The IC-2730 is Icom's newest dual band (2m/440Mhz) mobile radio which features dual wide RX, 50 watt power output, large display, lots of memories, and crossband repeat. The price-point of this radio (I paid $349) demonstrates the competitive market for rigs in this category. While the price of this radio is pretty aggressive, Icom is packaging this radio in a similar manner to the ID-5100: No brackets for the body or face.



The above picture does not show the power cord, manual, or mic hanger, but it does show you basically what is included in the package. The construction of the body is typical Icom quality: sleek but tough. The mic is the same as the one included with the ID-5100; reports of audio quality have been great and it's also easy to use to control the radio....

Well I must say it's been the most challenging and learning project yet to date for me.
I started this with a Heathkit SB-221 chassis.
You can see from the pics where I started, and now countless hours since my Christmas vacation. The project is working!
My homebrew KW+ 6 meter amplifier is born.
60 watts drive equals 1000w PEP on SSB.
She will key down legal limit with 100 watts drive!
Pair of 3-500z EIMAC tubes @ 3150 vdc at 750 mA plate current.

CK/Warren/Crusher/Shockwave...I still have and issue with output at full 100w drive. I am getting audio distortion. I am guessing my limited experience with VHF building, my coax routing or orientation is the cause.
HEY it's clean at 1000 watts, why sweet blood over 4-500 more!!!!

Nobody will know the difference! Yes swing watchers NOBODY!

So if you see anything that jumps out at you, let me...

The new Icom IC-2730A dual band mobile with crossband repeat and optional bluetooth is now available for $370.



The rig features VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF dual simultaneous receivers as well as wideband receiver coverage. Adding bluetooth will cost you an additional $250 if you want to use the Icom bluetooth headset. Overall, this looks like a pretty nice radio.

VE7FMN, Fred sent me a Cooler KX Plus heatsink to try out for my Elecraft KX3, and I made a video of the simple install process. This heatsink really is made quite well; the finish and machining compliment the KX3 nicely. Here is the video of the installation procedure, plus a test at the end:



For a simple test, I ran the KX3 on 20 meters at 10 watts, FM mode into a dummy load until the rig gave a Hi Temp warning and folded the power back to 5 watts. With the stock heatsink, the Hi-Temp warning occurred after 8 minutes and 46 seconds. With the Cooler KX Plus, the keydown time extended to 27 minutes, 36 seconds until the warning. The starting PA temperature for both tests was 28 deg. Celsius and the rig folds the power back at just over 60 degrees.

It should be noted that the the higher you go in frequency with the KX3, the quicker it heats up. Adding an aftermarket heatsink allows you to operate at full power using high duty cycle modes,...

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across NR6C, Gregory's website where he detailed a modification that he came up with that upgraded the stock tuning dials on his Ameritron AL-800H HF amplifier. What caught my eye about this modification was how fast he claimed that he could tune up his amp after performing this modification. I have the same amplifier and thought this would be a great idea for me to try, as well.

In addition to the precision vernier dials, the key to this modification is the adapter plate and the shaft extensions that Gregory makes in his shop. I contacted him about obtaining the necessary parts and he was more than willing to help me out! He offered to send me the necessary parts and directed me to where I could order the precision verniers from Henry Radio on eBay, which is located here: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5336136228&icep_item=330837447160. As you can see the the numbered dials make...

A short while ago I posted pictures of my installation of the Elecraft KX3 2 meter board. I also shot a video of the whole process, as well:

The new ThumbDV, a USB based version of the popular DV3000 AMBE™ board is now available for order from NW Digital Radio. By adding the ThumbDV to your PC, Mac, or Linux machine, you can now use your computer's mic and speakers to access the popular D-Star network. In addition, the AMBE-3000 chip supports other digital modes, such as DMR, System Fusion, dPMR, NXDN, P25 Phase 2 HR, and others (required software for these modes is in various stages of development). The price is $119.95 and is available direct from NW Digital Radio: http://nwdigitalradio.com/thumbdv-ordering-now-open

This is my attic 40/20/10 meter fan dipole that I installed in my attic today. In my opinion, it's a work of art! All I did was make spacers out of 1/2" PVC tubing the wire is spaced 6" off center. Then I combined my 40,20, & 10 meter antenna with a w2au balun that was part of my 10 meter antenna.
So far I am tuning around the bands and it is GREAT! Using my repaired MFJ-266 analyzer I am getting great SWR readings on 40,20,&10. I am able to tune 17, & 15 meters with my internal antenna tuner 12 meters is not happening but I can get that with my A99. I am going to get an IMax 2k in the spring to cover 10 and 12... for local talk



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On 11/11/2014, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology approved the new Yaesu FT-991 portable HF & 2m/440 transceiver.



Based on this approval, the new rig should be available very soon, probably even before Christmas. Several popular retailers have listed the price at about $1700.

When the Wouxun KG-UV8D VHF/UHF handheld radio was launched earlier this year featuring a large color screen, dual VFOs with crossband repeat, I knew I wanted to try one out. I recently ordered the radio from Powerwerx.com for $150, who becaue I'm local, had it delivered to me within a day.

The radio comes with the basic necessities that all Wouxun radios come with: radio, battery, antenna, belt clip, drop-in charger, wrist strap and manual. Here's a pic of the radio assembled next to the charger:


Although this radio isn't much smaller than the other Wouxun radios, the shape and size makes it feel really good in the hand. I think the ergonomics are excellent.



As you can see in the following picture, the radio is fairly small, similar in size to the Icom ID-51:...