Tag: review
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The Yaesu ATAS-120A: My Take on This Motorized Mobile Antenna
An overview of the Yaesu ATAS-120A active tuning mobile antenna, including how it works, what it covers, and how it performs on my Jeep paired with an FT-891.
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The Chameleon MPAS 2.0 – The Compromise
A modular HF system that packs into a backpack and deploys a dozen different ways. Here’s how the Hybrid Mini upgrade changes things, and how the SS17 compares to the stock military-style whip.
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Kenwood TH-D75A Review: My Go-To Travel and Wideband Receive Radio
My honest take on the Kenwood TH-D75A after using it as my dedicated travel radio: wideband receive, D-STAR, APRS, and where it actually falls short.
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The Comet CAT-300: My Favorite Manual Antenna Tuner
A simple T-network, a cross-needle meter, and 160m through 6m in one box. Here’s how I set mine up, how I tune with it, and why it’s become a permanent fixture on my desk.
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Xiegu G90 for Portable Ops, and How It Stacks Up Against the FT-891
20 watts, a built-in tuner, and a waterfall display in a radio you can hold in one hand. Here’s how the G90 does in the field, and where it wins and loses against the FT-891.
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VGC VR-N76 / BTech UV-Pro Review: A Great Budget EDC Radio, With One Real Catch
The VGC VR-N76 and BTech UV-Pro are the same radio wearing two badges, and a genuinely great budget EDC option, with one catch: no CHIRP support.
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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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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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GMRS Base Stations: Building a Fixed GMRS Setup at Home
A GMRS base station is a simple, cheap way to keep in touch with family around town. Here’s what goes into a real fixed setup, not just a handheld sitting on a shelf.
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Buying Used Ham Radio Gear: What to Check Before You Buy
The used market is one of the best ways into this hobby without spending full retail. It is also where a surprising number of bad batteries, cracked finals, and misaligned rigs end up. Here is what to actually check.
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New Ham? This is where you should spend your money
A complete buying guide for new hams, covering radios, test gear, upgrades, and how to buy used gear without getting burned.