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Practical Wireless - June 2023

XHDATA D-109 receiver reviewed, build an audio VSWR meter, a trapped antenna or a 4m cubical quad. Read up on amateur radio history. And lots more.

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Practical Wireless - June 2023

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What's in this Issue?

Don encourages readers to join PW’s 40th 2m QRP Contest.

News PW’s monthly roundup of news from the UK and internationally, including new products, club news and recent events.

Rallies Locate a rally or event near you; we have our usual comprehensive list.

Review: The XHDATA D-109 Georg Wiessala takes a closer look at a new world band radio from Chinese manufacturer XHDATA. This small receiver combines the advantages of a small travel portable with those of a Bluetooth speaker. 

A Simple Audio VSWR Meter Ken Ginn G8NDL describes an Amicus-based SWR meter with audio indication.

Look For a New One on 4 Metres This Summer Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX recently paid a visit to Bonaire’s premier VHF operator, Martin PJ4MM.

Antennas Keith Rawlings G4MIU continues with his evaluation of the selection of cheap antennas he bought from Chinese suppliers on eBay.

Airband News In a new occasional column, David Smith reports on recent advances in airband communications.

The World of VHF Tim Kirby GW4VXE has another full column, with a discussion about FT mode QSOs, a new handheld, FM/DAB DX and lots happening on the bands.

What Next Colin Redwood G6MXL looks at some techniques to help readers make contacts with DXpeditions in remote locations.

The Morse Mode Roger Cooke G3LDI has another miscellany of Morse-related tidbits.

HF Highlights Despite a slight downturn in propagation compared with the previous month, there was plenty to be found on the HF bands during March reports Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX.

Amateur Radio on a Budget Daimon Tilley G4USI addresses the challenge of switching multiple rigs to multiple antennas.

Data Modes Mike Richards G4WNC continues his in-depth look at SDR technology, plus we have a brand-new release of VarAC to enjoy.

A Homebrew Cubical Quad Rod Angel G4ZUP uses garden canes, cocktail sticks and elastic bands make a 4m beam antenna.

Trap that Coax Billy McFarland GM6DX explains how to make a multiband antenna by building your own coaxial traps.

Valve & Vintage Philip Moss M0PBM takes a look at the R209 Communications Receiver for mobile use. 

Book Review David Harris reviews a book that covers the way radio was used by both sides to influence the French population during the second World War.

Announcing the 40th Annual Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP Contest Colin Redwood G6MXL introduces the 2023 event, which takes place on Sunday 11 June 2023.

Vintage Television & Radio Keith Hamer and Garry Smith continue the special series looking back at how the BBC have covered coronations since 1937. There is also a special Coronation vintage radio advertisement from the archives. Also featured this month are the commemorations to mark the anniversary of the BBC 6BM Station in Bournemouth, the BBC Cymru-Wales Centenary, and 100 years of BBC Scotland-Alba. They also have more details relating to BBC2 Colour films, continue the series about the development of Swiss Radio and Television since 1933, and conclude the story about Ludwig Blattner and his Blattnerphone. 

Readers’ Letters This month’s Letters cover early home brewing, more on radio maths, PW free gifts, the demise of the Yaesu FT-817 and more.

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