RadCom Basics, No. 38, January 2024

In this edition, Fraser Wenseth, MM0EFI looks at the sources of information needed to activate UK Bunkers on the Air (UKBOTA) sites, and explains how to make the most of this new portable operating scheme.

Also in this edition;

• 12 Working the 160 and 80m bands from small gardens and limited space
  Andy Gilfillan, G0FVI explains the challenges of operating these two low HF bands from typically space restrictive small gardens and spaces
• 20 Building an HF multi-band vertical antenna
  In this article, Lee Aldridge, G4EJB puts into practice a simple vertical antenna for use on the higher HF bands
• 30 Demystifying dipoles: Part three – The inverted-V dipole
  In the final part of this series, Tim Hier G5TM looks at the impact of using an inverted-V dipole as opposed to a flat-top version, comparing their performance at varying heights, and at how different apex angles influence the antenna
• 36 Which coaxial cable should I use?
  Tim, G5TM looks at the different coaxial cable options for operating at different frequencies, from HF up to UHF

RadCom Basics, November 2023, Edition 37

In this edition…

• 4 How to get started in SOTA
  Fraser Wenseth, MM0EFI provides a beginner’s introduction to Summits on the Air (SOTA) and provides very useful guidance on SOTA radio equipment choices such as antennas, mobile and shack software, plus an important look at how to operate safely
• 10 My first 2m antenna build
  Introducing Matt, M7EUP who takes us through his motives and experiences when becoming licensed, and then constructing his first ever antenna for the 2m band
• 16 Tropospheric openings on 144MHz and above
  In this article, Andy Gilfillan, G0FVI explains the impact of tropospheric ducting on 2m and above; covering troposcatter, tropospheric super-refraction and tropospheric ducting
• 24 The Telford Hamfest; a convention and a rally
  Never been to a radio convention or rally? Here’s a very interesting look at the Telford Rally by Vic Winton, GW4JUN and Lee Aldridge, G4EJB
• 32 Demystifying dipole antennas: part 2
  Continuing from the last edition, Tim, G5TM looks at the impact of mounting a halfwave dipole antenna at varying heights above ground
• 38 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 37
  Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles

RadCom Basics, September 2023, Edition 36

Programming your handheld using CHIRP

A very useful guide by James, M0JCQ providing step-by-step first-time instructions on how to install CHIRP, setting up repeaters and advice on choosing aspects such as programming cables.

In this edition…

• 4 Using a PC in your shack
  Lee, G4EJB explains how he installed a PC in his external shack, including; how to ensure a good Wi-Fi signal, useful online tools such as the Reverse Beacon Network, and installing WSJT-X
• 10 Demystifying dipole antennas: Part 1
  If you have never installed one of these popular HF antennas before, then you may well be interested by this first in a series of articles on dipoles by Tim, G5TM
• 16 Programming your handheld using CHIRP
  A very useful guide by James, M0JCQ providing step-by-step first-time instructions on how to install CHIRP, setting up repeaters and advice on choosing aspects such as programming cables
• 24 Taking part in the CQWW SSB contest
  If you have never entered this contest before then here is a guide by Tim, G5TM on what to expect, how to take part, and why this is a useful time of year for the biggest HF contest in the calendar
• 30 A look at the 4m band
  What about 70MHz? Well let’s delve into why this is becoming a growing band for participation and how easy it is to join in. Tim, G5TM looks at which frequencies you can use, which modes are available and some equipment and antenna ideas for 4m
• 37 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 36
  Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles.
  

RadCom Basics, July2023, Edition 35

In this edition…

A visit to the National Radio Centre: Part 1

A visit that I shall always remember and for all the right reasons; I sincerely hope that my trip to Bletchley Park inspires you to go and see how our hobby is so well promoted at such an important historical location.

Also in this edition…

• 4 Stories of the Construction Competition
  The winner and runner-up from the RSGB Construction Competition Beginners’ category
• 12 Repairing circuit board tracks: Part 2
  Building on the repairs shown in the first article, Lee, G4EJB expands on the methods and attempts a repair in a tight space, and gets away with it… just!
• 20 A simple multi-band vertical for HF
  Here’s an update to a non-resonant antenna that could be a good compromise answer to limited space, limited budget, and even for portable use
• 24 Basic fault-finding: Part 6
  Lee, G4EJB looks at diagnosing faults with passive and electro-mechanical components using some of the methods from previous fault-finding, and the odd back of a screwdriver
• 30 A visit to the National Radio Centre: Part 1
  A visit that I shall always remember and for all the right reasons; I sincerely hope that my trip to Bletchley Park inspires you to go and see how our hobby is so well promoted at such an important historical location
• 34 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 35
  Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles
  

RadCom Basics, May 2023, Edition 34

In this edition…using FT8 and the Reverse Beacons to gauge HF propagation

James Stevens, M0JCQ has put together a step-by-step guide to help you use the Reverse Beacon Network to gauge band conditions and his results speak for themselves—have a go yourself!

Also in this edition…

12 Repairing circuit board tracks – Part 1

Here are a couple of ways to repair circuit board tracks that Lee, G4EJB has used on numerous occasions, even breaking some tracks to illustrate how simple repairs can be made

20 A simple indoor antenna for 160m

The idea of having a 160m vertical in the loft may sound incredible, but here’s a design by Roger Lapthorn, G3XBM that he has used for many years with some respectable WSPR results

Basic fault-finding – Part 5

Lee, G4EJB revisits the DC amplifier to show an example of a fault that could catch you out. Then the DC amplifier is developed into an audio amplifier and how to fault-find with very basic test equipment or even less

34 The doublet antenna

A warm welcome to Tim Hier, G5TM who provides a very detailed and practical insight into the under-estimated doublet antenna for the HF bands.

26 Having fun on the 10m band

Following on from James Stevens, M0JCQ’s excellent 10m antenna article, here are the results—James shares his success story

41 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 34

Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles

RadCom Basics, March 2023, Edition 33

In this edition…

Introduction to Andy’s Ham Radio Linux

Tony Molloy, M6CIH finds another great source of amateur radio applications and provides step-by-step guidance and plenty of links.

Also in this edition…

4 Overseas operating with your licence

Using his personal experience, James Stevens, M0JCQ provides a guide on how to use your license to operate in other countries—sometimes it’s straightforward, sometimes not—a bit like customs, but he’ll cover that!

8 What is QRP?

If you haven’t found out yet, then here’s a wealth of information and experience on low power operation, compiled by Lee, G4EJB

14 Introduction to Andy’s Ham Radio Linux

Tony Molloy, M6CIH finds another great source of amateur radio applications and provides step-by-step guidance and plenty of links

18 Basic fault-finding – Part 4

Continuing to develop simple techniques, Lee, G4EJB considers a few simple circuit faults and then develops the board into a DC amplifier; more fault-finding ensues—make sure your DMM has a good battery

26 Having fun on the 10m band

Following on from James Stevens, M0JCQ’s excellent 10m antenna article, here are the results—James shares his success story

33 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 33

Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles.

RadCom Basics, January 2023, Edition 32

In this edition…

What the RSGB Convention does for the hobby

James Stevens, M0JCQ gives an insight into the RSGB Convention and how it benefits us all. Maybe it’ll encourage you to attend this year.

Also in this edition…

• 4 Introduction to HamPi
  Yet again Tony Molloy, M6CIH describes a great source of amateur radio applications for the Raspberry Pi-4 with step-by-step guidance and plenty of links
• 8 Simple antenna performance comparison – Part 2
  The comparison of the stealth W3EDP antenna with an inverted-V dipole antenna continues with an unexpected outcome by Lee, G4EJB. But well worth doing!
• 14 Working towards and chasing awards – Part 2
  In part two, Andrew Cooper, 2E1BRT tells us about the preparation, changes and progress towards his attempt at the Worked All Norway Award. Maybe you’ll be inspired to have a go at an award
• 22 Basic fault-finding – Part 3
  Continuing to develop simple techniques, Lee, G4EJB looks at more faults and then delves into current measurement, applying the method to a radio and a little more circuitry
• 32 What the RSGB Convention does for the hobby
  James Stevens, M0JCQ gives an insight into the RSGB Convention and how it benefits us all. Maybe it’ll encourage you to attend this year
• 37 Index of RadCom Basics articles, editions 1 to 32
  Provides you with an up-to-date reference to all RadCom Basics articles.