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The Yaesu FTX-1: The Complete Guide
Every FTX-1 post on QSO Journey in one place: the overview, setup guides, field ops, digital modes, operating skills, and maintenance.
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Packing an FTX-1 Go-Bag: What I Actually Carry
My grab-and-go FTX-1 bag, built for showing up ready whether that’s an EmComm callout or a last-minute activation.
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What’s Wrong With Amateur Radio Clubs in 2026
Amateur radio sits at the intersection of electronics, software, emergency communications, and pure experimentation. So why do so many local clubs feel like they’re actively working to drive newcomers away?
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Weekly Nets Are Stuck in the Past, and They’re Not Preparing Anyone for SHTF
Most weekly nets have become a comfortable check-in ritual that teaches nothing and tests nothing. Here’s why that’s a problem for preparedness-minded hams.
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Building a Comms Binder: Manuals, Serial Numbers, and Frequencies in One Place
One binder, not three scattered systems. Here’s what actually belongs in it and why paper still matters.
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A Comms Plan Your Non-Ham Family Members Can Actually Use
A simplified emergency comms plan for the family members who will never get licensed and never want a full radio lesson.
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The Heil PRO 7: Why It’s One of the Best Upgrades You Can Make, Especially With the FS-3
Better audio, easier pileup hunting, and hands-free operation. Here’s what the Heil PRO 7 and FS-3 combo actually does, and what you need to run it on a Yaesu FTX-1.
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VarAC: The Modern Chat Mode Built on VARA
VarAC is one of the newer additions to the digital mode toolbox, and it’s easy to describe by comparison: it does for VARA roughly what JS8Call did for FT8, turning a weak-signal modem into a genuine keyboard-to-keyboard chat platform with modern conveniences built in. Built on top of VARA, not a replacement for it VarAC…