DIY Antennas, QRP, SDR & Ham Radio Projects from VU3DXR
Height is often the biggest hurdle for Hams, but what if you could trade verticality for horizontal real estate? This detailed guide explores the 21.3m-per-side hexagonal loop—a low-profile powerhouse that offers multi-band performance with minimal visual impact.
Software Defined Radios have made high-performance spectrum analysis accessible to anyone with a laptop and $30 to spare. This guide covers every worthwhile SDR from cheap RTL dongles to dedicated HF receivers — with software picks, antenna advice, and practical projects to get you on the air fast.
Radio Waves Weekly — Issue #011 focuses on hands‑on amateur radio. Inside you will find a BBC call‑out for historic shortwave recordings, simple HF preselectors, DSP and CW audio filter projects, and several practical multiband antenna ideas from active operators and bloggers.
Tired of antenna tuners? The T2FD antenna offers incredible wideband performance from 3-30 MHz. This guide breaks down the essential components—from non-inductive resistors to spreader geometry—to help you build a reliable, low-noise “all-bander.”
Tropospheric ducting is the ultimate “power-up” for VHF/UHF operators, turning line-of-sight signals into long-haul DX. By understanding how temperature inversions and high-pressure systems create atmospheric waveguides, hams can communicate over hundreds of miles with clarity and ease
Unlock elite DX performance with the Switchable Delta Loop. This detailed guide covers everything from the 141-foot 40m foundation to the ingenious 18-inch tuning tails that enable seamless 30m operation. Perfect for hams seeking a low-angle radiator with a manageable footprint
The Doublet Dipole remains a favorite for hams seeking multiband efficiency without complex hardware. By utilizing balanced feed lines and a 4:1 balun, this antenna design overcomes the limitations of traditional coax-fed dipoles. Our guide breaks down the essential formulas and provides a detailed dimension table for the 80m, 40m, 20m, and 15m amateur radio bands for your next project.
Welcome to Issue #010 of Radio Waves Weekly! A landmark tenth issue, and the news matches the milestone. KP5/NP3VI has just gone QRT from Desecheo Island after 104,000 QSOs on solar power alone — a first in DXpedition history. TX9W heads to the Marquesas in three weeks. WSJT-X Improved 3.1.0 brings FT2 into the open-source world. iDigi 2.2.2 puts eight digital modes into one native macOS app. SP DX Contest opens Saturday, POTA Spring Weekend is April 18-19, and two unusual wire antennas from vu3dxr.in await your weekend.
Build a triband delta loop antenna for 80M, 40M & 30M. This trapped delta loop antenna guide covers traps, matching section & construction details
Unlock dual-band performance with the Open Stub J-Pole. This comprehensive guide details how to construct a 2m/70cm antenna using a single feedline. By following precise dimensions for the 146 cm, 48.9 cm, and 15.9 cm rods, hams can build a durable, high-gain vertical dipole perfect for home or field use.