Yaesu FTM-500DR
Initial Setup Upon unboxing and setting up my new FTM-500DR by first connecting it to an antenna and power supply, I was pleased to see a very simple initial setup screen and simply only had to enter my call sign, … Continued
MFJ Octopus
My First Impression In the deep dive into searching for the perfect portable antenna to take on camping trip that is also suitable for NVIS propagation one that came to mind is the Multiband Ham Stick Dipole setup. Upon receiving … Continued
Radio Etiquette Basics
The Basics Repeater Operating Before you make your first FM repeater contact, you should learn some repeater operating techniques. It’s worth a few minutes to listen and familiarize yourself with the procedures used by other hams in your area. Accepted … Continued
ITU/NATO Phonetic Alphabet
Why we use it: Amateur radio operators use the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet to improve communication clarity and accuracy. The ITU phonetic alphabet, also known as the NATO phonetic alphabet, is a standardized system of phonetic spelling used … Continued
The Ionosphere and the Role it Plays in HF Propagation
The ionosphere is a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation. It plays a crucial role in the propagation of high-frequency (HF) radio waves. When an HF radio wave is transmitted, it travels through the atmosphere … Continued
What is NVIS?
NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) is a radio communication technique used to communicate over relatively short distances using high-frequency radio waves. The primary advantage of NVIS over other long-distance radio communication techniques is that it can be used to communicate … Continued
Understanding HF Propagation
High-frequency (HF) propagation is a critical component of long-distance communication, particularly for amateur radio operators and those involved in emergency communications. Understanding HF propagation is essential for anyone who wants to communicate over long distances using radio waves. Radio waves … Continued