Amateur Radio for Smart People
Radio wave propagation plays a pivotal role in the world of amateur radio, dictating how signals travel over distances and ultimately determine the reach and clarity of communications. This phenomenon, governed by the principles of physics and influenced by the Earth’s atmosphere and surface, is crucial for amateur radio operators to understand and utilize effectively. … Read more
In 1886, Heinrich Hertz embarked on a series of experiments that would irrevocably alter the course of scientific understanding and technological development. His work not only demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves but also validated the theoretical predictions made by James Clerk Maxwell two decades earlier. Maxwell’s equations, a set of differential equations formulated in … Read more
Antennas serve as the critical interface between the world of radio waves propagating through free space and the electric currents flowing in conductors. This fundamental component of radio communication systems plays a pivotal role in transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic energy that enables radios to send and receive information over vast distances. The effectiveness of … Read more
The electromagnetic spectrum represents an expansive continuum of all electromagnetic waves, organized by their frequency or wavelength. This spectrum covers everything from the shortest gamma rays to the longest radio waves, each with unique properties and applications. We will introduce this spectrum, with a particular focus on the segments allocated for amateur radio. By understanding … Read more
James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish physicist, made an indelible mark on the field of physics with his profound contributions, most notably his theory of electromagnetism. Born in 1831, Maxwell’s work bridged the gap between the mechanical and the electromagnetic, a leap that would fundamentally alter our understanding of the physical world. In 1865, through “A … Read more
Radio waves, the unsung heroes of the electromagnetic spectrum, serve as the cornerstone of amateur radio, enabling enthusiasts to experiment, communicate, and explore a world invisible to the naked eye. These waves, oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light, embody the confluence of physics, engineering, and art that … Read more
Remember when I said there would be Changes Coming….? Well, It’s time! Over the next couple of weeks the site is going to get an overhaul. A big one. I’ve removed the shop and practice test links from the menu, because, well, they were outdated garbage. I’ll add them back eventually, once I figure out … Read more
