CQ Amateur Radio

CQ is the magazine for active hams, with a focus on the practical. Every article is clearly written and aimed at involving you, the reader...whether it's a story of operating from some exotic location, an article to deepen your understanding of ham radio science and technology, or a fun-to-build project that will have practical use in your ham shack. Join us on our monthly journey through the broad and varied landscape of the world's most fascinating hobby!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CQ Amateur Radio

HAM RADIO NEWS

Get. On. The. Air.

The Sun is Cookin’ — Flares, Sunquakes, and a Mixed-Up Sunspot

Hams Respond to Flooding Disaster in South Africa • CQ Interviews: Deon Fraser, ZS5DCF

ICOM IC-705 HF/VHF/UHF QRP Portable Transceiver • Icom’s newest multimode HF/VHF/UHF QRP portable transceiver has caught the attention of low-power and portable operating enthusiasts alike (as well work-high-power-from-home hams impressed by its many features). QRP Editor KA8SMA took the radio to the field to put it through its paces.

Peripatetic Morse (PM) • So you’ve headed out in the field for a radio hike and discover that all the seats are taken at your planned operating spot. You can wait around or follow WØRW’s example and operate CW while hiking. He calls it “peripatetic Morse.”

Bandpass Filter for Crowded Setups: Build, Buy or a Little of Each? • If you operate HF in a crowded setting (such as Field Day), you need a bandpass filter. But build or buy? K4FMH compares the VK-Amps HF bandpass filter kit (the board is pre-built) with the commercially built DXE-419 from DX Engineering.

Exploring the Lost Creek Wilderness Area • Here’s another “Take it to the Field” adventure from our resident pedestrian-mobile specialist, WØRW. This time, he and his son headed up to Colorado’s Lost Creek Wilderness Area, a place steeped in history as well as natural beauty.

Results of the 2021 CQWW DX Marathon • Great first-time experience. Would like to have worked more countries – W9AP DX Better than 2020. Few more DXpeditions and better conditions. Had fun – NU8Z Enjoyed 2021 CQ Marathon. My first entry. Worked several new ones towards end – GW3SFC First-Time entry — a lot of fun – VK2EY Fun every year – K9RR Great motivation tool to keep you hunting for DX! – ON6NL Thank you CQ Magazine, the annual DX Marathon was a blast! – K4AR

CQ CLASSIC:

ZERO BIAS EDITORIAL • January, 1948, editorial formally launching the DX Marathon as CQ magazine’s first operating activity

Full Gallon: The Benefits of Running Full Legal Power • We love QRP here at CQ, but we admit (somewhat reluctantly) that there are times when 5 watts, or even 500 watts, won’t get the job done. DXing legend W9KNI amplifies on that …

Precise Position Indicator for TV Antenna Rotators • An old-fashioned TV antenna rotator can often be pressed into service for turning small VHF/UHF Yagis. But, says N2AMC, most of them fall short on one need for ham station use — precise pointing. Don’t worry, though. He’s also got a (very cheap) solution…

Analog Movement Identifier • So you’ve found a great-looking analog meter at a swap meet, but neither you nor the seller know its parameters. KBØVKS has a simple circuit you can build to identify the movement’s voltage, current, and resistance ratings.

A Different Kind of Wireless: Human Body Communication • CQ Interviews: Researcher and Fellow Ham Hideyuki Nebiya, JE1BQE

Using Commonly Available Items for Amateur Radio Purposes

World Loses Yet Another Broadcaster as Voice of Greece Shuts Down • Plus … Radio Romania International Carrying News From Ukraine

SPURIOUS SIGNALS

Hi de K3PFW, John, QTH Georgetown, Delaware

WHAT’S NEW

The ME40+: Keeping a Classic Alive

Video Killed the QRP Star •...