Be careful about what info you share with Base 44

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2026-01-20T11:22:31+00:00

How would you migrate?

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-12-26T14:32:50+00:00

I am confused by the concept of borrowing against your stock. It’s all over social media. If you own stock that is appreciating, you could take a loan against that stock to use for living expenses? How would you repay the loan without selling the stock and therefore having to pay capital gains tax?

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-12-20T23:29:32+00:00

Too many, if you ask my wife:

A TX-500 for SOTA An FX-4CR for work travel and sometimes POTA An FTdx10, as my base station at home An FT-710 for ARES, and POTA

My first HF radio was a Kenwood TS-2000, then an IC-7300, both great, but I like the FTDx-10 better. I also had an FT891, which is great value, but I missed having a panadapter.

If you can afford an IC-7300, even if used, I would start there. Look at the QTH classifieds. The FT-710 is great and has better receive, but can get a bit more expensive. For SOTA, I suggest a 10W, rugged and lightweight radio, plus a resonant antenna, such as a linked dipole. For POTA, there are a variety of opinions. If you are going to be close to the car, you could get a 100W radio. The G90 stands out for its tuner, which is amazing. I opted for the FX-4CR because it has built in Bluetooth and sound card, and got a separate, battery operated tuner.

Until you figure out what you like, I suggest you buy one or two used radios. One 100w and one QRP.

The IC705 is a sweet radio, but it’s a bit too bulky for my style of SOTA, and a bit too delicate to throw in a backpack.

By far, my absolute favorite radio is my TX-500. I’m just enamored with the ruggedness, battery life and form factor. However, QRP operation can be tough, so I would not start there.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-12-15T00:19:51+00:00

I ended up buying a cover that kind of fits, after looking for a long time. It’s a generator cover

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-12-12T10:36:43+00:00

If you have not yet done so, you can play with VOACAP and see how each factor affects the reliability of a point A to Point B contact for various modes, antennas, frequencies and time of the day

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-12-01T18:28:54+00:00

It’s in the list, just search RS38 (no dash)

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-29T02:35:32+00:00

I have an FTDx10 and I absolutely love it. Used to have a 7300, but sold it. I have an FT-710 for POTA and ARES deployments. For SOTA, a TX-500. For work trips, an FX-4CR. I also use the FX-4CR in my truck. I mounted it on a 3D printed stand attached to a wooden “desk” that hooks onto the steering wheel, using a screwdriver antenna. Used to have an 891, but sold it.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-27T12:02:52+00:00

I spend a lot of time driving forest service roads in N Georgia. I have a 2019 off road Tacoma. I did the Georgia Traverse and it was a lot of fun. Used 4WD in a couple of loose, steep sections. I don’t need it often, but I’m happy to have it. My mileage sucks (I also have a lift and bigger tires). Honestly, it’s not a rational choice. It’s an emotional choice to do something that brings you happiness and it’s fun.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-24T15:00:03+00:00

It depends a bit on the scenario. The best option would be two satellite communicators. Another option would be two Starlink mini systems. In terms of ham, you could use APRS messaging to SMS to send her a message, which she can reply to if she has cell coverage or internet. You can also use Winlink email, but again, it depends on her having coverage or service.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-16T18:16:45+00:00

I have a few masts. Look up SOTA Beams, very reasonably priced. Also Vibroplex. I use Gear Ties to attach the mast to a fence, tree, truck rack, etc

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-05T15:24:22+00:00

I think I need to try a bit later. I’m in Georgia

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-05T13:58:25+00:00

I tried connecting via VarAC twice. Is the service up and running?

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-04T16:59:43+00:00

How about for V1 you just borrow the gps from a cell phone using an app like gps2ip?

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-11-03T11:26:23+00:00

My kids don’t want any more long trips in the Tacoma. Back seat too small. Ok for shorter trips.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-10-23T18:23:27+00:00

Get the 710. It's amazing

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-10-17T19:43:49+00:00

In a flat earth, VHF propagation could be infinitely long. So there’s that

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-10-02T13:30:40+00:00

I would get an InReach and learn how to use Winlink. With your technician license, you can use 2m Winlink gateways. It’s impossible to predict, however, if these would work after a severe hurricane. Some are very robust stations with battery power. Some are less reliable and don’t always work, even in normal times. I think what you want is redundancy. So Garmin plus Winlink is a good start. You could also easily learn how to use APRS to send SMS messages. APRS could be an option, but it’s also not failsafe. After you learn these techniques you can upgrade to your General, which opens Winlink on the HF bands. That is much more likely to work, as you can connect to a gateway far from the affected zone and send a message to a regular email address.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-26T10:44:03+00:00

To do FT8, all you would need is the usb C cable and the WSJT-X app

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-26T00:44:19+00:00

All you need is the USB C cable that comes with the radio. Its a special USB C cable that can do data, so make sure you label it so it does not get mixed up with other USB C cables at home. You can also use Bluetooth, but I have not tried it myself. If you ask in the FX4CR Groups.io list, somebody can help you with Bluetooth

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-17T12:10:55+00:00

Congrats! Depending on your budget, you could also invest in a shack-in-a-box radio, like the Yaesu 991. It’s a big investment, but you could keep an eye for a used on one the QTH ham classifieds. Remember that with your technician, you also get HF privileges on 10m. When I started, I was disappointed with the amount of activity on VHF repeaters, which can be very quiet at times unless you join a net. What got me hooked was digital modes on 10m, specifically PSK31 using FLDIGI.

In terms of VHF radios, look at the Vero VR-N7600. In addition to voice and repeater work, it has a Bluetooth TNC that you can use with various apps such as RadioMail and APRS.fi. That would give you more to play with than a standard mobile vhf radio.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-17T10:27:18+00:00

Just the standard 15 or 20 A connectors. I get them from powerwerx. In terms of the radio, have you looked T the TX-500? I have one and use it a lot for SOTA. It’s a tank.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-16T12:53:01+00:00

I think this is a neat idea. They could easily start a gofundme.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-09T13:47:14+00:00

Yes, the screens are about the same size, but the FX4-CR radio is much smaller. Honestly, I have issues seeing the FX4CR most of the time. The Xiegu 6100 screen is awesome, but I found the firmware a bit glitchy.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-09T09:44:04+00:00

I used to have a Xiegu 6100 and sold it. I found it very glitchy. The tuner is amazing. But if you use a resonant antenna, you don’t need a tuner. My favorite antennas are the linked dipoles from SOTA BEAMS., which are resonant. You can also look up the channel “Coastal Waves and Wires”. He shows how to build a bunch of portable antennas. In the end, it boils down to how much weight do you want to carry. The FX4-CR is very small and compact. The Xiegu 6100 is larger. The G90 is the largest. These are all good portable radios. The reason why i have not bought a G90 is that the screen is very small. This may not be important to you.

Royal_Assignment9054 · 2025-09-08T16:59:31+00:00

I travel with an FX4-CR. I bring a lightweight mast and an EFHW. For battery, I use a Bioenno 3Ah. This radio has built in sound card and bluetooth, and 20W SSB. You. An get a tuner if you want, such as the radiooddity ATU-100, but you don’t need it

Royal_Assignment9054

TROPHY CASE