New hams often wonder what they’ll do or say over the radio after they get their license. All that jargon that hams use can seem like a foreign language to those who’ve had little exposure to amateur radio. But there is no need to be self-conscious. After reading this, you’ll become fluent in repeater speak in no time.

Common Amateur Radio Repeater Terms

Chances are your first QSO (communication) will happen on a local VHF or UHF repeater using a handheld transceiver (HT). Repeaters have their own terminology, like courtesy beep, DTMF, and split. However, this split doesn’t involve bananas and courtesy beeps shouldn’t be confused with roger beeps used by CBers. You’ve probably used DTMF before, but in a different context—on your phone.

Here are some repeater terms you may encounter while you’re on the radio.

A Glossary of Ham Radio Repeater Terms

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• Break: A word used to interrupt a conversation on a repeater to indicate there’s an emergency. You should say “break, break, break” to be sure you’re heard. It’s not used to join a conversation.
• Deviation: This refers to the change in the carrier frequency of an FM transmitter produced by the modulating signal. If you’re told your transceiver is over-deviating, talk farther away from the microphone to avoid distortion.
• Double: Two or more stations transmitting simultaneously on the same frequency, often without knowing it. The one with the strongest signal wins, but if it’s a tie, neither is heard.
• Full Quieting: This term usually signifies a good quality signal on a repeater or FM transmission. It means that your signal is clear, free of static, and easily readable.
• Half-Duplex: Radio communication using two frequencies, one for receive and one for transmit—one radio at a time.
• Hang Time: This is a cure for the double. Waiting briefly between transmissions allows smooth transitions. It also gives others a chance to join in the conversation.
• Kerchunking: You have an HT, but will it reach the local repeater? Turning it on, you briefly hit the transmit button and hear a tone in response. Satisfied, you try it again—and again. That’s kerchunking—keying up a repeater just because you can. It can really become annoying to anyone monitoring the frequency. The proper way is to say your call sign when you transmit, or something like “KE8XYZ, testing.” I even heard of one repeater that reportedly responds with “kerchunk” if it is keyed and no audio is detected.
• Machine: This refers to the repeater system itself. You might hear something like, “The 37/97 machine has the best coverage in the county.”
• Offset/Split: If the repeater output is 146.840 MHz, the input or the frequency the repeater receiver listens on is 146.240 MHz (600 kHz below 146.840 MHz). The offset prevents transmit and receive signals interfering with each other at the repeater.
  • If you’re tuned to 146.840 MHz, when you push the mic button your radio automatically transmits on 146.240 MHz, 600 kHz down from 146.840. When you release the mic button, your radio switches back to 146.840 MHz to listen on the repeater’s output frequency. Confused? No worries—virtually all ham radios sold today set the offset automatically.
• Open Repeater: A repeater that may be used by any licensed ham radio operator is considered open. Closed repeaters are restricted to exclusive groups, such as members of a club.
• PL Tone: PL (private line) tones or CTCSS (continuous tone-coded squelch system) tones are sub-audible tones of 300 Hz and below that are transmitted and detected by radios and repeaters. The tone is transmitted when you talk, and the repeater lets you through if you’re using the correct tone. It’s used to prevent people accidentally keying up on a repeater frequency or a repeater interfering with another repeater during a band opening.
• Repeater Directory: It’s a publication that lists repeaters in the U.S., Canada, and other areas. A popular repeater directory is published annually by the ARRL (below). You can also find directories on the Internet from many sources. Do a repeater directory search to locate them.
• Simplex: This is communication where hams receive and transmit on the same frequency without using the repeater. It’s also called talk around. You can do this to avoid tying up the repeater, especially if you’re not far apart.
• Time Out: No, you don’t have to sit in the corner. This happens when a person talks too long and the repeater time-out timer (TOT) temporarily shuts down the transmitter. There will be a short pause, then the repeater will reset and the conversation continues.

Try the DX Engineering N8DXE Repeater!

If you’re ever near Akron, Ohio, you can access the DX Engineering Amateur Radio Club (N8DXE) repeater at 146.985 MHz. It was recently upgraded to the Icom ID-RP2010V repeater, which allows for both digital and analog operation. D-STAR gateway access is unchanged. For analog, there is no PL to access the repeater. However, the repeater will transmit a 110.9 Hz tone so you can set up your analog radio for Tone Squelch. This will allow you to filter out the digital traffic. Of course, if you are in digital mode, it already filters out the analog traffic.

The post Ham Radio 101: Understanding Repeater Speak appeared first on OnAllBands.

Premiered at Dayton Hamvention® 2024, the DX Engineering High CMI (Common Mode Impedance) Receive Feedline Choke (DXE-RXFC-75) achieves exceptionally high isolation between the input and output connector shields to effectively block common-mode RF noise and unwanted signals that collect on 75-ohm receive antenna feedlines. The choke—the result of ongoing work by DX Engineering’s research and development team—makes an ideal choice for typical and advanced low-band receive antenna systems.

Before we get into the nuts and wires of the DXE-RXFC-75, you may be asking, “What exactly is a common-mode current and why is it harmful?

For our answer, we turn to Ward Silver, N0AX, who explains it in his OnAllBands article, “Baluns and Common-Mode Impedance: How Much is Enough?”

“In this article, common-mode current, or CMC, means current flowing on the outside of a coaxial cable shield. Because of the skin effect, the inside and outside surfaces of the shield can carry different currents. Fields from current on the outside (the common-mode current) are not canceled by fields from an opposing current as they are for the shield and center conductor currents inside the coax. This means common-mode current will radiate like any current on a wire, and external fields picked up by the shield from the transmitted signal or from other signals or noise will create common-mode current on the shield.”

Ward Silver, N0AX

So why block CMC? As the article above notes, blocking CMC reduces re-radiation that distorts the radiation pattern and reduces re-radiation near equipment that can cause RFI.

About the DXE-RXFC-75 High CMI Receive Feedline Choke

Covering 100 kHz through 30 MHz, the DXE-RXFC-75 Receive Feedline Choke exhibits very high common mode impedance (see specs below), typically over 7,500 ohms across the 160, 80, and 40 meter bands. It features DC pass capability up to 700 mA at 13.8VDC, with extremely low SWR and negligible insertion loss.

The DXE-RXFC-75 has a nominal impedance of 75 ohms with Type-F connectors to prevent accidental connection to transmitting equipment. The choke is built into a two-inch square plastic box, 1.5 inches deep, with non-directional input and output F connectors on opposite sides. It’s permanently sealed to prevent changes to the precisely adjusted components by physical shock or internal moisture. The top and bottom sides each have 7/16-inch flanges with 3/16-inch holes for mounting (hardware not included).

DXE-RXFC-75 High CMI Receive Feedline Choke Specs

Nominal Common Mode Impedance by Frequency (Approximate)

• 100 kHz – 1,250 ohms
• 200 kHz – 2,500 ohms
• 1.8 MHz – 8,000 ohms
• 3.8 MHz – 10,000 ohms
• 8.0 MHz – 8,000 ohms
• 21.0 MHz – 4,500 ohms
• 30.0 MHz – 2,500 ohms

Insertion Loss

• 0.1 dB at 1.8 MHz
• 0.2 dB at 7 MHz
• 0.4 dB at 30 MHz

VSWR: <1.25:1 maximum; 1.06:1 at 7 MHz, nominal

Some Things to Consider About the DXE-RXFC-75

• Receive feedline chokes do not reduce ambient or propagated RF noise that is received by the antenna, nor do they reduce RF noise in a receiver that is conducted by a power main or noise that originates inside a power supply.
  
• Low-noise receive antennas are traditionally located away from electrical wiring and other noise sources for improved signal-to-noise performance. However, local and propagated RF noise and other unwanted long, medium, and shortwave signals can energize the outside of the feedline shield. Installing a DX Engineering High CMI Receive Feedline Choke blocks the direct path for that RF noise to the feedpoint of a low-noise antenna, through the feedline shield connections between the station equipment and the receive antenna system.
  
• This choke should be placed at the antenna end of the feedline, at the receive array phasing unit, or remote switch end of the coaxial cable, or at both ends of very long receive antenna coax cable runs. Installed in line with the receive antenna feedline, it’s a passive device which requires no power and does require a direct ground connection. It should be installed on the long coaxial cable side of any ground connection.
  
• Receive feedline chokes cannot be used on the output of a transceiver. Transmitted RF energy will cause permanent damage to the DXE-RXFC-75.

Find more baluns, UNUNS, and feedline chokes—including DX Engineering’s top-of-the-line Maxi-Core® 20 baluns and chokes—at DXEngineering.com.

The post New Product Spotlight: DX Engineering High CMI Receive Feedline Choke appeared first on OnAllBands.

Power. It is one of the most important aspects of running an operation. But what if you don’t have access to AC power or a storm knocks out all power in your area?  

What Are Your Backup Power Options?

There are some differences if you are at home or in the field. At home you will want to power more than just a radio and its accessories—things like a refrigerator, air conditioning, and internet service.

What you want is an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). These can be as little or as large as you can afford. Most of us have small units connected to our computers for safe shutdown. There are room size UPS units that back up large data centers, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.

The big question is how much runtime do you get? This is almost solely dependent on…

…you guessed it. Batteries.

Lead-acid batteries, most often deep-cycle, are a good choice for emergency power. They are rugged and have relatively low energy density. The deep-cycle option also handles a slow discharge well. They can be used with or without a battery box. A battery box can be purchased or homemade. The cost is on the lower side for batteries as well. The main disadvantage is that they can be extremely heavy, which is usually not an issue for home use.

The next option for home use is a generator, like the Generac GP3600 Series Portable Generator shown below. These can provide power for an extended time period and are rugged. However, generators are bulky and not easy to move. You also need to have fuel to power them and keep them running smoothly.

Solar is a good choice for home and portable use. It also has the advantage of being environmentally friendly. A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (PV), is a device that converts light into electric current using the photovoltaic effect. Multiple solar cells are connected inside modules and modules are wired together to form arrays. The arrays are then tied to an inverter, which produces power at the desired voltage.

A large array for maximum power can become very expensive. Home solar systems often have a way to store excess energy and feed it back into the power grid. Portable solar panels come in many shapes and sizes that you can roll up, fold up, or fold over for easy storage. Straight panels that are more rigid are a good option as well.

You’ll find several solar power options at DXEngineering.com, including Bioenno Power foldable solar panels and solar charge controllers, and the Samlex Solar Portable and Foldable Solar Battery Charging Kit below.

So, what are some good options for people out on a field exercise or during a Parks on the Air activation?

A choice that is growing in popularity is a power station, like the A-iPower 300W Lithium Portable Power Station below. It includes outlets for USB and 12-volt power, with receptacle plugs for easy hookup and power supply. While power stations are relatively lightweight, they may not be the best option for tossing into a backpack from a weight perspective.

Another extremely popular option is the lithium iron phosphate battery. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is an inorganic compound with the formula LiFePO4. Some of its advantages include long cycle lifetimes, high power density, wide operating temperature range, and easy transportability due to its light weight. You can find a range of Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12VDC batteries (see the 12 Ah model below) and battery/charger combos at DXEngineering.com.

What is your favorite alternative or backup power? Questions?

Share them in the comments below or email me at KE8FMJ@gmail.com.

The post Backup Power for Home & Field appeared first on OnAllBands.

Plus New Cable Gripper for RG-400 Size Coax

Wouldn’t it be great if all connectors were uniform, and you didn’t have to worry about A fitting into B, and B fitting into C? As any ham knows, variety is the spice of building and maintaining an amateur radio station. It’s just one of the aspects of the hobby that makes being an operator endlessly interesting and challenging.

While DX Engineering enjoys the challenges, we also relish the opportunity to make life a bit simpler for our fellow hams by coming up with solutions to common problems, which is the subject of this blog entry.

Problem: What if two devices, say, your transceiver, switch, meter, lightning protector, or antenna, have opposite female connectors—one type-N and the other SO-239?

Solution: DX Engineering 400MAX Type-N to PL-259 Low-Loss 50-Ohm Coaxial Adapter Cable Assemblies

Available in lengths up to 300 feet (3, 6, 50, and 100 feet assemblies are in stock, other lengths are custom-made by special order), these assemblies make an excellent choice over less-reliable straight adapters. The cable assemblies are:

• Made for any job (HF, VHF, and UHF)
• Terminated with one top-quality silver-plated Type-N male connector and one patented Next Generation PL-259 (UHF male) connector
• Wrapped in a waterproof jacket made with UV-resistant, Type III-A polyethylene, which is ideal for all outdoor feedline applications, including direct-bury installations
• Suited for short or long cable runs and low- or high-power level operations; cables feature a large 10 AWG stranded copper center conductor
• Enhanced by modern, gas-injected foam polyethylene dielectric that cannot absorb moisture and has complete shielding
• Made for high performance and excellent longevity
• Continuity and Hi-Pot tested and then heat-shrink weather-sealed

Both connectors feature machine-crimped shields with 360 degrees of complete mechanical and electrical contact for maximum reliability. PL-259 center pins are hand-soldered, and Type-N center pins are machine-crimped by trained assembly techs to assure a proper connection.

Further, Next Generation PL-259 connectors feature:

• Full-diameter, full-length soldered center pins that snugly fit even worn SO-239s
• Spacious center pin inside diameter that accepts large conductors and allows generous solder flow
• Deep, double-knurled threaded shells for secure finger tightening
• Silver-plated brass shells and bodies with center pins securely mounted in PTFE dielectric for exceptional RF characteristics and power handling

Even More Options for Purchasing Coaxial Cable

You can also order the specific length of 400MAX coaxial cable—and a variety of other cables with the connectors you desire—by selecting the specific length (up to 300 feet) and connector types at DX Engineering’s Custom Cable Builder at DXEngineering.com. DX Engineering cable can also be purchased in bulk spools of 500 and 1,000 feet or by the foot.

New DX Engineering Coaxial Cable Gripper

DX Engineering is pleased to introduce a new hinged coaxial cable gripper (DXE-CGH-195) to add to its impressive lineup of coax prep tools designed to firmly hold coaxial cable while you prepare it for connector installation.

The device provides a dramatically improved grip on DXE-8U, DXE-400MAX, DXE-11U, DXE-213U, standard RG-8 or other RG-8U size (0.405-inch nominal) coaxial cables.

Featuring a bumpy finish on the outside and grooved surface on the inside to maintain a non-slip grip, the tool is ideal for use with the DXE-UT-8213 Coaxial Cable Preparation Tool and the DXE-UT-80P and DXE-UT-80N Connector Installation Tools for two-piece solder-on PL-259 and Type-N connectors. The two halves fit together with hinges and a strong steel spring that aids in grip and alignment. DX Engineering gripper tools also take the hassle out of installing crimp connectors.

Find the full lineup of DX Engineering cable grippers and gripper/stripper combos at DXEngineering.com, along with coax prep tool kits for soldered and F connectors and coax preparation tools and tool kits for installing crimp connectors.

The post Product Spotlight: DX Engineering 400MAX Type-N to PL-259 Low-Loss 50-Ohm Coaxial Adapter Cable Assemblies appeared first on OnAllBands.

Jarvis Island QRV in August 2024

The Rig in a Box (RIB) N5J DXpedition to uninhabited and infrequently visited Jarvis Island (a dual DXCC entity with Palmyra Island) is only about a month away. If Jarvis/Palmyra is one of the few remaining locations standing in the way of your goal of “working the world,” N5J—scheduled to run from August 5-17, 2024—presents an excellent opportunity to check off this ultra-rare entity from your list.

Jarvis/Palmyra ranks as #18 globally and #9 in Europe on Clublog’s Most Wanted List. For up-to-date details about Jarvis Island N5J, visit their official website.

The N5J at-island (local) operating team of Don Greenbaum, N1DG; Mike Snow, KN4EEI; Tomi Pekarik, HA7RY; Rig in a Box innovator George Wallner, AA7JV; and Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA will be joined by remote CW and FT8 teams from around the world who will be active via Starlink. Chasers will be able to reach operators on 160-6M in SSB, CW, and FT8.

N5J members have been working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officials for several years to obtain permission to operate from the Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Rig in a Box concept, which allows hams to operate remotely through self-contained stations (radio, antenna, and power) set up on land, helped to make this activation possible. The local team will be conducting the DXpedition from the MV Magnet, a vessel that will be just offshore of Jarvis Island.

About Jarvis Island

Located in the South Pacific Ocean halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands, 1.7-square-mile Jarvis Island is an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the United States. It is administered by the USFWS as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Jarvis was declared part of this system in 1974. In 2009, President George W. Bush designated Jarvis Island as part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

OnAllBands Geography Question of the Day

Jarvis Island is one of a handful of U.S. territories that have the distinction of being both “unincorporated” (not fully incorporated under the U.S. Constitution) and “unorganized” (directly administered by the federal government). Several rare DXCC entities are included among this list (e.g., Baker Island/Howland Island, Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, Midway Islands, and Navassa Island).

Can you name the only unincorporated, unorganized U.S. territory that is populated? Answer below. Can’t wait? Find the entity in question in this OnAllBands article.

DX Engineering Gear to be Employed on Jarvis Island

In DX Engineering’s ongoing mission to stand beside hams who are putting rare DXCC entities on the air, the company contributed a range of gear to complement the RIB setups:

• DX Engineering DXE-ATK65A Telescoping Aluminum Antenna Tubing Kits
• DX Engineering 400MAX Type N Low-Loss 50-Ohm Coax Assemblies
• Summit Racing 16-Gauge Accessory Wire

QSL Cards from Jarvis and Palmyra Islands

The avid DXers at DX Engineering have made several contacts with operators on Jarvis and Palmyra islands over the years. Here are a few of their QSL cards, from the oldest to the latest.

Wayne, K8FF, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, worked the K1AZA/KP6 Palmyra Island DXpedition in May 1962 when his callsign was K8WOT.

Scotty, KG9Z, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, provided us with QSL cards from Palmyra W0RLX/KH5 1988 and Jarvis Island AH3C/KH5J 1990—the last time Jarvis was activated. The ten-day AH3C/KH5J operation, which employed Butternut Vertical Antennas (acquired by DX Engineering 25 years later) netted 55,000 QSOs. Among the operating team was Martti Laine, OH2BH, one of the most accomplished amateurs of all time. AH3C/KH5J marked only the second time that Jarvis Island had been put on the air.

The 1988 W0RLX/KH5 activation was the first to Palmyra since the ill-fated 1980 K6LPL/KH5 DXpedition, which began with a crash landing in a Palmyra airfield, severely injuring one team member who was medevacked off the island. The DXpedition was later aborted due to another operator injury.

Tom, KB8UUZ, DX Engineering technical writer, received the QSL card below for contacting the DX Engineering-supported K5P January 2016 DXpedition to Palmyra Atoll. Read this fascinating article by K5P operator Hal, W8HC, about some of Palmyra’s history and the team’s DXpedition that recorded more than 75,000 QSOs.

DX Engineering provided the K5P operation with a range of equipment, including RG-8X Coaxial Cable Assemblies and its Ultra-Grip 2 Crimp Connector Cable Prep Kit.

I’ll take “Unorganized and Unincorporated” for $1,000, Ken.

So, were you able to name the only populated U.S. territory that is both unorganized and unincorporated? If you said “American Samoa” (population 44,600), give yourself a pat on the back! While American Samoa is self-governing, it is technically considered “unorganized” because the U.S. Congress has not passed an Organic Act for the territory that specifies how it is to be governed. American Samoa is one of two U.S. territories south of the Equator. The other? Today’s featured entity, Jarvis Island.

For all your DXing, contesting, or rag-chewing needs—whether you’re a Big Gun, Little Pistol, or somewhere in between, visit DXEngineering.com for transceivers, amplifiers, antennas,
headsets, and so much more.

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Editor’s Note: Every month, DX Engineering features QSL cards from our team members’ personal collections. To highlight upcoming DXpeditions, we’ll be displaying a few of our favorite cards along with details about what it took to make these contacts. We’re excited to share some of the special cards pulled from the thousands we’ve received over the years. We look forward to seeing your cards as well!

The post It’s All in the Cards! QSL Cards from Jarvis and Palmyra Islands appeared first on OnAllBands.

As we’ve discussed at length at OnAllBands, effective soldering can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right tools. DX Engineering understands the importance of equipping your shack with proven equipment that makes even the most delicate jobs a lot easier.

That’s why you can find a range of reliable soldering tools and accessories from leading brands (Eclipse, ECG, Kester, Milwaukee Tool, American Beauty) at the tools & supplies section of DXEngineering.com. Choose from high-quality solder wire, flux, rechargeable and wireless soldering irons, temperature-controlled soldering stations, desoldering stations and pumps, soldering tools for printed circuit boards, soldering tip cleaners, magnified alligator-clip work holders, and more.

If you’re a novice when it comes to using a soldering pen or need to brush up on your technique, read this article from Mark, K8MSH, “Ham Radio 101: Soldering Tips.” It’s also a good reminder to treat these tools with a great deal of respect by taking all necessary safety precautions to avoid injury when soldering.

Finished the article? Great! Now check out the latest Eclipse Tools soldering products available at DXEngineering.com:

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Economy Dual Temperature Soldering Station

This unit features a selectable 20- or 40-watt temperature setting, making it easier to switch from general electronic soldering and repair to cable terminations or hobby and craft projects. The station is ideal for both professional and do-it-yourself projects and comes equipped with a pencil tip-style soldering iron, built-in stand, and tip cleaning sponge. Find many more soldering guns and irons at DXEngineering.com.

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Helping Hands Work Holder

This heavily weighted mini work stand features a universal joint for positioning your work, along with an arm and two strong alligator clamps to hold parts in place or wires for soldering. For tiny projects, the work stand includes a magnifier that will make minuscule parts look big. A great choice for amateur radio repair, RC hobbies, model railroading, crafting projects, and many other purposes.

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SI-BI62 Battery-Operated Soldering Iron

Featuring a compact, cordless design for optimum portability, the seven-inch-long SI-BI62 boasts a rapid heat-up time of only 15-20 seconds, ensuring that it’s ready to use at a moment’s notice. The safety cap automatically powers down the device when it’s attached. Power consumption is only 8W, with a maximum temperature of up to 842° F. It maintains a soldering temperature of at least 600° F. Requires three 1.5V alkaline AA batteries (not included).

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SI-186A Digitally Controlled Soldering Iron

Designed for precision soldering tasks, the SI-186A features digital temperature control for accurate heat management. It’s equipped with a ceramic heater that ensures rapid heating and recovery, boasting a power consumption of only 60W and temperatures ranging between 392° to 932° F. Other features include temperature correction and a smart memory that automatically remembers the last used temperature. The SI-186A comes with a replaceable long-life tip, soft grip handle, and LED display.

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Soldering Iron Tip Cleaner

This coiled-wire type cleaner doesn’t burn and won’t allow solder to stick. Since the soldering iron tip cleaner is used dry, it won’t cool your iron when you clean the tip. All it takes to provide a clean tip for smoother solder flow is a quick wipe of your iron through the steel-wool style cleaning ball.

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SS-969E SMD Hot Air Rework Station

This versatile station is useful for rework and soldering operations on a broad range of components, as well as for heat shrinking, drying, paint removal, pre-heating, glue soldering, and more. The SS-969E offers adjustable settings for airflow, air volume, and temperature, providing users with a high degree of control. At 700W, it delivers a wide temperature range of 212° to 842° F and features an auto cool-off process to extend the life of the heating element. Safely solder QFP, PLCC, BGA, and other temperature-sensitive components with ease.

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Fine-Tipped Flux Bottles

Sold in packs of two, Eclipse Tools fine-tipped flux bottles evenly dispense flux. A gentle squeeze of the bottle allows the fine-tipped needle to deposit flux exactly where you need it for a precision application.

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Desktop Inspection Lamp

This 700 lumen, LED magnifier table lamp features 2.25X(5D) magnification, a scratch-resistant glass lens, low-temperature LEDs, standard desktop clamp mount that fits surfaces up to 2.56 inches thick, and adjustable arm for easy positioning. Find other Eclipse Tools desk inspection lamps at DXEngineering.com.

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Visit DXEngineering.com for the complete lineup of soldering products from Eclipse Tools plus a great selection of useful shack additions: heat shrink tubing, multimeters, volt testers, heat guns, wrap ties, and more.

The post New Product Spotlight: Soldering Tools and Accessories from Eclipse Tools appeared first on OnAllBands.

If you thought Parks on the Air (POTA) was the only portable operation event in town, meet BOTA.

Beaches on the Air promotes ham radio portable operation from beaches. BOTA has awards for activators (those who operate at the beaches) and chasers (those who contact them). Radio amateurs can participate from any beach, country, or region around the world. The program brings together thousands of hams from six continents, and new ones are joining every day.

BOTA now lists more than 30,000 beaches and they’re constantly adding new beaches as they become active. You may activate the same beach as many times as you like, gaining additional points each time. There are no restrictions on how you travel to the activation location or the power source you use for your station. BOTA invites you to submit your beach activation images and videos.

Besides promoting fun amateur radio practices, the program offers other benefits as well. It encourages participants to get out of their shacks, do mild exercise, increase their vitamin D levels, and work on their tans. It’s also relaxing to sit on the beach and sip your favorite beverage. Kick back, chill, and leisurely log those contacts. Don’t forget to tell everyone what a wonderful time you’re having during your QSOs.

Beach Operation

Conditions at the beach are quite different from POTA, IOTA, SOTA, and other ‘OTA activations. Be aware of tide schedules, high winds, and changes in weather. Locate yourself where you won’t have to constantly move away from an incoming high tide.

You’ll likely be inclined to bring more things: beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and other items. After all, it’s also a trip to the beach. Be realistic about what you can comfortably carry—sometimes it’s a long walk.

Five-gallon utility buckets are great for carrying coax, antenna parts, tools, and other supplies. After you’ve emptied it, the bucket can be flipped over and used as a stand for the radio. A pack seat will also fit in the bucket and give you a place to sit or set up additional equipment. Tote bags or backpacks will help keep your radios protected.

Securing your antenna properly is important. Most operators prefer a lightweight telescoping pole at the beach, like those from DX Commander or SOTAbeams, to hold a 1/4 wave of wire. These poles have a minimal wind load and those <31 feet will generally not need guys. To make them freestanding, you’ll need a sand spike—a tube for holding fishing rods or beach umbrella holder that screws into the sand. Be sure the bottom of the pole will fit inside before you invest in one.

The beach’s biggest draw for hams is the “saltwater amplifier,” nature’s reflector for your signals. Forget burying a batch of radials in the sand because you only need one. Run it toward the water at the edge of the waves or tie a fishing weight to the end and give it a toss into the waves. Add a quarter-wave wire vertical and you’re good to go. Using the saltwater ocean as counterpoise can give you up to a 10 dB gain. A 10W QRP signal becomes a 100W signal with a very simple antenna system—really awesome!

Getting Started with BOTA

Interested? First, create an account at BeachesontheAir.com. While you’re waiting for your registration to be processed, search for activators listed on the website. Listen to a few QSOs, then call when they’re on the air. The activating station will provide you with a code during the exchange.

After you receive the code over the air from the activator, sign into the BOTA site. Under the user menu, select “Add chaser report redeem code.” Enter the code. If you have just made the QSO, click yes and add the frequency and mode so a spot is placed on the BOTA home page.

You can also keep a log and enter it all later. You have one month to enter the code. If for some reason you have forgotten the code, you can enter the activator’s call sign and then choose the activation site. Activators and chasers are not required to submit logs.

When you’re ready, plan to become an activator. You’ll go to the BOTA website and choose “Announce activation, Generate code.” Search for your beach and complete the information required. Once saved, the Admin will review the beach. If there are no issues, it will be added to the system.

There’s also a Beaches on the Air Facebook group where you can find additional information.

BOTA Operation Procedures

Here’s a basic summary of the definitions, rules, and procedures:

Beach Activation Boundary: Defined as the area between the water and the road that runs parallel to the beach. This usually includes beach car parks and may include grassed areas, paths, etc. Keep in mind the program is “Beaches on the Air,” not “Across the road from a beach on the air.”

• Setup Location: Activators can set up a portable station or activate from a vehicle. Activators should abide by local laws regarding the setup of a portable station and obey any directives given by local authorities regarding station setup. Activators need to be aware of other beach users around them and always make sure that their setup is safe for themselves and others.
• Operating Frequencies and Modes: Any amateur radio frequency can be used and all modes are permitted where the activation code can be clearly transmitted. Repeater contacts don’t count.
• Multi-Person Activations: When two or more stations are activating from the same beach at the same time, all activators need to individually set up their information on the system and use their individual activation code over the air with their chasers. Each activator should take their own photo of the activation site and later upload it. There is no club/team scoring.
• Repeat Activations: It is possible to activate two or more different beaches on the same day using different codes, but you must physically move your entire setup from one activation to the other. There’s a minimum one-hour break between the end of an activation and the start of a different one on a different beach.

The post Getting Started with BOTA, Beaches on the Air appeared first on OnAllBands.

Okay, so Field Day is over. Hamvention 2024 is in the books. Contest Season is months away. The rare Glorioso Islands DXpedition is done. What’s a ham to do? The short answer is plenty! The long answer is, “If you can’t find a reason to get on the air, you’re not trying!”

Contesting doesn’t cool off during July, especially if you’re into operating in the great outdoors or prefer the challenge of chasing portable stations from the comforts of your air-conditioned shack (hey, you already toughed it out on Field Day, so you deserve a break). July offers one of the premier portable operating activities—the RSGB IOTA Contest: July 27, 1200Z to July 28, 1200Z.

Whether you’re a chaser or activator, the Radio Society of Great Britain’s Islands on the Air Contest is a welcome chance to celebrate the world’s well-known and lesser-traveled island groups (more than 1,200 of them) dotting the planet. The contest is based on the RSGB IOTA awards program, established in 1964 to promote amateur radio and draw attention to the “widespread mystique surrounding islands.”

If you’re new to the RSGB IOTA Contest, which has been around since 1993, click here to read a guide for novices who wish to operate from an official IOTA spot or those who seek to make contact with IOTA stations. Bands for the 24-hour contest are 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10M on CW and phone. Also for new island operators, check out this article by blogger Sean Kutzko, KX9X, “Your First Pileup, Techniques for Success.”

US Islands Award

Summer is an excellent time to hold a mini-DXpedition by activating one of America’s multitude of islands that are part of the US Islands (USI) Awards Program. Celebrating its 30^th year, the program has given hams across the country the chance to activate and chase a range of river, lake, and ocean shore islands, from the ones everyone knows (Manhattan, Maui, Key West) to spots perhaps only familiar to the peripatetic amateur operator (Tonganoxie, Shuler Bend, Little Scovell).

Here’s the coolest part. Participation doesn’t require a cost-prohibitive trip to Alaska’s Kiska Island. We’ll wager that there’s an island only a few hours away begging to be put on the air. Case in point, here are a few awards-qualified islands (followed by their program number) that are not far from DX Engineering headquarters in landlocked Tallmadge, Ohio:

• South Bass (OH007L)
• North Bass (OH006L)
• Kelley’s Island (OH001L)
• Turtle Island (OH038L)

The program lets DXers vie for honors such as the USI Basic Honor Roll (QSOs with 100 qualified islands); Work All State Islands Award; and Work Ten Award (10 islands from one state). Find the complete list of more than 3,400 U.S. Islands here along with participation rules.

And be sure to check out DXEngineering.com, where you’ll find everything you need to activate an IOTA, POTA, or SOTA site, or increase your chances of reaching the many islands, summits, beaches, and lighthouses of the world. Not sure where to start? For activators, we recommend a complete DX Engineering POTA package that includes an Icom or Yaesu transceiver; Bioenno Power lithium-ion battery and solar panel; coaxial cable assemblies; antenna tuner; and more. Choose from four packages:

• DXE-POTA-1 with Yaesu FT-891 Transceiver (below)
• DXE-POTA-2 with Icom IC-705 Transceiver
• DXE-POTA-3 with Icom IC-7300 Transceiver
• DXE-POTA-4 with Yaesu FT-710-FIELD Transceiver

Also check out popular antennas for portable activations, including the Chelegance JPC-12 40-6M Vertical Antenna (below) featured in the DXE-POTA-1 kit and the DX Commander Expedition Portable 40-6M Vertical Antenna.

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Beyond islands, there’s loads to do in July. We’ve showcased a few activities below. Good luck!

13 Colonies Special Event: July 1 to July 7. Already underway as of this post, this popular annual event challenges operators to make contact with stations set up in the original 13 U.S. colonies, plus three bonus stations.

Venezuelan Independence Day Contest: July 6, 0000Z to 2359Z. This annual CW/SSB/FT4 contest hosted by the Radio Club Venezolano celebrates Venezuela Independence Day (July 5), which commemorates its history of becoming South America’s first independent country in 1821.

NZART Memorial Contest: July 6, 0800Z to 1100Z and July 7, 0800Z to 1100Z. The nonprofit New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters has been proudly serving Kiwi amateur radio operators in The Land of the Long White Cloud since 1926. A founding member of Region 3 of the IARU, NZART sponsors a number of contests and activities throughout the year, including this 80M-only CW/SSB event.

IARU HF World Championship: July 13, 1200Z to July 14, 1200Z. Open to all licensed amateurs, the International Amateur Radio Union’s HF World Championship encourages operators to make as many contacts as possible, especially with IARU member society HQ stations, on 160/80/40/20/15/10M.

QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint: July 14, 2000Z to 2300Z. This HF CW-only event sponsored by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International rewards stations with multipliers based on how little power you use, from 5W down to 55mW or less. Add big bonus points if operating a homebrew transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. “Homebrew” is defined as equipment that you build, kits included.

CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: July 20, 1800Z to July 21, 2100Z. Fans of 6M and 2M operating have this annual summer event marked on their calendars long in advance, anticipating the improved propagation and challenge of working the world while collecting VHF Maidenhead grid locations for award credits. The contest features single operator, hilltopper, rover, and multi-op categories. Get all the details here.

IARU Region 1 70 MHz CW/SSB Contest: July 20, 1400Z to July 21, 1400Z. Find all the rules here. From IARU Region 1, “The main objectives are to make as many contacts as possible and to have fun. Other objectives may include improving your operating skills, testing new equipment configurations and techniques, expanding your horizons by operating on the microwave bands, and exploring radio propagation.” IARU Region 1 covers Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and northern Asia.

Amateur Radio Club of the National Electronics Museum (ARCNEM) Commemoration of the First Live TV Broadcast from the Moon: July 19, 1300Z to July 21, 2200Z. The ARCNEM (K3NEM) will be operating W3A in recognition of the live TV broadcast that allowed the world to see mankind’s first steps on the lunar surface. Operation is scheduled for 80M and possibly digital modes.

Thinking of a cool trip this summer? Exhibits at the National Electronics Museum in Hunt Valley, Maryland, include one of the remaining Westinghouse lunar TV cameras, the development of the Morse telegraph and Bell telephone, Marconi’s wireless experiments, reproduction of an early amateur radio spark gap shack, and an operational amateur radio station.

YOTA Contest: July 20, 1000Z to 2159Z. This is the second of three rounds of the annual Youngsters on the Air Contest. Per the YOTA website, the contest is designed to increase youth activity on the air, strengthen the reputation of the YOTA program, and demonstrate support for youngsters around the world.

Maidenhead Mayhem Contest: July 20, 0000Z to July 28, 2359Z. From the Maidenhead Mayhem contest website (cue Twilight Zone theme music), “Imagine if you will, a contest that is truly different from most likely any other you have ever experienced. A contest that has indeed been over 40 years in the making.” Intrigued? We sure were at OnAllBands! Per the rules page, the objective is for amateurs around the world to contact as many other amateurs in as many Maidenhead grid fields as possible on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 1o meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4, and FT8. Unlike many contests, spotting is not only encouraged but amply rewarded. Find many more rules and explanations here.

North American QSO Party, RTTY: July 20, 1800Z to July 21, 0559Z. Here’s a great opportunity for both RTTY aficionados and novices. Designed for contesting beginners and veterans, North American QSO Parties are low-power-only (no amplifiers allowed) contests that are fun and challenging.

Want to learn more about RTTY? Check out these OnAllBands articles from Ed Muns, W0YK:

• Getting Started in RTTY
• The Origins and Evolution of RTTY

Alabama QSO Party: July 27, 1500Z to July 28, 0300Z.

MARAC U.S. Counties QSO Party: July 27, 0000Z to July 28, 2400Z. The Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club (MARAC) is sponsoring the 53^rd edition of this contest for county-hunting hams. The contest’s objective is to “establish radio contact with as many U.S. counties as possible in all 50 U.S. states with the emphasis on maximum scoring of mobile entries. Contacts are good toward the various MARAC awards including the initial Worked All Counties Award.”

Contacts can be made by phone, CW, and select digital modes that allow full two-way exchanges between both stations, such as FT4 with proper setup, per the rules. FT8 is not allowed since a grid square cannot define the county of operation. Find complete rules at the link above. Established in 1970, MARAC is a support group for county hunting and mobile activities with members all over the world.

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Want to take your mobile activity to the next level? You’ll find everything you need at DXEngineering.com, including the latest amateur radio mobile transceivers from Alinco, Icom, Yaesu, and AnyTone, as well as mobile antennas.

The post Guide to July 2024 Ham Radio Contests: Islands Edition appeared first on OnAllBands.

The addition of a new product from the innovators at Chameleon Antenna is always reason for celebration—perfect timing since the Fourth of July is only a few days away. Want to add some QSO fireworks to your logbook? Looking for a reliable, weatherproofed outdoor antenna tuner for your permanent installations?

Covering 1.8 to 54 MHz, the Universal Remote Outdoor Antenna Tuner (CHA-URT1) works with most antenna types and transceivers. The tuner can be used with wire-fed antennas including verticals, random wires, and long wires, as well as with coaxial-fed antennas like inverted-Vs and dipoles. The tuner can match any antenna with an impedance of five to 1,500 ohms within seconds. Tuning time is five seconds for full tune and 0.1 seconds for memory tune.

The package comes with a compact coupler (5.04″ x 4.13″ x 1.69″) and tuner (8.78″ x 5.12″ x 1.77″).

The rugged, weatherproof tuner contains the antenna matching network and controller and is designed to be permanently installed outdoors at or near the antenna feedpoint to avoid loss due to high SWR on the feedline. The coupler contains the operator controls and status indicators. It uses a bias-T circuit to send power and control signals to the remote tuner over the connecting coaxial cable, so there is no need to order or install a separate transceiver-specific control cable. The coupler is not weatherproof and must be installed inside near the operator and transceiver. Also included is 12V hardwire power cable, brackets, and hardware.

Power Handling:

• 125W SSB phone/CW
• 100W SSB phone/CW – 50 MHz
• 60W all other modes

The CHA-URT1 features 16,000 memories for quick recall and tuning with previously used settings. Once the tuner is tuned, the relay’s latch and power is turned off, saving on battery drain. The tuned frequency will be stored in memory.

Thinking of upgrading your portable operating prowess? Visit DXEngineering.com for the full lineup of Chameleon Antenna gear, including portable HF antenna systems, portable resonant vertical antennas, tactical delta loop antennas, receive loop antennas, F-loop antennas, EMCOMM antennas, end-fed halfwave slopers, off-center fed dipoles, counterpoise kits, and more.

The post New Product Spotlight: Chameleon Universal Remote Antenna Tuner appeared first on OnAllBands.

Whether you enjoy portable ops during Field Day, POTA, or SOTA, or just want a space-saving efficient way to get on the 40 to 10 meter bands, the high-inductance Recon 40 HF coil from REZ Antenna Systems is a great addition to your 17-foot HF vertical antenna.

Though the Recon 40 works great with the heavy-duty telescoping whip from REZ Antenna, you can use it with pretty much any 17-foot whip with a 3/8-24 stud mount.

In the video below, DX Engineering technical support specialist Michael Murphy, KI8R, gives you an in-depth look at this versatile HF coil and explains how its fast, easy HF band change capabilities make it a great choice for your amateur radio station.

Check out DXEngineering.com for the full lineup of gear from REZ Antenna Systems, including the Ranger 80 (80-10M) Portable Antenna System featuring HF coil assembly, heavy-duty military whip, radial kit, ground spike or aluminum tripod mount, and MOLLE backpack in your choice of five colors.

The post Video: REZ Antenna’s Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coil—Perfect for 40-10M Portable Ham Operations appeared first on OnAllBands.

With permission from the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the 10-operator CY9C DXpedition team is scheduled to put St. Paul on the air August 26 to September 5 from the windswept and treeless Northeast Island site, just off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The team of experienced hams, many of whom participated in the highly successful CY0S Sable Island DXpedition in March 2023, plan to be active on 160-6M, employing Yagis on 20-6M and elevated sloping dipoles and verticals on the low bands. There should be a good mix of modes available for filling bands (CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, EME, Satellites), with an emphasis on Morse code contacts. Uninhabited and rarely visited St. Paul Island is approximately three miles long and a mile wide.

The island features an automated solar-powered lighthouse built in 1962—the third lighthouse which has served watercrafts between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Cabot Strait. Lighthouse chasers will be hoping to add this to their conquests (STP-002), as well as POTA (CA-0122) and IOTA (NA-094) enthusiasts.

The island is encircled by foreboding rock-faced cliffs, which will require the CY9C team to use two helicopters to transport gear and team members to the operating site.

Find updated information at CY9C’s official website. St. Paul Island ranked as the 52^nd Most Wanted DXCC Entity as of May, per Clublog.

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DX Engineering was a proud sponsor of the CY9C 2016 St. Paul DXpedition. The company provided a range of gear used on the island, including the Butternut HF9V 9-Band Vertical Antenna.

Two operators from that DXpedition, Jay, K4ZLE, and Murray, WA4DAN, are also scheduled to operate in this latest venture. For CY9C 2024, DX Engineering has provided the following equipment for a Beverage antenna system:

DX Engineering Beverage Antenna System: This single-wire, single-direction beverage feed system (100 kHz to 30 MHz) designed by W8JI is immune to the strong signal overload and core saturation common in multi-transmitter environments, making it ideal for low-band DXers. It employs an isolated-winding matching-transformer system to significantly increase the signal-to-noise ratio in Beverage and other high-impedance antennas.

DX Engineering RPA-2 Modular Receive Preamplifier: This preamp delivers low internal noise and is optimized for the 300 kHz to 35 MHz range. The device is designed to help you hear the weakest signals without artificially raising the noise. Robust components allow this preamplifier to withstand high signal levels while providing superior dynamic range and third-order intercept performance that equals or exceeds most receiver and transceiver front-ends.

DX Engineering Beverage Termination Resistors

Check in with OnAllBands for more articles on the CY9C 2024 St. Paul Island DXpedition as the date nears.

The post DX Engineering Lends Support to Upcoming DXpedition to St. Paul Island appeared first on OnAllBands.

Everyone wants to improve their signal quality, work more DX stations, make more QSOs, and earn higher contest scores.

Should you buy an amplifier or beef up your antenna system?

Both are good ideas, but is amping up worth the additional investment?

What’s in Your Ham Station?

For starters, let’s assume that you have a typical shack. Your 100W transceiver connects to a coax-fed dipole (or several) through a built-in or external antenna tuner. Thanks to the tuner, your rig can put out full power regardless of actual antenna/feedline SWR on the various bands you work. You use the same basic setup as most of your ham friends and the guys in the local radio clubs. 

If everyone has been using this setup, it must be good, right?  Maybe, maybe not. You tune in some stations calling CQ, but for some reason they don’t always answer your reply. Maybe it’s band conditions, or a stronger station is overpowering your signal. Shouldn’t it be easier than this?

You pause for a moment and dream about adding an Acom 1000 HF+6 Meter Linear Amplifier to your station (see below). Certainly, 1kW will help you kick butt in a DX pileup and let you cut though all the noise and interference. Flip the switch, tune, and be heard!

Then reality sets in and you go back to making calls with your 100W radio.

Although you may not know it, you can likely get more signal for a lot less money. Rather than shelling out thousands for an amp up front, I’d suggest you try a three-step approach to getting your signal heard. Utilizing all three will get you the best results in the long run, but you may find improving your antenna system is enough.

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A 3-Step Approach for Improving Your Ham Radio Signal

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Step 1: Skill vs. Brute Force

Anyone can fire up a monster amplifier and generate a loud signal—and many do. It doesn’t take a whole lot of skill to muscle your way through a pileup with a legal-limit amp and snag that rare station.

But you can also practice your operating skills, which won’t cost you a thing.

Skill has tangled with brute force for a long time. Take the Marvel Universe, for instance. The Hulk relies on brute force, fueled by anger. His strength continues to increase until he’s strong enough to take out his enemy. In contrast, Captain America has skills like marksmanship and martial arts, and is an expert tactician and field commander.

Point is, although Captain America is an enhanced soldier, those skills are really his superpower—so develop your operator superpowers and make yourself heard!

One strategy I learned is to transmit on a frequency slightly above the main pileup or the last station worked. The DX station will often explore the upper edge of a pileup if he can’t pick out calls from the main section of the pile.

Another is to delay for a second or so sending your call so the last letter or two extend past the main buzz of the pileup. In my case, the station would then hear the “SH” and send “SH?” Then I send my call again and make the QSO. Timing is everything.

Also, CW and digital modes will give you significantly more mileage than SSB. Generally, they work well at power levels of 100W or less, but you should use 30W or less for digital to keep from damaging your finals.

Step 2: Budget-Friendly Renovations

Consider updating your antenna system as the next step to improving your signal. One way to improve your signal is to move antennas higher in the air. Build a taller mast, find a taller tree, or put up a tower.

If that dipole just isn’t cutting it, try a new secret weapon—a full-wave horizontal loop set as high as possible. Feed it with coax and use a tuner on bands above the fundamental frequency. That’s a quick and relatively easy way to snag an extra 2 to 10 dB, depending on frequency. 

Changing the feedline can mean more dBs. Disconnect the coax feedline from your dipole and replace it with 450-ohm ladder line. By using low-loss 450-ohm line you’ll likely experience a 6 to 20 dB increase.

If coax feed is your only option, upgrade to a lower-loss coax. For example, you’ll gain 0.7 dB by switching from RG-8X to 400Max and 1.3 dB by replacing RG-58 with RG-8X–based on 100 feet @30MHz. Minimize the number of connectors, switches, and adapters in your feedline system to prevent additional loss.

For less than the price of an entry-level amplifier, you can buy a Cushcraft A3S tri-band beam antenna and a medium-duty rotator. This pair, mounted reasonably high above ground, will offer a 5 to 7 dB steerable improvement to your signal. By rotating a directional antenna, you can often achieve a twofer—boosting the signal you’re trying to receive while attenuating unwanted signals.

On SSB, activate your rig’s speech processor with the proper settings. There’s another 3 dB (or more) improvement, this time in the modulation department—no purchase necessary.

Step 3: Power Trip

If you can hear people but they can’t hear you, it may be time to consider an amplifier. Most amateur radio operators find that when they use a reasonable antenna system, 500 to 800W of amplifier output is usually enough power. These midrange amplifiers also use readily available 120 VAC, so there’s no need to add a 240VAC line to your shack.

An amplifier that produces 750 to 800W of output power will have a 9 dB gain advantage over the 100W signal, which is about 1 1/2 S units. If you go from 750 to 1,500W, you will have a 3 dB advantage, which is only one half of an S unit. So why go to 1,500W? If you are in a DX pileup, that 3 dB may be enough for you to be heard over the other stations. 

If you operate on the lower bands—160 or 80m—there’s an added reason to get yourself an amp. Manmade and atmospheric noise can make communicating a challenge. The primary problem is thunderstorm activity. It creates radio noise that is reflected off the ionosphere just like regular radio signals. I’ve participated in nets on both 160 and 80m and recommend using an amp capable of 1 kW or more for reliable communications.

Wait…There’s More

Buying a new amp has a domino effect. You’ll need a beefier antenna tuner and wattmeter to handle the increased power, not to mention upgrading your antenna system to accommodate the extra power. A 240VAC line is mandatory for larger amps running at full power. Materials and an electrician to install them will likely run several hundred dollars more.

Keep in mind that once you have the power, you’ll want more—not less. You’ll also note that even a basic 500 to 800W amplifier will set you back $1,500 or more. Buy the best you can afford and use it responsibly. 

Here are some amplifier candidates to consider at DXEngineering.com, including the FlexRadio Power Genius XL below.

To Buy or Not to Buy a Ham Radio Amplifier

After looking at the facts, how much improvement does your station need? As always, the choice is yours. Amplifiers are the final option, especially after you’ve honed your skills and tweaked your antenna farm. Add a 10 dB amplifier to a 7 dB beam antenna and you’ve got a 17 dB improvement in signal strength.

When conditions are poor, an amp can make the difference between being heard and being lost in the noise.

The post Ham Radio 101: Do I Really Need an Amplifier? appeared first on OnAllBands.

As we’ve said many times at OnAllBands, if you want the real scoop on a ham radio product, ask someone who has used the device to make QSOs during a heated contest, fight through a pileup while chasing a rare station, operate from a temporary setup in the middle of a park, or get on the air through their local repeater.

Listening to honest opinions from folks who have spent their hard-earned money on equipment is a smart step in making sure you’re buying products that will deliver as advertised. You’ll find many opinions online and at DXEngineering.com, where customers rate their purchases from one to five and often include a detailed explanation of how they use the product, their advice on installation and operation, and the results they received.

Sometimes the reviewer will offer informed criticism or make a suggestion for an upgrade—something the team at DX Engineering takes very seriously when assessing our own branded products to make them easier to use and more efficient. In short, your thoughts on what you buy from us matter. Today, we’ll be looking at reviews of the BTV-AOKC-17M DX Engineering 17M Add-On Kit for Hustler 4/5/6-BTV Vertical Antennas

Let’s start with this link to a detailed eham.net review by WB0KWJ of the 17 meter add-on kit, which notes that the kit is “easy to assemble, works well, and is worth the price.”

Rather than homebrewing an add-on that may or may not work, the review says you’ll save a lot of time (the reviewer was able to use the kit within an hour of opening the box) with a “tested, effective design made of weather-resistant materials.”

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17M Add-On Kit Reviews from DXEngineering.com:

Five Stars: “Easy to add to my 4-BTV. Has a flat SWR without tweaking and did not affect SWR on the other bands. Worked seven countries with 100 watts in the first week, so I’m happy.”

David, DX Engineering Customer

Five Stars: “This is a very simple add-on kit made of high-quality materials with excellent assembly and install instructions. After installation on my 4-BTV, no tuning was needed for 17m. I was satisfied with the 1.3:1 SWR across the band. Also, the add-on did not alter any other bands as far as SWR or performance. I have the antenna on a DX Engineering OMNI-TILT so install was simple. As far as cost, price is in the mind of the buyer; yeah, DIY will be cheaper, but the convenience and quality of this kit makes it worth it in my mind. Now with the 30m and 17m add-on, I have a very low visual impact installation that performs way better than I thought it could on every band.”

Stephen, DX Engineering Customer

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Five Stars: “Assembled and installed on my Hustler 6-BTV in less than two hours. Used the initial settings derived by the 12m kit, and out of the box I had a 1.5:1 and lower SWR across the band. This install actually dropped my already good SWR across most of the bands on my antenna. After the install I proceeded to establish a QSO with a DXpedition in Uganda in FT8 with 35 watts. Fantastic!”

Mark, DX Engineering Customer

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Five Stars: “Followed the instructions that came with it, got it installed, and checked the SWR across the band and it was below 1.5 across it. Works great.”

Dennis, DX Engineering Customer

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Find complete details of the DX Engineering 17M Add-On Kit for Hustler BTV Series Vertical Antennas at DXEngineering.com, along with Hustler vertical antennas, antenna packages, resonators, antenna matching network, replacement parts, and BTV add-on kits for 80M, 60M, 30M, and 12M, which we’ll discuss in future OnAllBands posts. 

The post What Does the Customer Say? Hustler BTV Series Vertical Antenna Add-On Kits: Part 1, 17M Add-On Kit appeared first on OnAllBands.

Crete QRV in June 2024

The 6M/4M SV9 DXpedition by DK5EW was scheduled to end June 20. Were you able to put the mountainous Greek island of Crete in your logbook by making some magic on 6 meters? We hope so.

About the size of Puerto Rico at 3,260 square miles, Crete ranked as the 274^th Most Wanted DXCC Entity per Clublog as of June, 2024.

While not exactly a rare entity, this popular tourist locale is certainly one of the most thrilling, featuring archaeological sites, a Venetian castle, stunning islands, and Europe’s largest natural palm forest. It’s no wonder that DXpeditioners find it a welcome spot to set up shop and reach out to the world.

Today we’ll be looking at a few of the QSL cards the active hams at DX Engineering have earned over the years from both permanent and temporary operations on Crete.

Crete’s QSO Machine

Crete is home to Michael Dimitrikakis, SV9CVY, who is widely recognized as the island’s most active ham. Appropriately nicknamed “The Big Gun of Crete,” he commands four impressive antenna towers covering 160 to 2M from his QTH near Rethymno (population of around 39,000). SV9CVY is one of approximately 200 to 3oo amateur radio licensees on the island.

Dave, K8DV, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, reached SV9CVY in March 2007 on 20M SSB and in February 2018 on 160M FT8.

Tom, KB8UUZ, DX Engineering technical writer, received the card below from SV9CVY. As a paraplegic, SV9CVY raises awareness by including this important message on his QSL cards: “Help the Handi-Hams Near You. They need your support.”

As noted on his QRZ.com page, SV9CVY graduated from the City University of New York in 1988 with a degree in electrical engineering, worked in New York and New Jersey for a few years, and moved to Greece in 1993. He received his amateur radio license the following year. Here he is featured on the cover of the April 2018 issue of QST magazine.

He wrote on QRZ.com,“The very best part of this hobby is the PEOPLE you meet and the longtime close friendships that happen as a result of the common interest in Amateur Radio.”

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Wayne, K8FF, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, received the card below from SV9/OH9MM.

For all your DXing, contesting, or rag-chewing needs—whether you’re a Big Gun, Little Pistol, or somewhere in between, visit DXEngineering.com for transceivers, amplifiers, antennas, headsets, and so much more.

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Editor’s Note: Every month, DX Engineering features QSL cards from our team members’ personal collections. To highlight upcoming DXpeditions, we’ll be displaying a few of our favorite cards along with details about what it took to make these contacts. We’re excited to share some of the special cards pulled from the thousands we’ve received over the years. We look forward to seeing your cards as well!

The post It’s All in the Cards! QSL Cards from Crete appeared first on OnAllBands.

First introduced in 2002, the 60 meter, or 5 MHz, band was originally only available in a few countries: United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, and Iceland.

Over the years, an increasing number of countries’ telecommunications authorities have permitted amateur radio operations in the 5 MHz band. Allocations range from discrete channels to an entire frequency band.

Currently, radio amateurs in the U.S. have access to five discrete channels on a secondary basis.

Below is the U.S. 60M Band Plan from the ARRL:

Last year the ARRL asked hams to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to continue the existing use of the 60-meter band. A public comment period open until late November 2023 allowed amateurs to express support for the current 100 W ERP power limit (instead of reducing the power limit to 15 W EIRP) and continuing secondary access to the current channels.

From Wikipedia regarding 60 meters:

“In the United States and its territories and possessions, channelized USB is mandatory. Where channelization is used, the USB suppressed carrier frequency (a.k.a. ‘dial’ frequency) is normally 1.5 kHz below the quoted channel frequency. For example, 5403.5 kHz is the ‘dial’ frequency for the channel centered on 5405 kHz. The ‘center’ of the channel is based on the assumption that the bandwidth of SSB transmissions is 3 kHz, at most. Transmitters that are capable of wider SSB bandwidths should be adjusted for 3 kHz bandwidth or less, so their emissions stay within the allocated channel.”

Modes permitted:

• USB Voice
• CW
• RTTY
• Data: This includes any digital mode modulated in a single sideband transmitter, with a bandwidth of 2.8 kHz or less whose technical characteristics have been documented publicly, per Part 97.309(4) of the FCC Rules. Such modes would include PACTOR I, II or III, 300-baud packet, MFSK, MT63, Contestia, Olivia, DominoEX, FT8, and others

Some 60M Ham Radio History

The ARRL explains why the FCC gave amateur operators channels instead of a band:

“The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which administers spectrum regulated by the federal government, raised eleventh-hour opposition to ARRL’s request and the FCC’s proposal that would have given amateurs a 150-kHz wide band at 5 MHz (5250 to 5400 kHz). The NTIA’s opposition, expressed after the period for comments already had expired, cited ongoing spectrum requirements of federal government licensees having homeland security responsibilities. Following some give and take between the FCC and the NTIA, the latter agency reviewed its assignments in the vicinity of 5 MHz and found five “lightly used” channels it felt could be shared. Contrary to speculation elsewhere, the channels are no harbinger of a new trend in Amateur Radio allocations in general. This is a special case.”

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Questions? Share them in the comments below or email me at KE8FMJ@gmail.com.

The post Ham Radio 101: What is the 60 Meter Band? appeared first on OnAllBands.

One of the rock stars of Dayton Hamvention® 2024 was REZ Antenna Systems, a company which drew a great deal of attention from portable operating enthusiasts at the DX Engineering booths in Building One.

Mike Giannaccio, W5REZ, owner of REZ Antenna Systems, was on hand to discuss their innovative amateur radio products, including the Ranger 80 HF Portable Antenna System and the new Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coil.

Watch W5REZ get interviewed at Hamvention by DX Engineering’s Paul, KJ8EEP, in this video that’s been viewed more than 30,000 times:

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About the Recon 40

This high-performance HF antenna coil is capable of tuning 40-10 meters when paired with the REZ-Z17 17-foot telescoping whip (not included).

Made with 14GA enameled copper wire, the Recon 40 is rated for use at up to 500W SSB, 300W CW, and 200W digital (50% duty cycle). The coil body is made from Delrin and 6061 anodized aluminum CNC-machined in the USA. The coil body is 100% weather-resistant thanks to its unique design which incorporates the use of O-rings and gasket seals at each joint. Its machined wire groove provides mechanical support and optimal spacing to ensure low-loss performance.

Switching bands is made easy with the integrated weatherproof coil bypass switch. When you’re ready to move to the higher bands simply flip the switch and tune the telescoping whip to your desired frequency. The Recon 40 also features a rapid-deploy radial system. At the heart of this system is the radial “puck” that accepts up to eight 4mm banana plugs. This enables quick attachment of REZ Antenna Systems’ 4-wire radial kit (below, not included) and leaves room to expand your radial field for even better results.

The post New Product Spotlight: REZ Antenna Systems Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coil appeared first on OnAllBands.

What’s your idea of the perfect tuner? Here’s my wish list:

• Easy to operate
• Finds and remembers settings
• Covers 160-6 meters
• Matches just about anything you can throw at it
• Automatic operation

There are some good candidates out there, like the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL. It will convince your radio that it’s connected to a 50-ohm antenna system—or close to it.

This review is based on the Tuner Genius XL (TGXL) 1×3 model, but there’s also an SO2R version.

Both are identical except for the antenna interface. Two transceivers and two antennas can be connected simultaneously on the SO2R model. The 1×3 version accommodates one transceiver and up to three connected antennas. During operation, one of three antennas is selected.

On both models, switching is done via remote control by LAN, serial interface, or individual signals from the transceiver.

FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL Features

The Tuner Genius XL is the first self-contained SO2R (single operator, two radio) tuner in the amateur market. This tuner covers 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz with the ability to tune up to 10:1 SWR. All functions can be controlled either from the front panel of the tuner or by using a Windows computer software application. This allows the Tuner Genius XL to be moved off the desktop to a more convenient location, while still maintaining full control by computer.

Handling up to 2,000W ICAS of power, the Tuner Genius XL has considerable headroom above the 1,500W legal limit. Accurate peak responding RF power and SWR meter displays are also provided, so you really don’t need a separate watt/SWR meter in your shack. The easy-to-read 4.5-inch color display is centered on the front panel.

Electrically, the TGXL is a pi network tuner with three changeable elements, a series inductor with two capacitors to ground—one at the input and the other at the output. A pi network is a good choice for matching the relatively low 50-ohm impedance of a transmitter and relatively high and unknown impedances of an antenna system. The combination of discrete L or C components determines each network element’s value—one of 255 possible values. This provides 255³ (16,581,375) possible matching combinations. Because the matching circuit also forms a low pass filter, it also provides additional harmonic suppression.

All of this is enclosed in a sturdy metal case, resembling the FlexRadio Power Genius XL companion amplifier. The Tuner Genius XL provides three operational modes: standby, operate, and bypass selected by two front panel buttons.

Plays Well with Others

The Tuner Genius XL easily integrates with the Power Genius XL RF amplifier and all FLEX-6000 series HF transceivers. These station components communicate with each other using a LAN connection via ethernet or Wi-Fi. When used in conjunction with a Power Genius XL amp and a FLEX-6600 or FLEX-6700 transceiver, you can have a fully functional SO2R station.

You may enjoy this review on the FlexRadio Power Genius XL Amplifier too.

In addition, the TGXL supports frequency detection from other brands of HF radios at the inputs and automatically chooses the appropriate setting for tuning. This band-switching mode may require double-keying before the first transmission for non-Flex radios before it tunes. You still need to set up a PTT or the TGXL will not go into TX mode. RF Sense is for frequency detection. Alternatively, you can use data from your radio.

TGXL PTT lines are opto-isolated, but they won’t tolerate high voltages or an AC voltage. Be aware of this if you use an older transceiver. Incoming PTT line specs should be checked before you connect. Some operators may want to use a keying buffer in all cases as insurance to prevent any possible damage to the exciter or tuner due to possible transient voltage spikes or RF ingress.

Setup: TGXL User Interface

For Flex radios, you start the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program on a Windows-based computer. It will find your Tuner Genius XL tuner automatically and direct you to the copy of the front panel display.

The configuration has five separate tabs: network settings, CAT/CI-V information, FlexRadio settings, Antenna Genius (a remote switchbox option), and other, which is a collection of miscellaneous settings. These allow you to customize radio, antenna, and other settings for your particular station.

The user interface has all the same functions available on the front panel. All you need to do is point and click.

Tuning Process for the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL

There are two modes of tuner operation: manual and automatic. In automatic mode (default), you start a tune operation to better match the transmitter and the antenna system. If one is found, the match solution (L/C/L values and frequency) is stored in memory and automatically used when the frequency of the transmit slice is within the match frequency range, with the same antenna selected.

Go through each antenna on each band once, then the tuner will use the tuning values closest to your operating frequency for the antenna you’re currently using. There are 10 memories per band, and up to four tunings per band can be saved. Once set up, TGXL will remember individual settings for each frequency change.

Band configuration settings let you select ranges of frequencies that the tuner will selectively ignore for resonant antennas. For example, suppose your 80M dipole is resonant at 3750 kHz. In that case, frequencies near this value can be bypassed by selecting the Enable Bypass check box in the 80M row, then entering the range of the bypass in the Bypass Start and Bypass Stop columns.

Manual tuning is also possible to tweak a current or saved setting. Three front panel controls allow manual tuning by turning one of three knobs found along the bottom edge of the front panel or clicking on them in the TGXL control app on your computer. The first and third knobs select the capacitance with the second adjusting inductance values.

Once you have tuned a frequency, the solution is saved. When you change bands on the radio, the tuner senses your new frequency and is ready almost instantly. It uses relays rather than servo-controlled inductors and capacitors.

TGXL on the Air

I have several HF antennas at my location, so I chose an inverted L (160/80m) and a rotatable 40m D-40 dipole. These would require tuning somewhere within the range of their coverage. In addition, I used a triband Yagi on 20/15m to test the abilities of a non-Flex radio (Icom IC-7610).

The FLEX-6400M and an Icom 7610 were both connected through a Power Genius XL to the tuner. The Flex used the LAN for PTT and frequency tracking. The 7610 used a CI-V and conventional PTT line consisting of a shielded cable with RCA connectors on the A inputs. Internal tuners on both radios were bypassed.

Starting with the potentially challenging 160M band on the Flex, I checked for matches on five frequencies across the band. All read 1.26:1 or less using the onboard TGXL SWR meter. The seek time for 160 meters was under 10 seconds. For 80 and 40 meters it took less than five seconds to arrive at an initial tuning solution. Once stored, the memory settings are applied within milliseconds. When returning to a previously memorized band segment, the TGXL makes one relay click noise and it’s tuned in a fraction of a second.

With the IC-7610, the frequency tracking followed the radio. The front panel tune button was used to set up the memory locations, requiring a carrier from the 7610. I also found that the TGXL control software would duplicate the tune button function on the front panel for the Icom. Tuning setup can be done from any radio that produces band data for the TGXL.

Finally, I changed the 80m settings to add a bypass start/stop. Since the measured antenna resonance was 3780 kHz, I set the bypass to 3730 kHz through 3830 kHz (50 kHz each side of resonance.) The tuner ignored the range set to be bypassed and continued to access memory settings for the other portions of the band.

Overall Impressions of the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL

Whether you’re currently a Flex owner or not, this is a tuner you should consider. It works well in the SmartSDR ecosystem and is built like a tank. At the time of writing this review, I know of no tuner that accommodates two radios simultaneously.

It’s a perfect match for the PGXL amp, which also has SO2R capabilities. It’s also compatible with the Antenna Genius 8×2, a smart matrix antenna switch that supports eight antennas and two radios while operating on your existing LAN/WAN.

If you have a PGXL or other solid-state amp, the TGXL is a must, since the tuning is precise and repeatable. You’ll also be protecting those expensive transistor finals. Once you have set up the TGXL with tuning solutions for your antennas, you are good to go. Because the TGXL quickly follows the radio’s frequency as I tune my 6400M and IC-7610, a tuning solution is ready to go even before I transmit.

The post Ham Radio Product Review—FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL appeared first on OnAllBands.

Over the last couple of months, OnAllBands has highlighted some of the new products available at DXEngineering.com, including:

• RG-8X High Visibility Orange 50-Ohm Coaxial Cable
• Transmit Receive Interrupter Plug-In Module
• Receive Antenna Matching Transformer

Some items are so new you won’t find them in the latest DX Engineering Catalog of Amateur Radio Products, like today’s featured offering from the active operators at DX Engineering—the DXE-CC-4 Four Position Control Console.

This handy device is used for remote switching of relay control devices requiring one of three positive voltage control lines with a ground return.

It’s compatible with the WIMO Remote Polarization Switches (WMO-18080, 18081, 18082, and 18083) and the Unified Microsystems UMS-RAS-4 Receive Antenna Switch. The DXE-CC-4 is an essential component for manual control of the UMS BevFlex-4X-Q Four-Direction Reversible Beverage Antenna System. The DXE-CC-4 can be used in other applications using this control scheme.

Features include:

• Large rotary knob
• Stainless steel housing
• Non-skid feet
• On-Off toggle switch
• Four green LEDs indicating position chosen
• Erasable position label fields
• Filter capacitors on each line
• Internal automatic resettable fuse
• 2.1mm power plug for +13.8 VDC power connection

To see the complete lineup of DX Engineering branded equipment—from Telescoping Fiberglass Tubing Sets to Maxi-Core 20 Baluns and Feedline Chokes—visit DXEngineering.com

The post New Product Spotlight: DX Engineering CC-4 Four Position Control Console appeared first on OnAllBands.

Antenna and tower work are never far from our minds as hams. Most amateur loads are considered light by professional installers, but they can be heavy enough to cause injuries if mishandled or poorly secured. This article is an overview of ropes, knots, and slings which are used by hams. Since most of us are not professionals, it’s always a good idea to review and brush up our skills before “game day.”

Two complementary resources are sold by DX Engineering: “Up the Tower” by K7LXC and the ARRL’s “Antenna Towers for Radio Amateurs” by K4ZA. The first features a lot of information on rigging, including ropes, slings, and tools. The second discusses how to properly build a tower system. You should review both of these references, which go into far more detail than this article.

OnAllBands also features an excellent five-part series, “Amateur Radio Tower Safety,” featuring W3YQ. Please be safe when climbing and working aloft. Take advantage of the excellent training material that is available to you!

Lifting & Lowering

Except for the lightest loads, always use a suitably rated pulley or block when raising and lowering items. Avoid the small hardware store pulleys that are not rated for heavy loads. Light-duty hardware is often stamped or labeled as unsuitable for climbing and lifting—heed that warning!

The snatch block is the most useful since the rope does not have to be threaded through the pulley—one side opens so the pulley can be placed directly on the rope, even when it is tied off at both ends. This is called “snatching the rope.” 

The snatch block pulley shown in the photo is rated at a working load of 24 kN (kilo-Newtons), which is about 5,400 lbs. Marine and construction pulleys are also available, although they weigh more. Get pulleys with sheaves that fit your rope so it can’t slip and jam between the sheave and body of the pulley. Watch for sales and have a few pulleys in your tool kit.

Rope

For basic tower and antenna work, Dacron and nylon ropes are preferred. A kernmantle rope has a braided sleeve that protects the rope’s core. For tower work, use a 3/8 or 1/2 inch rope because they can handle heavy loads and are easier on your hands than thinner ropes. Inexpensive polypropylene rope is useful for light lifts—such as the tool bucket or a rotator. Wear sturdy gloves when working with a rope under load so that if the load slips, your hands won’t be burned from friction.

Remember that to lift something to a certain height, you’ll need at least twice that length of rope, and another 50% of length is recommended. Try to have at least two load-rated ropes available.

There are two strength ratings for rope: breaking strength and working load limit. The breaking strength is usually three times the working load rating. Try not to use ropes near or at their load limit.

Using ropes as temporary guys should be done with caution and rarely, if ever, as permanent guys. Stretching varieties, such as nylon, should never be used as a guy line. Use a low-stretch rope material, such as Dacron, and be sure it is well within its load limit.

Knots

There are many, many types of knots and you should find a how-to book or website that shows how to tie the basic knots. If you’re a beginner, some essential knots are demonstrated on the Columbus McKinnon YouTube channel. This site is about entertainment rigging, which is a lot like basic ham radio rigging! For more advanced knots, resources such as animatedknots.com show you exactly how to tie knots (it also includes a beginner’s section).

The most common types of knots used in antenna and tower work are hitches that pull on or lift tubing and tower sections. The below photo shows two half hitches:

Another common knot is the bowline, which is very useful because it doesn’t slip and can be untied relatively easily, even after being used with a heavy load. I use it for tying ropes to antenna insulators because I can untie a bowline even after the rope has been out in the weather for months.

There are lots and lots of instructions for how to tie a bowline. Many of us of a certain age learned the “make a hole next to the tree, the rabbit comes up through the hole, goes around the tree, and back in the hole” method. This video, however, is probably easier to learn! You might also try to learn the one-handed bowline so you can tie a secure knot with one hand while the other is holding a load—a not unusual situation aloft.

Carabiners

To attach a rope to a structure, a climbing harness, or other rope, carabiners are often used. An assortment is shown in the photo below.

Clockwise from top left are a D shape wire gate, straight gate, oval shape straight gate, auto lock, and twist lock. The straight gate versions are the most common in antenna and tower work.

Note the load ratings in the middle. The highest rating of 24 kN is the breaking load with the gate closed. The working load is one-third of the breaking rating. The smallest value is the maximum load with the gate open. Lightweight clips that look and act like carabiners are often sold as keychains or hangars but should never be used for lifting loads! They are stamped with warnings showing they are not to be used for load lifting.

Slings

Rather than tie a rope directly to the workpiece, a synthetic web sling is much more convenient to use. Visit Hoistwire.com for images of various web slings, including common types such as the endless sling and those with eyes at the end. There are also rope, wire rope, and chain slings, but those are not often used for ham radio jobs.

For a complete table of single-ply web sling ratings, see Table 22 “Rated Load for Two-Ply, Class 5 Synthetic Webbing Slings Expressed in Pounds” here: OSHA.gov.

The three most basic uses of slings are straight, choker, and basket as displayed at PracticalMaintenance.net, which shows many ways of using slings and how to determine the load rating of each method.

An assortment of web slings comes in handy for antenna and tower work. Most lifts will use slings from 18 to 36 inches long. One inch wide slings will handle nearly all antennas. A pair of 36 inch slings configured as a bridal hitch make a stable and strong way to lift a Yagi boom. I recommend having at least two slings of several lengths.

If you plan on lifting a tower with a boom truck or crane, use heavier slings that are two inch wide or more. Consult with the crane operator first.

Storage and Maintenance

Finally, you really need to take good care of anything you depend on for safely working on antennas and towers! After the job is done, lower your ropes into a plastic milk crate or bucket. The rope won’t tangle and will then pull out easily without kinking or knotting. Larger and longer ropes can be wound on a portable hose reel.

As you store ropes and slings, inspect them carefully for chafing or cutting that may have occurred in use. Look for carabiner gates that are twisted or won’t latch securely. Damage beyond superficial wear is enough to warrant replacement.

If your crew is going to be bringing some of their own gear, label your stuff! A permanent marker will help you keep your gear separate from that of others. Colored tape will also make it easy to tell everyone’s stuff apart.

Ropes and slings need to be kept clean, dry, and away from where rodents and insects can get at them. Avoid kinks and sets by making sure there are no tight knots or bends in storage. Keep them away from oil and grease that might degrade the fibers.

Take care of your gear and it will take care of you!

Editor’s Note: DX Engineering carries a variety of rope in a range of diameters and break strengths, along with rope hardware kits to work with different sizes of Mastrant rope.

The post Ham Radio Tech: Knots & Slings appeared first on OnAllBands.