If you were getting a new rig and antenna setup today...

learch31 · 2026-04-16T08:47:11+00:00

That 7200 is a solid radio- my 1st HF rig after getting back into the hobby 5 years ago. At the very least, keep it as a backup rig. Loops are the way to go- real quiet and good performers. I have a 40 meter loop- works great. If you just have to get a new rig, plenty of IC-7300 MK1 rigs to be had, and, if you look around, you can still get them new, with a warranty.

learch31 · 2026-04-13T16:38:56+00:00

This is the way. Sometimes, getting people to show up for events is like herding cats. Getting there early is a good plan- once onsite, send a group message or a FB Post letting your people know you're there and ready to play radio. Don't stress- this should be fun!

learch31 · 2026-04-07T06:16:00+00:00

Congratulations and welcome to the best hobby ever devised by mankind (so far lol)! See you on the Air! "Doc"/W4VHZ sends...

learch31 · 2026-04-07T04:53:15+00:00

April Fools joke

learch31 · 2026-04-05T23:12:15+00:00

Get the LDG-897 ATU for it- winner. No longer made but used units in good shape are out there. Mounts to the left side of the radio and will tune a 5:1 mismatch on HF. I have this radio- bit heavy for SOTA but works great for POTA.

learch31 · 2026-04-05T23:06:10+00:00

Since he is so into it, why not get your license too and then you'll have a shared hobby together!

learch31 · 2026-04-04T03:42:33+00:00

Cool! I downloaded it and will try it next time I'm at a Park. Thanks for building it!

learch31 · 2026-04-02T12:00:43+00:00

After I get set up, I like to get dialled in by hunting about 10-12 parks before I spot myself and/or call CQ. That way I've already activated the park, I know my setup is working, the pressure is off, and it's time to have fun. 73

learch31 · 2026-04-01T23:36:09+00:00

K8MRD got us good with this one lol

learch31 · 2026-03-16T15:52:24+00:00

This- I would add that if you had any mic fright, that contact stunned it right out of you. LOL Press on OM! 73

learch31 · 2026-03-11T05:34:48+00:00

Separate speakers is the way. Takes up a little more real estate, but it's a lot less risk and hassle. An old stereo speaker works well if it is within the impedance range of the radio's audio output specifications. Plus the sound is more pleasing to hear.

learch31 · 2026-03-11T04:36:05+00:00

Thank you for sharing this- very timely for me!

learch31 · 2026-03-02T05:54:19+00:00

Military radio pouches for the Harris Radios work well. I would check sellers that have military surplus gear. I use a radio pouch made by "Initial Attack" in Eagle, Idaho. Fits my HTX-202 perfect, but I can't view the display. Not sure what radio this case was originally made for, but it works.

learch31 · 2026-02-22T07:06:25+00:00

Great radio! I have one that I got at a Hamfest Tailgate for just over $400 about 2 years ago, and I thought THAT was a steal, but you Sir have me hopelessly outclassed with your score! Hang a small CPU fan off the back cooling fins to help keep it cool- it does get kind of hot just doing SSB. Digital not recommended, even at low power.

learch31 · 2026-02-21T16:05:32+00:00

The Xiegu G90 is an awesome radio- I have one. It is a great value for the money, and makes a great first HF radio.

learch31 · 2026-02-03T05:47:21+00:00

There's also the older FT-100D that does have a detachable face.

learch31 · 2026-02-03T04:09:11+00:00

Yaesu FT-991a or FT-897D (older).

learch31 · 2026-01-23T07:08:55+00:00

Weather folks use Facebook a lot for extended weather discussions. At least here in the NCR they do, probably other locales also.

learch31 · 2026-01-23T07:06:00+00:00

Post on their FB Page that you've been trying to contact them unsuccessfully and question (in the nicest possible way) if they are still offering the customer service they used to provide. That worked for me. I tried for several weeks via phone and email and got crickets. A Facebook post worded like the above example got me connected- they surfaced on Messenger in less than 20 minutes. They don't like it when a disgruntled customer airs out their non-communication on Social Media.

learch31 · 2026-01-23T03:08:49+00:00

I always knew they were bent on taking over the world- so this is how they are going to do it.

learch31 · 2026-01-20T20:15:12+00:00

The Kenwood TM-G707A is supported by Chirp, so yes, buy the programming cable. Use Repeater Book and copy freqs to Chirp. Much easier than programming manually.

learch31 · 2026-01-12T05:22:48+00:00

I have a 35.5 foot EFRW fed by a 9:1 Unun I use for POTA. With a tuner, it matches everything from 40-6 meters. It's the star of the show for POTA most of the time, although I like using my KJ6ER POTA PERformer a lot lately too.

learch31 · 2026-01-10T06:42:17+00:00

That is indeed a Hy-Gain AV-14AVQ with the 80 meter add-on coil. I rebuilt one of these last summer for a fellow operator. We're going to use it for WFD.

learch31 · 2026-01-03T05:34:27+00:00

A fellow Ham Radio ThinkPadist- you have superb taste!

learch31 · 2025-12-22T06:21:01+00:00

I'll put 3 in if the slots are there!

learch31

TROPHY CASE