Sample Solar-Terrestrial Data Table from https://www.hamqsl.com/solar.html HF propagation forecasts have always baffled me. A quick look at the forecast chart produced by Paul N0NBH on his excellent website at: hamqsl.com/solar.html reveals a dizzying collection of data from which Paul draws a conclusion about conditions on each of the HF bands. His forecasts are usually correct, … Continue reading Today’s Weather: 6000 degrees Celsius with a possibility of storms
Author: John VA3KOT
I'm a Canadian amateur radio operator based in Owen Sound, Ontario. I hold an Advanced license and I am passionate about two things: operating outdoors and CW. My blog is focused on the experimental aspects of the hobby. I love to try out new ideas and, being retired, I have the luxury of time to spend doing so. Please like, comment and follow if you enjoy what you read here.
A Most Unusual Vertical Antenna for 20m
There has been quite a lot of online discussion recently about minimizing ham footprints, reducing environmental impact and showing respect for other public space users. Parks on the Air (POTA) has been indelicately described as a 500 pound gorilla due to its immense and still growing popularity among hams. As that growth continues there is … Continue reading A Most Unusual Vertical Antenna for 20m
Can a Manual L-match Get the Job Done?
Or can it be made just a little bit better? In part 3 of my manpack series of posts I discussed how and why I replaced a perfectly good LDG Z-11 Pro autotuner with a home-made manual L-match. To summarize, the autotuner was doing a great job but was using too much space inside the … Continue reading Can a Manual L-match Get the Job Done?
6 Tips for Operating Outdoors in Winter
If you happen to live at a latitude within around 45 degrees of either of the Earth's poles, the word "winter" takes on a whole different meaning. In fact it is more than just latitude that determines climate. Countries such as the UK extend further north than even 55 degrees, but enjoy milder weather due … Continue reading 6 Tips for Operating Outdoors in Winter
Building a Manpack – Part 3, the QRO Rig
As in Parts 1 and 2, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary. Why QRO? I have to admit, I love QRP; I started my HF career as a QRP operator and I … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 3, the QRO Rig
Building a Manpack – Part 2, the QRP Rig
As in Part 1, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary. Complete station fits into a plastic "50 caliber ammo case" The complete station - radio, battery, paddles, phones and antenna fits neatly … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 2, the QRP Rig
Building a Manpack – Part 1, the Antenna
To start, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary . The HFpack group of /PM enthusiasts are the experts in operating Pedestrian Mobile. Personally I prefer the Pedestrian Stationary style of operating. The … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 1, the Antenna
Year End Review
I am very pleased to learn that Ham Radio Outside the Box appeared in 2 of the top 10 posts in 2023 on Ham Radio Weekly. The post "A strange but proven antenna" occupied 8th place and "A 200ft wire antenna up zero feet" came in at 4th place. Many thanks to Cale K4HCK who … Continue reading Year End Review
Is Your Rig Rugged Enough for Field Deployment?
The term "field deployment" can be interpreted in many different ways. To some it could be as simple and easy as setting up inside a warm, dry, comfy vehicle - although I'll admit it can get darn cold inside a vehicle in winter at northern latitudes. Up, Up and Away Field deployment can also mean … Continue reading Is Your Rig Rugged Enough for Field Deployment?
RandomGram – Secret Code, or Just CW Fun?
Some time ago I wrote a post on Ham Radio Outside The Box with the title "Six Weeks to Live". It was a fictional story, based on historical fact, about the courageous members of the Allied Special Operations Executive working behind enemy lines on the European mainland during World War 2. Their task was to … Continue reading RandomGram – Secret Code, or Just CW Fun?
Ham Radio Outside the Box 