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A review of portable SOTA equipment used by G4ISJ

Dave N9EWO's view's and comments on the Vertex-Standard-Yaesu (V-S-Y) VX-2R also compared to the Icom IC-P7A

The purpose of this book is to provide a common source for WIRES-X, gather information from manuals, experiences from the Amateur Radio Community, and the best practices from both the Amateur Radio Community and the Bakken Amateur Radio Society. To provide a platform for learning, experimentation, and advancement of Amateur Radio skills and art. A platform of Discovery and to have FUN. To encourage networking, sharing, and exchange of interesting technical information of WIRES X, where people are encouraged to help each other out.

UV-3R Review at G4ILO Blog with long textual review, pictures and some sound files

European version of the ICOM IC-7610 leaflet in A4 Format PDF File

Review site of the Icom IC-706 MkIIG by KV5R

Review of the popular Heil PR-781 mic, connected to an Icom IC-7800 by k3dav

A web site for those interested in ham radio Software Defined Radio (SDR). SDR Zone provide forums, reviews and user blogs relating to any type of SDR

Evaluates the **LDG Z100 autotuner**, a device designed to automatically match antenna impedance for optimal transmission efficiency. The review discusses its performance in comparison to the MFJ-902, noting that while the Z100 is a reliable autotuner, it does not match the range of impedances that the MFJ-902 can handle. The Z100 is suitable for operators seeking a 100-watt autotuner that covers HF bands, providing a practical solution for those who require automatic tuning without manual adjustments. The review highlights the Z100's operational context, focusing on its use in HF bands and its practical application in amateur radio setups. While it offers a straightforward tuning process, the Z100's limitations in impedance matching are noted, making it less versatile than some competitors. This comparison provides valuable insights for operators considering an upgrade or replacement for their current autotuner. The Z100's performance is positioned within the broader market of autotuners, offering a clear perspective on its strengths and weaknesses in real-world amateur radio operations.

Homemade LC Bandpass Filters for 20M, 30M, 40M In multi-station environments like special events, field day, portable operating, is very important to protect receivers from excessively strong signals. Bandpass filters help to protect your transceivers.

eHam reviews of the Ameritron AL-811H HF power amplifiers

A very informative review of the Icom IC-7300 direct RF sampling transceiver, including audio samples, recordings and a comparison vs the Elecraft KX3

Ten-Tec Pegasus reviews aka Jupiter

This article describes the development of two tunable antennas each consisting of three interconnected small loops and capable of providing excellent DX performance. The aerials are home-constructed, and located in a very small garden with a minimum of visual impact on the neighbours and are low enough in height to avoid the attention of UK planning authorities.

A Comparison of most popular Amateur Radio Digital Voice Systems DMR D-Star System Fusion presented by W9HPX Roland at the Charlotte Digital Radio Group in a comprehensive article about Digital Voice

QST article from May 1994 about history of call signs from the very beginning to present system. Article explains call sign allocations, call areas, prefixes for novices and prefixes like K WA WB WD, callsigns during and after the world war II and other curiosities on US Call signs.

Over 20 distinct discussion categories are available on the Amateur Radio Discussion forum, encompassing a wide array of topics relevant to radio enthusiasts in the UK and beyond. The platform facilitates exchanges on technical aspects of amateur radio, including antenna designs, equipment reviews, and operating practices across different bands. Specific sections are dedicated to CB radio and shortwave listening, broadening its appeal beyond licensed amateurs. The forum's structure supports detailed discussions on operational challenges like the "Work All Postcodes" award, which encourages contacts across UK postal districts. Members can track personal statistics, manage contacts, and engage in challenges, fostering community participation and skill development. The resource provides a centralized hub for sharing knowledge and experiences among radio operators, offering practical insights into diverse radio communication facets.

Complete collection of the four main parts of this excellet research on modelling and designing half wave dipole antennas for 40 meters band, covering all aspects beginning from full wave length antennas, to shortened, loaded and reshaped dipoles

AR5X review of popular CW QRP transceiver kits

Using external usb sound card devices for amateur radio digital modes operations

K5DKZ review of the Kenwood TL 922A

Some observations on the Yaesu FT-817 5W portable HF VHF UHF transceiver with some pictures and movies

Review of the Icom IC-706 series, include a short demo video and a short menu table available for download

UV-3R reviews at eham.net

An article edited and published by Michael Mandeville on correlation of sunspot peaks and global events, like recessions or human conflicts. This document include solar cycle charts since Solar Cycle 1749-1751

The review details the Elecraft KX3 S/N 963, noting its delivery on July 31 and primary use as a base rig, alongside initial portable operations. It highlights the transceiver's performance across various modes and bands, including observations on its receiver sensitivity and transmit audio quality. Specific operational scenarios, such as field deployments and integration with different antenna systems, are discussed, providing practical insights into the rig's capabilities. The author evaluates the KX3's user interface, menu navigation, and overall ergonomic design for both casual and intensive operating sessions. Attention is given to features like the internal ATU, power consumption during transmit and receive, and the clarity of the display under varying light conditions. Comparisons are drawn to other portable QRP transceivers, emphasizing the KX3's distinctive attributes. Key takeaways include assessments of the _KX3_'s suitability for _RaDAR_ operations and general QRP DXing, based on real-world contacts and signal reports. The article offers a balanced perspective on the transceiver's strengths and areas where users might need to adapt their operating style, making it a useful reference for prospective owners.

Eham reviews of the dual band kenwood TH-D7a/e series handheld transceiver

Main High Frequency Antennas from the 2009 LARC FARL Field Day, Ford Amateur Radio League. A document comparing antenna performances and flexibility among a G5RV an Carolina Windom and a Cushcraft R7 vertical antenna.

Jose B Rivera, N2LRB, shares his initial experiences with the Icom IC-7300, recounting a shift from skepticism to appreciation for the transceiver. He details how the radio's impressive Sherwood Engineering test results, ranking it #12, significantly influenced his decision, especially considering its competitive price point against higher-end options like the Elecraft K3s. The review highlights the IC-7300's strong receive capabilities, a key factor in N2LRB's purchasing decision, and notes the advantages of its SDR architecture for future updates. He describes the straightforward setup process, from unboxing and connecting PowerPole connectors to making a first contact with N0HQ, a special event station. N2LRB expresses satisfaction with the radio's clear audio and ease of tuning, even if the pan-adapter's utility for his operating style remains to be fully explored. He concludes that the IC-7300 offers exceptional value, providing SDR features and receive performance comparable to more expensive rigs at half the cost.

Dubus article about DL6WU long yagi antennas for 23 cm band Article is both in german and english. Yagi antennas are valid alternative to dishes for troposcatter operations. This article explains design and mechanical data for 1296 MHz Yagi Antennas

A complete guide for newcomers edited by the Radio Amateur Society of Australia Inc. This free PDF includes several basic articles for new hams, with particular reference to Australian regulations, but is however a good guide for those who are aproaching the hobby worldwide.

Diamond Antenna CP22E VHF base station antenna review. This antenna has a remarkable design achieving 5 dBi directivity in a slim low-profile design.

Reviews of the popular portable HF transceiver by Elecraft

Amateur radio map of Italy with WW locators, provinces abbreviations and Call sign Prefixes, in a A3 size PDF file free to download, made available by IU3KJL Davide

Using Chokes and Traps: how to make them, how they work.

About experiments and measurements on loading coils using net standing wave current

How to improve your transmitting antennas for very low solar activity periods, vertically polarized 160 meter antennas, horizontally polarized 80 to 10 meter antennas, single or stacked yagis, multi-tower stations

1500 watts PEP SSB is the power handling capability of the MFJ-989C HF Antenna Tuner, a popular choice among amateur radio operators. Users have shared a wide range of experiences, with some praising its durability and performance over decades of use, while others criticize its build quality and accuracy. The tuner features a built-in dummy load, SWR-wattmeter, and a balun for balanced line feeders, making it versatile for various antenna setups. However, discrepancies in RF power readings and SWR measurements have been noted, with some users finding the dual scale meter to be off by about 20% compared to a Bird wattmeter. Long-term users report that the MFJ-989C performs well with proper antenna setups, but caution against tuning at high power without initial adjustments at lower power levels. Some have experienced issues such as arcing when exceeding 400 watts, while others have had no problems even at higher power levels. The roller inductor and capacitors are functional, though some users have had to perform maintenance like tightening screws or cleaning components to ensure reliable operation. Despite mixed reviews, the MFJ-989C remains in production, suggesting continued demand. It's a tuner that requires careful handling and possibly some DIY fixes to achieve optimal performance.

An operating guide for the com IC-2720H VHF/UHF Radio, includes Turning the power On or Off, Selecting the Output Power, Activating Memory Mode, Operating in Memory Mode

A 144 to 148 MHz J-pole antenna, optimized for base station use, is presented with detailed construction plans. This slim, omnidirectional, half-wave antenna is fed at the end through a quarter-wave shorted transmission line, drawing inspiration from the classic _Zepp antenna_. The design emphasizes achieving a 1:1 VSWR and good efficiency on the 2m band, noting that even a one-percent error in calculation can significantly impact performance. The article provides specific dimensions in inches for the radiator, quarter-wave section, and feed point, along with a parts list for construction from inexpensive materials, estimated at approximately **$10** total cost. The resource offers practical construction tips covering copper pipe selection, L and T joint variations, and detailed soldering instructions using a propane torch. It addresses feedline attachment, the critical role of a four-turn, _5-inch diameter_ choke to prevent coax radiation, and proper antenna fastening techniques, including grounding for lightning protection. The author explicitly advises against scaling the design for other bands due to potential efficiency loss and offers guidance on corrosion protection. The antenna design has been released into the public domain for private amateur use.

Review of the X1M HF QRP trasceiver by VE3FAL

This EXCEL Program Worksheet calculates the common-mode impedance of a 1:1 Guanella (current) balun which is placed at the feed point of a balanced antenna system fed via coax.

eHam users review of the Ten-Tec Orion transceiver

In this article, author examine stresses placed on common-mode chokes (aka baluns) as hams use/abuse them, examine the efficiency of simple dipole multi- band antennas and their feed systems. Stressing a Balun.

Roach pole vertical antenna for 40 and 30 meters band featuring good performance on short skips contacts compared to wire dipole

X1M QRP SSB CW HF transceiver by K7JOE

Review of 6 QRP CW transceivers by AE5X published in QST December 2000

Adapted from a similar project by NA4IT. Made with one quarter wave 2 meter radiating element pointing upward and it is surrounded by four 70 cm elements.

An inverted V Dipole antenna for HF bands, working on 10 20 40 and 80 meters band. PDF Presentation

A PDF Presetation from the W0DXCC Forum on how to improve the performances of the popular Yaesu FT-2000 transceiver