Few topics in amateur radio generate more debate than the question of dipole versus vertical antennas. I have used both extensively over the years on 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters, and the truth is that neither antenna is universally better. They simply behave differently once they are on the air. A dipole is usually … Read more
If there’s one topic that every experienced radio operator eventually develops strong opinions about, it’s thunderstorms. Whether I’m operating HF, listening to shortwave broadcasts, experimenting with SDRs, or monitoring utility stations late at night, there’s always one thing in the back of my mind during storm season: lightning. Over the years I’ve noticed that newer … Read more
FT8 is a digital ham radio mode designed for making reliable contacts using extremely weak radio signals. Created by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN), FT8 has become one of the most popular amateur radio operating modes because it allows operators to communicate over long distances even when band conditions are poor. Using software … Read more
Shortwave listening becomes far more enjoyable once you connect your radio to a proper external antenna. While many portable radios include a small telescopic whip antenna, they are often limited when it comes to pulling in weaker international broadcasts, amateur radio operators, utility stations, and distant signals. The good news is that you do not … Read more
Ham radio frequencies are organized into specific amateur radio bands that allow operators to communicate locally, regionally, or worldwide depending on the frequency and propagation conditions. For beginners, understanding where different types of activity occur can feel overwhelming at first. Some bands are best for long-distance HF contacts, while others focus on local repeaters, emergency … Read more
Find the best two-way radios for your bug-out bag or SHTF prep. Compare license-free (FRS) and licensed (GMRS) options for reliable communication.
Finding a practical HF antenna for a small property is one of the biggest challenges facing new amateur radio operators today. Full-size dipoles require space, towers are expensive, and stealth installations often involve compromise. That is exactly where compact multiband vertical antennas like the Harvest Taurus RO-109 HF6M enter the picture. The RO-109 promises coverage … Read more
One of the most misunderstood controls on modern receivers is bandwidth. I see a lot of beginners — and even experienced operators — running filters far wider than necessary, especially on SDR software. The result is usually the same: more hiss, more adjacent-channel interference, and less intelligible audio. In the video, I demonstrate a simple … Read more
If you spend enough time in the radio hobby, eventually you start comparing gear instead of simply listening with it. That is exactly what I found myself doing while tuning into WBCQ on multiple receivers. I wanted to compare a modern ham radio transceiver against dedicated shortwave receivers and see how each handled real-world listening … Read more
One of the first things new ham radio operators discover is that antennas matter far more than they initially expected. Many beginners spend hours researching radios, comparing transmit power, display features, or digital capabilities, only to discover that even an inexpensive radio can perform surprisingly well when connected to a quality antenna. Meanwhile, a high-end … Read more
