Author: Kris – KZ7K
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DMR vs. D-STAR vs. YSF (and the Rest): Comparing Digital Voice Modes
Four digital voice ecosystems, four different tradeoffs, and none of them talk to each other. Here’s how DMR, D-STAR, System Fusion, and the smaller players actually compare.
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JTDX vs WSJT-X: Is the Fork Worth Switching To
WSJT-X is the software running FT8 on my IC-7300 Mark II, and it’s the default recommendation for anyone getting started with weak-signal digital modes. JTDX is a fork of that same codebase, and it’s been around long enough that people regularly ask whether it’s actually worth switching to. Where JTDX came from JTDX started as…
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MeshCore vs. Meshtastic: What’s Actually Different
Two LoRa mesh projects, similar hardware, very different design philosophy. Here’s how MeshCore and Meshtastic actually differ, and which one fits your use case.
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The Yaesu FT-891: The Complete Guide
Every Yaesu FT-891 post on QSO Journey in one place: the overview, digital mode setup, manpack build, mobile install, and how it compares to the G90 and IC-7300 Mark II.
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What “Grid Down” Actually Means: Realistic Timelines
Cell, internet, and power fail on very different timelines, and most outages are hours, not the collapse scenario people picture.
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My Recommended First Ham Radio Station: Budget and Mid-Tier Builds for New Hams
Two complete station recommendations for new hams, one budget and one mid-tier, covering radios, antennas, and power supplies for VHF/UHF and HF.
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Stealth Antennas for HOA Neighborhoods: What Actually Works
An HOA restriction does not have to mean giving up on a real home HF antenna. It means getting more creative about what a real antenna is allowed to look like. Here is what actually holds up.
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How to Tune a Vertical Whip Antenna for HF
Verticals live and die by their ground system, not just their length. Here’s the actual process for getting a whip resonant on the band you want.
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Do You Need a Linear Amplifier?
What extra watts actually buy you in S-units, when an amplifier is worth the cost, and what it takes to run one legally.