Blog

📌 Pinned

The Ultimate Guide to Arizona Amateur Radio & GMRS Clubs (Plus Regional Frequency Cheat Sheet)

August 10, 2026

Part of our Clubs and Nets guide. Whether you are hitting the backroads in a 4×4, preparing for emergency communications, or scanning the airwaves from your shack, Arizona has one of the most active radio communities in the country. From massive statewide VHF/UHF repeater networks to dedicated regional GMRS systems, keeping track of frequencies, tones,…
The Complete Ham Radio Glossary: Definitions and Acronyms for Every Corner of the Hobby

August 8, 2026

Ham radio runs on jargon. Half the barrier to getting comfortable in this hobby is not the electronics, it is the alphabet soup that gets thrown around on every net, every forum thread, and every product listing. I built this page to be the one link I send someone when they ask what a term…
The Yaesu FTX-1: The Complete Guide

July 28, 2026

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

July 28, 2026

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

June 29, 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

June 12, 2026

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

Updating IC-7300 Mark II Firmware: Why and How

June 6, 2026

How I approach IC-7300 Mark II firmware updates, from checking release notes to the backup step I never skip.
Contest Calendar 101: ARRL, CQ WW, and the Contests Worth Your Weekend

June 6, 2026

Hundreds of contests happen every year, and most of them aren’t worth your time. Here’s a guide to the handful that actually matter and when they happen.
LiFePO4 vs. SLA: Choosing a Battery for Portable Power

June 6, 2026

Both chemistries will run your radio. They just do it very differently in weight, lifespan, and cost. Here is how to decide which one belongs in your go bag.
AllStarLink: Connecting Your Repeater or Node to the Internet

June 5, 2026

EchoLink and IRLP aren’t the only ways to link a repeater or a personal node over the internet. AllStarLink takes a different technical approach, built on the same open-source telephony software that powers a huge share of the world’s VoIP systems. Built on Asterisk AllStarLink runs on Asterisk, the open-source PBX software originally built for…
Building a Ham Radio 100Ah Battery Box

June 5, 2026

A simple, roughly 30-minute build that costs way less than buying one pre-made, and doubles as a solid first electrical project if you haven’t done one before.
Setting Up HDMI Output: Running the Spectrum Scope on an External Monitor

June 5, 2026

How to get the IC-7300 Mark II’s HDMI output running on an external monitor, and why a bigger scope actually changes how you operate.
Setting Up HF for Mobile Operating: Screwdriver Antennas and Grounding in a Vehicle

June 5, 2026

Working HF from a moving vehicle is a different game than a fixed station. Here’s what it actually takes to run HF mobile, from screwdriver antennas to grounding it all properly.
40 Meters: The Band Many Hams Live On

June 4, 2026

Part of our Getting On The Air: Modes, Operations, and Making Contacts guide. If I had to give up every HF band but one, 40 meters is the one I would keep. It is not the flashiest band, it does not have the wide open DX magic of 20 or 10 meters on a good…

Blog

📌 Pinned

All Posts

Categories