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The 160/80m coaxial receiving loop antennas are designed to enhance reception on the top bands while minimizing noise. These antennas are particularly beneficial for operators with limited space, as they can be constructed using lightweight materials, making them portable and easy to deploy. The standalone 80m loop has a diameter of approximately four feet, allowing for easy rotation and installation above existing VHF antennas. Over the years, many amateur radio operators have turned to loop antennas as a viable alternative to traditional beverage antennas. The design allows for significant noise reduction, especially when paired with a quality pre-amplifier. Experimentation with various configurations has led to the discovery that diamond-shaped loops provide optimal performance. Users have reported a noticeable improvement in signal quality, making these loops a valuable addition to any low-band DXing setup.
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Author evaluated a custom-built passive AM loop antenna, achieving notable DX reception including KLBJ Austin (230 miles) and WWL New Orleans (700 miles). The antenna operates solely on resonant inductive coupling, enhancing weak signal reception without external amplification. This project illustrates how fundamental RF design—calculating inductance, capacitance, and Q factor—can significantly boost performance of consumer-grade radios. Detailed construction techniques, theoretical background, and optimization strategies for effective loop antenna design are presented for amateur and experimental use.
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Sixty-four years of operating experience inform Glynn E. "Buck" Rogers Sr., K4ABT's, insights into the J-Pole antenna, which he describes as a direct descendant of the _Windom_ or _ZEPP_. His first article on the J-Pole appeared in HRC magazine in 1958, and he has since published numerous pieces in publications like CQ Magazine, consistently referring to the J-Pole as a Windom with a folded-back short section forming the parasitic element. He emphasizes that both the Windom and J-Pole are powerful multi-band antennas, performing exceptionally well at harmonics of their fundamental design frequency, and advocates for 50-ohm coaxial cable with a _BALUN_ at the feed-point to avoid RF energy losses. K4ABT details the J-Pole's features, noting its ease of erection, lack of radials, low angle radiation, greater bandwidth, and immunity to terrestrial noise. He highlights its suitability for local nets and distant repeaters, claiming more gain and durability than most ground planes, and its ability to meet stealth antenna requirements. The guide provides specific dimensions for 2-meter (145.000 to 146.000 MHz) and 6-meter (50.500 to 51.500 MHz) J-Pole antennas, including measurements for the long driven element, short tuning stub, and spacing. The construction section illustrates a modified feed technique using an SO-239 chassis-mount coax connector soldered into a copper tee, deviating from the usual hose clamp method. The author also discusses the use of _EMT_ (electrical metallic thin-wall conduit) as an alternative to copper in earlier days. He cautions against building a 75-meter J-Pole due to its impractical length, reinforcing the antenna's optimal application for VHF and UHF bands.
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RM is an Italian company operating in the radio communication field since 1974, main products are: HF-CB-VHF-UHF-Dual Band RF Power Amplifiers, Power Supply, DC-DC Converters Antennas and more products.
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Manufacturer of amplifiers, antenna switches antenna Tuners, wattmeters and relay buffers, amplifier accessories, antennas and tubes and parts
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The website https://www.qsl.net/dl5dbm showcases homebrew projects related to KW, 2-meter, 6-meter, antennas, amplifiers, preamps, power supplies, and more. It provides information and resources for radio amateurs interested in DIY projects and experimentation.
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ACOM international, manufacturer of HF power amplifiers, HF Antennas, Antenna tuners, Switches and Crankup masts
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K9AY loop antenna installed at PA6Z Contest group. This is a receiving antennas for the low bands (160m, 80m and 40m). Include schematics and info on a building the control box, preamplifier and low-pass filter
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Dealer for Cb radios, Cb antenna & accessories Galaxy radio, Cobra cb radio, Ranger, Texas Star, Palomar. Police scanner, radar detector, GPS, GMRS, FRS, Wilson cellular amplifier & antennas. Owners manuals, schematics and links.
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Ham radio dealer based in germany offer RF power amplifiers, from Alpin and SPE, antennas, RFI suppression products and GSM GPRS products
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Antennas, Filters, accessories, wattmeters, tuners and amplifiers.
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manufactures and distributes HF, VHF, UHF and SHF equipment covering 10MHz. - 47.0GHz. Our products include: Wireless LAN / WAN Bidirectional Linear Amplifiers, Low Noise Preamplifiers - LNA's, RF Linear Amplifiers, Relays, Transverter Systems, Frequency Translation Systems, Downconverters, Antennas, Parabolic Dishes, Coaxial Cable, Relays, Antenna Switches, Microwave Test equipment, PC controlled Receivers, Microwave Linear Amplifiers including models for Telemetry, Wireless, and CDMA applications.
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The article details antenna tuning procedures, emphasizing SWR measurement and adjustment for both mobile and base station setups. It explains that SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) is the ratio of transmitted power to reflected power, with high SWR indicating poor impedance match and potential damage to a transceiver's final amplifier. Specific instructions are provided for CB antennas operating between 26-27 MHz, recommending initial SWR checks on channels 1, 20, and 40 to determine if the whip needs shortening or lengthening. Adjustments should be made in small increments, approximately 1/4 inch at a time, aiming for an SWR of 1.5:1 or better. For _Ham radio_ and other antennas, the same tuning principles apply, with a strong caution regarding RF energy exposure when operating at higher power levels. The resource suggests tuning base antennas at ground or roof level before final installation to simplify adjustments. It also advises rechecking SWR after final installation to confirm no changes occurred. The _Alpha Rubicon_ resource highlights the importance of a good ground plane for mobile antennas and proper coax routing to avoid pinching or proximity to electrical wires.
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Over 40 years of experience inform the reviews and commentary presented on Dave's Radio Receiver Page, covering a wide array of radio receivers and transceivers. The resource details specific models such as the **ICOM IC-R8600** SDR Communications Receiver, which is lauded as Icom's best wide-band receiver, even surpassing the IC-R9500 in performance. Other notable reviews include the ICOM IC-7300 HF Transceiver, highlighting its direct sampling SDR technology and spectrum scope capabilities, alongside numerous models from Japan Radio Co. (JRC), Kenwood, Yaesu, and various portable shortwave receivers. The content provides practical insights into the performance and characteristics of each radio, often drawing comparisons between models. For instance, the early issues with the AOR AR7030 receiver's Bourns mechanical encoders are thoroughly documented, including AOR's eventual switch to higher-quality Alps encoders. The page also features reviews of antennas like the MFJ-1026 Noise Canceling Signal Enhancer and various power supplies, offering a holistic view of radio monitoring setups. The author's "2 ear / 2 eye method" emphasizes real-world listening experiences over laboratory measurements, providing a unique perspective on equipment utility.
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Manufacturer of communications antennas, bandpass filters, RF combiners, receiver multicouplers, diplexers, duplexers, RF connectors, RF circulators, RF isolators, RF couplers and SWR meters
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Technical reference about Accessories, Amplifiers, Antennas, Cable and Connectors, Filters, Geography, Grounding, Gunk, Matching Networks, Projects, Propagation Info Radios, RFI/EMI, Rotors, Station Setup, Towers.
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You will find on these pages my experiences and results on antennas and local/non-local QRM/noise reduction. Using a broadband vertical active magnetic loop and a home made / designed broadband amplifier. Two vertical magnetic Alford loops are used in an array. Analog and Digital Signal Processing and a dual phase coherent Software Defined Radio (SDR) are used. By PA0SIM
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Autotena, a Taiwanese manufacturer, offers a diverse product line focused on RF communication antennas and related accessories. The resource details various antenna types, including **4G/3G LTE wideband high-gain low-profile antennas**, land mobile wideband antennas, fiberglass omnidirectional designs, and GPS mobile and marine antennas. Specific amateur radio offerings include NMO VHF load coil gain antennas, VHF whip gain antennas with PL-259 connectors, and UHF NMO mount antennas with 3dB/5dB gain. The company also produces antennas for CB and 10-meter amateur bands, such as aluminum broadband 26-30MHz antennas and big copper coil broadband 26-30MHz antennas. Additionally, the site showcases **RF amplifiers** for CB, HF, VHF, and UHF bands, including professional-grade base station amplifiers with 100% EIA duty cycle. Handheld antennas, PL-259 type mobile antennas, magnet mount antennas, and external CB speakers are also presented, alongside various mounting kits and cable assemblies.
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Presents the design and construction of an automatically tuned 7-30 MHz mobile HF vertical antenna, originally published in _QEX / Communication Quarterly_ in 2003. The resource details a base-loaded vertical antenna system that mounts on a vehicle's roof, incorporating a variable inductor as its loading coil. A three-legged chariot, driven by a modified model airplane servo, travels inside the coil to adjust inductance. The control unit, featuring a _Basic Stamp microcontroller_ and SWR sensor, emulates a Kenwood AT-50 tuner for seamless integration with a _Kenwood TS-50_ transceiver, allowing automatic tuning across all ham bands from 40 to 10 meters. The project emphasizes practical application, providing a solution to the narrow-banded nature of mobile HF antennas and the inconvenience of manual band changes. It achieves a maximum SWR of 1.3:1 across its operating range. The mechanical design is thoroughly documented with detailed drawings, including a full-resolution GIF and AutoCAD R14 DWG files, illustrating components like the stainless steel whip, PVC coil tube, and the servo-driven chariot mechanism. Construction requires a lathe, but the author notes it can be accomplished with a hobby lathe, making it accessible to those with moderate mechanical skills.
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The Buddipole website showcases a range of portable amateur radio antenna systems, including the **Buddipole**, Mini-Buddipole, Buddistick PRO, and BuddiHEX, designed for rapid deployment and multi-band operation from 40 meters to 2 meters. Each product page details specifications, operational modes (dipole or vertical), and compatible accessories like tripods, masts, and baluns. The site also features portable DC power management systems such as the PowerMini 2 and PowerPlus, which include integrated battery chargers and solar controllers, catering to off-grid or field day setups. Instructional videos demonstrate antenna assembly, tuning, and deployment techniques for various configurations, including the VersaTee vertical and Mini-Buddipole. Customer testimonials and DXpedition highlights, such as operations from Montserrat (VP2M) and Dominica (J38), provide real-world examples of the equipment's performance in challenging environments. The company, established in 2001, emphasizes modularity, versatility, and efficiency in its product line, all manufactured in the USA. Shipping information, a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, and contact details for their Heber City, Utah facility are clearly presented. The site serves as a direct sales portal, offering a comprehensive catalog of antennas, power solutions, and components for portable amateur radio enthusiasts.
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Bill Orr W6SAI ham radio techniques. Improving ground connection, computer analysis of the antenna, modelling sample antennas pdf file
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The document details the optimization and construction of the _Maria Maluca_ antenna, a compact 6-band (20m-6m) directional beam. It presents a comparative analysis of shortwave antenna principles, highlighting the efficiency gains achieved by using an open feeder line and tuner as a resonant unit, contrasting this with the losses associated with traps or capacitive loads in multiband antennas. The resource specifically revisits an older South American 2-element design for 10, 15, and 20 meters, applying modern NEC-based software to develop a six-band version. Performance data is meticulously tabulated, showing impedance, free space gain, gain at 12m height, elevation angle, and front-to-back (F/B) ratio for each band from 20m through 6m. For instance, on 15m, the antenna achieves 5.1 dBd free space gain and 13.72 dB F/B ratio. The construction section provides practical guidance on element assembly using aluminum pipes and hose clamps, detailing the use of a heavy-duty glass fiber reinforced polyamide rod for electrical separation and bending strength. It also specifies the use of 450-ohm _Wireman_ line CQ 552 for the transmission line. The document includes diagrams for rod fixing, an air-wound balun, and a vertical elevation diagram for the 15m band, illustrating its DX qualification. It also discusses the antenna's suitability for portable and expedition operations, noting its compact transport dimensions (max 1.50m length, 12 lb weight) and quick assembly time (under 15 minutes). The author, Dipl.Ing. Helmut Oeller, DC6NY, is identified as a source for material kits.
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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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The I0JXX is an italian company that offers market their projects, also sells electronic products of high quality, both for Ham, both Broadcast and their accessories. VHF Antennas, mosfet power amplifiers, filters, insulators, power dividers, telescopic poles, antenna masts
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BIRD RF power measuring, new and used, HENRY RF power amplifiers (used HF amps), TOHTSU coaxial relays, SAMLEX power supplies, RFI chokes reduce interference, Parts parts, tubes, Used amplifiers, radios, antennas and accessories, Los Angeles, CA.
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Many antennas function because of common mode currents, rather than working in spite of them. Two popular examples are CFA and EH antennas. Another recent example, appearing in Antennex's compact antenna articles, is a thick stub "vertical" with no counterpoise.
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This article describes a project of asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole, a portable antenna that can be used for field day operations, sota, campings or even for fixed installations. This is a freestanding 20-10m antenna that is really easy to build, easy to tune and relatively easy to carry.
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Offer a wide range of homebrewing projects mainly for VHF UHF operations. From vhf antennas to preamplifiers, chargers and power supplies
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Icom Kenwood Yaesu MyDel dealer, offer a wide range of ham radio products, transceivers, antennas, rotators, microphonrs, aerials, dummy loads, rf amplifiers and scanners based in UK
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Iulian Rosu YO3DAC / VA3IUL wire ham radio antenna panoramic with sample drawings
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This resource details the four primary functions of a ground system: lightning energy dispersion, equipment safety, RF return path provision for end-fed antennas, and management of induced RF currents. It clarifies that a ground system's effectiveness varies depending on its specific function, noting that a good lightning ground might not be an effective RF ground. The content emphasizes that proper antenna system design, including baluns and appropriate feedline lengths, often negates the need for an RF station ground to mitigate common mode currents or RFI in the shack. The article quantifies lightning energy, stating its peak is in the dozens or hundreds of kilohertz, with damaging energy extending to hundreds of megahertz, and currents reaching thousands of amperes. It recommends solid, wide, smooth copper surfaces for ground leads to achieve low impedance across a wide frequency range. The author, W8JI, shares practical insights from his station, which includes two 300-ft towers and four 130-ft wire verticals, detailing his use of common point grounds and _DX Engineering RR-8 HD_ antenna switches for lightning protection without coaxial surge protectors. Specific examples of antenna systems prone to common mode current problems are listed, such as random wire antennas without proper feedline lengths and off-center fed dipoles. The text also explains how a ground screen or radial system can reduce local noise sensitivity for vertically polarized antennas by covering the lossy earth.
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The TMB-1 is an RF amplifier unit / receiving accessory that can be used with a low-impedance broadband loop, a high-impedance terminated loop (such as a Pennant, Flag, or Kaz Delta), and whip (telescoping rod) antennas.
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Presents construction details for Moxon antennas, specifically focusing on 10-meter and 17-meter band configurations. It covers practical aspects of building these directional wire arrays, including element spacing, feedpoint considerations, and material choices for optimal performance. The resource emphasizes homebrewing techniques suitable for amateur radio operators. Discusses the advantages of the Moxon rectangle design, such as its compact footprint compared to a full-size Yagi and its favorable front-to-back ratio. It provides insights into achieving proper impedance matching and structural integrity for portable or fixed installations. The content includes photographic examples of constructed antennas. Explains the iterative process of tuning and optimizing Moxon antennas for specific frequency segments within the 10m and 17m bands. It offers guidance on minimizing SWR and maximizing gain, drawing from real-world building experiences to assist constructors in replicating successful designs.
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Operating magnetic loop antennas requires careful consideration of RF safety, particularly regarding near-field magnetic field intensity. This resource presents calculations for magnetic field strength (H-field) at various distances from a magnetic loop, emphasizing that the H-field is significantly higher than the E-field in the near-field region due to the inductive nature of the radiating element. It provides specific formulas and examples for determining safe operating distances based on power levels and loop dimensions, crucial for compliance with RF exposure limits. The analysis compares calculated H-field values against FCC and ICNIRP maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits for controlled and uncontrolled environments. It demonstrates that even at QRP power levels (e.g., 5W), the H-field can exceed MPE limits within a few feet of the antenna, necessitating greater separation distances than often assumed for electric field considerations. The practical application of these calculations helps amateur radio operators configure their stations to ensure personnel safety and regulatory compliance when deploying compact, high-Q magnetic loop antennas.
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Hi-Z Antennas offers specialized high-impedance receiving systems, primarily focusing on phased vertical arrays for HF reception. Their product line includes preamplifiers designed for shortened vertical antennas, featuring optimized 15dB gain and array-matched characteristics. These components are engineered to enhance weak signal reception and improve signal-to-noise ratio across the HF spectrum. The company provides controllers for managing multiple vertical elements in a phased array configuration, enabling directional reception patterns. These systems are particularly effective for mitigating local noise and interference, a common challenge in urban and suburban operating environments. Specific offerings include solutions for 160-meter and 80-meter bands, addressing the unique requirements of low-band DXing. Technical details often reference components like the 2N3866 transistor in preamp designs and discuss concepts such as out-of-band attenuation. The focus remains on optimizing receiving antenna performance through impedance matching and active amplification, rather than transmit capabilities.
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Specialize in engineering, design and repair of all rf equipment. Dealer for two way radios, scanners, shortwave radios, wi-fi antennas, wifi amplifiers. Based in Fortuna, California.
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Demonstrates a range of specialized radio frequency equipment and consulting services for amateur and professional applications. The offerings include _Vector-Finder_ direction finding antennas, various test equipment such as _gate dip meters_ and RF sniffers, and communications receiving adjuncts. Additionally, the company produces satellite antennas for weather satellite reception, voice amplification devices like the _Flex-Mike_, and custom prototype circuit boards. The company's product line addresses needs for precise RF measurement, signal detection, and specialized antenna systems, particularly for direction finding and satellite communications. Their historical association with National Radio (HRO) suggests a legacy in radio technology. The site also highlights a subsidiary, Sierra Mountain Products, which offers outdoor recreational gear, indicating a diversification beyond core RF manufacturing.
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Effectively teaching amateur radio licensing classes requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands strong pedagogical skills and organizational acumen. This guide addresses the practical aspects of conducting successful amateur radio courses, emphasizing the instructor's role as an educational manager rather than merely a knowledge dispenser. It explores various class organizational structures, including traditional weekly sessions and _hybrid_ full-day formats, noting that many small meetings are often preferable for student engagement. The resource also provides strategies for finding suitable class locations, from public libraries and community centers to navigating public and private school systems, highlighting the importance of stressing the public service aspect of amateur radio to potential hosts. Key sections delve into effective classroom management, stressing the importance of preparation, a structured routine, and creating a comfortable learning environment. It details the VARK learning styles (Visual, Aural, Read/write, Kinesthetic), advocating for teaching methods that engage multiple senses to enhance student comprehension. The guide also offers advice on breaking down complex technical material, defining unfamiliar vocabulary, and making theoretical concepts practical through real-world examples. It includes a sample entry-level license syllabus covering topics like the nature of amateur radio, technical basics, transmitter/receiver fundamentals, and antennas, providing a framework for instructors to build their curriculum.
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Optimizing weak signal reception on the HF bands, particularly in the presence of strong local QRM, often necessitates specialized receiving antenna systems. This resource details the _HI-Z Antennas_ product line, focusing on phased vertical arrays designed for superior noise rejection and directivity. It covers components such as the 4-Square and 8-Element array controllers, which allow for rapid switching of receive patterns, and dedicated low-noise preamplifiers to improve system sensitivity. The site also presents various bandpass filters, crucial for mitigating out-of-band interference and enhancing the dynamic range of the receiver. The HI-Z systems are engineered to provide significant front-to-back and side rejection, often yielding **20-30 dB** of attenuation to unwanted signals, which is critical for DXing and contesting. Users can achieve a notable reduction in local noise, allowing for the discernment of signals that would otherwise be buried. The array controllers facilitate quick pattern changes, enabling operators to null out interference or peak weak signals from distant stations, effectively extending the reach of their receive capabilities by improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
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Operating the _Icom IC-746_ HF/VHF transceiver often presents specific technical questions, and this resource compiles a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document in an ASCII text format. It details common inquiries and solutions related to the rig's functionality, accessories, and potential modifications. The content is structured into distinct sections addressing general information, power supplies, antennas, microphones, keyers, amplifiers, TNC integration, and optional IF filters. The FAQ provides practical guidance on topics such as configuring the internal automatic antenna tuning unit (ATU), selecting appropriate power supplies, and understanding microphone pin-outs. It also delves into advanced subjects like computer control via CI-V, wiring for PSK31 operation, and troubleshooting common issues like low S-meter readings on 2m FM or loose tuning shafts. Specific questions cover the installation of optional IF filters, comparing Inrad versus Icom filters, and optimizing filter combinations for various modes. Furthermore, the document outlines various hardware and firmware modifications, including those for increasing monitor volume, replacing LCD driver transistors, and implementing a "poor man's TCXO." It even touches upon untested modifications, such as replacing PIN diodes in the demodulator. The FAQ also lists manual errata and discrepancies, offering a robust knowledge base for IC-746 owners seeking to optimize their station or resolve operational challenges.
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Presentation about Practical Antenna Modeling Using the NEC Codes with examples of HF wire antennas and 4NEC2. How to define and edit the models, Running the simulations, Work some examples, Variables usage, Deal with Feed Lines and ground
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Amateur radio products,wire and yagi antennas, SDR Receivers, upconverters, pre-amplifiers, towers and RTL funcube dongles by CT1FFU
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The problem originates by improper TXOUT-to-RF timing (RF transmission exists still after a TX-EN prohibition), combined by too long decay of their CW pulses.
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ATV products manufacturer, antennas, ATV transmitters, SWR meters, amplifiers
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Ham and Amateur Radio Swap - Buy, Sell, Trade, Swap, radios, amplifiers, antennas and more. Classified ads for Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes, Prairies, British Columbia and USA
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Designing and constructing a two-element receiving loop antenna array for HF operation involves specific considerations for achieving high directivity and noise reduction. This resource details a homebrew system comprising two 30-inch diamond-shaped loops, spaced 20 feet apart, which are fed through mast-mounted preamplifiers and passive signal combiners. The operational principle relies on adjusting phase delays between elements via precise _Belden 8241_ coaxial cable lengths, optimized for specific bands from 160m to 20m. Performance data, derived from _EZ-NEC_ modeling, illustrates consistent 90° azimuth-plane beamwidth and low take-off angles across the target bands, with _Receiving Directivity Factor_ (RDF) values comparable to a 300-foot Beverage antenna. The article presents detailed elevation and azimuth plots for 20m, 30m, 40m, 80m, and 160m, demonstrating the array's ability to provide strong response at low DX angles while also supporting _NVIS_ signals. Key components like the _DX Engineering RPA-1_ preamplifier and _DXE RSC-2_ signal combiner are discussed, alongside the importance of impedance matching to preserve antenna patterns. The construction emphasizes self-contained elements that do not require ground radials, offering a compact solution suitable for suburban environments and stealth installations, with a focus on optimizing receive performance independently from transmit antennas.
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Details Amphenol's extensive product line, encompassing electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, alongside coaxial and flat-ribbon cable solutions. The company designs, manufactures, and markets these interconnect systems globally, serving various communication network requirements. Their offerings support end-to-end connectivity, crucial for modern broadband infrastructure. Emphasizes the company's role as a major provider of components vital for reliable signal transmission in diverse applications. Products like _LMR(R) coaxial cables_ and various _RF connectors_ are essential for amateur radio installations, ensuring low loss and robust connections for antennas and transceivers. The focus on high-performance interconnects directly benefits hams constructing or upgrading their stations. Amphenol's broad portfolio includes specialized connectors and cable assemblies, meeting rigorous technical specifications for both commercial and amateur radio use.
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Presents an alternative construction method for isolated element Yagi antennas, specifically for VHF/UHF operation. The technique utilizes commercially available vibration damping clamps (resin support blocks) to isolate 1/4-inch aluminum rod elements from a 1-inch square aluminum boom, simplifying the build process by eliminating the need for custom-machined insulators. This approach is demonstrated through the construction of 6-element Optimized Wide-Band (OWA) Yagis for the 2-meter, 1.25-meter, and 70-centimeter bands, which are well-suited for portable contesting arrays due to their light weight and decent gain. The document provides detailed specifications for element and boom materials, along with step-by-step procedures for cutting, drilling, and tapping. It also covers the fabrication of a feedpoint bracket for a direct 50-ohm SO-239 coax connection and discusses considerations for horizontal versus vertical polarization, including mast placement. The resulting 6-element models achieve an average free-space gain of 10.2 dBi and a 25 dB front-to-back ratio, with the construction technique being scalable for higher gain designs. Included are parts lists with sources, detailed mechanical drawings for each band, and EZNEC data for the 2-meter and 70-centimeter designs, showing both free-space and 30-foot elevation performance. The designs are optimized from W4RNL's original concepts using HAMCALC, ensuring good gain, passband characteristics, and front-to-back ratios for wideband Yagi operation.