ham-radio
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20m Comparisons : A look at antenna systems
So, all that follows here is because I had my Windows laptop repaired and I can model antennas again. That, and a cedar-fever head cold that kept me out of the park all weekend converted my schedule into deep-diving into… Continue reading
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DIY Feedlines: Comparing Amazon vs. Quality Coax
We’ve all had or sat in on conversations about procuring material for our stations. It’s like a weeping sore, always needing care in the form of feed lines and adapters. If we’re the slightest bit “crafty” we need wires and… Continue reading
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Feeling A Little Dipolar
So, in every antenna conversation I have in my mind, there’s an old guy in the back who keeps interrupting with, “Use a dipole!” To me, that juice just ain’t worth the squeeze for a portable guy. Getting it up to… Continue reading
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Just Choke it! – Using the NanoVNA
W5DRT and I bought NanoVNAs and I don’t know about Dave, but I’ve been testing everything that doesn’t bite or slap. So playing with this little gadget, I’ve profiled SRW through several transformer into a known resistive load. More fun, I’ve… Continue reading
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2026 Winter Field Day – The High Lonesome
In North Texas, winter always brings an ice storm. More often, a cold snap that lingers a day or two then fades into spring. But sometimes, we get a real chiller – roads ice over, businesses close, pipes freeze, and power fails. This… Continue reading
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Navigating The Parks
My YouTube buddy Ed W4EMB just released a video on Tools To Find And Get To Your Park. He did a great job, you should check it out. He’s inspired me to share what I’ve learned about this topic. I don’t want to drop… Continue reading
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Challenge Accepted!
As a portable operator, my antenna system and the accoutrements necessary to get it deployed are at the core of my decision making processes. If you watch my videos or read these posts, you know I love putting a wire in… Continue reading
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Liberation Day
I saw the surgeon yesterday and he cleared me to do anything that doesn’t hurt. For those of you “not in the know”, I broke a leg several weeks ago – just a small fracture of the tibia – and… Continue reading
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QRP POTA With MTR3B V4 Currahee!
We made it to US-2991 Bonham State Park this morning and I took my new Mountain Topper out for its first activation. Here’s what I brought: Loadout: MTR-3B V4Bioenno 3 AH LiPoBamaKey TP-IIISparkplug 49:1 UnUn w. 20m EFHW wirePOTA 20… Continue reading
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Overcoming Injuries: A POTA Day at US-0548
What an absolutely beautiful day at US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. About 45 degrees. While an overcast sky looked like dirty dish water and the air carried moisture just marginally on the dry side of mist, it was a stunning… Continue reading
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