Choosing a Coax Switch
When it comes to ham radio, one radio is never enough. The same thing goes for antennas–multiple bands usually mean multiple antennas. Soon, you’ve got a maze of coax connections […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Articles written by: Mark Haverstock, K8MSH
Technical Articles
Technical Articles
Using the Icom IC-705 in the Field
Now that summer is here and the pandemic is winding down, grab some radio gear and head outdoors. It’s the season for portable operations and finally getting out of couch-potato […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
Antenna Traps—A Way to Cope With Limited Space
The downsizing of real estate these days reminds me of Halloween candy. Candy bars used to be big, but now they’ve shrunk to something they call “fun size.” Today’s properties […]
Technical Articles
HAM Radio Tech: How Headphones and Headsets Can Improve Your Copy
Are you tired of spending time on the air struggling to copy the person on the other end of the conversation? Do barking dogs and noisy kids distract you from […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
The Difference Between Antenna Analyzers and Antenna Tuners
Do you need an antenna analyzer or an antenna tuner? These devices are actually different tools for different tasks. They both are used with antennas, but one doesn’t necessarily replace […]
Technical Articles
The Pros and Cons of Using an Amp with QRP Radios
Less is more. QRP (low power operation) is becoming quite popular among hams who take a minimalist approach to amateur radio communications. Some radio amateurs who are licensed to use […]
Products & Product Reviews
Off-Center Fed (OCF) Antenna: Multitalented or Misunderstood?
The Off-Center Fed dipole (OCF)–also called a Windom by many–has received mixed reviews among amateur radio operators. Although thousands of hams use and love these multi-band antennas, some people, including […]
Technical Articles
Hey Hams, Let’s Give a Shout Out to WSPR!
When I want to check for information on propagation conditions, I often look at the N0NBH solar-terrestrial data banner that appears on many ham radio sites. But if you want […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
Antenna Safety—Look Before You Install
The most important thing you can do when putting up an antenna is to look before you install. Go outside and survey your property. Consider every suitable location for your […]
Technical Articles / Weatherproofing and Grounding
How Many, How Long: Advice for Installing Ground or Above Ground Radials
Installing a radial system is a must for any quarter-wave vertical antenna system. Without one, a vertical antenna is only half complete. The radials are the second half of the […]
