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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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6 Meters: The Magic Band, Explained
6 meters earned its nickname honestly. It behaves like HF one day and VHF the next, and nobody can fully predict when it will do either.
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Best GMRS Radios for Families, Overlanding, and Everyday Use
You don’t need the most expensive GMRS radio on the shelf. Here’s how to pick the right one for handheld family use, vehicle mounting, or a home base, without overspending.
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Setting Up a Bug-Out Vehicle for Radio
A mobile radio beats a handheld from inside a vehicle every time. Here’s how to actually wire one into a bug-out vehicle.
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Simplex Calling Frequencies and Etiquette: 146.52 and Beyond
146.52 MHz gets programmed into practically every 2 meter radio sold, but a lot of new hams never get a clear explanation of what it’s actually for or how to use it without annoying everyone listening. What 146.52 actually is 146.52 MHz is the nationally recognized 2 meter simplex calling frequency in the US, meaning…
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The Yaesu FTX-1: Field Radio, Base Station, or Both?
Yaesu’s long-awaited FT-817/818 successor splits into two configurations: a lightweight Field Head and a 100W Optima setup. Here’s how each one performs.
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Building a Roll-Up Slim Jim Antenna for VHF/UHF
The Slim Jim is a J-pole’s flexible, packable cousin, built from ordinary twin lead and small enough to roll up and stuff in a jacket pocket. Here is how to build one.