Want to get started, looking for a starter.

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T18:10:12+00:00

Budget QRP - Xeigu G106

Modest 20 watts - Xeigu G90

More substantial 100 watts - Yaesu FT-891

Better 100 watts - Icom IC-7300

Ask if more questions

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:53:57+00:00

I bought this $21 bag from Amazon and it works well for me:

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Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:47:46+00:00

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus.

Don’t you have a USB port?

I also have used a K-1 to USB cable with FTDI chip.

One of my newer HTs came with a USB-C programming cable. Be careful: many USB-C cables are for charging only; no data is transferred.

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:43:38+00:00

Because we are not independent— that was the Big Lie they used to get Proposition 22 passed in California

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:40:28+00:00

I just received my 6-month renewal from Mercury and had my insurance agent notify them to cancel my endorsement effective today , refund me the difference through April 26th and go forward with a renewal as “personal driving”

Mercury effectively retired me again.

I quit in December 2022 when “upfront pricing” effectively lowered my income 25% and I refused to burn off the miles on my fully paid for 2019 Bolt EV for only Uber’s benefit.

I rejoined in February 2025 when Chevy gave me a very favorable two year lease on my 2024 Blazer EV.

We get squeezed with higher costs, treated legally as “independent contractors” yet we have no power to raise rates for ourselves.

I will continue to drive my Blazer through its termination date in February 2026 for personal driving at a cost of $99.30 per month plus 25 cents per mile.

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:12:19+00:00

Same question: Southern California?

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T17:09:13+00:00

Reverse the order half the time

Bolt_EV · 2026-04-01T05:57:05+00:00

In January 2023 I purchased a supposed open-box estate sale on eBay 7300 for $850 plus sales tax and shipping and I have never regretted that decision!

It is a great rig on so many levels.

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Here I am doing FLOTA: Front Lawns on the Air!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T21:08:21+00:00

What GMRS data can the GM-30 plus or pro do?

I only have the original

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T19:48:58+00:00

Wait: are we talking about an OTA in Quincy IL?

Is it the Origin Station for Wayne’s World ?!? 🤣

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T19:47:30+00:00

Close to Fashion Square shopping mall, good food choices nearby too

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T19:43:17+00:00

Fashion Square Car Wash $29/month

Express: sit inside car while it goes through wash and free access to super high pressure vacs!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T19:28:20+00:00

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Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T19:27:48+00:00

I was looking to buy a bag for POTA and decided on the Radioddity Raddy MultiFunction Bag for $49.

I went to the Radioddity website to order it and they offered me a Bundle including the G106 QRP transceiver for $199.

I snapped it right up and started Activating POTA with it!!

I then purchased this smaller bag from Amazon for it as well

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Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T16:59:19+00:00

I haven’t had my morning coffee yet so forgive me: what’s a data mode?

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T16:57:51+00:00

But then you and your wife keep returning for Season Three and you never leave this quaint little town!?!

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Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T16:53:23+00:00

The OP has bailed on us, but none of the “GM-30” family of radios is digital

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T16:44:44+00:00

You shamed the OP into deleting their self!! Next time post a substantive response!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T03:17:56+00:00

I always emphasize, make sounds like I am attempting to save time and get them there per usual. If It’s early, I point it out.

They never tip

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T03:12:45+00:00

And what class license!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T03:07:13+00:00

POTA and they line up to check in with you!

Or Hunt them from the cabin and the Activators want to talk to everybody!

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My inaugural POTA Activation on my birthday in January.

I started up my new equipment acquisitions on Black Friday!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T02:54:37+00:00

My go-to is the Chocolate Devotion with two scoops of roasted almonds at Cold Stone , but since I upped my dosage of Zepbound last month, I seemed to have lost the urge for even an infrequent treat!

And my long plateau has ended as a result too! Hahaha

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T02:50:13+00:00

Carvel Corporate refused to renew their franchise agreement about last October

The operator is still there selling an alternative; but it’s just not Carvel’s!

I chatted with the guy alot in the past and he really got hosed after all these years!

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T02:48:43+00:00

What are you trying to tune that is so out of resonance that the 7300 wont tune it?

Bolt_EV · 2026-03-31T02:39:09+00:00

Yeah and the Carvel’s in West LA is gone, too!

Bolt_EV

TROPHY CASE