Introduction

Welcome, fellow Amateur Radio enthusiast!

As an RF Engineer and new ham, I am excited to share my ideas, experiments, and mistakes I make along the way with you through this blog, as I have learned so much from the community in my first few months. Whether you are just starting out or have 50 years of experience, I hope to offer some interesting, creative ideas, with a goal of making the hobby more approachable for newcomers, and maybe eventually more affordable for all! If nothing else, I will try to keep a running list of the tools I find most valuable as I learn and grow.

My Radios

Radios are the essential tools that allow us to communicate over the airwaves. So far, I only own the IC-7300. The IC-7300’s built-in antenna tuner, handy presets, and 100 watt power output make it a pretty great first radio. I will expand this as I learn more.
I have also designed products (for Signal Hound) that have found a place in the amateur radio community, and may one day design my own ham radio. It’s just a lot of work…

Rethinking Linear Amplifiers

Amplifiers play a crucial role in amateur radio by boosting the signal strength and extending the range of communication. I am hoping to develop a class of amplifiers that are much more efficient than are typically available, with a goal of >85% efficient for SSB at 1 kW. I’ll let you know how things go!

Affordable Antenna Ideas

Antennas are the bridge between your radio and the outside world. They determine the efficiency and range of your communication. But they don’t have to break the bank! Whether you’re into Yagis, Moxons, Hex Beams, mag loops, full wave loops, or something else entirely, hopefully you’ll find some ideas on how to build something simple to get you on the air with some basic supplies!

Engage and Connect with the Amateur Radio Community

Amateur radio is not just about the equipment; it is also about the community. I encourage you to actively engage and connect with fellow amateur radio operators, and this is a goal I have set for myself as well. Join local clubs, participate in events, and make use of online forums and social media platforms to share your experiences, seek advice, and learn from others.

As I learn more, I’ll post more

As an amateur radio enthusiast and RF Engineer, I am thrilled to embark on this blogging journey with you. I will regularly update this blog with informative and engaging content, sharing my knowledge, experiences, and recommendations. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, I hope this blog becomes a valuable resource for you in your amateur radio endeavors. Stay tuned for upcoming posts and let’s explore the fascinating world of radios, amplifiers, antennas, and more together!