When is an Antenna Tuner not an Antenna Tuner?
When is an antenna tuner not an antenna tuner? Answer: all the time! “Antenna tuner” is really a bad name for the devices that present a low SWR to our transmitters and […]
An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering Technical Articles
Technical Articles
Products & Product Reviews / Technical Articles
Mailbag: Using a Thimble with EHS Guy Wire or Phillystran Guy Line Big Grips
Q: When should I use a thimble with EHS Guy Wire or Phillystran Guy line Big Grips? A: Whenever a Big Grip is attached to a metal guy bracket or guy anchor, you should always use an appropriately-sized thimble. The thimble […]
Technical Articles
Tech Tip: Ham Station Computer Operations
Computer-based radio operations are fun! Completely integrate your station with your computer, starting with THE all-in-one software solution, Ham Radio Deluxe. “HRD” is an advanced, visually appealing program that displays and […]
Technical Articles
How to Install Cable Grips on Phillystran Guy Line
Tim, W3YQ, and Tom, A8AZ, demonstrate the proper way to install Cable Grips on Phillystran Guy Line. Once you see how this done properly, it makes the task much easier […]
Technical Articles
Balun Fundamentals and Terms
Balun is an acronym for BALanced to UNbalanced, which describes certain circuit behavior in a transmission line, source, or load. Most communications applications deal with two-terminal sources, transmission lines, and […]
Events / Field Day / Technical Articles
Field Day Safety Checklist: 10 Safety Tips for Successful Field Day
While Field Day offers lots of opportunities for fun, there are many hazards as well. It’s why the ARRL encourages clubs to appoint a safety officer and assistants who are […]
Events / Field Day / Technical Articles
4 Tips for Operating a GOTA (Get On the Air) Station on Field Day
One of the coolest parts of ARRL Field Day is watching a new licensee get on the air for the first time. Many longtime Amateur Radio operators can remember the […]
Antenna Tech / Technical Articles
Horizontal Antennas–Why Higher is Better When it Comes to Mounting
Dipole and broadband antenna efficiency is a constant debate. Efficiency most commonly is watts in, watts out. It’s well known that to radiate well, horizontal antennas should be at least […]
Technical Articles
Cheap and Easy Ways to Improve Mobile Radio Receiver Performance
Question: What’s an easy and inexpensive way of improving my mobile radio receiver performance? Most mobile installations, for safety reasons, position the radio out of the way, under the dashboard, on […]
Technical Articles
Two Rules to Avoid Confusion About Coaxial Connectors
Rule 1: Coaxial connectors are not pipes. RF connector gender is determined by center pin, NOT by their threads. Coaxial cable connectors have specific designations and their gender is determined by […]
