Technical Articles

Guy Line Thimble install video still
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 […]

DX Engineering maxi-core balun
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 […]

America Flag flying over a park pavilion
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 […]

ham radio operators working during a field day
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 […]

DX Engineering horizontal antenna module, mounted
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 […]

Yaesu Mobile ham Radio Transceiver
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 […]

close up of rf coaxial connectors
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 […]

man holding a guy line thimble block
Technical Articles

How to Install Phillystran Cable Grip

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 to […]

Jet Lube Anti Seize bottle
Technical Articles

Tips and Tricks for Checking Your Ground Connections

Have you checked the ground connections on your station? Inside and outside as well. Make sure everything is still solidly connected. Double-check anything outside that a critter could chew, step […]