What is LoTW, Why Should You Sign Up for it, and How Do You Use it?
When I started out in Amateur Radio 40 years ago this summer, there were basically three ways to exchange a written confirmation of a contact (a QSL card): Mail your […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Technical Articles
Technical Articles
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
Antenna Traps—A Way to Cope With Limited Space
The downsizing of real estate these days reminds me of Halloween candy. Candy bars used to be big, but now they’ve shrunk to something they call “fun size.” Today’s properties […]
Technical Articles
HAM Radio Tech: How Headphones and Headsets Can Improve Your Copy
Are you tired of spending time on the air struggling to copy the person on the other end of the conversation? Do barking dogs and noisy kids distract you from […]
FT8 / Technical Articles
Using the FT8 DXpedition Mode (a.k.a. Fox and Hound)
In an earlier article, “Top 10 Tips for Succeeding in FT8 Mode,” I explained how understanding special operating modes is one of the keys to using FT8. In this article, […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
The Difference Between Antenna Analyzers and Antenna Tuners
Do you need an antenna analyzer or an antenna tuner? These devices are actually different tools for different tasks. They both are used with antennas, but one doesn’t necessarily replace […]
Technical Articles
The Pros and Cons of Using an Amp with QRP Radios
Less is more. QRP (low power operation) is becoming quite popular among hams who take a minimalist approach to amateur radio communications. Some radio amateurs who are licensed to use […]
FT8 / Technical Articles
A Look at Maintaining Proper Etiquette in FT8 Mode
Compared to the classic amateur modes of CW, SSB, and RTTY, WSJT-X modes such as FT8 are very structured with constrained message protocol. They are not suited for rag-chewing, and […]
Technical Articles
Hey Hams, Let’s Give a Shout Out to WSPR!
When I want to check for information on propagation conditions, I often look at the N0NBH solar-terrestrial data banner that appears on many ham radio sites. But if you want […]
Technical Articles
Propagation Paths–The Long and Short of It
Getting Around on the Bands This article focuses on one of my favorite interests: How HF signals get around. When asked the question, “Why are you into ham radio?” I […]
Technical Articles
Brushing Up On Math: Some Basic and Handy Calculator Tools for Hams
Uh-oh, just lost half the audience at the title! Don’t despair, you needn’t be an engineer to do the simple calculations we all encounter in ham radio, sooner or later. […]
