Are you intimidated by Smith Charts. I would be too except that when you understand the premise, they are not only plain to use but very helpful in understanding the interactions of physical attributes relevant to electro-magnetics and distribution to the atmosphere. This animation video will walk the beginner through Smith Charts. Prerequisite knowledge required…
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Go-Kit Battery Protection
So you are putting together a go-kit with a go-kit battery. I never learned to spell very well so maybe you can help me. How do you spell the word F-I-R-E? It can happen to you with the very powerful Lithium-Ion battery technologies available today. Here is the next question of the day: Do you…
A Go-Bag Battery
Every amateur radio operator ought to have a go-bag. That is, a bag that the amateur can pick up on a moment’s notice, go out into the field with it, and begin transmitting after setting up his or her station. One of the elements of a go-bag is an energy source. But what should you…
Ever Wonder How the J-Pole Antenna Works?
Have you ever wondered about the J-Pole antenna and been intimidated by it trying to figure out how it works? There is a principle that you should always keep in mind when looking analytically at any antenna for the electromagnetic spectrum: they are all merely dipoles in disguise! When you hunt around on the web…
Radio Rocks – by Dave Foster, W3IGT
At the April monthly meeting of the Cascades Amateur Radio Society, a presentation was given by one of our members, Dave Foster (W3IGT), who is a retired geologist. Dave has been in the salt mines underneath Detroit! The title of the presentation was “Radio Rocks.” Sadly, Dave did not wear his Elvis impersonation suit for…
RFE- Radio Frequency Exposure Rules for May 3, 2021
The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order (R&O) governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE) limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur radio, be evaluated against existing limits unless they are…
Migrating the Mail Reflector
We’re migrating our mailing list function from the mailserver on the w8jxn.com site to an internet-hosted service. To add your email address to the mailing list, use the field and button below. You can subscribe at any time. Subscribe to our group
Keeping it Real on FCC Fees
Posting for K8TS, a forward from our ARRL regional director. Several individual have incorrectly reported that the proposed fees foramateur Radio licensing have taken effect. This is NOT TRUE. The FCC fees Report and Order adopted last December was published in theFederal Register this past week. To quote from ARRL’s Legal Counsel:“I want to note…
Antenna Theory Presentation March 16th 10PM EST (DST)
Folks, if you understand the uttermost fundamentals of antenna theory, you pretty much will be able to comprehend whatever comes your way in electromagnetics. FYI – Professor Constantine Balanis of the Antenna Theory book fame is presenting a lecture on the “Fundamentals of Antennas” from chapter 2 of his book to the subject club. Everyone is welcome…
Getting started in DMR – The Anytone 878DV and OpenSpot2
A few years back, I decided to dive into the world of Digital Mobile Radio. I have a long history in IP networking and information technology, so I’m naturally intrigued by this confluence of networking technology and radio. I even worked on a project with a customer who was building a new IP transport for…