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

Rallies & Events • All information published here reflects the situation up to and including 25th April 2023. Readers are advised to always check with the organisers of any rally or event before setting out for a visit. The Radio Enthusiast website www.radioenthusiast.co.uk has the latest updates, please check it regularly. To get your event on this list, e-mail the full details, as early as possible, to: practicalwireless@warnersgroup.co.uk

Practical Wireless & RadioUser Archive CDs Available to Order • All issue of both Practical Wireless and RadioUser published over a nominated period, are now available on a handy CD-ROM.

The XHDATA D-109 Multiband Radio and Bluetooth Music Player • Georg Wiessala takes a closer look at a new world band radio from Chinese manufacturer XHDATA. This small receiver combines the advantages of a small travel portable with those of a Bluetooth speaker.

A Simple Audio VSWR Meter • Ken Ginn G8NDL describes an Amicus-based SWR meter with audio indication.

Look For a New One on 4 Metres This Summer • PW’s HF columnist Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX recently paid a visit to Bonaire’s premier VHF operator, Martin PJ4MM

Evaluating Cheap Antennas from eBay (Pt 2) • Keith Rawlings G4MIU continues with his evaluation of the selection of cheap antennas he bought from Chinese eBay suppliers.

LDACS: The Future of ATC Communications • In a new occasional column, David Smith reports on recent advances in airband communications.

More on FT Modes Etiquette • Tim Kirby GW4VXE has another full column, with a discussion about FT mode QSOs, a new handheld, FM/DAB DX and lots happening on the bands.

Working DXpeditions • Colin Redwood G6MXL looks at some techniques to help readers make contacts with DXpeditions in remote locations.

GB2CW and More • Roger Cooke G3LDI has another miscellany of Morse-related tidbits.

Plenty of Activity! • Despite a slight downturn in propagation compared with the previous month, there was plenty to be found on the HF bands during March reports Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX.

Homebrew Transceiver Switch • Daimon Tilley G4USI addresses the challenge of switching multiple rigs to multiple antennas.

NEWS EXTRA

Even more on SDR & VarAC • This month Mike Richards G4WNC continues his in-depth look at SDR technology, plus we have a brand-new release of VarAC to enjoy.

A Homebrew Cubical Quad • Rod Angel G4ZUP uses garden canes, cocktail sticks and elastic bands make a 4m beam antenna.

Trap that Coax • Billy McFarland GM6DX explains how to make a multiband antenna by building your own coaxial traps.

The R 209 • Philip Moss M0PBM takes a look at the R209 Communications Receiver for Mobile use.

The Radio War • David Harris reviews a book that covers the way radio was used by both sides to influence the French population during the second World War.

The 40th Annual Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP Contest • Colin Redwood G6MXL, our QRP Contest adjudicator, introduces the 2023 event, which takes place on Sunday 11 June 2023.

BBC Coronations (Pt II) • Keith Hamer and Garry Smith continue the special series...