by Michael Martens | Apr 18, 2012 | Amateur Radio, News
On April 18, 1925 the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was founded. On the 18th of April the founding event is commemorated with the celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. There are over 700,000 ham radio licensees in the USA and about 2 ½ million worldwide....
by Michael Martens | Apr 8, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, Reviews
Brian of Anaheim, CA recently purchased one of my 2 meter J-Pole antennas for his shack. The antenna has installed on the chimney of his house above the DTV antenna. He’s put together a great story about the installation and operation of the new antenna. Head on...
by Michael Martens | Apr 1, 2012 | Amateur Radio, emcomm, slidedeck
Often, amateur radio operators are looking for alternative locations to install their antennas. If you live in a space restricted location or are under a HOA restriction, you may be able to mount an antenna outside. This calls for a little creativity; if the space...
by Michael Martens | Mar 25, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, UHF, VHF
The Chinese made Wouxun and Baofang handheld radios have become quite popular with new and experienced hams alike. The price is right, around $125 for a dual band model, and they seem to work pretty well. From my experience fit and finish are a little lacking, but for...
by Michael Martens | Mar 18, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Land-Mobile, Reviews
I receive a fair number of testimonials and positive reviews for my J-Pole antennas. Most of the testimonials can be found on the testimonial page or scattered throughout the site. But I thought I would highlight a few recent reviews that I received. Hello KV9VBR,...
by Michael Martens | Mar 11, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, slidedeck
Are you a new Amateur Radio operator? Just received received your callsign and are now excited to get on the air. Congratulations and welcome to the Amateur Radio Service! Amateur Radio is a great hobby that will offer years and years of exploration, fun, and...
by Michael Martens | Feb 17, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Antennas, Land-Mobile, Marine, News, Scanner
To receive years of trouble free service with your antennas, you’ll want to make sure the feedline connection to the antenna is properly sealed from the elements. If the connection isn’t sealed properly, then moisture can work its way into the coax cable,...
by Michael Martens | Feb 5, 2012 | 2 meter, Antennas, Land-Mobile, Marine, Scanner, VHF
Radio operators typically want to get the best performance and range out of their antenna systems. VHF and UHF propagation is typically line of site, so the common thought to increasing range is to increase the antenna height. For the most part this works, but when...
by Michael Martens | Jan 12, 2012 | News
On Sunday January 22, 2012, the US Postal Service will institute an across the board rate increase for their shipping and mailing services. This rate increase, which will see first class postage increase by 1 cent, will also affect the shipping of Priority Mail...
by Michael Martens | Jan 8, 2012 | 2 meter, Antennas, Land-Mobile, Marine, MURS
As I write this, we are in the midst of one of the most mile winters that I can remember. Our snow cover in northern Wisconsin is only inches deep and in fact I have quite a few bare spots on my lawn. With temperatures soaring into the 40’s (in January, no less)...
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