The Icom ID-31a is a UHF (70cm) D-STAR radio and currently the least expensive new option for getting into D-STAR digital radio. When talking D-STAR, the least expensive is still expensive, is it worth it? Let’s find out! I originally bought the Icom ID-31a as an introduction to D-STAR to see if it was something … Read more
The Baofeng UV-9S Tri-Band is a tri-band (2m/1.25m/70cm) radio that comes in standard black or this bright red version. Let’s see how it stacks up with other Baofeng offerings. I was really looking forward to playing with the Baofeng UV-9S since my favorite cheap Chinese radio is its cousin, the UV-9R Plus. From looking at … Read more
The Baofeng UV-9R Plus is a dual-band (2m/70cm) waterproof radio and my favorite cheap Chinese radio despite its flaws. Keep reading to find out why! In the world of cheap radios, it is almost always about the UV-5R and for pretty good reasons. Rarely do you hear about a better standard dual-band Baofeng than that … Read more
The Baofeng DM-5R Plus is a dual-band (2m/70cm) DMR radio based on the venerable UV-5R. It is also, as of this writing, the cheapest way to get into DMR out there at under $60. Baofeng’s UV-5R is probably the most popular handheld radio of all time. It is hard to find someone in this hobby … Read more
The Baofeng BF-888s is an inexpensive 70cm radio which is one of the most popular cheap handheld radios in the amateur radio hobby. These Baofeng BF-888s radios are not what you normally think of when you are talking about amateur radios as they are all but worthless without programming from the computer. You could, in … Read more
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
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
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