The ARRL Current

IMPORTANT: About Membership and Magazines

All members continue to have access to four digital magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ. Printed-and-mailed issues of QST and On the Air magazines will not be included with current and new memberships effective January 1, 2024. Print subscriptions are available and sold separately. A summary of 2024 dues rates and related changes are available at www.arrl.org/2024-dues-rates.

A Budget Code Practice Oscillator for Morse Code Learners

Mark H. Hoffman, KC3BNV

Morse code is alive and well on the ham bands! If you’re not yet part of the fun of CW operating, it’s never too late to learn, and the simple project presented in “A Budget Code Practice Oscillator for Morse Code Learners” can help get you there. Author Mark H. Hoffman, KC3BNV, created a simple circuit that’s enclosed in a 3D-printed case. Check the digital edition of the December issue for a video of the build that shows just how easy it can be. Read QST

Contesting on the VHF/UHF Bands — A Primer

Sean Kutzko, KX9X

Contest season is in full swing! If you’re a Technician, there are contests held on the VHF/UHF bands where you have operating privileges. Check out “Contesting on the VHF/UHF Bands — A Primer” by Sean Kutzko, KX9X, to find out how easy it is to get started in VHF/UHF contesting. Read On the Air

The LPi — an End-Fed Antenna With Adjustable Bandwidth

Jacek Pawlowski, SP3L

The November 2023 issue of QST introduced “The LPi Antenna” by Jacek Pawlowski, SP3L, with instructions on how to build this simple vertical that works on three HF bands. If you’re interested in the workings of this antenna, check out SP3L’s article “The LPi – an End-Fed Antenna With Adjustable Bandwidth” in the November/December 2023 issue of QEX. This extensive article includes a reference chart for building the antenna for different bands, information on matching the antenna, graphs that show how the SWR changes with installation height, and more. Read QEX

80-Meter Antenna Upgrades: A Contester’s Dilemma

R. Scott Wright, KØMD

When R. Scott Wright’s, KØMD, longtime antenna setup for 80 meters started underperforming, he decided it was time for an upgrade. Read “80-Meter Antenna Upgrades: A Contester’s Dilemma” for a look at Scott’s careful research and planning, right up through the installation and proof of the new system’s performance. Read NCJ

Get a limited-edition NCJ challenge coin with your 2023 National Contest Journal subscription — new and renewing subscribers. A great memento for any contester or ARRL collector. Subscribe Now

If you’re interested in radiosport, but you’d like some coaching or moral support, or even someone to team up with for the endeavor, a ham radio contest club may be for you. Well-known contester Craig Thompson, K9CT, joins the podcast this month to discuss the requirements for, and benefits of, joining a contest club. Listen Now

The ARRL Antenna Book in its new 25th edition is the ultimate reference for antennas, transmission lines, and propagation. Hardbound in black finish with silver foil embossing, this limited edition is the perfect companion to The ARRL Handbook 100th hardcover collector’s edition. Order Now

The Parks on the Air^® Book, explores the process of activating a park unit and hunting those activations. Through the experiences of 14 operators, it offers advice and motivation for taking your radio out to the park and becoming active in the POTA community. Order Now

Introduce your family and friends to amateur radio with an ARRL membership. Give the gift of fun, knowledge, community, advocacy, and much more. To purchase a gift membership, call 860-594-0200 or toll-free 1-888-277-5289. ARRL Member Services is available Monday – Thursday 8 am – 7 pm (EST) and Friday 8 am – 5 pm (EST). Join Now

As one of ARRL’s member benefits, learn.arrl.org is an online learning environment designed to help you get the most out of your license. Content is organized around learning paths, making it easy to navigate and explore the field that interests you most — operating, serving your community in emergencies, and electronics and technology. Learn More

Fort Wayne, Indiana

EME Contest 50 to 1296 MHz | November 25 – 26

Volunteers On the Air | Yearlong