
Field notes
TIDRADIO H9 Review: A Rugged Tri-Band Handheld With Serious Potential
TIDRADIO H9 Review: A Rugged Tri-Band Handheld With Serious Potential In the world of amateur radio, finding a handheld transceiver that balances affordability, ruggedness, and advanced features can be difficult. Many…
Jun 2, 2026 · Autumn Desjardins

Field notes
The Science Behind Radio Waves
Radio may feel like magic, but behind every clear transmission is a fascinating blend of physics, engineering, and practical everyday use. This month, we’re diving into the science of radio waves and exploring why one…
Apr 29, 2026 · Autumn Desjardins

Antenna experiments
How Long Does an HF Antenna Really Last?
If you’ve had an HF antenna up for more than one Canadian winter, you know: time is not kind to wire, coax, or connectors. From UV and wind load to corrosion and ice storms, even the best antennas have a shelf life. But…
Mar 23, 2026 · Ben Eadie

At the workbench
I Fried My VNA… So Let’s Talk About It
There are two types of people in ham radio: People who have fried a piece of equipment People who will fry a piece of equipment I officially joined group #1. The Moment Everything Went Wrong It wasn’t dramatic. No loud…
Mar 23, 2026 · Ben Eadie

Field notes
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips for Improving Your Ham Radio Signal
Even experienced operators can run into signal issues. When your setup isn't performing as well as expected, a systematic approach to troubleshooting can make all the difference. Here are some in-depth tips to help…
Mar 23, 2026 · Autumn Desjardins

Field notes
Can You Predict Your Radio Range? (Spoiler: Yes… Kind Of)
There’s a question every ham has asked at some point: “How far will my radio actually reach?” And usually, the answer is… it depends. But what if you could go beyond guessing—and actually predict your coverage before…
Mar 23, 2026 · Autumn Desjardins