VE2DPE's Ham Radio Blog

World Amateur Radio Day

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

On April 18, 2026, amateur radio operators all over the world celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) which was founded in Paris, France on April 18, 1926.

Still alive & kicking!

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 22:32:55 -0400

I'm 80 years young now and the clock keeps on ticking. Here is a quote from the April 2026 QCWA Journal that I thought was fitting. "We all get to die twice. The first time is when our heart stops beating, the second time is when our name is never spoken again." 73 de VE2DPE - still alive & kicking!

10 Meter Ham Radio Introduction

Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:05:17 -0400

10 meter ham radio is known for its spectacular DX when it is open. Sunspot cycle 24 is about to unlock it. Get ready for ham radio at it's finest.

Sunspot Cycle 25: What It Means for Ham Radio

Thu, 2 Apr 2026 16:52:46 -0400

Learn how the sunspot cycle is driving Solar Cycle 25, changing HF propagation, and creating better DX opportunities for ham radio operators.

Ham Radio Books on HF Wire Antennas: Build or Buy, Tune, Work DX

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:51:37 -0400

Stop guessing. These ham radio books show what works (and what doesn’t) for HF wire antennas, accounting for space, homemade or bought, tuners and more.

NVIS Antenna: Short 40m Portable Dipole

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:23:47 -0400

Build a compact 40 meter NVIS antenna for field use. This guide shows a 44-foot linear-loaded low-noise design capable of 150 to 200 km range.

Homemade Ham Radio Antennas: QRP-Tested Resources

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:48:20 -0400

Skip the dead ends. Find homemade ham radio antennas that work in real installs: HF wire designs, QRP insights, and the books/clubs worth your time.

Ham Radio License Test Online: Study, Practice, Pass

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:43:43 -0400

Find US & Canada study resources, practice tests, and session links from ARRL and more for the ham radio license test online. Book when confident.

Ham Radio License Study Guide: US, Canada, UK, AU

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:29:19 -0400

Pick a ham radio license study guide that builds real understanding. See trusted books for all license levels, by country: US, CA, UK, AU.

Ham Radio Operator VE2DPE: About Claude Jollet

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:58:54 -0400

Meet VE2DPE, ham radio operator and HamRadioSecrets.com owner. Learn his path from shortwave listening to a modern SDR shack, since 1973 - plus his antennas.

Hf Vertical Antenna: Base or Portable, Pros & Cons

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:33:11 -0400

Before buying an HF vertical antenna for base or portable use, learn what you have to trade for a chance of DX with the antenna's vertically polarized signal.

Ham Radio Hf Antenna: Space-Saving Dipole Layouts

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:43:57 -0400

Need a full length ham radio hf antenna for limited space? See how some dipole configurations avoid loading coil losses, still radiate well and remain safe.

Amateur Radio Antenna for 160m: A Hybrid Configuration

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:01:21 -0400

Need a 160m antenna for a small lot? This amateur radio antenna uses a hybrid configuration and tunes with a floating counterpoise. It makes contacts.

160 meter antenna for Tight Space: No Coils Needed

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:56:46 -0400

Need 160 meter antenna coverage on a small lot? This hybrid design skips big loading coils and shows how to tune the counterpoise to 1.8 MHz quickly.

How to Stop Electromagnetic Interference: Magnetic Loop Fix

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:22:59 -0400

Tired of HF noise? Learn how to stop electromagnetic interference with a small active magnetic loop, how to aim its nulls, and boost SNR fast.

Amateur Radio Websites Can Be Built To Get Attention

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:04:17 -0400

How to build amateur radio websites that standout from the competition online. Get a clear plan for content, structure, and monetization here, now.

antenna calculator: HF Dipole & Inverted V Lengths

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:07:37 -0400

Use this antenna calculator to cut a half-wave HF dipole or inverted V. Includes 468/f guidance, why resonance shifts, and how to trim for low SWR.

Ham radio information: Ask VE2DPE

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:33:26 -0400

Need a specific answer? Use this ham radio information request form to ask VE2DPE about antennas, licensing, gear, bands, or modes. Answers may be shared.

Ham radio news hub: ARRL, RSGB, IARU & more links

Sat, 7 Mar 2026 16:58:03 -0500

Looking for ham radio news without digging? Use this one-page hub for breaking headlines on major topics: emergency comms, technology, bands and more.

Commonwealth Contest: March 14-15, 2026

Fri, 6 Mar 2026 17:22:37 -0500

The annual Commonwealth Contest (CC) takes place very soon from 1000z Saturday, March 14 to 0959z Sunday March 15. This 24-hour CW-only contest takes place on the five HF contest bands (80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres). This contest has been around since 1931. Once known as the "BERU," the CC involves Amateurs in the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations and their associated territories only. This gives us an exclusive shot at some very interesting DX. The contest is now a partnership of the International Amateur Radio Union’s (IARU) member societies for Canada (Radio Amateurs of Canada – RAC), Australia (Wireless Institute of Australia – WIA), India (Amateur Radio Society of India – ARSI), New Zealand (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters – NZART) and the United Kingdom (Radio Society of Great Britain – RSGB). "HQ" stations have a special status in this contest and the RAC HQ station VE3RHQ will once again be operated by Mike Kelly, VE3FFK. Other RAC call signs will be activated across Canada. There will also be HQ stations from many parts of the Commonwealth, with several in each of the United Kingdom and Australia. Take part in the RAC Commonwealth Contest.

Ham radio software guide: Windows, Mac, Linux & more

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 10:48:59 -0500

Ham radio software is a new hobby within the hobby: study tools, operating aids, digital modes, and even remote control. See what's available on each OS.

Ham Radio Frequencies: IARU downloads, beacons & digital

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 10:34:49 -0500

Bookmark These Ham Radio Frequencies: IARU downloads, Region 2 allocations, beacons, digital HF frequencies, repeaters, and handy links to ARRL guides.

Ham Radio License Guide: Study, Test, Privileges

Sun, 1 Mar 2026 16:35:49 -0500

New or coming back? This ham radio license page explains entry vs advanced levels, exam topics, study tips, and where to find official question pools.

Ham Radio Equipment: New vs Used vs Kits Explained

Sun, 1 Mar 2026 15:27:55 -0500

Ham radio equipment can be new, used, or borrowed from your local club. See what matters re: transceiver, antenna, power supply, and accessories.

Ionospheric Propagation of Radio Waves Explained

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:43:58 -0500

How does the ionospheric propagation of radio waves work? Here is an explanation from a ham radio point of view.

Short Ham Antennas For HF

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:54:02 -0500

Need short ham antennas for HF that really work? Forget about loading coils and capacity hats. Here is a simpler and much more effective technique.

Ham Radio - Amateur Radio Fascinating Secrets

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 11:20:57 -0500

Ham radio or amateur radio has fascinated generations. This Web site reveals the secrets behind its enduring popularity and usefulness.

Listen To Ham Radio Online Live

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:12:42 -0500

Want to listen to ham radio online? Frustrated by dead links? You will only find live links here!

Ham Radio Kits - An Introduction With List Of Manufacturers

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 14:42:32 -0400

Ham radio kits pack a lot of value. This page explains how much and why.

The Off-Center-Fed Dipole (OCFD)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:57:19 -0400

The off-center-fed dipole is a versatile multiband HF antenna when properly fed. Understanding how it works can pay dividends. Here is what you need to know.

The Small Magnetic Loop Antenna as a Solution to Noisy Environments

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:57:15 -0500

Here is what I found as I experimented with the electrostatic noise reduction property of the small magnetic loop antenna (SMLA).

10 Meter Indoor Dipole Antenna

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:37:42 -0500

A 10 meter indoor dipole antenna was my solution to resume ham radio operations on HF within the confines of an apartment with strict HOA-type restrictions.