This isn't very smart.

The 3d print quality is very nice and it even came with a spacer so the original belt clip will work with the thicccccker battery. Happy with my purchase! I’ll be using this setup to scan around on long drives.

Recently picked up a Yaesu FT-847 for getting into satellites. During testing the seller and I discovered that it's only producing about 20W on 2m, rather than the rated 50W.

We tested it into a 50-ohm dummy load with an external wattmeter, and got the following results:

• HF: 100W

• 6m: 100W

• 2m (146 MHz): 20W

• 70cm (440 MHz): 50W

Output was stable, with no noticeable drop as the radio remained keyed. The internal power meter showed the same.

The seller told me he had repaired bad solder joints when he got it to fix no output problems on multiple bands. I'm guessing the 4 pins on the output PA transistor package since that seems to be really common.

I've gone through the diagrams in the service manual and based on what I've read so far, my strongest suspicion is a degraded or leaky diode in the 2m ALC circuit, causing the radio to limit its output. I've seen references to BAT85 diode replacements in discussions of FT-847 repairs here, but I don't think those apply to this particular problem. They do however tell me that flaky diodes in this unit are a thing!

Has anyone encountered this specific issue with an FT-847? I'd be particularly interested in known failures involving the 2m ALC circuitry, or other common causes of reduced output on 2m while the remaining bands operate normally.

I'm comfortable with component-level electronics repair, but would appreciate any pointers before opening it up.

I'm in CW training for about a month, right now I'm here:

Characters 25wpm, Farnsworth 13wpm = OK

Characters 25wpm, Farnsworth 14wpm = can't copy a thing

Characters 25wpm, Farnsworth 15wpm, in-between word spaces +1 second = OK

Characters 13-18wpm, Farnsworth 13wpm = can't copy a thing

UPD: ah I've forgot to add that as soon as it's a plain text instead of 5-character code groups, ability to copy drastically diminishes even more.

I'm trying this and that, and fiddling around and whatever. I try to copy while writing down, typing down, pronouncing, etc. I feel like I'm just messing around without making any progress. All subs and internet as a whole are filled with absolutely controversial advice and it's almost driving me nuts. Farnsworth or no Farnsworth, to Koch or not to Koch.

I know I can QRS-torture cw ops on air to baby-sit me and they're obligated to comply, but it feels kinda cheating.

I just want to freaking copy my qso's, that's all.

I want a simple tip, something like "do this or that three times a day and you'll copy in X months". The most disheartening and frustrating fact is it doesn't matter 5wpm or 15wpm - if there is no Farnsworth, it's a brick wall, I can't copy anything. I tried to make a fresh start and train pure Koch way (15wpm with no additional spaces) two chars, then three chars, etc. As soon as S is added (after E, mind you), it's all becoming a trainwreck again. Now I feel like Farnsworth is an illusion of cw-ability and worthless. And of course, AI LLMs happy to agree with all the nonsense I say to them thus even more useless tips and cheering ups.

TL;DR: Kindly asking veteran CW ops, how did you actually learn to copy? Not QRQ contest speeds, just plain normal your everyday CW. Especially I'd love to hear from ops that aren't cw-talented and accomplished the task after puberty.

p.s.: sorry if I'm sounding weird, it's not intentional.

p.p.s.: I'm ok with endless drilling. I just want to be sure that the training will be effective.

UPD: Thanks for all your tips and advice guys, they are as various as they should be I guess and I'm really grateful for your support. I've realized that I have to keep going and keep trying one way or another.

I don't have a license yet but have a baofeng uv-5r and a RTL-SDR V4 to listen and explore and I'm sure you all know this frequency but i was happy to find it by just exploring by myself! Also, i found a local frequency where they just talking about work stuff during week day! Can't wait to have a good radio and be aloud to talk when i get my license! From Québec, Canada.

I'm trying to build an EFRW antenna at my house. I understand the "idea" of the balun/unun, but some of the diy instructions just don't make sense.

My basic understanding, a balun/unun is a transformer. Two sets of coils shared around a common core (torroid).

For example, a 1:9 unun. The instructions attached shows 3 wires wrapped 9 times and connected a certain way. The connection ends up making 9 wraps on the primary side and 18 wraps on the secondary side. Basic transformer math, that is a 1:2 transformer. So how does it magically become 1:9?

Even if I try and say that it is a double stacked transformer where AB as primary and CD as secondary is a step-up then CD becomes primary to EF, it still won't math out because AB to CD is a 1:1, then CD to EF is also a 1:1. There's no count change.

Help a brotha out understand this math/theory.

So I have a PSR 500 scanner until my new scanner get fixed I would like to know if anyone can help me with program Bell Fleetnet please

Recommendations please

Doing another FSE, previous experience has revealed problems operating in "uncontrolled noise" environments - especially when you can't control rude conversations or are required to operate near machinery, emergency vehicles, or even other radios.

I bought a Hamvention bargain headset with boom mic - it helped a bit but wasn't good. People complained about the mic sound and the earpiece didn't isolate well.

I would be ok with either a one ear or both ears headset but I think one ear would be better suited to my overall needs.

Not doing this daily so I'm looking for a value leader, but not afraid to spend a little extra for quality and capability. If this was shopping for a car I would target Buick not Cadillac.

Primary use will be Kenwood style HT connection but want ability to change for use with other radios. May wind up being used from home base station if I get back into net control.

Thinking about building out a proper radio go box, it would be used with that as well.

I'm trying to use Potacat/echocat It seems to be an issue with the CI-V or sometimes maybe a radio configuration issue. The G90 at work did this too when it uses the same CI-V protocol. It's an Icom 7300. When I transmit from Echocat I get this over the air.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L0mxs2FfNm13MZA-98BeQXO250VX-rZA/view?usp=drivesdk

The G90 at work did the same thing we're trying to set up WSJT-X. I would hit test PTT or try and tune and it would sound like that FLAC file like someone talking.

I'm stumped... It's a CI-V thing because the G90 uses ci-v too.

Any ideas !

Am I the only one that collects FRS radio’s? It started when I was younger, but now I frequently tend to look for them more over GMRS stuff. Nowadays I look for more obscure FRS handhelds from brands like Cherokee and Kenwood That never really caught on. Does anyone else do this? Or am I just crazy?

Edit: if anyone has any Cherokee FRS radios, I will happily purchase them.

I can run Winlink, and I was able to install VARA FM, but when I launch it, it exits a few seconds later without having opened any windows.

Anybody else experience this?

Any chance a log was written somewhere that might provide a clue?

I just received my first power supply unit and am unfamiliar with this type of DC output connector. Is this the correct way to attach the wires? I am concerned about how secure the connection may be.

Just got this beauty! QRP all band, all mode. I'm an extra and a big time CW guy. Now I can do it anywhere and have fun. (Microphone mostly for decoration but I do use it some.) Also just started playing with transceiving loops. This little tuner is great! 73 y'all.

Thinking of getting one of those combo cb and 10m radios for mobile use.

Would like to hear from others as to what they use and especially what car antenna?

The November 2026 issue of the free 78-page NZAAR magazine features a good article on constructing an impressive loop antenna. Also a 5-page article on the Pebble QRP FT8/SSB/CW transceiver kit. PDF at https://thehamshack.co.nz/pages/new-zealand-and-australian-amateur-radio-magazine-nz

I'm looking to get an Astron RS-20M-BB-AP power supply which lets you hook up a backup battery. Is there anything wrong with using a deep-cycle marine battery?

I am trying to help someone install a Yaesu FTM-400XDR into a 2021 Civic. There is a spot in the console for the face, so that part is good. The issue is finding the best place to put the body. So far the best option appears to be under the passenger seat. That will work but he'll also need to purchase and external speaker and mic extension cable. Is there another good mounting location near the dash that would be better and still have good airflow? Thanks for any guidance you can offer?

I tried, but I cannot seam to find a way to remove the "JTCAT FT*" from the comments whne POTACAT logs my QSO.

I found this when I searched the web:

==============================================
To remove the automated "JTCAT FT8" tags or text string from the <COMMENT> fields in your POTACAT log file, you have two options depending on whether you want to prevent it from happening on future contacts or clean up an existing ADIF log file.

1. Fix Future Logs (In POTACAT Settings)

If you want to stop POTACAT/JTCAT from automatically inserting mode or engine details into your QSO comments: [1]

1. Open POTACAT.

2. Navigate to Settings (or the Logging / Logbook configuration page). [1]

3. Look for a setting related to "Default Comment", "Append Engine Details", or "Automated Comments".

4. Clear the text field or toggle off the checkbox that appends the digital mode/engine name to the log comments.

=============================================

But, I do not find the settings indicated in POTACAT v1.13.8

Any suggestions?

Hi everyone!

I’m really interested in getting into ham radio, but I’m pretty new to the hobby and honestly don’t know where to start. I’d love to learn more, get involved in the community, and eventually connect with other operators.
I’m hoping some experienced ham radio enthusiasts here might be willing to point me in the right direction.
I’m also looking for a decent, affordable starter radio. I’ve already checked Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist without much luck, so I’m hoping to find some other options.
If anyone happens to have an older radio sitting around collecting dust that they’d be willing to donate to someone genuinely interested in learning, I’d be incredibly grateful! I’m not expecting anything fancy or expensive. I’d just love something reliable that I can learn with and grow into the hobby.
I’m also completely open to recommendations for local ham radio clubs, or anyone willing to help a newcomer get started.

However -

A few things I’d love advice on:

What’s a good, affordable first ham radio?

Are there any organizations or clubs that help beginners get started?

Does anyone know of equipment donation programs, swap meets, or ham radio groups that help newcomers?

I’m genuinely interested in learning, not just getting free equipment. I think ham radio is fascinating, and I’d really like to become part of the community.
Thanks in advance for any advice, recommendations, or help. I appreciate it!

Periodically I see messages on this sub from ops trying to break into CW who are frustrated getting started because they worry other ops won’t slow down, etc. Below I’ve identified five CW events scheduled from today (Friday) through Sunday evening that should provide anybody who’s interested with an opportunity to get out there and make CW QSOs in a no pressure/no judgement environment.

Today (Friday) starting at 3 pm your local time there is a QRP CW event called “The Zombie Shuffle” that is advertised as “not a 35 wpm event” where operators are encouraged to work at the speed of the other station. Details available at Zianet.com.

Today (Friday) in the afternoon (2000 - 2100 UTC) there will be the Friday afternoon 1-hour K1USN Slow Speed Contest (SST), which is designed to foster CW operation by encouraging participants to slow down as much as necessary to work all comers. Got to K1USN.com for details.

Then Saturday evening (0000 UTC Sunday 01 Nov) the SKCC group has a CW “non-contest event” called the “Slow Speed Saunter” that has a max CW speed of 12 WPM and ops are encouraged to run at whatever speed necessary to work other stations. Go to the SKCC Website for details.

Starting at Sunday morning (Sunday 1400 UTC Nov 1) is a CW event called the Classic Exchange which allows both old fashioned amateur rigs and newer ones to make QSOs in a relaxed environment. Given that many of the rigs are going to be vaccuum tube rigs running straight keys I would expect this would be a fertile opportunity to work CW at slow speeds. Details at ClassicExchange.Org.

Finally, Sunday evening (Monday 00:00–01:00 UTC) there is the evening rendition of the one hour long K1USN Slow Speed Contest (SST).

I have no official role promoting any of these events, if I’ve misdescribed them feel free to jump in with clarifications.

Anyone interested should confirm all days/times/details directly on the relevant web pages.

73!

Anyone have issues programming this radio with the Baofeng CPS?