur radio operators in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, offering regular meetings, educational programs, and a dedicated hackspace for electronics and radio experimentation. The club operates several repeaters, including a 2m repeater (VE3RSB) on 147.210 MHz with a +600 kHz offset and 131.8 Hz tone, which supports AllStar node 542490. Additionally, BARC maintains a UHF repeater on 444.825 MHz with a +5 MHz offset and 131.8 Hz tone, and a 1.25m (220 MHz) repeater, facilitating local communication and digital mode access. BARC hosts multiple nets, including a Fusion Net on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. via VE3RSB-Room 61272, a Regular Wednesday Night Net on the VE3RSB system at 7:30 PM, and a 220 Net on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. The club also runs a CW/SSB HF Net every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. local time on 40m, utilizing 7.125 MHz for LSB and 7.124.3 MHz for CW check-ins. These activities promote on-air participation, technical skill development, and social interaction among members, supporting both VHF/UHF local operations and HF DXing.

A very small receiver converter that can be plugged to the backside of the battery powered portable transceiver FT817 from Yaesu. A high performance receiver for 2.3GHz amateur radio signal

The Linked Dipole is a multiband antenna designed for 80/60/40/30/20m bands, optimized for the (tr)uSDX low bands configuration. It incorporates a 1:1 Balun to prevent common mode currents, ensuring balanced operation with coaxial cable. The Balun, wound on an FT140-43 core, achieves 37-40dB attenuation. The design includes a 3D-printable housing for compactness and waterproofing, with labeled link insulators for ease of use. Wire lengths were meticulously adjusted for optimal performance with a 7m pole and 3m rope extension, ensuring the antenna's ends are off the ground for improved behavior. The project includes downloadable printables for DIY construction.

A stacked Yagi array for ZL1SIX 2m WSPR

The (tr)uSDX is a 5-Band / Mulitmode QRP Transceiver in Pocket Format (90x60x30mm - 140g). It features a highly efficient Class E PA and Supports CW/LSB/USB and AM/FM. Right now it covers 80/60/40/30/20m and in Future there will be support for 17/15/12/10m

Crossband Repeating is a process where a Ham transmits one signal on one band (typically UHF), and it is received by another radio with a better antenna/power installation, and re-transmitted (typically on VHF) to another radio system, or a repeater. Everyday examples of cross-band repeaters are repeater receive sites that hear the input signals on 2m and retransmit those signals on a frequency higher than 220 MHz.

eHam reviews of the TE Systems 1452G 2m mobile power amplifier

The Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society (NADARS), operating under the callsign G5XV, details its extensive history spanning **104 years** and its operational activities. The resource outlines regular monthly meetings held at Acland Hall, Hermitage Rd, Cold Ash, RG18 9JH, typically featuring informal lectures on radio-related topics. It also highlights the club's engagement in various social and radio events, including participation in contests such as _IOTA_ and _NFD_. NADARS maintains regular daily nets on both 2M and HF bands, providing specific details for members to join. A significant annual event is the Newbury Radio Rally, hosted each summer at the Newbury Showground, which attracts visitors nationwide and features radio and computing sales, club stands, and live demonstration stations. Information on upcoming events, including the next Newbury Radio Rally scheduled for July 5th, 2026, is also provided.

A home made, dirty and quick moxon antenna for 144 MHz made with PVC pipes.

Experimental Long Boom Antennas - CP, LPDA, multiband with several NEC Files for 50MHz 144MHz 222 MHz 432MHz but also 902MHz and 1296 MHz Antenna projects. Includes also for each antenna model, in a general comparison table each antenna characteristics including Directive Gain, G/T, E-F/R, H-F/R abd Boom Length. This is a great value comparison table of several commercial and home made VHF UHF antenna projects.

A very essential j-pole antenna for 144 MHz. To adjust the SWR you will have to play with the 40mm distance between the coax feed and the braid inner conductor connection

Pass Recorder is a small application that records audio from satellite passes based on tracking data it receives from the commonly used SatPC32 application

The Slim-Jim is a bit of a classic - building one is almost certainly a rite of passage and you will be glad that you did: It is easy to make, fairly easy to tune and rolls-up for transportation.

This article describes a simple yet effective multi-band vertical HF antenna design that performs exceptionally well across 80m to 10m bands. The antenna consists of a 13.4m wire mounted on a 12.4m Spiderpole, complemented by four 12m radials and a ground rod. Initially tuned with a manual LC circuit, it was later upgraded with a CG3000 remote auto ATU for convenient band switching. Despite antenna modeling software suggesting limited performance on higher frequencies, the system demonstrated excellent DX capabilities across all bands, outperforming more complex vertical antenna designs.

A Lightweight 2m Yagi for SOTA. The boom is 20mm PVC electrical conduit and the elements are 2.4mm aluminium TIG welding rod. The antenna is carried as a single length of conduit with the elements stowed inside the boom, sealing them in with a bung. The driven element is connected directly to 50 Ohm coax with a BN-43-202 balun core to decouple the coax shield.

Construction of an antenna for experimental satellite communication, 8el. (435 Mhz) x 4el. (145 Mhz) Satellite Yagi crossed. No difficulty to built this antenna. Except the gamma match. that requires a little more attention

Duoband Yagi 2m/70cm with 4 Elements on 2 m and 5 Elements on 70 cm and one Feed point. The 4-El.-Ultralight-Yagi for 2m can be used on 70cm with an SWR of 1,5 without any changes.

Creating a 2m Fm Repeater with a Raspberry Pi (B) and a RTL dongle.

An Inverted-L with its long leg sloping to the ground. It will still work very good, even if the horizontal wire has to be sloped diagonally to the ground, as long as you have enough horizontal space to keep it at about a 45 degree angle or more from the pole.

GB3SH, the Southampton and South Hampshire 2m repeater

2m 70cm 23cm Low noise Amplifiers, 3 Low noise amplifiers Outdoor unit with DB6NT parts completed.

PI-RX is a beacon monitoring program capable of decoding PI4 and showing the performance of the decoded signal

The Shiawassee Amateur Radio Association (SARA), operating under the call sign W8QQQ, serves as a non-profit amateur radio organization in lower central Michigan's Shiawassee County. Its primary objectives include public service, emergency communications, and advancing amateur radio through education and technical excellence. The club maintains a weekly _Skywarn_ 2m net on the N8VDH repeater at 147.02 MHz (+.6 MHz, 100 Hz tone) every Monday at 7:00 PM, actively seeking more local hams to participate. SARA also facilitates VE testing, with upcoming sessions like the one scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 6:30 P.M., requiring pre-registration by April 20. SARA holds monthly meetings at the James P. Capitan Building in Corunna, typically on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM local time, excluding December's social event. They offer Zoom meeting options for members unable to attend in person. Annual dues are $15.00, with a reduced rate for new licensees, making it a very low-cost club. The organization actively seeks more EMCOMM assistance from all Shiawassee County hams, not just club members, to bolster their ARPSC (ARES/RACES) capabilities, noting that only about **10** out of **200+** county hams are currently active in ARES. They also maintain a Google Group, "W8QQQ," for electronic notifications and club communications.

DX Cluster spots represented in a google map, for 10m 6m 2m bands taken from the VE7CC DX Cluster. Some filtering options are available.

The U01 emergency communications antenna is a versatile, multiband antenna designed for 80/60/40/20/17/15/10m bands, known for its reliability and compact size. It features a broadband transformer wound on various core options like FT82-43, FT114-43, or FT140-43, with the latter capable of handling up to 100W. The antenna incorporates a PCB with options for SMA and BNC connectors, and a weather-proofed design for durability. The lightweight construction, using materials like DX Wire UL and Polyester rope, makes it highly portable. The antenna's design has been tested and proven within the DARC Chapter U01, with multiple build options and detailed documentation available for DIY enthusiasts.

Paul McMahon presents a compact VSWR meter designed for QRP portable use, ideal for SOTA operations with rigs like the FT817. The device, constructed from readily available components, employs a simple resistive bridge for wideband performance from 1.8MHz to 52MHz, with diminishing accuracy at higher frequencies. Key features include no need for external power, simple calibration, and operation with low power levels. The design, detailed with parts lists, schematics, and construction guidelines, ensures a 2:1 worst-case VSWR to protect transceivers during antenna matching. Calibration points are set for accurate VSWR readings at various loads.

DL7AFS, Babs and DJ7ZG 5-19 November 2012

144MHz 2m Portable Yagi VHF Beam Antenna. This page contains construction details on a 2 metre 144MHz VHF Yagi beam antenna, designed for portable use.

Nuand bladeRF 2.0 Software Defined Radio (SDR) 47MHz to 6GHz, 2x2MIMO, 61.44MHz sampling

This is a design based on the QuickYagi 4 software by WA7RAI with some changes for practical reasons. The beam uses 6.5 metres of standard 25mm square boom, 12mm diameter elements without tapers. The actual boom length used is 6.3 metres and all parts are readily available.