Here I write about a little bit of everything that interests me.
Welcome to the world of amateur radio! In this guide, we will discuss the Yaesu FT-920 radio and the 20m longwire antenna, as well as provide some general information about HF (high-frequency) operations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced operator, this page aims to offer insights and tips to enhance your radio experience.
The Yaesu FT-920 is a versatile HF transceiver that offers a wide range of features for amateur radio operators. Here are some key highlights of this radio:
The FT-920 covers a broad frequency range, making it suitable for various amateur bands. It supports HF bands, including the 20-meter band, where you can utilize your longwire antenna effectively.
The radio supports multiple modes of operation, such as SSB (Single Sideband), CW (Continuous Wave), AM (Amplitude Modulation), and FM (Frequency Modulation). This flexibility allows you to communicate using different modulation techniques based on your preferences and band conditions.
The FT-920 provides adjustable power output, allowing you to transmit with different power levels depending on your needs. This feature is useful for optimizing your signal strength while considering power consumption and band conditions.
The radio incorporates advanced DSP technology to enhance reception and transmission quality. DSP helps to mitigate noise, improve audio clarity, and optimize signal processing for better overall performance.
The FT-920 comes equipped with a built-in antenna tuner, enabling you to easily match your longwire antenna to the desired frequency. This feature simplifies the tuning process and ensures efficient antenna performance.
The 20m longwire antenna is a popular choice among amateur radio operators for HF communication. Here are some key points about this type of antenna:
As the name suggests, the 20m longwire antenna has a length of approximately 20 meters (or 66 feet). It is typically installed in a horizontal or sloping configuration, elevated as high as possible for better performance.
The longwire antenna consists of a single wire that acts as a radiating element. It is usually connected to the center conductor of the coaxial cable, while the outer conductor is connected to a suitable ground or counterpoise.
To match the impedance of the longwire antenna to the coaxial cable, a balun (balanced-to-unbalanced) or unun (unbalanced-to-unbalanced) transformer may be used. This helps to reduce unwanted effects, such as common-mode currents and radiation pattern distortion.
While the 20m longwire antenna is designed for the 20-meter band, it can also be used on other HF bands with the help of an antenna tuner. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different bands and expand your communication options.
Longwire antennas are known for their simplicity and effectiveness. However, factors such as height above the ground, nearby structures, and local noise levels can impact performance. Experimentation and adjusting the antenna’s configuration may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
HF (high-frequency) operations provide long-range communication capabilities, making it a popular choice for amateur radio enthusiasts. Here are some general considerations for HF operations:
HF signals are affected by various factors, including ionospheric conditions, time of day, and solar activity. These conditions impact signal propagation, influencing the range and quality of communication. Understanding propagation and regularly