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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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What Is SWR, and Why Does It Actually Matter?
Part of our Building Your First Ham Radio Station guide. SWR is the number every new ham gets nervous about before they understand what it means. It shows up on the radio’s display, on a meter, on a tuner, and it gets treated like a pass or fail grade for an antenna. It’s simpler than…
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Getting on FT8 with the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima (and the Field Head Alone)
Whether it’s docked to the SPA-1 amp or running solo on battery power, here’s how to get the FTX-1 talking to WSJT-X and onto FT8.
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Antenna Rotators: Do You Need One, and How to Choose
A rotator only becomes relevant the moment you put up a directional antenna, a Yagi, a hex beam, a quad, anything with a real front-to-back pattern worth pointing. Before that, it’s just an expensive way to spin a piece of metal. When you actually need one If you’re running wire antennas, verticals, or anything omnidirectional,…
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Meshtastic Range Testing: Antennas, Placement, and Realistic Expectations
Marketing claims for LoRa range are wildly optimistic. Here’s what to actually expect from a Meshtastic node, and what actually changes your real-world range.