Whether you are searching for antenna length calculators or learning tools to help you study for the FCC examinations, we’re putting them here.
As we find more, we’ll add more.
Getting Licensed and Upgrading
hamstudy.org: Our favorite exam prep organization. They offer complete study programs from Technician through Amateur Extra, including GROL.
hamradioprep.com: An excellent video-based study site. Also the parent organization for Ham Radio League.
Gordon West‘s Amateur Radio License Preparation manuals. This is an unaffiliated Amazon link.
ARRL manuals are also a popular way to prepare for your exam.
**Note** hamstudy.org also lists resources for online testing. We recommend Bayou State Remote Exams (CAVEC). Their name links to their page.
their exams only cost $5.00 and are held daily. As you navigate through their site to find a session, it will double back to hamstudy.org.
Online Video Resources
These are our current favorite YouTube creators in the ham radio space:
Ham Radio Crash Course: Josh, KI6NAZ, does a tremendous job promoting the hobby and has complete playlists for Technician and General.
Ham Radio Tube: Mike, K8MRD, has plenty of videos with builds and general radio activities.
KM4ACK: Jason, KM4ACK, is the king of APRS.
Coastal Waves & Wires: Walt, K4OGO, is the reigning expert on field expedient wire antennas. He’s published two books through the ARRL on the subject.
The Smoking Ape: Although no one knows his real name. The Ape has a bunch of technical videos and does a good job explaining theory.
Where to Get Gear…
DX Engineering carries a full line of name brand ham radio rigs, antennas, and accessories.
Ham Radio Outlet carries name brand radios, antennas, parts, and accessories.
GigaParts carries a decent selection of radio gear plus photography and 3D printer supplies.
Radioddity carries the full Xiegu line, plus many other import radios.
And of course a cursory search through Amazon will show thousands of radios, cables, accessories, etc.
References of Interest
Solar & Space Weather
- SolarHam – Maintained by VE3EN, this site aggregates real-time solar data, geomagnetic activity (K-index), solar flare forecasts, and satellite imagery into a clean dashboard.
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center – The primary source for space weather forecasts, solar cycle predictions, geomagnetic storm warnings, and X-ray flux graphs.
HF Propagation & Real-Time Reports
- VOACAP Online – A web implementation of the Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program. It generates point-to-point propagation predictions, area coverage maps, and recommended HF frequencies based on time and location.
- PSKReporter – A real-time map tracking digital mode signals (FT8, JS8Call, PSK31, etc.) globally, letting operators see exactly where their signals are being heard.
- Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) – An automated network of CW and digital skimmers logging stations heard across the world, offering instant feedback on antenna performance and band openings.
Repeater Directories
- RepeaterBook – The largest community-driven repeater database worldwide. It offers location-based searches, route planning filters, tone details, and downloadable memory files for radio programming.
- RadioReference – Excellent reference database for public safety, local frequency allocations, and cross-referencing regional repeater systems.
Antenna Calculators & Technical References
- 17300.net / Antenna Length Calculators – Provides quick calculators for dipole, vertical, end-fed half-wave (EFHW), and J-pole antenna lengths accounting for velocity factors.
- VK1OD Antenna & Transmission Line Calculators – In-depth engineering tools for coaxial cable loss, standing wave ratio (SWR), impedance matching, and balun performance.
Callsign Lookup & Logging Databases