Practical Wireless

Practical Wireless is aimed at the licensed radio amateur and caters for the amateur radio hobby. Practical Wireless is a ‘doing’ magazine focusing on the practical and constructional side of amateur radio and appeals to all ages. Written by expert authors and contributors, Practical Wireless reflects developments in the technology, participants, activities and licensing framework of the hobby.

Practical Wireless

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Newsdesk • Have you got something to tell our readers about? If so, then email practicalwireless@warnersgroup.co.uk

Announcing the D-STAR QSO Party 2023

Mobile whips: what is best for you? • Vince Lear G3TKN takes a look at the range of mobile whips available from Ampro.

Arecibo & Sam Harris W1FJZ • Ray Howes G4OWY/G6AUW relates a tale about the Arecibo radio telescope.

No More Secrets • David Harris reviews another book about Bletchley Park, but with a new perspective.

BVWS Autumn Meeting at Golborne • Georg Wiessala enjoyed visiting the latest get-together of the British Vintage Wireless Society.

Capacitors (Pt II) • Jeff and Natalie close off their discussion about capacitors.

Quansheng UV-K5 developments • Tim Kirby GW4VXE has another full column of VHF/UHF news, starting with an update on the UV-K5 handheld transceiver.

Asymmetrical Hatted Vertical Dipole Antenna for portable operating • Billy McFarland GM6DX constructs a handy portable antenna for the HF bands.

Practical Wireless Seasonal Quiz • Our thanks to Bob Glasgow GM4UYZ, editor of the excellent Cockenzie & Port Seaton Amateur Radio Club newsletter, for agreeing to our using questions from the monthly quiz.

HARDROCK-50 PA • As well as investing in a HARDROCK-50 PA, Mike Richards G4WNC continues his advice on using Node-RED for station control.

Lots to report • It’s been a busy time on the HF bands as Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX reports.

Setting up a new antenna • Keith Rawlings G4MIU continues with his new antenna installation, before offering an update on AN-SOF.

The 15th PW 70MHz Contest: Results 2023 • Colin Redwood G6MXL presents the results of the 2023 contest.

Morse before radio (Pt II) • Tony Smith G4FAI concludes his account of how Morse was sent and received before the advent of wireless.

Planning a Small Club IOTA Activation • Thinking of planning a small expedition, either as an individual or with your club? Chris Colcough G1VDP has lots of good advice, based on hard-won experience.

Martyn Baker G0GMB • Roger Dowling G3NKH meets the RSGB’s National Radio Centre coordinator.

The Skeleton slot antenna HF - 440MHz • Ian J Dilworth G3WRT describes modelling and building skeleton slot antennas for HF, 40, 50, 70, 144, 433 and 1296MHz, resulting in an exceptionally low profile omni 1dBd vertically polarised antenna.

BBC coronations, Part IX • Keith Hamer and Garry Smith continue the special series looking back at the BBC’s coverage of Coronations since 1937. There is also a Coronation vintage television advertisement from the archives, including a description of the various radio and television companies behind the ‘Defiant’ brand. There are more unique details about Roland Pièce, the pioneer of Swiss radio broadcasts, from family archives supplied by his Grand-Nephew, and PW reader, Pierre Yves-Pièce. The series charting the rise and fall of BBC 198kHz transmissions focuses on the Daventry 5XX Station. We also continue our series about the development of Swiss Radio and Television since 1922.

Rallies & Events

Quiz Answers • The answers to our seasonal quiz on page 30

Your Letters

Star Letter • The Star Letter will receive a voucher worth £20 to...