Category: Temporarily Offline

Master the setup of a GMRS repeater using dual radios. Learn to troubleshoot communication failures and master PL tones for seamless signal clarity.

🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/VMqhZ2QTxPw

#GMRS #RadioCommunication #HamRadio #TechTutorial

Simplify component removal with the Anesty ZD-915. This all-in-one vacuum pump and soldering iron heats up quickly to make desoldering jobs fast and efficient. See how to streamline your electronics repair workflow.

👉 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

My Toolkit:
👉 SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Desoldering Station: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/eou4r1
👉 Pinecil Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 ABR Coax: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ua1ifn
👉 Screwdriver set: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/710ofs

#ElectronicsRepair #SolderingTips #DIYProjects #TechTools

The Heltec V4 and Heltec T096 can be configured as nearly identical complete Meshtastic nodes, but under the hood they’re very different devices. In this comparison I look at the ESP32-S3-based Heltec V4 and the nRF52840-based Heltec T096, including LoRa performance, GPS/GNSS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, displays, battery efficiency, expansion options, and overall day-to-day use.

👉 Complete T096: https://makernova.io/products/heltec-t096-complete-meshtastic-node?ref=TO
👉 Complete V4: https://makernova.io/products/heltec-v4-complete-meshtastic-node?ref=TO

👉 Or DIY: https://makernova.io/?ref=TO

👉 All with 10% off Discount using Code TO10

Both of my MakerNova Pocket Pro SMA units have GPS, 2000 mAh batteries, external antennas, and the same $94.99 price, so the decision really comes down to what you want to do with them. The T096 is the battery-sipping tracker, with an efficient nRF52840 and integrated dual-band GNSS. The V4 is the hacker-friendly platform, with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, an ESP32-S3, expansion options, and support for experimental firmware such as Bruce.

If you’re trying to decide Heltec T096 vs Heltec V4 for Meshtastic, this video should help you pick the right one for portable tracking, everyday mesh use, wardriving experiments, firmware hacking, or your next off-grid communications project.

❤️ Get My Free Newsletter: https://temporarilyoffline.com/pages/newsletter-signup
🚐 If you like RV Videos, Check out my RV Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV

Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe

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📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068

👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline

Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.

Determining exact power output on a Retevis radio device. Watch the meter test transmission frequencies and confirm 41.2 watts output in real-time.

👉 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

My Toolkit:
👉 SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Desoldering Station: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/eou4r1
👉 Pinecil Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 ABR Coax: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ua1ifn
👉 Screwdriver set: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/710ofs

#Retevis #HamRadio #RadioTech #ElectronicsTesting #RadioOperator

Connecting the Retevis RA87 to Chirp for software programming. Unexpected red channel errors signal a potential glitch, prompting a factory reset to restore normal operation. A technical troubleshooting look at radio configuration.

👉 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

My Toolkit:
👉 SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Desoldering Station: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/eou4r1
👉 Pinecil Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 ABR Coax: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ua1ifn
👉 Screwdriver set: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/710ofs

#HamRadio #Retevis #ChirpSoftware #RadioProgramming #TechTroubleshooting

The Xiegu G7250 supports Ethernet SDR connectivity, but its reliance on the aging HDSDR software left some amateur radio operators disappointed. Instead of complaining about Xiegu’s software choices, I decided to see what I could build myself. Using Linux, Python, and a little reverse engineering, I created a browser-based SDR interface that communicates directly with the G7250 over Ethernet, without needing HDSDR or its proprietary Windows DLL.

👉 Get your Xiegu G7250 with $15 off at Radioddidty: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/4s9z39
Use Code "TO15"

🚀 Buying Starlink? Get $100 CASH! Use my referral link and we BOTH get $100, paid directly to our bank accounts (or applied as service credit). Terms apply: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/5gbxnk

In this video, I’ll demonstrate how the G7250 Ethernet protocol works, how we built a Python web server with a documented REST API, and how we turned raw IQ data into a working 48 kHz spectrum analyzer and waterfall display. We can even tune the receiver directly from a web browser! It’s an experimental proof of concept, not a complete replacement for HDSDR, but it demonstrates what’s possible when amateur radio meets open development. The hardware already has capabilities worth exploring, and this is just the beginning.

❤️ Get My Free Newsletter: https://temporarilyoffline.com/pages/newsletter-signup
🚐 If you like RV Videos, Check out my RV Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV
🚀 Buying Starlink? Get $100 CASH! Use my referral link and we BOTH get $100, paid directly to our bank accounts (or applied as service credit). Terms apply: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/5gbxnk

Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe

👉 Support The Channel 👈
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💸 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🛒 Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/temporarilyoffline
📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068

👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline

Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.

I just sold another Retevis RT95, which means it is time to pull another Amazon return radio out of the box, test it, program it, clean it up, and get it ready for the next ham radio operator who wants a discounted dual band mobile rig before they disappear.

👉 Get This Radio: https://temporarilyoffline.com/blogs/tos-blog/revolving-list-of-for-sale-items
👉 Retevis RT95 (Amazon): https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/xvccde
👉 Retevis RT95 Programming Cable: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/m0dd84
👉 Dual Band Antenna (Amazon): https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/efz7ht
👉 Pinecil USB Powered Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 Surecom SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 Surecom SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Baofeng Mini: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/n1pl76

This is RT95 #27 in the Amazon return radio series. These are radios that were returned by previous buyers for unknown reasons, and my job is to figure out whether they actually have a problem, are missing accessories, need basic setup, or are perfectly usable radios that just need to be tested and put back into service.

The Retevis RT95 is a compact dual band VHF/UHF mobile radio that can be used for local repeaters, simplex, mobile installs, base station use, go boxes, RV radio setups, emergency communications, and general amateur radio operation on 2 meters and 70 centimeters.

Need a small dual band antenna to go with one of these radios? I also sometimes have 2m/70cm mag mount antennas with coax available, depending on inventory.

Subscribe for more ham radio testing, repairs, non-repairs, Amazon return radios, budget radio gear, RV radio projects, portable operating, digital modes, antennas, and practical amateur radio experiments from the road.

#RetevisRT95 #HamRadio #AmazonReturns #AmateurRadio #DualBandRadio #VHFUHF #MobileHamRadio #CHIRP #KM9G #TemporarilyOffline

❤️ Get My Free Newsletter: https://temporarilyoffline.com/pages/newsletter-signup
🚐 If you like RV Videos, Check out my RV Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV

Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe

👉 Support The Channel 👈
❤️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temporarilyoffline
📺 Youtube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/temporarilyoffline/join
💸 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🛒 Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/temporarilyoffline
📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068

👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline

Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.

27

Achieve perfect joints by treating reflow like standard soldering. Always maintain a clean tip and use fresh solder to ensure proper moisture. A quick reflow can save your components.

👉 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

My Toolkit:
👉 SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Desoldering Station: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/eou4r1
👉 Pinecil Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 ABR Coax: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ua1ifn
👉 Screwdriver set: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/710ofs

#SolderingTips #ElectronicsRepair #DIYElectronics #TechSkills

The long-awaited **Xiegu G7250 Ethernet remote control functionality** is finally working! In this first look, I connect the G7250 to **HDSDR using the ExtIO_G7250.dll plugin** and demonstrate live SDR reception over the network. We’re receiving real FT8 signals on the 20-meter amateur radio band at 14.074 MHz, complete with a working waterfall, spectrum display, and audio. After waiting for this feature to become usable, it’s exciting to finally see the G7250 communicating with SDR software over Ethernet!

👉 Get your Xiegu G7250 with $15 off at Radioddidty: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/4s9z39
Use Code "TO15"

🚀 Buying Starlink? Get $100 CASH! Use my referral link and we BOTH get $100, paid directly to our bank accounts (or applied as service credit). Terms apply: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/5gbxnk

To make things even more interesting, I’m running **HDSDR under Wine on Linux**, remotely accessing that computer from my Mac using VNC. That’s Windows SDR software running on Linux, controlled from macOS, receiving radio signals from the Xiegu G7250 over Ethernet! This is an early demonstration rather than a complete review of the remote control capabilities, but the initial results are promising. We’ll continue exploring frequency control, software compatibility, and what this new functionality means for G7250 owners interested in remote amateur radio operation.

❤️ Get My Free Newsletter: https://temporarilyoffline.com/pages/newsletter-signup
🚐 If you like RV Videos, Check out my RV Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV
🚀 Buying Starlink? Get $100 CASH! Use my referral link and we BOTH get $100, paid directly to our bank accounts (or applied as service credit). Terms apply: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/5gbxnk

Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe

👉 Support The Channel 👈
❤️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temporarilyoffline
📺 Youtube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/temporarilyoffline/join
💸 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🛒 Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/temporarilyoffline
📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068

👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline

Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.

Unboxing the RA-87 to verify hardware and test functionality. From 40-watt output checks to confirming the integrated serial-to-USB programming cable, here is the complete teardown and setup process.

👉 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

My Toolkit:
👉 SW-102: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/7bbtki
👉 SW-102 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/x99u8q
👉 100w Dummy Load: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rsuls0
👉 Desoldering Station: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/eou4r1
👉 Pinecil Soldering Iron: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/1qw307
👉 ABR Coax: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/ua1ifn
👉 Screwdriver set: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/710ofs

#RA87 #HamRadio #RadioEquipment #TechTesting #ProgrammingCable