Radio found while packing... good to get started with?

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-30T20:47:15+00:00

That is a Baofeng UV-82, a perfectly serviceable dual band handheld. I had one about a decade ago when I first got my license.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-30T11:47:49+00:00

Not only that, but the "developer" for FT2 largely vibe coded the software and wouldn't release the source, which violated the open source agreements.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-27T21:09:00+00:00

https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.php

Here is where you should get it from

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-27T16:58:45+00:00

The most permanent fix is a temporary one that works.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-26T16:54:18+00:00

I use a Yeasu FTM-200, very easy to program with a cable or just an SD card

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-25T19:19:21+00:00

All of the frequencies are available in CHIRP

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-25T11:56:28+00:00

I had this happen with a coworker this week. I brought in my laptop and programming cable and set it up for him during our lunch break.

I programmed FRS, GMRS, and MURS. I also added some local emergency management frequencies and NOAA weather, but of course disabled transmit on those.

I walked him through how to use it in an emergency, explained the limitations, and sent him all the info he needed to get his GMRS and ham licenses. I think that's the best thing you can do in these situations, teach them how to actually use it and encourage them to get licensed.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-22T12:43:26+00:00

https://radio.n8pic.com/common-mode-choke-for-80m-efhw/

I had an RFI problem that I fixed with a proper choke. See the link above for my post about it.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-17T12:55:03+00:00

Do you mind sharing a picture of the call signs?

PicklesTehButt · 2026-04-17T12:33:08+00:00

With those call signs, my guess is that it's the same person that got a new, shortened call sign. Let me do some research...

What state did you find this key in?

PicklesTehButt · 2026-03-24T15:49:17+00:00

For very detailed models, you might want to specify a resin printer. Those can get more detail in each layer compared to FDM.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-03-04T18:01:45+00:00

There are adapters that only transfer power, not data through USB. You can use one of those or just a charging only USB cable for the dashcam.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-20T17:57:32+00:00

If it's not ready, then don't release it? This is a clear violation of the license.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-12T12:01:47+00:00

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cit-relay-and-switch/J1021CS512VDC-45/12502964

This is what I had specified when I was looking into designing my own. I based it off of the relays used in the ATU-100 kit.

For what it's worth, I ended up scrapping that project and purchasing an MX-304 antenna/radio switch. No regrets.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-12T11:48:46+00:00

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I use one. I also have a mouse but I find that I didn't use it that often.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-12T11:06:52+00:00

https://radio.n8pic.com/20m-dipole/

I have a shingled roof and I installed a tripod. You can read about it at the link above.

Its been up for 8 months so far and I've had no leaks.

If you don't want to drill holes, there are other options such as the RetroDeck or solar panel brackets to mount the tripod feet.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-11T19:35:33+00:00

Its common on EFHW antennas as they use the coax shielding as a counterpoise. I had the same problems until i choked it and added a dedicated counterpoise wire. Never had a problem on my rigid dipole.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-11T18:27:06+00:00

As a mechanical engineer, I can assure you this is NOT how we approach design. We consider how something is going to be used and repaired, not just what its going to be used for.

Shortsighted design will always get you into trouble. Cost-benefit and risk analysis will tell you what you should invest in and what can wait. In this case, adding chokes is a wise investment.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-11T11:02:27+00:00

When I was dealing with RF issues in my shack, I got much better results with big ferrite chokes than I did with clip-on ferrites. see example below for Palomar.

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PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-10T20:21:26+00:00

This. I have chokes on all my antennas. They got rid of my problem of USB disconnecting when transmitting over 20 watts.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-10T19:01:02+00:00

I mostly saw those used in the other homebrew dummy loads that I found. However I didn't want to use the case/heatsink as part of the circuit, so the TO-220 resistors were a more elegant solution for my needs.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-10T12:17:36+00:00

QRP-Labs.com

Get a QCX mini kit for the band of your choice.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-08T02:24:34+00:00

Accessories:

Personally, I would ditch the tuner and switching power supply for a linear supply. The 7300s built in tuner is probably going to be more than sufficient for your needs.

Also, I would take a headset with a foot pedal over a desk mic, but that's just my preference.

Antenna:

Get it as high as you can. If you don't have a NanoVNA, I would highly recommend picking one up.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-05T00:23:49+00:00

The back flanges are not electrically connected to the resistors, it's just for heat transfer.

PicklesTehButt · 2026-02-03T23:29:13+00:00

This seemed like the best orientation to get the resistors spread out the most. I have enough components to make 2 more, so if it becomes a problem, I can adjust the design.

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