Articles written by: Mark Haverstock, K8MSH

HAM Radio 101

Ham Radio 101: Five Types of Operators You Should Want to Be

Getting on the bands for the first time is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences for any amateur radio operator. But don’t stop there! Whether it’s golf, rock […]

HAM Radio 101

Ham Radio 101: Help for the Morse Impaired

On February 23, 2007, the FCC eliminated the Morse code requirement for all U.S.-issued amateur licenses. Within 72 hours of the announcement, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) staff reported […]

Screwdriver antenna base
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

What is a Screwdriver Antenna?

When I first heard the term screwdriver antenna, I thought it was a joke. I immediately thought of stories about loading wet noodles, bedsprings, and random trees in the forest […]

SFR RF-100 bandwidth filer control box
Field Day / Technical Articles

Minimizing Interference on Field Day

Whenever two or more transceivers are used in close proximity, there is some level of interference involved. This level can vary from practically no problem at all to actually overloading […]

Rigexpert AA-55 Antenna analyzer
Antennas and Tuners / Technical Articles

Proper Use of Antenna Analyzers for Ham Radio Operators

Antenna analyzers are generally used during the building and tuning of antennas. It’s a tool that helps you physically adjust the length of the antenna and check the entire antenna […]

Ham Radio 6 Meter Loop Antenna
Technical Articles

Ham Radio 101: Six Meter Magic

Try, try, try to understand, it’s a magic band. (Apologies to the rock band Heart–too bad they didn’t know about 6 meters.) “The Magic Band” is a phrase used to […]

DX Engineering RF Coaxial Connectors
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

Spring Antenna Repairs and Upgrades for Ham Radio Stations

With all the storms that pounded us this winter, now is the time to check your antennas for wear and damage. How do you check for problems and where do […]

LDG SWR RF Power Meter
Technical Articles

What Hams Need to Know About S-Meters

What is the first bit of information we typically give or receive when we begin an on-air QSO? It’s the signal report, of course. Sure, we’ll talk about the weather, […]

dipole antenna block diagram
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles

Ham Radio 101: What is a Fan Dipole Antenna?

A dipole is the go-to antenna for many hams, but why is it so popular? Beacause it’s an inexpensive, yet effective antenna you can build yourself using wire, insulators and […]

DX Engineering Rig Key Line Module
Technical Articles

Getting Your Share in Ham Radio

Mom always said to share. That’s good advice, even for hams. But what if sharing is a pain—plugging and unplugging, moving connections, or constantly rewiring to coordinate your station? Sure, […]