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Discover how to easily listen to amateur radio bands with insights from Frank SWL, an experienced radio enthusiast. This guide covers essential tips for tuning into frequencies between 10 meters and 160 meters using modern tools like Web SDR and Kiwi SDR. Learn about identifying callsigns, understanding Q codes, and optimizing your antenna setup for better reception. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced listener, this article provides practical advice for enhancing your radio listening experience in 2025.

The Big Gun's Guide" is a comprehensive exploration of low-band propagation, aimed at serious Amateur Radio operators. It delves into the complex physics of the ionosphere at lower frequencies, contrasting it with HF propagation. The book covers essential topics like ionospheric fundamentals, propagation mechanisms, magneto-ionic effects, and disturbances. It also addresses the challenges of low-band DXing and provides insights for overcoming them. Brown's work is detailed and technical, offering valuable knowledge for those seeking to master the intricacies of low-band communication

The Communicator, a digital magazine by Surrey Amateur Radio Communications (SARC), offers over 125 pages of engaging amateur radio content. With contributions from regular columnists and minimal advertisements, it delivers practical articles, tips, news, and how-to guides for all levels of the hobby, reaching readers in over 165 countries.

Alan (W2AEW) shares his comprehensive portable field radio kit, showcasing various antenna options and accessories for POTA activations. The kit, housed in a repurposed camera bag, features the Elecraft KX2 Shack a Box, AX1 antenna kit, and additional accessories. With thoughtful organization and adaptability, the kit offers flexibility for different deployment scenarios, ensuring efficient operation in diverse field conditions

This page provides a detailed guide on how to receive WWVB 60 KHz time signals using the Everset ES100 module with an Arduino Due microcontroller. It explains the background of time standards and the significance of WWV radio stations in maintaining these standards. The content is useful for ham radio operators interested in time synchronization, scientific research, navigation, and radio communications. The article is written by Keith Greiner, who shares his project inspired by his passion for the subject. For more projects by the author, visit the provided links.

This PDF file provides detailed information on HF propagation for ham radio operators. It covers the principles of how radio signals travel over long distances, including factors that affect signal strength and propagation. The content is useful for hams looking to improve their understanding of radio communication and optimize their transmissions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced operator, this resource offers valuable insights into HF propagation that can enhance your communication skills and efficiency on the airwaves.

Discover the best low band receive antennas for hams with limited space. Learn about the K9AY loop antenna and Shared Apex Loop Array, two alternatives to the traditional Beverage antenna. Understand the concept of Relative Directivity Factor (RDF) and compare the performance of different receive antennas. See how the Shared Apex Loop, patented by Mark Bauman (KB7GF), offers an RDF between 8 and 10dB. Find out how to optimize antenna performance and enhance your receive capabilities on 160, 80, and 40 meters. Explore the world of low band receive antennas with insights from WB5NHL Ham Radio.

The Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association (PPRAA) serves as an ARRL Special Service Club, providing a calendar of events and activities for its members and the wider amateur radio community. The resource details upcoming events such as the USS Pueblo Memorial Museum Ships Weekend activations, a Cubical Quad Antenna Workshop, LARCFest, and various hamfests including Dayton Hamvention and Duke City Hamfest. It also lists on-air activities like a FreeDV digital voice mode event on 10 meters, a Black Friday Simplex Event on 2M and 70cm, and a 10m event for Technician class operators, emphasizing SSB privileges from 28.300 to 28.500 MHz. The PPRAA's event schedule includes educational opportunities like a Technician Class and a Soldering Workshop, alongside social gatherings such as the PPRAA Picnic and Car Show. Past event summaries highlight successful activities like the 2024 Megafest Raffle, Winter Field Day, and multiple fox hunts utilizing frequencies like 147.420, 147.480, and 147.540 MHz. The club actively supports POTA activations, exemplified by their AF0S park activation at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and participates in historical commemorations like the USS Pueblo Memorial operations, demonstrating a broad engagement across various amateur radio facets.

Explore the process of creating a custom adapter for the Yaesu FT-8900 radio with a non-standard mic port. The article guides users through understanding the reversed pin-out of the RJ-12 connector on the 8900, providing a detailed circuit for adapting the voltage for electret-based mics. With a list of required parts and construction tips, this DIY project ensures seamless compatibility with standard electric headset mics.

This article describes an HF upconverter for the FunCube Dongle Pro. Designed for radio amateurs, the converter extends reception capabilities to lower frequencies (0 Hz to 30 MHz) by mixing them with a higher oscillator frequency (100 MHz). This translates the desired signal into a range detectable by the FunCube Dongle (64 to 1,700 MHz). Key components include a double-balanced mixer and a low-pass filter to suppress unwanted signals. The project provides schematics, filter specifications, and design considerations for construction.

Funkamateur is a german amateur radio magazine, published in German since 1952 and circulating with monthly issues in most of the german speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland and of course Germany.

In his POTA activation, WK4DS experimented with radials for hamstick antennas. Despite sun and RF noise challenges, successful connections were made. Surprisingly, tuned radials proved unnecessary, simplifying setup. Hamsticks demonstrated versatility across frequencies. Increased power improved signal quality, sparking his curiosity for further exploration in radio technology.

open890 is a web-based UI for the Kenwood TS-890S amateur radio, and features good usability, clean design, and high-speed bandscope/audio scope displays, among other features not available either on the radio itself, or in the ARCP remote control software. It is currently only designed to interface with the TS-890 via a LAN (or wifi) connection, and not a USB/serial connection. It may work with the TS-990, as the command set is very similar, but is currently untested.

SH6 is a versatile, browser-based utility designed for the detailed analysis and visualization of amateur radio contest logs. Supporting standard formats such as Cabrillo and ADIF, the tool allows operators to upload personal files via drag-and-drop or access a searchable public archive containing over one million logs. Key capabilities include comprehensive performance metrics, offering summaries of band breakdowns, QSO rates, and beam headings. Furthermore, SH6 provides advanced geographic visualization through interactive maps, analyzing contacts by country, zone, and continent. A standout feature is the side-by-side comparison mode, enabling users to contrast two distinct logs for strategic assessment. SH6 transforms raw log data into actionable insights regarding operator performance without requiring software installation.

Spectrogram, a PC-based audio frequency spectrum analyzer available from Visualization Software, aids ham radio enthusiasts in aligning receivers like Elecraft K2. Versions are downloadable, with an intuitive interface and customizable parameters. Tutorials by experts like Tom Hammond and John Grebenkemper offer additional guidance.

Come learn why it is very difficult to predict propagation on the top band. Ionospheric Variability, Time Variations of Ionospheric Parameters, Atmospheric Gravity Waves, Ionospheric Absorption and The Role of Negative Ions.

Operating on the HF and VHF bands, the URE WebCluster serves as a real-time DX spotting network for amateur radio operators. It aggregates DX spots from various sources, presenting them with detailed information such as DX callsign, frequency, mode, and spotter details. The platform integrates essential propagation data, including current solar indices like _K-index_ and _A-index_, alongside visual propagation maps, which are crucial for planning long-distance contacts. Users can submit new DX spots, contributing to the collective intelligence of the amateur radio community, and filter existing spots by band, mode, or callsign, enhancing operational efficiency. This resource enables operators to monitor band openings and identify active DX stations, significantly aiding in _DXCC_ pursuit and contest operations. The integration of solar-terrestrial data directly within the cluster interface allows for immediate correlation between propagation conditions and observed DX activity, a feature not universally present in all web clusters. By providing both raw spot data and contextual propagation information, the URE WebCluster offers a practical tool for real-time decision-making during operating sessions, allowing hams to quickly adapt to changing band conditions and target specific _DX_ entities.

In this article, VE9KK discusses the various restrictions faced by ham radio operators when it comes to setting up antennas. The author shares personal experiences and tips on how to overcome these challenges, providing valuable insights for fellow hams. Whether you're dealing with space limitations or neighborhood regulations, this resource offers practical solutions to help you get the most out of your ham radio setup.

This page gives a brief description of a 70 MHz transverter that has been published in the Danish amateur radio magazine "OZ." This way hams outside Denmark may also benefit from the design.

The Belgian Air Force Amateur Radio Association sponsor of BAFARA Award

Learn how to build a compact and efficient HF antenna for ham radio operators with limited space. Follow the author's journey from experimenting with different antennas to creating a magnetic-mounted antenna that covers 7MHz to 30MHz without the need for an ATU. Discover how a portable flagpole can be repurposed for radio communication, allowing you to operate with 100 Watts power output. This project provides a cost-effective solution for hams looking to set up a reliable antenna on their car roof in just 30 seconds.

DX Data provides a unified view of real-time DX spots, aggregating data from **DXSpider**, the **Reverse Beacon Network (RBN)**, and PSK Reporter. This online service offers advanced filtering capabilities, allowing amateur radio operators to refine spot displays by DXCC entity, band, mode, CQ zone, and continent. It addresses the challenge of sifting through numerous DX spots by presenting a consolidated stream, enabling DXers to efficiently identify active stations across various bands and modes. The platform integrates with Club Log, which assists in fine-tuning band-entity combinations based on a user's logging history, thereby reducing irrelevant spot noise. Key features include DX email alerts, PSK Reporter tracking, and a custom watchlist for monitoring specific stations or regions. The service also incorporates a live news feed from DX World, providing current information relevant to the DXing community. This design aims to streamline the DX spotting process, offering a responsive interface for identifying operating opportunities.

The RTL-SDR tuner dongle is a popular tool for amateur radio enthusiasts, transforming a $10 device into a wide-band software-defined radio. This guide outlines using the RTL-SDR as a full-band pan-adapter for conventional receivers, focusing on hardware setup and software integration with HDSDR. Future sections will address RTL-SDR performance compared to native receivers, enhancing digital mode operations with virtual serial ports and audio cables.

SvxLink is an advanced software suite for the ham radio community, initially launched in 2003 as an EchoLink application for Linux. Now a comprehensive voice services system, the SvxLink Server functions as an advanced repeater controller and can operate on simplex and duplex channels. It acts as an intermediary between transceiver hardware and applications, offering essential system services. The modular architecture of SvxLink supports customization, with modules in C++ or TCL. Key modules include a help system, parrot mode, EchoLink connectivity, DTMF repeater, voice mail, propagation warnings, and selective calling sequences. SvxLink's development and source code are available on GitHub, promoting open-source collaboration in the ham radio community.

This article published on QEX details measurements of tree conductivity and permittivity at HF frequencies, addressing a long-debated topic in amateur radio. N6LF conducted experimental impedance measurements on Douglas fir and maple trees using a vector network analyzer with rings of nails inserted into tree trunks. Results showed that tree conductivity increases with frequency while relative permittivity decreases, similar to soil characteristics. Measured conductivity ranged from 0.06 to 0.4 S/m at 10 MHz, aligning with values used in previous research. These findings validate that NEC modeling can reliably estimate trees' substantial impact on HF antenna performance.

Digital modes troubleshooting can be complex, even with devices like Digirig, which are designed for ease of use. This guide provides solutions for common setup issues in ham radio digital modes, applicable to Digirig and similar interfaces. Key troubleshooting tips include isolating problems, restoring previous configurations, ensuring correct USB and audio connections, and configuring software and hardware settings properly. Community forums offer additional support for specific issues.

The _DX EXPLORER_ blog serves as a personal chronicle of amateur radio experiences, particularly emphasizing homebrew projects and DIY radio equipment. It provides insights into constructing various transceivers and receivers, such as the Minimalist CW Transmitter and the Sputnik Regenerative Receiver, offering practical guidance for those new to the hobby. The content often details the assembly and operation of low-cost kits like the $3 Pixie Transceiver, demonstrating accessible entry points into radio construction. Beyond building, the site also features reviews of commercial gear, including the Tidradio TD-H8 Radio, providing an operator's perspective on performance and utility. The author, YO6DXE, shares a learning journey, aiming to inspire fellow enthusiasts to engage with the technical aspects of amateur radio. This resource covers a range of topics from basic circuit explanations to practical operating tips, fostering a deeper understanding of radio principles. The blog's focus on personal experimentation and project documentation makes it a relevant resource for hams interested in hands-on learning.

Elektrodump.nl is an online shop from the Netherlands specializing in amateur radio products. It offers a wide range of categories including antenna masts, antennas, tuners, coax connectors, and cables. The site also features broadcast equipment, electron tubes, semiconductors, and various electronic components like capacitors and resistors. Additionally, it provides measuring equipment, power supplies, and transmitters, catering to both hobbyists and professionals in the field of radio electronics.

The new beginner tutorials for GNU Radio guide users through essential concepts, from installation to creating custom blocks. Topics include flowgraph fundamentals, DSP blocks, and SDR hardware integration. Intermediate and advanced sections cover core mechanics, modulation techniques, and developing out-of-tree modules, fostering a comprehensive understanding of signal processing.

A simple, portable logger tailored for activities like Parks on the Air, Field Day, and more. HAMRS is a fast, user-friendly logging program designed for portable ham radio activities such as POTA, SOTA, and ARRL Field Day. Developed by Jarrett Green, it features an intuitive interface optimized for small screens and multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, Ubuntu, Raspbian, iOS, and Android. HAMRS provides dedicated logging fields for portable operations, ensuring efficiency in the field. The desktop versions are free, while mobile apps require a small purchase. Its simplicity, cross-platform compatibility, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for amateur radio operators in portable settings.

Effective suppression of harmonics and parasitic radiation from HF transmitters is crucial, especially with the increasing sensitivity of VHF/UHF radio channels to interference. This project details a hybrid low-pass filter (LPF) designed to operate across the HF bands up to 51 MHz, making it suitable for 6-meter band operations while providing deep VHF/UHF suppression. The design addresses the challenge of modern interference landscapes, where even microvolt-level signals can disrupt wireless sensors and other simple VHF/UHF receivers. The filter utilizes a single elliptic link, combining high cutoff steepness with robust suppression in the hundreds of megahertz range. A key feature is the use of only two standard capacitor values, simplifying construction and component sourcing. The article provides a detailed schematic, performance characteristics, and _RFSim99_ model file, demonstrating a reflection coefficient S11 below 0.017 (VSWR < 1.03) across 1-51 MHz, ensuring minimal degradation to the antenna system. Construction notes include coil winding specifications and capacitor selection guidance, with recommendations for _FR-4_ assembly. Two capacitor sets are presented, with the first variant recommended for its lower RF current demands, keeping currents below 3 A at 1 kW passing power at 51 MHz. Fine-tuning involves adjusting frameless coils, with considerations for capacitor tolerance and high-frequency capacitance measurement accuracy.

Learn how LoRa mode can be used for APRS and connected mode packet radio, offering low power and long-range communication. Discover the growing popularity of LoRa-only APRS devices and the use of LoRa boards from manufacturers like Lilygo, Heltec, and RAK. Find out about firmware options like Ricardo Guzman's CA2RXU firmware, which incorporates previous work and offers KISS for external APRS clients. Explore LoRa APRS frequency and modulation settings in the UK, and consider adding CA2RXU firmware to lora-aprs.live for more radio-specific information. Dive into the world of LoRa technology for ham radio operators and experiment with different firmware options.

NetFinder is the ultimate directory for Ham Radio and SWL enthusiasts, designed to connect Amateur Radio operators through organized nets. Nets are scheduled gatherings on specific frequencies, ranging from formal emergency communication training to casual chats among Hams. Offering a platform for camaraderie and skill-building, NetFinder simplifies the process of discovering nets, fostering deeper engagement in the hobby. With a vision of cataloging every net worldwide, NetFinder aims to make these vital connections accessible to all operators, enriching the Amateur Radio community.

This map was created from the need to have a map for WWFF activity. The thanks go to the people from WWFF who provided the very first data. At the beginning it was a simple map that didn't work on a mobile phone. Later I added more features, better backend and frontend and other data sources such as POTA, SOTA etc.

This blog post discusses the use of TV-type 75 ohm splitters and taps in 50 ohm systems on the amateur HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The author shares insights and tips on how hams can effectively utilize these components for their radio setups. Whether you are a beginner or experienced operator, this information can help you optimize your equipment and improve your radio performance.

The Worked All Britain Awards Group (W.A.B.) was devised by the late John Morris G3ABG in 1969. This was to promote an interest in Amateur Radio in Britain and to sponsor a series of awards based on the geography of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

**APRS TX I-Gate with APRX and the Universal Radio Controller** This project explores the creation of an APRS TX I-Gate to improve message delivery in amateur radio communications. Initial experiments involved configuring a picoAPRS v4 and later a G1LRO Universal Radio Controller (URC) with a Quansheng UV-K5 as digipeaters. While both setups successfully retransmitted signals, they failed to receive incoming APRS messages. To address this, a Raspberry Pi Zero running Debian and APRX-2.9 was repurposed to provide network connectivity, transforming the URC into an effective TX I-Gate for seamless APRS message handling.

This page presents the Arduino radio receiver project created by EasyEDA in 2024. It includes design drawings, BOM, and project details. The content is aimed at hams interested in building their own radio receiver using Arduino technology. The project is shared under a CC BY-ND 4.0 license, allowing others to replicate and modify it. The page also includes comments from project members, making it a useful resource for hams looking to explore radio receiver construction.

Amateur radio website dedicated to six meters band with dedicated pages on 50MHz propagation and DXing

A low-cost Arduino project expanding on the button tutorial, where three inputs act as "buttons" generating Morse code on a WOTDUINO. This keyer, costing around £4, offers learning potential and hints at more complex ham radio applications.

Protect your radio tower and solar charged battery power supply by sending the correct Morse code transmissions. Tap out alphanumeric characters in Morse code to prevent your radio station from being destroyed by the Morse code meteor attack! Meteors may be destroyed in any order. All levels start with a fully charged battery. Each DIT uses 1% battery power. Each DAH uses 3% battery power. Your battery charges at a nominal rate of 1% every 5 seconds, and total charge increases by 1% for every correct Morse code transmission. In addition, you have two solar panels that each contribute 1% to the battery charge rate. If your solar panels are destroyed, there are no replacements for that game. When your battery runs low, an SOS prosign bonus appears. Destroy this entity to recharge your battery.

Fully functional weathervane conceals an efficient 2- meter base-station antenna. Your Neighbors and HOA won’t know it’s there and they will love the rooster-vane. The Rooster-Tenna is a covert 2-meter ham radio antenna disguised as a functional weathervane, ensuring seamless integration into residential environments. This improved version features a wide-spaced parallel-fed folded dipole in a compact skeleton slot design. Constructed from aluminum tubing and acrylic supports, it offers omnidirectional, vertically polarized performance suitable for repeater and satellite use. Easy to mount and tune, it achieves a low SWR across the 2m band. With 3D-printable parts available, the Rooster-Tenna blends practicality with stealth, making it an ideal solution for HOA-restricted areas

This PDF document provides detailed information on the design, construction, and tuning of trapped vertical antennas with radials for ham radio operators. It covers the theory behind trapped antennas, practical considerations for installation, and tips for optimizing performance. Whether you are a beginner looking to build your first HF antenna or an experienced operator seeking to improve your station setup, this guide offers valuable insights and instructions. By understanding the principles outlined in this document, hams can enhance their operating experience and make the most of their radio communication capabilities.

Demonstrates the application of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) as effective tools for conducting Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) site surveys. The resource details the methodology for capturing and analyzing RFI, specifically focusing on the 80-meter band over a 24-hour period. It outlines the setup of an SDR-based survey tool, utilizing software like _S-Meter Lite_ and _Spectrum Lab_ to visualize and quantify noise sources. The article emphasizes the SDR's wideband capabilities, which allow for comprehensive identification and documentation of RFI across broad frequency ranges, crucial for effective mitigation strategies. The analysis presents practical results, illustrating how continuous monitoring can reveal intermittent RFI sources that might otherwise go undetected. For instance, the survey identified noise peaks exceeding **S9+20dB** on 80 meters during specific hours, correlating with local appliance usage. The methodology provides a repeatable process for hams to characterize their local noise floor, enabling targeted RFI suppression efforts and improving weak-signal reception, particularly for DXing and contesting.

Learn how VE6LK built a comprehensive radio go-kit for emergency communication purposes. The kit includes Yaesu FT-8800, Yaesu FT-857, LDG FT-Meter, Powerwerx SS-30 power supply, SignaLink USB interface, and more. The author shares details on the equipment, organization, and practical tips for setting up the kit. Discover how to stay prepared for public service events, disaster responses, and general ham radio activities with a well-equipped go-kit.

Serving Appleton, WI area. Weekly 2M net Wednesday 9:00PM CDT.

When new to the 2-meter FM transceiver, securing a quiet frequency for chatter seems straightforward, but it's essential to navigate FCC rules and band plans effectively. Even though frequency allocations are consistent above 50 MHz for Technician licenses, adherence to specific segments within the 2m band—ranging from 144 MHz to 148 MHz—is crucial. This includes respecting designations for different modes like CW, SSB, and FM to prevent interference, particularly with satellites and exotic modes like EME. Understanding and following the structured band plans not only ensures legal compliance but also optimizes frequency use and minimizes disruptions in the amateur radio community.

Paul McMahon details the design and construction of a four-element Yagi antenna for the 50-52.5 MHz range, published in Amateur Radio Magazine (Dec 2011). The antenna, featuring a raised driven element and a capacitive/DC connection using copper strips, maintains consistent VSWR and performance despite two years of weather exposure. The design utilizes inexpensive plumbing conduit for the boom and provides detailed construction guidelines, parts lists, and performance analysis through 4NEC2 simulations.

Examining the demographic shifts within amateur radio, particularly concerning **radiosport** participation, this resource analyzes survey data from the National Contest Journal (NCJ) and two regional ARRL surveys. It focuses on the relationship between age and engagement in contesting, presenting findings that suggest older amateur radio operators tend to participate in more contests annually. The author, a spatial demographer, details the methodology, including data consolidation, georeferencing, and statistical analysis performed in collaboration with Dr. Scott Wright K0MD, covering ARRL November Sweepstakes participants from 2000 to 2020. The analysis also addresses the limitations inherent in using voluntary response samples rather than random samples, which may influence the generalizability of the results. Furthermore, the resource investigates the preferred sources of contest information among different age groups, noting that older contesters frequently rely on traditional publications like the NCJ, while younger participants show a preference for online platforms. This demographic review provides insights into the evolving landscape of **amateur radio contesting** and the generational differences in information consumption.

The Amateur Radio Logbook ADIF File Analyzer available at loganalyzer.sv5fri.eu is a convenient web-based tool that allows you to upload your ADIF log and instantly generate a visual map of your QSO contacts along with detailed statistics—by band, mode, time, grid squares, DXCC, and more. It provides an intuitive overview of your operating patterns and performance without requiring any software installation.