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? […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
HAM Radio 101
Ham Radio 101: What is the 60 Meter Band?
First introduced in 2002, the 60 meter, or 5 MHz, band was originally only available in a few countries: United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, and Iceland. Over […]
HAM Radio 101
Ham Radio 101: What is WSPR?
Let’s start with the basics: If you’ve wondered if a band is open, WSPR can tell you. As noted by Joe Taylor, K1JT, and Bruce Walker, W1BW, in their November […]
HAM Radio 101
Signal Reporting | Ham Radio 101
This weekend I was on SSB for a few activities. While scrolling through the frequencies, I heard this conversation after a CQ. I am going to call Ham 1 AB8XXX […]
HAM Radio 101
A Brief Look at Amateur Radio in Space | Ham Radio 101
There’s an impressive history of amateur radio operators who have stood on the leading edge of space activities. Examples include the amateur radio moonbounce, or Earth-Moon-Earth (EME), by W4AO and […]
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 […]
HAM Radio 101
So, You’re Ready to Buy Your First HF Transceiver. Now What?
Whether you just got your license, or you have been in the hobby for a while, your interests may be leading you to explore the HF bands. For many of […]
HAM Radio 101
Stretching and Cautions About Lifting for Ham Radio Antenna Season
As I’m writing at the end of March, antenna season is about to get underway in many parts of North America, including for the author. (Those of you in the […]
HAM Radio 101
Baseball and Ham Radio Collide on April 8, 2024
April 8 is a huge day for hams who will be participating in the Solar Eclipse QSO Party, an event sponsored by HamSCI (Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation). It’s a […]
HAM Radio 101
Hams You Should Know: Margaret Iaquinto, VK3NQQ, SK, the Amateur Who Talked to Russian Cosmonauts from Her Kitchen Table
What do ham radio, piloting aircraft, and folk dances have in common? All three were hobbies acquired by amateur radio enthusiast Margaret (King) Iaquinto, VK3NQQ, SK, a New Haven, Connecticut […]
