Category: KK6USY Ham Radio Adventures

The Yaesu FTX-1 Optima is a compact, modern multi-band amateur radio designed for operators who want strong performance in a portable-friendly package. Covering HF, VHF, and UHF, it delivers versatile operating modes with a bright, easy-to-read display and intuitive controls. The FTX-1 Optima blends rugged build quality with advanced DSP features, making it well-suited for everything from home station use to field operations, POTA activations, and emergency communications.

#YaesuFTX1,#FTX1Optima, #HamRadio, #AmateurRadio

The Zoupw 400 W foldable solar panel is a high-performance portable power solution designed for outdoor adventures, RV life, and off-grid setups. It features premium monocrystalline N-Type 16BB solar cells with up to ~25 % conversion efficiency for strong energy capture even in less-than-perfect light, all while weighing about 26 lb and folding down into a compact, easy-to-carry package. Built with a rugged, IP68-rated ETFE surface and sturdy aluminum frame, this panel is waterproof, dustproof, and ready for campsites, cabins, or emergency backup use. Universal connector cables make it compatible with most power stations for reliable, on-the-go solar charging.
400 watts of foldable solar power in one panel! The Zoupw 400W is perfect for RV life, off-grid setups, ham radio field ops, or emergency backup. Lightweight, efficient, and easy to deploy — this thing means business.

As an Affiliate I may earn a commission at no cost to purchaser.
400 Watt Solar Panel, https://pboost.me/TZqchaAg

#OffGrid #SolarPower #PortableSolar #RVLife,

Using a simple Coffee and Ham Radios End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna and a 100-watt portable radio proves you don’t need a massive station to work serious DX. The EFHW is lightweight, easy to deploy, and efficient on its resonant band, making it perfect for portable or home setups. With 100 watts and good band conditions, that simple wire can launch a strong signal across oceans, especially when paired with smart operating—watching propagation, calling at the right time, and working the pileups strategically. It’s a great reminder that antenna placement and operating skill often matter more than raw power.

Tinkercad is great for designing an RF choke box because it makes custom enclosures fast, simple, and precise—without a steep learning curve. You can easily size the box for toroids, ferrite beads, or coax loops, add mounting holes and strain reliefs, and tweak wall thickness for 3D printing in just minutes. Being browser-based, it’s perfect for quick experiments and revisions, which is ideal for ham radio tinkering where designs often evolve. In short, it lets you go from idea to a printable, shack-ready choke box with minimal fuss and maximum flexibility.

#tinkercad , #hamradio , #diy ,

The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable satellite internet system that’s well-suited for off-grid use, and it pairs nicely with common power-tool batteries. With the right DC adapter, the Mini can be run directly from 18–20 V tool batteries (like those from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Ryobi), making it a practical option for camping, emergency comms, or remote field work. Power draw is modest compared to the full-size Starlink, so a small stack of charged tool batteries can keep you online for hours without needing a generator or shore power.
Links to STL’s
Milwaukee , https://makerworld.com/en/models/1751462-starlink-mini-milwaukee-battery-slim-adapter?from=search#profileId-1862031
Dewalt, https://makerworld.com/en/models/1006808-dewalt-tool-battery-starlink-mini-slim-adapter?designId=1006808-dewalt-tool-battery-starlink-mini-slim-adapter#profileId-985421

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn a commission at no cost to the purchaser.
Starlink Mini Case, https://amzn.to/49XKMVi
The next two adapters have a switch and battery protection, I haven’t used them.
Battery Adapter Milwuakee18V/20V Batteries, https://amzn.to/4qMUTDp
Battery Adapter De.Walt 20V Battery, https://amzn.to/3LGGdGZ
Ryobi Batteries has switch , no protection, https://amzn.to/45GALdU
Below batteries are a third party, up to you if you want to try.
4Pack 18V 6.0Ah Milwaukee M-18 Batteries, https://amzn.to/4rfJJqI

#starlink , #starlinkmini , #starlinbatery,

In this video I build the Dipole that we designed and printed from TinkerCad.
This video is a little long but I didn’t want to leave much out for the new Hams that may have never built an antenna! I will list parts below that I used
The first video on the design, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_9-txQ-XNs
As an Amazon Affiliate I may ear a commission on merchandise purchased at no cost to the customer.
Helping Hands Soldering Station, https://amzn.to/3MaaoGw
Digital Soldering Station , https://amzn.to/4bT7Y9F
BNTECHGO 18 Gauge Silicone Wire, https://amzn.to/4a12hEb
Jumper coax, https://amzn.to/4tbnrbB
Heat shrink pick your sizes, https://amzn.to/3LDwxNr
#8 Bolt Ring Terminals,, https://amzn.to/49HyGRi
300W Mini Heat Gun, https://amzn.to/3LCY41t
Small plastic carabiner, https://amzn.to/4a1X4vU
370 Pieces M4 screw kit, https://amzn.to/3LY4I2n

#antenna , #dipole , #tinkercad ,
.

I did a lot of testing on some new antennas designs that Coffee and Ham Radios "CaHR" may offer in the new store soon.

In this video I show how I use Tinkercad to design simple Ham Radio Projects! Sorry it’s kind of long but I didn’t want to leave anything out on how to design this part. Leave me any ideas you would do and if you want me to make a 20m or 40m Dipole.
Tinkercad is a great tool for designing ham radio parts because it makes 3D modeling simple, fast, and accessible, even for beginners. Its browser-based interface lets hobbyists quickly design custom enclosures, mounts, knobs, and antenna components without needing advanced CAD skills or expensive software. Tinkercad also supports precise measurements, which is essential for fitting electronics and connectors accurately, and its easy export to 3D printers makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and experimenting—perfect for the hands-on, iterative nature of ham radio projects.

#tinkercad , #hamradio , #antena1 , #3dprinting,

Talking about the advantages of twin lead.

In this video I test the DC600 sent to me from from BougeRV. The BougeRV DC600 Alternator Charger is a DC-to-DC alternator charger designed to quickly recharge portable power stations using your vehicle’s alternator while you drive. It delivers up to 600 W of power with over 95 % efficiency, supports both 12 V and 24 V systems, and operates significantly faster than a standard 12 V outlet. With built-in 7-layer protection against overloads, short circuits, and voltage fluctuations, a quiet cooling system 50 dB, and dual control via a manual interface or smart app for real-time monitoring, it’s built for safe and reliable on-the-road charging for RVs, vans, trucks, and other mobile setups.

BougeRV DC600, https://amzn.to/4jsEnpe
XT60 Charge Extension Cable 12AWG , https://amzn.to/45HBJ9x
Multiple DC Adapters, https://amzn.to/4jwQSjR
MC4 to power pole, https://amzn.to/3NdkOoX