What is Cty.dat?
Cty.dat, or sometimes wl_cty.dat, also known as a “country file.” This file contains the lookup information that translates prefixes of callsigns into country and/or zone multipliers. Software uses this file, […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
Biography: Jack Smith, K8ZOA (SK)
Some Amateur Radio operators leave behind such a legacy of hard work, high-level thinking, and pure devotion to the advancement of the hobby that their call sign will never fade […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: Ferrite–What it is and Why You Need It
If your station suffers from radio frequency interference (RFI), today’s Word of Day, ferrite, should become an immediate and permanent part of your Ham Radio vocabulary. Different mixes of ferrite—a […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: COMPACTenna
From time to time, our Word of the Day feature will highlight an innovative product from the world of Ham Radio. Today, we look at COMPACTenna’s patented line of small, […]
HAM Radio 101
What is the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC)?
Today’s Word of the Day column focuses on another organization committed to keeping CW alive and clicking—the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC). Founded in 2006, the group boasts close to […]
HAM Radio 101
CW FISTS Club Overview
For those interested in expanding their knowledge and opportunities to use their CW skills, today’s Word of the Day column highlights an organization exclusively devoted to Morse code operation. Founded […]
HAM Radio 101
Why Join an Amateur Radio Club?
One of the great things about Ham Radio is its ability to bring people together. Whether congregating at a hamfest, attending an educational seminar, making a QSO with a station […]
HAM Radio 101
What Does “RTTY” Stand For?
The CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest will be taking place in a few weeks (Sept. 28-29), so we’ve chosen RTTY for our Word of the Day. For the uninitiated, […]
Events / HAM Radio 101
Guide to 2019 Fall Contesting Season
It’s September—the time of year when gridiron giants strap on helmets and shoulder pads while us amateurs strap on headphones and fill our cups with high-octane java for some serious […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: Do You Remember “73 Magazine?”
From October 1960 to September 2003, Hams everywhere were greeted each month with a welcome sight sticking out amongst the bills in their mailboxes. It was 73 Magazine, the brainchild […]
