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Query: QST articles
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The ARRL page, titled "The HF Mobile Antenna," serves as a curated index to various _QST_ articles focusing on constructing mobile HF antennas. It presents several projects for the mechanically inclined amateur, suggesting that homebrewed antennas can achieve efficiency comparable to commercial versions. For instance, one entry details a **five-band** antenna for RVs, utilizing a fold-over Hustler 4BTV, while another describes a "Bug Catcher" design for 80 through 10 meters. Further projects include a budget-friendly $20 HF mobile antenna made from PVC and wire, covering 20 through 6 meters, and the "Alpha Special," a multiband horizontal antenna originally for 1960s station wagons, now suggested for mini-vans. The resource also addresses antenna mounting solutions specifically for travel trailers and campers, providing practical insights for those operating from recreational vehicles. Rounding out the collection are the "Connecticut Longhorn," a 75-meter horizontal whip with remote tuning, and its redesign, the "Connecticut Shorthorn," adapted for smaller vehicles post-1970s. This compilation offers a historical perspective on mobile antenna innovation and practical construction guides for various HF bands and vehicle types.
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40 meter vertical antenna construction, a shortened easy-to-build vertical, with no-radials, made from surplus military camouflage poles
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Presents a detailed construction guide for a **Quadrifilar Helix Antenna** (QHA) optimized for 137 MHz, specifically for receiving weather satellite transmissions. The resource outlines the author's experience building previous QHA designs, highlighting challenges with tuning and nulls, and then focuses on a refined design by John Boyer, documented by Steve Blackmore, which proved easier to build and yielded superior reception. The guide provides precise element dimensions, including 1.5m of 32mm PVC pipe for the mast and 8mm soft copper tubing for the helix elements. It specifies lengths for horizontal tubes (190mm, 90mm) and helix elements (903mm, 1002mm), along with instructions for drilling, assembly, and forming a **balun** by wrapping RG58 coax around the mast. The text emphasizes critical steps like ensuring elements are square and twisting in the correct direction to avoid phase issues. It includes references to original QST articles by Buck Ruperto (W3KH) and the WxSat program for decoding satellite transmissions, contextualizing the antenna's purpose. The article concludes with a sample NOAA 12 image from September 1998, demonstrating the antenna's reception capabilities.
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Article using a full wave delta loop antenna at low height, feeding methods, performance reports on 1984 QST article by W1FB and W1SE
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The NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project operates a worldwide network of 18 high-frequency radio beacons, continuously transmitting on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930, and 28.200 MHz. These beacons, initially launched in 1979 with a single station and expanded to the current 18-beacon system in 1995, provide reliable signals for both amateur and commercial users to assess current **ionospheric propagation** conditions. The system's design, construction, and operation are managed by volunteers, covering hardware and shipping costs. The resource details the evolution of the beacon network, including the transition from Kenwood TS-50s transmitters to Icom IC-7200 radios with a new controller design implemented in 2015. It explains how listening for these 100-watt signals, transmitted to vertical antennas, allows operators to determine band openings and optimal propagation paths globally. The content also references three QST articles providing historical context and technical specifics of the beacon project. Practical information includes methods for identifying transmitting beacons via a schedule or specialized software like FAROS and Skimmer, which integrates with the **Reverse Beacon Network** for automated monitoring.
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QST Article on what you should know about matching networks for class C RF power amplifiers
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Understanding Amateur Radio NVIS Antennas and Propagation, derived from The ARRL Antenna Book and QST Articles
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Technical Correspondence, QST, July 1990 - Why even "perfect" phased array element currents don't produce perfect patterns.
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Antenna modeling is an essential technique for both amateur and professional engineers, enabling precise analysis of antenna performance. This guide, published on 4 different QST articles by L. B. Cebik, introduces NEC-2, a widely used public domain software for modeling antennas, focusing on its capabilities and practical applications. The series aims to demystify the modeling process, providing foundational knowledge and techniques for effective antenna design. Key concepts include understanding the method of moments and the importance of segmenting antenna elements. By mastering these principles, users can enhance their comprehension of antenna behavior and optimize their designs for improved performance.