Z - Zulu - dah-dah-di-dit
Z.
Zener Diode.
A diode that has the property of very little conduction when a reverse voltage is applied, but when the voltage reaches a certain level the conduction increases markedly. This voltage is known as the zener voltage and is well defined and stable. Zener diodes are available in a selection of voltages.
Zero Beat.
Adjust the frequencies of two signals so that they are exactly equal and in phase.
Zepp or Zeppelin Antenna.
An antenna used as an all-band radiator by using tuned open wire feed line. A typical antenna of this type might be utilized from 80 through 10 meters. The end fed 'zepp' antenna was named from the weighted wire reeled down and up from early lighter than air Zeppelin airships.
ZL Special.
This is type of a beam antenna which for a given boom length gives a higher gain than a Yagi antenna, it is a log-periodic where only two elements are driven with a series of parasitic elements (directors) in front of the smaller of the two driven elements. The driven elements are folded dipoles which are linked by a length of balanced twin-lead feed line. The polar plot of the ZL special is a heart shape (cardioid) while the typical Yagi antenna has a large forward lobe and a smaller back lobe.
Zulu.
1. When used in giving a time denotes Coordinated Universal Time can be shortened to 'Z', ie. 2335Z.
See also: About Time!
2. The phonetic for the letter Z.