Technical Articles

Signalink Ham Radio usb sound card interface
Technical Articles

Sound Card Interface Transmit Troubleshooting

SITUATION: The Sound Card interface you just installed (SignaLink, RigExpert, Soundblaster) is not sending digital tones through the transceiver. The natural conclusion you may draw is that the sound card interface or […]

Ham Radio Antenna Tuner
Technical Articles

When is an Antenna Tuner not an Antenna Tuner?

When is an antenna tuner not an antenna tuner? Answer: all the time! “Antenna tuner” is really a bad name for the devices that present a low SWR to our transmitters and […]

Thimbles for antenna guy line
Products & Product Reviews / Technical Articles

Mailbag: Using a Thimble with EHS Guy Wire or Phillystran Guy Line Big Grips

Q: When should I use a thimble with EHS Guy Wire or Phillystran Guy line Big Grips? A: Whenever a Big Grip is attached to a metal guy bracket or guy anchor, you should always use an appropriately-sized thimble. The thimble […]

HDR Rotator software screen shot
Technical Articles

Tech Tip: Ham Station Computer Operations

Computer-based radio operations are fun! Completely integrate your station with your computer, starting with THE all-in-one software solution, Ham Radio Deluxe. “HRD” is an advanced, visually appealing program that displays and […]

Guy Line Thimble install video still
Technical Articles

How to Install Cable Grips on Phillystran Guy Line

Tim, W3YQ, and Tom, A8AZ, demonstrate the proper way to install Cable Grips on Phillystran Guy Line. Once you see how this done properly, it makes the task much easier […]

DX Engineering maxi-core balun
Technical Articles

Balun Fundamentals and Terms

Balun is an acronym for BALanced to UNbalanced, which describes certain circuit behavior in a transmission line, source, or load. Most communications applications deal with two-terminal sources, transmission lines, and […]

America Flag flying over a park pavilion
Events / Field Day / Technical Articles

Field Day Safety Checklist: 10 Safety Tips for Successful Field Day

While Field Day offers lots of opportunities for fun, there are many hazards as well. It’s why the ARRL encourages clubs to appoint a safety officer and assistants who are […]

ham radio operators working during a field day
Events / Field Day / Technical Articles

4 Tips for Operating a GOTA (Get On the Air) Station on Field Day

One of the coolest parts of ARRL Field Day is watching a new licensee get on the air for the first time. Many longtime Amateur Radio operators can remember the […]

DX Engineering horizontal antenna module, mounted
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

Horizontal Antennas–Why Higher is Better When it Comes to Mounting

Dipole and broadband antenna efficiency is a constant debate. Efficiency most commonly is watts in, watts out. It’s well known that to radiate well, horizontal antennas should be at least […]

Yaesu Mobile ham Radio Transceiver
Technical Articles

Cheap and Easy Ways to Improve Mobile Radio Receiver Performance

Question: What’s an easy and inexpensive way of improving my mobile radio receiver performance? Most mobile installations, for safety reasons, position the radio out of the way, under the dashboard, on […]