Ham radio guides
Plain-English guides, from getting licensed to your first contact and beyond.
Topic: HF
6 guides · Clear filters
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.
Getting Started with FT8
A complete beginner guide to FT8: what it is, what you need, and how to make your first FT8 contact.
Your First Radio: What to Buy
A practical guide to choosing your first ham radio, from budget handhelds to HF transceivers.
How Radio Waves Travel: HF Propagation Basics
Understanding how HF radio signals travel around the world by bouncing off the ionosphere.
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.