Knowledge is Power
For Your Information
Understanding Propagation: What Every Ham Should Know About Summer Conditions
When summer rolls around, most people are thinking BBQs, camping, and long evenings outside. For amateur radio operators, however, summer signals something else entirely—changes in propagation. Propagation, the way radio waves travel from one point to another, can...
Summer Heat & Radios: Avoiding Thermal Shutdowns
Summer brings long days, better propagation, and more opportunities to get on the air from the great outdoors. But with sunshine comes a hidden threat to your rig—heat. Overheating can cause radios to shut down mid-QSO, behave erratically, or even suffer permanent...
How to Run an Effective Portable HF Station in the Backcountry
Running a portable HF station in the backcountry can be one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio. Whether you're activating a park for POTA (Parks on the Air), summiting a peak for SOTA (Summits on the Air), or just enjoying the great outdoors, setting up a...
Why Your SWR Meter Might Be Lying to You
Whether you're new to amateur radio or have years of experience under your belt, the SWR meter is likely one of the first tools you learned to use. It's a trusted piece of gear—used to measure the Standing Wave Ratio and determine how well your antenna is matched to...
3D Printing Ham Gear: Useful Prints for Your Shack
The amateur radio community has always embraced a DIY spirit, and now, with affordable 3D printers more accessible than ever, hams are finding new ways to build and customize their shacks. Whether you're printing antenna mounts or cases for your gear, 3D printing ham...
Building Your Own Dummy Load on a Budget
Whether you're a seasoned amateur radio operator or just getting your first rig up and running, a reliable dummy load is a must-have. It's essential for testing and tuning your equipment without broadcasting on the air. But store-bought dummy loads can be pricey,...