Ham Radio Tech: Linear Loading—Long Wire in a Short Space
For some amateur radio operators, putting up a full-length HF dipole is not always feasible. With today’s postage-stamp-sized lots, some hams can only dream of installing a dipole for 80 […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Articles written by: Mark Haverstock, K8MSH
Antenna Tech
DC Power
Ham Radio Tech: Anderson Powerpoles®—Putting It All Together
One of the really annoying things about ham radio is the sheer number of different cables and connectors out there. With USB alone, there are four or five common ones, […]
Technical Articles
Ham Radio Tech: RST vs. S-Meter Signal Reports—Which Is Better?
Everyone wants to know how their signal sounds on the air. Often, the best way to find out is to get a signal report from other ham radio operators. The […]
Technical Articles
Tips on Coming Back to Ham Radio After Years of Inactivity
Have you considered returning to ham radio after a number of years off the air? Like many of us, you started out with a license and then life happened—job, family […]
Antenna Tech
Ham Radio Tech: Ground Planes, Gains, and Automobiles—Insights on Mounting Mobile Antennas on Your Vehicle
The best mobile antenna money can buy isn’t any better than the ground plane it is mounted over. Remember the basic dipole—it needs two elements to be complete. Your vertical […]
Antenna Tech
Resonant and Non-Resonant Amateur Radio Antennas–Which is Better?
When it comes to ham radio, choosing the right antenna is one of the most important decisions an operator will make. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of varieties: Yagis, […]
HAM Radio 101
Ham Radio 101: The Amateur Radio General Class License—Is It for You?
A General class amateur radio license is the middle level of three amateur radio operator licenses in the United States. It gives you access to most amateur radio bands and […]
Ham Culture & Entertainment
Did Parks on the Air (POTA) Save Ham Radio?
Several months ago I saw a non-ham friend at the park. During our chat, he happened to look at the call sign license plate on my SUV. “Ham radio? Are […]
Antenna Tech
Ham Radio Tech: Guide to Building an Effective Dipole Antenna (& Answers to Common Dipole Questions)
Since the early days of radio, dipoles have been the go-to antennas for hams. They’re effective, inexpensive, and simple to make. But there’s more to building and installing one than […]
HAM Radio 101
Ham Radio 101: What Are the RIT-XIT Functions Used for on Your Transceiver?
As a newly licensed ham, you probably got started in amateur radio with VHF and UHF phone operation. A simple click gave you access to FM simplex channels and repeaters […]
