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Optimizing antenna portability for QRP field operations often involves trade-offs between efficiency and physical footprint. The PAC-12 antenna project addresses this by presenting a **multi-band portable vertical** design, specifically tailored for amateur radio operators who travel frequently and utilize compact QRP transceivers like the Elecraft K1/K2 or Yaesu FT-817. This design emphasizes ease of homebrewing using readily available hardware store components, allowing for customizability and repair in the field. The project details the construction of a sectional aluminum rod base, interchangeable loading coils for various HF bands, and a telescoping whip. Key components include 1/4-inch aluminum rod, PVC risers for coil forms, and a BNC feedpoint insulator. The design prioritizes a breakdown length of 12 inches or less, making it highly packable for travel, while still achieving competitive efficiency, as demonstrated by its first-place finish in the HFPack antenna shootout at Pacificon 2001 against a 1/4-wavelength wire vertical. Comprehensive instructions cover whip preparation, **loading coil construction** with specific dimensions for bands from 40m to 10m (with an untested 80m approximation), base section fabrication, and feedpoint insulator assembly. The resource also includes guidance on radial deployment, threading aluminum rod, and showcases various PAC-12 builds by NJQRP Club members, illustrating its adaptability and widespread adoption among QRP enthusiasts.

Swisslog, a robust freeware logging program, integrates seamlessly with various external devices and online services, making it a central hub for station operations. My field experience with similar logging software confirms the critical importance of features like real-time logging to services such as eQSL, QRZ, and Club Log, which Swisslog supports with both upload and download synchronization. The program also offers comprehensive award tracking for approximately 150 built-in awards, with the flexibility to add more, alongside detailed statistical reports. Beyond basic logging, Swisslog provides advanced functionalities like direct interfacing with popular digital mode software including WSJT-X, JTDX, and FLDIGI, ensuring accurate and rapid QSO entry for FT8 and other modes. It also supports multiple transceiver control (up to 8) from major manufacturers like Yaesu, Kenwood, and ICOM, and integrates with rotor control systems such as ARS-USB and Hy-Gain DCU. The _DX-Cluster_ integration is particularly useful, displaying spots with real-time award status and automatic detection for SOTA, POTA, and WFF from spot comments, which can significantly improve DXing efficiency. The software's world map feature includes various projections and layers for DXCC, IOTA, and WAZ, with a **double-clicking** function to turn the rotor, and provides accurate propagation predictions. It also supports multiple callbook and QSL manager databases, including QRZ and HamCall, and offers _multilanguage_ support in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Demonstrates BBLogger, a **freeware** logging application designed for both amateur radio operators and Short Wave Listeners (SWLs). Developed by IK2VIW, IZ2BKT, and IK2UVR, this software provides comprehensive station management capabilities, including **CAT control** for various transceivers, integration with digital mode software like WSJT-X, JTDX, and MSHV, and robust QSL management features. The application supports a wide array of functions such as DX cluster interfacing, mapping, awards tracking (including custom awards), and direct integration with services like LoTW, eQSL.cc, and ClubLog for QSL confirmations and OQRS requests. It also includes utilities for ADIF to CSV conversion and vice-versa, catering to diverse logging and data management needs. Recent updates, such as version 13.1, introduce a web server for log management from any device, allowing remote access and control. The software has improved ADIF import capabilities, including time settings for duplicate QSO detection, and enhanced filtering options for log searches. Performance improvements include faster automatic updates and manager database synchronization, along with optimized log checking at startup. Earlier versions added support for FT8 and FT4 modes, refined OQRS integration with ClubLog, and expanded QSL/label printing functionalities, enabling users to select specific callsign types (OM, SWL) for printing. The developers emphasize compatibility with Windows 10/11 for full functionality, noting limitations when running on older operating systems like Windows 7 due to modern security protocol requirements.

End-Fed Half-Wave Antennas (EFHWAs) are analyzed for their utility in portable QRP operations, emphasizing their simplicity, efficiency, and predictable radiation patterns compared to other portable antenna types. The discussion contrasts EFHWAs with vertical antennas, random length wires, and center-fed dipoles, highlighting the common pitfalls of each, such as ground system dependency for verticals and feedline issues for dipoles. The article details the electrical half-wavelength calculation using the formula L (Ft) = 468/F(MHz) and explains how EFHWAs can be resonant on harmonic frequencies, enabling multiband operation. Various deployment configurations are presented, including the inverted L, inverted Vee, sloping wire, and vertical setups, each with specific advantages for radiation angle and polarization. For instance, a vertical EFHWA offers a low angle of radiation suitable for DX contacts without requiring an extensive ground system. The resource also addresses the counterpoise requirements, suggesting a quarter-wavelength wire or connection to a metallic structure for decoupling. A schematic diagram for a simple parallel-tuned circuit tuner, based on the _Rainbow Bridge/Tuner_ design, is provided, detailing component values for 30 and 40 meters, including a 6 microhenry toroidal inductor and a 20-100 picofarad mica compression capacitor. The tuner's adjustment process for SWR matching is also outlined.

Presents a dedicated online callbook for Romanian amateur radio operators, compiling an extensive database of YO callsigns. It details information sourced from the _Agentia Nationala de Comunicatii_ (ANCOM) and user submissions, including callsigns, names, postal addresses, email contacts, and even photographs. The resource currently lists **10,768** YO callsigns, with **4,987** authorized by ANCOM, offering a centralized lookup for the Romanian amateur radio community. This platform also includes special event callsigns like _YR8D_, acknowledging their importance for QSL information sought by international DXers. It provides categorized lists of YO hams by county, a section for SWLs (radioamatori receptori), and a directory of YO radio clubs and associations. Users can submit updates or corrections via an online form, with validation typically processed quickly, often within minutes, ensuring the database remains current.

Paddles by Jim Nestor WK8G/2

Demonstrates a practical online tool for locating amateur radio operators by geographic area, specifically using US ZIP codes. This utility allows users to input at least three digits of a desired ZIP code to retrieve a list of active licensees. Search results can be sorted by _call sign_, name, license expiration date, or ZIP code, providing flexibility in data organization. The service offers two primary output formats: direct display in a web browser, which omits address details for privacy, or export to a tab-delimited file, which includes full address information suitable for import into spreadsheet or database applications like _Excel_. This lookup service proves useful for local club organizers seeking to identify potential members within their service area or for hams planning local nets or events. The ability to export data with address details facilitates direct mailings for club newsletters or event announcements, while the browser view maintains privacy for casual lookups. The tool's design prioritizes ease of use, requiring minimal input to generate relevant local amateur radio contact information.

Paddles by Bill Nicolson, N2WF

The 3Y0K Log Online provides a detailed logsearch interface for the **3Y0K** DXpedition to Bouvet Island, scheduled for February 2026. This web-based tool, hosted on _Club Log_, allows users to access real-time QSO statistics and leaderboards. The interface includes interactive features such as a map for checking real-time propagation and colored boxes that reveal mode and time breakdowns when hovered over. The service supports HF bands and provides a structured overview of QSOs, including band/mode breakdowns and continent-specific data. Users can report logging inquiries and QSL requests exclusively through the M0OXO Online QSL Request System (**OQRS**). The site also offers additional resources like band plans, operating practices, and FT8 advice. The leaderboard feature, which includes clubs and Contest Club, ranks stations based on the number of band slots worked, with duplicate QSOs being discouraged. The expedition's impact on users' totals is also tracked, providing insights into new bands, modes, and DXCC entities worked. DXZone Focus: 3Y0K DXpedition | Club Log | Bouvet Island

This resource presents a domain name for sale, specifically _Kl7aa.com_, for $995, with an option for a 24-month payment plan at $41.46 per month. The page details the purchasing process, including immediate domain access, zero percent financing, and secure shopping. It also outlines the transfer process to other registrars like _GoDaddy_, clarifies what is included with the domain purchase (only the domain name, not hosting or web design), and explains how to maintain WhoIs privacy protection. The content includes testimonials from buyers like Dann Berg and Greg Shepard, highlighting smooth transactions and quick domain delivery. It also provides information on HugeDomains' 30-day money-back guarantee and frequently asked questions regarding domain transfers, access post-purchase, and payment plans. The page emphasizes the importance of a web address and lists other similar domains for sale, such as _Kl35.com_, alongside quick stats about the domain's length and structure.

During a club's "Filetto Day" event, a comparative field test was conducted between a **Buddipole** antenna and a homemade 20/40-meter wire dipole. The author, IW5EDI, performed this personal evaluation from a mountain top at 1500 meters above sea level, utilizing a Yaesu FT-857D transceiver to switch between antennas. The observations on the 20-meter band indicated that the wire dipole consistently delivered significantly stronger signals compared to the Buddipole. Additionally, the Buddipole exhibited higher levels of **QRM** during the listening tests. The commercial Buddipole, known for its multiband capability and compact size with a self-supporting tripod, was contrasted with the simpler, larger wire dipole, which required a fiberglass fish pole for support. This direct comparison highlights practical differences in performance and deployment between a popular portable commercial antenna and a basic wire antenna in a real-world operating environment.

This resource, a blog from the Penang Amateur Radio Club (PARC), offers insights into various aspects of amateur radio in Malaysia. One post details monitoring Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) on the 2m band, providing specific frequencies like 122.750 MHz AM for Butterworth and 126.400 MHz AM for Penang, along with sample aviation weather and operational data. Another entry critiques the lengthy and costly process of obtaining an amateur radio license in Malaysia, contrasting it with the more streamlined FCC licensing system in the United States, citing a 1-year wait and RM 414 (USD 125) for 10 years in Malaysia versus 3 weeks and USD 14 for 10 years in the US. The blog also covers internal club matters, such as the 2007 Annual General Meeting (AGM) attendance and council elections, highlighting member dissatisfaction with outdated newsletters and a call for "reformasi." Additionally, it presents local phonetic alphabets in Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese, and discusses monitoring AM broadcast bands for international stations like Voice of America on 1575 kHz and Zhong Yang Ren Min Guang Bo Dian Tai on 1134 kHz, offering alternatives to local 2m repeater chatter. The author, "firstclass," shares personal observations and criticisms regarding the Malaysian ham radio landscape.

The LU2EE Radio Club Tandil maintains a minimal web presence, primarily serving as a directory listing under the `qsl.net` domain. The resource itself offers no direct content, instead presenting an "Index of /l/lu2ee" page with a link to the "Parent Directory." This structure suggests a placeholder or an outdated web address rather than an active information hub, providing only the club's callsign and location. Without specific content, the resource does not offer technical details, operational results, or practical applications. It functions solely as a basic identifier for the _LU2EE_ club in _Tandil_, Argentina, without further elaboration on activities, membership, or technical contributions to the amateur radio community.

Amateur radio operators seeking local community and emergency communications involvement often look for active clubs. The Rock River Radio Club (RRRC) provides a platform for hams in Wisconsin to participate in weekly nets and monthly meetings, fostering camaraderie and operational readiness. Their activities include regular ARES/RACES nets, which are crucial for maintaining proficiency in emergency communication protocols and equipment. The club hosts weekly nets on both VHF/UHF and HF bands, allowing members to practice various modes and frequencies. These include a Monday evening net on the Juneau Repeater at _146.64 MHz_ (PL 123.0) and a Thursday evening net on the Knowles Repeater at _442.975 MHz_ (PL 123.0). An HF net operates on Saturdays at **3.947 MHz**, with an additional ARES/RACES net on Sundays at **3.967 MHz**. Monthly club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 PM in Randolph, Wisconsin, providing a consistent gathering point for members and prospective hams. The club also engages in public demonstrations, such as those at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Dodge County Chapter Fly-In, showcasing amateur radio to a broader audience.

BKLog is a versatile log book and contest program designed specifically for amateur radio operators. Developed in VB.NET, it offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features that cater to both casual and competitive hams. Users can log their contacts, manage contest entries, and utilize automatic CW sending, making it a valuable tool for any operator. One of the standout features of BKLog is its integration with DX Cluster access, allowing users to stay updated on DX spots and enhance their operating experience. Additionally, it supports uploads to popular online QSL services such as QRZ, LoTW, and Club Log, streamlining the QSL process for users. With regular updates and improvements, BKLog continues to evolve, ensuring it meets the needs of the amateur radio community. Whether you're a seasoned contester or a newcomer to logging, BKLog provides the essential tools to enhance your ham radio experience. Its compatibility with Windows makes it accessible to a wide range of users, and its ongoing development ensures that it remains relevant in the ever-changing landscape of amateur radio.

The Guernsey Amateur Radio Society (GARS) provides a central hub for amateur radio operators in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, offering resources like a local _GU Callbook_ and specific notes tailored for visiting operators. The society maintains an active presence, holding regular meetings on Friday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in a unique World War II bunker located within the grounds of the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. Beyond in-person gatherings, GARS facilitates on-air activity with a 2-meter net operating on 145.525 MHz every Tuesday night at 8:00 PM. Additionally, a DMR net is hosted on Thursday nights at 8:00 PM via the _GB7GY_ repeater, catering to digital mode enthusiasts. These nets provide opportunities for local members and visitors to connect and exchange information. Phil Cooper, GU0SUP, serves as a key contact for the society, managing inquiries and web content. The club's location is precisely described as being down a concrete staircase to the left of the road when approaching the Concourse entrance, making it straightforward for newcomers to find their way to the club's distinctive meeting place.

The Lakeshore Repeater Association (KR9RK) operates a **VHF** 2-meter repeater on 147.270 MHz, utilizing a +600 kHz offset and a 100 Hz PL tone, serving the Raymond, Wisconsin area. The organization provides access to monthly newsletters, with recent editions including March 2026, February 2026, and January 2026, detailing club activities and operational updates. A Google Docs link is provided for newsletters with functional embedded links, addressing issues with PDF versions. The association's Megacycle Group is actively constructing a **DX Contest** level HF network, designed for remote accessibility. This initiative aims to provide members with a competitive edge in global DX hunts by enabling worldwide access to the station's radios. Additionally, the Lakeshore Radio Association is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a special event station, K5O, inviting all members to participate in on-air operations.

The Utility DXers Forum (UDXF) provides a centralized platform for exchanging news and information concerning utility radio stations and signals operating within the 0 to 30 MHz spectrum. It specifically excludes broadcasting, pirate, and amateur radio transmissions, concentrating instead on a diverse array of other signals. The resource details the types of stations covered, including maritime coastal and ship stations, aeronautical ground and aircraft communications (voice, HFDL, Selcalls, Volmet), military operations, various beacons (NDB, driftnet, propagation, pirate, high-frequency), fax transmissions, numbers stations, diplomatic communications, clandestines, and other unusual signals. Further content addresses radar systems such as Over-the-Horizon, Ocean Wave, and CODAR, alongside ionosondes, chirpsounders, ALE-systems, Selcall-systems, and tone calls. Experimental stations and standard frequency and time stations are also within its scope. The forum also acknowledges utility radio-related amateur events like the International Lighthouse Weekend and Night of Nights, providing a broader context for listeners. The site offers sections for modes, hardware, software, a utility radio archive, digital BC & HF conditions, and a utility radio club archive, along with QSLs and pennants.

9M6MU Alfons details his family's efforts to establish an independent, self-sufficient home at Eagle Plateau in Borneo, a 50-acre highland property. The resource highlights their integration of **solar photovoltaic panels** for power generation, alongside managing water supplies, organic gardens, and fruit trees. It covers the practical challenges and rewards of living off-grid, including maintaining power generators and addressing infrastructure needs, all while pursuing the hobby of amateur radio. The narrative emphasizes a holistic approach to healthy living and nature conservation, reflecting the family's aspirations for an ideal ham world. Alfons and his XYL Doris share their experiences in building shelter and antenna farms, showcasing their dedication to independence and sustainable practices away from the conventional grid. The site also references the Hillview Gardens Amateur Radio Club, suggesting community involvement.

The Ultimate Control Software for the IC-7300, IC-7610, IC-7600, IC-7850, IC-7851 and Others is a control software suite that includes additional interesting features such as support for the built in Spectrum Scope, Audio monitors, Shortwave DB, CW Terminal, Clublog Spotting, Memory management, interface to Ham Radio Deluxe Logbook, DM780, n1mm+, log4om, DXLab and other. Runs on Windows OS, commercial licence.

Presents the Bullitt Amateur Radio Society (BARS), KY4KY, detailing its organizational structure, meeting schedule, and operational activities. The resource outlines regular club meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at Pioneer Village City Hall, providing specific dates for upcoming gatherings in March and April 2026. It also highlights the weekly BARS 2-Meter Net operating on 146.70 MHz, noting its suspension on meeting nights, and provides information on the club's participation in W1AW/4 operations for Kentucky, including specific UTC time slots for March 2026 and a contact for coordination. Details for becoming a member, contributing to the repeater fund, and joining the email list are available through quick links. The resource also offers practical information for prospective hams, such as exam test locations and BARS dues. It includes directions to the meeting location at Becknell Hall (Pioneer Village City Hall) from I-265 and Preston Highway, specifying the address as 4700 Summitt Drive, and mentions the club's presence on Facebook for activity updates.

Shrine Temple Amateur Radio Club

Over 100 currently valid callsigns for the Bailiwick of Guernsey are listed, encompassing full, intermediate, and foundation licenses, alongside special event and club station calls. The resource clarifies various callsign types, such as 2U0*** for intermediate licensees with a 50-watt limit and GU0*** for full licensees operating up to **400 watts**. This detailed compilation also includes specific QSL routing instructions for visiting operators and past residents, often referencing their home callsigns like _G4DIY_ or _DJ8NK_. The callbook further acknowledges "silent keys," providing a respectful record of former Guernsey amateurs, complete with their callsigns and dates of passing where available. It also lists local repeaters and provides important QSL bureau information, noting that only US dollar bills are accepted for direct QSLs, not English stamps or Euros. For full addresses, the resource directs users to _QRZ.com_, emphasizing that the provided information is offered in good faith.

This resource, despite its title, does not provide information relevant to amateur radio operations or the W1BD Central Vermont Amateur Radio Club. Instead, the content focuses on commercial topics such as vinyl lettering, business signage, and brand recognition strategies. It details the application of _transfer tape_ for graphics, the importance of pre-masking in vinyl cutting, and the use of squeegees for smooth decal application. The site also discusses various types of business signs, including monument signs and awning signs, highlighting their role in attracting customers and establishing brand presence. Further sections delve into home maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning, offering advice on using power washers and the importance of safety measures when working on ladders. The content also explores strategies for building brand recognition and customer loyalty, emphasizing consistent marketing efforts and excellent customer service. It touches upon the use of custom-printed bags and digital displays, such as LED signs, for enhanced visibility and engagement. The site's articles include practical tips for kitchen renovations, such as upgrading cabinet hardware, adding pendant lighting, and repainting cabinets to achieve a fresh look without significant expense. The content is entirely unrelated to amateur radio activities, club information, or technical aspects of radio communication.

The Boone Area Radio Klub (BARK) serves Boone County, Iowa, as its local amateur radio club, actively welcoming visitors to its meetings and weekly ARES nets. The club maintains a 2-meter repeater on 146.850/250 MHz with a 114.8 Hz tone and a 440 MHz repeater on 443.9+ MHz, both situated at the Boone County Hospital, with a simplex fallback on 146.550 MHz for the 2-meter net. Additionally, BARK supports the Iowa 160-meter ARES net at 1.972.5 MHz, which operates at 9:30 PM on Sundays, featuring a rotating schedule of net controls including KNØR, KBØMPL, NØISU, KEØQEU, and KBØLPI. BARK conducts bimonthly license testing sessions on the second Saturday of even-numbered months, with specific dates like October 19, 2024, at the Hamboree, requiring a $15 fee and prior FCC Registration Number (FRN) acquisition. The club's activities are well-documented through numerous photo galleries from past Field Days (1998, 1999, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019), JOTA events (2013), and special event stations (2010 B&SVRR&M). Members like KBØMPL (Margot Conard) have contributed educational PowerPoint presentations on topics such as "Fun with Handie Talkies," "HF Propagation," and "Digital Mode - FLDIGI - OLIVIA 8/500 - JT65 HF - BAND PLANS." The club's officers, as of May 2018, include WØFS (Clay Conard) as President, NØISU (Mitch Carroll) as Vice-President, and KBØLPI (Eric Sloan) as Treasurer/Secretary, guiding the club's operations and community engagement.

Details the Highline Amateur Radio Club (HARC), an organization dedicated to public service through Amateur Radio and community engagement for radio enthusiasts. The club conducts a monthly general meeting on the 4th Saturday at 10 AM at Burien Fire Station 28. HARC also hosts a weekly net on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, operating on **146.660 MHz** with a -600 kHz offset and a 103.5 Hz **CTCSS tone**. Additionally, members gather for a weekly breakfast on Fridays at 9:30 AM at Tuscany at Des Moines Creek. The resource provides current weather conditions for Burien, WA, displaying temperature, wind chill, and a three-day forecast from the National Weather Service Seattle/Tacoma Office. It also links to the latest ARRL Newsletter, noting a system breach in May 2024 affecting archived links. The club's activities include regular meetings, on-air nets, and social gatherings, supporting local amateur radio operations and community involvement.

TyQSL provides a web-based online logbook platform, enabling users to manage all QSOs from any device with features like fast ADIF import, supporting up to **100,000 QSOs** per file. The platform facilitates real-time uploads to services such as _Clublog_ and _eQSL_, either automatically or with a single click, ensuring logs are current across multiple platforms. Operators can manage multiple callsigns and create various logbooks within a single account, allowing for flexible QSO organization. The integrated logger features a streamlined layout with live DXCC checking, duplicate QSO alerts, and autofill for satellite operations. It also supports one-click logging from _WSJT-X_. Users can share public profiles, displaying QSO statistics and searchable logbooks, enhancing community interaction. A PRO account offers additional features like an interactive QSO map, showing worked grids and future activities of other users.

Demonstrates the online presence of the West Island Amateur Radio Club (WIARC), a Canadian amateur radio organization. The resource presents fundamental club information, including contact details via an "info" email address. It also indicates the club's location within Quebec, Canada, and its focus on **ham radio** activities. The site's technical implementation notes its creation with **Arachnophilia 4.0**, a specific HTML editor. This resource, while minimal in content, serves as a digital point of contact for the WIARC. It confirms the club's existence and provides a channel for inquiries, which is typical for many local amateur radio clubs. The mention of a frame-compliant browser suggests an older web design, common for sites maintained over several years.

The West Virginia State Amateur Radio Council (WVSARC) operates as a central coordinating entity for amateur radio interests throughout the state. Its primary function involves fostering cooperation among various local clubs and organizations, ensuring a unified voice for the amateur radio community within West Virginia. The council addresses matters pertinent to state-level amateur radio operations, including band plans, emergency communications preparedness, and regulatory issues affecting local hams. Historically, the WVSARC has played a role in organizing statewide events and providing a platform for information exchange among its member clubs. This structure helps to streamline efforts in areas such as public service events, disaster response drills, and the promotion of amateur radio to new licensees. The council's activities contribute to the overall health and growth of the hobby by facilitating communication and resource sharing across the diverse amateur radio landscape of West Virginia.

The Burlington Amateur Radio Club (BARC) provides a community hub for amateur radio operators in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, offering regular meetings, educational programs, and a dedicated hackspace for electronics and radio experimentation. The club operates several repeaters, including a 2m repeater (VE3RSB) on 147.210 MHz with a +600 kHz offset and 131.8 Hz tone, which supports AllStar node 542490. Additionally, BARC maintains a UHF repeater on 444.825 MHz with a +5 MHz offset and 131.8 Hz tone, and a 1.25m (220 MHz) repeater, facilitating local communication and digital mode access. BARC hosts multiple nets, including a Fusion Net on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. via VE3RSB-Room 61272, a Regular Wednesday Night Net on the VE3RSB system at 7:30 PM, and a 220 Net on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. The club also runs a CW/SSB HF Net every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. local time on 40m, utilizing 7.125 MHz for LSB and 7.124.3 MHz for CW check-ins. These activities promote on-air participation, technical skill development, and social interaction among members, supporting both VHF/UHF local operations and HF DXing.

The PAC-12 Antenna, a multi-band portable vertical, is meticulously detailed in this construction article by James Bennett, _KA5DVS_. The design emphasizes ease of homebrewing using readily available components from local hardware stores, including replaceable loading coils. It outlines the preparation of the 72-inch telescoping whip (originally from Radio Shack, with an alternate source now provided by _Pacific Antenna_), the construction of the loading coils from PVC risers, and the fabrication of the aluminum rod base sections. Specific instructions cover threading aluminum rod with a _1/4-20 threading die_ and assembling the feedpoint insulator with a BNC connector, along with recommendations for radial deployment. KA5DVS, an avid traveler and QRP enthusiast, developed the PAC-12 to address the bulkiness of random wire setups and the limitations of commercial portable antennas like the Outbacker or SuperAntennas MP1. His goal was a lightweight, packable antenna that disassembles into 12-inch sections, achieving an assembled length of approximately 8 feet. The design strategically places the loading coil away from the base for improved efficiency. The PAC-12 notably placed first in efficiency compared to a quarter-wavelength wire vertical at the HFPack antenna shootout during the Pacificon conference in October 2001, demonstrating its practical performance for field operations. Appendix C showcases various _NJQRP Club_ members' PAC-12 constructions, including a 20m beam made with multiple PAC-12 elements.

Once you have designed your QSL label from the Label Settings screen, you will be able to print QSL labels and address labels from the OQRS requests submitted for your Call or Calls.

The Utah Amateur Radio Club (UARC), holding the callsign _W7SP_, provides a comprehensive resource for amateur radio operators, particularly within Utah. It details club activities such as Field Day, Winter Field Day, and annual social events like the Steak Fry and Christmas Dinner. The site also lists club resources including repeaters, _IRLP_ information, HF remotes, and a lending library. Information on becoming a ham, exam schedules, and a local repeater list are also available, catering to both new and experienced operators in the region. UARC hosts regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month, excluding July and August, at the University of Utah's Warnock Engineering Building, with presentations on topics like weather and _Skywarn_. The club publishes the monthly _Microvolt_ newsletter and maintains a YouTube channel for meeting playback. Additionally, UARC offers a Ham Hotline for questions and provides access to an "Elmer" list for mentorship, supporting the local amateur radio community.

First released in 1988, _SWLog_ is a comprehensive suite of applications providing logging and remote control for both amateur radio and shortwave, utility, and broadcast listening. It integrates program schedules from sources like _HFCC_, _ILGRadio_, and _EiBi_ for broadcast reception, while also linking with amateur radio logbooks such as _ClubLog_, _eQSL_, _QRZ_, and _LoTW_. The software supports radio control for various transceivers, including _Flex_, Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood, alongside interfaces like _FLRig_, _OmniRig_, and _HamLib_. Mobile applications for Android and iOS facilitate on-the-go logging and remote control, seamlessly transferring logs without manual ADIF export. _SWLog_ leverages an enterprise-grade relational database (SQL Server) for robust data management and analytics, enabling features like mapping QSOs by band or state. It offers specific integrations for _POTA_ monitoring, displaying active spots with real-time propagation and automatic radio tuning. The application's scalability allows multiple users to log to a centralized database, suitable for Field Day or DXpeditions. The user interface features modern aesthetics with light, dark, and gray themes, the latter optimized for outdoor visibility during activities like _POTA_ or _SOTA_. The Plus Edition, available for an annual fee, expands capabilities with advanced QSL integration, additional map providers, and enhanced propagation calculations using _VOACAP_.

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.

Optimizing a QRZ.com page involves adding essential callsign data, ensuring correct _Maidenhead Gridsquare_ and DXCC information in the Detail tab, and populating the Biography section with relevant station details. Operators should include their operating conditions, specific country references like WAB square, club affiliations, and detailed QSL information, specifying preferences for electronic confirmations (e.g., _LoTW_, Clublog) and paper QSLs (direct, bureau, SASE). The guide emphasizes the importance of accurate data for electronic logging software integration, which fetches Gridsquare, DXCC, and CQ/ITU zones to populate contact logs correctly. Further enhancements include leveraging the QRZ.com photo gallery for images and setting a primary image that logging software like _Log4OM_ can display. Advanced customization involves embedding external services via HTML source code. Examples include integrating HamAlert for DX Cluster spots, Clublog for log searches and Online QSL Requesting (OQRS), and Parks on the Air (POTA) statistics widgets from WD4DAN. Additionally, live weather information from Weather&Radar and solar data banners from HamQSL can be embedded, providing real-time environmental context for visitors to the QRZ page. These embedded tools require creating accounts on respective platforms and often involve copying specific source code snippets into the QRZ biography's HTML editor, ensuring callsign placeholders are updated.

The article describes how to build a 12V emergency power supply for amateur radio stations. Starting with a basic jump-start system, the author upgraded it using a Group 27 deep-cycle battery and a 45W photovoltaic solar system, adding connectors and outputs for various devices. The system is portable, affordable (under $100), and capable of powering a station for 20 hours. The author emphasizes keeping batteries charged with a float charger and offers assistance to fellow club members interested in building their own power supply.

Presents the digital edition of "The Communicator," a journal from Surrey Amateur Radio Communications (SARC), offering a curated collection of articles, technical deep dives, and operational reports. Each issue, such as the July-August 2026 edition, details specific **homebrew projects** like an NTP Dual Clock, a True RMS to DC Converter, and an Arduino NANO automation mod for the Yaesu FH-2. It also covers historical accounts, including the legacy of SSB pioneer Nicolaas Kooman and the mystery of the Lagercrantz suitcase radio, alongside practical operating advice and contest summaries like Field Day 2026 and the RAC Canada Day contest. The journal consistently features diverse content, from exploring the capabilities of modern transceivers like the Icom IC-9700 for digital modes to discussions on antenna theory, such as building a vertical HF antenna without radials. It also addresses contemporary issues, exemplified by an article unpacking the FAA's "CW interference" directive concerning Boeing 787 transponders, clarifying that the interference is not related to amateur radio Morse code but rather unmodulated carrier signals impacting aviation frequencies around 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz. Furthermore, the publication includes lighter fare like "No-ham Recipes," club meeting minutes, and member profiles, providing a holistic view of the amateur radio community. It offers multiple access options for each issue, including full and lower-resolution PDF downloads, an online magazine reader, and an experimental AI-LLM audio podcast version, making its extensive content readily accessible to a global audience in over 165 countries.

Twigger is a very lightweight, free ham radio logger designed for Windows, offering seamless integration with transceivers via _TCI_ or OmniRig. This software stores all logged contacts in a SQLite database, with the flexibility to export daily ADIF files for import into a main logger or to send real-time QSO data via UDP in N1MM XML format. It also supports direct, real-time uploads to popular online logbooks like Clublog and QRZ.com, streamlining the logging process for active operators. The application has seen continuous development, with version 1.1.34 fixing an ADIF log importer bug and earlier versions adding crucial features like WSJT-X/JTDX UDP support. Author OE3IDE, Ernst, has incorporated user feedback, including ideas and testing from MW0LGE, to refine the software. Key enhancements include the transition to SQLite for data storage in version 1.1.32, allowing for easy import of previous Twigger ADIFs upon initial startup. The logger also features integrated DX cluster support, enabling users to send spots directly and query QRZ.com for callsign information, which is then cached to reduce redundant queries. The software's compact design and essential logging capabilities make it a practical tool for casual logging or as a secondary logger during contests, with the ability to handle **25 downloads** for version 1.1.34.

The resource details a novel approach to Morse code (CW) reception for hearing-impaired operators, focusing on a handheld device that translates CW signals into tactile vibrations. It explains how this device allows users to perceive the patterns of dots and dashes through physical feedback from a shaker, addressing the challenges of auditory discrimination for those with hearing loss. The content highlights the potential for this tactile method to aid in CW learning and interpretation, even suggesting benefits for operators with normal hearing by providing an alternative sensory input. The article also mentions the device's _patent-pending_ status and its availability to members of the _Long Island CW Club_ and the general public. It provides contact information for further inquiries about this innovative tool.

Established in 1964, IRCA is a dedicated club focused on the pastime of tuning into distant stations on the AM broadcast band (510-1720 kHz). The club's official publication, DX Monitor, is released 35 times annually. It is published weekly from October to March, twice in September and April, and monthly from May to August. DX Monitor includes members' loggings, articles covering radio stations, receiver reviews, technical pieces, DX tips, and other content of relevance to Broadcast Band DX enthusiasts. Additionally, IRCA is affiliated with ANARC.

OpsLog is a modern amateur radio logbook application for Windows, designed to consolidate station operations into a single, integrated interface. It provides fast, single-strip QSO entry with automatic lookup from QRZ.com or HamQTH, populating callsign, name, QTH, and grid square. The software offers real-time CAT control supporting OmniRig, native FlexRadio/SmartSDR, Icom CI-V (via USB or internet), and TCI protocols. Key logging features include ADIF 3.1.7 compliance, offline DXCC resolution, a worked-before matrix, and dupe detection. It also incorporates a great-circle map for short/long path calculations and a clickable rotor compass, displaying antenna direction accurately. The application integrates DX cluster functionality with multiple server connections, band map spot display, and customizable alert rules for callsign, country, band, mode, or spotter, delivering notifications via sound, on-screen alerts, and email. OpsLog tracks numerous awards such as DXCC, WAS, WAZ, WAC, WPX, IOTA, POTA, SOTA, WWFF, and DDFM, with synchronization capabilities for ClubLog, LoTW, QRZ.com, and eQSL. For contesting and multi-operator environments, it offers serial number auto-fill, enforced contact windows, live dupe flagging, and shared MySQL logbook support for real-time status updates among operators. Additionally, it includes a QSL card designer with automated layout suggestions.

This page describes a project involving repurposing the Weathalert receiver for controlling a radio club's beacon system remotely. The author details the modifications made to the receiver, including changing the crystal frequency and adding a DTMF decode chip and PIC for remote control. The project aims to enable the turning off of beacons to prevent interference, with plans to control each beacon and the Packet Radio digi. The article provides insights into the technical aspects of modifying the receiver and showcases the author's experimentation with different crystals for optimal performance.

The Alfa Alfa (AA) DX Group, established on March 1, 1974, in the Netherlands, is presented as the pioneering Dutch 27mc DX group. It details the group's historical significance, particularly its revolutionary use of the '000' club callsign (19AA000) which influenced international 11-meter group callsign structures. The resource outlines the group's re-establishment in 2024, inviting new active CB operators and _Short Wave Listeners_ (SWL) to join its ranks, emphasizing a free worldwide membership model. Membership requirements are specified, focusing on active participation with an assigned AA callsign. The group provides QSL card management services, with options for direct QSL requests requiring **3 USD** and a Self-Addressed Envelope, or **4 USD** via PayPal for expenses. It also mentions upcoming initiatives like an _AA DX Contest_ and an award program, with sections for certificates and plaques currently under construction. The site also lists useful CB resources, including an 11M DX Cluster and an 11M Callsign Database, and provides contact information for the founder, 19AA001 Mr. Theo, and the Worldwide QSL Manager, 178AA001 Mr. Emil, based in Bulgaria.

The Bahamas Amateur Radio Society (C6ARS) serves as the primary amateur radio club for the Bahamian archipelago, providing a hub for operators interested in DXing, portable operations, and emergency communications. The society actively participates in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations monthly, deploying portable stations to various parks and protected areas to put The Bahamas on the air for global hunters. Additionally, C6ARS engages in the annual ARRL Field Day, setting up off-grid stations powered by batteries, solar, and generators to practice emergency preparedness and operating skills. C6ARS also offers licensing assistance and mentorship for new operators, highlighting amateur radio's role as a STEM education platform through practical applications in physics, electronics, mathematics, and computing. The club emphasizes resilient emergency communication, particularly crucial for an island nation in the hurricane belt, demonstrating how trained operators can maintain vital communication links when conventional infrastructure fails. Their regular off-grid activations serve as rehearsals, ensuring readiness for disaster response.

The State QSO Party Challenge is an annual program recognizing amateur radio operators' participation in U.S. State and Canadian Province QSO parties. To qualify for the SQP Challenge, participants must make at least two QSOs in a minimum of two SQP Approved QP contests and submit their scores to 3830Scores.com. The site details the SQP Mobile/Portable Challenge, an overlay competition encouraging mobile/portable operations, with scoring identical to the main SQP Challenge: (Number of QPs entered) x (Number of QSOs) = Score. Eligibility for the Mobile/Portable Challenge requires prior qualification for the SQP Challenge. The website also mentions a State QSO Party Club Challenge and provides contact information for questions. The 2026 SQP Challenge will be dedicated to Stan Zawrotny, K4SBZ, a key team member instrumental in the program's development. Participants are recognized for reaching five levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Scores are calculated by totaling reported contacts and multiplying by the number of SQPs entered year-to-date, encouraging more entries and longer operating times. The Worked All QSO Parties (WAQP) program, sponsored by Icom America, offers certificates for participating in at least 50% of approved contests, with a goal of participating in all. WAQP requires submitting a log with at least two valid contacts to the contest manager, in addition to the 3830scores.com submission.