Tag: antenna
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Ham Radio on a Budget: Building a Complete Station for Under $500
The perception that amateur radio requires a significant financial investment has deterred many potential operators from pursuing their license. While it’s true that you can spend thousands on high-end equipment, the reality is that a capable and enjoyable ham station can be assembled for under $500—sometimes well under that amount. As someone who started with…
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The Ultimate Ham Radio Field Day Guide: Tips, Gear, and Strategy
Field Day is amateur radio’s largest annual event, drawing tens of thousands of operators across North America for a weekend of emergency preparedness exercises, camaraderie, skill-building, and yes—a healthy dose of competitive spirit. Equal parts emergency exercise, contest, social gathering, and public demonstration, Field Day represents ham radio at its finest. As someone who has…
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Build Your Own Antennas: 5 DIY Projects from Beginner to Advanced
In the world of ham radio, the antenna is arguably the most critical component of your station. A modest radio with an excellent antenna will consistently outperform a top-of-the-line radio connected to a mediocre antenna. The good news? Some of the most effective antenna designs can be built at home for a fraction of the…
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Best Handheld Ham Radios for Beginners in 2025
As a newly licensed ham radio operator, choosing your first handheld transceiver (HT) can be overwhelming. With dozens of models on the market ranging from $30 to $500+, how do you know which one offers the best value and features for a beginner? I’ve tested over 20 different handheld radios over the past three years…