Author name: W8NI

Same Radio, New Price Tag?

• • 1 Comment

This week, more than 30,000 ham radio operators will descend on Xenia for the Dayton Hamfest — better known as Hamvention. Held at the Greene County Fair and Expo Center, Hamvention is widely regarded as the world’s largest amateur radio gathering.

For hams, it’s an event packed with opportunity: the chance to finally meet people you’ve only talked to on the air (or exchanged CW with), hunt for rare treasures in the massive flea market, and get a first look at the newest gear from the major manufacturers.

This year, Icom is generating a lot of buzz with the debut of a mysterious new radio known only as the X-026. Based on the rumors and early speculation, it appears to be a mobile rig with a detachable faceplate and support for multiple antenna inputs — strongly hinting at a multiband radio that could cover HF, VHF, and UHF.

Beyond that, though, we’re firmly in speculation territory.

But here’s the question: don’t we already have “shack-in-a-box” radios? Radios with multiple antenna ports and wide band coverage have existed for years. And who doesn’t have a rig with a detachable face? [Yawn]

In a hobby that prides itself on experimentation and innovation, why do the “big three” manufacturers often feel like they’re really is no innovation?

Take something as simple as charging technology. Last Black Friday, I picked up two Baofeng handhelds that charged via USB-C. USB-C! A standard, everyday connector that nearly everyone already owns. No proprietary chargers, no bulky cradles — just plug it in and go.

And that feature didn’t come from Icom, Yaesu, or Elecraft. It came from Baofeng.

So what would I actually want to see in a new radio? What kind of innovation would make me seriously consider replacing my current rigs? Well, probably the very things that WON’T be in the X-026.

About a year ago, the internal speaker in my FT-891 failed after tens of thousands of contacts. Frustrated but resigned, I headed to Walmart to buy an external speaker. That’s when I realized how difficult it was to find a simple wired speaker. Nearly everything on the shelf was Bluetooth.

That got me thinking: why aren’t our radios Bluetooth capable?

With Bluetooth, we could easily use wireless speakers, headsets, and microphones. It seems like such a simple addition, yet it would dramatically improve convenience and usability — especially for mobile operators.

Imagine a mobile rig with reliable hands-free VOX support through a wireless headset. Our phones already do this effortlessly. The technology exists. So why are amateur radios still lagging behind?

And then there’s connectivity.

Most of us now have large monitors in our shacks — many of us have multiple screens. So why aren’t manufacturers embracing modern display options? Why not include a mini-HDMI or USB-C video output that would allow operators to connect external displays and customize what they see? Waterfalls, SWR graphs, ALC meters, frequency displays — all on a larger screen, arranged however the operator wants.

These are just two examples of features that would feel genuinely fresh and innovative.

Instead, I suspect we’ll see more of the same: superficial changes, minimal innovation, and price tags high enough to make it difficult to justify replacing perfectly capable rigs already sitting in our shacks that already do the same thing.

I guess we will discover the truth in a few short days.

Same Radio, New Price Tag? Read More »

Radio Myths – “You’ve Got Too Many Radials!”

• • Leave a Comment

There’s been a surge of new antennas hitting the market lately—many of them verticals. And in my opinion, vertical antennas are fantastic, especially for portable operations.

When I head out to a park, I don’t always have a convenient tree available to hang an EFHW. Even when I do, time matters. I don’t want to spend half my activation wrestling with a throw bag, trying to get it over the right branch, and carefully positioning the antenna. EFHWs are excellent—but they take time. That’s why I often turn to verticals.

I’m not alone. Many activators are coming to the same conclusion, which explains the growing number of portable verticals on the market. Along with them comes a popular idea: using “resonant” or “tuned” radials. The logic usually goes something like this—use a certain number of radials for 20 meters, but when you switch to 40 meters, you need to add more.

At first glance, that sounds reasonable. But flip the logic around, and it starts to fall apart. If that were true, then when moving from 40 meters back to 20 meters, you would need to remove radials. And that should raise some red flags.

Rudy Severns, N6LF, addressed this very question in a QEX article (May/June 2009) titled *“How many radials does my vertical really need?”* His conclusion was simple: more radials are better. Period.

Now, there is a point of diminishing returns. As Severns notes, “You gain perhaps another fraction of a dB going to 32 radials, but by the time you reach 64 radials there isn’t much change. The broadcast standard of 120 radials, each 0.4 wavelengths long, is hard to justify for amateur use—especially at today’s copper prices”.

Still, the principle holds: additional radials continue to improve performance, even if the gains become small. Which means that once you’ve laid out radials for a lower band like 40 meters, removing some when switching to a higher band like 20 meters is actually counterproductive.

So don’t buy into the marketing hype. The idea that ground radials need to be “resonant” or “tuned” is largely a myth. And when someone asks how many radials your vertical needs, the simplest answer is still the best: 

More.

Note: This article is discussing ground radials only. Elevated radials, which play a different role in the antenna system, is a different beast all-together. Rudy Severns, N6LF, discusses these differences in another article written for QEX magazine Mar/Apr 2009. To gain a firm understanding of various ground systems and access to all his test data, I recommend all seven of his articles that can be found (for free) at “https://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/“

Radio Myths – “You’ve Got Too Many Radials!” Read More »

More Watts, Less Gear: Chasing Power Without Losing Portability

• • 1 Comment

To say this has been a difficult solar cycle feels like an understatement. Not that I claim to be an authority—I’m still relatively new to amateur radio. I was licensed in May of 2020, and early on I heard plenty of “Old Timers” talk about how terrible the bands were.

“Just wait,” they’d say. “In a few years, you won’t believe how good it gets.”

Well… here we are.

A few years later, we’ve ridden up through the peak of the cycle and are now heading down the other side. And honestly? I find myself almost looking forward to solar minimum. That probably sounds backwards, but this cycle hasn’t quite lived up to the hype I was sold.

In fact, it’s been frustrating enough that I started looking into amplifiers for my Elecraft KX2. Nothing crazy—just something modest to bump my QRP signal up into the 35–50 watt range during what’s supposed to be the best part of the cycle.

Naturally, I started with Elecraft. If I’m running their radio, it makes sense to see what they offer. That led me to the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier, which would effectively turn my KX2 into a full 100-watt station. It sounds perfect… until you see the price.

As of April 2026: $1,470.

That stopped me cold. For that kind of money, I could buy two Yaesu FT-891 radios. Which, as of right now, are about $730 each and already deliver 100 watts out of the box. It’s hard to justify spending more on an accessory than on a complete, capable transceiver.

So I kept looking.

However, what I found didn’t get much better. The only reasonably priced option was a kit from QRP Labs—a simple amplifier for about $30 that can push a QRP rig up to 50 watts… but only if you feed it 20 volts. If it is run from a typical 12.8V battery, you’re realistically getting around 25 watts. On top of that, it’s single-band.

Now, I love the price. But if I need multiple units for different bands, plus additional power considerations, the simplicity and portability of a QRP setup start to disappear pretty quickly. For the savings in price, I would need to expand my station to include a separate power supply and multiple amplifiers to cart to the parks.

And that’s where the frustration really set in.

Every amplifier I found that could take the KX2 to 50 watts or more ended up costing as much as—or more than—just buying a 100-watt radio outright. I completely understand paying a premium for a high-power amplifier that pushes well beyond what a typical QRO rig can do. But paying that same premium just to reach QRO levels? That’s a tougher sell.

At some point, you have to ask what problem you’re actually trying to solve.

If the goal is simply more power, then surely the easy answer is to buy something like a Yaesu FT-891 and call it a day. But for me, that’s not really the point. I chose the Elecraft KX2 for its portability, efficiency, and the flexibility it gives me in the field. I don’t want to replace that—I want to build on it.

So the search continues.

Somewhere out there has to be a balance between a portable, reasonably priced amplifier that doesn’t force one to bring an abundance of extra components and cables. Maybe it’s a kit. Maybe it’s something lesser-known. Maybe it’s something I haven’t even considered yet.

Either way, I’m not done looking. Because while the portability of the KX2 is great, there are times when a little extra power makes all the difference—and finding the right way to get there is part of the journey.

More Watts, Less Gear: Chasing Power Without Losing Portability Read More »

5 Things Every OP Should Know

• • Leave a Comment

Even as I typed this title, I remember back to my years as an ISO auditor. There was a saying that rang through my circles, “Don’t ‘should’ on people.” It is obviously a play on words that are not appropriate in all circles, but this speaks to our tendency to make everyone “conform to the way I do it” or the way I think it should be done.

And even in typing this explanation leads to a whole other discussion that may one day grace my blog. But to keep our focus, even as I realize I mustn’t “should” on people, there are just some basic things we all should understand about this hobby. From new to old OPs, let’s jump into this list, and learn what we can.

1. You don’t need expensive gear to have fun!

I remember when I first thought about getting my license in amateur radio. I had so many questions that I struggled to get answered. But one thing that I was told was that I could spend $15 to $15,000 in this hobby.

When I first got my license, the Baofeng UV-5R was only 15 bucks. This cheap handie-talkie was an easy and simple way to get on the air. For me, I was interested in CW from the very start of my journey and so a purchase of a simple 20m QMX mini (for about $50 as a kit) to start making HF contacts was an easy decision.

This meant that for under $100 I had 2 radios covering VHF/UHF and 20m HF, that could reach just about everyone in the world, if propagation would allow. I had a blast with that QCX mini, and although I have purchased much more robust radios since then, I still use that QCX today.

And as technology continues to develop, one can now purchase a QMX multi-band multi-mode transceiver (that does CW, Digital and SSB) for just a bit over $100! Which knowing this makes me think… I might need a new radio!

2. Clubs and Mentors are INCREDIBLY Valuable

Amateur radio is the one hobby that have a special name for their mentors. Elmers are so valuable to your journey, and to have a good one is greatly coveted. Don’t skip this part. Sure, YouTube is your friend, absolutely there is a lot of info on the internet, but there is no comparison to being able to sit down with a good Elmer and ask specific questions.

And although this journey that you are on has a lot of individual opportunities, to have a club, a group of like minded individuals to have your back is priceless. If you ever had a bad experience with a club, or don’t grasp the value, please read my post below. Too many people underestimate the value of a good Elmer and Clubs, and the hobby suffers for it.

3. Listening is an Important Skill

This is probably the most important thing in my list! I could literally write a thousand word essay on this point alone! So many situations I have been in that listening either got the person a contact, or the lack of listening caused them to miss a contact.

Now I understand that not everyone is chasing rare DX, or even POTA entities. I know Hams that are only after a good rag chew. But even those “rag chewers” need to develop the skill of listening. As someone who runs a lot of QRP, I have had multiple people just move on to my frequency and start calling CQ. And I understand they may not have been able to hear me… but they never even asked if the frequency was in use. 

So do the hobby a favor and learn to listen. Listen before calling CQ, Listen before answering a CQ. Listen before assuming the station calling CQ is answering you. In other words, just listen! It is a very important skill.

4. Portable Operation Changes Everything

I know it is a lot of fun chasing DX in the comfort of your home with a KW station pumping through your 7 element beam. I also understand that to resort to a simple 100w (or less) and a wire, seems like stepping backwards at first—like trading horsepower for humility.

But give it time, and you’ll realize it’s not a downgrade at all. It’s a different kind of challenge. One that sharpens your ears, refines your patience, and reminds you that this hobby was never just about power—it’s about skill, creativity, and the thrill of making something small go a very long way.

And for those who think that in order to experience portable operation you must join in with POTA or SOTA or some other program… Remember that Summer and Winter Field Days are also possible portable activities, and can also be supplemented with a good Elmer or Club (refer back to #2 on this list).

5. This Hobby is Bigger Than You Think

I know of no one who has plumbed the depths of this hobby. The longer you’re in it, the more you realize you’re only scratching the surface. Just when you think you’ve “figured it out,” you discover another corner—another mode, another band, another challenge—that pulls you in.

Maybe you started with a handheld and a local repeater. Then it was HF. Then digital modes. Then portable ops, POTA activations, contesting, satellites, building antennas, chasing DX, emergency communications, or tinkering with homebrew gear. Each layer opens up a dozen more paths you could take.

And the truth is—you don’t have to do it all.

That’s part of what makes this hobby so great. You can go as deep or as wide as you want. You can be the guy with a modest setup making contacts from a park bench, or the operator with a full station chasing rare entities across the globe. You can build, operate, experiment, serve, or just enjoy the conversations.

But here’s the takeaway: don’t box yourself in too early.

If you’re new, give yourself permission to explore. Try something that feels out of your comfort zone. If you’ve been around a while, maybe it’s time to revisit that area you’ve always been curious about but never pursued. There’s always more to learn, more to build, more to experience.

This hobby isn’t a straight line—it’s a wide open landscape.

And no matter how far you’ve come, there’s always another horizon waiting.

———

So there is my list of 5 things every OP should know. What do you think? Did I miss one, or two? Is there something you think should be on this list. Leave a comment and let me know! And finally, Stay curious, keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey.

Kevin-W8NI has a blog that he posts to every week. Check it out at w8ni.weebly.com

5 Things Every OP Should Know Read More »

Testing FT2: Digital in the Fast Lane

• • Leave a Comment

 Do you find digital modes boring? Does FT8 seem to drag? FT4… faster but still… Well, if that is how you feel, let me direct your attention to FT2, the new digital speed demon. Just a few days ago I saw a YouTube video briefly mentioning FT2. I didn’t make much of it. But then a few days later, a local ham asked if I had looked at this new mode called FT2. I mentioned I had heard of it but didn’t try it.

He said he had not either, but it was supposedly faster than FT4. Ok, so now I am intrigued. As the cycle time for FT8 is 15 seconds, and FT4 only 7.5, FT2 boasts a cycle of only 3.8! So if all the “shortcuts” are observed, and signals are strong, a contact can be made in about 15 seconds. Do I have your attention? If so, let’s get into it.

This new mode is being developed out of Italy. That’s right, BEING DEVELOPED. It is not perfect, there are still bugs to work out, but more on that in a bit. To get started with FT2, you will need to download the software. It is a version of WSJT-X called “Decodium” and can be found at www.FT2.it

Once downloaded and configured, which was so easy even I could do it, I was off and running in the world of FT2. My first contact was with IW3FVQ, Mirco, from Italy on 10m. Over the next few minutes I made contacts with fellow radio operators in Haiti, Switzerland and Luxembourg. It was easy and quick!

But as fast as this mode is, there are downsides. Due to the speed of the transfer, a good signal has to be coming from both stations. In my LIMITED experience, there was a LOT of repeats.  So many in fact, FT4 (or even FT8 in some cases) would have been faster. Also the software (Decodium) didn’t always progress through the contact correctly and had to be manually advanced. So to keep it all working, you definitely had to pay attention.

So is FT2 the future of digital operating? Probably not—at least not yet. It won’t dethrone FT8 when it comes to weak-signal performance, and it still has a few growing pains to work through. But that’s part of the excitement. FT2 feels like a glimpse into what ultra-fast digital could become. When band conditions are strong and you’re looking to rack up contacts in a hurry—like during a park activation or contest-style sprint—it’s a blast. For now, it will not  replace the classics, but it certainly adds a new gear to the digital toolbox. And for those who thought digital modes were boring… FT2 might just change your mind.

Testing FT2: Digital in the Fast Lane Read More »

Scroll to Top