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Query: LF
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The W5GI Mystery Antenna is a versatile multi-band wire antenna designed for amateur radio operators. It covers frequencies from 80 meters to 6 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. The antenna features a low feed point impedance, allowing for easy matching with most radios, whether or not an antenna tuner is used. Its construction is straightforward, requiring only two vertical supports approximately 130 feet apart, making it ideal for hams without towers. Users have reported excellent performance, particularly on the 20-meter band, where it outperforms similar designs like the G5RV. This antenna is unique in its design, incorporating three half waves in-phase on 20 meters, resulting in a six-lobe radiation pattern. Despite its effective performance, the antenna is challenging to model, which adds to its mystique. The W5GI Mystery Antenna has gained popularity among amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide, with many users praising its ease of construction and effectiveness. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced operator, this antenna offers a fun and rewarding project that can enhance your HF capabilities.
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A simple homebrew outdoor antenna to 2.4 GHz band.
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An Easy Dual-Band VHF/UHF vertical Antenna made with a TV twin lead and coax cable
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140 feet of insulated wire, the first half of which (70 feet) is space wound on an insulated tube.
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Cb radio mods, Cobra, Uniden, Midland, Rci, Galaxy, Cherokee, Cap Mods, Mic Wiring
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Here is the design of a 2.4 GHz antenna that is ideal for amateur satellite communications. This antenna is easy to assemble because the design itself tolerates inaccuracies in the construction without really affecting performance.
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The 4-band Fritzel model FD4 is a special version of a Windom antenna. It is a half-wave long on the lowest frequency, and is fed from a coax cable through a transformer inserted in the wire at one-third from one end
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basic notes on building longwire antennas for medium waves
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Here is a sure fire way to make end-fed halfwave antennas fed with a 50 ohm coupler work - without long radials, grounds, chokes, voodoo.
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This antenna makes 80 and 160 enjoyable. Less than $50 to hear Europeans all summer on the LF bands seems like a good deal if you have the space!
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The page describes a Double-L antenna for 80 and 160 meters bands, designed by Don Toman, K2KQ, with a simple, effective, and ground system-free design. The antenna is a center-fed half-wave vertical with horizontal top and bottom sections, providing good performance without the need for an elaborate ground system.
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Schema of a self made balun used to match randmon wire antennas, mainly for shortwave listening pourposes, in italian
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The boomless quad antenna is a unique design that offers versatility for amateur radio operators. This antenna consists of two half-wave dipoles arranged in a square or circular shape, allowing for both vertical and horizontal polarization depending on the feed point. The design facilitates easy installation and rotation, making it suitable for various operating conditions. The construction utilizes strong materials, such as bamboo, and incorporates waterproofing techniques to enhance durability. This project outlines the necessary dimensions and materials, including copper wire and insulators, to successfully build the antenna. It emphasizes the importance of tuning each radiator element for optimal performance. The boomless quad is particularly effective across multiple HF bands, including 14 MHz, 21 MHz, and 28 MHz. By following the detailed instructions, operators can achieve a reliable and efficient antenna setup that enhances their DXing and contesting capabilities.
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DigiPan provides a panoramic display of the frequency spectrum in the form of an active dial scale extending the full width of the computer screen. DigiPan is the result of a joint effort between myself and Nick Fedoseev, UT2UZ, the author of MIXW32, and is intended to make PSK31 operation easier and more enjoyable for everyone. You can download digipan 2.0 for windows form here.
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One of the most asked questions when it comes to antennas is what kind of wire should I use
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A free application that displays location information determined from a callsign, displays translations of common "QSO words and phrases" in the languages used in the callsign's DXCC entity, displays beam headings and SpotCollector DX Spots on a world map, displays country maps, and provides point-and-click control of antenna rotators from AlfaSpid, ARSWIN, Heath, Hygain, M2, Prosistel, SARTek, TIC, Trackbox, and Yaesu
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PinPointAPRS offers a modern APRS solution with unique features for tracking and communicating with people using Ham Radio equipment. It is free for individual use and can be used as a tactical communications tool during emergencies. The software does not require an internet connection and is self-contained, making it versatile for various scenarios.
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Explains what amateur radio entails, detailing its dual role as a hobby and a public service, enabling communication among licensed operators using diverse radio equipment for self-training, recreation, and public service. It clarifies that ham radio operators require a government license, regulated globally by the ITU via the IARU, and outlines the privileges and responsibilities that come with operating an amateur radio station, including restrictions against commercial use and broadcasting to the general public. The resource then enumerates various activities hams engage in, such as worldwide HF communication, local VHF/UHF contacts, QRP operation, Packet Radio, Amateur Television, Slow Scan TV, contesting, and satellite communications. It also covers emergency and volunteer services, traffic handling, and the process of becoming a licensed amateur radio operator in the United States, mentioning local clubs, Elmers, and self-study as preparation methods for the FCC multiple-choice test.
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Hear VLF audio from NASA online VLF radio receiver in Huntsville, Alabama.
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End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna for the 7 or 10 MHZ amateur bands intended to provide a very simple to erect yet effective portable QRP antenna.
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Glen Martin manufactures aluminum and steel amateur antenna self-supporting and telescoping towers, mounts, masts, thrust bearings and accessories.
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Demonstrates RadioComm, a freeware Icom transceiver/receiver controller program for Windows, which facilitates memory programming, spectrum analysis, and interfacing with extensive frequency databases. The software allows users to program their Icom radio's memory, generate radio-frequency spectra, and connect the radio to a computer-based frequency database. It supports various Icom models, offering bidirectional control where virtual controls mirror the transceiver's physical controls and vice versa. The program's spectrum analysis feature, exemplified by tuning the WWV time standard at 15 MHz, provides insights into the AM passband, a capability often found in high-end Icom transceivers. While RadioComm offers these functionalities, the author, Paul Lutus, notes that it has been superseded by JRX (a virtual radio) and IcomProgrammer II (a memory programming utility), which are described as superior and compatible with more platforms. RadioComm is available as a 516 KB self-extracting executable, requiring an Icom CT-17 RS-232 interface box for radios that need it. Users can also customize the plain-text database to include unsupported Icom models. However, the author explicitly states that no user support is provided for this free program.
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The end-fed halfwave antenna is a resonant half wavelength long antenna like a dipole antenna except for it is fed at its end rather then in the center. This antenna is as old as radio and is probably best known as the Zepp Antenna
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Determining the actual need for an antenna tuner often hinges on the specific antenna and feed line configuration in use. While many hams believe a tuner is always essential, its primary role is to present a 50-ohm impedance to the transceiver, not to "tune" the antenna itself. For instance, a resonant dipole fed with _coaxial cable_ at its design frequency typically requires no tuner, as the feed line impedance closely matches the radio's output. However, operating a non-resonant antenna, or using a resonant antenna on multiple bands, frequently necessitates a tuner to manage high Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) on the feed line. The article clarifies that a tuner placed at the transceiver only matches the radio to the feed line, not the antenna to the feed line. For maximum efficiency with a non-resonant antenna, an _automatic antenna tuner_ (ATU) or a remote tuner placed at the antenna feed point is often more effective, minimizing losses in the feed line. The discussion also touches on the practical implications of SWR, noting that modern transceivers often fold back power at high SWR, making a tuner a practical necessity to achieve full output power, even if the antenna itself is not perfectly matched.
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End-Fed antennas are NOT balanced systems; but neither are verticals, ground planes, discones, windoms, zepps, Marconis, half-slopers, et al. Additionally, the low-impedance antenna port of your transmitter/receiver is not balanced.
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The HB9CV-Beam is a 2-Element-Yagi with two driven elements and was introduced by Rudolf Baumgartner, HB9CV in the 1950ies. This beam antenna is a coax-feeded version of the ZL-Special construction by DK7ZB for 2m, 6m and 10m
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Presents a web-based DX cluster interface, F5LEN Webcluster, which functions as a member node within the broader European DX Cluster network. It displays current DX spots across a wide range of amateur radio bands, from VLF through SHF, including specific bands like 1.8 MHz, 144 MHz, and 10 GHz, as well as satellite operations on QO-100. The service offers filtering options for various modes and activities, such as CW, QRP, IOTA, and specific VHF/UHF bands. Operators can access real-time propagation data, including Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot Number (SSN), Kp index, and Auroral activity (Au), alongside tools for solar forecasts and tropospheric ducting predictions. The platform facilitates DX spotting by providing a centralized point for sharing and viewing contact information, aiding in DX hunting and contest operations. It also includes links to an Atlas, Sun tools, and a mobile version for portable access.
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If you want a top-performance VHF/UHF Long Yagi, you will probably have to build it yourself.
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Program for amateur radio digital communications via a sound card. Supported modes are RTTY (Baudot code), ASCII (7 or 8 bits), PSK31 (BPSK and QPSK) and AMTOR-FEC (SITOR-B, NAVTEX). SELFEC SITOR decoding is possible also. No additional hardware required, need only a sound card. Optionally you can use simple circuit fo PTT-control. Can cooperate with RZ4AG AAlog logger.
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This compact 160m antenna is a half-wave dipole with a vertical section. It requires no radials and has worked well for me.
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WSJT-X implements communication protocols including FST4, FST4W, FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, Q65, MSK144, WSPR, and Echo. These modes facilitate reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-signal conditions. JT4, JT9, and JT65 utilize a nearly identical message structure and source encoding, employing timed **60-second** transmit/receive sequences synchronized with UTC. JT4 and JT65 are designed for EME on VHF/UHF/microwave bands, while JT9 is optimized for MF and HF, offering **2 dB** greater sensitivity than JT65 with less than 10% of its bandwidth. Q65 provides submodes with varying T/R sequence lengths and tone spacings, suitable for EME, ionospheric scatter, and weak signal operations on VHF, UHF, and microwave. FT4 and FT8 operate with T/R cycles of 7.5 and 15 seconds, respectively, supporting enhanced message formats for nonstandard callsigns and contest operations. MSK144 is engineered for Meteor Scatter on VHF bands. FST4 and FST4W target LF and MF bands, achieving fundamental sensitivities near theoretical limits for information throughput; FST4 is for two-way QSOs, and FST4W for quasi-beacon WSPR-style transmissions, without requiring the strict time synchronization of protocols like _EbNaut_. WSPR mode enables propagation path probing via low-power transmissions, incorporating programmable band-hopping. The **WSJT-X 2.7** General Availability release introduces the QMAP program, Q65 Pileup, SuperFox mode, a Hamlib update option, and a Message System. SuperFox mode transmits simultaneously to up to 9 Hounds with a constant envelope waveform, providing approximately +10 dB system gain compared to older Fox-and-Hound operations. _WSJT-X 2.7_ for _Windows_ platforms includes _MAP65 3.0_, a wideband polarization-matching tool for EME. The **WSJT-X 3.0.0-rc1** candidate release represents a major revision with new features, some ported from _WSJT-X Improved_. This software is available for _Windows 7_ and later (32-bit/64-bit), various Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RedHat, Raspberry Pi OS), and macOS (10.13 through 15). DXZone Focus: Weak Signal | Digital Modes | WSJT-X | Windows
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Perhaps one of the most over looked aspects of setting up a listening post is a ground system
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A dual-bander for 80M and 40m. An Extended Double Zepp (EDZ) is a 5/4 wavelength center-fed dipole. This article will introduce the Half-Extended Double Zepp (HEDZ) which has characteristics that a lot of amateur radio operators should find quite interesting
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Manufacturer of self supporting towers. 10 to 200 feet. Residential, commercial, Wi-Fi, safety and communication.
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A program to design and print QSL cards on your computer, as well as design QSL cards for printing by commercial printers. This program overcomes many of the limitations that are present in other QSL design and print programs and methods. Works on Windows 7 to 10.
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A few hours of fun with PVC and wire and you have got yourself a respectable road radiator. The antenna consists of little more than some PVC pipe topped by a RadioShack replacement whip antenna and a couple of coils made from a small roll of #14 house wire.
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One is an EFHWA for 20-40 meters, and the other is a matching unit for the antenna by n0lx
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Located in Big Bear City, CA (Shay Meadow). Streaming 24/7 since 2002 the Big Bear Scanner is providing the latest realtime audio from Big Bear City Fire, San Benardino National Forest, CalFire, San Bernardino County Fire, CHP, Lake Patrol, and much more!
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Journal is a **freeware logbook software** designed for Windows operating systems, providing amateur radio operators with a robust tool for managing their contacts. It supports both real-time logging during a QSO and post-event data entry, allowing flexibility for different operating styles. The software facilitates the creation of QSL cards and address labels directly from logged data, streamlining the QSLing process. Additionally, it can generate log sheets specifically formatted for the RSGB VHF-UHF-SHF Competition, which is beneficial for contesters. Derek, G7LFC, developed Journal to be Year 2000 compliant, ensuring its longevity and reliability for logging contacts across different eras. The program supports various operating modes, making it versatile for general DXing, contesting, and everyday ragchewing. Its ability to produce competition-specific logs and QSL materials makes it a practical utility for active operators.
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WSJT-X, a creation of K1JT, offers specialized digital protocols meticulously optimized for challenging propagation paths such as EME (moonbounce), meteor scatter, and ionospheric scatter. This software excels at VHF/UHF frequencies, and also provides robust performance for LF, MF, and HF DXing, enabling contacts far below the audible threshold. The program decodes signals from ionized meteor trails and steady signals more than 10 dB below the audible threshold, a testament to its advanced digital signal processing. It integrates nearly all popular features from its predecessors, WSJT and WSPR, while adding comprehensive rig control and numerous other enhancements for the serious weak signal operator. Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, WSJT-X is an open-source project, allowing hams worldwide to download the latest versions and engage in cutting-edge weak signal communication.
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Over 30 distinct shortwave (SW) receiver models are reviewed, offering insights into their performance, features, and user experiences. These evaluations, contributed by readers of the Usenet newsgroup **Rec.radio.shortwave**, cover a wide array of portable and tabletop radios, including popular units like the Grundig YB-400, Sony ICF-SW77, and various Realistic DX series models. Each review details aspects such as frequency range, tuning steps, SSB functionality, antenna performance, and construction quality, often comparing them to other receivers or ham transceivers like the Icom 725. For instance, the Grundig YB-400 review highlights its 144-30000 kHz AM/SSB coverage, direct keypad entry, and 40 station memories, noting its useful narrow bandwidth and tone switch for adjacent signal separation. It also discusses the **SSB mode** stability and the limitations of its 1 kHz frequency resolution for precise zero-beating. The review further details antenna performance, including the effectiveness of the built-in whip, the provided 7m reel antenna, and the potential for overload with larger outdoor antennas. Other reviews delve into specific issues, such as the Sony ICF-SW77's frequency display inaccuracies and timer malfunctions, or the Realistic DX-342's compact size and surprisingly good MW DXing capabilities despite its analog tuning. The collection provides practical, user-generated feedback on sensitivity, selectivity, audio quality, and ergonomic features, helping shortwave listeners understand the real-world performance and quirks of these receivers.
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Arrl document about invisible antennas and indoor systems. It is important to consider that few compromise antennas are capable of delivering the performance one can expect from the full-size variety. But the patient and skillful operator can often do as well as some fellows who are equipped with high power and full-size antennas. The "cliff-dweller" may not be able to "bore a hole" in the band as often, and as easily, but DX can be worked successfully when band conditions are suitable.
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Demonstrates the construction and on-air performance of the _NB6Zep_ antenna, a modified 20-meter Extended Double Zepp design optimized for multi-band operation from 40 through 10 meters. The resource covers basic design principles, including dimensions of 66 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical elements, and specifies open ladder line or TV twin lead for the transmission line. It details material selection for low-cost wire antenna construction, such as 18 AWG wire for the legs and ceramic or plastic insulators, along with practical tips for soldering connections and insulating against moisture. The author, NB6Z, shares insights from extensive _EZNEC_ modeling to optimize the antenna's total length for a 40-meter half-wave dipole footprint and feed line length for direct tuner connection. The article presents field results, including successful _PSK31_ contacts from Oregon to the East Coast on 40 and 30 meters with 50 watts, even at a low height of 6 feet. It provides detailed performance characteristics for each band, noting the _NB6Zep_'s highest gain (over 3 dB) and sharp, medium-angle lobes on 20 meters, which yielded strong DX reports to locations like Korea, Japan, and Argentina. For 17 and 15 meters, it describes a butterfly-like pattern with broad lobes, while 12 and 10 meters exhibit narrow, directional lobes in an "X" configuration. The author also shares personal experiences operating successfully for over a decade in an antenna-restricted environment using the NB6Zep and other stealth wire antennas.
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The Bruce array is a simple, often-forgotten wire antenna array that is advantageous for 80 and 160 meters, where typical gain antennas are very large. This bi-directional broadside vertical array is only 1\4 lambda high and does not require a ground system. It offers substantially greater SWR bandwidth than the half-square or bobtail curtain. A 4-element Bruce array used by N6LF showed a gain of about 4.6 dB compared to a 1\4 lambda vertical with 8 elevated radials, with a 2:1 SWR bandwidth greater than 400 kHz. The antenna is simple and its dimensions are flexible.
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Delta Loop Antenna for 15m band. This antenna is made for operating from outdoors, mainly from mobile shack. Drive to a parking you like, then build it up. Just half an hour later, you can enjoy slightly better gain than normal dipole.
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The cobweb antenna it is basically a 5 band antenna comprising of 5 full half wave dipoles for each band - between 10 meters and 20 meters, the antenna is also resonant on 6M and can be modeled even for VHF frequencies.
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Strong RF HF power amplifiers made in europe ! Output 2,5KW 4KW PEP, 160m to 10m.
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This resource provides a historical listing of **unlicensed amateur radio beacons** active in the United States as of December 1993, specifically detailing both **LOWFER** (Low Frequency Experimental Radio) and **MEDFER** (Medium Frequency Experimental Radio) operations. The data includes beacon frequencies in kilocycles (Kc), identification codes, state locations, and the callsigns or names of the beacon operators. Frequencies range from 166.667 Kc for LOWFER to 1706.0 Kc for MEDFER, illustrating the spectrum utilized by these experimental stations. The information was originally compiled by Mark Burkart and relayed to the rec.radio.shortwave newsgroup by Rick Robinson, KF4AR. The list serves as a snapshot of experimental beacon activity from the early 1990s, offering insight into the types of operations and the individuals involved in unlicensed, low-power transmissions. It highlights specific beacon IDs like "ABC SC" on 510.5 Kc and "GK HI" on 1620 Kc, alongside operator details such as Todd Roberts (WD4NGG) and Herb Vanderbeek (WY6G). While not a current operational guide, it is a valuable historical document for those interested in the evolution of LF/MF experimental radio and the early days of internet-based amateur radio information sharing.
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This project details three variants of a vertical half-wave antenna design for the 4-meter (70MHz) amateur radio band. The antennas use end-feeding with a parallel-tuned circuit for impedance matching to 50-ohm coaxial cable. The first variant uses suspended flexible wire for portable use, the second employs a fiberglass rod with internal wire for permanent outdoor installation, and the third utilizes aluminum tent poles for quick mobile deployment. Despite the narrow bandwidth of the matching circuit, this suits the narrow 4m FM allocation well. The design offers an effective omnidirectional radiation pattern and can be constructed with readily available materials.