VE6ARG Technical Library
This library preserves technical and practical work from Tom Buchanan, VE6ARG, Silent Key. Instead of a raw file dump, the documents are organized into usable topic cards so operators can quickly find material that matches the problem or project they are working on.
Documents are requested through the form on this page rather than downloaded directly. After a request is submitted, you can reply by email with the verified document link.
How this library works
- Browse the document cards below.
- Tap Add to request on up to five documents you want.
- The bar at the bottom of the screen keeps track of what you picked.
- Tap Send request on that bar and fill in your name and email.
- You will receive the document links back by email after verification. One request per day, please.
Request a VE6ARG PDF
Click any document card below. Your selected document will appear here immediately.
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Getting Started
A practical starting point for new operators, focused on getting oriented and moving toward useful on-air activity.
Getting on the Air
A practical guide to moving from equipment setup into real operating, with emphasis on confidence and usable first steps.
Know the Regulations
A plain-language reminder that good operating starts with knowing the rules, limits, and responsibilities that actually matter.
Building an Equipment Rack
A practical article on organizing station equipment into a more usable, maintainable, and mechanically sound rack system.
Grounding in the Shack
A focused discussion on station grounding inside the shack, aimed at safety, noise reduction, and sensible station practice.
Antenna Interaction
A useful article on how nearby antennas and structures affect each other and why isolated textbook assumptions often fail in real stations.
Antenna Tuner
A practical discussion of what an antenna tuner really does, what it does not do, and when it helps or hides a deeper problem.
Horizontal vs Vertical
A practical comparison of horizontal and vertical choices, with emphasis on trade-offs rather than slogans.
Low Radiation Angle
A focused look at radiation angle and why geometry, height, and antenna type matter so much to coverage and DX behavior.
Finding Interference with a Loop
A practical noise-hunting technique using a loop antenna to locate interference sources and separate station problems from environmental noise.
Finding RFI
A practical article on identifying and tracking down radio-frequency interference affecting station performance.
Line Noise
A practical treatment of line noise and how to recognize, isolate, and think about it in the field.
Noise is a Challenge
A grounded look at the reality that receive noise often defines station performance more than transmitter power.
The NanoVNA Part 1
An introductory practical guide to what the NanoVNA is, why it matters, and how to start using it without confusion.
NanoVNA Part 2
A continuation article that moves into deeper interpretation and more useful real-world measurement habits.
NanoVNA Part 3
A more advanced follow-up focused on extracting better information from the NanoVNA in practical station work.
Climbing Safety
A safety-first article on tower climbing or elevated work, preserving procedures and cautions worth taking seriously.
Don’t Overload Your Tower
A practical warning about tower loading, wind area, and why mechanical limits matter as much as electrical ambition.