Is 500 Watts Enough for POTA? Putting the KPA 500 to the Test
This is a re-edit of a video I made a few years ago, but the information in it is still relevant. Take a look and tell me what you think in the comments.
Gear in this video:
Yaesu FTDX-10: https://amzn.to/4B3VLsW
Elecraft KPA-500: https://elecraft.com/products/kpa500-compact-160-6-m-solid-state-amplifier
Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughpad: https://amzn.to/4k2lYly
M&P Coax: https://geni.us/hr2cables
Save 10% with code HR2CABLES
Practical, decentralized communications — no towers, no carriers, no permission needed. This channel covers ham radio, Meshtastic and mesh networks, GMRS, and off-grid gear for staying connected anywhere.
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Easily Change Your Grid Square Location For LOTW Upload
I wonder how many portable operators are uploading their logs to LOTW without entering the correct grid square? Prob a lot. I know I used to upload EVERYTHING from my home location regardless of where in the country I was. It was a little bit of "I don’t care about grid squares" and a little bit of "I don’t want to learn how to do it the right way". But then several years ago I figured out how insanely easy it is to create a new station location to upload to LOTW, thus giving those who collect grid squares the correct QSO confirmation. It’s for the people you see? It’s the ham thing to do. Since then, I kinda like getting the correct grid square. Especially in FT8 with GridTracker. Makes it fun.
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⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
The Baofeng SW-9 isn’t your typical UV-5R replacement. This 10-watt tri-band amateur radio offers 2-meter, 1.25-meter (220 MHz), and 70-centimeter transmission, plus HF shortwave reception with USB/LSB single-sideband (SSB), AM aviation airband, and NOAA weather reception. It features two SMA antenna ports, Bluetooth audio and wireless PTT support, Bluetooth smartphone programming through the Ola Radio app, a 2-inch color display, 1,000 memory channels, a 2,500 mAh battery, and USB-C charging. But do all these features make the SW-9 a worthwhile upgrade over the classic Baofeng UV-5R?
Baofeng SW-9 Links:
👉 $15 off at Radioddity w/Code TO15: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/qa7tmr
👉 Black at Amazon: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/qpjik6
👉 Orange at Amazon: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ovegl4
👉 Prison Edition at Amazon: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/hiutmg
👉 Real 220mhz antenna: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/mm5m4a
Radioddity $15 off w/Code TO15:
👉 Baofeng SW-9: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/qa7tmr
👉 Bluetooth PTT: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/hg5snm
👉 Surecom SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/2coopi
In this video, we put the Baofeng SW-9 through real-world testing, including RF output power measurements and spectrum analyzer tests for harmonics and spurious emissions on 2 meters, 220 MHz, and 70 centimeters. We also explore its HF SSB receiver, BFO tuning, Bluetooth functionality, and unusual dual-antenna arrangement. Can this inexpensive handheld deliver useful HF reception and legitimate 220 MHz performance without sacrificing transmitter spectral purity? Join Temporarily Offline (KM9G) as we separate the manufacturer’s specifications from actual performance and find out whether the SW-9 deserves a place in your radio collection.
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Broken Knob, Bad Parenting, or Return Scam? Unpacking the Mystery! #shorts
Evidence points to a classic return scam: a broken radio swapped for a new one. The clues left in the packaging—missing accessories and clear physical damage—reveal how dishonest buyers manipulate return policies.
👉 Full Video: https://youtu.be/5FWZ1L3b5wY
Today’s Patient:
👉 My list of refurbed rigs: https://temporarilyoffline.com/blogs/tos-blog/revolving-list-of-for-sale-items
👉 Or Get One New: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/im1jzs
200,000 Subscriber Livestream - Let's Giveaway some RADIOS!
Join me tonight, along with several other channels you will recognize, as we giveaway several radios in celebration of this channel’s milestone.
Practical, decentralized communications — no towers, no carriers, no permission needed. This channel covers ham radio, Meshtastic and mesh networks, GMRS, and off-grid gear for staying connected anywhere.
★ Support the channel & help spread the word about off-grid comms ★
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📻 Our Sponsors 📻
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Buy Two Way Radios: https://geni.us/Dr954X
Save 20% at https://hamradioprep.com with code JASON20
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BaofengTech: https://baofengtech.com/ref/hamradio2/
Commissions may be earned on affiliate links.
The first radio has made it upstairs… and I’d forgotten how heavy a TS-990S is! Welcome to the new shack. There’s a desk, a view of the antenna field and rather a lot still to work out. Where do the radios go? How high do the monitors need to be? And how am I going to get an ACOM 2000A up the stairs?
In this video I show you around the new work area, explain the proposed cable route back to the antennas and ponder what equipment I actually need to keep. Three TS-990s is probably pushing it… but keeping a separate 12V station for backup does have its attractions.
Nothing is set in stone, so your thoughts are welcome. What would you keep, what would you sell, and how would you arrange it all?
There’s also a little Project X update. Progress is being made, although getting the new shack operational might have to wait its turn!
Another instalment of moving upstairs, simplifying things and hopefully getting back to enjoying the radio.
Hey, you can win a Classic here: https://youtu.be/uyJq4vQBvek
Wait Until You See This Distance #HamRadio #DX #Shortwave
Practical, decentralized communications — no towers, no carriers, no permission needed. This channel covers ham radio, Meshtastic and mesh networks, GMRS, and off-grid gear for staying connected anywhere.
★ Support the channel & help spread the word about off-grid comms ★
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HRCC After chat. Let’s hang out and answer ham radio questions. First timers get priority for all questions.
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The Coolest Ham Radio Gear:
As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases
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📻 My new favorite beginners Radio – Baofeng Mini: https://www.radioddity.com/products/baofeng-uv-5r-mini?ref=bkobuwhc
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📡 My favorite Handheld radio antenna is from Signal Stuff Signal Stick https://signalstuff.com/?ref=622 (This is an affliate link)
📡 I recommend the Ed Fong J-Pole? https://www.kbcubed.com/DBJ-2H-Amateur-Ham-2m-70cm-Dual-Band-Portable-Rollup-Antenna-by-Ed-Fong-p406009746
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