Legendary DXer and popular amateur radio author Bob Locher, W9KNI, took a break from his “Tales from a Serial Sniper” series on OnAllBands to write about the travails and triumphs of routing wires and cables. Valuable lessons for both new and experienced operators abound here. Enjoy!

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Wireless radio? The only hams for whom it is a wireless hobby are the “shack on the belt” crowd, and even they need charger cords. You want a truly wireless hobby? Stamp collecting, kayaking, tennis, and golf all spring to mind. Ham radio is decidedly NOT a wireless hobby!

Our shacks are full of wires! Keyer paddle cords. Mic cords. Power supply cords. Coax. Rotator control wires…and more. In too many cases, mine included, a rat’s nest of wire. And that’s just talking about inside the house! Outside we have many more—dipoles, coax, radial wires, rotator control lines, maybe guy wires. Wire everywhere!

A Wire Story

I had moved to a new QTH in southwest Oregon, what I figured would be my last move. The shack was situated on the main floor. Actually, the house is a one story built on the side of a hill but with a walk-out basement. It was necessary to run cables down from inside the house to the lower basement level, then back into the house, through switching equipment, then back outside through the wall again and onto the antenna field, which was on a hilltop behind the house.

The main floor had sort of an overhang above the basement, so I was able to create a hole through the floor of the shack going down outside the house. I then put in a plastic pipe to contain the wires and close it up in shipshape fashion.

Having had some experience with plastics in business, I knew that of the choice between PVC and ABS pipe, ABS was clearly the superior option, albeit somewhat more expensive. ABS has far superior UV resistance against sunlight and also better characteristics for cementing pieces together. ABS joints are actually plastic-welded—the ABS-specific cement dissolves the surfaces of the joints being bonded and quickly evaporates, leaving the two surfaces now melded into one.

Physical constraints limited the size I could use to two-inch ID pipe, a standard size. I did a workmanlike job of it. I brought the pipe down the wall and then back into the basement, using ABS pipe and a sweep, along with ABS cement. Where it came through the wall inside below, I glued a flange on the pipe so that it was tight. I painted the outside portions of the pipe, first with a primer and then a finish coat that matched the house siding. This served to further make it sunproof. I ran a messenger rope, RG-213 coax, and rotator control wires down from upstairs, and I was in business—for a few years. Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men…

But times change. I added two more towers to the antenna farm, with more Yagis, more cable, etc. To deal with all this, I built a new shack on the first floor of the house, directly below where the original main floor shack was located. The cables going through the pipe were pulled back in. I sealed the upstairs pipe, and it remained unused for about ten years.

But plans changed again. Not to put too fine a point on it, I am getting older. And I decided I wanted the shack to be on the main floor again. But this time I decided to do it differently. I would put a remote shack on the main floor and leave the primary gear below. I had earlier wired the house with Ethernet as much as possible, and that would also make the remote station cleaner and simpler.

I started out with one antenna and control in the remote shack and ran an Ethernet cable and an RS-232 cable for the rotator control to the new remote location above. The RS-232 cable fed into the remote shack computer, giving me control of the antenna direction. All was working fine.

But that was not why I had three towers with Yagis good for 40-10 meters. The whole idea was that the remote station would become the major operating position. The remote transceiver controlled the main rig, and that, in turn, automatically switched the station to the correct antenna for the band. The main obstacle left was to establish control of the other two antenna rotators from the remote shack computer. Also, my station used an external wattmeter that also had RS-232 output along with software to put the readings on the remote shack computer screen, so I wanted that feature as well.

Thus, the net requirement was a total of four RS-232 cables coming to the shack computer plus the Ethernet cable—and, of course, a messenger rope for pulling cables. The shack computer did not have four RS-232 connectors, so RS-232-to-USB adapters were used. Given that each of the RS-232 devices used different protocols for speed, that was a neat solution in more ways than one.

And that’s when the fun began…

Much of the following will be things for you NOT to do! (Kids, don’t try this at home. Trained Extra Class operators are required for screwing it all up beyond belief.)

Data cables are usually black. I had tried paper labels in the past to identify each. That turned out not to be a satisfactory solution—the labels would come off. I found electrical tape to be a better solution. It now can be easily bought in short rolls with narrow widths in different bright colors. A couple turns of a given color around each end of the cable just below the connector made identification easy and reliable.

I figured that dragging DB9 connectors through a fairly narrow orifice could cause problems. (Truer words were never spoken!) So, I decided I would wrap them in blue masking tape. The blue tape has the virtue of not leaving residue adhesive on the connector after removal. This turned out to be true as far as it went, but the tape could easily tear under any kind of stress.

My son, W7GH, having commercial experience in this area, suggested gaffer tape instead. This proved to be a far more satisfactory solution. Gaffer tape is essentially duct tape but with a no-residue adhesive. Like duct tape, it is fabric tape with a sealer and an adhesive, and the same tearing and strength characteristics. Gaffer tape is black whereas duct tape is gray.

I started out with two RS-232 cables pulled through. To do so, I staggered the DB9 connectors and wrapped them with gaffer tape, with tape going around the messenger rope. I carefully laid the cables on the floor, fed the front of the bundle into the entrance of the pipe, then went upstairs and pulled everything up. There was some resistance partway, so “in an abundance of caution” I went back downstairs and found the bundle had caught on a table leg. That was easily corrected. I resumed the pull and all was successful.

I hooked up the RS-232 connectors to the USB adapters and plugged them into the computer. I sorted out the software issues and, in due course, had everything working—all shipshape and Bristol fashion.

The problem then was that I needed to drag two more RS-232 wires through…

OK. Everything was already neatly buttoned up. I really did NOT want to have to disconnect the wires and pull them back out and start a new cable run. And, hey, the bundle pulled easily and was a lot smaller than the pipe. Hmmm. Yeah, I can probably pull two more cables through without having to undo the existing bundle, right?

Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law?  The second axiom of the law is “If it can possibly go wrong, it will.” Guess what? It’s TRUE!

I decided to pull the additional two RS-232 cables, complete with flanged DB9 connectors attached, through to complete the remote setup. I laid the cables out. I gaffer-taped the ends. I started pulling but met resistance. I went back to the bundle and pulled it back out. All seemed in order. I started the bundle into the pipe again and began pulling. Again, there was resistance. From the length of the pull, it was clear that the resistance was at the first bend of the pipe, where it went through a sweep.

OK, that should be no big deal. I pulled harder, expecting it to pull through and be free…WRONG! I tugged fairly hard, and it was obvious it wasn’t going to come through. I went back to the other end and tried to pull the cable back out. It would not come free—it was jammed.

This began a period where I ask the reader to avert their eyes and cover their ears. I tried everything I could think of to get the cables pulled apart. Nothing worked. The thought kept running through my find that I was going to have to saw through my beautiful pipe installation to be able to fix the problem. Sadly, after several days of trying to figure out something else, that was exactly what happened.

I had to be extra careful cutting the pipe wall as I did not want to cut into the cables inside. I used a hacksaw and very carefully cut as much as I could, but the pipe was close to the house, restricting movement. A keyhole saw pretty much finished the cut. In some places the cut had clearly gone through the pipe wall, in other places not so much. When I thought I was close enough, I whacked it with a rubber mallet—and it sheared.

So, I was through but could not yet see the source of the problem. I could not pull the pipe through the wall. I had glued a flange on the inside end to keep it tight. I could not cut the flange off. It was flush to the drywall. I did not want to make another cut in the pipe, fearing cutting the cables inside. Finally, I got a vise grip with a fairly narrow jaw and was able to twist the upper piece of the pipe enough to the side so that I could get the vise grip over the pipe. I just started pulling on the pipe and it came out, taking a piece of the sweep with it. In a matter of minutes, I had it opened out.

I was amazed at the jumble I found. The RS-232 cables were indeed hopelessly snarled. There was no way I would have ever been able to clear it cleanly. It was time to start rebuilding the system.

But in the meantime, I had been doing my homework on another front. It seemed like running four RS-232 cables through the pipe somehow seemed excessive. I discovered a possible solution, a TECHTOO Four Port USB to Serial RS-232 DB9 Adapter USB to Serial Converter Serial Cable Nine-Pin. This device promised to accept up to four USB ports and feed them into a single USB cable. (A nine-port version is also available at a higher cost, but I did not think I would need that. But I could always switch over to that if needed at a later date.) The RS-232 ports did not have to have identical characteristics—different speeds were OK.

One of the advantages of RS-232 is that it can go for relatively long distances — USB, not so much. So I checked specs: USB 2.0 is good for about 16 feet. For my installation that was just good enough. It would be about 12 feet from the device to the port on the back of the remote shack computer. I ordered the device, as well as a ten-foot USB extension cable, and they soon were at hand.

At this point I was very gun-shy. I decided that I would test the adapter and USB extension BEFORE I committed it to the pipe. I laid it all out, connected the ports and tested. Lights started up on the converter. I checked the device manager page on Windows 11. Hey, there it was, reporting in for duty. Everything seemed to be working as expected and as I had hoped!

From that point on it was pretty much downhill sledding. A trip to the home building and supply store got me the replacement ABS parts I needed. I wire-brushed the paint off the portion of the pipe that the extension union would be added to. I got all the wires and cables out of the basement end of the pipe and examined them carefully to see that the sawing had not hurt them. One cable had a nick in the jacket but was fine, so I taped it up a bit. Then I fed all of the cables through the new parts and reassembled them.

But this time, I did not use ABS cement for the pipe-to-sweep connection. I’d like to think I’m getting smarter as I get older. Instead, I used outdoor-rated silicon caulk. This would have the virtue of making disassembly much easier and less destructive at a later date. (I hope never to test that thesis…)

There was still one minor issue. I was determined not to put a flange on the pipe on the inside of the wall this time. So how to keep the pipe sweep pushed up against the wall? I figured out an inelegant but cheap and effective solution using plumber’s hanger strap, two sheet rock screws, and a wooden “pillow.” The photograph below best explains this.

So, everything seemed ready. I laid out the cables to be pulled, wrapped them in gaffer tape, and firmly attached the messenger rope. Then I shaped a “noose” onto the wire bundle with gaffer tape and pulled it through. It went as if it were greased! I connected everything up and it all worked! The nightmare was behind me. Isn’t wireless ham radio FUN?

Once everything was working for a couple days, I primed and painted the outside pipe once again. This all happened several months ago—I am very happy to report that everything continues to work perfectly.

Checklist for running wires and cables through pipes:

• ALWAYS have paddles or oversized washers at the end of your messenger rope so it can’t get pulled through.
• The messenger rope should be at least 2.3 times as long as the run inside the pipe.
• Use a wire pulling lubricant for longer runs of larger bundles of wire or cable.
• Be sure each end of every wire or cable is tagged or color coded at both ends.
• If you MUST pull another RS-232 cable through an already-populated pipe, there is one relatively safe way: Cut the connector off the end of the cable, being sure to note the colors of the wires. Now pull the unterminated cable through carefully and well-taped to the messenger wire. Then solder a plug back onto the cable.

The post Tales from the Shack by Bob Locher, W9KNI: Pulling Coax Cables & Control Cables Through a Plastic Pipe appeared first on OnAllBands.

***

Every amateur radio operator has a bucket list. Maybe it’s working a rare DX entity, completing DXCC, or finally making that elusive contact after years of trying.

For me, October 15, 2026, became a day I will never forget. During a trip to Italy with my wife, I had the incredible opportunity to do something most amateur radio operators only dream about: operate HV0A from Vatican City.

How It All Began

Before leaving for Italy, I contacted Francesco, IK0FVC, hoping there might be an opportunity to visit the HV0A amateur radio station. After exchanging several emails, Francesco graciously arranged a time for us to meet while we were in Rome. As the date approached, my excitement continued to build. I’ve been involved in amateur radio for many years, but this was going to be something truly special.

Meeting Francesco & Visiting HV0A

On October 15, my wife and I made our way to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where we had arranged to meet Francesco. From the beginning, Francesco was welcoming and generous with his time. He gave us a tour of the station, providing an opportunity to see the equipment and learn more about the operation.

As someone who enjoys DXing and the technical side of amateur radio, I found the experience fascinating. But the best part was still to come.

From Chasing DX to Being the DX

When Francesco gave me the opportunity to sit down and operate HV0A on single sideband, it was a moment I will always remember. As N3DL, operating from Western Pennsylvania, I know the excitement of hearing a rare DX station come through the speaker. I’ve spent plenty of time on the other end of the microphone, hoping to make that contact. Now, here I was, sitting at the operating position of HV0A, transmitting from one of amateur radio’s most recognizable and sought-after DX entities.

The roles had been reversed. Instead of chasing the DX, I was the DX.

It was an incredible feeling knowing that stations around the world could be putting Vatican City into their logs as a result of my operation.

As memorable as operating HV0A was, the experience reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time: Amateur radio is about much more than radios, antennas, and signal reports.

It’s about the people.

Francesco could not have been more gracious in sharing his time and his station with me. Having my wife there to share the experience made the day even more special. Experiences like this remind me why encouraging participation, building friendships, and supporting the amateur radio community are so important.

Our hobby has a remarkable way of bringing people together across borders and cultures through a shared passion for radio.

A Day I Will Never Forget

I want to sincerely thank Francesco for making this incredible opportunity possible. His hospitality and dedication to amateur radio made an already extraordinary experience even more meaningful.

I traveled to Italy hoping to see some beautiful places, experience the culture, and create lasting memories with my wife. I certainly accomplished those things. But I also came home with something I never imagined would become part of my amateur radio story: the memory of sitting behind the microphone at HV0A.

Some experiences remind us why we first became interested in amateur radio. For me, October 15, 2026, was one of those days.

73 and good DX!

The post From Western Pennsylvania to Vatican City: My Unforgettable Experience Operating HV0A appeared first on OnAllBands.

We were fortunate to spend a few minutes with Bob Schenck, N2OO. Inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame in 2008, Bob has been logging QSOs since earning his first license more than 60 years ago. N2OO’s decades of reaching hams from around the globe has earned him #1 Honor Roll and 9-Band DXCC.

Among his many other amateur radio accomplishments, Bob’s operating adventures have taken him to some of the rarest entities on the planet, including Desecheo Island, Navassa Island, Wake Island, and Pratas Island. He is widely recognized for his service as a QSL card manager and for his passionate preservation of old logbooks and QSL cards.

As the former president and current vice president of INDEXA (International DX Association), Bob continues to play an integral role in fulfilling the organization’s mission to “promote the future welfare of amateur radio and the DX community.” Since its founding in 1983, this group of volunteers has provided critical funds for hundreds of DXpeditions to rare and semi-rare countries, along with assistance that has helped change lives in some of the world’s most remote locales.

Bob was kind enough to share with us information about INDEXA and a few stories from a life of DXing.

Many people in the amateur radio community know about the important work INDEXA does to support hams and their activations of locations around the world, but there is a humanitarian component to INDEXA’s efforts that some may not be aware of. Could you talk about that?

“It all began with ‘Zorro,’ JH1AJT (Yasuo Miyazawa), who’s a world-famous DXpeditioner from Japan. He has passed away since, but he reached out to us ten years ago. He wanted to make an annual contribution to us of $10,000 for five years—a total of $50,000. But he wanted that money to be used exclusively for humanitarian reasons.

“From that we started a fund within INDEXA called the Hams with Hearts Fund, otherwise known as our Humanitarian Aid Fund. What we do is when the DXpedition applies for funds from us, one of the things we ask is, ‘Are you planning to do a humanitarian project while you’re there?’ Often, one of the rarer countries is in, say, Africa, Asia, or the Pacific Islands. We will give them some extra money to cover a project. It is a high reward but minimal expense.

“So perhaps that might be, say, $500 to bring in—or buy locally, if it’s available—schoolbooks, notebooks, soccer balls, whatever might be appropriate for the local community there.

“In one case, they had a storm and it ruined their emergency equipment on the island. They needed a new laptop, so we gave them a new laptop. Another island, they needed a 3D printer, an expensive one, so that they could make things and not have to wait six months for it to be delivered to the island. Those are the kinds of things that we do—we will give them a little extra funding to cover that part of the project.

“As a matter of fact, while we generally only contribute to the top 60 on the DXCC Most Wanted List, we will go to 100 if there’s a humanitarian project involved. We don’t usually provide a large grant for the DXpedition itself, but we will offer funding for it if they have a worthy project.”

Learn about the Humanitarian Aid Fund and watch a video about JH1AJT’s role in establishing the fund from INDEXA’s website.

Could you talk about how INDEXA works in terms of funding DXpeditions?

“In general, we take every application and look it over. The executive board looks it over to make sure it fits the criteria that we have set up. Once we make a decision in the executive board, then we’ll pass it on to the directors.

“We all chat about it to make sure if there’s anybody within our group that has a warning flag to put up on this particular group. We discuss it before because we generally try to provide the seed money, which is the hardest money for the DXpedition to get. But that’s risky, so we have to vet them the best we possibly can.

“The other thing we do that’s important to note is that we have a Next Generation Fund for youth. If the expedition has someone under the age of 35, we will try to give them extra consideration.”

Could you tell us about your beginnings in amateur radio and your first DXpedition?

“I started when I was 14 years old, 1965, and got interested in contesting in the beginning because I got my license during the Novice Roundup.

“I was on CW and it came easy to me. Then I started chasing DX. By the end of 1979 I decided I wanted to go on a DXpedition, and I hooked up with some people who were planning a trip to Spratly in 1979. At first, I was just helping them organize it. And then at the end I said, ‘You mind if I go?’ And they said, ‘Sure Bob, come on.’

“So I ended up going. It was myself and Stew, K4SMX (Stewart Woodward); John, KP2A (John Ackley); Bill, K1MM (Bill Poellmitz); Austin, N4WW (Dr. Austin Regal), and Harry, VK2BJL (Harry Meade), who was running it. We all went to Brunei.

“We got on a 35-foot ferro-cement ketch that we contracted—that was the Banyandah, which was, back in the 70s, a fairly famous yacht to take. We sailed out to the island that we expected to be uninhabited, and when we got there it was inhabited. And they fired four mortar rounds at us. It turned out they were Vietnamese. They missed us, and we did a U-turn. We were only less than a mile off the shore. The captain thought maybe they were Filipino fishermen, but they weren’t. We went back to Brunei. So that was my first expedition—I got shot at.

“I stayed in Brunei (on the island of Borneo) and three of the team continued; they found another island to operate from. We maintained communication with them from Brunei, and I operated from Brunei and made 10,000 contacts.”

Anything else you remember about the DXpedition?

“The people of Brunei were just as friendly as could be, and welcoming and willing to do almost anything for you. That left me knowing that even in some of the harshest political divides that are out there, you can still find that the local people are just wonderful people. And that’s what I learned through my ham radio adventures from those places that are different than what we have here.

“I’ve become very good friends with people in Borneo who have had connections with the local population. I actually went there on my honeymoon, and they took my new bride, who’s also a ham, KF2BQ, to a local kampong school and had her teach a class, briefly, and she still talks about it because it was not the kind of school that you would see here.

“One of the things that I love about ham radio, probably you could put it in my top three, is that it opens up people’s eyes to the largeness of the world.”

The post Catching Up with Bob Schenck, N2OO, INDEXA Vice President appeared first on OnAllBands.

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The post DX Engineering Holiday Gift Guide Part 1—DX Engineering Gift Cards appeared first on OnAllBands.

This was the third year that “exchange” students had traveled from Region 2 to Region 1 for the camp. The first time was in Austria (2016) and the second was in France (2025), so we were particularly excited to attend the YOTA camp in Austria since it marked the ten-year anniversary. Both the 2016 and 2026 events were held at the same place in the mountains of Salzburg.

Camp started on Saturday evening, so most of Saturday was a travel day for me. I flew into Munich where my German host family picked me up to take me to the camp. We got to catch up after a few weeks apart and spend the afternoon together before they dropped me off at the camp.

After checking in and putting my things in my room, I met my roommates—one from the US and one from Bosnia. Then we all headed to the opening ceremony. There we learned which countries were represented, went over the rules, and got to see the schedule for the week. Afterward, most of us headed to the shack excited to start working toward our QSO goal for the week. I stayed out of the shack for the first few hours to avoid the pileup of people and to catch up with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while. I headed to the shack a little later, once most of the campers had already gone to bed.

We started out the week’s activities strong with some VHF and UHF antenna building on Sunday morning and HF antenna building in the afternoon. Both of these builds contributed to one of the main goals of the camp: Making sure that every camper could take home a full station at the end of the week. This is one of the biggest barriers for young hams when they get started with the hobby. Through all of the builds that we did at the camp, this barrier was almost entirely removed for those who attended. By the end of the week, we each had a portable power supply, an HF radio, an HF antenna, and more.

That night we had the annual Intercultural Evening, one of everyone’s favorite camp activities. While Intercultural Evenings are starting to become a bigger part of the YOTA camps hosted in Region 2, it’s a longtime tradition for Region 1 camps. It’s always a challenge to make it a success in Region 2 since far fewer countries are represented, but we do our best to host one when we have campers from more than one or two countries in attendance.

With over 30 different countries represented by campers at the Austrian camp, though, we learned about lots of other cultures while sharing foods from our home countries with each other. This was a little bit of a challenge for the other Region 2 exchange camper and me. Neither of us had been in the US for the few weeks preceding the camp, so we had to make do with what we could find in the “American” aisles of nearby grocery stores.

The next day we all got started building the main component of our stations—the QRP Labs QMX+ Transceiver. Many campers had never soldered before, but even those with previous experience had their work cut out for them. I had done some soldering, but not much. Luckily, the camp hosts had organized plenty of pros to be there to provide support and guidance, ensuring that we all left with a working radio and antenna. We spent most of the day on the QMX kits before finishing up with a few different presentations and spending some time in the shack.

On Tuesday we got up bright and early because we would be leaving the hostel to explore Salzburg. My group started off the morning with a visit to a nearby castle, “Schloss Hohenwerfen.” We took a tour and then did a little bit of Castles On The Air before heading to the next stop—an ice cave. We took a guided tour of the ice cave and, of course, tried some VHF and UHF operations to see how being in a cave would affect it. After we finished the cave tour, we all headed back to the hostel. Some of us operated for a few hours before heading to bed.

On Wednesday we all woke up full of energy and ready for the day. One of the most anticipated events of the camp was scheduled for that afternoon—the ARISS contact! For those unfamiliar with ARISS, it stands for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. It’s a program that helps schools and groups reach astronauts on the ISS to ask them questions about what life is like aboard the space station. We did some prep for the ARISS contact and then a run-through before waiting patiently to hear the breathtaking, “Welcome aboard the International Space Station!”

Once we made contact, around 20 campers asked questions before the ISS traveled too far for us to hear. After the contact, we had dinner together and then took some group photos before holding a testing session so that interested campers could take the U.S. licensing exam and try to get their U.S. callsign. Many of those who tested ended up passing their exams, and we all went to bed on a high note.

The next morning we woke up bright and early again because it was time for our SOTA (Summits on the Air) day. We packed our lunches and got ready to do some hiking and SOTA activating. This was my favorite part of the week. The views were amazing and we had the chance to test our newly built QMX radios as well.

We finished out the week on Friday with a fox hunting session in the morning and then had our closing ceremony. Afterward, we spent the rest of the evening together playing games and getting on the air.  

All in all, it was a great week. We all had the opportunity to experience other cultures, learn more about amateur radio (of course), and, most importantly, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Meeting people and learning about different cultures are two of my favorite aspects of amateur radio, so this camp was a highlight of the summer.

The post Ham Radio Youth Insights—My Experience at Austria 2026 YOTA Camp appeared first on OnAllBands.

From the small company that produces spool-type portable antennas to the ham radio giants who are shepherding transceiver technology into the future, the team at DX Engineering and OnAllBands offers our most sincere gratitude for making our time on the air exceptional.

DX Engineering is excited to carry items from nearly 200 of these manufacturers. You’ll find the full list of providers at DXEngineering.com.  

Today, we’ll be highlighting a few brands added to DX Engineering’s growing list, some very cool POTA packages from DX Engineering, and new products from LDG Electronics. For a quick look at all the latest gear and accessories at DX Engineering, just click on “What’s New” from the home page. You’ll also find high-quality, money-saving “open box” and “scratch and dent” items to enhance your operating.

Ready for some speed shopping for the holidays? Ho, ho, ho, here we go!

Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) Antennas from Elk Antennas

DX Engineering is pleased to now carry products from Elk Antennas, a company founded in the mid-1990s by longtime amateur radio operators and inventors Ray Gaschk, AG6SI, and Pete Perata, K6SHE, in Walnut Creek, CA. Now owned by Jim Siemons, W6LK, the company produces compact 2M, 1.25M, and 70cm antennas well known for their reliable performance for both portable and fixed-station operation, lightweight construction, handheld satellite communications capabilities, and consistent gain across wide bandwidths without retuning or adjustments. Here’s one example from their impressive lineup:

Elk Antennas 5-Element 2M/70cm Log Periodic Dipole Array: Built on a 24-inch corrosion-resistant aluminum-alloy boom, this antenna features stainless-steel hardware throughout for long-term durability. It delivers 6.6 dB (8.7 dBi) gain on 2 meters and 7.0 dB (9.0 dBi) gain on 70cm, with a 20+ dB front-to-back ratio to help reduce unwanted signals from the backside of the antenna. Additional features include a choice of SO-239 or Type-N feedpoint connectors, and power handling of up to 200W on 2 meters and 100W on 70cm. It also performs well on GMRS and MURS frequencies, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of VHF/UHF applications.

Click here to find many more Elk Antennas log periodic dipole arrays at DX Engineering.

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DX Engineering HF Portable Operation Gear Packages

DX Engineering makes it easier than ever to Go Portable! Choose from 16 HF portable packages featuring transceivers; wire, vertical, or loop antennas; solar panels; telescopic masts; LiFePO4 batteries; cables; and everything you need to take the guesswork out of putting together your ideal POTA/SOTA/IOTA station. (Contents vary per package.)

Packages include gear from DX Engineering and other highly respected brands, including:

• REZ Antenna Systems
• Bioenno Power
• Spooltenna
• Chelegance
• Chameleon Antenna
• Par EndFedz®
• Mastrant
• West Mountain Radio

Packages feature these transceivers:

• Yaesu FT-891
• Yaesu FT-710-FIELD
• Yaesu FTX-1OPTIMA
• Yaesu FTX-1FIELD
• Icom IC-705
• Icom IC-7100
• Icom IC-7300

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LDG Electronics External Analog Meters for Icom and Yaesu Transceivers

These compact (4.5″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″) and precise analog meters reflect what the digital meter on the radio is showing. A three-inch analog display provides backlit visual of the meter on the radio that can be seen clearly from a distance. The color of the backlighting and brightness are adjustable, making the meters easy to read at a glance. Choose from three versions:

• LDG-MC-7300 for the Icom IC-7300 and IC-7300MK2
• LDG-MC-7600 for the Icom IC-7600
• LDG-FTC-METER for the Yaesu FT-857 and FT-897

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LDG Electronics AAF7 Analog Audio Filter

This external audio processor helps to improve overall signal readability by reducing the audio passband to include only the part of the signal you want to hear. It features a Lo Cut adjustment range of 50Hz to 500Hz and a Hi Cut adjustment range of 500Hz to 10,000Hz. Gain and parametric equalizer frequencies are also selectable from the front panel, allowing for easy adjustment of the filter to suit your operating mode. A power cable and audio cable are included.

Werewolf VFLEX DIY Bundle

DX Engineering is excited to now carry products from Werewolf. They are a fully-owned subsidiary of Tundra Labs in Green Bay, WI—a company with extensive engineering, manufacturing, and operations expertise. Their products have a broad range of applications, including ham radio station setups.

Werewolf’s VFLEX DIY Bundle allows you to use a standard USB-C wall adapter to provide power to an item that uses a barrel connector. The DIY Bundle comes complete with the VFLEX USB-C Base and the DIY Adapter.

The VFLEX Base (below, also sold separately) is the heart of the VFLEX system, allowing you to connect a USB-C power adapter, such as one that comes with a laptop or a cell phone, to a device that you own that still receives its power from a barrel connector. Using a cellphone or computer, the user can set the output voltage of the VFLEX Base, provided that the USB-C power supply can supply the voltage and amperage requested via USB-PD. Once the VFLEX Base is configured to provide the voltage that the device needs, a cable is plugged into the opposite side and then plugged into the device that needs power.

Different cables support different devices, and selecting the cable is as simple as matching the diameter of the plug. A single tri-color LED on the VFLEX Base provides the status of the connection to a device on the USB-C side. The VFLEX Base is configurable for 3.3 to 48V, if the power supply you are using supports it and the maximum current is 5.2 amps. The VFLEX Base will work with any power supply that can negotiate voltage via USB-C power delivery.

If you already have a wire that is terminated in the barrel connector for your device, you can use the VFLEX DIY Bundle to provide a connection from a USB-C charger to that device. The DIY Bundle comes with a single VFLEX Base and a cable for bare wire termination. Simply connect the wires for the barrel connector to the appropriate terminals and you can now power the device from any USB-C charger.

The post New Products Spotlight for November 2026—POTA Packages, Satellite-Friendly Antennas & More appeared first on OnAllBands.

This year, our merry band returned to Cook Forest State Park in Forest County. It was more of an exploratory expedition allowing us to make plans for a more serious PAQP effort in 2027.  This was to be our first PAQP effort from a Parks on the Air® (POTA) park. We ran a county line operation from within Cook Forest back in 2005.

Cook Forest (US-1345/KFF-1345/US-PA-1345) is an 8,500-acre state park in northwest PA, and it’s a popular location for all types of adventures. The weekend of our visit was an extremely busy time in the park. There were hikers, people canoeing and fly-fishing, and many other activities. 

Our new location has lots of advantages over the previous one. Let’s look at a few:

• A POTA activation from the front porch: We could operate the contest while handing out a POTA reference to hunters.
• A change of scenery: Jefferson County had been fun, but after so many years, it was time for something new.
• Double-duty contacts: Contacts made during the PAQP could also count toward POTA awards when properly logged and submitted.
• Potential two-fer: We didn’t choose our Cook Forest location based on our closeness to the North Country National Scenic Trail (US-4239/KFF-5029). The trail does go through the park, and some parts of Cook Forest could indeed be a two-fer for POTA (WWFF does not recognize XX-fers). Do your research before claiming a two-fer.
• A different perspective on contesting: I wasn’t chasing a top-ten finish this year. Getting away, enjoying the surroundings, and making contacts was becoming more important than the score. Also, we used this trip to scope out the location and make plans which could improve our score in the 2027 contest.
• Good possibility of Nonexistent Cell Signal: Some will not agree with this one, but some in our party (myself included) spend a large part of our time being connected to our work and volunteer responsibilities. Being able to get away from cell/data signals is a huge plus when choosing our location for the year. We did have the included satellite feature on our iPhones which allowed us texting from the cabin and cellular connectivity was just a brief drive away. This would play an interesting part later in our story. 

Planning the Cook Forest adventure began earlier in the year, January to be exact. I drove up to the park to scope out available cabins and reacquaint myself with the lay of the land. Needless to say, the location passed our inspection, and the reservation was made for October. Regular campers will understand that reservations for most state park lodging need to be made months in advance, especially at the more popular locations.

Some of the statistics on our cabin for the weekend:

• Cook Forest actually covers parts of Forest, Clarion, and Jefferson counties.
• Our rented cabin was southeast of Route 36 running through Cooksburg, PA. Once you go more than a few hundred feet on River Road, you are in Forest County. If you cross the Clarion River on your right, you’d be in Jefferson County.  From analyzing Google maps, a possible county line location appears to be along River Road in one of the many pull-offs along the riverside. But, as with all location-based activations, do your own research. This is just what it looks like to me.
• Closer to Route 36, there is also a three-county line—a point where Forest, Jefferson and Clarion counties come together. What does this have to do with POTA? Absolutely nothing, but I do enjoy little pieces of geographic trivia like this. 
• Unlike our previous fully equipped cabin, the state park cabin required that we bring our own cooking utensils and bedding. That didn’t seem to be an issue, though. The last few weeks before departure were spent developing and refining a list of items we’d need—some to bring from home and others to purchase at the nearby grocery store.
• The unwritten rule for the weekend has always been that we do not discuss anything that might have been left off the list. We make do unless the item is so necessary as to require a special trip into town.

As we usually do, we left a couple days in advance of the PAQP so that we had plenty of time to relax and set up the station for the weekend. The weather was great for most of the weekend until later Saturday evening when the remains of Hurricane Isaias made their appearance as we were enjoying time around the campfire.

The station this year was very basic, consisting of my POTA go-box and a supplementary power supply. The contents of my go-box consist of my Yaesu FT-891, N3ZN CW paddle, and Heil PRO 7 Headset. The setup might be bare bones, but it’s still worlds ahead of the Kenwood TS-520 that we used in those early days.

Knowing in advance that spotting would be difficult, I registered my activation on the POTA website. When the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) hears my CW or digital signal, it is matched with my registered activation. Between that and just getting on the air and calling CQ, I did manage to get spotted before the contest. After the contest began, I didn’t worry about getting spotted. Due to the lack of cell signal, we were on our own for the most part.

Non-contest logging was done using Ham2K PoLo. You can read more about Ham2K PoLo in this OnAllBands article. Once the contest began, my logger of choice was the PAQP logger by N3FJP, but for troubleshooting, a switch was made to N1MM+.

During the first couple days at the cabin, I set up the station on a picnic table on the front porch. However, October evenings in the hills of PA aren’t known for being particularly warm. So, Saturday, when it was time to prepare for the PAQP, the whole station was brought indoors. We were able to snake the RG-8X feedline through the window.

The antenna this year was a very simple affair. I carry an EFHW in my go-kit, and it made for a simple antenna solution that is easy to set up and take down (important since it was raining when it was time to tear down). Deploying was easy. A throw-weight and some paracord was all it took to get the antenna over a limb about 30 feet up. This was a perfect setup that allowed me to deploy the antenna as a sloper.

The propagation conditions were kind of all over the place on this trip. It went from not great on Friday to great by Saturday afternoon. So, what does “not great” mean?

Well, on Friday afternoon, 20 was about dead, possibly due to a solar disturbance of some kind. 40M CW came to the rescue that day!  On Saturday, I could tell that things were a bit “off,” with 40M being pretty quiet. That didn’t last, though. By mid-afternoon on Saturday, 40 had rebounded nicely.

The PAQP runs Saturday from noon Eastern until 1 am Sunday morning. Then starts up again at 9 am on Sunday morning, then runs till 6 pm local time. I was glad that some 40M activity had returned, and I was able to make a small number of contacts.

But after dinner, it seemed that the bulk of the 40M activity had either gone to bed or retreated to 80 and 160 meters. Not being set up for those bands on this trip, we shut down. The decision to not gear up for 80 and 160 meters was due to the fact that I didn’t envision staying up until 1 am for the end of the first day. Also, only having the cabin until 10 am Sunday morning and losing that last day of operating made a better antenna setup seem pointless.

Seemingly by tradition, each year something breaks and requires some troubleshooting. This year was no different. The CAT connection between my FT-891 and the laptop began dropping after each contact or two. I performed the normal troubleshooting steps: checking cables, restarting the computer, etc. Then I began suspecting the software.

To test this required a drive back toward civilization for an upgrade to the N1MM+ software. Remember that lack of cell service I mentioned earlier? It became a little less appealing when I needed to update my logging software!

That’s another item for the list next year: Make sure that all logging programs are up to date! Once we returned to the cabin and the software had been ruled out, we decided that the likely culprit was the USB port on the FT-891. For the remainder of the contest, band and mode changes had to be made manually rather than by reading the info directly from the radio. Troubleshooting would have to wait for another day—likely two hours before leaving for PA in 2027!

So, Saturday night, we sat around and perused the stories of Phil, Dave, Keith, and George (names changed due to my bad memory) in the cabin journal. These guys came up to the cabin each year from 2021 (as far back as the journal went) through 2025 for hunting season. It was enjoyable reading about these four friends who came up each year for a weekend of deer hunting and watching Steelers football.

It reminds me of myself, Allen and Ben, who have shared the second weekend in October for many years.

They call the Pennsylvania QSO Party “The Friendly QSO Party,” and each year, it lives up to its reputation. This friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons I come back every year.

But there are always a couple of memorable contacts each year. This year, both came about because the callers had their logging software linked to QRZ.com. This prepopulates some of the user’s logging fields.

One fellow typed in my callsign and saw that his logger placed me at my home in Ohio. Once I gave him my exchange, Forest County, PA, he exclaimed “Oh, you’re with us!” and thanked me for the new county. The other asked why I’m in PA when QRZ says I’m in Ohio. I have a ready answer for these folks. I tell them that “Once a year, they allow me to remove my ankle bracelet and leave Ohio for a weekend.”

So, what did we learn this year? Quite a bit actually. In coming years, we’ll likely eat out more or prepare simple meals at the cabin.

The antenna system will be dipoles strung from a telescopic mast of the type sold at DX Engineering. These can be secured with guy lines or tied off to the front porch railing. The important thing is to be prepared regardless of which antenna setup we choose.

We’ll be planning to set up for operation on 160, 80, 40 and 20 meters. We have the room for it, and 2027 will be the year to make it happen!

Bear spray is a must-have at Cook Forest. We saw a couple of cubs playing a few hundred feet from the cabin. Mama bear was likely in the vicinity as well. Bear spray is an important thing to have when making a middle-of-the-night run to the bathroom.

With only 94 contacts in the log, the final stats were pretty lackluster this year. But it was still an enjoyable weekend of radio and porch-sitting!

Forty-seven contacts were made in the PAQP, and the rest were for POTA. I split the modes about 40/60% between phone and CW.

Once I returned to Ohio, I consolidated all the contacts from the contest and POTA, then submitted them to POTA and WWFF. This is easily done but varies depending on the park program. POTA is the easiest, employing a simple upload. WWFF requires emailing the log files to one of three upload managers.

You can do an activation like this too! A bit of planning is all it takes. Remember, sometimes the best part of a portable operation has nothing to do with amateur radio. Now, you know what I’m going to say next. Let’s get out there and activate something!

73 DE WG8X

The post Ham Radio Portable Operating Insights—Combining POTA with the Pennsylvania QSO Party appeared first on OnAllBands.

I began looking at ways to put additional radios around the QTH to hear if someone calls out on one of the repeaters. I began looking at used radios, additional antennas and the like. I have an awesome setup in the shack and can hit repeaters for many counties in all directions. But how could I expand that capability around the house and property?

Then it hit me: Every dual-band transceiver in my shack will do cross-band repeat. I could set up each of the transceivers in the shack to cross-band to the two, three or even four area repeaters I talk on the most. I had never used cross-band repeat before, so this was going to take some research.

Through the magic of YouTube, I found reliable videos on putting my Yaesu FTM-400s into cross-band repeat mode. It’s as simple as programming the repeater into the A side, programming an opposite band simplex channel in the B side, and restarting the radio in cross-band repeat mode.

It should be noted that I had to turn off the automatic repeater shift for the simplex channel on both my HT and mobile radio. Additionally, Yaesu mobile radios have a hot mic when in cross-band repeat mode, so I had to unplug the microphone. I now have four mobile radios with four unique simplex frequencies programmed in the B side.

When I leave the shack, I dial up the repeater I intend to use on each mobile radio in the A side and the pre-programmed simplex frequency in the B side, unplug the microphones and restart them in cross-band repeat. All I have to do is dial up the simplex frequency that is associated with each repeater to talk on the appropriate repeater via my HT. For ease of memory, I tagged the four simplex frequencies with the name of the associated repeater and an /X. 

This not only allows me to roam the house keeping an HT nearby, but I can take an HT out in the yard, down to the lake, and even to the corner grocery store. This is possible because of the profile of my home antennas. When I venture out of my yard, I do have to increase the transmit power on the HT, but everything still works.

This worked so well that I set my vehicle up as a fifth simplex channel in my HT. When I get out of the Jeep, I simply set the proper repeater and simplex channels in the mobile and restart it in cross-band repeat mode, unplugging the microphone. Now I can travel inside most buildings I am parked by or around the vicinity of my vehicle and maintain comms via HT.

This is just another example of why our hobby is so awesome. I have heard about and even discussed cross-band repeat many times. All it took was to try it one time and now it is an invaluable tool. 

Until next time, 73 de AC8OW

The post Extend Your Range—Getting in Touch with Cross-Band Repeat appeared first on OnAllBands.

Pedestrian mobile means operating an amateur radio station while walking. Instead of sitting at a picnic table or behind the steering wheel, you become the mobile station. Your radio, power source, antenna, and accessories travel with you. You become the operating position, antenna support, and transportation system all in one.

What Is HF Pedestrian Mobile?

An HF pedestrian-mobile station is a portable radio setup designed to operate on the high-frequency bands while you’re on foot. You might carry the equipment in a backpack, mount it on a frame, or distribute it between a shoulder bag and a belt. The arrangement depends on the radio, antenna, and how you operate.

A typical setup includes a compact HF transceiver, battery, antenna, and possibly a tuner, headset, or key for CW operation. Some operators use a loaded vertical antenna attached to a backpack or lightweight support pole. Others experiment with compact magnetic loops and other antennas designed to fit into a small operating package.

Pedestrian mobile differs from setting up a portable station at a park or campsite. With conventional portable operation, you arrive, erect the antenna, sit down, and operate. Pedestrian mobile keeps the station moving with you.

Of course, nobody says you have to walk continuously. Stopping occasionally to catch your breath, adjust an antenna, or answer a CQ is perfectly acceptable. The radio won’t report you for taking a break.

Why Carry a Radio on a Walk?

Amateur radio offers endless opportunities to experiment with antennas, propagation, and operating techniques. Pedestrian mobile adds a new dimension by combining radio with outdoor activity.

You can take your station along a park trail, around a campground, or through a quiet rural area. An ordinary walk becomes an operating adventure. Instead of wondering how far you’ve traveled, you may find yourself wondering how many contacts you can make along the way.

Another advantage is the opportunity to escape neighborhood radio-frequency noise. Computers, switching power supplies, LED lighting, and household electronics can raise the noise floor enough to make weak HF signals difficult to copy. Moving away from those sources can make a noticeable difference, although noise levels vary with location.

You can also experiment with how your surroundings affect antenna performance. Moving a few hundred feet may change local noise levels, ground conditions, or the antenna’s relationship to nearby objects. Climbing to a hilltop may improve coverage in some directions, particularly when the terrain slopes away from the station.

Unlike a laboratory experiment, a white coat is optional.

The HF Challenge

HF pedestrian mobile is more demanding than carrying a small handheld radio. Batteries and transceivers must be compact enough to carry comfortably, while the antenna must remain practical, reasonably efficient, and safe to use while walking.

My first encounter with an HF pedestrian-mobile operator was at Hamvention several years ago. He was walking through the flea market with a long wire trailing along the ground, perhaps 25 to 30 feet long. A packboard on his back held a Yaesu 100W radio on top and a battery on a lower shelf, with a loaded vertical antenna attached to the side. I wondered how many would absent-mindedly step on the trailing radial. Hopefully, there was a banana plug or quick release on the other end.

HF pedestrian mobile may not match the performance of a well-equipped home station, but that’s part of the appeal. Making contacts with modest power and a compact antenna forces you to think carefully about equipment, efficiency, and propagation. You quickly discover which accessories are essential and which ones take up space.

Choosing an HF Radio

A compact, low-power transceiver is generally the first choice for today’s HF pedestrian-mobile operator. QRP radios, typically operating at five watts or less, are attractive because they offer useful HF capability without requiring a large battery. Some even come with a rechargeable internal battery.

You can find a few radios, such as the Xiegu 6100, 6200, and Elecraft KX2, KH1, that are fairly lightweight and can function as handhelds. These combine built-in batteries, tuners, internal microphones, and support smaller telescoping antennas for 40 meters and up. There are also dozens of other QRP radios that are relatively small and come in assembled or kit form. Examples include the QRP Labs QMX, USDX+Plus V2, and (tr)uSDX by PE1NNZ and DL2MAN. 

There’s also a group of slightly larger QRP radios, such as the familiar Yaesu FT-817/818, Yaesu FTX-1 Field, and Icom IC-705, which use a hand mic and add 2m/70cm bands. The ELAD FDM-DUO shares the same weight and footprint class, with 160-6 meter coverage.

Want more power?  Move up to a mobile 100W HF radio. Some have detachable control panels, such as the Icom IC-7100 or Yaesu FT-891, FT-857D, and FTX-1 Optima.

Modern solid-state technology has made portable HF equipment much more manageable. Fortunately, you no longer need to carry a 35-pound military radio on your back like the WWII vintage SCR-300.

However, higher output power means greater battery demands, particularly during voice transmissions. It also generates heat and can increase the weight of the overall station. A radio capable of 100 watts doesn’t have to be operated at full power, but carrying the battery needed to support that power may defeat the purpose of a lightweight walking station.

Batteries: Every Ounce Counts

The battery can be one of the heaviest parts of a pedestrian-mobile station. Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are popular choices because they provide useful capacity without the bulk of older battery technologies.

A 100-watt radio doesn’t have to run at full power, but carrying the battery needed to support that power may defeat the purpose of a lightweight walking station. The goal is to carry enough energy for the planned outing without turning a pleasant radio walk into a weightlifting competition.

Antennas: The Biggest Challenge

HF antennas present the main challenge for pedestrian-mobile operation. A full-size dipole is efficient, but you won’t want to carry it while walking a wooded trail. A compact antenna is easier to manage, but smaller size often means lower efficiency or a narrower bandwidth.

Sometimes you have to make compromises, and here are several options worth considering:

Loaded vertical antennas: A shortened vertical uses loading coils to make an antenna physically shorter than a full quarter wavelength. Options include Comet HF monoband mobile antennas, Hustler HF mobile resonator antennas, and Hamsticks. These are compact, but loading coils and short radiators generally reduce efficiency, especially on 40 meters.

Portable collapsible antennas: Elecraft offers the AX1 and AX3 portable antennas, with optional accessories for additional band coverage. These are designed for compact portable operation and can be useful with compatible QRP radios. Check their band coverage and mounting requirements before purchasing.

Loop antennas: Small loops, like the 16-inch Moonraker Whizz, offer multiband or single-band operation in a compact package. Alpha’s EMCOMMLOOP is about three feet in diameter and weighs 1.5 pounds. It can be adapted for a short lightweight mast or tripod mounting. If using high power, be sure to keep some distance between you and the loop.

Motorized screwdriver antennas: The Yaesu ATAS-120A is another antenna to investigate if you already use compatible Yaesu equipment. Its need for a suitable RF ground or counterpoise may make it less convenient for walking than simpler lightweight antennas.

Whatever design you choose, test it before heading out, and keep wires clear of walking hazards. Remember that a low SWR doesn’t necessarily mean an antenna is efficient. A lossy antenna can show an acceptable match while converting too much of your precious battery power into heat rather than RF.

Don’t Forget the Counterpoise

A vertical antenna needs an appropriate RF return path. Depending on its design, this may be provided by radials, a counterpoise wire, or another suitable arrangement. Simply attaching a vertical to a radio doesn’t guarantee efficient radiation.

A trailing counterpoise wire is a straightforward solution, but it can snag on rocks, brush, and your own feet. A compact, purpose-built counterpoise may be easier to manage. A rigid counterpoise comprising a short helical element at right angles to the vertical element is worth considering. You can make them using a one-inch diameter PVC pipe wrapped helically with ¼ wave of wire, tuned for each band.

Which HF Bands Work Best?

• 40 meters is popular because it supports regional contacts and, under favorable conditions, longer-distance communication. Evening operation can be particularly useful for contacts hundreds of miles away. The drawback is that an efficient 40-meter antenna is relatively long, so compact designs involve compromises.
• 20 meters is another excellent option. During favorable propagation, even a few watts can reach stations thousands of miles away. Its shorter wavelength also makes antennas easier to manage than comparable 40-meter designs.
• 17, 15, and 10 meters can be rewarding when propagation cooperates. Their shorter wavelengths allow smaller antennas, and good solar conditions can produce impressive long-distance contacts. However, these bands can be much less reliable when propagation deteriorates.

For a first HF pedestrian-mobile project, 20 meters is a sensible starting point, with 40 meters worth adding if regional contacts are a priority. A multiband radio helps, but a single-band antenna may outperform a complicated system that is hard to carry or tune.

Power, Propagation & Expectations

Pedestrian mobile demonstrates an important HF lesson: Power isn’t everything. A few watts can travel thousands of miles when propagation is favorable. Conversely, a hundred watts won’t rescue a signal when the band is closed or conditions are poor.

HF communication depends heavily on the ionosphere, frequency, time of day, season, and solar conditions. Signals may be refracted back toward Earth, allowing contacts far beyond the local horizon. A compact station on a quiet trail can sometimes outperform a more powerful station surrounded by electrical noise.

A hilltop may also offer advantages, particularly if the terrain slopes away in the direction of transmission. However, the effect depends on the antenna’s radiation pattern, its height, the ground, and the surrounding terrain. Experimentation is part of the fun.

Should You Try HF Pedestrian Mobile?

HF pedestrian mobile combines radio experimentation, outdoor activity, technical problem-solving, and adventure. You can begin with a compact QRP radio and lightweight antenna, then refine the setup as you learn what works.

Start with short walks and familiar equipment. Practice changing bands, adjusting the antenna, checking the battery, and operating safely without becoming distracted by the radio. Avoid transmitting while crossing roads or navigating hazardous terrain. If the antenna or its counterpoise creates a snagging hazard, stop and reposition it before continuing.

You can also combine pedestrian-mobile operation with Parks on the Air®, Summits on the Air, or other portable-radio activities. However, the rules of each program may distinguish between operating while moving and operating from a designated location.

The attraction is simple: You carry your station rather than carry it somewhere and sit beside it. And when a station several thousand miles away answers your CQ, you may stop on the trail—not because you’re tired, but because you want to be ready for the next QSOs.

The post Pedestrian Mobile Ham Radio: You Can Take It With You appeared first on OnAllBands.

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OnAllBands has been working hard to cover all the new products now available at DX Engineering. The influx of fresh offerings is a good indication about the health of amateur radio, as innovators continue to find ways to enhance our enjoyment of the world’s best hobby.

This month we’ve already highlighted these manufacturers who have been added to DX Engineering’s lineup of more than 180 manufacturers:

• AALogic
• W2HVH Enclosures

Here are a few more new products to put on your list:

Chelegance CP016 CW Keyer and Code Practice Oscillator

This versatile device offers both off-air training and on-air operation in a single, compact desktop unit. It features full WinKey compatibility for seamless integration with contest and logging software, while also supporting standalone use with a built-in speaker and headphone output for flexible operation without a computer.

Other features include:

• Smooth DDS sine wave sidetone for reduced listening fatigue
• Clean signal shaping
• Opto-isolated CW and PTT outputs for reliable radio interfacing
• Multiple keying modes, including Iambic A, Iambic B, Ultimatic, and Bug
• Support for both paddle and straight keys
• Adjustable speed range of 10 to 54 WPM

DX Engineering Silicone Power Wire

This highly flexible, two-conductor stranded copper silicone insulated zip-cord type cable pair is typically used for low-voltage power circuits.

It’s also used as speaker wire for low- through high-power audio depending on the gauge selected. The silicone insulation colors are red and black for immediate polarity identification in every application. Silicone insulation features greater resistance to heat, UV, and contaminants, and can be used in place of standard PVC power wire zip cord.

Choose from six sizes: 18, 16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 AWG. This wire is sold in any per-foot length, so you can order just the right size and length for your system. Build your DC power systems with this wire, terminated with Anderson Powerpole® connectors, using DX Engineering Crimp Tools.

DX Engineering Tapered Tower Thrust Bearing Shelf

This shelf is custom made for ROHN and American Tower 25 series tapered top sections, allowing you to install the DX Engineering Advanced Design Thrust Bearing model DXE-TB300, specifically intended for a two-inch OD rotating mast.

Made from 3/16-inch-thick, laser-cut 304 stainless steel, the thrust bearing shelf comes with three DX Engineering stainless-steel mounting V-bolts. A quality anti-seize lubricant like Jet-Lube SS-30 must be used to avoid galling. The DXE-TBS25G shelf fits the following top tapered tower sections:

American Tower

• TOW-AME25-TRB
• TOW-AME25-T
• TOW-AME25-EMT

ROHN

• ROH-25AG2
• ROH-25AG3

DX Engineering Three Coax Tower Grounding Bracket

This bracket provides secure bonding points and standoffs for cable shields and connectors on tower installations. It helps bond cable shields to the tower at the top, bottom, and every 75 feet on taller towers.

Regular bonding helps keep the cable shield and tower leg at a similar electrical potential, creating a controlled conductive path. This can reduce the risk of cable jacket damage caused by high-energy pulses from a charged tower or nearby lightning. Without proper bonding, energy may arc through the cable jacket and create pinhole damage. The DXE-3CTGB-2 helps prevent this by providing a durable, repeatable bonding point at the recommended intervals.

Features include:

• Attaches on 1- to 2-inch tower legs, including ROHN 25G/45G/55G and Amerite 25/45/55 Series using the included DX Engineering DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless-Steel Saddle Clamp
• Made from 0.125-inch-thick laser-cut stainless steel
• Holds up to three cables and connectors apart from the tower and from each other for easy connector weatherproofing
• Provides bonding and a safe conductive path from the shield through the bracket to the tower leg when used with appropriate connectors

Three precision laser-cut 0.640-inch diameter connector mounting holes on the bracket accommodate up to three panel mount or bulkhead style connectors including DXE-UHF-FDFB-KIT UHF (Flanged Double Female Bulkhead Mount Kit); DXE-363-SST (Double SO-239 Silver-Plated Bulkhead Mount); and DXE-1023-2 (Type-N Double Female Silver-Plated Bulkhead Mount).

NOTE: This bracket is NOT a tower step and should never be used to support the weight of a climber. See the instructions for additional information.

DX Engineering Stainless-Steel Telescopic Whips

These whips combine rugged durability, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction, and a compact collapsible design. Engineered for portable HF operation, they’re ideal for POTA, SOTA, DXpeditions, EMcomm, and other field deployments, delivering reliable performance wherever your operating adventures take you.

Choose from two models:

• DXE-SSTWHIP17: 17-foot extended length (24 inches collapsed); 20-6M standalone, 40-6M with a loading coil
• DXE-SSTWHIP25: 25-foot extended length (26.5 inches collapsed); 30-6M standalone and 40-160M with a loading coil

The post New Amateur Radio Products for October 2026 at DX Engineering appeared first on OnAllBands.