by Michael Martens | Jun 1, 2012 | 6 Meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, VHF
June is here, and now that the days are getting longer and warmer, my attention turns to VHF propagation, most notably the 6 meter band. Six Meters really starts to heat up in June, just in time for the ARRL’s VHF QSO Party. June marks the opening the...
by Michael Martens | May 19, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, Scanner, UHF, VHF
A common question I get asked is ‘What is the best VHF/UHF amateur radio antenna?’ There’s no simple answer to that question since there’s countless antennas on the market, but in reality, the best amateur radio antenna is the one that works...
by Michael Martens | Apr 21, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Antennas, UHF, VHF
Most of the instructions and plans you see online for J-Pole antennas often include the admonition to use a choke balun with the antenna. The purpose of the balun is to limit the amount of RF radiation coming back down the feedline and into the radio. Even though...
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 | 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 | Dec 11, 2011 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, emcomm, slidedeck, UHF, VHF
I often receive inquiries if my antennas can be used with handheld or HT radios. The simple answer is that if your radio has a detachable antenna, then yes you can connect it to my J-Pole antennas or another style of antenna. Connecting your HT to an external antenna...
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