I purchased this radio from a friend, and it worked well. He hadn’t really used it, so I did a factory reset. This was a bit of a mistake, as it did a few things like turning everything to Chinese. I had to use my phone and google translate to decode it and get it back to English.
But that wasn’t the only problem.
The numbers on the microphone wouldn’t work anymore. It took me months or researching and looking, even asking questions to others online etc. But no one could help me which I thought was odd.
Eventually I found it and I have it below in this video.
Hopefully that helped you. Please subscribe to this blog if it did as I plan on doing more posts on this radio soon.
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HamClock has always fascinated me, as it seems such an amazing program specifically set up for Amateur Radio. I have seen countless videos on it but the draw back was always needing to have a Raspberry Pi. While I am not afraid to get one, and learn how to use it, I just didn’t feel like taking the plunge into that world just yet. Though I think that world is about to come, and I will end up regretting not doing it sooner!
So, what is HamClock?
Glad you asked. According to their website (https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/) HamClock is a kiosk-style application that provides real time space weather, radio propagation models, operating events and other information particularly useful to the radio amateur.
It is designed to provide ham radio enthusiasts with real-time information about the sun’s position, ionospheric conditions, and DX cluster spots. HamClock is an open source application which is a tool for the shack providing live up to date information all on one screen. It was originally written by Elwood Downey WB0OEW.
HamClock displays a map showing the sun’s position, illumination (daylight/darkness), and the “grey line” (the transition between day and night). This information is crucial for understanding propagation conditions, as the grey line is often a prime time for DX (long-distance) communication.
Usually it needs to be installed on Quadra or lynix, but I have recently found out you can install it on Windows.
Installing HamClock on Windows
Guess what, this is possible, and may feel overwhelming at first, but after following the video below, I was able to do it in real time along with this video. I was shocked how easy it was and super surprised I had not done this earlier.
Before doing the video, I suggest you read all the points below it as there were a couple of things I changed.
The video starts with music, but just do what it says. Then the author will talk you through the steps after the initial install.
The bit I got stuck on was setting up Cluster in HamClock. This is about 12:50 into the video, perhaps it was because I had an updated version of HamClock since the above video was done. So, instead, I put in the following settings:
Setting Up HamClock
There are countless ways to set up HamClock. As a starting point, I stuck with the video above as he shows you how to from 13:30. Below is a link to that point in the above video.
This video below is from a friend who also shows you in great detail how to set up your HamClock to get the most of it. Some things are slightly different, but after seeing this, you can have an informed choice.
I found this video below very good also, as it goes into detail regarding the map in HamClock. As you will see it is done by the same person. He talks about the maps and how to customise it easily.
After a Windows Reboot
When you next do a windows reboot, you will need to restart HamClock. To do this, open a CMD window by typing CMD in the windows search menu.
Then type in :
wsl sudo hamclock &
and put in your password you made for lynx and you should be able to open it again. Make sure you do n ot close the comand screen until you are finished.
Summary
Below is what my HamClock looks like. I like the background “terrain” map as well as the night and day showing on the map. I would value your thoughts though, as I know I am about the last one to finally get onto HamClock.
With all of these tools, we should remember propagation shown is using data, but the rest of it is predictions based on knowledge.
If these propagation tools show there isn’t anything happening, always give it a try anyway. You never know without trying. You may be higher than other stations, or put out more power. You might just get an opening before other stations.
All the propagation websites are a summary of conditions recorded and sent in. HamClock is a good tool, it looks good, and gives you a lot of information on the one screen. You can adjust it easily also.
Please tell me your thoughts, and what you think. Do you use it? Perhaps you use it differently and have some advice for me and other readers. Hope you enjoyed the read.
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You could say every amateur radio operator knows about the Baofeng if they have been around long enough. Most have held one of their radios and lots have at least one. They have made a huge amount of radios.
According to their website, they have been around fifty years now. However other information I found contradicts this.
Owning a R&D team with 50 years experience in the field of wireless communication. Having launched the Baofeng series of wireless walkie-talkies and related ancillary products.
But how big are they? Do they just build radios and then tweak them to launch another one or are they bigger than that?
Again, according to their website:
Total employees over 1500+. Our factory locates in Changfu Industrial Zone, XIamei of Nan’an, Quanzhou, Fujian province, China.
So what does Baofeng mean in English?
storm wind storm
bào fēng. storm wind storm (force 11 wind)
Baofeng Radio Information
After a bit of research, this is what I found.
Baofeng, a Chinese manufacturer, was founded in 2001 by Mr. Wang Jinding founded Baoan Electronics Co., Ltd. in Nan’an City, Fujian Province in Nan’an City, Fujian Province. In 2017, Fujian Nan’an Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd. changed its name to Fujian Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd.
It gained prominence with its Baofeng UV-5R dual-band radio, which became popular for its affordability and features, but also faced regulatory scrutiny due to potential frequency interference.
Fujian Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd. was founded in 2001 as a high-tech enterprise focused on research, development, production, and sales of radios.
The Baofeng UV-5R, a dual-band radio, became a global sensation in 2012 due to its affordability and features, particularly its ability to operate on both VHF and UHF bands.
However, the UV-5R, and other similar radios, faced regulatory issues in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Poland, and South Africa, due to concerns about frequency interference and the lack of certification in some regions. In the United States, the FCC cited Baofeng for illegally marketing the UV-5R, which was “capable of operating outside the scope of its equipment authorization”. The UV-5R served as a basis for numerous other models, with vendors able to create private-labeled versions, according to CHIRP.
The German Federal Network Agency banned the UV-5R because it dampens harmonics poorly, potentially disturbing other users, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa issued a ban after finding the UV-5R to be causing radio frequency interference and for having continuous tuning capabilities, a feature that would require an operator obtain a Frequency allocation license before purchasing or using the device.
Baofeng Models
This website I think only shows a fraction of the radios Baofeng have made and sold. For example a Pro version will be very similar to the original version but comes with so many more things, it is almost a new radio.
In my experience, you either love them starting at their cost, or hate them. It’s well known that some of cheap in price and quality, but this is perhaps the earlier models. If you love them, then they will bread like rabbits, if you hate them and own one, it will probably be sitting at the back of the draw or behind a box somewhere out of site.
There are so many models available now. So if you are wanting a hand held radio and on a budget, do your homework well. Just because it may be the latest model, doesn’t mean it has everything all the other models have.
Baofeng Radios Reviewed
Below are the Baofeng radios I have reviewed on YouTube. Hope you enjoy them.
Programming Tip
Did you know you can program these radios via Chirp? Here is a great tip you may like with chirp.
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This analogue radio does both 2m and 70cm and will receive more outside of the Amateur bands. I’ve heard unlocking the radio is easy, but I haven’t done this yet, but will do another post on this if and when I do this.
Having the buttons light up makes it easy to control and do what you need to do. It looks intriguing when the radio isn’t turned on, and stylish when it is on.
The cost of the radio. At this cost, I don’t think you would be to upset if you were not happy with this radio,
The Radio body itself is tiny. It can easily fit in a car that hardly has any room, or a radio shack shelf that is almost full. They have also managed to get all the buttons and plugs on the back far enough away from each other so large fingers can still access them and see them.
While the body is small, the screen is a fantastic quality and clear. There is a lot of information available on the screen, and this can be customised as to what you want to display. The live signal metre and volt metre is a handy feature also.
The DTMF microphone is a good comfortable size. I am glad they didn’t go to small on this as they did the radio body. You need to be able to find the microphone, hold it comfortably and use it well. A tiny microphone would not achieve this. I love the direct input you can do with the buttons that light up as well as the shortcuts they have included, such as scan, squelch settings, and offset frequency.
I love the sound from it with the quality speaker mounted on the top of the unit. Although the body is small, it doesn’t have a small tinny speaker at all. I also like how it sounds on air. Many have said how clear the audio is when they hear me use the radio.
The mounting bracket that came with the radio contained all the screws and even a spare fuse. There were no short cuts here which was nice.
The power cord was of good quality and to have a cigarette lighter plug already installed with a led made it easier to install in the car or via a modern power supply that has the socket installed.
While the box did not contain the programming cable, they are a common cable and very fast in communicating between the radio and the computer.
For such a small radio, the output power of 25/30 watts is great. No wonder the back half of the radio is a heatsink. The fan is quiet and comes on automatically after long transmissions.
I liked how easy the programming software was and how you could give each memory a name. You could also adjust a lot of other functions via the software and find things quickly.
Being able to PTT from the unit is a bonus, especially if you can’t reach for the microphone. Though you would have to change in the settings which microphone to use. Perhaps the next firmware upgrade could use the microphone in the mic is the PTT was pressed there, and the microphone in the unit of the PTT button was pressed on the radio. This is a very minor point though.
The packaging the radio came in was well planned and kept everything save in transit. While this is a small point compared to the others, it is a good first impression when the box arrives well, and everything inside is placed well, which can later be used if you want to store the radio.
The time the radio took to arrive after ordering was amazing. It came with full tracking information, but I hardly looked at that, because it arrived before I started to wonder where it was.
The things I didn’t like about this radio
The software was hard to find. I understand if you email them, they will send it to you. I ended up finding it on a Facebook site after some searching. You also have to make sure you have the correct cord when connecting to the radio. However, once I got the software, it worked well and a far easier way to program the radio.
Using dual watch make the radio make a clicking sound like a car indicator. Bit odd, but there you go. Not really annoying me, and most don’t use dual watch anyway.
No way to control the screen brightness. This is only a minor point, but in a car at nighttime, it will be very bright if mounted close to your face. You can configure the screen / microphone and how long it lights up so maybe this is a solution if it bothers you. That said, it really doesn’t bother me, but worth noting.
Some things you may want to know
If you want to turn on commercial FM radio, press the FUN key on the microphone momentarily, then press 7. You can then change to your required station.
How to save a memory channel?
Press V/M button on the front panel to switch your radio in VFO Mode.
Input the desired frequency by the numeric key on the microphone.
Press “FUN” key on the microphone momentarily, then press Numeric key “0” subsequently, and press “Up” or” Down” Key on the microphone to select your desired channel number. The LCD will display Cover->001, which means that the channel 1 is occupied, you can save your frequency to cover the previous memory channel. SAVE->234 means that the channel you selected is empty, you can directly save your frequency to it.
Press “FUN” key on the microphone to save the frequency to channel,.When the data is stored, the word OK will be displayed.
You can recall the memory channel in channel model.
How to delete a memory channel?
Press FUN on the microphone, select SET (or press 3) and then submenu 3.20 “Delete Ch”.
Use the up and down arrows to select the channel number to be deleted and press FUN to confirm.
I belive this radio will do GRMS, however as we don’t have that in Australia, I couldn’t tell you how to do it. I assume it would just require you to program the correct frequencies via the program or directly into the radio.
Frequency Range: FM:76-108MHz (Rx), VHF:136-174MHz (Tx&Rx), UHF:400-470MHz (Tx&Rx)
Output Power (H/L Power Switchable): High=25W, LOW=10W
Memory Channels: 200
Review Video
Below is a video of my full review which I highly recomend seeing and I hope helps you:
Purchacing
If you want to purchase one of these radios, the direct link below is available on the AliExpress website by Global Wakie Talkie Store.
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I came across something different, FreeDV. The name FreeDV insinuates it is free, but is it? What is it? And what does it do? They say it will be the new SSB of radio. They say it is clear and…
Key Assignment For some reason, not all the key assignment options are in the manual and after a bit of searching, I found no complete list. Hopefully this below helps you in selecting your Key Assignments on the main unit…
Everyone that has been into radio for a while will know the brand Kenwood. And most know Kenwood isn’t only into Amateur radio, they are bigger than that, and have been also. But are you sure it started in Japan?…
Today (20/06/25) I head Ron, VK3AHR, on the 7.100 40-meter net. I understand he ran this net for over 7 years, but hasn’t been able to for the last few weeks due to bad health. At 10am this morning he…
As licensed Amateur Radio operators, we have all heard about Yaesu. We have all seen a Yaesu radio and most of us have used and even own one. I’ve had and have several Yaesu radios. From extremely old ones full…
I’ve been using the Parks and Peaks app on iphone and ipad for a little while now and quite enjoyed it. There don’t seem to be many iphone apps compared to android, so when there is one, I usually have…
With digital radio changing so quickly, below is a bit of an update in regards to DMR radio networks. DMR stands for Digital Mobile Radio and is an internation standard for digital radios since about 2005. It can contain voice…
I managed to get one of these radios and was rather impressed with it and what it came with. Have a look what my box had in it. Some of the things I liked included: It is a Tri-Band radio…
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You could say every amateur radio operator knows about the Baofeng if they have been around long enough. Most have held one of their radios and lots have at least one. They have made a huge amount of radios. According…
Have you heard of a flowerpot antenna? I hadn’t until recently, and I enjoy gardening also. But this antenna has nothing to do with gardening apart from why it was named flowerpot and it will probably end up either on your roof or garden.
A good friend of mine put me onto it as I was having trouble on 6m. A small group of us think 6m is under-utilised so we all get on their and chat for a while either on AM or SSB.
My antenna worked reasonably well, but they suggested I build my own using the flowerpot method. Given I’m always up for learning something new, I couldn’t resist.
The best but about the antenna is it is extremely cheap to make, easy to put together and the antenna works really well.
You can make a flowerpot antenna for either 6m, 2m or 70cm. You can hang it in a tree if you wish, in a pvc pipe like I did, or using a pole or something else.
There were only two parts I needed, everything else I already had. But if I had bought everything, it would have cost me I total about $15. Not bad for a great antenna and one you can say you built yourself.
All I needed to buy was the pvc pole, which is optional and a slightly wider pipe to make the coil on I already had the RG58 coax, and it even had a pl259 plug on it!
My flowerpot antenna
Items I purchased included: PVC Pipe. Make sure you give it a shake in the store before buying. If it is too flexible then it may bend and snap in the wind. But you don’t want it to heavy either.
HF radio and lightning storms are closely connected because lightning creates strong radio frequency interference that affects HF radio communication (3–30 MHz). High Frequency radio is commonly used…
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An antenna coupler (also called an antenna tuner or matching network) is a device used in radio systems to ensure impedance matching between a transmitter and an antenna.…
Amateur radio operators use many different antenna types, each designed for specific bands, space limits, and operating goals. Here’s a clear overview of the most common ones and…
A dipole antenna is a basic radio antenna made of two conductive elements fed at the center. It is typically a half-wavelength long and is widely used as…
Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or completely block communication between amateur radio…
I’ve heard a lot about dipole antennas, and I’ve heard a lot about long wire antennas also. I would say I’ve seen more dipoles than long wire antennas.…
Repeater-START is a multi-platform app designed for ham radio and radio-operator enthusiasts who need fast access to repeater information. The app provides a detailed repeater map as well…
What Is the 6m Band? The 6-meter band, spanning roughly 50–54 MHz, is a section of the VHF spectrum assigned to amateur radio operators. Its wavelength is six…
Overview The Anytone AT-778UV is a dual-band VHF/UHF mobile transceiver designed for amateur radio operators. It operates on the 136–174 MHz (VHF) and 400–490 MHz (UHF) bands, offering…
Yes, this popular girl name is actually an Amateur Radio term. Christian, DK8EW, put me onto Olivia after we chatted on VARA HF. I had heard about Olivia…
The Yaesu FT-620 (and its updated version, the FT-620B) is a vintage amateur radio transceiver designed specifically for the 6-meter band (50–54 MHz). Produced in the 1970s, it offers support for AM, CW, and…
Key Assignment For some reason, not all the key assignment options are in the manual and after a bit of searching, I found no complete list. Hopefully this…
Everyone that has been into radio for a while will know the brand Kenwood. And most know Kenwood isn’t only into Amateur radio, they are bigger than that,…
HamClock has always fascinated me, as it seems such an amazing program specifically set up for Amateur Radio. I have seen countless videos on it but the draw…
You could say every amateur radio operator knows about the Baofeng if they have been around long enough. Most have held one of their radios and lots have…
Have you heard of a flowerpot antenna? I hadn’t until recently, and I enjoy gardening also. But this antenna has nothing to do with gardening apart from why…
The Daiwa CN-460M is a small cross-needle meter displays both forward and reflected power for 2m and 70cm. It measures in ranges of 15/150 watts forward and 5/50 watts reflected.…
The 2m band has always been an interesting one for me. It used to be swamped with pager interference, but it actually is a great band. Inversion allows…
HF radio and lightning storms are closely connected because lightning creates strong radio frequency interference that affects HF radio communication (3–30 MHz). High Frequency…
OpenHamClock is an open-source amateur radio dashboard designed as a modern successor to the original HamClock used by radio amateurs worldwide. It provides a…
The Radtel P8 PoC radio is a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) device that looks like a traditional walkie-talkie but communicates using 4G/LTE mobile networks…
Amateur radio operators use many different antenna types, each designed for specific bands, space limits, and operating goals. Here’s a clear overview of the…
Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or completely block…
Repeater-START is a multi-platform app designed for ham radio and radio-operator enthusiasts who need fast access to repeater information. The app provides a detailed…
Overview The Anytone AT-778UV is a dual-band VHF/UHF mobile transceiver designed for amateur radio operators. It operates on the 136–174 MHz (VHF) and 400–490…
The 2m band has always been an interesting one for me. It used to be swamped with pager interference, but it actually is a great band. Inversion allows your signal to travel long distances at times, especially on SSB.
This video is about the Yaesu FT-225R 2m all band radio. While the radio is huge, it is a beautiful radio any collector would love to have.
If you want to look at the manual, you can look at it here. I love these old manuals, where they state every component in them as well as circuit diagrams.
According to all reports, I sounded excellent on receive and I loved the sound from it on revive at my end also. You can plug in an external speaker, but I was happy with what it had.
Special thanks to Michael VK3CMC who let me use the radio so I could access the 2m SSB net.
The FT-225R
The two metre band probably should be used more than it is, but it is a good fun band.
Hopefully we can make contact with each other on that band one day!
If you enjoyed that, here is some more you may be interested in.
The Yaesu FT-620 (and its updated version, the FT-620B) is a vintage amateur radio transceiver designed specifically for the 6-meter band (50–54 MHz). Produced in the 1970s, it…
Overview The Anytone AT-778UV is a dual-band VHF/UHF mobile transceiver designed for amateur radio operators. It operates on the 136–174 MHz (VHF) and…
There are lots of duel band antennas available, but most required extra mounting brackets. These brackets often restrict you as to where you can mount the antenna on your car.
One of my first mobile antennas for the car was a magnet mount antenna. I used it on the family car before I even had a driver’s license. I could mount it right in the centre of the roof, giving me excellent reflection from the car.
It was also easy to remove when I wasn’t in the car, or if we had to park the car in a low garage.
The dual band antenna is easy to put together on the magnetic base, and heavy-duty cable with PL-259 connector.
It comes with a very strong magnetic base that measures 91mm /3.6’’ across. After using it on the car, I doubt any wind or speed will blow it off the car like my older smaller magnet base antennas.
HF radio and lightning storms are closely connected because lightning creates strong radio frequency interference that affects HF radio communication (3–30 MHz). High Frequency radio is commonly used for amateur radio…
OpenHamClock is an open-source amateur radio dashboard designed as a modern successor to the original HamClock used by radio amateurs worldwide. It provides a real-time visual display of essential ham radio…
The Radtel P8 PoC radio is a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) device that looks like a traditional walkie-talkie but communicates using 4G/LTE mobile networks instead of UHF/VHF radio frequencies. This means…
An antenna coupler (also called an antenna tuner or matching network) is a device used in radio systems to ensure impedance matching between a transmitter and an antenna. Most transmitters are…
Amateur radio operators use many different antenna types, each designed for specific bands, space limits, and operating goals. Here’s a clear overview of the most common ones and why hams choose…
A dipole antenna is a basic radio antenna made of two conductive elements fed at the center. It is typically a half-wavelength long and is widely used as a reference antenna…
Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or completely block communication between amateur radio operators. Radio Frequency…
I’ve heard a lot about dipole antennas, and I’ve heard a lot about long wire antennas also. I would say I’ve seen more dipoles than long wire antennas. So why is…
Repeater-START is a multi-platform app designed for ham radio and radio-operator enthusiasts who need fast access to repeater information. The app provides a detailed repeater map as well as a distance-sorted…
What Is the 6m Band? The 6-meter band, spanning roughly 50–54 MHz, is a section of the VHF spectrum assigned to amateur radio operators. Its wavelength is six meters, and its…
Overview The Anytone AT-778UV is a dual-band VHF/UHF mobile transceiver designed for amateur radio operators. It operates on the 136–174 MHz (VHF) and 400–490 MHz (UHF) bands, offering reliable two-way communication…
160 meters band is known as the “Gentlemen’s band”. It is right next to the AM commercial band, known as medium wave. The 160-meter band is the radio frequencies between 1.8…
Yes, this popular girl name is actually an Amateur Radio term. Christian, DK8EW, put me onto Olivia after we chatted on VARA HF. I had heard about Olivia before, but he…
The Yaesu FT-620 (and its updated version, the FT-620B) is a vintage amateur radio transceiver designed specifically for the 6-meter band (50–54 MHz). Produced in the 1970s, it offers support for AM, CW, and SSB (USB/LSB) modes, making…
I’ve always wanted to take the radio with me while on holidays and I always do. However I’ve always been limited to 2m and 70cm including local repeaters and digital work.
Our family enjoy holidays all over Australia into some of the most remote places without water, power or any mobile signal. Sometimes this can last week’s at a time.
If your keen to learn more about our travels around Australia and learn more, please let me know.
Most of these remote locations means limited activity on 2m or 70cm as there are no repeaters for days!
Because of this remoteness, there are several outback radio networks we can join or listen to. They make quite interesting listening.
However, when on holidays, we amateurs don’t want to just listen, we want to be part of the action! And HF is the next best thing.
I’m currently on holiday in the Victorian high country, also known as “The Man from Snowy River” country. It is rugged, beautiful and high. So up here I can actually can receive several 2m and 70cm repeaters, but this is a good test for HF work.
High up on Mount Buffalo
With me, I brought a battery pack, that has a 12 volt lithium battery which we run our camping fridge off. I now run my HF gear off it!
I also brought my new QT-80 radio, which is small in size yet puts out 80 watts. I have placed a video below on this radio if you are not familiar with it.
I used a magnet mount antenna base as the car I was using is not mine. This mount sticks to the car like glue, but also comes off on demand so you can adjust the antenna as required.
I brought two antennas to test. The first one was the HF-008 antenna that covers more bands than the QT80. I have a video on both these below for you if you are not familiar with it.
I also brought the new CBL-561 HF antenna so I could compare the two antennas. This antenna can be used while mobile unlike the HF-008 antenna. I have another video for you to show you that antenna below:
Before leaving home, I went to the hardware store and bought two lengths of pipe with caps that could safely store each antenna. I could then almost throw them in the boot of the car and not be worried about them being damaged or caught on something as I pulled them out of the boot.
Hot Tip
The funny thing was, while on holidays, I forgot to bring a measuring tape to adjust the antenna. Fortunately one of my children had a ruler with them so I was able to mark measurements down the side of the tube with a sharpie.
I also wrote down next to the measurements the lengths Radioddity recommended and then as I tuned in the antenna myself with the lowest SWR, I marked the pipe to my best measurements which were very close to the same as Radioddity.
This Tip I am sure will be very useful going forward when I’m out in the Australian outback or somewhere that I have no ruler!
Results
Both antennas fitted the same magnetic base which made this setup work well.
On testing both antennas using the same frequency to the same long distance contact, I and they couldn’t tell the difference between us. I found both antennas easy to tune in and get the SWA right down before making any contacts.
I then tried again from the top of Mount Buffalo, one of our highest mountains and got the same results where both myself and the contacts I spoke to didn’t know I had even changed the antenna.
There are differences between the antennas though which may help you decide which antenna is right for you.
Compare Antennas
HF-008
This antenna covers a lot of HF bands, as covered in the video above. However it cannot be used while mobile, mainly due to the jumper cable. It is a great antenna and can be used with a radio that puts out a lot more watts than the small QT-80 radio I used.
CBL-561
The CBL-561R antenna does not cover as many HF bands as the HF-008 does, but if you are using the bands it does cover, then this antenna might be good for you. One big advantage to this antenna is that it can be used while mobile, not just stationary.
Both antennas will need adjusting if you switch bands or switch from one end of the band to another. So setting the antenna to a permanent mount on the car on the top of the roof where it ends up out of reach, then you may want to rethink this. I found the magnet mount ideal, as you can still have it on the highest point of the car and access it easily.
Another option I also use is a bull bar mount that I use on my 4×4.
I’d encourage you to watch my video below as it explains what I discovered.
Remember the old saying Hight is Might and going portable gives you an opportunity to test this theory.
Hope you enjoyed this read. Below are some other interesting articles I have also written that you may enjoy.
HF radio and lightning storms are closely connected because lightning creates strong radio frequency interference that affects HF radio communication (3–30 MHz).…
Amateur radio operators use many different antenna types, each designed for specific bands, space limits, and operating goals. Here’s a clear overview…
Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or…
Repeater-START is a multi-platform app designed for ham radio and radio-operator enthusiasts who need fast access to repeater information. The app provides…
The Yaesu FT-620 (and its updated version, the FT-620B) is a vintage amateur radio transceiver designed specifically for the 6-meter band (50–54 MHz). Produced in the 1970s,…
I purchased this radio from a friend, and it worked well. He hadn’t really used it, so I did a factory reset. This was a bit of a mistake, as it did a…
HF radio and lightning storms are closely connected because lightning creates strong radio frequency interference that affects HF radio communication (3–30 MHz). High Frequency radio is commonly used for amateur radio (ham radio), marine radio, aviation HF communication, emergency…
OpenHamClock is an open-source amateur radio dashboard designed as a modern successor to the original HamClock used by radio amateurs worldwide. It provides a real-time visual display of essential ham radio propagation data, world clocks, DX activity, and space…
The Radtel P8 PoC radio is a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) device that looks like a traditional walkie-talkie but communicates using 4G/LTE mobile networks instead of UHF/VHF radio frequencies. This means its effective range is not limited to a…
An antenna coupler (also called an antenna tuner or matching network) is a device used in radio systems to ensure impedance matching between a transmitter and an antenna. Most transmitters are designed for a specific impedance, commonly 50 ohms,…
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A dipole antenna is a basic radio antenna made of two conductive elements fed at the center. It is typically a half-wavelength long and is widely used as a reference antenna in antenna theory and practice. Dipole antennas work…
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Prior to 1989, it was illegal to operate between 50 MHz and 52 MHz in Australia. It was a real pain as that was where all the action was when the band opened up. However, after many requests from…
I’ve heard a lot about dipole antennas, and I’ve heard a lot about long wire antennas also. I would say I’ve seen more dipoles than long wire antennas. So why is that? What is the difference between them? Which…
Repeater-START is a multi-platform app designed for ham radio and radio-operator enthusiasts who need fast access to repeater information. The app provides a detailed repeater map as well as a distance-sorted list, allowing users to easily locate nearby communication…
What Is the 6m Band? The 6-meter band, spanning roughly 50–54 MHz, is a section of the VHF spectrum assigned to amateur radio operators. Its wavelength is six meters, and its position between HF and VHF makes it behave…
Overview The Anytone AT-778UV is a dual-band VHF/UHF mobile transceiver designed for amateur radio operators. It operates on the 136–174 MHz (VHF) and 400–490 MHz (UHF) bands, offering reliable two-way communication for both ham radio and commercial use (depending…
Have you ever had an antenna and forgotten what it is for? Maybe you have been given one and wasn’t told exactly what it was used for. I got given an antenna at at ham fest because it didn’t…
Yes, this popular girl name is actually an Amateur Radio term. Christian, DK8EW, put me onto Olivia after we chatted on VARA HF. I had heard about Olivia before, but he encouraged me to give it ago. Soon I…
I came across something different, FreeDV. The name FreeDV insinuates it is free, but is it? What is it? And what does it do? They say it will be the new SSB of radio. They say it is clear…
Key Assignment For some reason, not all the key assignment options are in the manual and after a bit of searching, I found no complete list. Hopefully this below helps you in selecting your Key Assignments on the main…
Everyone that has been into radio for a while will know the brand Kenwood. And most know Kenwood isn’t only into Amateur radio, they are bigger than that, and have been also. But are you sure it started in…
Today (20/06/25) I head Ron, VK3AHR, on the 7.100 40-meter net. I understand he ran this net for over 7 years, but hasn’t been able to for the last few weeks due to bad health. At 10am this morning…
As licensed Amateur Radio operators, we have all heard about Yaesu. We have all seen a Yaesu radio and most of us have used and even own one. I’ve had and have several Yaesu radios. From extremely old ones…
I’ve been using the Parks and Peaks app on iphone and ipad for a little while now and quite enjoyed it. There don’t seem to be many iphone apps compared to android, so when there is one, I usually…
With digital radio changing so quickly, below is a bit of an update in regards to DMR radio networks. DMR stands for Digital Mobile Radio and is an internation standard for digital radios since about 2005. It can contain…
VK3TBS 