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Fred's Blog about Ham Radio, Python, Unix and more...

QRA Locator Tool Now Available

Just a quick note for anyone who needs to convert between QRA (Maidenhead) locators and geographic coordinates. We've set up a simple, no-frills web tool at bsdworld.org/QRA-Locator. It's a lightweight page that does exactly what it says in the title: Earth Enter a QRA locator (like CM87VL) See …

Choke Baluns for F6KOP

The objective of a choke balun is to reduce RF current flowing on the outside of the coaxial cable, thereby improving the symmetry of the radiation pattern and suppressing radio-frequency interference (RFI).

All together for our passion

This letter was written by Frank (F4AJQ), and sent to members of the French club F6KOP. The text was originally in French. I translated and posted it here as a reminder of what Ham Radio is about.

Is Your Antenna Actually Getting Out?

Stop Guessing and Start Whispering! I recently moved to a new house and had to rebuild my antenna setup from scratch. Like most people, I checked the SWR to make sure my radio was working well, but a good SWR only tells part of the story. It doesn’t show …

From simple VHF/UHF Antennas to DX Champions

Introduction VHF and UHF1 bands form an essential part of the radio spectrum, supporting everything from amateur radio communications to public safety networks. These frequencies offer reliable local coverage and occasional opportunities for impressive distance work when conditions are favorable. The right antenna can make a dramatic difference in …

Connecting Across California and Beyond

Unlocking the Power of Repeater Networks Amateur radio operators understand the excitement of connecting with others, and repeater networks incredibly enhance that connectivity. I want to share my experiences with several repeater networks: CARLA, N6ICW, WB6ECE, and the WIN System. Each of these networks provides excellent coverage, but they also …

A Look at HF Digital Modes in Ham Radio

Voice communication methods such as SSB, AM, and FM are fundamental to the hobby. Digital modes present a captivating and often more efficient way to communicate, particularly when signals are weak or there is interference. These digital modes convert your text or voice into digital signals that can be transmitted …