There is no doubt about the popularity of the End-Fed Half-Wave antenna. It is used by a very large number of hams, especially during portable operations like POTA, SOTA, WWFF etc. Why is it so popular? The principal reason seems to be ease of deployment. The EFHW requires only a single support and can even … Continue reading Matching an EFHW antenna – a third way
Tag: POTA
I KISSed my Antenna – Here’s Why …
Many years ago I learned about a design technique called KISS. It was an acronym for "Keep It Sweet and Simple". Somewhere along life's journey I started seeing the acronym change to the rather offensive "Keep It Simple Stupid" which I entirely dislike. There are many sound reasons for simplifying a design but none of … Continue reading I KISSed my Antenna – Here’s Why …
What 3 Words? – Maidenhead Grid Squares!
I was taking a walk in a local park recently. The Sydenham river flows through the park and plunges over the Niagara Escarpment creating a local attraction called Inglis Falls. Usually a very pretty sight, but during the spring thaw and following a heavy rainfall, it had become a raging torrent of water that was … Continue reading What 3 Words? – Maidenhead Grid Squares!
25 Years a Ham and Still Learning
I actually got my "ticket" a little late in life. I spent many years as an SWL, then college, career and a family took priority. By the time my wife and I became empty-nesters I had combined my passion for radio and Space "the final frontier" by chasing satellites; military satellites mainly. I formed the … Continue reading 25 Years a Ham and Still Learning
A Ham with One Voltmeter Always Knows the Battery Voltage
Is this too high Hans? There is a popular old saying about a man with one clock always knowing what time it is, but a man with two clocks is never sure. Well doesn't that also apply to voltmeters and any other kind of meter in a ham's kit bag? The Ham Radio Outside the … Continue reading A Ham with One Voltmeter Always Knows the Battery Voltage
An End-Fed Half Wave Antenna – with no impedance transformer?
One of the great benefits of being a ham radio blogger is that it opens up a new door to learning. Through that door comes valuable input from readers of Ham Radio Outside the Box. Let me state one thing very clearly: I am not an expert; the intent of this blog is to report … Continue reading An End-Fed Half Wave Antenna – with no impedance transformer?
A Quick and Easy QRP Emergency Field Antenna
I once drove to a park about 45 minutes away from home to do a POTA activation then realized I had left my antenna at home. <<Panic>>. I improvised by digging a 33ft wire out of my pack, cutting it in half and hastily erecting a V-dipole with its ends only about 10ft above the … Continue reading A Quick and Easy QRP Emergency Field Antenna
Are You a Rag Chewer or a “59 73” Operator?
I have had this topic in mind for quite a long time but have hesitated to write about it. Why? Because it is probably one of the most controversial topics in amateur radio. However, at the risk of causing a heated debate, and because I am still snowed in and unable to get out to … Continue reading Are You a Rag Chewer or a “59 73” Operator?
Fighting the winter blues with a little radio therapy
The winter takes it all - aka A Brief Break Activity We haven't had this much winter snow for several years. Every day seems to bring a fresh snowfall to add to the accumulation on the ground. My poor John Deere snowblower is getting a real workout keeping the driveway clear. I live on the … Continue reading Fighting the winter blues with a little radio therapy
How to Really Make the QMX Ready for the Big Blue Sky Shack
The QRP Labs QMX is a wonder of modern technology. By employing an SDR hardware platform a whole plethora of features can be made available by simply installing new firmware. I absolutely love my QMX. It has become my most used radio for field operations. I grumbled into my beer glass about the long wait … Continue reading How to Really Make the QMX Ready for the Big Blue Sky Shack
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