Ham Radio Knowledge Base
Learn amateur radio from the ground up with beginner-friendly guides written in plain English.
Getting Started
New to ham radio? Start here with the basics of amateur radio.
Licensing
Everything about getting and upgrading your amateur radio license.
Antennas
Antenna theory, design, building, and installation guides.
Propagation
Understanding how radio waves travel and predicting band conditions.
Digital Modes
FT8, FT4, JS8Call, WSPR, and other digital communication modes.
Equipment
Radios, accessories, and gear recommendations and guides.
Operating
On-air operating procedures, contests, awards, and best practices.
Technical
Advanced topics: electronics, RF theory, and troubleshooting.
Popular Articles
Parks on the Air (POTA) for Beginners
Getting started with Parks on the Air: how to activate parks and chase activators.
Dipole Antennas: The Best First Antenna
Everything you need to know about dipole antennas: how they work, how to build one, and how to install it.
What is Ham Radio?
An introduction to amateur radio: what it is, why people do it, and how you can get started with this rewarding hobby.
Your First Radio: What to Buy
A practical guide to choosing your first ham radio, from budget handhelds to HF transceivers.
Making Your First Contact
Step-by-step guide to making your first QSO (radio contact), including what to say and common procedures.
Ham Radio Q-Codes and Common Abbreviations
Essential Q-codes and abbreviations every ham should know for efficient communication.
Troubleshooting Common RFI Problems
Identifying and fixing radio frequency interference issues in your shack and home.
What is a Choke Balun and Do I Need One?
Understanding choke baluns (current baluns): what they do, when you need one, and how to build or buy one.
How Radio Waves Travel: HF Propagation Basics
Understanding how HF radio signals travel around the world by bouncing off the ionosphere.
Ham Radio License Classes Explained
Understanding the three US amateur radio license classes: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.