The DXZone
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Posts on ham radio, antennas, DX resources and radio equipment. The DXZone is the largest human created and maintained library of web sites dedicated to Amateur Radio, currently listing 20.000+ links organized into 600+ categories and subcategories. Ham Radio operators review new sites every day since 1998, for potential inclusion in the Directory, and to evaluate the best place to list them.
The DXZone
2d ago
Technical Reference/Software Defined Radio
This project enhances Arjan te Marvelde's uSDR-pico by integrating a waterfall display feature. By adding an ILI9341 240x320 2.4" TFT display and modifying the software, the goal is to provide a panadapter to the existing transceiver. Initially developed with Visual Studio, the code was later migrated to Arduino IDE for Raspberry Pi Pico compatibility. The focus remains on preserving the original software, primarily enhancing the dsp.c file for waterfall implementation ..read more
The DXZone
2d ago
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Icom IC-706
After years of reliable performance, a 26-year-old Icom 706MK2G exhibited an unusual deviation during FM transmission, with the actual frequency being 10kHz off from the displayed frequency. Additionally, the power meter showed a sharp dip during transmission. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the FM VCO voltage adjust variable had become dirty and sluggish over time. By adjusting the variable capacitor and cleaning it with switch cleaner, the issue was resolved, restoring stable power output and accurate frequency transmission ..read more
The DXZone
3d ago
Space-Efficient Excellence: Inverted L Multi-Band HF Antenna, WSJT-X Controller, Introduction to HF Packeteering in the Modern Age, Emergency ham radio frequencies, AI Projections for Ham Radio Modes in 2023-2025, Yaesu ATAS-120A Portable Tripod: Enhancing Efficiency, Mapping the Australian Radio Landscape, FT 1000MP MK V and Keyclicks ..read more
The DXZone
3d ago
Antennas/6M
A 14.12 dBi gain three elements cubical quad antenna for the six meters band. This Quad Antenna design page include a MMA model available to download and dimensions for each element ..read more
The DXZone
3d ago
Propagation/Beginner's Guide
The article enlightens radio amateurs on utilizing real-time space weather data to optimize HF communication. Navigating through Hp30 index, MUF, f0F2, and eSFI metrics, it explains their significance in band selection and propagation forecasting. With essential links and practical insights, enthusiasts learn to discern optimal conditions for high-band DX, low-band DX, and NVIS operations. The author's observations and antenna optimization tips enrich understanding for effective HF operations ..read more
The DXZone
6d ago
Antennas/2M
This article serves as a beginner-friendly guide to constructing a simple VHF dipole antenna for 2 meters, perfect for novices in the hobby. With an emphasis on affordability and simplicity, it explains the basics without overwhelming technical details. Recommendations for coaxial cable and mounting methods are provided, offering practical solutions for effective communication. By following these instructions, novices can build a functional antenna without breaking the bank ..read more
The DXZone
6d ago
Technical Reference/Software Defined Radio
The Homebrew uSDX SDR TRX is an experimental transceiver primarily designed for CW and Digital modes due to limitations in meeting FCC requirements for SSB. Developed from the QRP Labs QCX, it incorporates advanced SDR features while utilizing an 8-bit ATMEGA328P. The µSDX community fosters open-source development with various design streams and versions, encouraging collaboration and sharing among enthusiasts ..read more
The DXZone
6d ago
Technical Reference/Radio Frequency Interference
In this study, the author builds upon Muncy's research, demonstrating that radio-frequency current on cable shields affects audio systems through the "pin 1 problem" and shield-current-induced noise (SCIN). An enhanced equivalent circuit for ferrite chokes is proposed, addressing dimensional resonance and inductor self-resonance. Field tests confirm that chokes reduce interference across 500 kHz to 1,000 MHz. Guidelines for diagnosing and mitigating EMI from various sources are provided for product development and field installations ..read more
The DXZone
1w ago
Antennas/Receiving
Chokes and isolation transformers are essential for receiving antennas to mitigate common mode current, which induces noise and interferes with signal quality. Common mode chokes, formed by winding feedline through ferrite cores, block unwanted current effectively. Proper selection of core material and winding turns ensures resonance near the operating frequency, reducing interference. Isolation transformers further minimize interference, crucial for multi-transmitter stations ..read more
The DXZone
1w ago
Technical Reference/Components/Toroids
FT-240 toroids measurements. The data was measured using well-calibrated HP instrumentation. All plots have been adjusted to a frequency range of 1-100 MHz on the horizontal axis and a resistance/impedance range of 10-1,000 ohms on the vertical axis. This adjustment facilitates comparison among different materials and aids in determining their suitability for use on the HF ham bands ..read more