The Alinco DJ-MD5 is a dual-band (2m/70cm) DMR radio with probably the nicest color LCD screen I have seen on a handheld radio for less than $300. You don’t hear a lot about Alinco when looking at amateur radio gear although they make a range of handheld, mobile, and even a few desktop radios. While … Read more
The BaoFeng UV-5R can be programmed both by the keys that are on the radio, and by using software. You might for example just program the radio using the keys if you need to enter just a few memories or you are out in the field with no access to programming software or cables. Using … Read more
Why am I wondering what happened to JT65? The other day I decided to fire up my JT65 software and make some contacts. I had not played with JT65, or any digital modes, in several years but had fond memories of using it. To my astonishment, I could not get it to work. I tested … Read more
The BaoFeng BF-888S is a very cool and inexpensive little radio that a lot of people purchase before realizing that there is no way to program the BaoFeng BF-888S radio with just the radio, you have to purchase a programming cable, download the software, and learn what you are doing first. This can be a … Read more
Years ago when I wanted to put up my first real antenna I looked far and wide to find out what type of antenna cable to use. Is there a difference for distance? How about just receiving instead of transmitting? Different types of cable for different frequencies? How about for the power I would be … Read more
There are a lot of SDR kits out there so finding the best cheap RTL type SDR kit to get started with can be a daunting task. Fortunately we have played with a lot of them so we can help guide you along the path to finding the one that suits your needs. This article … Read more
There are quite a few reasons you might want to camouflage or hide your antenna installation. Perhaps you rent and do not have permission to mount an antenna on the property, maybe there is a property owner’s association that doesn’t like antennas, or maybe you just like to keep your home from looking like a … Read more
Finding the best dual band HT antenna can be a tough job. It seems every time a person gets their license one of the first questions is what kind of antenna can they upgrade to so their HT radio will work better. Unfortunately this is not as easy as it may sound. For the purposes … Read more
Ever since I got this radio I have wanted to do a Baofeng BF-888s radio review because I found the radio fascinating. I have to admit I have always been very nervous about trying these cheap Chinese radios. My first HTs were a Radio Shack HTX-202 and a HTX-404. From there I went to a top … Read more
I often get asked if the cheap Chinese radios are any good. When you can buy a Baofeng UV-5R off Amazon for $24, I can certainly see both sides of that question. When a nice Yaesu 2 meter handheld can cost $100 or more, that Baofeng sure looks appealing. Then again, can a dual band … Read more