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This article details the design and construction of a compact 20-meter QRP SSB transceiver by Pete Juliano, N6QW, measuring just 2 x 4 x 2 inches—small enough for a shirt pocket. Inspired by a 1963 QST design and refined from a prior version, it employs bilateral circuits, a 4.9152 MHz homebrew crystal filter, switched-crystal VXO for 60 kHz coverage (14.160-14.220 MHz), and standard components like ADE-1L mixers and IRF510 PA for 1W output. Key innovations include a double-sided PCB skeletal frame for shielding and isolation, Vectorboard sub-assemblies, and ultra-miniature relays. The bilateral receiver/transmitter shares stages, omitting AGC for simplicity, while a W3NQN LPF and optional 10W external amp enable DX contacts. Tune-up focuses on crystal matching and bias for linearity. Videos on YouTube demonstrate performance, confirming excellent stability and audio. Total cost nears $100, prioritizing portability over features like CW.

The YIG Tuned Oscillator (YTO) is the only direct signal source to provide multi octave tuning bandwidths in excess of 10 GHz. Common tuning ranges are from 2-10 GHz, 8-18 GHz and 10-20 GHz. YTO is are also known for their superior phase noise and exceptional tuning linearity.

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

Learn how to add an audio I/Q output to your KX2 transceiver for use with a Spectrum Scope or external SDR software. The article provides a detailed guide on the circuit design and components needed, along with precautions to avoid signal degradation. Follow the instructions to enhance the functionality of your KX2 without compromising its performance.

This document provides a comprehensive guide on renewing an US amateur radio license through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using the new COmmission REgistration System (CORES). Published on QST October 23, it outlines the necessary steps for creating a CORES account, associating it with a Federal Registration Number (FRN), and completing the renewal application. Key points include the requirement of a $35 fee for the renewal process, which must be paid online after the application is submitted. The guide emphasizes the importance of logging into the FCC License Manager system during the renewal window and provides instructions on how to navigate the renewal process, including obtaining confirmation and access to the renewed license. Additionally, it offers contact information for FCC support and links to further resources for assistance.

Operating amateur radio satellites presents unique challenges, particularly concerning antenna design and signal propagation. Juan Antonio Fernández Montaña, EA4CYQ, recounts his three-year journey into satellite communication, starting with initial guidance from EB4DKA. His early experiments involved a portable 1/4 wave VHF antenna with four 1/4 wave ground planes, designed for hand-held use to adjust polarity. This setup, paired with an FT-3000M transceiver, allowed full-duplex operation on **VHF** transmit and **UHF** receive, proving effective for early contacts on satellites like AO27, UO14, and SO35. EA4CYQ's experience highlights the critical role of coaxial cable loss and antenna polarization. After encountering significant signal degradation with longer RG213 runs, he experimented with a 1/2 inch commercial cable, noting improved reception but persistent fading due to varying satellite polarities. This led to the construction of an **Eggbeater II** antenna, an omnidirectional UHF design offering horizontal polarization at the horizon and circular right polarization at higher elevation angles. Subsequent modifications resulted in the directional **TPM2** antenna, which provided sufficient gain for LEO satellites with a wide 30-degree lobe, enabling consistent contacts from his home station. The article concludes with practical insights on the performance of the Eggbeater II for both UHF and VHF, and the TPM2 for UHF, emphasizing their utility for portable and fixed operations. EA4CYQ's journey underscores the iterative process of antenna development and the importance of adapting designs to overcome real-world propagation challenges in satellite communications.

This presentation explores the practice of QRP (low-power) amateur radio operation in outdoor settings. It guides operators to identify their specific objectives for portable operations, which inform equipment and antenna choices. The discussion covers considerations including portability, operating modes, power requirements, and weather resistance. Various antenna designs are examined, from vertical configurations to dipoles and end-fed options, with emphasis on deployment practicality in public spaces. The presentation concludes with practical advice on selecting operating locations, RF safety, and resources for equipment and community support for QRP enthusiasts.