HR Ham Radio CommunityRadio · Technology · Practice
A practical amateur radio journal

Radio communication begins with curiosity.

Explore how antennas work, why radio propagation changes and what matters when setting up a station. Practical notes for radio amateurs interested in equipment, measurements and making reliable contacts.

Explore the articles Reference links
RF / FIELD NOTES
01 / The library

Explore radio by topic

From basic antenna principles to propagation and digital communication — practical starting points for further learning.

Antennas

Getting started with antennas

Dipole length, installation height, feed lines and the measurements worth taking before going on the air.

Read antenna resources →
Measurements

SWR and feed-line loss

What an SWR meter tells you, what it cannot tell you, and why matching alone does not guarantee low losses.

Explore technical material →
Propagation

Why band conditions change

The ionosphere, time of day, solar activity and terrain all influence how far and how reliably your signal travels.

Check space weather →
Digital modes

Getting started with digital radio

Explore weak-signal HF modes, signal reporting, packet radio and digital voice systems such as DMR.

Visit WSJT-X →
Reference

Amateur bands and band plans

Find recognised organisations and band-planning references. Always check the rules and allocations for your country.

Visit IARU →
Operating

Before the first transmission

Check the antenna and feeder, connectors, frequency, operating mode, power setting and safe station layout.

Read operating notes →
02 / Workshop notes

Measure, record and compare

A useful radio note starts with the setup: equipment, frequency, antenna, feeder, location and measurement conditions.

Keeping records makes it easier to distinguish an improvement caused by a station change from one caused by propagation or weather.

Antenna basicsDesign, installation and antenna-system references Propagation and DXExplore reported activity and radio paths Signal reportsSee where supported digital signals are being received Band-plan referencesInternational amateur-radio information and resources
03 / Useful links

Radio reference shelf

External resources for licensed operators, newcomers, DXers, satellite enthusiasts and digital-mode users.

AARRL — What is Ham Radio?An introduction to amateur radio and how to get started. IIARUInternational Amateur Radio Union and regional resources. QQRZCallsign lookup, operator pages and radio community. DDX MapsDX spots and reported propagation activity. PPSK ReporterDigital-signal reception reports from around the world. AAPRS.fiAPRS stations and position reports. SAMSATAmateur satellite operation and technical resources. PParks on the AirPortable operating and park-activation information.
04 / Field practice

Simple habits, better operating

Short reminders for station building and portable operation.

Prepare your station

Inspect connectors and cables, check antenna clearances, secure outdoor installations and keep RF exposure and electrical safety in mind.

More technical information →

Listen before you call

Use the correct band and mode, respect ongoing contacts, identify as required by your licence and remain within permitted frequencies and power limits.

Amateur radio resources →