Amateur Radio for Smart People
Introduction The invention of the transistor in 1947 marked a turning point in the history of electronics. This tiny semiconductor device, capable of amplifying and switching electronic signals, revolutionized the world of electronics, paving the way for smaller, more efficient, and more reliable equipment. In the realm of amateur radio, the transition from vacuum tubes … Read more
Introduction Morse code, a method of encoding text characters as standardized sequences of two different signal durations, called dots and dashes, has remained a resilient and efficient mode of communication. It’s particularly revered in the world of amateur radio, where it serves not just as a bridge to the past but as a testament to … Read more
The ionosphere is an important part of the mechanism of long-distance radio communication, acting as both a facilitator and a barrier for signals traversing the globe. This layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, charged with ions and free electrons, interacts with radio waves in ways that can extend or limit their journey across distances. Understanding the … Read more
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
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
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
Well, I thought I’d get the HF “Go kit” out, set up and make a few contacts for this year’s Winter Field Day. While I did just that, I failed to make any contacts at all… but I’ll get to that in a minute. First, what’s “Winter Field Day” all about anyway? Well, much like … Read more
