Antennas, experiments, engineering and other articles of interest to radio folks.
You would think the world of RF connectors of the pedigree of the “N” would rigorously follow the dictates of the standards that define them. Thankfully most do, but exceptions arise and here is one such example of why it pays to “trust, but verify.”
Measurements reveal the effects of common mode current on the J antenna.
Does one really need to upgrade the antenna that came with your HT? Presented are EIRP measurements of various aftermarket HT aerials to help understand the trade space.
A closer look at type 61 ferrite material in various configurations for RG58 reveals the benefits and insufficiencies of chokes in series.
Learning more about several ferrite compositions from the Fair-Rite manufacturer including where to buy them.
I measure one example of a ferrite coax choke for response over frequency to understand its suitability for VHF and UHF.
EIRP measurements of the 2m end-fed half-wave HT antenna from MFJ aids understanding a dipole is a dipole no matter where you feed it.
Thanks to a spiffy new Airspy HF+ SDR receiver I can scratch listening to WWVB off the bucket list.
My MFJ-259 HF/VHF SWR Analyzer required yet another repair to its internal battery holders.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology appears to have the time and frequency broadcast stations on the chopping block given the info contained in their 2019 budget proposal. This is what I wrote to my senator and congressman.
DX Engineering supports the build of the Asymmetrical Hatted Vertical Dipole (AHVD) antenna with standard and two custom parts.
We test a popular VHF/UHF dual band antenna at various angles to reveal antenna tilt on a vehicle matters only in certain circumstances.
A writer details how his ham father dissed his family by losing himself in technology. The story serves as a canary in the coal mine for “social media” then and now.
Near Vertical Incident Skywave (NVIS) propagation works wonders when the bands cooperate, but can slam the door shut at any moment.
The Diamond Antenna NR770HBNMO paired with their K515S insulated luggage rack mount provides measurable and observable upgrade for my 2015 Subaru Forester 2m/440 mobile.
Antenna patterns from a Diamond X50NA reveal how radials of proper size mitigate current running down the feedline and mounting structure.
Compare and contrast conflicting accounts of the amateur radio response to Hurricane Maria featuring what worked well, what didn’t and why resourceful hams combat nature and management.
There are many ways to morph the basic J antenna into useful forms.
QSO data from a state QSO party reveal trends in HF usage correlating with sunspot numbers.
The organizers of the Virginia Packet Network are asking for a few bucks to expand service outside of Virginia.
USD798847S1 showcases one more incremental step towards a J antenna that works with masts and feedlines.
Here is a video of a Virginia amateur radio group passing field day bonus point messages off site using packet radio.
The “mast mountable antenna” patent application is now available to review and critique.
Erroneous specs aside, the N9TAX VHF SlimJim antenna is an exemplary dipole.