📌 Pinned
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
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.
All Posts
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.