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Presents a practical design for a **crossed-dipole turnstile antenna** specifically engineered for 2-meter Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) events. The author, WB6RDV, details a robust, omnidirectional, horizontally-polarized antenna, addressing the international ARDF rules requiring such characteristics at a height of two to three meters above ground. This contrasts with the vertical polarization often used in Southern California, highlighting the design's adherence to specific event requirements. The electrical design employs a classic crossed-dipole with a 75-ohm phasing section, resulting in a slight impedance mismatch and an SWR of approximately 1.3:1 with a 50-ohm feedline. Construction utilizes readily available and inexpensive PVC plumbing components and 1/8-inch bronze welding rod for elements. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for mechanical assembly, including drilling element holes at precise 90-degree spacing and preparing the RG-179 matching section. WB6RDV shares insights from his own build experience, discussing the use of plated brass versus aluminum spacers for element attachment and the effectiveness of crimping as an alternative to soldering. The document also covers final assembly, including the integration of ferrite beads as a choke balun and options for weatherproofing and alternative mounting configurations, emphasizing the adaptability of the design for other VHF bands through scaling.

The NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project schedule provides precise transmission start times for 18 beacons operating on 14.100 MHz, 18.110 MHz, 21.150 MHz, 24.930 MHz, and 28.200 MHz. Each beacon transmits every three minutes, cycling through its callsign at 22 WPM followed by four one-second dashes. The initial callsign and first dash are sent at 100 watts, with subsequent dashes at 10 watts, 1 watt, and 100 milliwatts, enabling **propagation analysis** across varying signal strengths. The schedule lists the minute and second within each hour for the first transmission of each beacon on its respective frequencies. This resource allows **DXers** and **contesters** to accurately predict beacon transmissions for real-time propagation assessment. For example, 4U1UN transmits first at 00:00 on 14.100 MHz, followed by VE8AT at 00:10, and W6WX at 00:20, continuing the sequence. The page also notes recent hardware upgrades, such as the installation of IBP 2.0 controllers with Icom 7200 radios at some sites, and provides status updates for beacons experiencing hardware failures or those not recently heard, aiding in troubleshooting and managing expectations for monitoring.

Illustrates the global distribution of **DX-Cluster** nodes through an interactive map interface, enabling radio amateurs to visualize and access real-time DX spots. The resource provides direct TELNET and HYPER links for each node, facilitating immediate connection to various clusters for up-to-the-minute propagation information and station activity. This visual approach simplifies the process of locating and connecting to a suitable DX-Cluster, whether for local or international DXing. Amateurs can use this tool to quickly identify active clusters in different geographic regions, which is particularly useful for **DXpedition** planning or contest operations. The direct links streamline access, bypassing manual configuration for many cluster types. It serves as a practical aid for operators seeking to monitor band conditions, find rare DX, or participate in competitive operating events by leveraging aggregated spotting data.

The article "Exploring the World of 10 Meter Beacons" by Ken Reitz, KS4ZR, provides an in-depth look at 10-meter beacon operations, focusing on their utility for propagation analysis. It details FCC Rules part 97.203 governing beacon stations, including license requirements, power limits (under 100 watts), and the specified band segment of 28.200-28.300 MHz for U.S. operations. The content highlights the diversity in beacon construction, from converted CB radios to home-brew QRP transmitters, and discusses the robust operating conditions these 24/7 stations endure. The resource presents several case studies of active 10-meter beacon operators like Ron Anderson KA0PSE/B, Domenic Bianco KC9GNK/B, and Bill Hays WJ5O/B, detailing their equipment, antenna setups, and typical signal report volumes. It also introduces the NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project, which features 18 synchronized beacons worldwide transmitting on 28.200 MHz at varying power levels (100W, 10W, 1W, 100mW) to facilitate propagation testing. The article also covers the PropNet Project utilizing PSK31 on 28.131 MHz and the 250 Synchronized Propagation Beacon Project on 28.250 MHz. Practical advice for monitoring includes using the RST reporting method, understanding the impact of the solar cycle on 10-meter propagation, and tips for setting up a personal beacon, such as frequency selection and power output considerations. The IY4M Guglielmo Marconi Memorial Beacon Robot on 28.195 MHz is also mentioned for its automatic QSO mode. The article concludes with a list of other resources for 10-meter beacon information.

HB9DNU Karlheinz's blog, hosted on Blogger, presents a collection of personal reflections and observations, predominantly in German. The content spans various non-amateur radio subjects, including Swiss political initiatives, economic discussions concerning banks like UBS, and social commentary. For instance, an entry from February 2008 details the Swiss vote on a combat jet noise initiative, highlighting the debate between tourism concerns and national security. Another post from October 2008 critiques the 500 billion Euro bailout package for banks, calculating its per-capita cost for German citizens and referencing earlier blog entries from March 2006 and June 2007 that discussed UBS salaries and Raiffeisenbank issues. These entries often reflect Karlheinz's personal perspective on current events. The blog also includes lighter, more personal notes, such as a February 2009 entry about a video produced by his grandson, and observations on local events like a bird exhibition in Contone or a scenic train ride through the Centovalli, demonstrating a broad range of interests beyond the ham radio hobby.

The _Egyptian Amateurs Radio Association (E-ARA)_ provides a directory of its members, detailing callsigns such as SU1AL and SU1ER, along with their full names and QSL routing instructions. Each entry typically includes a postal box or street address in cities like Giza, Cairo, and Port Said, facilitating direct QSL card exchange. Specific entries indicate QSL via home call for operators like SU1BH (A71BH) and SU1DZ (9K2DZ), while others, such as SU1MR and SU1SR, route QSLs through SU1ER. The list also contains details for operators with international home calls, including SU2RS, who QSLs via OE6EEG. This resource serves as a basic callbook for the Egyptian amateur radio community, offering essential contact information for local and international hams seeking to confirm contacts or establish communication.

zLog for Windows is a freeware full-featured contest logging software that runs on Windows. It supports major international and domestic (JA) contests and is customizable to many other contests not directly supported by zLog. Features include CW keying via parallel/serial/USB interfaces, highly sophisticated TCP/IP network that allows instant synchronization of a log of an M/M station, rig control, PacketCluster connenction. By JJ1MED/AD6AJ

Demonstrates various practical amateur radio projects and technical discussions through video episodes. One episode details cutting and retuning a _1/4 wave shorted stub_ from 101.7 MHz to 107.5 MHz to safeguard a transmitter's driver stage, alongside insights into advanced _160-meter antenna systems_ like eight-circle arrays and beverage antennas. Another segment covers upgrading firmware on an _ATS-20+_ receiver using AverDudes for improved display and functionality, and a detailed guide on using D-Star DR mode on an _ICOM ID-52A_ for international repeater programming. Additional content includes a deep dive into _OpenHamClock_ as a potential replacement for the HamClock project, updates on _Raspberry Pi 5_ running Trixie OS, and a review of the Choyong LC90 Internet radio with AI integration. The series also features "Ham College" episodes, which meticulously prepare viewers for the Technician Exam by covering topics such as antenna and transmission line measurements, SWR interpretation, and the functions of basic electronic components like rectifiers, relays, and transistors. Practical advice on coaxial cable characteristics, dummy loads, and proper soldering techniques is also provided.

Presents the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, a global educational initiative facilitating direct communication between students and astronauts via amateur radio. It outlines the operational framework for scheduled school contacts, detailing the technical requirements for ground stations and the typical Q&A format used during these events. The program utilizes VHF/UHF frequencies for voice and packet radio communications, enabling students to engage with crew members aboard the ISS. ARISS supports various educational objectives, promoting STEM fields through hands-on radio experience. The resource provides information on how schools can apply for contacts, the selection process, and preparation guidelines. It also covers the history of amateur radio in space, including past missions and the evolution of equipment used on the ISS. Regular updates on contact opportunities, operational status, and technical specifications for ARISS hardware are provided.

The ÖVSV website provides extensive resources for Austrian radio amateurs, including details on its nine **Landesverbände** (regional sections) and the Austrian Military Radio Society (AMRS). It features information on licensing, legal frameworks, and **band plans** for both HF and VHF/UHF operations. The site also covers various amateur radio activities such as contests (HF, VHF/Microwave, Alpe-Adria, SOTA, ARDF), technical projects like WRAN, and educational content explaining what amateur radio is and how to become a licensed operator. Recent news items highlight events like the "Laa Funk '26" exhibition, the "OE5XLM" club station's participation in the CQ WW Contest, and the "International Marconi Day 2026" activation by "OE26M" from Küniglberg. The site lists upcoming events, including a 160m OE-Aktivitätsrunde, a seminar on Baluns/Ununs, and various club meetings and flea markets. Membership is facilitated through regional sections, and the site emphasizes amateur radio's role in independent communication during crises.

Live audio of the National Hurricane Center’s Skywarn Nets. This live feed covers several different states, and locations throughout the US including: TX, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, and ME

Approximately 190–209 words of content are available, including previously unreleased **radio intercepts** from the Russian army during the Battle for Kyiv, with confirmed authenticity. The platform provides extensive news coverage, video reports, and analytical content focusing on Ukraine and international affairs, frequently publishing exclusive materials. Recent articles cover topics such as emergency power outages in Kyiv, discussions on Iran's nuclear program, and Belgium's policy regarding temporary protection for children born after Russia's full-scale invasion. The site also features in-depth investigations into Russian military losses, the political isolation of Hungary within the EU, and mental health advice for coping with wartime stress. Timely updates are provided throughout the day, detailing events such as drone incidents in Lithuania and proposed restrictions on military personnel's access to gambling in Ukraine. The platform offers a variety of multimedia content, including video and photo reports on events like the double explosion in Bucha and search operations for victims of the Volyn tragedy. Editorial selections delve into topics such as parliamentary elections in Slovenia, internal political conflicts in Ukraine, and the export of Ukrainian drones to the Middle East, alongside historical analyses and opinion pieces from various contributors, often featuring expert commentary and reader engagement. The content is primarily focused on current events and geopolitical analysis, with a strong emphasis on the **Ukrainian conflict**.

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.

LPI personnel have combined experience over many years in servicing customers throughout the world. Our experience covers projects in some of the most lightning prone areas.

The Club Radio Amateur de Québec (CRAQ) is a prominent amateur radio club based in Québec, Canada, dedicated to fostering interest and participation in amateur radio. It provides a platform for local hams to connect, share knowledge, and engage in various radio-related activities, including **DXing**, contesting, and technical experimentation. The club supports its members through regular meetings, technical presentations, and organized operating events, aiming to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the hobby. CRAQ also plays a role in public service communications, often collaborating with local authorities for emergency preparedness and response. CRAQ's activities include operating club stations, organizing **field day** events, and offering training sessions for new licensees. Members frequently participate in provincial and national contests, contributing to the club's competitive standing. The club maintains a network of repeaters, providing reliable local communication infrastructure for its members and the broader amateur radio community in the Québec area. These resources facilitate daily QSO traffic and serve as critical links during community service operations.

The Caribbean Contesting Consortium is a contest club dedicated to fun, international friendship, and advancement of the contesting art through superior operating technique and maximum application of technology.

Explains the annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) event, a global amateur radio gathering for Scouts and Guides. This activity connects young people worldwide through ham radio, fostering international friendship and introducing them to radio communication technology. Participants use various amateur radio bands and modes, including HF, VHF, and digital modes like FT8 and JS8Call, to make contacts with other JOTA stations and learn about the hobby. The ARRL provides resources for Scout leaders and amateur radio operators interested in hosting a JOTA station, including guidelines for setting up temporary stations, safety protocols, and educational materials. The event typically occurs on the third full weekend of October, aligning with the World Organization of the Scout Movement's (WOSM) global schedule. JOTA emphasizes hands-on experience with radio equipment, antenna theory, and basic operating procedures. It serves as a significant public service opportunity for hams to engage with youth and promote the educational aspects of amateur radio.

An interesting guide about APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System) and to Digipeating through the International Space Station - ISS

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.

Chronicles the operational history of Cullercoats Radio, established in 1906 under _Marconi_ license, detailing its initial use of a spark-gap transmitter feeding a **200-foot** wooden mast. Documents the station's transition in 1915 to Marconi Wireless and a 1929 upgrade to a valve-type transmitter. Explains its later role as a British Telecom (BT) Maritime Radio Station, callsign GCC, serving as a receiving site with transmitting aerials at Hartley. Highlights the demolition of the commercial mast in 2000 and the site's subsequent sale. Features the Tynemouth Radio Club (GX0NWM) operating special event stations like GB4MPC for International Marconi Day from Marconi Point. Includes a historical QSL card confirming a QSO on **7.016 MHz** in 1936.

Low-frequency (LF) radio time signals, operating primarily in the 40–80 kHz range, are broadcast by national physics laboratories for precise clock synchronization. Transmitters like **JJY** (40 kHz, 50 kW; 60 kHz, 50 kW), RTZ (50 kHz, 10 kW ERP), MSF (60 kHz, 15 kW ERP), WWVB (60 kHz, 50 kW ERP), RBU (66.66 kHz, 10 kW), and DCF77 (77.5 kHz, 50 kW) cover vast geographic areas, often several hundred to thousands of kilometers. LF signals offer distinct propagation advantages over higher-band transmissions such as GPS. Their long wavelengths (3–6 km) enable effective diffraction around obstacles like mountains and buildings. The ionosphere and ground act as a waveguide, eliminating the need for line-of-sight and allowing a single powerful station to cover extensive regions. Ground wave propagation minimizes ionospheric variability effects on transmission delay, and signals penetrate most building walls effectively. Robust and low-cost receivers, often priced at 20–30 USD/EUR, are widely used in radio clocks. These receivers typically comprise a tuned ferrite core antenna, a receiver IC (e.g., Atmel T4227, U4223B, MAS1016) for amplification and AM detection, and a microcontroller for decoding the time signal and phase-locking a local clock. Specific components for DCF77, MSF, and WWVB are readily available from vendors like HKW Elektronik and Ultralink.

The G5O Contest Group blog documents contest operations and related activities of the Stockport Radio Society. It covers various **HF** and **VHF** contests, providing insights into station setup, antenna configurations, and operational strategies employed during events. The content frequently includes post-contest analyses, discussing scores, propagation conditions, and technical challenges encountered. The blog entries detail specific contest participations, often featuring photographs of the operating environment and equipment used. It serves as a chronicle of the group's contesting history, offering practical examples of multi-operator station management and logistical planning for competitive amateur radio events. The group's focus on both local and international contests is evident through the range of events covered. Regular updates provide a continuous record of the group's engagement in the amateur radio contesting community.

This tutorial covers an introduction to RF, wireless, and high-frequency signals and systems, includes explaination of what is RF, why operate at Higher Frequencies, Frequency Shifting through Frequency Mixing.

A distance of 1/8 lambda between the antenna and the vehicle roof is suggested for optimal performance, with slight adjustments possible to lower the take-off angle for terrestrial contacts. This resource details the adaptation of an _Eggbeater_ antenna for mobile use, specifically for VHF operation, leveraging the car's metal roof as a ground plane. It illustrates the mounting method, repurposing a magnetic ski carrier base, and describes the integration of coaxial relays for polarization reversal, a feature also applicable to UHF versions as discussed in "_Eggbeater Antenna VHF/UHF – Part 2_". This mobile configuration proves effective for satellite communications, such as through the International Space Station (ISS), while also maintaining strong performance for land-based radio contacts. The inclusion of switches with indicator lights for VHF and UHF polarization control, powered by the vehicle's battery, highlights practical considerations for field deployment. The system's adaptability for portable operations underscores its versatility beyond fixed mobile installations.

The Delta Amateur Radio Club (DARC) serves as a community organization for amateur radio operators in the Memphis, Tennessee area, providing resources and activities centered around two-way radio communication. The club maintains the W4BS repeater system, which operates on 147.060 MHz with a +600 kHz offset and a 100 Hz PL tone, facilitating local VHF communications. DARC actively supports the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), preparing members for public service and disaster response through training and coordinated drills. The club also hosts regular meetings and events, fostering camaraderie and technical skill development among its members. Membership in the Delta Amateur Radio Club offers opportunities for participation in various amateur radio activities, including field day operations and local nets. The W4BS repeater provides reliable coverage across the Memphis metropolitan area, serving as a critical asset for both daily ragchewing and emergency traffic handling. DARC's affiliation with the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) ensures access to national resources and advocacy, reinforcing the club's commitment to promoting amateur radio and public service within the community. The club's focus on emergency communications strengthens local preparedness.

This document serves as a thorough guide to amateur radio nets throughout Australia and includes some international (DX) nets. It outlines key information like frequencies, schedules, and the people responsible for managing these nets. Among the nets covered are Ron's 10 A.M. net, the Australian Travellers Net, and several others, each operating on different bands and regions. Additionally, it offers technical details about repeaters, such as frequency, offset, and CTCSS tones where applicable. Any updates are clearly marked, and further details are included for linked repeater systems and network connections.

CHU is a time signal transmitter operated by the National Research Council in Canada. It broadcasts on various frequencies and is primarily used for time synchronization in North America.

This blog chronicles over a decade of portable HF contesting from rural Ireland (2008–2019) by Olivier, operating under callsigns EI/ON4EI, EI8GQB, EI1A, and EI7T. Using only green energy from a caravan, he achieved top-tier results in major international contests—including 1st World in the 2018 IARU HF Championship (SSB LP) and multiple 1st-place finishes in CQ WW and CQ WPX SSB Europe. Operating in the demanding Single Operator All Band Low Power and SO2R categories, he deployed up to five antennas across five bands, often in remote or emergency-style conditions. The narrative blends technical detail, fieldcraft, and personal reflection, documenting triumphs, setbacks (including carbon monoxide poisoning), and the logistical challenges of sustainable portable operation—culminating in his decision to transition to team-based contesting and future DXpeditions.

JJY is a time signal transmitter operated by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan. It broadcasts on two frequencies, 40 kHz and 60 kHz, and is used for time synchronization in Japan.

The Spartan Sprint Special 40m CW Transceiver, originally documented in 2002 and reproduced in 2019, details a **QRP** direct conversion rig designed for portable operation. This project evolved from an experimental CMOS digital IC receiver, which proved too noisy for weak signals, into a dedicated 40-meter CW transceiver. The author, VE3SMA, aimed for reduced size, lower weight, and decreased receive current drain compared to earlier iterations, drawing on his extensive contesting experience and even his time operating million-watt transmitters at Radio Canada International. This compact transceiver delivers approximately 200 mW output, VFO-tunable over 15 kHz within the 40m band, and weighs a mere 73 grams (0.16 lb) including its balsa wood case. It features fast semi-break-in and sidetone, with a receive current draw of about 14 mA (no signal) and transmit current draw around 125 mA key down. The design incorporates various construction techniques, including knife-cut surface mount boards and through-hole components, often salvaged from junked cordless phones and cellphones. Despite its direct conversion architecture, which offers usable but not superheterodyne-level selectivity, the rig proved effective, achieving a fourth-place finish in a June 2001 Spartan Sprint contest when paired with a 26-foot vertical antenna. The article provides comprehensive circuit details, including an unconventional VFO using a high-speed CMOS inverter chip and a balanced mixer utilizing a 74HC4053.

Accessing the official Estonian amateur radio call sign database is facilitated through this resource, which offers a direct search utility for **ERAU** registered licensees. Users can input a call sign to retrieve associated public information, ensuring accurate identification of Estonian stations. The system directly queries the national amateur radio society's records, providing real-time data on active **ES-prefix** operators. This utility is distinct from global callbook services, focusing exclusively on Estonian amateur radio operators. It serves as a primary source for verifying call sign authenticity and operator details within the country's regulatory framework. The interface is streamlined for quick lookups, making it efficient for DXers and contesters targeting Estonian entities. The resource's direct integration with the Estonian Radio Amateurs Union (ERAU) database ensures the presented information is current and authoritative, reflecting the latest licensing status and operator details for the amateur radio community.