The Ham Radio Blog of HamRadioSecrets.com

T-Network Ham Radio Antenna Tuner Woes

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:00:45 GMT

Did you know that ... Most popular ham radio antenna tuners are T-Networks. Why is that? First they are less expensive to make because they do not require large variable capacitors. Usually, maximum capacitance of 250-350 pF are enough to cover most applications. Second, T-Networks are less of a lightning hazard because they have a variable capacitor in series with the antenna, instead of a coil, therefore no DC connection with the antenna. The big disadvantage of the T-Network is that it is ***very*** inefficient. Oh! Don't get me wrong. You can adjust it to present a non-reactive 50 Ohm impedance to the transmitter (or transceiver). But ... a large portion of the power will be lost as heat within the "T-Network" tuner! (See the ARRL Antenna Handbook if you don't believe me). The "Pi-Network", or the simpler "L-Network", are much more efficient. However, they imply the use of very large capacitance ... in the order of a few thousand Ohms! I will be testing a LDG AT-600Pro Auto-Tuner over the coming weeks (Fall 2010). The AT-600Pro is a "L-Network" type of tuner. It can switch between L-C or C-L configurations to handle high and low antenna system impedance respectively. Banks of discrete fixed capacitors are switched in our out automatically as needed. I nice concept that I am anxious to test on the air. I will let you know how things went in due course. Stay tuned!

Ham Radio Sites Should Get Traffic Like This

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:31:16 GMT

Many ham radio sites suffer from lack of traffic. It is a shame because it is so easy to engineer a site to get lots of traffic. Here is how I did it.

The Carolina Windom Antenna - 160m Special by Radio Works

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:33:46 GMT

The Carolina Windom Antenna - the 160m-10m Special version by Radio Works.

I Need Your Vote On Facebook

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:22:08 GMT

You will gain a little chunk of ubiquity when you do. What is ubiquity? It is being everywhere at once...

... without having to be physically anywhere
... and without having to spend any of the scarce funds you have earmarked for your ham radio activities.

Neat huh?

When I'm on the air on HF, as VE2DPE, I'm (almost) everywhere at once ... depending on propagation conditions. That is "almost" ubiquitous!

My Web site HamRadioSecrets.com (almost) completes my ubiquity ... but not quite.

Why, then, would I want to be on Facebook?

Facebook is an additional important meeting place where I can promote ham radio to the more than 500 million Facebook users who network there.

Facebook adds significant ubiquity to my promotional efforts.

Share Some Of My Ubiquity

Here is a chance for you to acquire a little ubiquity at no cost.

I have created a 14 second video titled "A Writer Finds Success Thanks To SBI!" that I have entered in the "15 Second SBI! Challenge" on Facebook.

May I ask that you vote for my video?

To do so ...

Go to the "15 Second SBI! Challenge" page on Facebook.
Click on the link labeled "Like" next to the word SiteSell located at the top of the page (you must be a Facebook member to do this).
Then look for my video titled "A Writer Finds Success Thanks To SBI!" further down on the page (I posted my video on Thursday, July 15. You will have to click on "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page to reach it).
View my video (only 14 seconds long).
Then please vote for my video by clicking on the link labelled "Like" located immediately below my video. You can also post a comment, if you want.

That's it.

Thank you for taking the few minutes of your time to do this for me.

By voting for my video, and commenting on it, you will be gaining visibility ... a little more ubiquity for yourself and whatever aspect of ham radio you want to promote.

Remember. Ubiquity is good for yourself and ham radio!

All you have to do is vote for my video on Facebook as explained above.

Thank you in advance. 73 de VE2DPE - Claude

Software Defined Radio Bliss

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:46:00 GMT

I just hooked up my QS1R software defined radio (SDR) (by Software Radio Laboratory LLC) to my newly installed Carolina Windom 160 Special (by Radio Works). Man! What a combination. Being able to pick signals out of the background noise like that ... is pure unadulterated bliss! :-)

Making Progress On SDR Receiver Project

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:54:45 GMT

As now have one SDR ham radio receiver operational in the shack. I have a QS1RServer and SDRMAX3.0 working on my MacBook Pro under OS X 10.6.4. I am using Cathy's modified server 2.0.0.8 and SDRMAX3.0 version 1.0.0.22. I also have QS1RServer v2.2.0.4 and SDRMAX3.0 v1.0.0.21 working on an old PC running under Windows XP ... but that box coughs up so much spurious RFI as to make it nearly unusable operationally. The interference just clutters up the spectrum waterfall too much. I suspect that my 18AVT/WB trap vertical just loves to pick up this mess of interference. I will be installing a new Carolina Windom 160 Special today or tomorrow. That should solve a lot of problems ... increase signal strength to the SDR rcvr input AND eliminate vertically polarized interference!. Fortunately, my MacBook Pro is marvelously quiet (puts out NO interference). I am still trying to make QS1RServer v.2.0.0.5 work with SDRMAX3.0 under Linux 9.10. No success yet, but I am getting very kind and timely help from Andrea Montefusco IW0HDV ... so there is hope there too. ;-) I will keep you posted. 73 de VE2DPE - Claude

VE2DPE Ham Radio Operator Story

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:56:43 GMT

Here is how I became ham radio operator VE2DPE. It could be your story too!

The Ham Radio Receiver Of Tomorrow Is Here

Fri, 21 May 2010 22:22:48 GMT

The software defined ham radio receiver is fast becoming the new standard. Here is what the excitement is all about.

Ham Radio - Amateur Radio Fascinating Secrets

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:07:27 GMT

Ham radio or amateur radio has fascinated generations. This Web site reveals the secrets behind its enduring popularity and usefulness.

Sunspot Cycle 24 - Ham Radio HF DX Tonic

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:27:43 GMT

Sunspot cycle 24 will bring back good ham radio DX on HF. Here is the latest on how and why.

The Carolina Windom Antenna

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:04:59 GMT

The Carolina windom antenna is a vastly improved and much more effective antenna than the old windom of the 1930's. Here is why and how it works.

Dr David Toth VE3GYQ (SK)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:57:02 GMT

The ham radio community has lost one of its most prominent members. Dr. David Toth, VE3GYQ went "Silent Key" (SK) on February 26, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. He was 55. Dr Toth is considered to have played a major role in TAPR's successful participation in the high performance software defined radio (HPSDR) projects. More details here.

New Antenna Project Documentation

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:36:00 GMT

The Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society has made a number of its technical documents available to all. An excellent new source of ideas for antenna related projects and experiments. The documents are in PDF format. You'll find the collection at: http://www.rsars.org.uk/ELIBRARY/docsants.htm Recommended. 73 de VE2DPE

10 Meter Ham Radio Introduction

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:21:18 GMT

10 meter ham radio is known for its spectacular DX when it is open. Sunspot cycle 24 is about to unlock it. Get ready for ham radio at it's finest.

Ham Radio Emergency Communications for Haiti

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:58:05 GMT

For the latest news on how ham radio operators are helping in emergency communications with Haiti, use this page.

Some Ham Radio Sites Get The Signal Out!

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:06:58 GMT

Do you know a lot about some aspect of ham radio? Share it. It's rewarding. Here is how I do it.

PSK31 Frequencies And Related Info

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:00:22 GMT

PSK31 frequencies favored by ham radio operators with some useful related information thrown in.

PSK31 Software On Linux

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:38:52 GMT

Think of PSK31 as more robust than RTTY for weak signal performance. Here is Linux software to take full advantage of this robust digital mode.

APRS Amateur Radio Software On Linux

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:05:10 GMT

Xastir is a highly sophisticated APRS amateur radio software application on Linux. Definitely worth trying. I know you'll like it.

DX Cluster - Linux Client Software

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:07:20 GMT

DX cluster client software on high performance Linux O/S. I use XDX cluster client on Ubuntu Linux. Details here.

Ham Radio Logging Software On Linux

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:53:52 GMT

Ham radio logging software on high performance Linux O/S. I use and recommend the Linux Ubuntu distribution. Details here. 73 de VE2DPE.

Linux Ham Radio Software Growing List

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:00:09 GMT

Linux ham radio software will delight the ham radio experimenters and operators alike. Linux Open Source software is free and you can even modify it!

Ham Radio Delux - A Transitional Hybrid Experience

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:46:46 GMT

Here is part two of my Ham Radio Delux review. BTW, correct spelling is Deluxe.

My Ham Radio Web Site Reviews

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:16:23 GMT

My ham radio Web site is getting flattering reviews from fellow amateur radio operators. Here are some of them.

Hot Off The Press

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:20:01 GMT

Did you know that you can always get the latest news about sunspots, sunspot cycle 24 and propagation on HamRadioSecrets.com?

Listen To Ham Radio Online Live

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:05:29 GMT

Want to listen to ham radio online? Frustrated by dead links? You will only find live links here!

Ham Radio Online Increasing Presence

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:06:16 GMT

Ham radio online takes on many forms of expression. Here are the most noticeable ones.

Ham Radio Online Receiver

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:59:25 GMT

A ham radio online receiver is perhaps the best way to familiarize yourself with ham radio activity on the air at no cost!

The Many Motivations Behind The Ham Radio Cartoon

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:56:08 GMT

The ham radio cartoon has more than one purpose. Find out what they are and why here.

Ham Radio Cartoons

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:56:58 GMT

Here are a few ham radio cartoons. I enjoyed researching and writing captions for them. May they bring a smile. 73 de VE2DPE

Ham Radio Wire Antenna Tips

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:37:57 GMT

What should a ham radio wire antenna be made of to stay up there and give reliable performance? Here are some useful tips.

Ham Radio Antenas Lead To Ham Radio Antennas

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:05:25 GMT

Use Google to search for info on ham radio antenas and it will give you a list of links to info on ham radio antennas. Here is a good place to start.

Quiet Sun Hurts More Than HF Propagation

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:25:58 GMT

A recent study points to a short-lived, anemic cycle 24 ... and a possible new "Little Ice Age"!

W. Livingston and M. Penn recently published a study titled "Are sunspots different during this solar minimum?" (EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union 90: 257-258).

The Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change reviewed the paper.

The reviewer in CO2 Science Magazine makes a surprising suggestion. Our "excess" CO2 in the atmosphere may come in very handy, after all!

The short article makes for a fascinating read. Recommended.

EZNEC Video Demo Back Online

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:35:30 GMT

EZNEC video demo had been U/S past few days on my Web site. It's back online now.

Homemade Ham Radio Antennas

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:34:10 GMT

Sources of dependable information on homemade ham radio antennas.

Ham Radio News - Fresh Off The Press Wires

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:31:22 GMT

The latest ham radio news is available here in one convenient list. A short sentence leads each story while the headlines link to the full story.

Antenna Software For Ham Radio by VE3SQB

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:10:48 GMT

Antenna software as easy to use as its results are useful. VE3SQB has produced just that! Here is my review of his suite of programs.

Antenna Design Software For The Demanding Do-It-Yourself Ham

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:01:05 GMT

Antenna design software has come a long way since the DOS versions. Even the no-cost versions are more than adequate for hams. Here are my top picks.

Antenna Design Program EZNEC v5 For Ham Radio Antenna Enthusiasts

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:05:37 GMT

Here is my review of the EZNEC v5.0 antenna design program. You will find that the free demo version can satisfy most ham radio antenna design needs.

Ham Radio Freeware - Where And How To Find It

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:48:48 GMT

Finding the ham radio freeware you are looking for is not an easy task. Oh! It is probably out there. It is just not easy to find! Here is some help.

Searching For Ham Radio Software Made Easy

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:12:34 GMT

Searching for ham radio software? Tired of dead links or links to obsolete software? Here is how to find the software you want.

Mobile Ham Radio Operating Safety Tips

Fri, 29 May 2009 19:16:45 GMT

Mobile ham radio operations require that ham radio operators be mindful of legal and safety factors. Here are some tips keep way from trouble.

Ham Radio Receivers For Your Future Needs

Thu, 21 May 2009 19:26:03 GMT

Would you prefer to own many successive ham radio receivers or one that will meet your needs for the foreseeable future? The flexible radio is here!

Ham Radio Transceivers - Selection Tips

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:09:43 GMT

Ham radio transceivers. How to chose the one that is right for you and avoid costly mistakes.

Learning Web Design For Effective Ham Radio Sites

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:41:49 GMT

Learning Web design is essential to build a Web site that gives results. You can easily learn to avoid costly mistakes with this online course.

Short Ham Antennas For HF

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:16:35 GMT

Need short ham antennas for HF that really work? Forget about loading coils and capacity hats. Here is a simpler and much more effective technique.

The Ham Radio HF Antenna For Smaller Real Estates

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:07:13 GMT

No space for a ham radio HF antenna? Here are some HF antennas that require less space, while remaining very effective.

The Ham Radio Dipole - Simple And Effective If...

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:36:05 GMT

The ham radio dipole is the most popular of ham antennas but not necessarily the most understood. Here are some essential and helpful clarifications.

Ham Radio Codes - From Morse Code to Q And R-S-T

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:23:44 GMT

No need to wonder what the ham radio codes you hear on the ham radio frequencies mean. Their hidden meanings are revealed here, in full!

Ham Radio Alphabet Abbreviations & Acronyms

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:47:04 GMT

Are the ham radio alphabet, abbreviations and acronyms a mystery to you? You will find their hidden meaning and use here.