NC4FB Amateur Radio

ZS6BKW Multi-band Antenna

nc4fb — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:06:24 +0000

Are you a fan of the G5RV antenna? Then you may be interested in the ZS6BKW antenna. The ZS6BKW antenna is an optimized variant of the venerable old G5RV. The G5RV antenna (1946) was designed by Louis Varney (G5RV, SK) and the ZS6BKW (early 1980's) was derived from the G5RV by Dr. Brian Austin (G0GSF, [...]

Field Operating Tip – Length Measurement Jig

nc4fb — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:22:29 +0000

Looking for an easy way to hold the ends of your tape measure and a length of wire, ladder line, coax, etc. while you measure out required lengths. You can make a simple little jig that will simplify length measuring tasks. Attach a couple of alligator clips to a short piece of metal angle stock [...]

Field Operating Tip – Portable 12 VDC Cooling Fan

nc4fb — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:18:50 +0000

Ever wish you had a cheap light weight portable 12 VDC fan to cool you and your equipment while you are operating at a Field Day or similar event? Cruise by your local Wal-Mart store and pick up an O2 Cool 10" Battery or Electric Portable Fan for about $16 + tax. This 2-speed fan [...]

One Week Exam Prep System

nc4fb — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:00:11 +0000

In a bind and need to get ready for a license exam in a week? No problem. Follow the One Week Exam Prep System described below and you can be ready. ATTN: the Amateur Extra exam changes on July 1, 2012. If you are going to take the extra exam after June 30, 2012, use [...]

Free Study Guides

nc4fb — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:25:11 +0000

Looking for free license exam study guides? Check out the ones at the links below. Companion listings of the questions and answers referenced in the study guides are available at the links under the study guide links. The questions & answers are displayed in the same order as they appear in the study guides. Open [...]

N8CJB Amateur Extra Mentored Upgrade Study Plan

nc4fb — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:39:25 +0000

License exam target: 9:30 am, November 17, 2012; TEARA Smithfield Study Plan Setup instructions: 1. Download the amateur extra (2012 – 2016) subelement flashcard file and unzip it. Use the link below to download the file. No additional software is required to view the flashcards. Double click the filenames to start the viewing session. Use [...]

Thinking About Offering A License Class?

nc4fb — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:28:52 +0000

The first thing you need to do is put a plan together to ensure you have all the bases covered. The following list will help you get organized. 1. Arrange for a quiet place that is easily accessible, has plenty of parking, and enough seating capacity to conduct the class sessions. 2. You will need [...]

Compact Right Angle 40 Meter Antenna

nc4fb — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:37:35 +0000

Want to operate on 40 meters but only have a space a little over 16’ X 16’? How about a compact right angle wire antenna that performs well at a height of 25’? The antenna is made of #14 AWG black THNN stranded wire. A 1:1 current balun is positioned at the the feed point. [...]

40-meter Ultracompact Wire Antenna

nc4fb — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:43:06 +0000

Want to operate on 40 meters but only have a little over 20’ of horizontal space? How about a 40 meter wire antenna that fits into a space a little over 20’ long and 25’ high? The antenna employs a “bat wing” radiator configuration, uses a 1:1 current balun, and is fed at the center [...]

80 + 40 meter Compact Antenna System

nc4fb — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:26:28 +0000

Want to operate on 80 and 40 meters but have severe space limitations? How about a wire antenna system that covers both bands, requires a little over 60’ of horizontal space, and works reasonably well at a height of 25’? The 40 meter center-fed dipole antenna has two 33’ radiators (30’ horizontal; 3’ vertical drop [...]