A list of best new amateur radio links we reviewed in 2021
DK7ZB's fan dipole designs address the challenge of operating multiple HF bands with a single feedline, providing practical construction details for **multiband wire antennas**. The resource outlines specific lengths for half-dipoles across various band combinations, including 10-15-20m for classic bands and 12-17-30m for WARC bands. It emphasizes the importance of proper spacing between resonant elements to avoid impedance interaction and high SWR, a common issue when frequencies are too close. The article details the use of **current baluns** built with FT240-43 or FT140-43 cores, specifying turns and cable types for 1KW and 400-Watt power levels. It includes a correction table for adjusting dipole lengths based on frequency shifts, aiding in fine-tuning resonance. The 20+40m dipole is noted for its ability to operate on 15m with an ATU, demonstrating versatility.
NewLogOSH is a logging application for amateur radio operators, featuring integrated support for various digital modes including FT4, FT8, RTTY, and PSK. The software incorporates DXCluster connectivity and radio interfacing capabilities, allowing for seamless operation with transceivers. Its database is built within the SQLite environment, providing a robust and portable data storage solution for logging QSOs and managing station information. The program's architecture focuses on practical functionality for daily amateur radio operations. Operators can utilize NewLogOSH for contest logging, general DXing, and managing their station's contact history. The inclusion of FT4 and FT8 modes reflects current trends in digital communication, while RTTY and PSK support caters to established digital protocols. The DXCluster integration provides real-time spot information, aiding in DX hunting and propagation analysis. Its SQLite backend ensures data integrity and ease of backup, making it a reliable tool for maintaining comprehensive station logs.
A 60-foot available space, for example, might necessitate a shortened multiband dipole array to cover 80, 40, and 15 meters effectively. This resource details the construction of such an antenna, combining full-size and coil-loaded dipoles on a single feedline. It addresses the common challenge of fitting multiple HF bands into restricted physical footprints, providing practical guidance for hams with smaller backyards or portable operations. The core of the offering is an interactive calculator that determines required loading coil inductance and dipole lengths for various amateur bands from 160m to 10m. Users input their available space, and the tool provides dimensions, coil turns, and an efficiency rating (Good or Fair) based on the antenna's electrical length relative to a quarter-wavelength. It also suggests suitable _PVC_ pipe diameters for coil forms. The article further illustrates a center feed-point assembly using an 18-inch section of 2-inch _PVC_ pipe, detailing eye-bolt spacing and coaxial connector installation. It emphasizes the importance of adequate spacing between parallel dipoles and offers customization options for the feed-point, including the addition of a _Balun_ for improved feedline isolation.
An online interactive grid square map made with openstreet map. Just point and click and zoom in to determine an accurate grid square locator till 10 digit resolution
This antenna can gets you on the air on 14MHz, and it has a useable frequency range. The VSWR is almost perfect at the centre-frequency abd the design uses no expensive components.
