VHF Propagation


VHF Propagation   Do you want to know if the VHF bands are open?  Take a look at this hourly updated map to find out.  http://aprs.mennolink.org/ This map shows actual radio propagation from stations operated near 144 MHz. It uses data gathered by Automatic Packet Reporting System-Internet Service (APRS-IS) from packet stations in the amateur radio service. The map shows activity that has happened … Continue reading VHF Propagation

Interested in 50 MHz and above?


For those of you interested in 50mhz and above.....Archive of several dozen technical presentations is available on the 50 MHz and Up Group for your stay-at-home reading pleasure.  It is at http://50mhzandup.org/archive.html and includes info on our 10 GHz linear translator, talks on building 10 thru 122 GHz radios, IF SDRs, EME rover stressed dishes, waveguide transitions … Continue reading Interested in 50 MHz and above?

Cheap Portable Multi-band Antenna by K3DZM


Article submitted by K3DZM While pondering a portable antenna the other night, I decided I wanted to build such a beast with parts that were staring me in the face!  It was partly an antenna in theory with material creativity mixed in.  The antenna was not designed to be a permanent outside antenna, since the materials in … Continue reading Cheap Portable Multi-band Antenna by K3DZM

Why Open Wire Fed Dipoles Need To Be Balanced


It is important, if you're using a dipole antenna fed with open wire line feeders, to try and keep the antenna balanced. The first rule is to make sure both sides of the antenna are the same physical length. Sometimes, even when doing that, the antenna will not be balanced due to the asymmetrical issue. … Continue reading Why Open Wire Fed Dipoles Need To Be Balanced