Articles written by: OnAllBands

HAM Radio 101

What is Cty.dat?

Cty.dat, or sometimes wl_cty.dat, also known as a “country file.” This file contains the lookup information that translates prefixes of callsigns into country and/or zone multipliers. Software uses this file, […]

HAM Radio 101

Biography: Jack Smith, K8ZOA (SK)

Some Amateur Radio operators leave behind such a legacy of hard work, high-level thinking, and pure devotion to the advancement of the hobby that their call sign will never fade […]

DX Engineering ferrite cores
HAM Radio 101

Word of the Day: Ferrite–What it is and Why You Need It

If your station suffers from radio frequency interference (RFI), today’s Word of Day, ferrite, should become an immediate and permanent part of your Ham Radio vocabulary. Different mixes of ferrite—a […]

compact antenna module
HAM Radio 101

Word of the Day: COMPACTenna

From time to time, our Word of the Day feature will highlight an innovative product from the world of Ham Radio. Today, we look at COMPACTenna’s patented line of small, […]

vibroplex vibrokeyer
HAM Radio 101

What is the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC)?

Today’s Word of the Day column focuses on another organization committed to keeping CW alive and clicking—the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC). Founded in 2006, the group boasts close to […]

HAM Radio 101

CW FISTS Club Overview

For those interested in expanding their knowledge and opportunities to use their CW skills, today’s Word of the Day column highlights an organization exclusively devoted to Morse code operation. Founded […]

HAM Radio 101

Why Join an Amateur Radio Club?

One of the great things about Ham Radio is its ability to bring people together. Whether congregating at a hamfest, attending an educational seminar, making a QSO with a station […]

HAM Radio 101

What Does “RTTY” Stand For?

The CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest will be taking place in a few weeks (Sept. 28-29), so we’ve chosen RTTY for our Word of the Day. For the uninitiated, […]

ARRL November sweepstakes logo
Events / HAM Radio 101

Guide to 2019 Fall Contesting Season

It’s September—the time of year when gridiron giants strap on helmets and shoulder pads while us amateurs strap on headphones and fill our cups with high-octane java for some serious […]

family at ham radio event
Events / Photo Galleries

Photo Gallery: Huntsville Hamfest

The Huntsville Hamfest dates back to August 1954 when the annual North Alabama Hamfest alternated between the communities of Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence.  After a few years, the Hamfest was […]