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Below, you'll find extensive information
on leading amateur radio articles and products to
help you on your way to success.
The Hobby Of Amateur Radio
By Kermit Browning
Amateur radio or ham is largely a hobby activity. The majority of thel hobby time is spent on making contact and having conversations with people in distant regions and from different cultures. Two way communications, identifying their location and station, zone, region and place is the usual custom. This is always followed by other casual communications. If the contact is made for a contest to make two way communication with as many stations or ham radio operators as possible, this all the information that is shared.
DX-ing and DX-peditions:
An operator's main hobby is to make contact with as many stations as possible from as many parts of the world as possible. DX stands for Distant Stations. The DX-ing usually is followed with the QSO. (a Q code., see below) which means "a conversation".
DX-peditions are different in the sense that they are expeditions organized / planned solely for the purpose of making contacts with some special or rare stations and regions. Some people travel long distance just to make contact with some unrepresented region or place.
Radio Frequency scanners available now a days form the tool of great use in these attempts. The radio scanner scans for signals until a strong signal is found and so on.
QSL cards:
The Q code is a standardized collection of three-letter message encodings, all starting with the letter "Q", initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication, and later adopted by other radio services, especially amateur radio. In today's audio signal transmission age, the Q codes are not essential. but still in use and are viewed as a sort of tradition.
As a part of DX-ing and DX-peditions the QSL card or the proof of contact card is shared. QSL is one such Q-code that means "I acknowledge receipt". The common practice was that the ones who made contact at a particular frequency exchange a QSL card in the mail to confirm their contact and conversations. These QSL cards can be used as a proof of their making contact and amateur operators who make contact with a certain number of other operators in a specified time is awarded. Moreover, they are distinguished and honored since they are deemed to be efficient operators.
Remote region contacting:
Some countries have less operators, and making contact with these is considered special. So, when a radio amateur from these regions makes contact, other ham operators flock to make communication with this / these hams. Making contact with these less represented places has its awards and special considerations in the award programs.
Hamfests:
Social events for the ham families and friends. It's something akin to the family oriented social fests where there are sales, exchanges, meetings and fun. Similarly, the fest is filled with selling and exchanging hams, meeting real life ham friends and fun events for a day or sometimes over few days.
Discussion groups and Nets:
Ham operators form a discussion group based on common interests other than ham or it can also be a ham related discussion group and they can form nets or networks.
If a radio hobbyist gets involved with all of these different activities, he or she is sure to never be bored. Look into some of them, and see if you would like to get involved.
2010 ARRL Straight Key Night... CW - Morse code
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Thank you for watching this short video.....WA5MUF (that's me) calling CQ SKN using a straight key to send Morse code during the ARRL Straight Key Night -- looking for another CW SKN QSO using a thirty year old Ten-Tec Century 21 transceiver during the 2010 ARRL Straight Key Night event (on top of the Century 21 is a "bug" and an unused amplifier). I also show my homebrew CW rig I built in 1965 with information from an earlier 1964 ARRL Radio Amateur's Handbook -- and yes, the old homebrew rig works and I used it for a little while during SKN.....However, I always have to be especially careful to listen for chirp on my CW signal with the forty-five year old homebrew transmitter....The homebrew rig is a crystal-controlled, grid-plate type using a 6DQ6A pentode, while the power suppy uses a 5U4G in a full-wave circuit. The homebrew rig also uses the OD3/VR-150 voltage regulator tube, which makes for great viewing while sending because it glows with a purple discharge. (The homebrew rig runs at about 30 watts input, while the Century 21 runs at about 70 watts -- both work only on the HF ham bands.) For more information about ham radio/amateur radio, go to: www.arrl.org 73, WA5MUF _________________________________ Tags: arrl morse straight key night CW homebrew station W1AW communications HF QSO QST QSL CQ 1964 1965 vintage rig SKN ten-tec ten tec code ham amateur WA5MUF radio hamshack hamradio QRP telegraph old bug tubes handbook chirp OD3 VR-150 VR150 6DQ6A 5U4G DX <b>...</b> |
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1929 TNT Ham Radio Transmitter
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This is a 1929 style CW transmitter I built using old parts. It uses a type 45 tube and will put out about 2 watts. Right now it is set up for 80 meters, but it can be put on 40 or 20 (if you feel brave enough) by changing the coil set. |
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866
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ARC-5 COMMAND TRANSMITTER PART 2
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Describes the main parts and controls and differences between the sets as well as the various Ham Radio conversions you may encounter when obtaining an example. |
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293
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ARC-5 COMMAND TRANSMITTER INTRODUCTION
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This Video Series takes us through the famous WW2 Bomber, ARC-5 SCR-274-N Command Transmitter, from acquiring an example, through clean up, adjustment, restoration, power supply construction and its use on the ham bands. |
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816
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Hallicrafters HT-4 AM Crystal Tuned Transmitter built 1939, SN:1882
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HT-4 for the late 1930's civilian ham radio market and allied governments. This HT-4 does not have the "A","B", "C" etc suffixes the later models had that were used in US Military applications, eg the SCR-299. According to a former owner of this unit, it was built in 1939. Only about 20 were built according to Bob Grinder, K7AK, Electric Radio #136 Sept 2000 p. 27) For those who own a copy of Chuck Dachis' fine book on Hallicrafters, "Radios by hallicrafters", take a look on page 10: same model HT-4. Tuning is crystal controlled. Tuning Units and Tank Coils can be configured depending on the band and frequency desired. Power input runs about 1600 watts, and power output is spec'd at 325 watts phone and 450 watts CW, though on the power meter on phone, it runs between 400-500 watts peak power. CW even higher. It is nearly 95% original (some tubes replaced, capacitors, resistors, transformer rewound) and fully functional. It currently has one crystal for 3870 kc (3.870 MHz). I use it fairly regularly on the West Coast AM net at 3870 kc on Saturday mornings and even some evening QSO's. It is a lot of fun to operate. Please send me an email through YouTube or post a comment if you have any questions or if want more detailed photos, you can see them at this URL www.kapwa.net |
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HAM RADIO
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MY AMATEUR RADIO SHACK WITH COLLINS KW-1 AM TRANSMITTER, AND LOTS OF VINTAGE GEAR |
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18433
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Amateur Radio Hidden Transmitter Hunt
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I hid a handheld transceiver behind a tree in a city park, and four other members from my ham radio club set out to find it. The hidden transmitter was about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the starting line. Two teenage bicycle riders saw me hide it, and thought I was a cop until I explained what I was going on. It only took 15 or 20 minutes for the first two club members to find the transmitter. Well done Dan and Ron! |
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K7PP, Johnson Viking Valiant Tune up
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This is a short video of the tune up procedure of a Vintage Tube type Johnson Viking Valiant. This is intended as a short cut video for the experienced Ham. This Transmitter is more than a half Century old and is in perfect operational condition. |
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602
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09:26 |
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KC8HVM CW QSO Johnson Ranger Transmitter Drake R-4B Tube Ham Radio
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Denise Brown at the helm on a classic tube Ham radio rig. Made a CW contact on 40 meters with a little assistance from N6tlu. This station will always be in the family. |
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7474
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Collins 75A-4 KWS-1 Receiver Transmitter Gold Dust Twins
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Classic Amateur Radio (Ham) station from 1956. One of my favorite receivers and transmitters. Built 1955 to 1957 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cost new close to $3000 for the station in 1955 dollars. |
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80m 3579.545 kHz colpitts oscillator for QRP DSB Transmitter
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In the video is a WAVEMETER [ Model TF 975 ] made by Marconi Instruments Ltd ENGLAND, St. Albans, Herts [ Serial No. 5273290 ]. VU2MUE is proud of this antique possession. At the backdrop is a modern Sony ICF-SW7600GR Communication Receiver. The idea was provided to Sandeep, VU2MUE by OM Rahul, VU3WJM to make a DSB [ Double Side Band ] 80m QRP transmitter. Before building Ashhar Farhan's BITX20 transceiver, this may be an initiation for young ham aspirants.... |
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Marconi Wavemeter
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In the video is a WAVEMETER [ Model TF 975 ] made by Marconi Instruments Ltd ENGLAND, St. Albans, Herts [ Serial No. 5273290 ]. VU2MUE is proud of this antique possession. At the backdrop is a modern Sony ICF-SW7600GR Communiation Receiver. The idea was provided to Sandeep, VU2MUE by OM Rahul, VU3WJM to make a DSB [ Double Side Band ] 80m QRP transmitter. Before building Ashhar Farhan's BITX20 transceiver, this may be an initiation for young ham aspirants.....probably the trifilar absorbed most of the energy. I got a good Dip before with the same WAVEMETER while trying with a single coil! ! |
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SIMPLE HAM RADIO FIELD OPERATION
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Portable field radio: antenna, L-network tuner, transmission line, transmitter/receiver, key, power supply and transport pack- simple Ham Radio Field Operation demonstration. |
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Use Real-Time Spectrum Analysis to Characterize a transmitter key-up
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This video shows the unique key-up characteristics of two different hand-held radios. The radios are a pair of multi-band HTs that are designed for the amateur/ham radio market. One is a Yaesu FT-470 Dual-Band (2m/440MHz), and the other is a Kenwood TH-F6A Tri-Bander (2m/220/440). The key-up, or transmitter turn-on characteristics are captured and analyzed on a real-time spectrum analyzer (Tektronix RSA5106A). It's quite surprising to see how differently these two transmitters behave, and how the transient characteristics of the transmitter turning on create very unique signatures that would make identification of these devices very easy simply by capturing their output over the air. |
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Emissions from a 3890 Op on HP8591E Spec An, audio from 3660 kHz, MVI_3579
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Action captured 5-03-2010 (Monday) just after 7 AM CDT Signals originate from a 3890 kHz AM transmitter, a Gates BC-1G. Soil conditions: drying, as we have had no significant rain for 3 weeks or. Spec settings: Horz (Span) = 1 MHz (total, or 100 kHz per division) RBW = 10 kHz Vertical = 10 dB per vertical division Peak Hold was set and cleared to demonstrate transient nature of this spurious transmit energy Note also emissions extend outside (over) the upper limit of the 80 Meter ham band (4.0 MHz). . |
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Time Manipulator - DCF77 time signal transmitter [Zeitmanipulator - DCF77 Zeitzeichensender]
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Perfoming a time travel using the TIME MANIPULATOR (VLF 77.5 Khz DCF77 time signal transmitter). The machine was built simply to enjoy homebrewing. I tried to link the rather analog radio amateur world with the digital one of microcontrollers. Probably you need to be a huge science fiction fan as well as the time manipulator is certainly not a weekend project. Furthermore I used the project to teach myself the basics of a transmitter, impedance matching and harmonic suppression etc. (some first steps towards a homemade SSB TRX). For further details goto: endorphino.de ----------------------------------------------- Note specifically that building transmitters is legal for licensed radio amateurs only. But even as licensed ham operator connecting this transmitter to an antenna is certainly prohibited by your local law. ----------------------------------------------- Eine Zeitreise, durchgeführt mit dem ZEITMANIPULATOR (VLF 77,5 Khz DCF77 Zeitzeichensender). Das Gerät ist aus reinem Spaß am Basteln entstanden, bei dem ich Techniken aus dem eher analogen Amateurfunk- mit Mikrocontrollertechnik verbunden habe. Wahrscheinlich muß man auch ein ziemlicher Science Fiction Fan sein, um einen solchen Aufwand zu betreiben. Ich benutzte dieses Projekt hauptsächlich aber, um mir die Grundlagen eines Senders, Anpassung, Oberwellenfilter etc. beizubringen (Vorbereitung für eine Eigenbau SSB TRX). Mehr Details gibt's hier: endorphino.de ----------------------------------------------- Ich <b>...</b> |
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K7PP, Zero beating an AM signal with a HeathKit DX-100 Ham Radio
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This vid is designed to help with a shortcut for those who are just getting into vintage equipment. It's a "how to" for getting the transmitter to transmit on the frequency you are listening to. Am is loads of fun and inexpensive to get on the air if you are good at cleaning and a bit of minor electronic repair. See you on the air!! |
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255
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Rotary Spark Transmitter at Dayton Hamvention 2010 -- Part 1
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A modern replica of a Rotary Spark Transmitter as would have been used at the beginning of the 20 Century Presented by Jim Stafford W4QO during the Early History of Ham Radio Forum on Sunday 16 May |
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670
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American Audio Picker : Without Adult Supervision 1/4
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This is our 3rd episode in a new series for anyone into old radio or ham gear! I am an american audio picker that travels around the country looking for anything audio that we can resale or give a 2nd life too. We buy pretty much anything audio from modern Flagship gear to old radio parts. This is a whole garage in the Philly area that the man has been collecting and hording. We found some really cool ham gear and transformers...Check out the Western Electric transmitter! Enjoy the advanture and feel free to leave a Comment! |
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498
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| Time:
03:24 |
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RAMSEY QRP TRANSMITTER demo
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RAMSEY QRP TRANSMITTER ham radio kit demonstration. Audio on the recording is from an Icom 746 receiver picking up both N3IK and NG9D 750 mW transmitted signal. |
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1347
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Return of the Gates BC-1G Splatter Master, 2010-12-12, MVI_5543
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Recorded the morning of 12-12-2010 This video demonstrates the proper functioning of Gates BC-1G AM Broadcast transmitter successfully converted to operation in the 80 Meter ham band. The Gates BC-1G transmitter employs a high-level modulated Triode RF PA tube which is unconditionally stable under all modulation conditions ... Of course, it is not recommended for conversion by some to 80 Meters on account of the long 'lead lengths' (to the tubes ostensibly) and the problems this creates with stability (neutralizing) and gain: www.k2pg.com . |
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| Time:
01:36 |
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TX Power versus RX voltage
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Showing how the received voltage varies with transmitter power. Using an FT897D and a simple digital oscilloscope with FFT. This is not a laboratory grade experiment, but serves to show how the received voltage will vary with power setting on a typical ham transmitter. |
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156
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| Time:
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American Audio Picker : Without Adult Supervision 2/4
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This is our 3rd episode in a new series for anyone into old radio or ham gear! I am an american audio picker that travels around the country looking for anything audio that we can resale or give a 2nd life too. We buy pretty much anything audio from modern Flagship gear to old radio parts. This is a whole garage in the Philly area that the man has been collecting and hording. We found some really cool ham gear and transformers...Check out the 1941 Western Electric broadcast transmitter! Enjoy the advanture and feel free to leave a Comment! |
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669
1
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| Time:
06:00 |
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Rotary Spark Transmitter at Dayton Hamvention 2010 -- Part 3
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A modern replica of a Rotary Spark Transmitter as would have been used at the beginning of the 20 Century Presented by Jim Stafford W4QO during the Early History of Ham Radio Forum on Sunday 16 May |
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139
0
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| Time:
00:13 |
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Rotary Spark Transmitter at Dayton Hamvention 2010 -- Part 2
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A modern replica of a Rotary Spark Transmitter as would have been used at the beginning of the 20 Century Presented by Jim Stafford W4QO during the Early History of Ham Radio Forum on Sunday 16 May |
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243
0
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| Time:
00:37 |
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