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 […]
On the Move! Heading to Four Days in May and Hamvention 2025
Just a quick update: I’m heading out today for Four Days in May (FDIM) and Hamvention—both taking place this week—and will be on the road and fully immersed in the events for the next several days. While I’m away, things may be a bit quiet here on QRPer.com. My inbox is likely to pile up, […]
Summit Racing’s Roamin’ Gladiator Gets a Serious Mobile Communications Upgrade from DX Engineering
See the Jeep Gladiator for yourself at Dayton Hamvention® 2025 Summit Racing—DX Engineering’s parent company—took a 2023 Jeep Gladiator and installed a bunch of parts and accessories, making this already fun-to-pilot road warrior more versatile, stronger, and an absolute blast to drive wherever the spirit of adventure leads you, whether cruising on the interstate or […]
Four Days in May (FDIM): The Annual Ham Radio Gathering Where Less is Always More
DX Engineering will be there with gear to check out during Vendor Night The 2025 edition of Four Days in May (May 15-18), the annual celebration of low-power ham radio operating held by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International, is only three days away. Hams will once again arrive in southern Ohio to explore the […]
Elecraft KH1 to the Rescue: Squeezing in a 20-Minute POTA Activation
I feel incredibly fortunate to live in an area where a POTA park—the Blue Ridge Parkway—quite literally runs through town. As convenient as that is, I’ve still struggled to squeeze in activations over the past few months. We’ve had so much going on that even impromptu POTA time has felt out of reach. Fortunately, I […]
Tariffs May Impact Radio Prices — What That Means for U.S. Buyers (and Hamvention Shoppers!)
Please note: I hesitated to bring up this topic because of the inherent political weight it carries here in the United States (and this really only applies to those of us in the U.S.). So please—no political comments. Our moderators will remove them. That said, I feel it’s important to share this, especially for anyone […]