Vibroplex, which first manufactured and sold its signature Morse code “bug” key back in 1904, is the longest continually operating ham radio equipment provider on the planet, but that doesn’t mean the venerable company doesn’t have more than a few new tricks up its well-worn, rolled-up sleeves.

DX Engineering’s Rod Ehrhart, K8RR, caught up with Scott Robbins, W4PA, Vibroplex’s owner since 2009, at Dayton Hamvention 2024 to discuss the mAT-TUNER line of automatic antenna tuners, which the Knoxville, Tennessee-based company has distributed in the U.S. since 2019. Watch the video below:

Scott, W4PA, highlights two new mAT-TUNER offerings—mAT-50 Automatic Antenna Tuner and Coupler Packages and the 1500PRO Automatic Antenna Tuner, both available along with the entire mAT-TUNER lineup at DXEngineering.com.

The multipurpose, 1.8-54 MHz mAT-50 Automatic Antenna Tuner comes with either an Icom, Yaesu, or Kenwood coupler and corresponding control cable. This remote tuner has the capability of matching a variety of impedances and antennas including long-wires, dipoles, verticals, Yagis, whips, and virtually any coax-fed antenna. It features a maximum input power of 120W SSB/60W Digital.

Install the sturdy, weather-resistant tuner outside near the antenna. Then install the coupler inside near the transceiver to provide power for the tuner and control its operation. The tuner does not require a control cable between the remote tuner and coupler, making installation simple. The only required connection between the antenna tuner and coupler is one 50-ohm coaxial cable. Advanced technology employed in the tuner delivers stable performance and excellent anti-interference capabilities for convenient one-key tuning.

The mAT-50 can also be used as a universal tuner for all transceivers if a mAT-50-Y or mAT-50-M coupler is connected to an external DC power supply (not included) and a control cable is not installed. You can then operate the tuner manually.

The mAT-1500PRO Automatic Antenna Tuner is an upgraded version of the original mAT-1500 tuner. Improvements include reduced weight, high- quality housing, and additional interfaces for Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood transceivers and their corresponding operating modes. This allows the tuner to be controlled directly from the transceiver, reducing the need for manual operation.

In addition, two antennas can be connected simultaneously, and the corresponding buttons for switching (in receive mode) are placed on the front panel for easy access. Other features include:

• Designed for modern transceivers with a frequency range of 1.8-54 MHz
• Rated for up to 1,500W SSB/800W Digital
• 16,000 memory locations
• Fast tuning—found values for a frequency are stored in the memory, enabling adjustments as quick as 100ms
• Loop-through of the PTT line makes it possible to loop in the power amplifier behind the tuner. The tuner interrupts the PTT line to the power amplifier during the tuning process. This avoids tuning with high power, greatly reducing the possibility of damaging the tuner relays.
• 6 to 1,000 ohms tuning range, which corresponds to an SWR range maximum of 10:1. This allows it to match all coax-fed antennas such as a G5RV with a balun at the transition between two-wire ladder line and coax cable, but also a wideband vertical antenna designed for the rated power.

See all mAT-TUNER automatic antenna tuners and accessories at DXEngineering.com, including the MAT-Y200 for Yaesu transceivers, the MAT-705PLUS for the Icom IC-705, and the MAT-180H for select Icom and Kenwood transceivers.

The post New Products Spotlight: mAT-TUNER mAT-50 and 1500PRO Automatic Antenna Tuners (video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

DX Engineering was excited to catch up with VE2DX Electronics founder and longtime amateur radio operator Richard Desaulniers, Sr., VE2DX, at Dayton Hamvention 2024. Watch VE2DX run down the Quebec-based company’s lineup of TrueCIV Icom Transceiver Data Hubs, Remote Antenna Switches, Portable Two-Inch Meter Displays, and the Icom Digital Meter HDMI Display TrueCIV Interface available at DXEngineering.com.

Richard also highlights new VE2DX products that will be coming to DX Engineering in the weeks ahead, including band decoders, Bluetooth CAT interfaces, and EMI filters.

Here’s a quick look at what’s available now from VE2DX at DXEngineering.com.

***

Icom Digital Meter HDMI Display TrueCIV Interface

This small electronic device (IM1-HDMI V2) connects Icom transceivers to any size HDMI flat panel monitor or TV for an amazing multi-function meter display. It simultaneously interfaces to a PC and multiple accessories via USB, Bluetooth, and CI-V. 

***

VE2DX TrueCIV 5-Port Icom Interface Data Hubs

These data hubs connect the interfaced transceiver’s CI-V data stream to multiple accessories simultaneously. VE2DX’s TrueCIV creates a new CI-V TTL standard that is unmatched for CI-V signal performance, signal integrity, maximum link length, and RFI prevention. These hubs deliver perfect CI-V data to many types of tuners, band pass filters, and more.

• CT17B-5 V2 TrueCIV 5-Port Icom Interface Data Hub (with USB C port)
• CT17B-6USB V2 USB TrueCIV Icom 5-Port Interface Data Hub (with USB C port, Icom CI-V to USB PC)
• CT-17B-5 Icom CI-V 5-Port Data Hub (passive)

Bluetooth Models

The hubs below feature CI-V over Bluetooth and a 5-port hub that connects the interfaced transceiver’s CI-V data stream to multiple accessories simultaneously.

• CT17B-6BT V2 Bluetooth TrueCIV Icom Interface 5-Port Data Hub (isolated Icom CI-V to PC via Bluetooth)
• CT17B-7DM V2 Bluetooth and USB TrueCIV Icom Interface 5-Port Data Hub (isolated Icom CI-V to PC via Bluetooth)

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2-Inch Digital Display Meters

VE2DX’s IM1-4BTPLUS V2 Icom Digital Meter and TrueCIV Interface is a high-quality two-inch meter display and TrueCIV version 2 data hub for most Icom transceivers. This unique mini-screen device can show two bar graph meters or two needle meter displays, as selected with two front panel buttons, as well as other transceiver status indicators. This specially programmed VE2DX device ingeniously samples Icom transceiver CI-V data to display available information in multiple formats, depending upon radio model. The meter includes CT17B-MICRO v2 internal 3-port hub with TrueCIV. The IM1-4BTTUFF V2 TUFF METER model is waterproof for outdoor operation.

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SO2R 2X6 Remote Antenna Switches

VE2DX SO2R 2X6 Remote Antenna Switches provide selection of any six antennas for connection to two radios, covering the frequency range of 1.8 to 54 MHz. All control signals are RFI filtered as are all VE2DX printed circuit boards with shielding on both sides. Each SO-239 antenna port features five relays to achieve a design with over 80db port isolation and full legal-limit power handling. Switches are available in 24VDC or 12VDC relay versions.

The post Product Spotlight: VE2DX TrueCIV Icom Transceiver Interface Data Hubs, Remote Antenna Switches & More (Video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

When cool weather approaches, you may begin to ponder the most efficient way to upgrade your existing antennas or add to your current capabilities.

And when it comes to amateur radio antennas, you won’t find a better place to start your search than DX Engineering.com, where you’ll discover a huge selection of top amateur radio antenna brands and accessories, including today’s spotlight innovators: InnovAntennas. 

Exclusively Sold in North America by DX Engineering

Back in the summer of 2021, WiMo of Herxeim, Germany, on behalf of InnovAntennas Limited UK, selected DX Engineering as the sole North American distributor of the range of antenna products by InnovAntennas.  WiMo, one of Europe’s leading ham radio manufacturers and retailers, has been producing InnovAntennas as an OEM for more than five years.

This partnership has benefited discerning ham radio operators who have seen extraordinary results from InnovAntennas’ finely engineered, extensively tested, and robustly constructed products. These include the DXR Series Multiband HF Beams, featuring short booms (10.2 to 12 feet) with full-size elements or capacity-loaded shortened elements; High HF Band Optimized Log Periodic Arrays; Heavy-Duty HF+6M Yagi; 10M and 6M Yagis; and other options.

Today, OnAllBands is excited to highlight some of the latest additions to InnovAntennas’ already impressive lineup. 

50-LFA-4-LN 4-Element 50 MHz Yagi

Here’s a great opportunity to be ready for the 6M “Magic Band” bonanza whenever it rolls around.

Specifically designed for noisy city environments, this loop-fed, low-profile antenna is optimized for front-to-back performance on a relatively short boom of 11.15 feet. The results: rejection of as much local noise as possible and more signals heard. The 50-LFA-4-LN offers excellent forward gain of 9.4 dBi (14.9 dBi at 10M above ground), an exceptional 32 dB front-to-back rating, and SWR less than 1.4:1 across 50-50.5 MHz.

The antenna includes a center mount boom that accommodates mast clamps for up to two-inch masts. It provides a sleek 1.77-square-foot wind load, making this beam ideal for typical 6M stations.

LFA-WOS 6M 7-Element Yagi

This antenna was specially designed by G3WOS for hams who are looking for the perfect 6M antenna for use with a freestanding mast.

Boasting good gain characteristics and a particularly long boom for excellent front-to-back ratio, the mid-sized LFA-WOS is a great choice for EME and weak-signal DXing. Featuring an average gain of 12.9 dBi, it delivers suppressed lobes in both azimuth and elevation plots, making it ideal for noisy city installations. Its maximum transmit power is 5 kW with SWR less than 1.1:1 in the 50-50.45 MHz range.

For enhanced performance, both the last third of both the reflector and first director elements are bent toward the driver loop. The antenna comes with marine-grade stainless steel fittings, original Stauff insulation clamps, and mill-finished boom and elements for high accuracy.

OP-DES 50 MHz Yagi Antennas

OP-DES stands for Opposing Phase Driven Element System. This means the ends of the dipole radiator of these antennas is angled backwards toward the reflector, parallel to the boom. This results in opposing phase relationships in the ends of the driven element, providing a clean directional pattern with few side lobes. Users can expect optimized gain over a wide frequency range, while retaining a good front-to-back ratio.

The driven element dipole of an OP-DES antenna has a low impedance of 50 ohms. This eliminates the need for matching elements or a transformer balun. For this reason, the antenna is offered without a balun, but an RF choke balun made of ferrites on coax should be used at the feedpoint terminal studs. With the coaxial cable directly connected to the driven element dipole, well over full legal limit power levels are possible.

The InnovAntennas OP-DES 50 MHz Yagis are designed through careful numerical optimizations to provide excellent gain with good bandwidth. As a result, a low SWR of 1.1:1 is achieved in the frequency range of 50-50.6 MHz for the OP-DES 50 MHz Yagi six-element model (below) or 50-51.35 MHz for the five-element model.

LFA3-HG 50 MHz 5-Element Yagi

This model was designed to deliver the best gain on a relatively short boom. It offers forward gain of 10.7 dBi (16.2 dBi at 10M above ground) and an exceptional 31 dB front-to-back rating with SWR less than 1.4:1 in the 50-50.4 MHz range. The low-profile LFA3 achieves a significant reduction of noise, allowing clear reception of much weaker signals. The introduction of the loop-shaped and phase-fed dipole delivers considerably fewer side lobes in the Yagi directional pattern.

With less energy absorbed from the sides and from behind, the antenna becomes quieter and achieves a higher forward gain.

VertiGO HF Vertical Antennas

Last year, DX Engineering began carrying three models of InnovAntennas VertiGO HF Vertical Antennas. They come with a base-mounted remote tuner for DX and domestic operation:

• IVA-18484-0122: Tunable for 40-15M, 33 Feet (below)
• IVA-18484-0123: Tunable for 60-17M, 43 Feet
• IVA-18484-0124: Tunable for 80-17M, 66 Feet

Find the complete lineup of InnovAntennas antennas at DXEngineering.com.

The post New Product Spotlight: InnovAntennas Adds to Its Lineup of Amateur Radio Antennas Available at DX Engineering appeared first on OnAllBands.

If you’re thinking about enhancing your amateur radio performance, get a closer look at the features and benefits of the ACOM 500S Solid State Linear Amplifier, covering 160-4M (1.8 through 70.5 MHz*) with a power output of 500W (PEP or digital). Its compact (11.45″ W x 6.18″ H x 10.62″ D) and lightweight (17.2 pounds) construction makes it a great choice for DXpeditions and operations in the field.

Here are just a few of its many features:

• Operating information is shown on a multi-function, high-resolution five-inch 24-bit color display
• Unit can be controlled by either the six front-panel buttons or remotely
• Intuitive screen menus for easy operation—no special skills required from the operator when changing frequency
• Compatible with all transceiver models available on the market. Does not need any special signals; “ground on transmit” and less than 25W of RF drive power is sufficient.

With the help of DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist Michael Murphy, KI8R, watch firsthand how this compact amateur radio amplifier is loaded with ham-friendly capabilities. Anchor your shack with the rugged reliability of a solid-state RF amplifier—check out this review and see how the 500S is a versatile addition to the ACOM lineup.

R2kR2U

See ACOM 500S Amplifiers available at DXEngineering.com, including models with 120VAC or 240VAC AC plugs already installed. Find the full range of ACOM amplifiers at DXEngineering.com.

* Operation on the 4M band, 70-70.5 MHz is only legal in certain countries in IARU Region 1, many in Europe, plus Greenland. Operation is not authorized on this band in most of IARU Region 2 including North, Central and South America. This amplifier may be sold for use in any part of the world. Legal operation is the responsibility of the user.

The post ACOM Solid State 500S Linear Amplifier—Video Review appeared first on OnAllBands.

Today’s OnAllBands video shines a bright spotlight on a company that has been helping amateur operators enjoy brighter, more intelligible, and fully customized audio since its founding in 2002.

DX Engineering is proud to carry bhi Limited’s real-world-proven, audio-improving amateur radio products available at DXEngineering.com. The lineup includes Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise-canceling modules, speakers, and headphones; parametric equalizers; audio isolation devices; adapter cables; and audio accessories all designed to help hams enjoy clearer sound that leads to higher contest scores, better emergency communication, more weak-signal DXing QSOs, and stress-free rag-chewing.

In the video below, DX Engineering’s Paul, KJ8EEP, interviews Graham Somerville, M3ZGS, owner and managing director of the Burgess Hill, England-based company known for its innovative devices that remove unwanted background noise and interference for vastly improved speech quality.

In the video, Graham demonstrates the capabilities of the bhi DUAL-IN-LINE DSP noise-canceling module (below), which features an improved algorithm that produces exceptional audio quality in noisy conditions, eight filters for noise cancelation from 8 to 40 dB, and compatibility with both high and medium mono and stereo audio input signals.

Graham also displays the bhi ParaPro EQ20-DSP Parametric Equalizer, which lets you customize the sound of your received audio and boost the audio power to your speakers. The unit, as well as parametric equalizers with Bluetooth, enable you to adjust any specific part of the frequency range, providing greater flexibility and accuracy to set the audio to suit your own hearing.

Read more about the following bhi Limited products in these links from OnAllBands:

• New Product Spotlight: bhi DSP Noise-Canceling In-Line Module
• bhi Universal 12 VDC Power Supply
• NCH Active Noise Canceling Headphone

The post Manufacturer Spotlight: bhi Limited Noise-Canceling Products (video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

Were you able to make contact with the K3Y team of youth operators on the air July 27 during the 2024 RSGB IOTA Contest? We hope so. Your QSO made a difference in the life of a young amateur!

For the second straight year operating from the K3LR superstation in western Pennsylvania, a group of talented young hams got a taste of what it’s like making QSOs from a powerful amateur radio station, while chasers from every corner of the globe got to experience the bright future of our beloved hobby in action.

The four operators making up the team—Ian Alkema, KI8AN; Lilly Colón, W8LIL; Katie Campbell, KE8LQR; and Grace Papay, K8LG—were participating in the Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX Adventure (YDXA), a program that has sent amateurs ages 12-17 to stations around the world since its founding in 2010. You can read bios of the YDXA participants and parents here.

When this year’s international excursion fell through, Tim Duffy, K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering, once again offered his station as the site for the adventure.

Operating on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters in SSB and CW, the team logged close t0 2,000 QSOs. All contacts were made by the youth operators, with mentoring provided by parents and other experienced amateurs, including Tim, K3LR.

“It was a great day for these amazing young operators, as well as an important day for ham radio,” Tim said. “The K3Y team operated with impressive poise, skill, and teamwork, and they were an absolute pleasure to have at K3LR, representing the youth of our hobby in such a positive manner. A great deal of thanks goes to the Dayton Amateur Radio Association, other contributors for their sponsorship, and the many hams who sought them out on the air. Most importantly, I’d like to salute all the parents for doing such a wonderful job with these youngsters. The future of ham radio is in good hands.”

Edward Engleman, KG8CX, 2024 Hamvention Amateur of the Year and co-founder of the Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team (YACHT), wrote:

“Outstanding operation from all of you. Kudos. Thanks to Tim, K3LR, for believing in these youth and giving them an opportunity to long remember.”

“Well done, Katie, super contest operation,” wrote David Ayers, from England, on the DX Engineering Facebook page. “It’s going to take a lot more practice to get my CW back up to that standard.”

You can watch the K3Y team in action in this video from DX Engineering’s YouTube channel:

Youth Make a Stop at DX Engineering

Before traveling to K3LR, the K3Y team and parents stopped by DX Engineering in Tallmadge, Ohio, for lunch on July 26. Each participant gave a presentation on the impact ham radio has had on their life and their goals for the future.

“Amateur radio has and is continuing to be an incredible experience for me,” Ian said during his presentation at DX Engineering. “I have made so many new friends, received awesome awards, and was even able to take amateur radio to the outdoors.”

The presentations were broadcast live on DX Engineering’s Facebook page. You can watch the inspiring video below from DX Engineering’s YouTube channel:

The post Young YDXA Operators Once Again Display Their Amateur Radio Skills at K3LR appeared first on OnAllBands.

If you’re looking for a practical solution to overcome limited space or HOA restrictions, Carlson Communications offers four sturdy aluminum roof tower options that provide a range of choices for mounting ham radio antennas, including Hex Beams, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite antennas, and others—both fixed or with a mounted rotator (Hy-Gain or Yaesu).

All towers are built to accept the Yaesu GS-065 thrust bearing, as well as mast diameters up to 2.5 inches and those extended up to seven feet. The towers’ legs, foot, and rotator shelf are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum; X-braces are made from 5052-H32 aluminum; and hardware is stainless steel. Made in the USA, the towers are climbable with appropriate safety equipment.

Visit DXEngineering.com to view complete details of Carlson Communications Roof-Mounted Antenna Towers.

IO-45HD: 4.2 feet tall; 25-inch base width; maximum antenna wind area at tower top: 13 square feet at 80 MPH; maximum antenna, rotator, and mast weight: 200 pounds.

Per Carlson, the IO-45HD is perfect for moderate-sized HF beam antennas such as the Hy-Gain HF Explorer-14, the DX Engineering XB-5 Hexx Beam, and others. 

IO-610HD: 6 feet tall; 27-inch base width; maximum antenna wind area at tower top: 12 square feet at 80 MPH; maximum antenna, rotator, and mast weight: 200 pounds.

Per Carlson, the IO-610HD is perfect for moderate-sized HF beam antennas such as the Hy-Gain HF Explorer-14, Hy-Gain TH-3MK4, the DX Engineering XB-5 Hexx Beam, and others, including Mosely, KIO, and Traffie Tech models. 

IO-810HD: 8 feet tall; 32-inch base width; maximum antenna wind area at tower top: 12 square feet at 80 MPH; maximum antenna, rotator, and mast weight: 200 pounds.

Per Carlson, the IO-810HD is a good choice for small and moderate-sized HF beam antennas such as the Hy-Gain HF Explorer-14, Hy-Gain TH-3MK4, the DX Engineering XB-5 Hexx Beam, and others, including Mosely, KIO, and Traffie Tech models. 

IO-815HD: 8 feet tall; 32-inch base width; maximum antenna wind area at tower top: 15 square feet at 80 MPH, 90% within one foot of tower top; maximum antenna, rotator, and mast weight: 250 pounds.

Per Carlson, the IO-815HD is perfect for small and moderate-sized HF beam antennas and an excellent choice for stacking a VHF beam along with a small HF beam.

Watch this Dayton Hamvention® 2024 video of DX Engineering’s Paul, KJ8EEP, interviewing Carlson Communications CEO, James Carlson, KE8ULJ, about his company’s roof towers.

Also check out the Carlson Communications Heavy-Duty 25G Hinged Tower Base Plate at DXEngineering.com.

The post New Product Spotlight: Carlson Communications Roof Towers (Video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

OnAllBands has exciting news for multi-operator contest stations. DX Engineering now carries the RigSelect Pro Transceiver Switch and SO2R Controller—a device loaded with advanced features for contesters looking for a competitive edge. 

The RigSelect Pro makes it possible to implement a station in which any two of up to four connected radios can be selected as the SO2R pair—and in any order. Further, users can switch one set of headphones, microphone, paddle/key, and PTT line among any of four radios.

Contesters can enjoy quiet, solid-state, telcom-quality relays for all audio switching, which makes switching extremely fast. Status and menu options can be clearly viewed on a color TFT display. The compact unit (2.83″ H x 7.72″ W x 6.69″ D) tips the scales at only 2.76 pounds.

The RigSelect Pro supports OTRSP (Open Two Radio Switching Protocol) directly. Multiple configurations of SO2R audio management are available depending on operator preferences. Key, microphone, and PTT can be quickly switched between any two of up to four connected radios under control of a logging program using the OTRSP protocol.

There are three logical serial ports available for computer control of the RigSelect Pro via two physical USB-C connectors:

• On the RUN USB connector, one port is for CW commands to the built-in genuine K1EL WinKeyer 3 CW chip.
• A second port connects a logging program to RigSelect Pro using OTRSP to make lightning-fast computer-controlled transitions between radios. Because of these two ports on the RigSelect Pro, an interface program is not required on a PC. Connection can be made directly between most logging programs and the two CW/OTRSP ports.
• A third port on the APP USB connector is available for the Windows RigSelect Application for Microsoft Windows. This allows the operator direct control of RigSelect Pro via a Windows interface for quick adjustment of RigSelect Pro options and settings without using the front panel menu system.

The RigSelect Pro also supports a powerful computer control capability via an internal command set which is available on the APP connector. In addition to all the OTRSP commands, there are 65 different RigSelect commands available. These can be combined in a macro for use either within the App or assigned to a front panel pushbutton. In addition to the above features and the OTRSP protocol, RigSelect implements the audio switching capabilities popularized in the YCCC SO2R Box as listed below with some improvements.

• Blank TX on XMIT: This is an SO2R option to blank the audio from the radio that is transmitting a computer-generated message.
• Blank with Blend: Blend is also available in the Blank TX on XMIT option. This allows a lower volume audio signal from the transmitting radio to still be heard in that radio’s earpiece. The volume level of the Blend can be set using the “Blend Volume” setting.
• Split-Latch Option: This is an SO2R option where both earpieces are switched to the tip (left) main receiver channel of the receiving radio while the other radio is transmitting under computer control.
• Split-Stereo: In Split-Stereo, both earpieces are switched to the receiving radio stereo outputs during transmit. Once transmit is concluded, the headphones will be returned to the radios they were connected to prior to transmit.
• Standard SO2R: This is not a specific option but is the result of not selecting any of the other transmit radio audio switching options. This is also the factory default. In other words, “Standard SO2R” is what you get when Split-Latch, Split-Stereo, and Blank-on-TX are all turned off. In this case, nothing happens to headset audio when transmit is occurring. You continue to hear the transmitting radio in its assigned earpiece. This will usually be a sidetone or monitor signal.

For more details about the RigSelect Pro, watch Tim Duffy, K3LR, interview Courtney Krehbiel, KD6X, owner of KD6X Designs, in the video below:

The post New Product/Vendor Spotlight: RigSelect Pro Transceiver Switch and SO2R Controller (Video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

It’s a sad truth: Many people in the ham radio community never explore the opportunities afforded to them by their Technician license. You pored over the ham radio study guide, learned the basic math, asked your Elmer a million questions, and passed the test with flying colors.

But that’s as far as things progressed. It’s a common story: Life gets in the way.

While there are many reasons why new hams don’t make use of their first license, one of them isn’t a lack of opportunity to have a blast on the air. A Tech license opens up a vista of privileges, some of which are the coolest and most valuable among the long list of ham radio activities.

In today’s OnAllBands video, Michael Murphy, KI8R, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, shows some of the ways you can take advantage of punching your amateur radio ticket, along with encouraging words and practical advice on making your operating goals a reality.

But the question, “I just got my license. What’s next?” doesn’t just apply to new operators, as KI8R explains. Moving up the ham radio licensing ladder to General and Amateur Extra brings new opportunities but also may elicit more questions about how you may want to move into other areas of interest.

Enjoy the video below. And if you’re new to the hobby, welcome aboard! We can’t wait to hear you on the air!

We also recommend this excellent article by blogger Sean, KX9X, “Beyond Your Local Repeater: 15 Things to Do with a Technician License.”

Need help getting your first station together? DX Engineering offers handheld, mobile, base station, Go Box, and POTA ham radio getting started packages that take the worry out of choosing the right transceivers, antennas, and station components for your goals and budget.

The post So You Got Your Ham License? Here’s How to Start Enjoying Amateur Radio. (Video) appeared first on OnAllBands.

The DX Engineering Logo UltrAtomic® Wall Clock features dramatically improved reception and reliability, allowing you to automatically set and keep time, even at daylight saving time changes.

Excellent readability and attractive styling make this DX Engineering 14-inch analog clock a great addition to any amateur radio station, office complex, school, or home.

The UltrAtomic receives the enhanced phase modulated WWVB broadcast signal introduced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2012. This advanced technology allows the radio time signal to “break through” barriers like cement walls, unlike previous PWM-only atomic clocks.

WWVB is a time signal radio station near Fort Collins, Colorado. It is co-located with WWV, a time signal station established in 1919 that broadcasts in both voice and time code on different shortwave frequencies. You can read a brief history of ham radio and WWV, WWVH, and WWVB in this OnAllbands article by Mark, K8MSH.

A Clock Loaded with Features

This is the DX Engineering version of the La Crosse Technology wall clock that was the first on the market to be based on this enhanced broadcast. The UltrAtomic clock operates even in the harshest conditions, such as when the signal-to-noise ratio interferes with radio-controlled clock reception using the legacy AM signal broadcast.

UltrAtomic technology digitally processes the received signal via an integrated circuit within the clock. It leverages the advanced modulation scheme and new data encoding. The reception reliability of the technology has been validated in the most challenging locations and scenarios and has been demonstrated successfully throughout North America.

The clock lets you select any time zone with a custom setting, especially UTC/GMT. Now you can enjoy UltrAtomic accuracy while viewing any time zone around the world.

The phase modulated WWVB broadcast includes a notification for daylight saving time transitions well ahead of when they occur. The clock reads and stores this information and, at the appropriate instance, automatically advances the hands one hour in the spring and eleven hours in the fall (to move back one hour), even if the signal is not received on the day of the transition.

Other features include:

• UltrAtomic time with manual set option
• Barrier-resistant signal reception with dual antenna that is insensitive to orientation
• Adjustable time and zone (24-hour World Time)
• Eco Mode extends battery life—turns second hand off from 11 pm to 5 am
• Q-Mode (Quartz Mode) for manual time setting
• Stainless steel frame bezel
• Glass lens
• Black metal hands and black numerals on white background
• Low-battery detection indicator
• Powered by two or four high-quality “C” LR14 batteries (not included) for up to three years or six years in Eco Mode

The post New Product Spotlight: DX Engineering Logo UltrAtomic® Wall Clock 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Last December, students from the Advanced Technology Group of the Harbor Creek School District in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, got the rare opportunity to talk with European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, KG5GCZ, who was operating from the International Space Station (ISS). The event drew a great deal of attention, shining a spotlight on the young hams who did such a stellar job representing the bright future of amateur radio.

This May, members of the enthusiastic group were treated to another exciting opportunity to experience the best in amateur radio—an up-close look at one of the world’s premier contesting sites. Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO, hosted the students at his superstation, where the young hams could see the antennas, transceivers, and other equipment that have been used by world-class teams to produce record-breaking scores in high-profile contests.

Joining Tim, K3LR, were Scott Jones, N3RA, DX Engineering sales manager; Colleen Campbell, KB8VAQ, a science teacher at Columbiana High School in Columbiana, Ohio; her daughter Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, who was a participant in the 2023 Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX Adventure at K3LR; Drew Mortensen, AC3DS, and Allen Lombardozzi, KC3TGY, from Harbor Creek Senior High; and Elaine LaFuria, KC3SFY, from Harbor Creek Junior High.

“Thank you for this great opportunity for our students. They absolutely loved this trip today. Drew, Elaine, and I really appreciate all you did for our club today. This was such a great learning experience for them and us.”

Allen, KC3TGY, from the DX Engineering Facebook page

From all of us at DX Engineering and OnAllBands, best of luck to the Advanced Technology Group as you explore new worlds of opportunity through amateur radio. 73!

The post From the International Space Station to the K3LR Superstation: Young Hams Experience the Best in Amateur Radio! appeared first on OnAllBands.