J-Pole Antennas: Why the Feed Point Matters

J-Pole Antennas: Why the Feed Point Matters

A viewer asks why I solder my solder the feed point connection on my J-Pole Antennas with the center feed going to the short side of the antenna. I take you through the reasons why this is a better way to do it. Transcript: Keith’s got a question about the feed...
The smallest Shack in a Box

The smallest Shack in a Box

We’ve probably all heard the term “Shack in a Box.” It’s used to refer to a portable amateur station where all the components are built into a large case. Typically these are 4U rack cases or roto-molded Pelican style boxes. Big items that hold...
Down the signal report rabbit hole

Down the signal report rabbit hole

Signal reports are a little better than worthless. That’s how back in 1934 Arthur Braaten W2BSR described the method used by amateur radio operators for reporting and describing the quality of signal over the air. Terminology was inconsistent and the values had little...
Wandering around Hamvention 2025

Wandering around Hamvention 2025

Hamvention is undoubtly the world’s largest amateur radio event, and for many it is more of a ham radio home coming than a vendor show and flea market. I wanted to know more about what others thought about Hamvention, so as Chris and I wandered around the...