Bob Brehm – AK6R,” The RFI Guy”
Bob Brehm is COO / Chief Engineer of Palomar Engineers, with over 60 years of amateur radio experience in contesting, RTTY/digital modes, amplitude modulation, vintage radio restoration, linear amplifiers, and innovative antenna design. Bob is frequently on 3.870 AM and 3.895 Vintage SSB, as well as the Saturday Swap Net (7.240 MHz) — always sharing his deep technical expertise with fellow hams.
Early Radio Years and Licensing Journey
Bob Brehm’s amateur radio journey began in 1963, when he was first licensed as WB6QFA — holding both Novice and Technician class licenses simultaneously. His Elmer, Bill, WB6KZO (SK), helped guide his early passion for radio. At just 15 years old, Bob got on the air with a Viking I transmitter featuring a classic forest-green front panel and a set of 20 crystals covering 80, 40, and 15 meters — everything a young ham needed to get started.
His first receiver, a Knight R100A, was later upgraded to a Hammarlund HQ-170AC, which he used for years on CW and 80-meter AM with the “old timers.” Now one himself — and proudly a Life Member of the ARRL — Bob has continued to advance through every license class. He earned his Advanced Class license around 1984 as KB6QC, and later his Extra Class license (AK6R) in 1997 after passing the code test in front of W6YOO.
Bob also earned his First-Class Commercial License at age 18, which he still holds today, along with a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL). An avid contester and vintage radio restorer, he remains active on CW, AM, and SSB, especially on 80 and 40 meters, combining technical expertise with a lifelong enthusiasm for amateur radio.
***** Meet the Author *****
Bob Brehm, AK6R
Chief Engineer – Palomar Engineers, Inc.
With more than fifty years in amateur radio and RF engineering, Bob Brehm (AK6R) has become one of the most trusted Elmers in the ham community. As Chief Engineer at Palomar Engineers, Bob has helped thousands of operators master the art of efficient, noise-free communication — designing the hybrid baluns, chokes, and RFI filters that define modern station performance.
Speaker and Educator
Bob is a popular presenter at ham conventions, radio clubs, and technical workshops. His talks focus on practical RFI solutions, antenna matching, and noise reduction, always blending education with humor and real-world examples.To request a customized presentation for your group (20+ participants), email ak6r@palomar-engineers.com
Bob’s passion is simple: helping hams understand why their antennas work, not just how.
His clear explanations and real-world teaching style have inspired generations of operators to tackle the mysteries of SWR, balance, and common-mode current with confidence.
“Radio is part science, part craft, and part curiosity.
When you blend all three, the signals take care of themselves.”
— Bob Brehm, AK6R
ABCs of RFI for Hams
Are you fighting radio frequency interference (RFI) in your shack or neighborhood? Whether your transmitter is the source of the problem or you’re the victim of noisy electronics raising your receiver’s noise floor, this presentation will show you how to identify, eliminate, and prevent RFI quickly and effectively.
Learn practical, real-world techniques to reduce interference, lower your noise floor, and enjoy clearer signals and stronger contacts. Discover how the right use of ferrites, chokes, and proper station grounding can transform your on-air experience.
If you want to spend more time operating and less time troubleshooting, this session is for you. Join us and make RFI a thing of the past!
Key Topics:
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Understanding RFI fundamentals — symptoms, sources, and cures.
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How to select and use ferrites effectively.
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Solving transmitter RFI in your home and neighborhood.
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Reducing receiver noise for stronger DX signals.
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Real-world ferrite applications: feed lines, power cords, amps, and more.
What You’ll See and Learn
During the presentation, Bob will demonstrate real-world RFI solutions using feed line chokes, baluns, ununs, and ferrite applications for AC/DC power lines, computer cables, transceivers, linear amplifiers, and even home entertainment systems.
See firsthand how proper ferrite use and installation can make a dramatic difference in noise reduction and station performance.
Bob Brehm, AK6R
YouTube Video (Papa System)
RFI Presentation Handouts
Take home these free reference guides to help you solve RFI problems quickly and effectively:
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Ham Radio RFI Solutions Cheat Sheet – A concise, go-to guide for identifying, isolating, and curing RFI issues in your shack.
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Quick & Easy RFI Solutions for Consumer Electronics – Practical tips to eliminate interference in household and audio/video equipment.
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Mastering Coax Feed Line Chokes, Baluns, and Ununs: A Friendly Guide to Palomar Engineers’ RF Solutions
End Fed Antenna Secrets for portable, emergency and permanent installations
Learn how to select, choose and setup an end fed antenna system that works on multiple bands, is stealthy and radiates well at low heights. Find out the secrets of antenna matching, reducing RFI and minimizing noise present on many end fed antennas. Bullet End Fed Long Wire Antenna Typical Configuration
Presentations
W7MOT – MARCA
Power Point Slide: ABCs of RFI for Hams – MARCA – 09162025 97-2003
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – MARCA – 09162025
Power Point Slide: ABCs of RFI for Hams – CONVAIR 220 ARC – 09112025
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – CONVAIR 220 ARC – 09112025
Power Point Slide : End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Foothills ARS 04252025
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Foothills ARS 04252025
Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club
Power Point Slide: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more FOUR LAKES ARC – 04152025
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more FOUR LAKES ARC – 04152025
GOTAhams Amateur Radio Club
Power Point Slide : ABCs of RFI for Hams – GOTAHams – 04102025
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – GOTAHams – 04102025
Power Point Slide: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more ARALB W6RO – 03072025
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more ARALB W6RO – 03072025
YAESU ZOOMERS GROUP
Power Point Slide: ABCs of RFI for Hams – YAESU ZOOMERS GROUP – 03042025
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – YAESU ZOOMERS GROUP – 03042025
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more YUMA HAMFEST 02152025
PDF Show Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more YUMA HAMFEST 02152025
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – YUMA HAMFEST – 02142025
PDF Show Download:ABCs of RFI for Hams – YUMA HAMFEST – 02142025
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more RATPAC 02122025
PDF Show Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more RATPAC 02122025
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Santa Clarita ARC 01152025
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Santa Clarita ARC 01152025
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more W5KUB Amateur Radio Round table 01142025
PDF Show Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more W5KUB Amateur Radio Round table 01142025
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SCCDXC 09122024 97-2003 Version
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SCDXC 09122024
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Orange County ARA 08162024
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Orange County ARA 08162024
CATALINA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION (CARA) – 08/10/2024
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Catalina ARA 08102024
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Catalina ARA 08102024
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SOARA 07152024
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SOARA 07152024
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more EARS June 2024pptx
PDF Show Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more EARS June 2024
Power Point Slide Show: Fine Tune Your Station For Working DX Mabuhay 2024-2
PDF Show Download: Fine Tune Your Station For Working DX Mabuhay 2024-2
Lynchburg ARC – 2/09/2024
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Lynchburg ARC 02092024
PDF Show Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Lynchburg ARC 02092024
MVARA – 2/08/2024
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Mahoning Valley ARA 02082024
PDF Show Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Mahoning Valley ARA 02082024
End Fed Antennas Info Sheet Download:Palomar Engineers BULLET End Fed Antenna Flyer -12032023docx
Palomar Amateur Radio Club – 11/01/2023
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – PARC 11012023
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – PARC 11012023
Delaware Valley Radio Association – 10/11/2023
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – DVRA 10112023
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – DVRA 10112023
San Diego Hamfest 10/7/2023
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more LAKESIDE 2023 HAMFEST- 09272023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more LAKESIDE 2023 HAMFEST- 09272023
North Highland Hills Radio Club – 08/28/2023
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Henderson ARC 08222023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Henderson ARC 08222023
Henderson ARC – 08/22/2023
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Henderson ARC 08222023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more Henderson ARC 08222023
CQ Blind Hams – 08/10/2023
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more 08102023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets and much much more 08102023
Audio Podcast HERE
San Diego DX Club Meeting – 5/24/2023
Audio Link of Meeting With Speaker
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets – SDDXC 05252023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets – SDDXC 05252023
FLEX RADIO HAMVENTION DINNER – May 19. 2023
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – FLEX-RADI0 Hamvention 2023
PDF Download (includes extra slides): ABCs of RFI for Hams – FLEX-RADI0 Hamvention 2023
SUNLIFE Amateur Radio Club
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets – SUNLIFE ARC 1022023
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets – SUNLIFE ARC 1022023
Billerica Amateur Radio Society
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Billerica ARS 12072022
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Billerica ARS 12072022
Chippewa Valley Amateur Radio Club
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Chippewa Valley ARC 10042022
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Chippewa Valley ARC 10042022
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Le DeForest ARC 09212022
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Bears Zoom 09292022
Lakeside 9/24/22
Power Point Slide Show: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Lakeside ARC Hamfest 09242022
PDF Download: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Lakeside ARC Hamfest 09242022
Le Deforest ARC 9/21/22
Power Point Slide Show: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Le DeForest ARC 09212022
PDF Download: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Le DeForest ARC 09212022
POWERPOINT SLIDE SHOW:End Fed Antenna Secrets – Blind Hams 07212022
PDF DOWNLOAD: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Blind Hams 07212022
POWERPOINT SLIDE SHOW: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Valley of the Moon ARC 07222022
PDF DOWNLOAD: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Valley of the Moon ARC 07222022
Powerpoint: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Kamiah Idaho Hamfest 04232022
PDF: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Kamiah Idaho Hamfest 04232022
PowerPoint:End Fed Antenna Secrets – MARCA INC 04192022
PDF:End Fed Antenna Secrets – MARCA INC 04192022
Powerpoint:End Fed Antenna Secrets – Alexandria Radio Club 04082022
PDF: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Alexandria Radio Club 04082022
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Ham Fun Night – Jack Kirk – W6KRK 4/8/22
Powerpoint: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Ham Fun Night 02242022
PDF: ABCs of RFI for Hams – Ham Fun Night 02242022
YUMA HAMFEST 2022
Powerpoint: ABCs of RFI for Hams – YUMA 2022
PDF: ABCs of RFI for Hams – YUMA 2022
Powerpoint:End Fed Antenna Secrets – YUMA HAMFEST 2022
PDF: End Fed Anenna Secrets
Santa Clarita Radio Club
Powerpoint: End Fed Antenna Secrets
PDF: End Fed Antenna Secrets
Ham Fun Night – Jack Kirk – W6KRK
Powerpoint: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Ham Fun Night 12162021
PDF: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Ham Fun Night 12162021
San Gorgonio Pass Amateur Club (SPARC)
Powerpoint: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SPARC – 10282021
PDF: ABCs of RFI for Hams – SPARC – 10282021
Powerpoint: ABCs of RFI for Hams – PAPA System – 10022021
PDF: ABCs of RFI for Hams – PAPA System – 10022021
Powerpoint:End Fed Antenna Secrets – W6SD Online 08202021
PDF:End Fed Antenna Secrets – W6SD Online 08202021
Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach (W6RO)
Slides:ABCs of RFI for Hams – ARALB W6RO 08062021
PDF: ABCs of RFI for Hams – ARALB W6RO 08062021
ZOOM Meeting Online – June 14, 2021
Slides: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Online 06142021
PDF: End Fed Antenna Secrets – Online 06142021
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End Fed Antenna Secrets10/6/2018 |
| End Fed Antenna Secrets – San Diego hamfest 10062018 Update | End Fed Antenna Secrets – San Diego hamfest 10062018 Update |
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5 Quick and Easy RFI Solutions9/22/2018 |
| 5 Quick and Easy RFI Solutions – PAPA System | 5 Quick and Easy RFI Solutions – PAPA System |
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End Fed Antenna Secrets8/1/2018 |
| End Fed Antenna Secrets – PARC 2018 | End Fed Antenna Secrets – PARC 2018 |
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Quick and Easy RFI Solutions |
| Quick and Easy RFI Solutions – ARCEJ | Quick and Easy RFI Solutions – ARCEJ |
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End Fed Antenna Secrets7/5/2018 |
| End Fed Antenna Secrets – PVARC 2018 | End Fed Antenna Secrets – PVARC 2018 |
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Quick and Easy RFI Solutions5/17/2018 |
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To contact Bob for a speaking engagement send an email to Sales@Palomar-Engineers.com
Prior Hamfest/Convention Pictures
Pacificon – 2019
Visalia International DX Convention
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Yuma Hamfest 2016
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Lakeside Hamfest 2015
 Scott, KG6ABF at booth |
 Scott, KG6ABF and Bob, AK6R |
Palm Springs Hamfest 2015
 Scott, KG6ABF at booth |
 Bob, AK6R at booth |
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