Word of the Day (HAM): What Does HAM Mean in Amateur Radio?
Editor’s Note: CW? SWR? QRM? Yes, Amateur Radio has its own lingo–and we’ll cover that unique terminology in our daily Word of the Day column. We’re kicking off our Word […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Articles written by: OnAllBands
HAM Radio 101
Technical Articles
Video Tech: Establishing Hot Spots for Your D-Star Radio
Ken, KA8ODA, is DX Engineering‘s digital mode specialist. In this video, he takes you through the hows and whys of establishing a hot spot in your home. “What a hot […]
Technical Articles
Tips for Handling Fiberglass Tubing for HAM Radio Applications
Many amateur radio projects use fiberglass tubing and there are some precautions you should take when handling it. When the tubing arrives – before you open the box – be prepared. There […]
Technical Articles
Guide to Amateur Radio Frequencies and Bands
Many hams equate frequencies and bands with colloquial usage. Therefore VHF is 2 meters, specifically 144 to 148 MHz, and HF is 160 through 6 meters, just like on our […]
Technical Articles / Weatherproofing and Grounding
Copper Strap vs. Copper Braid in Amateur Radio Grounding
Tinned-copper braid has been around for a long, long time. It’s been used in many grounding applications because of its flexibility and ease of soldering. It’s great for grounding radio […]
Technical Articles / Weatherproofing and Grounding
The Importance of Weatherproofing Lightning Protectors
Most amateur radio operators (hams) know they should weatherproof any coaxial cable connections that are outdoors to prevent moisture entering your coax connectors. However, many hams don’t realize you must […]
Technical Articles
Coax Switches: What to Consider When Buying a Coax Switch
“Wow! I just got another transceiver. I’m gonna need a coax switch. I’ll get a used switch off the web.” Bad idea… Used coax (coaxial) switches come in all conditions. […]
Technical Articles
Polarity on BALUNS Explained!
Q: If RF is a high frequency AC signal, why are there plus and minus signs on a balun? A: Keep in mind that we are usually connecting a ‘BALanced’ […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
Tips for Mounting a Vertical Antenna Above Ground
We received a question from a Ham in Oklahoma about mounting a Cushcraft R8. Although our answer was aimed at the Cushcraft R8, the information can be used for other vertical […]
Technical Articles
Why is CW (Continuous Wave) Still Around?
CW stands for Continuous Wave. In CW communications, a continuous carrier is transmitted as long as the key contacts are closed. By making and breaking the contacts into specific patterns, characters […]
