Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
Amateur Radio Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
64
votes
18 answers

Why is Morse code still in use?

Why do people still use Morse code? What are its advantages over newer voice or data communication modes?
Timtech
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51
votes
5 answers

How do I report an emergency using ham radio?

If I'm in the wilderness with ham equipment but no phone signal, how would I report an emergency? Is there a particular frequency I would use, a particular protocol or suchlike?
berry120
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42
votes
7 answers

Using a balun with a resonant dipole

I am preparing to construct a resonant, center-fed, horizontal dipole. I have seen people use baluns at the feedpoint of the antenna, and some people swear by them, but I have never gotten a satisfactory answer on why you would use/need a balun. All…
W5VO
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40
votes
6 answers

Why do hams often conclude messages with "73"?

Looking at amateur radio forums and email threads, oftentimes amateur radio operators will use "73" or "73s" where one might otherwise expect to find "Sincerely" or "Regards". Why?
Amber
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37
votes
4 answers

What's the difference between national calling frequency and national simplex calling frequency in the 2m and 70cm band plans published by ARRL?

On the 2 meter and 70 centimeter band plans published by the ARRL, what is the difference in intended use between the calling frequencies (144.200, 432.10 MHz) and the simplex calling frequencies (146.52, 446.00 MHz)?
Andrew N5ITM
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36
votes
14 answers

Can my neighbor's ham radio antenna be interfering with my internet signal or is my internet provider just throwing blame elsewhere?

My internet provider is telling me that an antenna on my neighbor's house, which he called a ham radio antenna, is interfering with my DSL internet signal. I'm not tech savvy at all, beyond what's necessary to function in today's world, so I'm…
Vanessa
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36
votes
4 answers

Effect of different metals for antenna elements

Other than rust, corrosion, and other reactions with air that would make the use of a metal unfavorable, how do different metals affect the performance? Let's give Yagi an example: Let's say I use 4 different metals for the directors , reflector,…
Skyler 440
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34
votes
14 answers

Are there well-known methods that can help improve my CW copying speed?

I've been having a hard time getting my Morse Code copying speed above 7-10 words per minute. Are there any techniques I can use to improve my skill?
dcaswell
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31
votes
6 answers

Can I reduce RFI/noise at the antenna?

Recently, the power was out in my neighborhood for an extended period of time. I fired up my HF rig using battery power and was amazed at the lack of noise across the HF bands. When the power grid came back online, the noise returned. The…
The Driver
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31
votes
2 answers

Which HF bands are best during the day and which are better at night?

I am rather new to HF operation and have recently purchased my first HF rig. I have read about bands being "open" and "closed" based on various conditions including time of day. As I have been listening, I have been bouncing around all the bands…
ghendricks
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28
votes
11 answers

What's a cost-effective way to boost the range of my cheap 2m/70cm handheld?

I'm a very casual/beginner level ham and as such have mostly avoided committing too much in the way of financial resources - I have a UV-5R for a personal radio, anything else I do I've used others' radios. I don't mind the 5R's interface; I'm…
Amber
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28
votes
13 answers

How can one convert from Lat/Long to Grid Square?

I see that many contests, awards, and other items, use Grid Squares as a means to identify where one is. How can one figure out what one's grid square is, given lat/long?
PearsonArtPhoto
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27
votes
9 answers

How can I avoid accidentally transmitting with a Baofeng UV-5R?

I don't have $500 for a radio scanner. If I know the few (analog) frequencies that I would like to listen to, I think one can use the Baofeng UV5R (which doesn't cost much). The only problem is that one accidentally can transmit with this and this…
user4777
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27
votes
4 answers

What is the relationship between SWR and receive performance?

If an antenna analyzer shows 1:1, does that mean it's an ideal receiver as well? And what about the converse, will a well performing receive antenna show a 1:1 SWR? I've wondered this for a while, sometimes I want a wide band antenna just for…
K9KRB
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27
votes
4 answers

What is a link budget, and how do I make one?

Like the question title says, what is a radio link budget? For what is it useful, and how do I make one?
user
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