The Baofeng BF-F8HP PRO takes the familiar inexpensive Baofeng handheld concept and adds considerably more capability. With 2-meter, 1.25-meter and 70-centimeter operation, up to 10 watts of advertised output, 1,000 memory channels, GPS, aviation reception, NOAA weather and USB-C charging, it is far more than a basic UV-5R-style handheld. But is the BF-F8HP PRO actually … Read more
The Tecsun PL-330 packs an impressive amount of shortwave capability into a remarkably small portable radio. It receives AM, FM, longwave and shortwave, while also adding USB/LSB SSB, synchronous detection, ETM+ scanning and 850 station memories—features normally associated with larger and more expensive shortwave receivers. The real question is whether that feature list translates into … Read more
The Uniden BCD436HP remains one of the most capable handheld digital scanners for monitoring P25 and trunked radio systems. Its combination of the HomePatrol database, P25 Phase I and Phase II support, location-based scanning, Close Call RF Capture, recording and extensive programming options gives it far more capability than a conventional analog scanner. But the … Read more
The Baofeng UV-5R is one of the most famous budget ham radios ever made. Its combination of dual-band VHF/UHF operation, programmable memory channels, repeater support, scanning, CTCSS/DCS tones and extremely low price made it a gateway into amateur radio for thousands of operators. But is the UV-5R actually a good radio, or is it simply … Read more
The Yaesu FT-65R is a rugged 5-watt dual-band handheld built around straightforward analog VHF/UHF operation. It combines 2-meter and 70-centimeter coverage, a loud 1-watt speaker, a 1,950 mAh lithium-ion battery, useful scanning features, and IP54-rated protection in a relatively compact package. That makes the FT-65R particularly interesting for beginners and experienced operators who want a … Read more
The Tecsun PL-680 is one of the most capable portable shortwave radios in Tecsun’s lineup, but is it actually better than the popular PL-660? In this Tecsun PL-680 review, I look at shortwave sensitivity, selectivity, SSB reception, synchronous detection, AGC behavior, AM performance, air-band coverage and everyday usability to see what the PL-680 does better—and … Read more
The Tecsun PL-660 has been a favorite among shortwave listeners for years, but does this classic portable radio still deserve a place on your desk or in your travel bag? In this Tecsun PL-660 review, I look at its shortwave sensitivity, selectivity, SSB reception, synchronous detection, AM performance, air-band coverage, controls, portability and real-world limitations … Read more
If you want to run FT8 from a park, summit, campsite, or other portable location, carrying a laptop can seem like overkill. qFT8 takes a different approach, putting FT8 and FT4 operation directly on an Android phone. This free, ad-free Android FT8 app supports more than 50 transceivers, automatic time synchronization, ADIF logging, QRZ and … Read more
Choosing the right feed line for maximum performance, lower signal loss, and years of reliable service When hams upgrade their stations, the focus is usually on buying a better transceiver, installing a larger antenna, or adding a more capable amplifier. One component, however, is frequently overlooked despite having a direct impact on transmit and receive … Read more
A reliable power supply is the foundation of every ham radio station. Whether you’re operating a 5-watt QRP rig, a 100-watt HF transceiver, or a VHF/UHF base station, your radio depends on a stable source of clean 13.8-volt DC power. Choose the wrong power supply, and you may experience voltage drops, excessive fan noise, RF … Read more
Whether you’re chasing DX from a scenic overlook, checking into a traffic net during your morning commute, or operating from an RV on a cross-country adventure, a quality mobile HF radio lets you stay connected far beyond the range of local repeaters. Unlike VHF and UHF radios, HF opens the door to nationwide and worldwide … Read more
Looking for something different on shortwave? The Early Jazz Radio Broadcast International brings classic jazz recordings back to the airwaves with weekly broadcasts on WRMI. Here’s the latest broadcast schedule, frequencies, coverage areas, and information on how to send reception reports and receive an e-QSL card. That’s exactly what motivated broadcaster Dave Tucker to launch … Read more
