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A home made J-Pole antenna for 50 MHz. This article describes how to build a J-Pole antenna for the 6-meter amateur radio band. It's a good choice for those who want an antenna with better performance than a simple wire dipole, but at a lower cost than buying a commercial antenna. The project requires soldering copper pipes and some specific materials, but can be built in a day

This compact little amplifier is the brain-child of Pat Murdoch, ZL1AXB, in Auckland, New Zealand. It is only 11" wide, 4" high, and 9" deep. Operates for 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10m

Delta loop and vertical antenna plans with translation in italian

This antenna is based on a 10 Metre long fibreglass fishing pole

Design of a preamplifier for 144 MHz with 1 dB NF and 23 dB gain using BF981. This amplifier is using a low cost silicon MOSFET (BF981 from Philips) to give more than 20 dB gain with around 1 dB noise figure on 2 meter.

This is a low cost homebrew two band travel antenna for 20 and 40 meters. It is based on the B&W Travel Antenna concept with a telescoping whip and a loading coil

This article describes how to make a quadrifilar helix (QFH) antenna easily, from inexpensive materials: uPVC plumbing pipe and RG-58U co-axial cable. A low-cost, easy-to-build Quadrifilar Helix (QFH) antenna for weather satellite reception using uPVC plumbing pipe and RG-58U coaxial cable. Unlike traditional designs requiring copper pipe and plumbing skills, this approach enables construction with basic tools and minimal technical expertise. The antenna's shorter, wider proportions favor higher elevation angles, reducing interference from horizon-level pager transmitters. Electrical connections are simplified at the antenna's apex, with the coaxial cable forming the radiating elements. Testing demonstrated consistent signal strength throughout satellite passes, proving effective weather satellite reception is achievable without precision engineering to sub-millimeter tolerances.

a simple, low-cost, trapless short vertical antenna which amazingly works on three HF bands (20, 15 and 10 meters)

Duplexers for dual band radio are usually high pass filter and low pass filter combined in the same box. This circuit is a design within a cost of US$10.

The SoftRock-40 is a small, low-cost, good-performing "software defined radio" receiver that plugs into a computer USB port and delivers I-Q audio signals to the computer's sound card. It was designed by Tony Parks, KB9YIG and Bill Tracey, KD5TFD as an "SDR sampler project" for hams everywhere to easily try out software defined radio.

Low (or zero) Cost Accessories for the FT-817 Portable QRP MF/HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver

This article describes a low-cost, low-to-moderate power dummy load, which presents a 50-Ohm resistive load from HF through 440MHz.

Hendricks QRP Kits is a company that specializes in high quality, low cost QRP Kits

A balun don't depend on use of ferrite beads, but use steel wool to attenuate any RF on the outer braid

This project shows how to build a 50-ohm dummy load using non-inductive resistors, oil for heat dissipation, and a simple assembly process. It enables accurate transmitter tuning, testing, and power measurement across LF to UHF bands. The setup allows meter calibration by measuring peak voltage, applying diode drop correction, and calculating RMS voltage and power precisely. Parts are inexpensive and widely available. With proper assembly, this dummy load offers extended service life, accurate readings within 2%, and a reliable alternative to costly commercial wattmeters for amateur radio applications.

The Petlowany Three-Band Burner is a simple, low-cost, trapless short vertical antenna which amazingly works on three HF bands (20, 15 and 10 meters). This web page contains pictures, performance data, and enough construction details so you can homebrew your own.

Low cost, reliable rotor with digital display remote control.

The W3DZZ trap dipole is a versatile and economical antenna option for amateur radio operators looking to work multiple bands without the need for extensive equipment. This antenna design utilizes traps to allow operation on various HF bands, making it suitable for both casual operators and serious DXers. Its construction is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners while still providing excellent performance for seasoned hams. Constructed with readily available materials, the W3DZZ trap dipole can be built to fit specific band requirements, allowing operators to optimize their setup for the frequencies they intend to use. The design is particularly favored for its ability to maintain a low profile while delivering effective radiation patterns. Whether you're contesting or chasing DX, this antenna can enhance your station's capabilities without breaking the bank.

This is a hex beam designed for six meters. It has three elements with a turning radius of 54 inches. This antenna can be built from low cost materials available from the local hardware store. By WB3BEL

PDF resources containing information on low cost ssb,am,cw circuits, which are useful for beginners.

A simple and low cost multiband vertical hf antenna covering 5 bands (20m-10m) from an old CB antenna

Low-cost 600:50 Ohm Baluns by Andrew Corney ZL2BBJ

When one operates at low power on SSB, speech processing becomes almost essential to get through the QRM. The circuit is a low cost speech processor that will perform well with a minimum of construction effort.

ScanControl is the only low cost, easy to use software that supports programming and control & monitoring of the Uniden BC245XLT, BC895XLT, BCT8, BC780XLT, BC250D, BC785D, BC296D, BC796D Digital Scanners and the Radio Shack PRO2052

One of the best antenna values on the market is the LightningBolt Quad. At about half the cost of a tri-band yagi, you get five band coverage with a single coax feedline and excellent performance from a light, low wind load antenna.

5 Band 1/4 wave Telescopic Antenna. The 20m to 10m, antenna is simple and cheap to make, and has a performance that matches commercial antennas but at cost considerably lower. The design was purposely based on a telescoping fibre glass fishing rod as this allows it to be easily stowed away in the car.

Advanced QRP Low Cost Mosfets HF Linear Amplifier with schematics, IMD, gain data and more. Six articles about amateur radio.

The page describes the construction of a simple omnidirectional, vertically-polarised dipole antenna for two metres using coaxial cable. It can be used indoors or outdoors, with no extravagant gain claims. The project is low-cost and can be completed in about 20 minutes.

The W2DRZ Antenna controller system is a low cost but effective system to monitor and control an antenna system's position.

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for amateur radio operators looking to enhance their Yaesu FT-2000 or FT-950 transceivers with pan-adapter capabilities. A pan-adapter is an invaluable tool that allows operators to visualize the frequency spectrum, making it easier to identify signals and improve operational strategies. The guide details the necessary hardware modifications, including the RF Space IF-2000 board and various SDR options, along with their costs and installation procedures. The document caters to operators of varying technical expertise, providing step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. It emphasizes the importance of using a sound card and software like PowerSDR and HRD for optimal functionality. By implementing these modifications, users can monitor multiple frequencies simultaneously, leading to a more productive and enjoyable amateur radio experience. This resource is particularly beneficial for those looking to modernize their equipment and remain competitive in the ever-evolving world of amateur radio.

A new SDR-receiver from the italian SDR developers community. Low-cost, DDS-less Software Defined Radio full coverage receiver for all HF bands, used with powerful software on the PC for multi-mode operation

Design for a very low cost 6-digit frequency counter module using of the shelf components

The Raspberry Pi Repeater Controller Project goal is to develop a low cost, low power, but feature rich duplex repeater controller suitable for setting up a temporary or emergency repeater systems with radios that can be run on portable power

Simple, low cost interface between Kenwood serial ports and contest logging programs by Bob Wolbert, K6XX

This simple 30m QRSS beacon is built entirely out of junkbox parts, the only component purchased specifically for this project was the 10,140kHz crystal. Hans Summers' 30m QRSS beacon project emphasizes simplicity and low cost, built almost entirely from reused parts. Key components include a 10,140kHz crystal, a 2N3904 transistor from a broken DVD player, and an ordinary LED used for frequency shift. The oscillator is stabilized in a polystyrene box, with power amplification driven by recycled copper PCB. Output power peaks at 360mW, and a custom 50-ohm dummy load manages heat. Though aesthetically unconventional, the beacon works effectively, fulfilling the project's low cost aim.

Low Cost Frequency Counter, Digital Display and DDS-VFO kits

W3DZZ trapped multi-band antenna, exposed in this practical wireless article

Simple, easy to build, low cost, compact, multiband By Robert Wilson, AL7KK

This article describes a low-cost vector network analyzer that operates from 200 kHz to 100 MHz, and connects to a personal computer using a USB 1.1 interface By Tom McDermott, N5EG, and Karl Ireland

The Icom IC-746 is quite a popular HF/VHF multimode transceiver which has one shortcoming in its standard configuration when used to operate modes requiring good medium-term frequency stability.

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.

By Prof. T. K. Mani - VU2ITI

This page describes an cheap RF signal source, a portable micro beacon, using a low cost temperature controlled crystal oscillator

Collection of accessories that makes the Yaesu FT-817 more enjoyable.

Using the Raspberry Pi to operate Weak Signal Propagation Reporter

Construction and analysis of a low cost omnidirectional horizontally polarized antenna for 144 MHz, including notes on halo antenna stacking

5000+ member discussion group for the low-cost series of SoftRock SDR receiver and transceiver kits.

Constructing a Compact Low Cost Sprinkler Valve Antenna Launcher

Transverters-Store is a online shop for low cost transverter boards, but also QRP transceivers, Active antennas, RF bridge and probes, Mic equalizers and other amateur radio accessories

The practice of converting computer server power supplies to make a very high quality high power supply at low cost is attractive. It doesn't normally require any modification to the supply but the hard part is figuring out how to trick them into turning on.