This week, we’ve gathered some practical insights for the workbench and the field. We’re looking at tools for signal analysis, something that comes up often when troubleshooting or just exploring the bands. There’s also a good refresher on NVIS, which is always worth revisiting for those tricky local nets or emergency communications, especially when terrain is a factor. For the low-band enthusiasts, we found a piece on improving 160-meter reception with a custom filter—a common challenge with broadcast interference. Antenna builders will appreciate the details on a rebuilt trap dipole, offering some solid construction notes. Finally, for those running a Yaesu FT-991, we’ve included a couple of resources on configuring popular logging software, which can save a lot of head-scratching during contest setup.
The Professional SDR Signal Analysis Tools – Khanfar Spectrum Analyzer resource details specialized SDR software for signal analysis. It covers real-time FFT analysis and precise frequency selection, benefiting operators interested in detailed signal monitoring and radio direction finding.
Fundamentals of Radio Wave Propagation and NVIS Communication offers foundational knowledge on radio wave propagation, including line-of-sight and ionospheric reflection. It specifically highlights Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) for reliable communication in challenging terrains or skip zones.
The article Improve 160 Meter Reception with a Custom Band Pass Filter guides readers on building a band-pass filter to enhance 160-meter reception. This filter helps reduce interference from strong AM broadcast signals, improving receiver performance for low-band operators.
Building W8NX Short Trap Dipole – WB0SMX Blog documents an experienced operator's process of rebuilding a trap dipole antenna. It details upgrading to a short trap dipole for 40, 80, and 160 meters using double-wound RG-58 coax traps, providing construction tips for antenna builders.
The Yaesu FT-991 Transceiver Win-Test Configuration setup page provides instructions for configuring the Win-Test contest logging application with the Yaesu FT-991. It covers proper driver installation and Win-Test settings, assisting operators in setting up their contest station.
N1MM Logger+ Setup for FT-991 Transceiver offers a step-by-step guide for integrating N1MM Logger+ software with the FT-991 transceiver. This resource helps hams configure their transceiver settings for seamless operation with the logging program, enhancing their contesting and logging experience.
