It’s hard to believe that Four Days in May (FDIM) 2025 has already come and gone—and even harder to believe that attendance was even larger than last year! What an amazing event. As always, FDIM is my favorite part of the Dayton Hamvention weekend. If you’re a QRPer and haven’t made it to FDIM yet, […]
It’s All in the Cards! QSL Cards from Top Ten Most Wanted DXCC Entities (Part 2)
Earlier this month OnAllBands looked at the top-three Most Wanted DXCC Entities per Clublog: North Korea, Scarborough Reef, and the San Felix Islands. The team of longtime DX chasers from DX Engineering reached into their collections and provided OnAllBands with QSL cards from these rare entities—none of which seem destined to be on the air […]
The POTA Babe Tries the CFT1
By Teri KO4WFP Jonathan KM4CFT reached out to me recently to inquire if I was interested in trying his CFT1 QRP transceiver. The inquiry both surprised and delighted me as I’ve never had such an opportunity. I nearly said no because I am no antenna expert and, as this rig has no internal antenna tuner, […]
Hamvention 2025 Day 2: I Couldn’t Help Myself…
Good morning, QRPers! Day two of Hamvention 2025 was absolutely amazing—and the weather couldn’t have been more ideal. I wish I had time this morning to write a proper recap, but I’m grabbing a quick breakfast and heading back to the Greene County Fairgrounds for day three. That said, I wanted to drop a quick […]
Day One at Hamvention 2025: Friends, Fun, and One Cancelled Reservation
Good Morning, QRPers! Day one of Hamvention 2025 (Friday, May 16) kicked off bright and early! I started the day with a quick walk-through of the Hamvention Flea Market before the gates opened. I also shared an impromptu video with Patreon supporters—it was a peaceful moment before the weekend’s whirlwind began. I spent most of […]
Contesting 101: The Importance of Calling CQ
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. *** Hello and welcome back to Contesting […]
Trip Report: Road to Hamvention 2025 and Four Days in May
I’ve got a few quiet moments this morning as I sit in the dining room of our hotel in downtown Dayton, Ohio. It’s peaceful here—no one else is around, and no one has turned on the TV. Bliss… Of course, that’ll change in a couple of hours when we pull into the parking lot at […]
Dayton Hamvention® 2025 Preview: Five Reasons to Stop by the DX Engineering Booth
As you’ve probably learned from reading OnAllBands (or seeing our logo at DXEngineering.com), 2025 is DX Engineering’s 25th anniversary. (Image/DX Engineering) That’s great news for amateur operators who are headed to the 2025 Dayton Hamvention® May 16-18 for the year’s biggest celebration of amateur radio. DX Engineering always makes this event a huge deal, but […]
Field Day Gear Part 2: Upgrade Your Coaxial Cable
Before you consider purchasing a new transceiver, a more efficient antenna, a strong portable mast, a nice supply of coffee, and what you plan to cook up on the grill, take the time to assess your coaxial cable prior to venturing out on ARRL Field Day 2025 (June 28-29). Here are a few reasons to […]
Ham Radio History: A Look at Ohio’s Contributions to Amateur Radio
As we move further into the busy month of May, the countdown to 2025 Dayton Hamvention® has reached single digits (three days, to be exact). The folks at OnAllBands thought it would be an appropriate time to give a well-deserved shoutout to the state of Ohio—DX Engineering’s home base and the place where tens of […]