Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
Amateur Radio Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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How did hams manage to tune their antennas before VSWR meters?

In the early 20th century --back when the hobby was still new-- before VSWR meters and antenna analyzers were invented, how did radio operators know whether they were tuned for maximum power out? This is not asking about antenna tuner design or…
Mike Waters
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What is Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)?

What does this term mean? I'm not good with radio terms at all, but I was especially curious about this one...
Timtech
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How do I find a frequency to call CQ on during a contest?

I know that in many contests, sitting on a frequency and calling CQ is a very effective strategy to rack up points. However, during very popular contests it can be very difficult to find an open frequency. How can I find a frequency that I can use…
W5VO
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Do FCC regulations limit digital data rate?

Are there FCC regulations that specifically limit digital data rate on the amateur bands? Are there any recent or proposed changes? If so, what are they specifically?
Phil Frost - W8II
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Full UK license visiting US: Can I use frequencies in US but not UK license?

E.g.: 7.2-7.3MHz are Region 2 but not Region 1. My license is "from" Region 1. 1.25 meter band is not available in the UK Operating from aircraft is not permitted in the UK. Would it be if I visited the US? I realise that any frequencies not…
Thomas
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Why do we have to hand wind toroids?

Many, if not most, ham radio kits (transceivers, tuners, ununs, baluns) require the builder to hand wind and tap their own toroids. (example) This is a considerable area of stress for newbie builders and a failure point for their builds. I can’t…
RoboKaren
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My neighbor is complaining about my transmissions, what can I do?

My neighbor has indicated that they can hear noise from their computer amplified speakers when I'm transmitting. We've done a few tests and it does appear that it's my transmitter that's causing the noise. I've performed some testing and determined…
Adam Davis
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Aside from repeaters, what station types allow automated transmissions?

I know repeaters don't have to have a control operator at the radio in order to transmit given certain conditions are met. Are there any restrictions to setting up automated stations which transmit upon receiving specific transmissions from their…
Adam Davis
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How terminate RG8 coaxial cable using PL259 (UHF) - screw - gasket - solder type?

Today I came across a problem in terminating RG8 cable using this PL259 plug. I have never had this type and it arrived in a pile of parts; I have tried to puzzle it together but without positive effect. While googling i came only across crimping…
marc234
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Ham Technician Exam Material

I would like to prepare for the Technician exam. I think I read somewhere that the ham Technician exam has material that is revised every 4 years. And that the new set of questions will be coming out later this year. Is this correct? Is this…
Ben914
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Why don't monolithic HF transceiver ICs exist?

HAM operators who build their own HF rigs typically do so using discrete components. However, for VHF and UHF rigs, an operator can make use of monolithic transceiver ICs on the market For example, there is this one for 30MHz ~ 1200MHz: AK2401…
watkipet
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What is the process of making a voice contact?

I got into Amateur Radio for emergency preparation and to allow me to expand my electronics hobby. Initially I didn't find much value in contesting or making contacts, but apparently there are some valuable skills one can gain from contesting. I…
Adam Davis
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SWR Measured at the Transmitter versus SWR at the Antenna

It is fairly well understood that due to transmission line losses, the SWR as measured at the transmitter will be less than the SWR at the antenna. Some of the new antenna analyzers and some vector network analyzers can 'zero out' or compensate for…
Glenn W9IQ
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Attic Dipole - Impact of Ethernet over CAT5/6

I've been thinking about putting 20m and 10m dipoles up in my attic (HOA), but I also intend to soon put some Ethernet cable to a WAP (with PoE) through the attic. I was intending to feed this with CAT5e cable because I have lots of it and it's…
William
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Which international regulation allows reception, archiving or republishing of amateur transmissions?

I remember from my amateur radio course, and old versions of our local national regulation documents, that anyone is allowed to receive amateur radio transmissions. It's been claimed that international radio regulations (ITU RR probably) defines…
oh7lzb
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