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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.
All Posts
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Why 15 Meters Deserves More Attention
Stuck between the reliability of 20 meters and the volatility of 10, 15 meters gets overlooked. It shouldn’t be.
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Why the AnyTone AT-D878UV II Plus and AT-D890UV Are Still the Radios to Beat
The 878 basically defined the affordable DMR handheld category. The 890 built on it. Here’s why both are still worth your money, plus how the BridgeCom Maverick and the rest of the field stack up.
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Simple Visual Panels and Ground Signals for a Family Bug-Out Plan
Line of sight doesn’t need a radio. Here’s a basic panel and ground signal system worth adding to your plan.
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When Radios Fail: Whistle Codes, Mirror Signals, and Other Non-Verbal Backups
Radios die and batteries run out. Here’s a simple non-verbal signal system to fall back on when they do.
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Permanent Wire Antenna Installs: Lessons From My Backyard
Everything I built for portable use eventually taught me something different once I tried to leave it up permanently. Here is what actually held up in my own backyard, and what I would do differently.
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Finding a VE Test Session Near You (and What to Bring)
The whole question pool is public and the studying is on you. The last piece is finding an actual test session and showing up with the right paperwork. Here is how.