OnAllBands is committed this October to keeping you as updated as possible on all the new products available at DX Engineering. Look out for posts this month spotlighting the hottest station upgrades you’ll find on our website.
Since October kicks off “sweater weather” season in northeast Ohio (home of DX Engineering headquarters), it’s a great time to get cozy in a comfortable chair with your favorite pumpkin spice beverage (straight black coffee for this ham) and read about amateur radio.
Before we get into what’s up this contesting season, we’ve highlighted some new reference books you’ll want to add to your amateur radio bookshelf. For the full list of reference books, license study guides, and instruction manuals at DX Engineering, click here.
You’ll find all the latest reference books and equipment by clicking on “What’s New” at DXEngineering.com. You’ll also discover savings on “scratch and dent” and “open box” gear to enhance your operating capabilities.
Cue the “Reading Rainbow” theme—Here we go:
Amateur Radio Contesting Basics
Written by experienced contester and amateur radio author Ed Durrant, DD5LP/G8GLM/VK2JI, this beginner-friendly guide published by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) removes the mystery surrounding contesting and explains the fundamental concepts in a clear and practical way. From understanding what contesting is and why so many operators enjoy it to learning how to participate in your first event, the book serves as an accessible introduction to this rewarding aspect of the hobby. (88 pages, paperback.)
***
Nifty Accessories now offers mini-manual reference guides for the Icom IC-7300MK2 and Yaesu FTX-1 Series transceivers.
These manuals have the same information contained in your owner’s manual but in concise, easy-to-follow, plain language. They feature clear illustrations and a logical approach to operations, providing users with a better understanding of their equipment’s functionality.
DX Engineering carries Nifty Accessories reference guides for many current and older transceivers; popular antenna analyzers; and instruction manuals for PSK31, D-STAR, EchoLink, and more.
***
Also check out the RSGB “Radio Today Guide” for the IC-7300MK2 by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW.
Looking to purchase the IC-7300MK2 or its beloved predecessor, the IC-7300? You’ll find them at DX Engineering. Get them now to upgrade your station or to give as a holiday gift.
***
Chameleon Antenna HOA Guide Book, First Edition
This 74-page guide explains everything you need for planning, selecting, and installing an antenna in an HOA. Topics covered include:
- How to understand and navigate HOA rules and limitations
- Proven real-world antenna installation strategies
- Effective stealth and camouflage techniques
- The advantages of temporary versus permanent antenna installations
- Solutions for apartments, condominiums, townhomes, suburban properties, urban lots, and mobile home communities
- Specialized installation methods for attics, soffits, fence tops, and remote tuner configurations
- Step-by-step DIY projects, including a flowerpot antenna mount, purple martin house mast, and flagpole mast solutions
***
We’ll finish up our October reading rundown with one of our latest favorites, “Salty Walt’s Next Level Portable Antenna Sketchbook.” The 144-page paperback features 17 portable antenna designs and new ways to maximize your station’s potential from Walt Hudson, K4OGO, who shares his operating adventures and the magic of amateur radio on his YouTube channel, Coastal Waves & Wires, and now as an OnAllBands blogger.
***
Now that you’ve had some valuable reading time, put into action what you’ve learned with these October contests, including the CQ World Wide DX Contest, SSB.
- Collegiate QSO Party: Oct. 3, 0000Z to Oct. 4, 2359Z. Per the contest website, “The Collegiate QSO Party is an operating event focused on amateur radio clubs at colleges and universities around the world. Each fall, the Collegiate QSO Party provides an opportunity for clubs to demon…
-
- (Image/RSGB)
-
- (Image/Nifty Accessories)
-
- (Image/RSGB)
-
- (Image/Chameleon)
Go to Source