Hi. I'm learning how to use nano vna and decided to test my LNA filter. Check photo. I guess, LNA can get max -25dB, correct?

Hi all! I am HAM, and also a coach of electronics course. I had a lot of requests "lets make HF radio" from my students, so I thought: we'll build a TRX block-by-block, starting from something simple like VFO(which by itself is a QRP CW transmitter), then make a reciever, then a QRP TRX, then add power.

The problem is - I am good at electronics, but not so good at radio engineering, and I have no idea what designs are considered good now. So I want to borrow a design made by someone else - which would be guarantied to work fine and not require debugging. Do you know any beginner-friendly TRX designs or maybe some courses which I could borrow ideas from?

In the process of getting my license, currently have a cb installed in my truck and was curious if converting my Stryker sr10 mag mount antenna to a dual band antenna is possible. I know it’s a loaded antenna didn’t know if I could cut the whip down enough to work or if I need to just get a good mobile dual band antenna. Thanks in advance.

Hi guys, can anyone ID this ceramic Plate Inductor? Looking for a data sheet or specs.

Thanks!

I just wanted to come here to say I had a great experience with the Tennessee Valley Exam Team. Someone in one of the comments of this sub regarded them well, and I decided to search for them when scheduling my exam. Glad I did.

First off I apologize if this has been asked before, but I know there are 3 license classes and was wondering if there is a "waiting period" between licenses or if you could test, pass one. Take test for next class ect.

I downloaded the Gerber from http://www.k9ivb.net/PiHPSDR_Project/index.htm, and uploaded them to jlcpcb, but the jlcpcb Gerber viewer doesn't show the cutout in the center of the board, nor does it show the holes for any of the through-hole components. It does not complain about the drill file like kicad does when I import it locally, or when I push the files to my preferred fabricator, oshpark.

Is anyone familiar with jlcpcb that can tell me if their viewer just doesn't show that, prior to my ordering some of these boards from them? Oshpark doesn't like the drill file format, and I installed the pcb cad program the board designer creator used, but it requires a license...

RT-470 (10w) or RT-470X (5w) - which one should I pick solely for AM airband listening?

I've always had a fond appeal for amateur radio since I was a kid... used to be big into CB back in the day (I'm 39 now).
I have a scanner and a cheap baofeng radio and enjoy listening to the local repeater... was wondering what your thoughts are on the difficulty of the tech license? It would be fun to be able to participate.

What sort of time involved would you estimate is required for studying for the test?

Yo, I’m looking for some info on getting my license. Like how old I need to be (I’m 16) and somewhere in like the hillsborough county nh area

Random question here.

I got a baofeng uv 5r recently, and still trying to figure out out (my old Icom was so much easier)

So,.I am a volunteer at a horse event, we use UHF baofungs, 10ch, no markings. I guess they are bulk programmed. Is there any way I can figure out what freq or codes (ctcss/dts?) that I can then program into my Uv 5 and use, instead of theirs?

Or will I have to hunt down the person in charge of comms and see if they even know?

I’m quite unhappy with my rebranded $150 XHDATA. It won’t charge and is just very buggy in general, so I’m gonna take it back. This has really caught my eye, but I’m wondering if there is an original manufacturer for it, or if it’s an open source design that lots of people make. I don’t want something like an RTL-SDR clone.

Cheers

https://www.amazon.com.au/Shortwave-Receiver-Endurance-Spectrum-Bandwidth/dp/B0CJ4LV61R/ref=asc_df_B0CJ4LV61R/?tag=googleshopmob-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=650066504069&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16967885128758695770&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9069263&hvtargid=pla-2246502261090&psc=1&mcid=4c432bc504d83483917e2eeb59ab411a

Anyone Have experience with this app? Whenever I press TX I just get a solid beep transmitting. I just started using the app so if you could baby step me through what I’m doing wrong I would appreciate it. Radio is a yaesu ft-710.

I made a box with a 100ah LiFePO4 battery that is charged by a solar panel. I can connect my mobile radio to it and use it as a power supply. However it’s a bit bulky and I want to make another smaller version with a 20ah battery that I can take with me if I hike up a mountain or something. My question is: can I wire the two batteries in parallel to charge them? Or will the size difference cause them harm? If one is depleted and the other fully charged will it cause problems wiring them together? I’d like to leave them wired together to share the same solar panel and stay charged, then remove the smaller one when needed.

Is there anything to be gained by using shielded wires when connecting a repeater controller (such as the ID-O-Matic IV) to the transmitter and receiver? While I'm at it is there anything to be gained by putting the ID-O-Matic in a metallic enclosure v. a non-metallic enclosure?

W5JVJ Larry

I was listening to a group of folks chatting on the radio. They all seemed to know each other and I didn't know any of them. I wanted to pop in and say hello, but wasn't sure if that was proper etiquette. Thanks!

Anyone foresee any problem with painting a HT antenna? For example, spray painting a whip bright orange to increase visibility or painting a black rubber duck green or tan. Talking HT antennas only and using Krylon type spray paint. Of course protecting the threads and conductor with tape.

I foolishly removed power before a full down. Now all it says is initiating. I reimaged the card with no joy. The hotspot will not accept any changes from the pi-star console. I’m screwed. Just flushed a nice chunk of shekels down the old waste extraction unit. 🙁🙁🙁

I was hoping someone could let me know if I would get a little better range. I only need like another block or 2 tops… I was also considering switching to digital radios. The radios seem to do 4-5 blocks but at 6 blocks it fades out. I was also considering a mobile to put in the truck. Thx

Baofeng GT-5r AM?

Hey, I might get the GT-5r but I’m wondering if I can listen to am (air band), as it will be its main use. Can I? Was also checking the UV-5R for example, and in the website and Amazon it lists as AM capable but not on the GT-5R, that’s why I’m mildly worried. Anyone knows anything? Also what are the main differences between the UV and GT?

Also, I’m aware this subreddit is for more advanced equipment, but I want something more entry-level first…

Hello everyone, I'm starting on Ham Radio, so apologies for the noob question.

I own a Tecsun S2000 and I'm planning to buy an SDR (SDRPlay) for extended range and better capabilities. I'm just planning to receive, so no transmission in mind. I'm thinking to buy an external antenna (AOR SA7000) for the SDR. Because the Tecsun also have 3 antenna connectors, I want to use the external antenna on the Tecsun as well.

So correct me if I'm wrong, but a Diplexer would reduce the quality of the signal, so I need an antenna switch with one input and at least 4 outputs. Is that correct? Is there anything more I need to take into consideration?

Both antenna and SDR have a frequency range up to 2Ghz, I'm not sure if there's anything worth listening that high, but I don't want to reduce the range neither.

Thanks in advance.

I'm a newly licensed operator (general), and I wanna buy a new radio. I like the idea of a radio that can pretty much do it all from 70cm to 160. I don't really know much as far as pricing goes but I was wondering if this is a good deal? I saw it on eBay. The seller is asking $500 plus shipping for the radio and the tuner.

Is that a good deal?

So yeah I just got word back from my landlord and I can't have any antennas outside of my apartment building. So I can't open up a window and stick one on the side or anything. And my building is a brick building. He said the closest thing I could do would be opening up a window and like having an antenna in the window seal. So any suggestions? I'm very very new to this hobby not even sure if I'm going to really take it up so make sure to keep everything as simple as possible you know explain it like I'm five. Possibly also with links to products.

I recently purchased a Rfinder B1+ from GigaParts. I currently own 6 different handhelds aside from the Rfinder. All 6 are from the big 3 2 yaesu's, 2 kenwoods, and 2 iComs. Without a doubt, the Rfinder is just as rugged and well built as any of those. It integrated into my Verizon plan without a hiccup, and now I have 4 devices in one. A smart phone, a DMR hotspot, a dual band 2m / 70cm radio, and an internet hotspot. Rfinder really nailed it with this device. Yes it runs android 9, but that really isn't an issue and I'm coming from an iPhone 14. I would highly recommend it to any Ham operators out there. It is also part 90 certified and will run GMRS/ FRS and MURS out of the box.