Technical Articles

Extra Class License Manual
Technical Articles

Ham Radio Licensing Classes and Testing

(U.S.-Based Only) Getting or upgrading your ham radio license can sometimes seem overwhelming to those who aren’t familiar with the information or process. Executing an internet search pulls up many […]

a weather radio station shack
Technical Articles

Guide to Ham Radio Weather Watching

I previously wrote an article for OnAllBands on the SKYWARN program: “Getting Involved in the Storm Spotter Program.” You can find that article here. One does not have to be […]

Technical Articles

Ham Radio Apps for Apple iPod, iPad, and iPhone

I previously wrote an article about ham radio software for the Mac. I started adding some Apple details as well but quickly realized there was entirely too much information, and […]

Handy Talkies on a table desk
Technical Articles

Handy Talky Madness (Part 4): Other Communication Types

So, we have discussed analog ham radio. We have discussed digital ham radio. We have talked about the quality brands and touched upon the cheaper brands. We’ve even explored accessories […]

small ham radio microphone for a handy talkie
Technical Articles

Handy Talky Madness (Part 3): And Then There are the Accessories

So, you have your HTs. You can work events. You can talk on nets. Is that the end of the madness? Not even close. Now you need accessories to make […]

group of three ham radio HTs on a desk
Technical Articles

Handy Talky Madness (Part 2): Digital and the Rise of the Cheap HT

As I explained in Part 1 of this series, I love handy talkies (HTs). If there is a 12-step program for this addiction, I better be enrolled. Let’s continue the […]

a pair of vintage ham radio handy talkies
Technical Articles

Handy Talky Madness (Part 1): Old School and Analog

I love handy talkies (HTs). Some might call it an addiction. So, let’s talk about them. Since there is way too much information for one blog alone, I’ll be covering […]

man working at a ham radio portable field day station
Technical Articles

Building a Field Expedient Amateur Radio Kit

Editor’s Note: Troy Blair, KE8DRR, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, enjoys sharing personal stories about his involvement in amateur radio so others can learn from his experiences in the true spirit […]

close up of a slotted end of aluminum tubing
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

How to Build Aluminum Antennas

Next to wires, antennas made of aluminum tubing and rod are the most common type of amateur radio antenna construction. There is a wide range of high-quality aluminum alloy available, […]

rigcat software screen shot
Technical Articles

Ham Radio Software for Mac and Apple Users

For better or for worse, I am an all-Mac and Apple user. I could write articles for days arguing the benefits and, yes, downfalls of that choice, but I’ll stick […]