Untangling Coax, Myths, and the Occasional Burnt Finger
We realized a piece of content didn’t make it into the previous mail. Sorry about that! Here’s the proper version.
Why Toroid Choice Is More Than Just Permeability
Mix numbers aren’t the whole story. Core geometry, losses, and frequency behavior often matter more than that magic μ. Here’s how to pick a toroid that won’t betray you.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/why-toroid-choice-is-more-than-just-permeability
The Future of Balun/Unun Modeling – A Peek Into New Research
Balun design is finally catching up with real-world data. This article explores new modeling methods that could change how we simulate and build wideband transformers.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/the-future-of-balun-unun-modeling-a-peek-into-new-research
Hybrid Baluns vs. Chokes in End-Fed and Off-Center Antennas
Do you need a choke, a hybrid, or both? We dig into how each approach handles common-mode currents — and why “just one toroid” isn’t always enough.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/hybrid-baluns-vs-chokes-in-end-fed-and-off-center-antennas
Waterproof RF Connectors Like a Pro – Cold Shrink vs. Self-Amalgamating Tape
Rain, UV, and time destroy coax connectors faster than SWR ever will. Here’s the real-world showdown between cold-shrink kits and the old tape-and-hope method.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/waterproof-rf-connectors-like-a-pro-cold-shrink-vs-self-amalgamating-tape
NVIS, DX, and Local Reception – Understanding Polarization in HF
Verticals, dipoles, loops — they all interact differently with the ionosphere. Learn how polarization shapes your NVIS and DX results, and why it matters more than you think.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/nvis-dx-and-local-reception-understanding-polarisation-in-hf
When the Sun Fires Twice – How Consecutive Flares Affect HF
Solar flares don’t always come alone. Back-to-back blasts can cripple HF propagation in surprising ways. Here’s what the science — and your radio — will tell you when it happens.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/when-the-sun-fires-twice-how-consecutive-flares-affect-hf
HF vs. GHz Circular Polarization – Myths, Limits, and Benefits
Circular polarization isn’t just for satellites. But myths abound when hams apply GHz logic to HF. This piece clears the fog.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/hf-vs-ghz-circular-polarisation-myths-limits-and-benefits
The Ugly Balun – Why Are We Still Doing This?
PVC pipe, enamel wire, zip ties… sound familiar? We break down why the “ugly balun” refuses to die — and what actually works instead.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/the-ugly-balun-why-are-we-still-doing-this
Hybrid Baluns vs. Chokes in End-Fed and Off-Center Antennas
Yes, it’s here again. Because this debate deserves both a technical deep dive and a myth-busting lens. Spoiler: hybrids and chokes aren’t interchangeable.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/hybrid-baluns-vs-chokes-in-end-fed-and-off-center-antennas
SWR Derangement Syndrome
If 1.000:1 isn’t on the meter, the rig goes back in the box. A tongue-in-cheek look at those who worship the almighty SWR needle.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/swr-derangement-syndrome
Height Is Might… Until Your Noise Floor Is King
That 30-meter mast might hear more switching supplies than signals. We roast the blind “higher is always better” mantra.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/height-is-might-until-your-noise-floor-is-king
The Great Camper DX Famine – When Your Antenna’s Wideband Isn’t Wide Anything
Parking-lot field day, miracle antennas, and the sad truth about “wideband” sticks on RV roofs. Yes, we’re looking at you.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/the-great-camper-dx-famine-when-your-antenna-s-wideband-isn-t-wide-anything
Thanks for reading this edition of the RF.Guru Lab Newsletter. As always, we mix serious engineering with the occasional eyebrow raise — because in RF, the truth is often stranger than fiction.
73,
Joeri – ON6URE
Founder – RF.Guru
https://rf.guru/