blog articles on the topic of amateur radio
Overview: A vertical antenna is an unbalanced antenna, but it may still need a common mode choke balun to choke out the unwanted current flowing on the outer surface of your coax braid. Reasons for A Choke Balun: 1. Blocking Unwanted Radiation from the Feedline A vertical antenna uses the radial system (your elevated ground … Read more
Overview Days ago, I built a ground elevated vertical based on a 5.6m whip for SOTA and POTA activations. As the radials went above the ground, it didn’t cause huge ground losses due to the poor real ground near the antenna. The antenna works really great, with the linked counterpoise, you just used 2 radials … Read more
The full-wave loop antenna stands as a fascinating and effective alternative to the ubiquitous dipole, offering desirable characteristics such as gain of approximately 2dB over a dipole, a typically lower noise floor, and a closed-loop radiation pattern. Traditionally, a square or circular full-wave loop presents a feed point impedance in the range of 100-120 ohms, … Read more
As the CQWW CW draws near, I would like to see how the HF propagation goes on based on my local area. I would also want to see whether my antenna could pick up some remote stations from the noisy RF. I am an apartment dweller, living in the downtown area of a city. I … Read more
digiPi is a software system that is based on Linux for amateur radio digital communications. Its primary function is to make various amateur radio digital modes easily accessible via Wi-Fi through a standard web browser. It simplifies amateur radio digital modes operation by providing a pre-configured, bootable image for a Raspberry Pi. It supports a … Read more
When doing POTA or SOTA activations, I prefer the vertical antennas. That says I don’t have to bring a long enough antenna mast that could support my wire antennas. For example, an end-fed, it’s a good antenna, but you need a pole or a tree to set it up, in horizontal, vertical or in V-Shape … Read more
Introduction to Ham Radio Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a popular and fascinating hobby that involves the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes. Enthusiasts engage in two-way radio communications, experiment with electronics, participate in public service activities, and establish unique connections across the globe. This form of communication traces its … Read more
What is Ham Radio? Ham radio, officially known as amateur radio, is a popular hobby and service that utilizes designated radio frequencies for personal communication, experimentation, and public service. It is distinguished from commercial radio in that it is not used for business purposes or monetary gain; rather, it is undertaken by licensed individuals who … Read more
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a fascinating hobby that connects enthusiasts worldwide through radio waves. Whether you’re interested in emergency communication, contesting, or simply making friends across the globe, ham radio offers endless possibilities. To get started, you’ll need to obtain your amateur radio license by passing the FCC exam, which tests … Read more