Resources
Useful Links
Helpful links for amateur radio operators — many of them discussed during the Elmer Net (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. on the 146.94 repeater).
Propagation & Conditions
Real-time band conditions, propagation maps, and solar weather.
SolarHam.net
Solar weather information.
https://solarham.net/
VHF Propagation Map
World-wide map of actual radio propagation near 144 MHz, gathered via APRS-IS.
http://aprs.mennolink.org/
Band Conditions
Simple VU-meter style indication of band conditions.
https://bandconditions.com/
WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter)
Amateur operators using K1JT's MEPT_JT mode to probe RF propagation at very low power. Click 'Map' to see current conditions.
http://wsprnet.org/
Propagation Maps (DX Maps)
Real-time propagation map geared to VHF/UHF (28 MHz – 450+ MHz). Choose band and mode.
https://www.dxmaps.com/
Remote Receiver (smeter.net)
Check your signal and listen to others on remote receivers.
https://www.smeter.net/
Software
Decoders, modeling tools, and ham radio suites.
CW Skimmer
Multi-channel CW decoder and analyzer (mentioned on Elmer Net).
http://www.dxatlas.com/cwskimmer/
CW Decoder
Decode or transmit Morse code (mentioned on Elmer Net).
http://www.hotamateurprograms.com/Program%20Descriptions/CW%20Decoder%20Program%20Features.htm
EZNEC Antenna Modeling
https://www.eznec.com/
DXLab Suite
A good selection of software for transceiver control, logging, propagation, and more.
https://www.dxlabsuite.com/
Logbook of the World (LoTW)
ARRL's electronic QSL confirmation system, widely used by hams.
http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world
Equipment & Parts
Vendors and references for radios, parts, and accessories.
Most Casual Observer — Baofeng HTs and Spurious RF Emissions
A cautionary tale for new hams and prospective buyers.
https://observer.wunderwood.org/2020/02/07/baofeng-hts-and-spurious-emissons/
The Toroid King (Kits and Parts)
Toroids, capacitors, magnet wire, and more — for engineers, schools, and hobbyists.
https://kitsandparts.com/
K0BG — Mobile Operating Reference
Mentioned in Lew's (W5IFQ) February 2019 AARC meeting presentation. Great reference.
http://www.k0bg.com/
VHF/UHF in a Prius
Basic information about installing a VHF/UHF rig in a Prius.
https://www.shawngarringer.org/hamming-it-up-in-the-toyota-prius/
Safety
Ham Radio Exams Online
Listed in no particular order. Some discussed on-the-air during Elmer Net; others by word-of-mouth. Most are free. This isn’t an endorsement of any one in particular — try them out and see which you like. All are online, browser-based.
ARRL Exam Review
Free. Registration required. All levels. ARRL membership not required.
http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/
AA9PW Radio Exam Practice
Free. Registration required. All levels. Custom tests available for a fee.
http://aa9pw.com/
Ham Radio Prep
Paid. Registration required. Technician and/or General class only.
https://hamradioprep.com/
HamExam.org
Free. Registration optional. All levels. Flash cards, practice exams, question pools.
https://hamexam.org/
eHam.net Ham Exams
Free. No registration. All levels. Practice exams.
https://www.eham.net/exams/
QRZ.com Practice Amateur Radio Exams
Free. Registration required. All levels.
https://www.qrz.com/hamtest/
HamStudy.org by Signal Stuff
Free. Registration optional. All levels, including Canadian and several FCC elements (1, 3, 6, 7, 7R, 8, 9). 'Continue as guest' works for practice tests.
https://hamstudy.org/
RadioQTH Exams
Free. Registration required for exams; study mode is open. All levels.
http://www.radioqth.net/exams
Submitted by Our Readers and Friends of AARC
Submitted by readers and friends of AARC. Not all are technical in nature, but all are germane to the field or spirit of Amateur Radio.
All About Circuits
An active open electrical-engineering community with useful resources for hams — especially the Education and Tools sections.
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/
All About Electronic Circuits For Kids
A car-enthusiast site with good links for kids of all ages to learn about basic electronics.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Info/All-About-Electronic-Circuits-for-Kids
A Guide to Soldering Precious Metals, Gold and Circuits
Good info for beginners and those soldering plated items. [Warning: primary site is commercial, not amateur radio related.]
https://www.madisontrust.com/client-resources/articles/guide-to-soldering-metal-gold-and-circuits/
Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications
Basic info with links for further reading. [Warning: primary site is commercial, not amateur radio related.]
https://alertfind.com/amateur-radio-and-emergency-communications/
Ultimate Guide to Disaster Preparedness on a Budget
Helpful ideas for a disaster preparedness plan. [Warning: primary site is commercial and not endorsed by AARC; this specific page has good info.]
https://couponfollow.com/research/disaster-preparedness-on-a-budget
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