For Guglielmo Marconi, the great challenge was to transmit wireless signals across the Atlantic and to all the ships at sea. He built stations at Poldhu, England; Glace Bay, Nova Scotia; and Cape Cod, United States—all near the ocean.

Was this done with a knowledge of oceanside propagation, or was it because he was in the business of ship-to-shore communication?

Those of us blessed with a waterfront residence on the east or west coast have much stronger communications links across the Atlantic or the Pacific than people living in the middle of the continent. We’ve all heard stories of antenna farms on or near saltwater marshes that get much improved signals. I even heard one about a ham with both feet in the Atlantic operating a low-power backpack radio with a whip and having a QSO with a station in France.

The “saltwater amplifier” is the increased ground conductivity near the sea, leading to more antenna gain. Average soil has a conductivity of 0.005 Siemens per meter, saltwater averages 5.0 Siemens per meter—an improvement by a factor of 1,000.

Do the math and that’s roughly 10 dB of gain. Imagine turning your 10-watt QRP radio into the equivalent of 100 watts.

Medium Wave Beside the Waves

Early on, some AM stations in the metro New York City area learned that oceanside towers can produce big signals. For more than four decades, High Island had been home to two of the biggest New York City AM signals: WFAN (formerly WNBC) on 660 kHz and WCBS on 880 kHz.

CBS’s station was so powerful that it could be heard as far away as Florida and Chicago on good days. Typical coverage included daytime signals up the coast as far as Cape Cod and down to Cape May. Then as now, CBS was one of America’s principal broadcasters, and the company found the saltwater ground system of Long Island Sound ideal for carrying radio waves.

Broadcasters have sometimes found some advantage or necessity to locate transmitter sites on islands. These islands vary from the isolated home of KUHB on St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea to the now defunct WMBL on “Radio Island” near Morehead City, North Carolina. It was the first radio station serving the area and was well known for its clear reception and surprisingly long range.

Gordo’s Ground Shootout

Gordon West, WB6NOA, once did a head-to-head comparison between a traditional copper-foil strip that went nearly all the way around his boat and a seawater ground. The results of his experiment were published in Sail Magazine. Using an Icom marine SSB/ham transceiver and Icom AT-130, he was careful to retune the antenna each time ground systems were switched for an accurate comparison.

While the copper foil capacitive ground did produce a usable signal, the seawater ground improved antenna power output considerably.

In addition, this configuration decreased the noise floor while receiving and increased sky wave signal strength. It also caused a four-foot fluorescent tube to glow brightly with modulation peaks.

He saw the light.

WSPR Test

Greg Lane, N4KGL, did a test comparing two identical verticals, one on the beach near the water and another inland, away from the beach. In addition, a low dipole was added to the mix to see if horizontal polarization made any significant difference. Only simultaneous spots were used for comparison.

Using a pair of identical WSPRlite transmitters on 20 meters, Lane first established a baseline with a WSPRlite attached to each vertical. Both were set up several hundred feet inland at the same distance from the ocean. Evaluating the 55 spots, all were similar in output and operation. Using a low-power wattmeter onsite showed no discernable difference in output.

Two trials were conducted with the saltwater vs. land antenna comparison. The first one had the antenna placed at the shore and the other 700 feet inland. The second trial had them placed 200 feet apart. Results showed the saltwater vertical always beat the inland vertical for any WSPR spot with an average 10.8 dB advantage. As expected, the closer the antenna to the water, the better the gain.

In the low dipole vs. saltwater vertical scenario, the saltwater vertical was better 32 times out of 33 spots, with nearly a 10 dB advantage. The only downside was higher radiation angles.

Overall, his observations appear to support the presence of a significant saltwater gain.

Radial Placement for Maximum Gain

The object of the saltwater effect is to improve the ground system for better efficiency. Rudy Severns, N6LF, reminds us when AC current (RF) flows in a conductor, the current tends to flow only near the surface. The ground current for a saltwater vertical antenna is restricted to a thin layer near the water surface (skin depth). This means radials need to be near the surface to take full advantage of the saltwater effect.  

Running a copper wire with a fishing weight (or several) to the edge of the surf would probably be sufficient for casual use at the beach. A floating radial on an anchored pool noodle would be a good solution in calm inlets and tidal pools.

Tides are a challenge. Local tides can range from a foot to more than 50 feet. That would significantly cover the radials and vertical element, changing the effective length of the antenna system. A workable long-term solution could be a floating dock or a float substantial enough to support the antenna. You don’t need a long radial—attaching a piece of sheet metal or screen several feet long to the bottom or side of the dock can provide a low-resistance ground without a trailing wire.

Several DXpeditions have used pairs of 1/4 wavelength elevated radials connected to vertical antennas directly over flooded reefs. The radials need to be kept well above the water surface, even at high tides, for best results.

Close Also Counts

The objective with a vertical monopole antenna is not just to have any ground connection, but to have a low-loss ground plane under the base of the antenna. Think of the ocean like a huge copper sheet, just not quite as conductive. Being within a few wavelengths of an ocean is the next best thing to having radials near or in the water. Walt, K4OGO, has some videos online that discuss antenna designs and setup for use on the beach.

Going mobile? When you park close to the sea, the radio waves go over the surface, reflect and bounce off into the atmosphere and skip, just like stones or pebbles across a pond.

Reflections on Saltwater Propagation

Seawater is too good of a conductor to pass radio waves—instead, it reflects them like a mirror off of its surface. Saltwater contains Na+ and Cl- ions. Saltwater is electrically conductive because these ions are free to move in solution.

You might argue that 10 dB is only a little more than 1.5 S-units, but it can mean the difference between “can’t hear a thing” and full copy.

This might be a good time to book that beach vacation to fish for some DX!

The post The Saltwater Amplifier Effect (& How it Impacts Your Amateur Radio Station Performance) 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.

All of us at OnAllBands and DX Engineering would like to offer our hearty congratulations to Marek, FH4VVK, and his support team for the successful one-operator activation (FT4GL) of the Glorioso Islands.

This French-controlled atoll in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar ranked as the 7^th most-wanted DXCC entity per Clublog when the DXpedition began from Grande Glorioso Island in May. When it wrapped up on June 18, FH4VVK had logged more than 60,000 QSOs, with HF contacts made in all modes used (only 160M was “not satisfactory,” per the FT4GL blog). QSOs included ATNOs for smaller stations who were given preference in the latter stages of the operation.

Among those vying for this rare contact were the avid DXers from DX Engineering, including customer/technical support specialist and DXCC Honor Roll member (first place, mixed modes) Wayne, K8FF. He reached FT4GL on 20/15/12M FT8, adding to his growing list of digital contacts.

Scotty, KG9Z, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist and owner of the Nine-Band DXCC, 160M WAS, and other honors, also filled multiple bands on FT8 in Fox/Hound mode. He called FT4GL a “great one-man operation.”

“We warmly and from the bottom of our hearts thank all the people who have shown their gratitude and trust in us throughout this adventure. Numerous messages and emails of encouragement helped Marek and the whole team to continue so that this activity went as smoothly as possible, and the pilots who were very responsive in informing the community of the correct news.”

The FT4GL team from the FT4GL Facebook page

Here’s a sampling of the outpouring of positivity from online posters:

“Absolutely outstanding, Marek. The DX community is forever grateful for activating a very rare entity for us, and for such an extended period of time. 73 and safe travels from all of us at K4TOR.”

Tor Langvand

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“Glad that Marek was able to activate FT4/G. ATNO for me and many others. Great job mate!”

Wesley Beck

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“He did a fantastic job. I met my goal, which was an FT8 and SSB contact. As for the lids that interfered: Those who can, do, those that can’t try to take out their lack of ability and knowledge on those that can. These people are a special kind of lid.”

Steve Fetter

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Not sure what constitutes a “lid” in the ham radio world? Read this article from Mark, K8MSH, “The Five Types of Operators You Don’t Want to Be.”

Unfortunately, as the comment above and the FT4GL team noted, Marek was not immune to some of the bad actors who have become all too commonplace during rare activations. Pirate stations, music broadcasters, and other interference turned this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into an “intense and sometimes difficult experience” not representative of “the OM spirit,” per the FT4GL blog.

Read this OnAllBands article on the DQRM (Deliberate QRM) that plagued 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 and other high-profile DXpeditions.

Sharing in the Glory

DX Engineering was proud to supply Marek with VA6AM 150W PEP HF Band Pass Filters for 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10M to help make more QSOs possible. These high-quality, multi-stage inline passive band pass filters are specifically designed to limit the transmitting and receiving RF passband to a single amateur band. 

Next Up—Jarvis Island and St. Paul Island DXpeditions

DX Engineering was also pleased to provide two August 2024 DXpeditions with mission-critical gear:

• The 100% RIB (Rig in a Box) N5J operation from the Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the rarest DXCC entities on the planet, is scheduled for August 5-20.

Going along for the trip will be DX Engineering DXE-ATK65A Telescoping Aluminum Antenna Tubing Kits, DX Engineering 400MAX Type N Low-Loss 50-Ohm Coax Assemblies,  Mastrant-R Support and Guy Line Rope, and more.

• 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.

DX Engineering has contributed equipment for a beverage antenna: DX Engineering Beverage Antenna System, DX Engineering RPA-2 Modular Receive Preamplifier, and DX Engineering Beverage Termination Resistors.

The post Glorioso Islands DXpedition Wraps Up. More Rare DXing Opportunities on the Horizon. appeared first on OnAllBands.

As a service to new hams, we’ve compiled a few resources to give you a better basic understanding of the sun and the role it plays in enabling you to fill your logbooks.

The ElectronicsNotes website provides a good explanation in the article “The Sun: Its Structure & Impact on Radio Propagation.” It notes that in terms of radio communication, the sun “is the source of radiation that gives rise to the ionosphere” and is “of great importance for HF ionospheric radio propagation.”

The article explains that solar radiation travels to the Earth, causing the upper portions of the atmosphere to become ionized. The absorption of the radiation provides protection from harmful elements of this radiation while also forming the ionosphere. The ionosphere refracts radio signals, particularly in the MF and HF portions of the radio spectrum, making global radio communications possible. As the levels of radiation change throughout a day, so do different regions in the ionosphere change.

We recommend reading this ARRL article from the ARRL Lab Staff. Mike Gruber, WA1SVF, assisted by Dean Straw, N6BV, answer some questions about how the sun influences the propagation of radio signals. The article provides explanations of the 11-year sunspot cycle, solar flares, coronal holes, A-Index and K-Index numbers, and much more.

Also, check out K7RA Solar Updates from the ARRL website under “Latest News.”

Have you ever heard of Dr. Tamitha Skov? She is amazing. Visit her website, spaceweatherwoman.com, for the latest space weather forecasts, details on how space weather affects us, recent issues of Space Weather Forecast News, and more. You can watch DX Engineering CEO, Tim Duffy, K3LR, interview Dr. Skov in the video below:

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

The post Ham Radio 101: The Basics of Sun and Signal—A Few Useful Resources 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.

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.

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.

When starting something new, like Parks on the Air (POTA), one of the first hurdles to get over is assembling the right equipment. Let’s face it, it’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole when exploring a new aspect of the Ham radio hobby—and that becomes an excuse to buy more gear.

What can happen is you wind up with boxes of stuff that you put in the back of your Jeep and transport to your next adventure. But when you get to your operating destination and start setting up, you find 175% more stuff than you need and 30% of stuff you need but don’t have. 

DX Engineering is committed to making sure you have all the equipment you need without buying all the items you don’t. We started with our DX Engineering Go Box Kits, featuring either Icom (IC-7300 and ID-5100A) or Yaesu (FT-7100 AESS and FTM-500DR) transceivers plus equipment case, rack shelving, antenna tuner, mobile mounts, DC power panel, and other accessories. 

Now we are excited to bring you four different DX Engineering HF+50 MHz POTA Kits—a collection of gear perfect for POTA, SOTA, or whatever other portable OTA event or EMCOMM activity you have in mind.

By ordering these as complete DIY packages, you’ll be able to quickly assemble them according to your likes, charge the battery, and get on the air. You will have every component, jumper wire, and adapter you need to assemble it, even if you are brand spanking new to the hobby. 

DX Engineering offers a POTA QRP kit featuring the Icom IC-705 for the minimalist who enjoys the challenge of making contacts on low power. Next, there’s a POTA kit centered around the Yaesu FT-891. It is still a lightweight minimalist approach but gives you a full 100W. Then we have our “full sized” POTA kits featuring the Icom IC-7300 or the Yaesu FT-710- FIELD transceivers. Click on the links below for details about each POTA package and to check if items are currently in stock:

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DXE-POTA-1 with Yaesu FT-891 Transceiver

In addition to the transceiver, the kit includes a Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12 VDC, 20 Ah, 480W battery; AC to DC battery charger; 40W foldable solar panel; and solar charge controller. Other contents include DX Engineering RG-8X PL-259 low-loss 50-ohm cable assemblies, lengths of 15 and 50 feet; mAT TUNER 1.8 to 54 MHz automatic antenna tuner; Chelegance JPC-12 portable HF vertical antenna, 40-6M; RigExpert STICK-230 antenna analyzer, 100 kHz-230 MHz; REZ Antenna Systems backpack; and West Mountain Radio DC power cables.

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DXE-POTA-2 with Icom IC-705 Transceiver

In addition to the transceiver, the kit includes a Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12 VDC, 4.5 Ah, 108W battery; 40W foldable solar panel; and solar charge controller. Other contents include Consolidated Wire RG174U cable assembly with BNC male connectors, 20 feet; Chameleon lightweight 4010 end-fed sloper, 40-10M; DX Engineering coaxial RF connector adapters; Icom AH-705 compact 1.8-50 MHz automatic antenna tuner; Icom IC-705 portable transceiver backpack; and West Mountain Radio DC power cables.

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DXE-POTA-3 with Icom IC-7300 Transceiver

In addition to the transceiver, the kit includes a Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12 VDC, 20 Ah, 480W battery; AC to DC battery charger; 60W foldable solar panel; and solar charge controller. Other contents include DX Engineering RG-8X PL-259 low-loss 50-ohm cable assembly, 25 feet; REZ Ranger 80 Antenna System with tripod mount; and West Mountain Radio DC power cables.

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DXE-POTA-4 with Yaesu FT-710-FIELD Transceiver

In addition to the transceiver, the kit includes a Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12 VDC, 20 Ah, 480W battery; AC to DC battery charger; 60W foldable solar panel; and solar charge controller. Other contents include DX Engineering RG-8X PL-259 low-loss 50-ohm cable assembly, 15 feet; mAT TUNER 1.8 to 54 MHz automatic antenna tuner; Chameleon MPAS Lite modular portable antenna system with backpack, 160-6M; Yaesu FH-2 remote control keypad; and West Mountain Radio DC power cables.

What if You Already Have Some of the Pieces You Need to Go Portable?

Just let your DX Engineering rep know which components from the POTA kits you need and we’ll customize your order—easy peasy. Or maybe your creative juices start flowing and you want to upgrade some items? We can make those changes for you as well. The concept behind DX Engineering Go Box and POTA kits is to provide hams with a framework from which to model your personalized kit.

The post DX Engineering Introduces Complete POTA/EMCOMM Kits 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.

Every Field Day setup is different, depending on location, number of people, access to trees, number of stations operating, and more. Chances are you’ve participated before and have a basic checklist of items you’ll need. It probably includes items like radios, antennas, generators, tables, chairs, shelter, food, and other necessities.

But sometimes you get that feeling that you left something behind. You’re not sure what it is, but you’ll find out soon enough, like when you discover the extension cord isn’t long enough or try to sit down and realize you left the folding chair at home.

Forehead slap, followed by “How could I forget that!”

We can’t prevent these awkward moments, but there are some items we’d suggest to make your Field Day experience more productive and comfortable.

Let There Be Light

It’s nighttime and the glow from your transceiver’s dial isn’t quite enough to see your iambic keyer or the coffee cup you’re about to knock over. If you’ve got some power to spare from your generator, a gooseneck desk lamp will be a big help. If not, then a compact emergency lantern will last the entire Field Day (and then some) on a handful of batteries.

Need to do cable repair in the dark or find your way to the porta-john? A basic handheld flashlight will guide the way.

Comfort First

The operator can only tolerate what the seat will endure. The folding chair-in-a-bag is great for relaxing but awkward for serious operating. Our club president brings a large, comfy desk chair—fortunately, he has a truck to haul it to the FD site. However, a sturdy folding chair with upholstered seat and back will easily fit in most cars and provide reasonable comfort. If it’s a basic metal model, consider adding a memory foam cushion. What the heck, bring a foam cushion anyway.

Fold-in-half resin tables are compact and easy to carry. Most are also height-adjustable for a comfortable working area.

They also stand up to spilled coffee.

Keep Cool

Bring a fan. Small desk fans are a start, but large and quiet are better—think box fans. If you live in a warm, dry climate, misting fans can lower ambient air temperature up to 25 degrees F.

Tool Kits

Everyone has their own vision of the perfect tool kit. Most include socket sets, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, battery powered drills, long tape measures, spare hardware, and clamps.

There are other tools worth considering. One that tops our list is Vise-Grips. They can be used to hold small parts together temporarily and to clamp something quickly and securely in place. They’re also a great tool for ground rod or rebar stake extraction. Lock them in place near the top and twist the rod out.

A mini sledge is a close second. A two- to three-pound version is usually ideal for most jobs and better than a standard claw hammer for driving stakes and ground rods.

Square Peg, Round Hole

Our Field Day crew has tried to standardize audio, power, and RF connectors over the last few years. For the most part, it has worked. But once in a while we have to deal with an odd connection of some kind, replace worn connectors, or extend coax runs. Keep male and female versions of the coax adapters—UHF to N, BNC, or SMA and a good supply of SO-239 barrel connectors (below) for chronic feedline shortages. For audio adapters, 1/4 to 1/8 inch, 1/8 to 1/4 inch, and the mono/stereo versions are a good start.

Anderson Powerpoles offer a standard for 13.8 VDC connections—one plug fits all and prevents accidental polarity reversals. Four-way splitters are handy for multiple station items like radios, tuners, and keyers.

Electronic Repair & Diagnosis

Antenna analyzers are a must for tuning antennas and checking feedline. The RigExpert STICK-230 (below) fits easily in a pocket and has a long battery life.

Digital multimeters can help with continuity checks, voltage/amperage readings, and battery solar cell and power supply diagnosis. Include a comprehensive tool kit with everything you might need for quick fixes: soldering iron and solder, electrical tape, wire cutters and strippers, crimp tools, screwdrivers, coax prep tools, and spare PL-259 connectors.

Rebar, Zip Ties & Gaffer Tape

You can’t have enough stakes. But when shopping the big box stores, I found plastic, wood, and not-so-rugged metal versions. The more durable rebar pieces cut into one-, two-, or four-foot sections appear to be a sturdier choice for guy lines. Keep them driven close to the ground or mark them clearly so as not to be a hazard.

You can use two- or four-foot rebar to help keep your tent pole or light telescoping masts from sliding around while you do your guying setup. Drill a 5/8-inch hole in the center of a small scrap of plywood or 2 x 6 stud, then place it on the ground to protect the pole. Drive the rebar into the ground through the hole, leaving about a foot or so protruding. Slide the mast over the rebar. You may want to protect fiberglass poles by inserting a slightly smaller diameter piece of PVC inside the bottom of the mast.

Zip ties? They’re probably one of the handiest inventions ever made. The obvious use is for bundling cable and rolling it up neatly for next year’s Field Day. Break a zipper-pull on your backpack or a shoelace—replace it with a zip tie loop. Use multicolor zip tie kits to color code wires. Flag cable ties let you easily identify or mark items.

Leave your duct tape at home. Sure, it will work, but it leaves a sticky residue when it’s removed or relocated. Gaffer tape leaves little to no residue when removed. With gaffer tape, you can secure cords and gear, mark spots, label and mark gear, etc., and then remove the tape without mucking up your stuff.

Backup Equipment

Test it before Field Day and it will work. Use it during Field Day and it might fail. Murphy’s law will prevail: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.”

Be prepared to replace an entire station or parts of it: power supply, radio, microphone, headphone, tuner, patch cables, etc. Having these available for quick replacement will ensure your downtime will be minimal. The same applies to antennas—have some pre-built substitutes and coaxial feedline ready as replacements.

DOA laptop computer? It’s always a good idea to have a backup on hand, as well as chargers and spare batteries for all your computers.

Do you have a backup generator like the A-iPower 2,000W SUA2000I portable inverter model available? You should.

Odds & Ends

Here’s a list of miscellaneous items that you might also find useful:

• Plastic wrap for waterproofing connections
• Magnet to retrieve parts dropped in the grass
• Magnifying glass
• Common mode chokes for antennas
• Grill lighter to seal ends of paracord
• An RF noise filter for generators
• Tags or address labels on everything you bring so you get them back 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the items you might need. Hopefully, we’ve suggested some things you can use. To paraphrase a line from a Rolling Stones song, “You don’t always bring what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you might find, you’ll bring what you need.”

The post Field Day: Things You’ll Need & Wished You’d Brought appeared first on OnAllBands.

DX Engineering is excited to announce another valuable addition to its lineup of more than 175 amateur radio providers from around the world: 4O3A. You can find 30,000-plus ham radio products from these leading manufacturers—including 4O3A and DX Engineering branded equipment—at DXEngineering.com.

About 4O3A

The 4O3A call sign belongs to accomplished contester Ranko Boca, who earned his first license in 1980 and went on to participate in multiple World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC). The 4O3A superstation is located on the Lustica peninsula at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro. The station—“Ham Radio Paradise,” as it’s called on the 4O3A website—offers a spectacular view from its position on Obosnik Hill, the highest point in the peninsula.

As a company, the innovators and world-class contesters at 4O3A design and manufacture high-quality products that help hams operate more efficiently and push contest scores higher. DX Engineering carries several products from 4O3A’s flagship line of Genius Solutions products that work with FlexRadio transceivers and other modern HF rigs: the Power Genius XL Amplifier, Tuner Genius XL Antenna Tuners, and Antenna Genius 8X2 Plus Antenna Switch.

Also look out for 4O3A band pass filters available soon from DX Engineering.

A Sound Choice for Better Audio

Understanding the competitive edge that crisp and clear audio delivers in a contesting environment, the 4O3A team developed the NC-1 Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Boom Mic Headset. This multipurpose combo features light and comfortable over-the-ear headphones that provide excellent ambient noise canceling and crystal-clear sound—perfect for long hours of contesting as well as enjoyment of music, podcasts, and more.

The headset includes a top-of-the-line noise-canceling system with up to 25 dB of noise reduction; 40mm size neodymium drivers that allow you to hear the slightest details during a contest or while listening to a Beethoven sonata; Bluetooth 5.0 for Android and Apple mobile devices, laptops, tablets, PC, and interfaced radios; and up to 30 hours of worry-free operation on a single charge of the provided 750mA rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

The plug-in omnidirectional condenser boom mic set provides superior vocal clarity with a wide, flat frequency response. The MC-1 boom mic set works for all transceivers (with optional adapters) and plugs into laptops, tablets, and PCs. It comes with universal 3.5mm mic and headphone cables (detachable from the NC-1 Headphones for use without the boom mic) and includes soft case, 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, and two boom mic windscreens. Headphones and a boom mic also available separately.

Find 4O3A headset-transceiver 8-pin round mic adapters and audio adapters, Bluetooth dongles, NC-1 headset, MC-1 boom mic, the headset/mic combo, and other 403A accessories at DXEngineering.com.

The post New Product\Vendor Spotlight: 4O3A NC-1 Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Boom Mic Headset appeared first on OnAllBands.

With ARRL Field Day 2024 rapidly approaching, OnAllBands will be looking at a few more items to consider loading in the trunk before heading out to your operating location on June 22-23. These Field-Day-friendly devices and apparel (and more than 30,000 other amateur radio products) can be easily ordered at DXEngineering.com and shipped to you in plenty of time for the big weekend.

Need help figuring out exactly what you need? The Elmers at DX Engineering—with more than 1,000-plus years of amateur radio experience and a slew of Field Days under their belts—will make sure you’re selecting the right gear for your needs and budget.

Before we get into today’s featured products, check out these Field Day suggestions for coaxial cables, solar panels and LiFePO4 batteries, portable HF antennas, and antenna analyzers.

Tool Kits

Nothing says emergency communications preparedness (the original purpose of Field Day, after all) more than having the proper tools handy when setting up your stations or when things don’t go exactly as planned. Visit DXEngineering.com for the full lineup of ham radio tools and tool kits, including:

• Ultra-Grip 2 Crimp Connector Hand Tool Kit (DXE-UT-KIT-CRMP2, below)
• Complete Kit of Coaxial Cable Prep Tools for Crimp Connectors (DXE-UT-KIT-CC1)
• Basic (DXE-UT-KIT3) and Complete (DXE-UT-KIT4) Coaxial Cable Tool Kits for prepping and installing soldered connectors
• F-Connector Coax Cable Tool Kit (DXE-UT-KITF) for RG-6U dual-shield/quad shield and RG6 size cable

What do hams say about the Ultra-Grip 2 Crimp Connector Hand Tool Kit?

Five Stars: “This is an outstanding tool. If you are thinking about going to crimp-on connectors, this is what you need to put on just about anything that can be crimped. I use it for my coax as well as my power poles. It is a solid tool and everything you need is included in the box. Dies can be switched in just a few minutes and all the dies you will ever need are included. Highly recommended.”

Wilburn, DX Engineering Customer

DX Engineering cable stripping/cutting tools for crimp connectors can be purchased separately or together in the DXE-UT-KIT-CC1. The simple-to-use devices allow you to insert the coax into one end, close the cutter and twist to cut to the correct measurement. Then insert the coax in the other end of the cutter, close it and withdraw to produce a slit for easy removal of the cut portions. The model below strips 8X size cables:

Hinged cable grippers, strippers for 50-ohm cable (DXE-UT-8213, DXE-UT-808X, DXE-UT-8213LR, below), gripper/stripper combos, and crimper tool and dies are also sold separately.

Band Pass Filters

For issues with wideband n0ise from transmitters in multi-station Field Day setups, band pass filters can make a major difference. DX Engineering carries VA6AM 150W PEP HF Band Pass Filters for 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10M. These high-quality, multi-stage inline passive band pass filters are specifically designed to limit the transmitting and receiving RF passband to a single amateur band.

Headset & Foot Switch Packages

Make it easy on yourself by adding a quality headset and foot switch in one purchase. Combos come with DX Engineering’s rugged and budget-friendly plastic foot switch (DXE-FS-001) or cast metal model (DXE-FS-002). The foot switches are paired with Heil Pro Set Elite Headsets or Pro 7 Headsets.

Just looking for a foot switch to add to your Field Day setup? DX Engineering offers three models sold separately here. Below is the extra-wide super-duty cast metal foot switch (DXE-FS-003).

What do hams say about the DXE-FS-003 Foot Switch?

Five Stars: “Not a Toy! I’m impressed with the quality of the DXE-FS-003 Foot Switch. I spent decades working in public safety 911 dispatch centers, and this is comparable to the foot switches used in that service that get stomped on 24/7/365, year after year. As the title to my review says, it’s not a toy. It’s solid, heavy, and doesn’t slide around or mar the polished wood floor it sits on. I would expect years of service under the feet of any club-footed ham. This is the real thing, not a cheap imitation.”

Mel, DX Engineering Customer

Headsets

Heil Sound offers a range of headsets perfect for hours of comfortable, fatigue-free Field Day operating. Models include:

• Pro 7 Headsets have passive noise-canceling ability that blocks out background noise, audio balance control, a phase reversal switch for digging out weak signals, and adjustable mic boom.
• Pro Set Elite Headsets deliver bright, articulate audio with acoustically-tuned chambers that facilitate a high rejection of outside noise.
• Lightweight and comfortable Pro Set 6 Headsets use Heil’s HC 6 wide-response mic element so you can take advantage of the microphone EQ of your modern transceiver.
• Heil’s lightweight BM-17 Emergency Communication Headsets come with a swivel-mounted boom that makes easy work of moving the microphone to the desired position. They feature extremely sensitive speakers that don’t require much AF drive from the transceiver; a frequency response of 200Hz-5kHz; and low distortion.

You’ll find all the Heil headset and microphone adapter cables you need at DXEngineering.com. Also available is the INRAD W1 Headset and the 4O3A NC-1 Noise Canceling Bluetooth Boom Mic Headset.

Telescopic Masts

DX Engineering’s Premier Telescoping Carbon Fiber Masts make a great choice as a temporary antenna support on Field Day. Available in four versions (24-, 33-, and 49-foot, and heavy-duty 33-foot), these masts collapse down to a compact size for easy portability. They are lighter than aluminum and fiberglass, yet stiffer than steel of the same thickness. 

Also available are DX Engineering Complete Telescoping Fiberglass Tubing and Cam Lock Clamp Kits. Made for easy deployment and transport, the kits feature high-quality pultruded fiberglass tubing with nominal 0.120-inch wall thicknesses for strength, durability, and smooth telescoping. Depending on the kit, tubing is collapsible to either 4 feet or 7.5 feet for easy storage and convenient loading in a vehicle. 

What do hams say about the Complete Telescoping Fiberglass Tubing and Cam Lock Clamp Kits?

Five Stars: “The fit, finish and quality of this mast is very good. Putting together the mast with the included cam lock clamps was very easy…everything just fit well. The provided instructions were spot on. This mast is an awesome addition to my RV radio expeditions.”

Leonard, DX Engineering Customer

Visit DXEngineering.com for more portable mast options, including WiMo Telescoping Masts from 13 to 52 feet tall. 

Looking Good!

If you want to make a fashion statement on Field Day, you’ll find an excellent selection of DX Engineering T-shirts; polo shirts; hats, including the new camo-style ball cap below; and more at DXEngineering.com.

Here’s a quick list of a few more items you’ll want to consider crossing off your Field Day checklist, with convenient links to DXEngineering.com:

• Power Supplies
• Portable Generators
• TransWorld Antenna Packages
• Code Keys and Paddles
• Transceivers
• Guy Line Rope
• Wattmeters
• High-Visibility Antenna Wire (below)

The post Field Day Gear Series Part 5: Tool Kits, Foot Switches, Headsets, Portable Masts & More appeared first on OnAllBands.

One of the things DX Engineering always enjoys about Dayton Hamvention is the opportunity to showcase new gear, especially when these station-upgrading devices come from the innovative minds of our own team of active operators. As with many products generated from DX Engineering, suggestions from customers—as well as observations about what’s missing in our own shacks—inform us about niches that need to be filled. That’s when our team gets to work!

Today we’re featuring just a few new DX Engineering products that were on display at Dayton Hamvention 2024: RG-8X Coaxial Cable with Orange PVC Jacket, the Transmit Receive Interrupter Plug-In Module for the NCC-2, and Receive Antenna Matching Transformer.

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RG-8X High Visibility Orange 50-ohm Coaxial Cable

DXE-8XV RG-8X coaxial cables are covered in a non-contaminating orange PVC jacket, so you get the high-performance benefits of DX Engineering RG-8X low-loss 50-ohm coax plus high-visibility that ensures your installations won’t be missed by you or bystanders. DXE-8XV cable is available by the foot; as 1.5-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, 25-, 50-, and 100-foot assemblies with DX Engineering’s patented PL-259 connectors; or in a 1,000-foot spool.

Flexible and low-loss DXE-8XV RG-8X cable features a stranded copper 16 AWG center conductor and gas-injected foam dielectric with a braided copper shield. In addition to its visibility, the Type II-A PVC jacket is highly water-resistant and perfect for direct-bury applications. The cable is intended for most low, medium, and medium-high power HF operations in base, mobile, and portable applications where short runs, flexibility, and visibility are key factors.

Note: DXE-8XV Orange will fade with continuous sunlight UV exposure. Color delivered can vary.

The orange version of the cable has the same industry standard specifications as DXE-8X black jacket coax, offering significantly better handling characteristics than larger cables, excellent shielding, and lower loss than slightly smaller RG-58. Further, DXE-8XV is easily terminated with crimp connectors, including DX Engineering Next Generation Crimp-Solder 8X PL-259 Connectors.

***

Transmit Receive Interrupter Plug-In Module

The DXE-TRI-PM provides protection from station transmit energy picked up by a receive antenna connected to the DXE-NCC-2 Receive Antenna Phasing System Channel B Receive Antenna Input active front end. This optional PCB relay switch device is typically installed in the NCC-2’s top Option Slot of the Channel B rear panel board. When the transceiver keys the NCC-2’s RADIO PTT port, the DXE-TRI-PM can open or ground the receive antenna input and board output, as selected by jumpers.

The device functions independently and does not affect or depend on the settings of the NCC-2’s Bias-Tee Enable circuit that places DC on the receive antenna feedline for active antennas. The module also features a gas discharge tube to protect the front end of the NCC-2 while in receive mode. Additionally, the DXE-TRI-PM installed in the DXE-DMC-2 Dual Module Chassis can interrupt or ground any receive antenna feedline or a receiver input.

Note: Adding a second DXE-TRI-PM to the top slot of the NCC-2 Channel A rear panel is recommended for further protection.

***

Receive Antenna Feedline Matching Transformer

Enjoy the best possible receive performance with this useful device. The transformer matches your receive antenna 75-ohm output impedance to the nominal 50-ohm input impedance of most receivers. The transformer may be used in almost any receiving application that requires a 75-ohm Type F connection to a 50-ohm BNC connector. The unit boasts low insertion loss (< 0.3 dB) and excellent frequency coverage (100 kHz to 30 MHz). This feedline transformer is for use only on receive antenna systems, does not pass DC, and cannot be connected to a transmitting RF power source.

***

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 DX Engineering Highlights New Gear at Dayton Hamvention® 2024: Orange RG-8X Coaxial Cable & More appeared first on OnAllBands.

It’s May 20, the Monday after Dayton Hamvention 2024. Do you know what that means? Only 360 or so days until we meet again in Xenia, Ohio, to immerse ourselves in the world’s greatest hobby! If you were unable to make this year’s event, we’ve put together a brief rundown to get you thinking about the fun you’ll have if you can join us in 2025. Stay tuned. We’ll be posting much more about Hamvention in the days ahead.

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Four Days in May

The week’s festivities kicked off the evening of Wednesday, May 15, with Four Days in May—the annual celebration of QRP operation held by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International. DX Engineering was well represented at the vendor showcase on Thursday, displaying TransWorld Antennas, the AlexLoop HamPack Portable Magnetic Loop Antenna System, DX Engineering Tool Kits, and other gear. Watch the video here:

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Contest University^©

It was another packed house on Thursday at the Hope Hotel in Dayton for the 15^th edition of Contest University, hosted by Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO. Presenters, representing the very best in radiosport, covered a range of topics, from optimizing the use of waterfall displays to strategies for remote and hybrid multi-op contesting.

Missed it this year? Watch eight hours of Contest University 2024 streamed live here.

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Dayton Hamvention

While official numbers on attendance have not been released, Dayton Hamvention was another huge success by all accounts. The team at DX Engineering would like to thank all the hams who filled our booths in Building One throughout the event.

As we’ve said in past posts, making eyeball QSOs with old friends and new acquaintances, answering technical questions, and swapping stories of rare QSOs and antenna-building triumphs are always highlights.

“Hamvention 2024 is in the books and what a great event it was. Hamvention was an awesome opportunity to meet and talk to many of our customers, and we were thrilled to see so many of them, get their feedback, and share all the things DX Engineering has been working on.”

Scott Jones, N3RA, DX Engineering Sales Manager

Of particular interest were many of the vendors sold exclusively in North America by DX Engineering (DX Commander, microHAM, VA6AM band pass filters and multiplexers, et. al) and DX Engineering products like our HF+50MHz/VHF/UHF Go Box Kits (below). The kits feature Icom or Yaseu radios, Gator equipment case, rack shelving, automatic antenna tuner, and more. Troy Blair, AC8OW, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, handled duties at the Go Box display:

How busy was it in Building One shortly after the gates opened on Friday at 9 am?

***

OnAllBands will be delving deeper into Dayton Hamvention 2024 in the days to come, including a closer look at some of our favorite manufacturers and DX Engineering branded gear featured at the show.

The post Dayton Hamvention® 2024 Wrap-Up—Some Highlights from Ham Radio’s Greatest Gathering appeared first on OnAllBands.

Story by Paul Sakalas, KJ8EEP

As anyone who’s ever been will tell you:

You’ll see a lot of awesome stuff at the annual Dayton Hamvention.

And if you need proof, check out this stunningly restored 1964 Ford Econoline van wearing vintage Collins Radio livery and crammed with period-correct Collins S-Line Ham equipment.

The van was part of the Collins Amateur Radio Club display and better yet, we were able to talk with Ted Craven W0TCW, a former employee with Collins Radio, to get all the details behind the Econoline’s history.

“I was the factory service rep for Ham gear,” Ted says. “So I drove it.”

And more importantly, Ted knew the van’s origin story.

“Back in 1964, Collins bought the van directly from the Ford Motor Company,” Ted explains. “They took it to a cabinet shop in Texas, and had them completely re-do the inside. Then it went back to the Collins factory to put all the electronics in it.”

Once it was ready to go, the Ford crisscrossed the country showing off the S-Line and, when needed, it operated on the air for demo (and sometimes emergency) purposes. It attended the 1964 World’s Fair in New York—and, yes, it was at the 1966 Dayton Hamvention too.

All told, the Econoline racked up 40,000 miles between 1964 and 1966.

The van carries its own DC power, yet can also be plugged into “shore power” AC for supplemental power needs. In addition to those that are permanently attached, the van carries along extra masts and antennas in the small rear cargo area and in lockers on the roof. Out back you’ll also find the DC power distribution system and the RF amplifiers.

Collins Radio used the van up to about 1966, when it was sold into private ownership. Interestingly, the Econoline was bought by another Ham, Ed Moory W5DBR, who used it in his electronics wholesale business.

Yet since it was just an ordinary used van at the time, Moory pressed the Econoline into service doing the sort of jobs that you’d expect an old van to be used for.

“He used it to deliver appliances,” Ted laments. “He gutted it, and beat it to death.”

Thankfully, the trusty Ford’s story doesn’t end there.

The van resurfaced decades later in a condition that Ted describes as “rusted out and beat up.” Recognizing the van’s history and provenance, it was quickly snapped up by Collins Radio enthusiast Jim Stitzinger WA3CEX in the early 1990s. And as Ted tells it, the purchase wasn’t a coincidence.

“The story goes,” he laughs, “that Ed Moory’s wife called Jim and said ‘Would you get this thing outta here!'”

With the help of fellow Ham Darrel Huth WB6VHK, the Econoline was returned to its original specs both mechanically and cosmetically, with great lengths taken to ensure that its period-correct Collins Radio equipment functioned flawlessly.

Together with representatives from the Collins Amateur Radio Club, the van now travels nationwide attending regional Hamfests and other large events—including the 75th anniversary celebration of the founding of Collins Radio.

It’s even served as Special Event station W0CCX.

But our favorite part of this rig is out back, where in addition to the amplifiers, cables, and antenna storage, we’re greeted by a bulkhead crammed with signatures, callsigns, dates, and locations—each one a testament to this van’s place in history and the adventures it’s had.

As we shook his hand and said goodbye, Ted asked that we sign the van’s rear bulkhead.

It’s an honor we wouldn’t miss.

73.

The post Vintage Ford Econoline Collins Radio Van Spotted at Dayton Hamvention® appeared first on OnAllBands.

Last year it became illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other part of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over. Drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including a speakerphone.  

Ohio’s new distracted driving law can be found in Section 4511.204 of the Ohio Revised Code. It started in April 2023 with only warnings issued. Full enforcement of the law began in October 2023. Penalties can consist of:

• First offense in two years: two points assessed to driver’s license, up to a $150 fine*
• Second offense in two years: three points assessed to license, up to a $250 fine
• Third or more offenses in two years: four points assessed to license, up to a $500 fine, possible 90-day suspension of driver’s license
• Fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone

 * Completion of a distracted driving course can help avoid fines and points.

So how does this affect ham radio? After all, there is an electronic device in your hand when you are talking on a speaker microphone to a mobile transceiver. Well, I present to you:

(1) “Electronic wireless communications device” includes any of the following:

(a) A wireless telephone

(b) A text-messaging device

(c) A personal digital assistant

(d) A computer, including a laptop computer and a computer tablet

(e) Any device capable of displaying a video, movie, broadcast television image, or visual image

(f) Any other substantially similar wireless device that is designed or used to communicate text, initiate or receive communication, or exchange information or data

An “electronic wireless communications device” does not include a two-way radio transmitter or receiver used by a person who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to participate in the amateur radio service.

-Section (H) (1) from Section 4511.204 of the Ohio Revised Code

The last paragraph in Section (H)(1) specifically calls out amateur radio as an exception!

You might want to keep a copy of your FCC amateur radio license in your vehicle and maybe even a copy of the section above that exempts licensed amateur radio operators. Law enforcement has a lot of rules to remember, and this is just a good way to help yourself if an incident occurs.

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

Editor’s note: Ohio joins many other states with similar restrictions. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 34 states—along with U.S. territories—prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving; 49 states ban text messaging for all drivers. Mobile operators are advised to check their own state’s driving distraction laws for wording regarding use of ham radio devices.

The post Ohio Driver Distraction Law Exempts Ham Radio Operators appeared first on OnAllBands.

After months of preparation, countless volunteer hours, and anticipation by thousands of hams who have had the dates circled in red for months, the wait is almost over! The gates are set to open on Dayton Hamvention at 9 am on Friday, May 17 and close on Sunday, May 19 at 1 pm.

The result of all the behind-the-scenes work is a celebration of amateur radio like no other—three days jampacked with the best ham radio has to offer, whether you’re looking to score a vintage rig at the flea market, take home a brand-new transceiver, or walk away with information you can use from many educational forums.

If you get the chance, also take the time to congratulate this year’s Hamvention award winners: Special Achievement Award, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT; Technical Achievement Award, Ward Silver, N0AX; Club of the Year, the Young Ladies’ Radio League; and Amateur of the Year Award, Edward Engleman, KG8CX.

Watch the winner announcements in the video below:

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If you’re planning on attending the Dayton Hamvention, check out the event’s official website to map out how to best spend your time at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio—the location that has been a welcome home for hams from around the world since 2017. 

You’ll also want to take some time visiting DX Engineering’s booths in Building One—the company’s largest presence ever at Hamvention. Just like all the prep work that goes into putting on the best hamfest possible, the team at DX Engineering has been working nonstop to make sure your time at their booths will be well worth the visit. Here’s what you’ll find:

Lots of Station-Upgrading Gear for Sale

Because DX Engineering headquarters/showroom near Akron, Ohio is only about three hours away from Xenia, the company is able to truck down loads of products for immediate sale. Take your time shopping for popular transceivers, antenna analyzers, portable antennas, ferrite RFI suppression kits, coaxial cable prep tool kits, amplifiers, CW keys and paddles, receiving devices, grounding and bonding gear, lightning and surge protection, wattmeters, and much more.

Items on Display for You to Order

If you’ve ever seen the Summit Racing/DX Engineering warehouse on a trip to Northeast Ohio, you’ll understand the enormity of the operation. You’ll also understand that bringing along the full lineup of gear available from DX Engineering—more than 30,000 amateur radio products from 175-plus manufacturers—simply isn’t possible, even with our expanded booths.

What you will find are displays of many products that allow you to get up close and see for yourself why other hams rave about them—like the DX Commander Signature 9 40-10M Vertical Antenna. Like what you see? Place your order with a friendly sales rep and we’ll ship the product right to your door.

Meet the DX Engineering Team

For the DX Engineering team—enthusiastic, active hams like you—one of the most exciting moments of Hamvention is the initial surge of amateurs entering the booths on the Friday morning of the show, just after the gates swing open. While we enjoy helping hams over the phone or through email, nothing beats making eyeball QSOs with familiar faces or spending one-on-one time assisting a new operator who just earned his or her Technician license. Rest assured, you’ll receive the same friendly, patient, and informed advice at Hamvention that you’ve come to expect from contacting DX Engineering from y0ur QTH.

Simply, we love ham radio and Hamvention as much as you do—and it shows.

Pick up the New 2024 DX Engineering Catalog

Hot off the presses, the 2024 edition of the DX Engineering Amateur Radio Catalog will be available—great reading material (if you’re in the passenger’s seat) for your long trip home after the show.

Gifts Galore

In addition to bringing along loads of gear for sale, DX Engineering will also have lots of DX Engineering swag for you to take home: logo polo shirts, T-shirts, work shirts (below), baby rompers, sweatshirts, umbrellas, regular and new camo-style ball caps, tumblers, mugs, PaddlePads, and more.

Apparel comes in both men’s and women’s styles from small to 4X-large.

The post Make Plans to Visit DX Engineering’s Expanded Booths at the 2024 Dayton Hamvention®! appeared first on OnAllBands.

If you’re looking for proven, highly transportable, and easy-to-deploy options for getting on the air during the 2024 ARRL Field Day (June 22-23), you can’t go wrong with any number of portable HF antennas available at DXEngineering.com. This article represents just a sampling of what you’ll find online.

Let’s begin our survey of Field Day antenna options with the amateur radio pros at Chelegance, who offer several excellent choices for POTA, SOTA, Field Day, and other outdoor activations:

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JPC-12 Portable HF Vertical Antenna

The JPC-12 (40-6M) is built for easy assembly and excellent performance. You receive a special antenna base with SO-239, ground stake, counterpoise wire set, manual tuning multiband coil, heavy-duty aluminum tubes with threaded studs, stainless telescopic whip, and carrying bag.

With a manually tuned center-mount coil and whip adjustments, expect good results from 7 MHz and up. It handles up to 100W and can be quickly put together to connect with a user-supplied coax for use on the go.

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JPC-7 Portable HF Dipole Antenna

This 100W antenna covering 40 through 6 meters includes special antenna base, a 1:1 choke balun with SO-239 and connection leads, rotating arm bracket kit, brass connector, tripod adapter, manual tuning multiband coils, heavy-duty aluminum arms, and two 98.4-inch stainless telescopic whips.

The dipole kit comes packed into the provided 14.5″ x 9″ carrying bag but extends out to over 21.5 feet overall. Requires user-supplied tripod/mast and coaxial cable for portable use.

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MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antenna

Covering 40 through 6 meters and handling up to 100W, this no-tools-required antenna system is easy to set up and disassemble. Its antenna base features a built-in ground spike; female SO-239 connector; and jacks for up to four preassembled, 11.48-foot counterpoise radials (included). The antenna functions as a quarter-wave vertical ground plane antenna for the 14-50 MHz frequency range while using the included 17-foot telescoping whip.

Also included is a loading coil for operating in the 7 MHz/40M band.

The kit comes with a 1.64-foot extension, cable winder, and carrying bag. Tripod for the MC-750 and 80M tuning coil available separately.

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DX Engineering Multiband Off-Center Fed (OCF) Dipole Antenna Kit

This wire dipole kit offers the benefit of HF multiband operation—an unusually useful result of feeding two different lengths of wire with a 4:1 balun—as compared to a single-band resonant dipole with equal length wire legs. Low SWR band coverage is typically achieved with a transceiver’s internal antenna tuner. For legal limit 1.5kW SSB and CW power handling, the cost of OCF multiband operation is the requirement of a capable external tuner.

This rugged wire antenna kit includes two lengths of premium 14-gauge relaxed PVC antenna wire with soldered ring terminal for connection to the balun; one DXE-MC20-C4-1 Maxi-Core® 4:1 Balun; the patented high-strength antenna center insulator DXE-WA-BMB Balun Mounting Bracket and End Insulators; stainless steel hardware; and printed instructions.

User trims the provided 48-foot and 113-foot lengths of wire to achieve the desired band coverage (80-10M or 40-10M). Add rope and supports, such as a DX Engineering Premier Telescoping Carbon Fiber Mast, all available at DXEngineering.com.

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DX Engineering EZ-BUILD® UWA Center-T and End Insulator Kit

Not sure what kind of antenna you want for Field Day? Here’s an easy solution. This kit has the pieces you need to create a range of wire antennas, including single-band, multiband, multi-frequency, folded dipole, doublet and inverted-V, OFC, Windom, Zepp, long wires, rhombic, V-beam, or loop antennas. There’s no need for looping, wrapping, or soldering, so adjusting wire lengths in the field is fast and simple.

Designed for building wire antennas for high-power operations, this model mounts to any DX Engineering balun for a balanced and isolated wire antenna, or this insulator kit may be used directly with DX Engineering 300-Ohm Ladder Line for a non-resonant multiband dipole. The kit includes a center-T insulator; two end insulators; two stainless steel wire connection bolts, nuts, and washers; six crimp ring terminals for antenna and ladder line wire connections; and additional stainless steel hardware for mounting a DX Engineering balun.

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DX Commander Expedition Portable HF Multiband Vertical Antenna

The Expedition model (36.75 feet, 2.13 feet collapsed) covers 40-6M and comes with sturdy fiberglass pole, alloy plates, spreader plates, stay-up kit, shock-cord, DX10 wire, hardware, and more. The antenna features efficient quarter-wave vertical performance and low SWR on every band of operation without the need for traps, coils, or antenna tuners. The antenna is rated at 1,500W SSB/CW and 400W for FT8 and other digital modes.

The new 2024 Expedition version comes with speed slots, screw base, and quick-release elements for even faster deployment and teardown.

Five Stars: “I gave mine a proper workout recently for Winter Field Day and was very pleased with the performance using 20 radials (I made over 70 digital contacts using 5W). Wide bandwidth easily covers all designed bands well under 2:1 SWR. Very lightweight and portable, it took me about 20 minutes to set up (mainly uncoiling wire and organizing guy lines). Materials provided are high quality and the entire antenna is modular, so if one thing breaks you can just replace what you need. The wire is very easy to work with and is perfect for radials (it’s like a wet noodle). I look forward to using it for Summer Field Day in a few months and during other portable ops. Overall, a very clever design for an easy to set up, portable, multiband 1/4-wave vertical antenna.”

Find all DX Commander HF Multiband Vertical Antennas and Accessories at DX Engineering, the exclusive North American distributor of DX Commander products.

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DX Engineering Multiband Dipole Antenna Kits

Ideal for easy setup on Field Day, these rugged yet lightweight 2,500W power rated antennas are usable to 30 MHz with a tuner balun (available separately). They feature strong and flexible 14 AWG stranded-copper, relaxed PVC-jacketed elements; 18 AWG 300-ohm ladder feedline; center-T support; and end mount brackets. Choose from three models:

• DXE-WA-070 – Antenna, 70-foot long for 40M and Up
• DXE-WA-135 – Antenna, 135-foot long for 80M and Up
• DXE-WA-260 – Antenna, 260-foot long for 160M and Up

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REZ Ranger 80 HF Portable Antenna System

The Ranger 80 kit comes with an adjustable, rugged base-load tuning coil that allows for tuning from 80-15M with the included seven-section tapered military whip made from brass and stainless steel (9.3 feet extended, 17 inches collapsed). Operation on 12M and 10M requires the use of an optional telescoping whip (sold separately) in place of the included whip.

The unique manual-tuning sliding coil collar features a large contact area for worry-free power handling (200W SSB, 100W digital at 50% duty cycle). The heavy-duty coil base comes with a REZ Radial Puck with eight 4mm holes.

The kit also includes four 33-foot 18-gauge radials terminated with 4mm banana plugs for quick connection to the puck. The Ranger 80 and additional gear fit nicely in the provided laser-cut, water-resistant MOLLE backpack (your choice of five colors). Kits either include 17-inch ground spike mount or aluminum tripod mount.

Read an excellent review of the Ranger 80 from Mark, K8MSH, here.

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Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Portable HF Backpack Antenna System

This system covers HF and 6M and comes with either the Hybrid-Micro (100W SSB/50W CW) or Hybrid-Mini (500W SSB/250W CW) matching unit; portable base; 113-inch collapsible whip antenna; 105.5-inch antenna extension; 50 feet of coax with RFI choke; in-ground antenna mount; military-style olive green backpack; stainless steel hardware; and 75 feet of antenna wire and 25 feet of counterpoise wire to support a range of deployment configurations, including vertical, horizontal, sloper, inverted-V, inverted-L, NVIS, balcony, stationary vehicle, and man-pack. Also available are MPAS Lite models.

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Find many more antenna options at DX Engineering.com from leading brands, including Par EndFedz, Kelemen, Alpha Delta, Icom, Buckmaster, Bushcomm, more Chameleon portable antennas, SOTAbeams, TW Antennas, plus other DX Engineering branded antenna choices and accessories.

The post Field Day Gear Series Part 3: Portable HF Antennas appeared first on OnAllBands.