Those of us who like to operate our radios out in the Big Blue Sky Shack will understand two basic rules: 1. Don't leave home without something important 2. Time is of the essence Rule number 1 is obvious I suppose, but I learned it the hard way. On one occasion I drove nearly an … Continue reading The Best Reasons to Build a Go-Box
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 Neat Trick with a 20m EFHW Wire Antenna
One of my favorite YouTube channels comes from the UK-based Waters and Stanton ham radio store. The presenter is Peter Waters G3OJV who delivers the content is a refreshingly unassuming, soft-spoken manner. Although it is a commercial channel, Peter introduces topics that are of general interest to hams with only modest company promotional content. A … Continue reading A Neat Trick with a 20m EFHW Wire Antenna
Cutting My Losses
I experienced a very rare event this past weekend. I had set up my QRP field portable station at a very busy Lake Huron beach on a hot, sunny July afternoon. The scene was idyllic; blue sky, calm water, thousands of happy people. Deep beneath our feet lay the huge underground caverns of the world's … Continue reading Cutting My Losses
Magically transform a single band ground plane into a multiband antenna – instantly
I call it "electromagnetrickery". You can learn a lot by building your own antennas, much more than if you buy commercial ones. But beware, it becomes addictive - I have a drawer full of empty wire spools to prove it. Sometimes the behaviour of those pesky electromagnetic wavicles delivers unexpected surprises. Here is the story … Continue reading Magically transform a single band ground plane into a multiband antenna – instantly
A Radio Road Trip with the QRP Labs QMX – lessons learned!
The XYL and I took a short break from routine and drove up to Ontario's Muskoka region for 4 days of recreation and radio activity. I packed my QRP Labs QMX transceiver and a selection of antennas hoping to complete a couple of POTA activations. Tour boats moored at Gravenhurst wharf on Lake Muskoka Muskoka … Continue reading A Radio Road Trip with the QRP Labs QMX – lessons learned!
Backpacking with the QMX, a Pocket and a Pole
The QRP Labs QMX transceiver is a miracle of miniaturization. Sure, other rigs have achieved a similar form factor, but not with so many outstanding features built into such a tiny package. At this point I should acknowledge a very worthy exception to the rule - the Elecraft KH1. I don't own a KH1 and … Continue reading Backpacking with the QMX, a Pocket and a Pole
How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
Propagation conditions are tough. It used to be so easy to set up in a park and make your minimum 10 QSOs for a valid activation in as little as 10 minutes. I know, I have done it many times. Now we are at, or near, the peak of solar cycle 25; the Sun is … Continue reading How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
I recently watched G0UPL Hans Summer's presentation at Hamvention 2024 on YouTube. Hans talked about 10 of his junk box projects. As you probably know, Hans is the owner of QRP Labs, a small company that makes excellent QRP radios and accessories and sells them for an unbelievably low price. I really enjoyed the presentation, … Continue reading The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
Surviving the Great Solar Storm of May 2024
We just can't win when it comes to propagation conditions. When the Sun is quiet during the bottom of the 11-year solar cycle, HF propagation conditions are challenging. So we all look forward to the days when the Sun is active and the bands are open again. But when we hit the top of the … Continue reading Surviving the Great Solar Storm of May 2024
Has QRP Ruined Ham Radio?
No wait! Before you and the boys load up your guns, jump in the truck and come-a-huntin' for me, that's not what I really meant. I love QRP. Well most of the time. Admittedly I had one of those "but it was fun anyway" days yesterday - i.e. I got skunked; no contacts, not a … Continue reading Has QRP Ruined Ham Radio?
Ham Radio Outside the Box 