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In 1943, R.L. Drake Company was founded by Robert L. Drake in Miamisburg, Ohio. Initially focused on producing low-pass and high-pass filters for military communications during World War II, the company later became renowned for its high-quality amateur radio equipment. In the 1950s and 1960s, Drake introduced iconic products such as the Drake 1A receiver…

In 1942, during World War II, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) published a special “Defense Edition” of the ARRL Handbook. This edition was tailored to support the war effort, providing valuable information and guidance to amateur radio operators involved in military and defense-related communications. The handbook included sections on radio technology, equipment construction, and…

After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, all U.S. amateur radio operations were halted as the country entered World War II. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suspended amateur radio activities to prevent any potential security risks and ensure radio frequencies were available for military and emergency use. In response, the War Emergency…

In 1941, Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest and amateur radio operator with the call sign SP3RN, was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Auschwitz. Kolbe was accused of using his radio for espionage, as his activities and broadcasts were perceived as threats by the Nazi regime. In Auschwitz, Kolbe continued his pastoral work under…

In 1940, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed a prohibition on U.S. amateur radio operators (hams) from contacting foreign stations. This restriction was implemented as a security measure in the lead-up to and during World War II to prevent potential espionage and ensure the security of communication channels. The ban on international amateur radio communications…

In the 1940s, RG/U cabling, a type of coaxial cable, was established to standardize the transmission of radio frequency signals. The “RG” stands for “Radio Guide,” and the “U” indicates “Utility.” These cables consist of a central conductor, dielectric insulator, metallic shield, and outer protective layer, providing excellent shielding and signal integrity. Widely used in…

In 1938, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) opened the W1AW building in Newington, Connecticut. Named after ARRL co-founder Hiram Percy Maxim’s call sign, W1AW serves as the headquarters for the ARRL and a flagship station for amateur radio operators. The building houses advanced radio equipment, broadcasting facilities, and resources for amateur radio enthusiasts. W1AW…

In 1937, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) announced the DX Century Club (DXCC) program, which quickly became one of the most prestigious and sought-after awards in amateur radio. The DXCC program encourages amateur radio operators to make confirmed contacts with at least 100 different geographic entities, known as “countries” or “DX entities,” recognized by…

In the late 1930s, the first panadapter was developed, providing a groundbreaking way for radio operators to visually display and analyze signals across a range of frequencies. A panadapter, or panoramic adapter, uses a cathode ray tube (CRT) to present a visual representation of signal strengths and frequencies, allowing operators to see multiple signals simultaneously…