Satellite Tracking Basics
Satellite tracking is an exciting part of amateur radio and space communications. Many satellites pass over your location every day, and some carry amateur radio payloads or weather instruments. To…
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Antenna Takeoff Angle: Which One Is Best
Antenna takeoff angle plays a vital role in determining how well your signal travels and where it is heard. In simple terms, the takeoff angle is the angle above the…
Seasonal Propagation Changes: What to Expect
Seasonal propagation changes because it depends on atmospheric conditions, solar activity, and time of year. As the seasons shift, these factors interact in unique ways, dramatically affecting how radio waves…
Geomagnetic Storms and Their Impact on HF
Geomagnetic storms are powerful space weather events that significantly influence HF radio communication. These storms occur when charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, interact with Earth’s magnetic…
Skip Distance and Dead Zones
Learning skip distance and dead zones is essential for DX contacts. Skip distance is the minimum distance between a transmitting station and the point where a skywave signal returns to…
RIT Control: How To Use It
RIT control, or Receiver Incremental Tuning control, is an essential feature found on most modern ham radios. Because operators often encounter slight frequency mismatches during conversations, the RIT control allows…
Diversity Reception for Weak Signal Work
Diversity reception plays a vital role in improving communication when working with weak signals. Many amateur radio operators face fading, interference, and noise that make it challenging to copy distant…
Mastering Split Operation for DXing Success
Mastering split operation is a critical skill for any amateur radio operator who wants to excel at DXing. When a rare or highly sought-after station goes on the air, hundreds…
Reading Solar Reports: Important Information
Solar activity directly affects high-frequency (HF) radio propagation. When reading solar reports, you can predict when HF conditions will be favorable or challenging. The sun constantly emits charged particles and…
IF Shift vs. RF Shift: Clearing Up the Confusion
IF shift vs. RF shift are two important tools built into many modern ham radios, and both are designed to improve signal clarity. Because crowded bands often make it difficult…