HOW TO FIND UNKNOWN DEVICE DRIVERS
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML In most cases, when I install new hardware on my PC, Windows recognizes it automatically and I can start using it right away. It’s really convenient because it applies to both internal components like network or graphics cards, as well as external devices like scanners and unknown USB devices. Usually, the operating […]
POWER SUPPLIES, THE HEART OF YOUR RADIO ROOM – MY RECOMMENDATIONS.
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Let me invite you into my exciting world of ham radio, where the heart of the operation lies in the humble 12-volt power supply. This little powerhouse has been a game-changer in radio rooms since the mid-20th century, and I’m thrilled to share with you a small peek into its journey, the […]
THE STORY OF END-FED HALF-WAVE ANTENNAS: LET’S DIVE IN!
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Hey there, fellow radio enthusiasts! I’m absolutely thrilled to take you on an adventure into the world of antennas. Today, we’re going to unravel the intriguing history, inner workings, and exceptional qualities of end-fed half-wave antennas. And to make things even more exciting, we’ll also explore the fantastic features of the MFJ-1984MP, […]
DEPLOYING THE END FED HALF WAVE ANTENNA!
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Let’s dive into the exciting world of deploying the versatile MFJ-1984MP End Fed Half Wave Antenna! This antenna, manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, offers a range of deployment options that cater to different communication needs. Let’s explore the various setups and their advantages: Each deployment option has its strengths and advantages, depending on […]
WHY DO WE NEED COAX SWITCHES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
As an enthusiast of radio communication, I recognize the importance of having a coax switch, which gives me the freedom to switch between different antennas or transceivers by using just a single coaxial cable. This is a perfect solution for anyone like me, an amateur radio operator, a hobbyist, or even a professional who values […]
THE MAGIC OF THE MFJ-994BRT AUTOMATIC REMOTE ANTENNA TUNER.
THE MAGIC OF THE MFJ-994BRT AUTOMATIC REMOTE ANTENNA TUNER. Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Greetings, radio hobbyists! This article is dedicated to the marvellous innovation in our hobby, the automatic remote tuner, specifically focusing on the MFJ-994BRT model manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, which has been making a significant impact within the amateur radio community. Starting with the […]
MY SMART DUMMY LOADS: A SHACK VERSION AND A GO-BAG VERSION!
By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML As a radio enthusiast, I find the Dummy Load an indispensable tool in my kit. It’s ingeniously designed to absorb radio frequency, or RF energy, without transmitting it anywhere. This comes in handy when I’m testing and tuning my radio transmitters. The Dummy Load acts as a perfect stand-in, simulating the […]
TELESCOPING WHIPS AND THEIR USES: A FOCUS ON THE MFJ-1979
By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Hey there, radio enthusiasts! Let’s chat about something we all love – telescoping whip antennas. These little wonders have been around for ages and are a big hit because they’re portable, versatile, and super easy to use. Now, there are tons of options out there, but one that’s been getting a […]
AN OVERVIEW OF SWR/POWER METERS AND THE MFJ-849
By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Greetings, friends! Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through the fascinating world of SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) and power meters, with a special focus on the MFJ-849 model. These devices play a crucial role in the realm of radio frequency (RF) systems, particularly when it comes to the […]
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE MFJ-1908H FIBERGLASS MAST
By Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Hello there, fellow radio enthusiasts! I’ve been having a blast with the MFJ-1908H Fiberglass Mast and I’m excited to share my experience with you. This mast is a real game-changer, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. When the mast arrived in a long box with all the […]
SHOPPING FOR TECH PRODUCTS: SHOULD YOU USE AMAZON OR TAKEALOT?
By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML When it comes to online shopping for tech products in South Africa, there are a few options to choose from. Two of the most popular e-commerce giants that South Africans often turn to are Amazon and Takealot. But which one offers better deals? Broadband.co.za reports that tech fans in South Africa […]
UNRAVELING THE FREQUENCIES: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT GLOBAL HAM RADIO BANDS
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML The world of amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a fascinating realm that spans a variety of frequency bands within the Medium Frequency (MF) and High Frequency (HF) portions of the radio spectrum. These bands, each with their unique characteristics, are accessible to radio enthusiasts globally, although the specific allocations […]
CHOOSING YOUR HAM RADIO COMPANION: A REVIEW OF ICOM IC-7300 VS. YAESU FT-991A VS. YAESU FTDX10
If you’re a ham radio enthusiast or even aspiring to become one, you know how important it is to choose the right radio for your needs. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one suits you best. That’s why I’ve decided to help you out by comparing […]
DENIS GRISAK AND DIGIRIG, A FRESH BREEZE IN HAM RADIO.
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Meet DigiRig, a breath of fresh air in the world of amateur radio technology. This open-source integrated digital modes interface is the brainchild of Denis Grisak, an electrical engineer and ham radio enthusiast. Denis, known by his call sign K0TX, started his ham radio journey in July 2020. He quickly found himself […]
A GUIDE TO RANDOM LONG WIRE ANTENNAS FOR HAM RADIO
M. Lubbe ZS1ML Introduction A random long wire antenna, as the name suggests, is a simple and cost-effective antenna solution for ham radio enthusiasts. It is essentially a long piece of wire, typically longer than a quarter wavelength, that is strung up in the air and connected to the radio. The length of the wire […]
DIGIRIG, THE TINY NEW HEAVYWEIGHT IN DIGITAL CONNECTIONS.
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Why I Chose DigiRig: A Compact and Versatile Radio Interface I am excited to share my experience with a fantastic piece of equipment that has significantly enhanced my amateur radio operations – the DigiRig. This compact and versatile radio interface has become my go-to choice, and I’m excited to tell you why. […]
MY JOURNEY WITH MYUS.COM
Your Go-To for Affordable International Shipping Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Hey there! I just wanted to take a moment to share my amazing experience with MyUS.com. I’ve been using their services for a while now, and let me tell you, they’ve been nothing short of a game-changer for my international shopping needs. So, here’s how I’ve […]
EXCELLING IN THE AIRWAVES: MY LONG TERM EXPERIENCE WITH THE DX COMMANDER CLASSIC ANTENNA
As an experienced radio operator, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of antennas, each with its own unique set of advantages. Among these, the DX Commander Classic, an End Fed Half Wave (EFHW), and an Off-Centre Fed Dipole (OCFD) have all been integral parts of my setup. However, the DX Commander Classic, […]
THE ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT FOR A HAM SHACK:
BEYOND RADIOS, ANTENNAS, AND POWER SUPPLIES Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Introduction A ham shack, the colloquial term for a ham radio operator’s station, is a place of creativity, exploration, and communication. While the radio, antenna, and power supply are the heart of the operation, they are just the beginning. A well-equipped ham shack includes a variety […]
MY DEPENDABLE DUALBAND RADIO: THE ICOM IC-2820H, A BLEND OF POWER AND FUNCTIONALITY
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Hello, fellow hams! Today, I want to shine a spotlight on a radio legend that still commands my shack – the one and only Icom IC-2820H. Even though it was first released in 2007 and discontinued in 2015, this classic rig is still a primary fixture in my shack, serving dutifully as […]
THE MFJ-994B INTELLITUNER™: A SOLID PERFORMER – A PERMANENT PART OF MY HAM SHACK
In the world of amateur radio, a reliable and efficient antenna tuner is essential for optimal performance. Over the past four years, the MFJ-994B IntelliTuner™ has become an integral part of my ham shack. Its exceptional features, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance have made it a standout performer. In this article, we will explore the […]
A MIGHTY LITTLE TUNER!
THE MFJ-904H Are you a ham radio enthusiast who loves to explore different bands and modes with your HF radio? Do you want a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use antenna tuner that can handle up to 150 watts of power and match a wide range of antennas? If you answered yes to these questions, then you […]
THE VERY PRACTICAL AND USEFUL MFJ-1124 DC POWERSTRIP
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML In this digital age of amateur radio, many of us find our shacks brimming with more equipment than we have 12V power points for. Enter the MFJ-1124 – an affordable, versatile, and secure solution to this common problem. The MFJ-1124 is a well-equipped DC Power Strip featuring six outlets designed for efficient […]
THE HANDY MFJ-1146 RF FILTERED DC OUTLET
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Navigating the vast landscape of household electronics, it’s clear to me that choosing the right DC outlet can often feel like navigating a labyrinth. Each device in our homes adds its own voice to the symphony of background noise and QRM, complicating the choice. Yet, amidst this cacophony, one brand has consistently […]
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE MFJ-869 GIANT AUTOMATIC DIGITAL SWR / WATTMETER
I’m so glad I finally got my hands on the MFJ-869 SWR/Wattmeter. It’s a fantastic device that works great on 1.8-60 MHz and can measure up to 2000 Watts of power. It has a TruePeak active circuit that shows me the real peak power of my SSB and CW signals, as well as the average […]
REVIEW OF THE MFJ-2012 POWER-LITE OFF-CENTER FED DIPOLE ANTENNA
THE MFJ-2012 POWER-LITE OFF-CENTER FED DIPOLE ANTENNA 40, 20, 10 AND 6 METERS Marius Lubbe ZS1ML As an enthusiastic amateur radio hobbyist, I’m delighted to share my experiences with an exceptional piece of equipment – the MFJ-2012 Off-Center Fed Dipole (OCFD) Antenna, brought to us by MFJ Enterprises Inc. Before diving into the specifics, it’s […]
ICOM IC-7000 IN 2023, REVIEW.
ICOM IC-7000 – A COMPACT AND VERSATILE TRANSCEIVER FOR RADIO ENTHUSIASTS Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Ever since it hit the scene, the IC-7000 has been a favorite among us radio enthusiasts, from hobbyists to emergency responders and adventure seekers. The reason? It packs a ton of versatility and tech into a compact package. It’s become a […]
MFJ IS A GREAT SOURCE OF USEFUL EQUIPMENT.
By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML When you think about amateur radio companies that offer a broad range of products, MFJ Enterprises Inc. surely tops the list. Having been around for over four decades, they’ve built a good reputation for, innovation, and customer satisfaction. From antennas and tuners to amplifiers and filters, their large catalog has every […]
LINK YOUR LAPTOP TO THE IC-7000 AND RUN FT8
The IC-7000 is a popular all-mode HF/VHF/UHF transceiver from ICOM. FT8 is a digital mode that allows for weak signal communication over long distances. To link your laptop to the IC-7000 and run FT8, you will need to follow these steps: For CAT control, you’ll need a USB-to-serial adapter cable, such as the CI-V interface, […]
REVIEW OF THE TYT TH7800
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML As a devoted ham radio enthusiast and a long-time user of the TYT TH7800 dual-band mobile radio, I feel able to provide a comprehensive and balanced, review of this fantastic piece of equipment, including the important programming cable. Having experienced the TH7800’s performance, durability, and ease of use over the years, I can confidently […]
REVIEW OF THE CHUNZEHUI F-1005 9 PORT 40A CONNECTOR POWER SPLITTER DISTRIBUTOR SOURCE STRIP
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML If you’re like me, trying to manage power distribution for all your gadgets can be a bit of a headache. But don’t worry, I’ve got some great news for you! I’ve been using the Chunzehui F-1005 9 Port 40A Connector Power Splitter Distributor Source Strip for a two years now, and it’s been a […]
SIMPLE STEP BY STEP: USING THE NANO VNA H4 TO MEASURE SWR
(Works on most Nano VNA models) Marius Lubbe ZS1ML Measuring the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) on a NanoVNA-H4 Vector Network Analyzer is a straightforward process. SWR is an essential parameter for assessing the impedance match between a transmitter and an antenna, or any RF transmission line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measure SWR using the NanoVNA-H4: […]
REVIEW OF THE GRA-7350TC ANTENNA AND GRA-ULT01 TRIPOD
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML (copyrighted, but free to use as one complete article, with reference to the original URL and with no changes) I have been following some very positive reviews on YouTube about the G. Gabil GRA-7350TC antenna and decided I had to have one for portable operations. Contacting G. Gabil in Taiwan https://www.gabilradio.com/gra-7350tc was easy and […]
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE RETEVIS RT3S RADIO AND OPENGD77 FIRMWARE.
Marius Lubbe ZS1ML I have been using the Retevis RT3S radio () for a while now and I am very happy with it. It is a dual band DMR radio that can operate on the 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz frequency bands. DMR stands for Digital Mobile Radio, a digital standard that allows for clear and […]
THE OUTSTANDING RETEVIS RT3S DUALBAND/DMR RADIO
THE OUTSTANDING DUALBAND /DMR RADIO. Marius Lubbe ZS1ML I want to share with you my experience with the Retevis RT3S (), a dual band DMR and FM handheld radio that I have been using for quite a while now. I have been interested in DMR for some time and I was looking for a radio that […]
RETEVIS, A HIGH QUALITY RADIO MANUFACTURER.
RETEVIS RADIO MANUFACTURER REVIEW is a respected, innovative and trustworthy radio manufacturer that offers a wide range of products for different consumers and scenarios. Retevis specializes in two way radio and accessories, such as walkie talkies, repeaters, mobile radios, DMR radios and more. Product Range Retevis has a lot of products for different purposes and […]
THE RETEVIS RT73 DUEL BAND GPS MINI DMR MOBILE RADIO.
INTRODUCTION: The Retevis RT73 Dual Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio is a powerful and versatile small mobile receiver that offers exceptional performance and features. It is designed for use by amateur radio enthusiasts who demand the best in terms of scope, clarity, and reliability. This review provides an analysis of the Retevis RT73 Double Band GPS […]
REVIEW OF THE:CHAMELEON ANTENNA™ CHA MPAS 2 SYSTEM.
All rights reserved: Please request permission to reprint. zs1ml@outlook.com First Published in a special review edition of CQ Boland for the Boland Amateur Radio Klub www.bark.org.zaReview of the: Chameleon Antenna™ CHA MPAS 2 system.ZS1ML Marius Lubbe January 2022All rights reserved: Please request permission to reprint.First Published in a special review edition of CQ Boland for […]
THE DX COMMANDER HAS THE WORLD TALKING.
After accidentally coming across Callum McCormick M0MCX’s YouTube videos, watching and receiving very good recommendations from radio amateurs worldwide, in my search for a vertical antenna, I started looking seriously at the DX Commander multiband antenna. The choice for a vertical antenna was based on the space required to set up a multiband antenna, ability […]
Disclaimer:
The authors, and all associated individuals hereby declare that they are not responsible for how the information provided on these blogs and articles is utilized. In the event of accidents, damages, or any other negative outcomes resulting from the application or implementation of the contained information, the authors, and all related parties will not be […]
