If I had to start amateur radio all over again, what would I buy… and perhaps more importantly, why? This presentation was recorded live for the Norfolk Amateur Radio Club, where I explored a simple thought experiment: imagine you’ve sold the house, downsized, or lost your entire station. You have a small plot, a sensible budget, and you’re starting from scratch.
What would you build?
We discuss:
• Choosing a radio that gives the best long-term flexibility.
• Why I believe USB-equipped radios changed the hobby.
• Low dipoles vs verticals – and why each has a different job.
• Why 40 metres is really two different bands depending on the time of day.
• The surprisingly effective Loop-on-Ground receive antenna.
• Two VFOs, stereo listening and why I find it so powerful.
• Building a practical station before spending money on expensive hardware.
• Why experimentation is still the most enjoyable part of amateur radio.
This isn’t a review of any particular product, and it certainly isn’t the only way to build a station. It’s simply how I would approach things today, after many years of operating, contesting and experimenting.
Hopefully it gives you a few ideas for your own station.
73,
Callum M0XXT