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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.

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) provides an official directory and database of Australian amateur radio repeaters, detailing their locations, frequencies, and operational status. The resource includes downloadable files in PDF and CSV formats, along with a _Google Earth KMZ_ file for visualizing repeater sites across Australia, including Amateur, CB, and Marine repeaters. It also references external resources for various digital modes such as _IRLP_, _Echolink_, _D-STAR_, P25, Fusion, and DMR, providing links to their respective information sites. The WIA repeater data is cross-referenced with the _ACMA database_ to ensure accuracy, with updates typically occurring twice a year. The directory employs a color-coding system, where purple indicates repeaters carrying the WIA broadcast or callback channels, and a 'W' status denotes operational repeaters with the weekly WIA broadcast. The resource also outlines policies for removing unlicensed or non-operational repeaters from the PDF listing after specific timeframes, while retaining them in the CSV file for potential reinstatement.

A google map of the UK amateur radio repeaters with clickable information

An interactive repeater map that uses google maps to display location of repaeter types available in Italy by Andrea IW0HOG

Manually programming D-Star handheld transceivers like the _Icom ID-51A_ and _ID-31A_ can be a straightforward process, enabling operators to configure repeaters, simplex frequencies, and D-Star specific settings without relying on computer software. This method is particularly useful for field operations or when quick adjustments are needed, allowing hams to set up callsign routing, DR mode, and reflector links directly from the radio's interface. Understanding the menu structure and key sequences is crucial for efficient on-the-fly programming. Operators often find manual programming invaluable for activating new D-Star repeaters encountered during travel or for participating in local nets where specific G2 or G3 gateway configurations are required. While software like _CS-51_ offers convenience for bulk programming, the ability to manually input frequencies and D-Star parameters ensures operational flexibility. This approach also helps hams troubleshoot connectivity issues by verifying individual settings directly on the transceiver, ensuring proper D-Star registration and gateway access.

Enables every Ham to easily find repeaters across the the World, USA, Canada, Mexico and over 35 other countries, for free and without a network connection using the RepeaterBook Directory.

An Google Maps interactive layer showing Australian amateur radio repeaters. You can navigate and zoom as required and click on a repeater-site icon to display frequency, ctcss and other details and notes for that repeater.

All available frequencies & offsets configurations for repeaters can be downloaded as database for Kenwood MCP-2A memory channel programming software for TM-D710 & TM-V71. Zip file is no more available from the author, but the full table of frequencies is still online

Discover a comprehensive solution for mapping Australian ham radio entities using data from the ACMA Public Register. This tool, developed in Delphi 7, generates KML files for Google Earth, showcasing repeaters, beacons, and operators across different prefixes. While respecting privacy regulations, the files provide valuable insights into the amateur radio landscape.

Outlines the essential steps for successfully activating a **Summits on the Air (SOTA)** peak, providing a structured approach for amateur radio operators participating in this popular award program. It details crucial pre-activation planning, including navigating the SOTA website, setting up a SOTA Data account, and consulting the **Association Reference Manual (ARM)** for specific regional rules and peak information. The guide also covers using mapping resources like adventureradio.de and lists ofjohn.com to identify suitable summits and check access conditions. The document emphasizes safety during the activation, advising operators to monitor weather, carry rain gear, and plan ample time for the ascent and descent. It specifies the **4-QSO minimum** requirement within the Activation Zone and recommends calling "CQ SOTA" on traditional QRP or VHF calling frequencies. The guide also suggests using local 2m FM repeaters for safety communications and spotting, while clarifying that repeater QSOs do not count for SOTA points. Post-activation activities include submitting logs to sotadata.org.uk, uploading trip reports to share experiences with future activators, and promoting SOTA participation on various reflectors. The guide highlights the program's appeal through its awards system for both activators and chasers, encouraging new participants in North America.

Amateur Television (ATV) is a ham radio technology that transmits and receives broadcast-quality video and audio. It utilizes existing standards for commercial television and can be used for various purposes including experimentation, entertainment, and public service events. ATV signals can be relayed over long distances using repeaters and are capable of transmitting live video from locations like the International Space Station. The article explores how to get started with ATV, highlighting its ease of use and suitability for beginners in ham radio. The future of ATV appears promising with advancements in digital and narrowband transmission techniques.