Articles written by: Mark Haverstock, K8MSH

N8DXE radio Repeater Antenna atop a large tower
HAM Radio 101

Ham Radio 101: Understanding Repeater Speak

New hams often wonder what they’ll do or say over the radio after they get their license. All that jargon that hams use can seem like a foreign language to […]

beaches on the air BOTO logo
Events

Getting Started with BOTA, Beaches on the Air

If you thought Parks on the Air (POTA) was the only portable operation event in town, meet BOTA. Beaches on the Air promotes ham radio portable operation from beaches. BOTA […]

ACOM 1000 HF + 6 Meter Linear Amplifier aom-1000_it_xl
HAM Radio 101

Ham Radio 101: Do I Really Need an Amplifier?

Everyone wants to improve their signal quality, work more DX stations, make more QSOs, and earn higher contest scores. Should you buy an amplifier or beef up your antenna system? […]

FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL, quarter shot
Product Reviews

Ham Radio Product Review—FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL

What’s your idea of the perfect tuner? Here’s my wish list: There are some good candidates out there, like the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL. It will convince your radio that […]

flexradio power genius xl hf rf radio amplifier
Product Reviews

Ham Radio Product Review: Power Genius XL Amplifier—Go on a Power Trip

Solid-state amplifiers have become mainstream as vacuum tubes have become more difficult to find and solid-state power capabilities have increased. Now it is commercially feasible for amateur radio amplifier manufacturers […]

portable field day ham radio station on a folding table
Field Day

Field Day: Things You’ll Need & Wished You’d Brought

Every Field Day setup is different, depending on location, number of people, access to trees, number of stations operating, and more. Chances are you’ve participated before and have a basic […]

Technical Articles

Tweaking Your Mobile Installation for Best Performance

Going mobile? Installing a ham radio station in your vehicle expands the usefulness of amateur radio, making automobiles ham shacks on wheels. It’s a convenient way to have instant emergency […]

HAM Radio 101

What’s a Vanity Call Sign and How Do You Get One?

Have you thought about changing your current call sign? Maybe you’ve upgraded your license, moved to a new call area, decided you want a shorter call, or have a real […]

Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

Cobweb, Halo, and Hex: Ham Radio Antennas You Can Bend, Wrap, and Fold

Space, the final frontier for antenna installations. The ham’s ongoing mission: to explore their shrinking lot sizes and seek out smaller antennas that will keep them on the air—ones that […]

Products & Product Reviews

Cobweb, Halo, and Hex: Ham Radio Antennas You Can Bend, Wrap, and Fold

Space, the final frontier for antenna installations. The ham’s ongoing mission: to explore their shrinking lot sizes and seek out smaller antennas that will keep them on the air—ones that […]