by Micah (N4MJL) As a junior pilot on the seniority list at American Airlines, it was no surprise to me when my May schedule had me flying all of Memorial Day weekend. Fortunately, it was a pleasant surprise to see that I had a decent overnight in Portland, Maine. I was scheduled for 15 hours […]
Ham Radio Contesting 101: Winning, Losing, and Playing the Game
Editor’s note: OnAllBands is pleased to post a series of articles written by accomplished amateur radio contester and DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist Kirk Pickering, K4RO. The articles, originally published in the National Contest Journal and updated with current information, offer valuable insights for both contesters new and old. *** Many amateur radio operators who enter […]
Dayton Hamvention® 2025 Wrap-Up—Another Impressive Showcase of the Best in Amateur Radio
DX Engineering Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary in Four-Wheeled, Mobile-Ready Style The final figures are in—a whopping 36,814 people (this article’s author included) attended Dayton Hamvention® held May 16-18 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. A huge debt of gratitude goes to the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) and the more […]
This Rig Was Made For Walking: Pedestrian Mobile POTA with the Elecraft KH1!
by Thomas (K4SWL) On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, I was on the final stretch of my journey home after spending a full week on the road for FDIM and Hamvention. The previous day—Monday—I had driven from Dayton, Ohio, to Hickory, North Carolina, so I could be with my father during his surgery. Thankfully, the operation […]
From Book to Key: A CW Beginner’s First POTA Foray
My First POTA Adventure by Alan (WB0ZJJ) With trepidation, I ventured to Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Boynton Beach, Florida US-0232) with my tiny QRP-Labs QMX radio and CW Morse Pocket Paddle key. The temperature and humidity were both over 90 (90F and 90% plus). My eye glasses were constantly fogging over as I […]
New Product Spotlight: DX Engineering Nomad Portable Telescopic Masts
Combine the Nomad mast with the new DX Engineering Low Power Portable Dipole and Winder Kit and You’re Ready for Field Day fun! Just in time for ARRL Field Day 2025 (June 28-29), DX Engineering’s new Nomad Portable Telescopic Masts are now available. That’s great news if you’re looking for a well-constructed, easy-to-transport fiberglass mast […]
QRPer Discussion Board: Three Years of Community and Collaboration
Three Years of the QRPer Discussion Board by QRPer.net Admin Purpose Many of us who regularly visit the QRPer.com Web Log really enjoy the content created and curated here by Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL. His unassuming style, broad knowledge, and humility have encouraged trust and loyalty among his followers. Many of us openly defy the YouTube […]
Two Compact Microphones for the Elecraft KX2 & KX3
Many thanks to Dean (KG7WGX) who recently shared a couple of interesting microphone alternatives for voice/SSB ops who use the Elecraft KX2 or KX3—especially in portable or pedestrian mobile setups. Dean mentioned that while the stock Elecraft MH3 mic is excellent, it can feel a bit bulky for field use, especially when packing light for […]
What’s the Best Way to Study for the Ham Radio Test?
Whether you’re interested in emergency communication, electronics, or just want to talk to people worldwide, passing the ham radio test is the first step. To get licensed, you need to demonstrate an understanding of FCC regulations as well as knowledge of radio station operation and safety considerations by taking a written test. When was the […]
Post-Hamvention POTA: A Challenging but Relaxing Activation with Friends in Dayton
Sunday, May 18, 2025, was the final day of Hamvention. It’s typically the slowest day, and I’ve even been known to skip it in favor of doing POTA with friends instead. This particular Sunday, though, my dear friend Vince (VE6LK) was giving a mid-morning presentation about building go-boxes, so Eric (WD8RIF), Miles (KD8KNC), Len (W8VQ), […]