9W2AAC Blog's

This new antenna analyzer measures the complex impedance (magnitude and phase) at each frequency of interest in the range of 0.1 to 170 MHz. A PC is used to calculate several parameters, including SWR, and plot the results.

The test frequency is generated digitally and bandpass filters are used to reject stray signals (like broadcast stations) that are more than a few KHz from the operating frequency. A 12 bit analog to digital converter digitizes the raw data. This avoids non-linearities associated with diode detectors, and results in very good dynamic range and linearity for accurate magnitude and phase measurements.

1. Identify yourself at the beginning of each transmission especially where confusion may result if omitted.

2. Identification is a requirement of the MCMC. According to them, radio users must give their callsign when they first start to talk and when they finish their communication.

3. Listen before transmitting. Be sure you are not on the air with someone else.

4. Know what you are going to say before you push the mike button; in other words, engage your brain before you put your mouth in gear.

5. Hold the transmit button down for at least a second before beginning your message to insure that the first part of your message is not cut off.

6. TALK ACROSS THE FACE OF YOUR MICROPHONE. This technique makes the communications more understandable. In other words, hold the face of the microphone almost at a right angle to your face.

7. Speak slowly, distinctly, clearly, and do not let your voice trail off at the end of words or sentences. Give each and every word equal force. For some this takes a lot of practice and conscious effort but do it.

8. Never acknowledge calls or instructions unless you understand the call or instructions perfectly. If you do not understand, recontact and “say again” the missed traffic.

9. When you have understood the message, acknowledge the receipt with the words "copy", "received" or "acknowledged." The word "copy" is preferred.

10. The word "break" is never used UNLESS there is an emergency. Give you callsign to gain access to a net.

Amateur radio operators enjoy personal (and often worldwide) wireless communications with each other and are able to support their communities with emergency and disaster communications if necessary, while increasing their personal knowledge of electronics and radio theory. An estimated six million people throughout the world are regularly involved with amateur radio.^[2]

The term "amateur" is not a reflection on the skills of the participants, which are often quite advanced; rather, "amateur" indicates that amateur radio communications are not allowed to be made for commercial or money-making purposes.