Building your own antennas is fun and relatively inexpensive. Jim, N4BFR, takes us through the basics of finding the length, connecting to the balun, strain relief, insulation and adjusting the length.
Morse Keys and Paddles [HTL-25]
What’s the difference between a key and a paddle, and what the heck is a bug? Jim explains in this edition of the Ham Tech Library.
More Info
Vibroplex
Find other 3D Printed Keys and Paddles on Thingiverse
Learning Morse Code [HTL-24]
Morse code is amazingly popular, nearly 20 years after the license requirement was expired for new hams. However, it remains probably the most efficient way of sending a message in terms of distance per watt. Jim, N4BFR, discusses how to start your Morse Code journey.
More Reading
Learn CW Online site – https://lcwo.net/
ARRL Code Practice – http://www.arrl.org/code-transmissions
CW Ops – https://cwops.org/
HF Emergency Communications [HTL-23]
Building on the Hurricane Discussion in video HTL-19, Jim N4BFR discusses frequencies to monitor for the 8-14 Haiti Earthquake, FEMA and US Government HF EmCom and the SATERN split.
More Info
IARU Region 2 Haiti Bulletin
SHARES Frequencies at HF Underground
ARRL Article on SATERN split
Earthquake Photo from USAID via Wikimedia
Balun Basics [HTL-21]
Before you build an antenna, you are going to need a device to match your radials to your feedline. That’s where a Balun comes in. Jim (N4BFR) takes you through the basics of baluns.
More Information
DX Engineering has an excellent article on choosing the correct balun for your antenna build.
The Basics of FCC Enforcement and Fines
The FCC has fined amateur radio operators over $130,000 over the last 10 years. Hear about how they handle complaints and some of the bigger fines from Jim, N4BFR in this video.
Update: 17-Jan-2023 – A new blog post over at HamRadioPrep.com talks about the FCC and your Fourth Amendment rights when you get your license. Read More.
More Information
The Basics of Hurricane Tracking on HF [HTL-19]
Amateur Radio operators deploy when all else fails and may be most famous for deploying to assist after storms. In this video Jim, N4BFR, describes how to listen to the various communications before, during and after storms via HF / Shortwave radio.
Thumbnail image is Hurricane Isabel from the ISS, Image courtesy of Mike Trenchard, Earth Sciences & Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center.
More Info
Thanks to NV6H for this very detailed list of hurricane frequencies from 2018.
Field Day Live on YouTube [HTL-Live 1]
Jim, N4BFR operated LIVE during Field Day. Watch his live stream at YouTube.
The Basics of the DX Code of Conduct [HTL-18]
Want to make sure you and your fellow hams have the best experience while working DX stations and just HF in general? The DX Code of Conduct is a list of 13 tips to make your contacts go faster and better.
More Info:
DX Code of Conduct at RSGB.org
The Basics of an Exchange [HTL-17]
What does it mean to be 59 or 599? Where do I find my ARRL Section? Do I need to know the temperature to work HF? Jim, N4BFR, explains more about Ham Radio Exchanges.
More Info
Wikipedia explains the R-S-T System