Yanton T-360UV: The Ultimate Ham Radio for the Modern Gentleman

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Transceiver

Compact Titan: The Yanton T-360UV Radio, Small in Size, Big in Features! Introduction As a seasoned ham radio operator and a tech enthusiast, the Yanton T-360UV caught my attention for its unique blend of compact power, elegant design, and robust functionality. This radio isn’t just a communication device; it’s a sophisticated accessory for the modern


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THE MFJ-267 DUMMY LOAD & WATTMETER – PRECISION, SAFETY, AND VERSATILITY IN ONE.

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Accesories

As an experienced ham operator, I have encountered various tools and devices in the world of amateur radio, but the MFJ-267 Dummy Load & Wattmeter stands out as a transformative piece of equipment. This device is not just another addition to the ham radio toolkit; it represents a significant leap


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REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR SHACK WITH THE MFJ-1701 ANTENNA SWITCH: MY PERSONAL JOURNEY TO BETTER SIGNALS

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Antenna

As an avid amateur radio enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for gear that not only enhances my experience but also solves practical problems. That’s exactly what I found in the MFJ-1701 antenna switch. This nifty device has been a revelation in my shack, and I’m excited to share my experience with you all.


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A Path to Sustainable Energy Storage

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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The evolution of energy storage technology has reached a pivotal juncture with the advent of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, promising a significant shift away from the conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that have dominated the market. This transition is not just a matter of technological innovation; it reflects a broader move towards sustainability and environmental responsibility in energy storage, driven by the limitations and ecological impacts associated with lithium extraction and use.


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Redell Rising: Pioneering Quality and Innovation in Handheld Two-Way Radios.

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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During my exploration for premier OEM manufacturers in the domain of high-quality handheld two-way radios, I was drawn to Redell (Fujian) Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, known as China’s “Handheld Two-Way Radio Town,” Redell stands out for its manufacturing excellence and foray into its own brand development.


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THE YANTON T-360UV EXPERIENCE

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Let me tell you about the moment I unboxed the Yanton T-360UV. It was love at first sight. This radio isn’t just another piece of tech; it’s a masterpiece of design and functionality that fits snugly in the palm of my hand. With its dimensions of 116x61x38mm, it’s compact yet feels solid and reliable – a testament to Yanton’s commitment to build quality.


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Unleash the Power of Yanton T-680UV in Your Ham Radio Adventures

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Let me share a bit about my journey with the Yanton T-680UV, a device that has truly redefined my amateur radio experience. From the moment I unboxed this rugged beauty, I knew it was something special. It’s not every day you come across a radio that feels like it was made to endure, yet remains so user-friendly and packed with features that can excite even the most seasoned ham operator.


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MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE REDELL UV97

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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rom the moment the Redell UV97 arrived, it promised to be more than just a piece of equipment—it was a companion ready to explore the vast world of amateur radio with me. With a design that marries durability with comfort, it’s been an absolute pleasure to carry around, whether I’m on a casual stroll around the neighbourhood or scaling the local peaks for some DX action.


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RIDING THE RADIO WAVES WITH THE SDRPlay RSPdx

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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As a tech enthusiast with a penchant for radio exploration, I recently got my hands on the SDRPlay RSPdx, a device that has redefined my radio adventures. This compact yet powerful SDR receiver, with its continuous coverage from 1 kHz to 2 GHz, has been a game-changer in my explorations of the radio spectrum.


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SDRCONNECT UNLEASHED:

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Hey there, fellow enthusiast and experimenter! Let’s dive into the SDRPlay SDRconnect software, which has been creating quite a buzz in the software-defined radio (SDR) community.


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HOW TO INTEGRATE A PANADAPTER INTO RADIOS WITHOUT BUILT-IN SOUND CARDS

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Greetings to all radio enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a rewarding journey to integrate a panadapter into radios without built-in sound cards. Our focus will be on the Kenwood TS590, the Icom IC-7000, and similar transceivers. By using a USB sound card interface like the DigiRig, we can add a panoramic spectrum display to these radios, boosting our ability to monitor and engage with the airwaves.


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NAVIGATING THE CYBER SEAS

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Ahoy, digital voyagers! In the vast ocean of the internet, there are more than just friendly waves and fellow sailors—there are pirates lurking, too, known as scammers and phishers. They’re out to plunder your personal information, but don’t worry! I’m here to help you spot these scallywags and steer clear of their treacherous schemes.


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REVIEW OF THE TYT TH7800

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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As a devoted ham radio enthusiast and a long-time user of the TYT TH7800 dual-band mobile radio, I feel able to provide a comprehensive and balanced review of this fantastic piece of equipment, including the important programming cable. Having experienced the TH7800’s performance, durability, and ease of use over the years, I can confidently say that this radio has been a valuable addition to my amateur radio setup.


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MY JOURNEY WITH THE MFJ-336T GOLIATH TRI-MAGNET MOUNT

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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I remember the day I first laid eyes on the MFJ-336T Goliath Tri-Magnet Mount. With its three super-strong 5-inch (12.7 cm) magnets bolted to a 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) triangular mount and 17 feet (5.18 meters) of coax cable, it was a sight to behold. The 3/8″ connector and the caution that “Once it’s on, it’s difficult to get it back off!” intrigued me. I knew I had to have it.


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HAM RADIO AND PREPPERS: A HAM OPERATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Hey there! Let’s chat about something that’s often discussed in both the ham radio and prepper communities: Do these two worlds really mesh well together? Now, full disclosure, I’m a seasoned ham radio operator but not a prepper. So, I’m approaching this from the angle of someone who knows the ins and outs of ham radio but is curious about how it fits into the prepper lifestyle. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!


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SETTING UP YOUR RTL-SDR WITH SDR SHARP

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Imagine a world where the invisible becomes visible, where the silent frequencies buzzing around us become audible. This isn’t a sci-fi movie plot; it’s the captivating realm of Software-Defined Radio (SDR). Now, you might ask, “Why would I want to dive into this world?” Well, let me share the magic with you.


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THE EVOLUTION OF HAM RADIO

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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let’s dive into the fascinating world of ham radio, starting from its very roots. Picture this: it’s 1895 and an Italian inventor named Guglielmo Marconi is about to change the world. He’s just demonstrated the first practical use of radio waves to send messages over long distances without wires. This was a game-changer, and it laid the groundwork for what we now know as amateur radio.


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HOW TO FIND UNKNOWN DEVICE DRIVERS

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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In most cases, when I install new hardware on my PC, Windows recognizes it automatically and I can start using it right away. It’s really convenient because it applies to both internal components like network or graphics cards, as well as external devices like scanners and unknown USB devices.


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THE STORY OF END-FED HALF-WAVE ANTENNAS: LET’S DIVE IN!

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Hey there, fellow radio enthusiasts! I’m absolutely thrilled to take you on an adventure into the world of antennas. Today, we’re going to unravel the intriguing history, inner workings, and exceptional qualities of end-fed half-wave antennas. And to make things even more exciting, we’ll also explore the fantastic features of the MFJ-1984MP, a popular end-fed half-wave antenna on the market today.


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DEPLOYING THE END FED HALF WAVE ANTENNA!

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Let’s dive into the exciting world of deploying the versatile MFJ-1984MP End Fed Half Wave Antenna! This antenna, manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, offers a range of deployment options that cater to different communication needs. Let’s explore the various setups and their advantages:


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UNRAVELING THE FREQUENCIES: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT GLOBAL HAM RADIO BANDS

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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The world of amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a fascinating realm that spans a variety of frequency bands within the Medium Frequency (MF) and High Frequency (HF) portions of the radio spectrum. These bands, each with their unique characteristics, are accessible to radio enthusiasts globally, although the specific allocations may slightly differ from country to country.


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CHOOSING YOUR HAM RADIO COMPANION: A REVIEW OF ICOM IC-7300 VS. YAESU FT-991A VS. YAESU FTDX10

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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If you’re a ham radio enthusiast or even aspiring to become one, you know how important it is to choose the right radio for your needs. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one suits you best. That’s why I’ve decided to help you out by comparing three of the most popular and highly rated ham radios in the market today: the ICOM IC-7300, the Yaesu FT-991A, and the Yaesu FTDX10.


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DENIS GRISAK AND DIGIRIG, A FRESH BREEZE IN HAM RADIO.

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Meet DigiRig, a breath of fresh air in the world of amateur radio technology. This open-source integrated digital modes interface is the brainchild of Denis Grisak, an electrical engineer and ham radio enthusiast. Denis, known by his call sign K0TX, started his ham radio journey in July 2020. He quickly found himself wrestling with a jumble of cables, breakout boards, and dongles that connected his radio to his computer. This was even more of a challenge when he tried to operate mobile, with cords sticking out from every side of his laptop.


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ICOM IC-7000 IN 2023, REVIEW.

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Ever since it hit the scene, the IC-7000 has been a favorite among us radio enthusiasts, from hobbyists to emergency responders and adventure seekers. The reason? It packs a ton of versatility and tech into a compact package. It’s become a bit of a collector’s item lately, as it’s no longer being made, and its unique set of features hasn’t been replicated by Icom or any other manufacturer.


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EXCELLING IN THE AIRWAVES: MY LONG TERM EXPERIENCE WITH THE DX COMMANDER CLASSIC ANTENNA

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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As an experienced radio operator, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of antennas, each with its own unique set of advantages. Among these, the DX Commander Classic, an End Fed Half Wave (EFHW), and an Off-Centre Fed Dipole (OCFD) have all been integral parts of my setup. However, the DX Commander Classic, which has been a permanent fixture in my station since 1919, has consistently stood out for its exceptional performance and versatility.


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THE DX COMMANDER HAS THE WORLD TALKING.

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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After accidentally coming across Callum McCormick M0MCX’s YouTube videos, watching and receiving very good recommendations from radio amateurs worldwide, in my search for a vertical antenna, I started looking seriously at the DX Commander multiband antenna.


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SIMPLE STEP BY STEP: USING THE NANO VNA H4 TO MEASURE SWR

Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
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Measuring the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) on a NanoVNA-H4 Vector Network Analyzer is a straightforward process. SWR is an essential parameter for assessing the impedance match between a transmitter and an antenna, or any RF transmission line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measure SWR using the NanoVNA-H4:


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