M7ENP Adventures & Experiments

The world of ham radio is filled with fascinating people, ideas, and projects. One such project that caught my attention is the "continuously loaded, helically wound vertical antenna" designed by Bev AH6NF (YL). In this article, we will analyze the design, materials, and steps to build this antenna, and then we'll give it a try ourselves to see how it performs. Design The design of this antenna is simple yet effective. It is a vertical antenna that is helically wound with a 91cm stinger. The stinger can be folded along the 122cm mast for easy storage. The antenna is continuously loaded, which means that it is designed to operate on multiple bands without the need for an antenna tuner. Materials The materials needed to build this antenna are readily available and affordable. The list includes: 1.22 meters of 1.27 cm white PVC water pipe 9.14 meters of 1.63 mm² insulated electrical house wiring 2.38 mm diameter brass brazing rod, 91 cm long Miscellaneous junkbox stuff Numbe

Building a Dual Band 2m/70cm Yagi Antenna: Tips, Formulas, and Pros and Cons If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing antenna for your 2m/70cm radio, a Yagi antenna might be just what you need. Yagi antennas are known for their directional properties, which can help you focus your transmission in a particular direction, resulting in better signal strength and clarity. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how you can build a dual-band 2m/70cm Yagi antenna, including the construction tips, formulas, and potential pros and cons of using this type of antenna. Before we get started, it’s important to note that building a Yagi antenna requires some basic knowledge of antenna theory and construction, as well as some specialized tools and materials. If you’re new to antenna building, we recommend that you consult with an experienced ham radio operator or antenna builder before attempting to build your own. What is a Yagi Antenna? A Yagi antenna is a type of directional antenna

Introduction Cubical quad antennas have been a popular choice among amateur radio operators for many years, due to their relatively simple construction and high gain. This type of antenna is especially popular for use on the 2-meter band, as it can provide excellent performance with only a moderate-sized structure. In this blog post, we will discuss the construction of a 2-meter cubical quad antenna, including construction tips, formulas, and the potential pros and cons of using this type of antenna. What is a Cubical Quad Antenna? A cubical quad antenna is a type of directional antenna that consists of a square or rectangular loop of wire, supported by a framework of poles or wires. The loop is fed by a single coaxial cable at one corner, and the other three corners are connected to a set of elements called "directors" or "reflectors," depending on their location and function. The directors and reflectors are typically shorter or longer than the main loop, and thei

As a ham radio enthusiast, you know that having the right equipment is key to achieving optimal performance from your setup. At TechDarren , we share your passion for ham radio and are dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality equipment available. One of the key things we've learned in antenna construction is the importance of using the right materials. That's why we're excited to offer you a selection of antenna traps made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the toughest weather conditions. In addition to our antenna traps , we also offer a range of other Antenna equipment made from the best materials available. For example, we use a 40mm form of Polypropylene tube for its durability and weather resistance. When it comes to connections, we find that mill spec RG58 low loss cable that is crimped and soldered is the way to go. To protect against the elements, we always use UV-resistant heat shrink tubing, and for all fixings, we use A2 stain

In recent years, digital voice communication has become more accessible than ever before. Digital communication is popular because it offers better sound quality, longer range, and more reliable connections. The MMDVM hotspot is one of the devices that have revolutionized digital voice communication. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what the MMDVM hotspot is, its benefits, how it works, and how to set it up. What is an MMDVM hotspot? The MMDVM hotspot is a small, low-cost device that allows users to connect to digital voice networks using a handheld radio or mobile device. It acts as a hotspot, similar to how Wi-Fi hotspots work, and allows users to connect to digital voice networks from anywhere with an internet connection. The MMDVM hotspot can be used with popular digital voice communication protocols like DMR, D-Star, and Fusion. Benefits of Using an MMDVM Hotspot The MMDVM hotspot offers several benefits for users, including: Increased Range: The MMDVM hotspot can

The documentary "Ham Radio: The First Social Network" explores the history and appeal of this hobby, and sheds light on how it has evolved over the years. The documentary takes us on a journey through the history of ham radio, starting from the early days of wireless communication to the present day. We learn about the pioneers who made important contributions to the development of this hobby, such as Guglielmo Marconi, who is credited with inventing the first radio telegraph system in 1896. The documentary also explores the cultural and social impact of ham radio. It highlights how ham radio enthusiasts have used this technology to communicate with people from all over the world, forming a global community of like-minded individuals who share a common interest in communication and technology. The documentary also shows how ham radio has played a role in various important events throughout history, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the September 11th attacks. One of the mo

Greetings! I'm excited to share with you some information about my SatNOGS ground station located in the UK . I built it from scratch, using a self-built UHF/VHF turnstile antenna and a Raspberry Pi for data processing. In this blog post, I'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of my SatNOGS ground station, including the satellite signals it receives, and how it receives and decodes those signals. First, let's talk about the satellites that my station has received. The satellites that I've managed to receive data from include NOAA-19, FOX-1A, and the International Space Station (ISS). NOAA-19 is a critical weather and environmental monitoring satellite that provides valuable data for forecasting. It orbits the Earth in a polar orbit, passing over the poles at an altitude of approximately 870 km. The data that I've received from NOAA-19 has been useful in helping me to better understand the environment and climate around me. FOX-1A, on the other hand, is a sma