Category: QRP

A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX

Solar cycle 25 is rapidly approaching its peak. That means propagation conditions are very favorable for QRP operations again. Add to that the ever increasing popularity of outdoor operating programs like Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA) and there has never been a better time to hit the Big Blue … Continue reading A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX →

Improving a Ground Tuning Unit – using binary coded inductance and capacitance

There are 10 types of people in this world; those who understand binary notation and those who don't. Some years ago I experimented with using a Ground Tuning Unit (GTU a.k.a. Artificial Ground) to replace radials/counterpoises on my field expedient vertical antennas. A GTU is simply a series L-C tuned circuit with a current sensor … Continue reading Improving a Ground Tuning Unit – using binary coded inductance and capacitance →

Venturing Outside the Box with the End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna

So many words have been written about the popular End-Fed Half-Wave antenna that you would think it would be "settled science" by now. For several years I have been building EFHWs according to accepted wisdom, but my inquisitive mind always seeks to question why they are built that way and could they be improved? You … Continue reading Venturing Outside the Box with the End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna →

Field Testing the Antenna Called “Long Tall Sally”: Oops and Downs!

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about a new vertical antenna concept that I dubbed "Long Tall Sally". To recap; I wanted a field portable antenna that occupies a very small footprint. The trade-off of a reduced footprint is an increase in height. This involved stretching a quarter-wave vertical for 20m into … Continue reading Field Testing the Antenna Called “Long Tall Sally”: Oops and Downs! →

Today’s Weather: 6000 degrees Celsius with a possibility of storms

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 →

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 →