Ham Radio Resources | Shack-in-a-Rack
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HamClock: What It Is and Why Amateur Radio Operators Often Use It
Read nowHamClock helps amateur radio operators make better decisions about when to transmit, where to point antennas, what bands are open, and where DX activity is happening now.
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Beginner Guide to Ham Radio, Part 1: VHF/UHF, Repeaters and Getting Started
Read nowDiscover what ham radio really is, what license you need, the bands and equipment you’ll hear the most, and the single most important concept to understand early on—repeaters.
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Beginner Guide to Digital Voice, Part 2: DMR vs D-STAR vs Fusion, Nodes & Hotspots
Read nowLearn about the next layer of VHF/UHF operating: digital voice and the internet-connected systems that let you “jump” into conversations far beyond your local area.
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Beginner Guide to Propagation Part 3: SSB, Bands & First HF Station (General License)
Read nowA guide so you can understand what HF is, why propagation matters, what “bands are open” really means, why SSB is so important, and what you’ll need to build a reliable HF station.
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Beginner Guide to HF Antennas, Part 4: Topicsinclude SWR, Noise, Nets, and Logging
Read nowReal-life topics that cover choosing antennas, understanding SWR and “tuning,” dealing with RF interference and whether to log contacts and finding HF nets.
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Why the POTA PERformer Antenna Is Great for Portable HF (Tripod + Elevated Radials)
Read nowWe will cover the big performance advantage behind its design, which is typically a tripod-mounted or stake-mounted vertical radiator with elevated, tuned radials
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How to Get Started With FT8: Beginner Setup Guide for Ham Radio Digital Modes
Read nowThis guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with FT8, including the gear you need, how to set it up, and the best operating practices.
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Why a Higher Power-Rated Antenna Tuner Is a Good Idea for FT8 and Digital Modes
Read nowChoosing a higher power-rated antenna tuner than you think you need is often one of the best decisions you can make for reliability and durability.
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Why the Yaesu FT-891 and DigiRig is a Great Choice for HF, FT8 and Digital Modes
Read nowWhen paired with a clean, portable digital interface like the DigiRig Mobile, your go box becomes a highly capable HF station for digtal modes.
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DigiRig: The Best Digital Interface for Ham Radios Without a Sound Card
Read nowWe explain what DigiRig is, how it works, and why it’s needed for ham radios without an internal sound card for digital modes.
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Choosing the Perfect HAM Radio for Beginners
Read nowThis beginner-friendly guide will help you pick the right HAM radio based on your goals, budget, operating style, and your specific need.
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Why Use an Epic PWRgate for Ham Radio Power Switching?
Read nowHow the Epic PWRgate works in a real-world ham radio power setup and why it’s a “set it and forget it” solution for switching between power sources.
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Switching vs. Linear Power Supplies for Ham Radio
Read nowIn this guide, we’ll break down how each type works, their pros and cons, and which one makes the most sense for your ham radio setup.
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How to Become a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter
Read nowIf you’ve ever wanted to help protect your community during storms, becoming a SKYWARN spotter is one of the most meaningful ways to do it.
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FT8 & FT4 Made Simple: Beginner Guide to WSJT-X
Read nowA simple, real-world overview of using WSJT-X with a modern HF radio to operate FT8, FT4, and related digital modes—without all the tech jargon.
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JS8Call from A-Z Covering the Basics to Advanced Settings
Read nowGet a full walkthrough of JS8Call—from setup basics to advanced time-sync techniques, message relays, inbox messaging, and prepper-friendly operating habits.
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JS8Spotter - A Companion Tool for JS8Call
Read nowIntroducing JS8 Spotter as a “companion tool” that helps you track, search, organize, and exchange information across the JS8 ecosystem—especially useful for EmComm / MCOM groups.
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Advanced Tips and Tricks with JS8 (Not For Beginners)
Read nowMJ Jordan's top workflow shortcuts for operators who already know the basics and want JS8Call to feel faster, cleaner, and more reliable—especially in weak-signal and persistent/always-on use.
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JS8Call Advanced Tips (Part 2): Macros + Frequency Switching for Persistent JS8 Operation
Read nowIn this second installment,the focus shifts to two features that make JS8 far more efficient during longer operating sessions: macros and frequency switching schedules.
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Send Email Over HF: Winlink Express + VARA HF Setup (Gateways/Peer-to-Peer)
Read nowLearn how to send and receive email over HF using Winlink Express and VARA HF—either through internet gateways or true radio-to-radio peer-to-peer.
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Vara AC: A Practical Guide for HF Digital Operators (Not Beginner FT8)
Read nowMJ Jordan (KW3KW) sums it up well: Vara AC is easy to get running, extremely feature-rich, and incredibly powerful—but that power comes with complexity.
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Why Ham Rado Hooks Some of Us and Why Do We Buy New Ham Radios?
Read nowBut here’s the uncomfortable reality: when we buy a new radio, we often say it’s about performance, features, or reliability. Most of the time, we’re buying a feeling.