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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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Cloud Logging Compared: QRZ Logbook, Club Log, and HAMRS
Cloud-based logging keeps your contacts accessible from any device and syncs confirmations automatically. Here’s how QRZ Logbook, Club Log, and HAMRS actually compare.
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Why a Single-Band Radio Isn’t Enough for SHTF, and Where Digital and Encryption Actually Fit
One band and one mode is a fragile foundation for emergency communication. Here’s the case for multi-band, digital-capable gear, an honest look at where encryption is and isn’t legal, and what a MARS mod really does.
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G90 CAT Control Setup with Ham Radio Deluxe
Part of our The Xiegu G90: The Complete Guide. I run Ham Radio Deluxe on all my HF radios for logging and CAT control, and the G90 is no exception. It’s not quite as plug-and-play as my Icom or Yaesu radios, but it’s a solid connection once it’s set up correctly. What You Need A…
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Wouxun UV-9G Review: Our Family’s GMRS Handheld
Why the Wouxun UV-9G is our family’s go-to GMRS handheld: dual receive, real repeater range, and what to know before you buy one.
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Starting Your Own Ham Radio Club From Scratch
Part of our Clubs and Nets guide. I’ve written before about what’s wrong with a lot of amateur radio clubs today, and about how to vet an existing one before joining. Sometimes the honest answer is that nothing local fits what you’re actually looking for, and starting your own is a genuinely realistic option. Start…
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DRAWS and Other Digital Interface Boards: Alternatives to the Digirig
I’ve written before about the Digirig as the interface I reach for on the FT-891 and G90 for digital modes, but it’s not the only option on the market. The DRAWS board and a handful of other interfaces take a different approach worth knowing about, especially if your setup goals go beyond a simple laptop-and-radio…
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What Is WSJT-X?
WSJT-X is the free software behind FT8 and other weak-signal digital modes. Here is what it does and why it changed ham radio.