TechTip #5: When is a balun not a balun?

TechTips are occasional brief posts describing easy ways to do difficult things. What is a balun? The simplest definition is "a device for connecting a balanced line to an unbalanced line." Many hams use the term generically to refer to the device that goes in between the antenna wire and the coax. In some cases … Continue reading TechTip #5: When is a balun not a balun? →

TechTip#4: How to support a raised counterpoise wire on rocky, sandy or snowy ground

TechTips are occasional brief posts describing easy ways to do difficult things. Picture this scenario: a portable operator is setting up an antenna in a park on a nice sunny day in summer. The antenna requires one or more raised counterpoise wires. After raising the antenna, he walks to the far end of the counterpoise … Continue reading TechTip#4: How to support a raised counterpoise wire on rocky, sandy or snowy ground →

TechTip #3 Improving the “Titanic” 40m field expedient backpack portable antenna

TechTips on Ham Radio Outside the Box are brief posts of a technical nature. Back in October 2024 Ham Radio Outside the Box introduced an interesting design for a compact, field portable antenna for the 40m band. Named the "Titanic", it was a T-antenna similar in appearance to the one used on the tragically famous … Continue reading TechTip #3 Improving the “Titanic” 40m field expedient backpack portable antenna →

TechTip #3 Radials and counterpoises

TechTips on Ham Radio Outside Outside the Box are occasional short posts on specific technical topics. But beware, along with regular posts here on this blog, the content is not a definitive technical treatise and should not be read as such. I write about my own opinions and experiences; your opinions and experiences may be … Continue reading TechTip #3 Radials and counterpoises →