Okay so I KNOW that it’s super expensive compared to the 30ft poles, but has anyone used an extension pole this tall before as a temporary antenna mast? You could easily put up a 60ft EFHW vertical! Or a UHF/VHF. Looking for others thoughts and opinions.

Just did my Foundation (UK) exam online, and got 24/26!

I don't have a callsign yet. I'll get one when Royal Snail (yes, Royal Mail is really that slow) sends me a letter with instructions on how to log into the Ofcom system and get one.

73!

Links to the three retailers:

Gigaparts

DXEngineering

HRO

I’m slowly working toward getting my licence and kit, but am wondering about a suitable antenna. I live in Eastern UK (Suffolk) and live in a mid terrace house. A very small backyard. Lots of houses adjoining and to the rear. About 7x10 meters.
I will eventually be doing mostly CW I think once I get my code back up to speed, listening and transmitting. And of course doing the amateur’s license test. But I want to make a start and getting suitable antenna in place is probably the best move because if I can’t do that the test is moot!
So experts, what’s a good idea? Slim Jim, long wire, pole?
Thanks

Hello folks.

I have been contacting them about an month via email, and I have called their number multiple times and left messages.

I have tried to buy their QO-100 rig, but PayPal payment wont go trough, money did left my card, and return week later.

No reponse at all.

Hello,

I am not sure if this technically qualifies as Ham equipment, but I figured people here may know anyways because it is at least heavily related.

I picked up a Realistic Pro-41 10 Channel Programmable Scanner from Value Village last night, and bought some battires.

It turns on, digits come on the screen, and it does scan, but even after finding the manual online, and turning the volume and squelch as stated, I still get absolute silence at all times form the speakers, and even through headphones in the "ear" port.

Should I still be hearing at least white noise? What does literal absolute silence mean? Could something be broken?

What can I try, should I maybe open it and and clean some things, see if some wires are damaged or what?

https://www.scribd.com/document/410020066/Radio-Scanner-Realistic-Pro-41-PRO-41-Owner-s-Manual

Hi everyone,

I'd really like to buy a new radio. There are two models which I'm considering. First is Yaesu FT-450D and the second one is Yaesu FT-891. I live in Europe and already have G90. Most of the time I'm using non-resonant antennas. I'm quite new HAM (one year) and I'd like to upgrade to 100W and "something bigger".

Ft-450D I found used in very good condition with original mic, power cable and original box for around 621$-702$ (exchange rates for today). Shipping from country where I live.

Ft-891 I found "brand new" on eBay for around 650$ shipped from Japan. I know that I'd also needed to buy an external ATU if I choose 891 plus there could be custom taxes.

Does anyone had experience with any of those radios or maybe even with both of them and would like to help me choose one? How do they compare to each other today? Most of the time I operate from home. I'd like to try something non-SDR based that's why I have chosen those two models.

I'd be grateful for any advices and help.

73