You nailed the "less is more." After a 14 year absence, I returned and I spent a year and a half planning which direction I wanted to go. Since I had to repurchase all new gear, I opted for portability: X6100, GRA-7350TC, XPA125B, FT-5DR (primary), FT-65 (backup), Arrow II satellite antenna. I do have a FT-710 and a 20 foot vertical as a base as well. That is it. A portable which can be used as a backup and a "base" which can be used portable. I can easily operate 6-40, satellite, SSB, digital HF. My 30 years of being licensed is satisfied with no need for any other gear (albeit maybe a wire antenna just because). Keep up the good work. Enjoying the videos. Happy holidays.
Merry Merry Christmas! Thank you!!! Fantastic videos for us HOA Hams! Your video has provided me a lot great antenna ideas on how to setup while in use and the tear down and store it away (from the HOA)
Bob, thank you for this, and thank you in general for being awesome. I'm coming up on a year in the hobby, and I've been watching your stuff just about since the beginning. Always interesting and insightful! Have a great holiday season!
Happy Christmas! This is the first of your videos I've seen, and subscribing was an easy decision! It looks like we have some similar ideas, so I'm excited to go through your back catalog.
Thank you Bob for your honest reviews and opinions, another great video, I live in Valrico Florida and appreciate you content, i also live in an HOA and am looking for different ways to be stealthy with my gear.
Bob, Thanks for the videos. I have a few of the Gabil items. I love them all. I also bought the Cha ss25 from Chameleon. I want to try and use it on a magnetic base to do mobile POTA. I also have a FX-4CR coming. I expect it just after the first of the year. I can't wait for it to get here and try it out. 73
I'm waiting for someone to verbally slap me upside the head for my comments on the subject (it will happen at some point in this video's life) but this is all about how much money they can make; and they know they can make more by not doing this. That's my story until someone presents a better rationale.
Bingo! Then again they are Asian culture countries and most of their population is in cities. But, you would think with the currency Asian political climate they want something more POTA when SHTF over there. Just saying..
@@kurt53641 Its strange to me they don't do their market research HERE in the US, for radios they are introducing here; at least this is what it seems to me. It feels like they cater to their regional needs and the rest of the world will just have to figure out how to adapt.
I am VA2SOB, Claude in Canada. I have one comment when I want the best components and price is not important. I look at your channel. WOW it is obscenely expensive you beat my wife. CHEER, Joyeuses Fêtes (in French Quebec: Happy Holidays)
I have the 750T, I’ve thought about getting the smaller kit and making a spike for it, looking to seeing your review of this. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of reviews on them and I wasn’t sure if it would be a better option than the 750T with the gabil tripod
Looking at the FX4CR specs it says it draws up to 4 amps. While the dc port on the shargeek is rated for 3 amps. Are you running the radio at full power without issue? Its a very compelling setup
Now you have me wanting a QRP POTA and emcom setup! Much as I like Yu's fine little FX-4CR I'm leaning toward a Xiegu G106C mainly because I like the way they look, and I would just bring my NanoVNA-F vs. the RigExpert. Otherwise, feel free to box all the other stuff up and send it to me! 🤣
So with the 2000 Zoom can we expect HOA friendly work in the above 500 Mhz range? If so let me know. We have a group here in Central FL that is within your range starting to play 1.2 Ghz
RigExpert XPro can do up to 1 GHz. I am hesitating if I should get it since I doubt I will be messing with meshtastic (or any zwave device that might require an antenna). Also where did you get those USB powerbank adapters?
@@HOAHamRadio I already have some of those from playing with USB PD. 12V is no longer a PD standard though most battery packs do still output it, it is just the wall outlets are the ones that rarely support it. Though these adapters work fine with the battery packs, my wall chargers refuse to output voltage on it (likely due to me not having a load on it and just testing it with the multimeter). So going with 15V would be the better option if the radio supports it. I just that barrel jack connector was well made so I was considering getting them should the USB PD battery pack option did not work out well.
Thanks for stopping by EI6DP. The "all powered up gear" is just for show. The magic of technology and the use of a green screen allows me to display that PICTURE of my shack. I do not keep that gear on all the time, it was just for the pic.
You speak truths!! I would love to purchase western made gtg radios for hiking, SHTF, everyday carry bag type HF radio. Instead we are at the mercy of Chinese stuff. Sigh….
I'm just waiting for someone to bash me for my opinion on this...its only a matter of time. Yaesu and Icom know they can make more money by NOT doing this; until I get a better answer, that's my truth.
The problem is, there are no truly western players in this particular part of the space. The only US makers of radios I know of, other than kits like the new CFT1, are Elecraft and Flex, who are both playing at the high end space. ICOM, Yaesu, and Kenwood are all Japanese; Xiegu of course is Chinese...
I’m on the same page as you. Also have your antenna tester stick too. Been watching you since the beginning. FYI, for your FX-4cr. Use a PVS-14 padded holder pouch for it. It works perfectly with my battery pack for it along with my BamAKey tp-iii Morse key.
You are wrong about this antenna, and I have others (small) that are quite affective. We have different opinions, and that's okay. Can you tell me what antenna you would recommend?
One thing worth noting about the shargeek is that it will output sufficient wattage to run a 20 watt radio. Many usb power banks wont do that
Thanks for that mention, wish I would have pointed that out. Appreciate the view and comment.
Thanks Bob and Merry Christmas! I just got my FedEx notice of my FX-4CR yesterday. Looking forward to it arriving soon. 73, Ryan AF4O
I predict an ear to ear grin in your near future; you are going to be impressed by the quality and performance! Thanks for the view and comment.
You nailed the "less is more." After a 14 year absence, I returned and I spent a year and a half planning which direction I wanted to go. Since I had to repurchase all new gear, I opted for portability: X6100, GRA-7350TC, XPA125B, FT-5DR (primary), FT-65 (backup), Arrow II satellite antenna. I do have a FT-710 and a 20 foot vertical as a base as well.
That is it. A portable which can be used as a backup and a "base" which can be used portable. I can easily operate 6-40, satellite, SSB, digital HF. My 30 years of being licensed is satisfied with no need for any other gear (albeit maybe a wire antenna just because).
Keep up the good work. Enjoying the videos. Happy holidays.
Thanks for the great feedback and detail regarding how you choose to set up and operate; welcome back to the ham way of life.
I’m in the 50W radio camp. An FT-710 cut in half, perfection!
Great gear choices. This is a highly versatile setup for portability. Thanks for the ideas!
You bet. My brain never stops turning on this stuff.
Merry Merry Christmas! Thank you!!! Fantastic videos for us HOA Hams! Your video has provided me a lot great antenna ideas on how to setup while in use and the tear down and store it away (from the HOA)
Merry Christmas @tomg6214 and thanks for the view and feedback.
Thanks Bob! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. And thanks for the video
Merry Christmas @Krispin291 and thanks for supporting the channel!
Bob, thank you for this, and thank you in general for being awesome. I'm coming up on a year in the hobby, and I've been watching your stuff just about since the beginning. Always interesting and insightful! Have a great holiday season!
Thanks for the kind words @WD0OMHamRadio. I'm several years in and learning every day; I've concluded it will be a never ending journey.
Videos like this alway make me reach for my credit card. I just got my Fed Ex notice that my FX-4CR is on its way. Merry Christmas Bob
Prepare for an ear to ear grin...when you hold it for the first time. Merry Christmas.
Happy Christmas! This is the first of your videos I've seen, and subscribing was an easy decision! It looks like we have some similar ideas, so I'm excited to go through your back catalog.
Thanks for the sub. My content has changed over time, I imagine, as I grown and learn myself. Hope you find it helpful.
@HOAHamRadio I'm enjoying both the "hidden things" and "tiny things" content branches so far!
Gabil Radio 7350TC Antenna love it, my favorite antenna and thanks for the discount of 15%!!
The feedback on the 7350 antenna is really good; operators are surprised by the performance of such a small antenna.
Thanks Bob, merry Christmas
Marry Christmas Nick. Looking forward to a fantastic new year!
Thank you Bob for your honest reviews and opinions, another great video, I live in Valrico Florida and appreciate you content, i also live in an HOA and am looking for different ways to be stealthy with my gear.
Thanks for the view and comment; hope you find my content useful for your situation.
Merry Christmas!
Here's to a fantastic New Year! Merry Christmas @Ebeneezer-mg1yj
Glad you are enjoying your fx4cr! Merry Christmas and God bless you Bob! 73, Kyle W0AAV.
Thanks Kyle. God has indeed blessed me; pray the same for you. Merry Christmas.
Bob, Thanks for the videos. I have a few of the Gabil items. I love them all. I also bought the Cha ss25 from Chameleon. I want to try and use it on a magnetic base to do mobile POTA. I also have a FX-4CR coming. I expect it just after the first of the year. I can't wait for it to get here and try it out. 73
An ear to ear grin is in your future, when you hold the FX-4CR in your hands for the first time! Thanks for the views and comments.
I agree with your statement with the FX-4CR. Yeasu or Icom should have something comparable.
I'm waiting for someone to verbally slap me upside the head for my comments on the subject (it will happen at some point in this video's life) but this is all about how much money they can make; and they know they can make more by not doing this. That's my story until someone presents a better rationale.
Bingo! Then again they are Asian culture countries and most of their population is in cities. But, you would think with the currency Asian political climate they want something more POTA when SHTF over there. Just saying..
@@kurt53641 Its strange to me they don't do their market research HERE in the US, for radios they are introducing here; at least this is what it seems to me. It feels like they cater to their regional needs and the rest of the world will just have to figure out how to adapt.
FX-4CR for the win.. I can’t wait to take it out and do a pota with the AX1 antenna in HT style pedestrian mobile. Merry Christmas!! k0klb
Merry Christmas Kevin. I look forward to hearing the results of your HT style deployment. Thanks for stopping by for a look.
Weight and empty shooting barrel rest or stock rest fill as needed
I am VA2SOB, Claude in Canada. I have one comment when I want the best components and price is not important. I look at your channel. WOW it is obscenely expensive you beat my wife. CHEER, Joyeuses Fêtes (in French Quebec: Happy Holidays)
I outdid your wife! I take it that's an accomplishment : )
Thanks for stopping by for a view and comment.
I have the 750T, I’ve thought about getting the smaller kit and making a spike for it, looking to seeing your review of this. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of reviews on them and I wasn’t sure if it would be a better option than the 750T with the gabil tripod
Keep up the rambles!
I do need to do that more often; its very freeing : ) Thanks for all the views and comments this year!
Looking at the FX4CR specs it says it draws up to 4 amps. While the dc port on the shargeek is rated for 3 amps. Are you running the radio at full power without issue? Its a very compelling setup
My testing shows the FX-4CR draws less than 2.5 amps when operating 20 watts SSB voice.
Now you have me wanting a QRP POTA and emcom setup! Much as I like Yu's fine little FX-4CR I'm leaning toward a Xiegu G106C mainly because I like the way they look, and I would just bring my NanoVNA-F vs. the RigExpert. Otherwise, feel free to box all the other stuff up and send it to me! 🤣
NanoVNA will get the job done for sure. I owned the predecessor to the G106C; it was a fun little radio.
So with the 2000 Zoom can we expect HOA friendly work in the above 500 Mhz range? If so let me know. We have a group here in Central FL that is within your range starting to play 1.2 Ghz
No current plans, but given a RigExpert is an investment, I did want the capability...just in case I end up there.
@HOAHamRadio well before you buy an IC 9700 you can come try mine
@@W4TRI_Ronny Making a note of it; thanks a ton!
RigExpert XPro can do up to 1 GHz. I am hesitating if I should get it since I doubt I will be messing with meshtastic (or any zwave device that might require an antenna).
Also where did you get those USB powerbank adapters?
You will want a 12 PD (power delivery) cable with the ends that work for your set up; something like this: amzn.to/4grcFXF
@@HOAHamRadio I already have some of those from playing with USB PD. 12V is no longer a PD standard though most battery packs do still output it, it is just the wall outlets are the ones that rarely support it. Though these adapters work fine with the battery packs, my wall chargers refuse to output voltage on it (likely due to me not having a load on it and just testing it with the multimeter). So going with 15V would be the better option if the radio supports it.
I just that barrel jack connector was well made so I was considering getting them should the USB PD battery pack option did not work out well.
Hello Bob and Compliments of the Season. Nice video. Just wondering why do you have all your rigs switched on for the video.
Thanks for stopping by EI6DP. The "all powered up gear" is just for show. The magic of technology and the use of a green screen allows me to display that PICTURE of my shack. I do not keep that gear on all the time, it was just for the pic.
Thank you for explaining. It must be difficult living in an HOA situation and be unable to enjoy your hobby fully.
73 & Merry Christmas.
Good stuff
Thanks for stopping by for a look and comment.
Hmmm. puck + blank adapter + 2whips= v dipole??
Wait, what? Dang, why didn't I think of that? Its now on the list of things to try!
If Yaesu or icom came out with something similar to the FX-4CR it would fly off the shelves.
Absolutely!!!! They of course would charge more than Yu, but it would still sell.
Commence
Ramble complete...I need to do that more often.
You speak truths!! I would love to purchase western made gtg radios for hiking, SHTF, everyday carry bag type HF radio. Instead we are at the mercy of Chinese stuff. Sigh….
I'm just waiting for someone to bash me for my opinion on this...its only a matter of time.
Yaesu and Icom know they can make more money by NOT doing this; until I get a better answer, that's my truth.
The problem is, there are no truly western players in this particular part of the space. The only US makers of radios I know of, other than kits like the new CFT1, are Elecraft and Flex, who are both playing at the high end space. ICOM, Yaesu, and Kenwood are all Japanese; Xiegu of course is Chinese...
I’m on the same page as you. Also have your antenna tester stick too. Been watching you since the beginning.
FYI, for your FX-4cr. Use a PVS-14 padded holder pouch for it. It works perfectly with my battery pack for it along with my BamAKey tp-iii Morse key.
small radios are cool, but small antennas (Barbie) are a waste of money.
You are wrong about this antenna, and I have others (small) that are quite affective. We have different opinions, and that's okay.
Can you tell me what antenna you would recommend?