Word of the Day: Fox Hunting
Fox hunting, also known as transmitter hunting, is a fun and challenging part of Amateur Radio that not only gets you out of the shack, but can help you hone […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day (Firmware: Firmware–What it Is and Advice on Firmware Upgrades
Computer code that controls a device. The code is generally resident in a chip, and can be updated using whatever communications protocols are set up for this purpose. Many devices […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: Beacon
Fixed, automated transmitters which transmit signals (typically CW) continuously to allow operators to check propagation. These transmitters are located around the globe. On HF they are mostly found on bands […]
HAM Radio 101
Why Use a Hexagonal Beam Antenna?
Today’s Word of the Day is actually a phrase: Hexagonal Beam Antenna. Yes, they may look a bit out of the ordinary, but these unusually shaped antennas—similar to an inverted […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: RACES (the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)
Yesterday we highlighted ARES, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service®. Today, our Word of the Day focuses on another standby volunteer emergency communication organization made up of trained Hams—RACES, the Radio […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: What is “ARES?”
For many operators, Ham Radio is more than a hobby. It’s a way to serve the public’s communications needs when the worst happens. There are several voluntary emergency communication organizations […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: What is “ECOMM?”
Today’s Word of the Day focuses on perhaps the most practical and valuable aspect of Ham Radio—EMCOMM, or emergency communications. When disasters strike and normal lines of communications become disabled, […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: The Magic Band
For new Hams who have just earned their Technician license, there are plenty of ways to dive into the exciting world of Amateur Radio without the privileges that come with […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day: Elmer@DXEngineering.com
Today’s Word of the Day is an email address you’re going to want to commit to memory: Elmer@DXEngineering.com. That’s DX Engineering’s new, easy-to-remember email hotline if you want to get […]
HAM Radio 101
Word of the Day (NVIS): What Does “NVIS” Stand For?
NVIS stands for Near Vertical Incidence Skywave, an ionospheric operating technique that has been used for decades in military and in-state disaster communications. NVIS antennas can be quickly and easily […]
