Tag: CW

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 →

I waited 6 months for my factory assembled QRP Labs QMX to arrive – was it worth the wait? Really?

Was it worth the wait? Oh, yes! Let me say up front that I could have ordered the kit version and received it much faster, but my aging eyes just aren't up to the job of all that delicate soldering work. But, eventually, it arrived and I couldn't be more pleased. So how am I … Continue reading I waited 6 months for my factory assembled QRP Labs QMX to arrive – was it worth the wait? Really? →

5 Tips for Field Expedient Radio Operations in the Big Blue Sky Shack

I first became interested in operating amateur radio in the great outdoors (aka the Big Blue Sky Shack) over 20 years ago and since that time it has become a passion. The passion is partly inspired by the exploits of secret agents behind enemy lines during the Second World War. These people didn't have to … Continue reading 5 Tips for Field Expedient Radio Operations in the Big Blue Sky Shack →

Antennas: a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside an Enigma

I owe the title of this post to Sir Winston Churchill who once used it to describe a country that is prominently in the news at the present time. It seemed an appropriate description for ham antennas too because the more I know about antennas, the more I realize how much I don't know. Maybe … Continue reading Antennas: a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside an Enigma →

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! →

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 →