How Should I Attach a Ham Radio Antenna to My Vehicle?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions the team at DX Engineering receives when helping customers find the best solution for installing a mobile radio (transceiver) in their […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Technical Articles
Antenna Tech / HAM Radio 101
Antenna Tech
Ham Radio Tech: Guide to Building an Effective Dipole Antenna (& Answers to Common Dipole Questions)
Since the early days of radio, dipoles have been the go-to antennas for hams. They’re effective, inexpensive, and simple to make. But there’s more to building and installing one than […]
Antenna Tech
Ham Radio Tech: J-Pole Antennas—More than You Probably Wanted to Know
Copper Cactus. Steampunk Stick. Slim Jim. Whatever you call it, the J-pole antenna is a reliable alternative to verticals and ground planes for VHF/UHF communication. Due to their simple construction, […]
Q&A
Ham Radio Q&A: How do I choose the right antenna to put up in my antenna-restricted HOA?
What do you do if you’re an amateur radio enthusiast who wants to get full enjoyment out of your favorite hobby without drawing the attention of your homeowner’s association or […]
Antenna Tech
Why Horizontal Dipoles Can Make an Excellent Antenna Option for Your Ham Radio Station
The world of ham radio is filled with in-depth specs and technical jargon that could make an average person’s head explode. Folks just starting out in amateur radio may fall […]
Field Day
Ham Radio Events: Winter Field Day Is on the Way
Check Out What’s New in 2025 for this Challenging and Rewarding Exercise Winter Field Day (WFD)—ARRL Field Day’s frostier cousin—is scheduled for the weekend of January 25-26, 2025. It’s a […]
Cable & Coax Tech
Ham Radio Tech: What Do You Do with Excess Coaxial Cable?
When it comes to coax cable, most hams would agree that too much is better than not enough. Adding more cable on the fly is tough, especially when crawling around […]
Antenna Tech
Ham Radio 101: I Want a New Duck—Tips on Upgrading Your HT’s Antenna
Open the box of a new handheld radio and you’ll find the usual stuff—the radio, battery, charger, belt clip, “rubber duck” antenna, and instruction manual. Looking at rubber ducks from […]
Technical Articles
Ham Radio Tech: Propagation Beacons—Finding an Open Path to the World
What are the current propagation conditions like? You can listen closely to the bands, but it takes time. You could look at the theoretical propagation forecasts on the Internet or […]
Technical Articles
Ham Radio Tech: Understanding PEP, ICAS, CCS & Duty Cycle
Next time you browse a ham radio catalog, compare the relative power ratings of some of the accessories. I was interested in replacing some antenna switches, and here’s what I […]
