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This article reviews a custom-built, pressure-sensor-based CW paddle, designed by VK3IL, as an alternative to the stock _Elecraft KXPD2_ for the _Elecraft KX2_ transceiver. The author, VK3PF, describes recurring issues with the mechanical KXPD2, including intermittent operation and loosening screws, which prompted the search for a more reliable solution. The pressure-sensitive paddle utilizes a PCB and components provided by VK3IL, requiring surface-mount device (SMD) soldering for assembly. The physical housing for the paddle is a DIY "sandwich" construction, employing two pieces of closed-cell foam around the PCB, secured with heat-shrink tubing. This design allows for comfortable, single-handed operation, particularly beneficial for portable activations like Summits On The Air (SOTA). The paddle connects to the KX2 via a 3.5 mm stereo plug, and its operation involves squeezing the foam-encased assembly to generate dits and dahs. The successful implementation has led to the complete replacement of the original Elecraft paddle.

An owner point of view of the Yaesu FT-818 QRP transceiver capable to work HF VHF UHF in CW, AM, LSB, USB, FM, PACKET.

The Elecraft KX2 and AX1 portable field kit is reviewed for its efficacy in rapid Parks On The Air (POTA) activations, focusing on a specific outing by _K4SWL_. The resource details the setup, including the _Elecraft KX2_ transceiver, _AX1_ antenna with a 3D-printed bipod, _Begali Adventure Dual_ paddles, and various accessories like the Windcamp X2 Side Rails and Tufteln KX2 Protective Cover. It outlines the practical considerations for a quick deployment, such as avoiding tree-thrown lines due to back pain, and emphasizes the minimal setup time required to get on the air. The activation described involved 11 contacts logged on 20 meters within 14 minutes, demonstrating the system's efficiency for "grab-and-go" operations. A QSO map visualizes the contact locations, and an unedited video documents the entire activation process. The review highlights the kit's reliability and compact nature, making it suitable for urban parks or situations where rapid deployment and minimal footprint are essential. The author expresses appreciation for the kit's tidy organization and consistent performance over several years of portable use.

eham reviews of the Kenwood TS-440S, and Kenwood TS-440S/AT, 160-10 Meter HF ham radio Transceiver/Auto Tune.

The K4 MacroMaster program facilitates the creation and deployment of macro commands for the Elecraft K4 and K4D transceivers. It provides a structured interface for hams to program up to fifty user-defined macros, organized into five **Macro Clusters** of ten commands each. The software connects to the transceiver via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless command injection and operational streamlining. The resource details the program's **macro editor**, which supports the creation, storage, and naming of these clusters by their functional purpose. A built-in hint feature offers quick reference for command syntax and usage, aiding in efficient macro development. The review section covers the installation process, initial configuration steps, and practical application scenarios for the K4 MacroMaster, including examples of common macro functions like band changes, mode selections, and contest logging integrations. Operational benefits highlighted include enhanced workflow automation and reduced manual input during demanding operating conditions, such as DXing or contesting.

Evaluating a new HF transceiver, AA4OO shares his initial operational impressions of the Yaesu FT-DX10, contrasting its physical design and performance against his prior experiences with the Elecraft KX3 and Ten-Tec Eagle. He notes the FT-DX10's superior fit and finish but finds the front panel controls, particularly the AF/RF knob, to be cramped, leading to accidental VFO shifts. The review details the radio's audio characteristics, describing acceptable SSB performance but "muddy" CW audio at 450Hz, which he attributes to cabinet acoustics, necessitating an external speaker for clearer CW reception. The author also discusses the effectiveness of the FT-DX10's Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) for CW, finding it significantly better than the NR on the Eagle or KX3. He appreciates the MPVD (Multi-Purpose-VFO-Outer-Dial) for reducing menu reliance during QSOs, a feature he finds more intuitive than the dual-use buttons on his Ten-Tec Eagle. However, he expresses disappointment with the noisy T/R relay during full QSK operation and a loud internal fan, which detracts from his preference for a quiet operating environment. Further observations include the 800x640 resolution of the external display connector, which he considers outdated, and the CW decode function, which he finds less practical than the KX3's due to its display of "paragraphs" of text rather than a quick assist. Despite these "nits," the review provides a balanced perspective on the FT-DX10's strengths and weaknesses from a seasoned CW operator's viewpoint, concluding that it's a "mixed bag" compared to his other rigs.

Presents an extended-period review of the Yaesu FTDX10 HF transceiver, focusing on its operational usability and long-term reliability after approximately ten months of alternating use. The analysis details aspects such as the radio's interface logic, menu navigation, and overall functional consistency, contrasting these with published specifications and common user expectations. It addresses specific operational scenarios and evaluates the radio's behavior under various conditions, providing observations on potential discrepancies between advertised features and practical application, including issues like panel timing, knob placement, and DNR aggressiveness. The review compares the FTDX10's performance and user experience against the Icom IC-7610 and Icom IC-7300 transceivers, particularly regarding receiver performance, roofing filters, APF, and dedicated width/shift controls. It highlights disadvantages such as disabled functions during transmit, slow internal ATU performance, lack of spectrum scope averaging, and various quality assurance issues like volume knob faults, failing screens, and FT8 harmonics. The document also includes commentary on Yaesu's product support, noting a lack of response to user feedback, and observed reliability of the FTDX10 unit over time, offering a perspective beyond initial laboratory measurements like those from Sherwood Engineering.

The Yaesu FTDX-10 transceiver features a hybrid receiver design, integrating a dual superheterodyne front end with an SDR chip for advanced DSP. This architecture aims to mitigate front-end overload, a critical consideration for HF operations. Performance data indicates a Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR) that places the FTDX-10 at number two on Sherwood Engineering's ranking, highlighting its strong signal handling capabilities. The unit includes a 5-inch TFT touch screen and an internal antenna tuner effective up to 3:1 SWR, covering receiver frequencies from 30 kHz to 75 MHz. Operational aspects include a spectrum scope with 2D and 3DSS display modes, offering adjustable frequency spans from 1 kHz to 1000 kHz and five waterfall speeds. The review evaluates the efficacy of the noise blanker and Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) functions, essential for mitigating interference in various operating environments. Connectivity is supported via USB drivers for N1MM and HRD software, alongside DVI output for external display mirroring. The Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial (MPVD) enhances user interaction. The FTDX-10's design and features cater to serious amateur radio operators seeking high performance in a compact HF/50 MHz platform.

The Yaesu FTDX10 MF/HF and 6-meter transceiver, a 100-watt rig, is designed to bring high-performance receiver architecture to the intermediate-price class. It offers continuous receive coverage from 30 kHz to 75 MHz and transmit capabilities across all amateur bands from 160 through 6 meters, including five preset CW and SSB channels on 60 meters. The transceiver supports AM, FM, SSB, CW, and digital modes, with integrated decoders for CW, RTTY, and PSK31, making it a versatile station for various operating preferences. Physically, the FTDX10 measures 3½ × 10½ × 10½ inches and weighs 13 pounds, requiring a 20–25 A DC power supply for full 100 W output. Its front panel features a 5-inch TFT color touchscreen and a large VFO knob, complemented by an SD memory card slot for recording audio and saving settings. Rear panel connectivity includes a single SO-239 antenna port, multiple USB ports for CAT control and peripherals, and DIN jacks for external digital mode hardware and linear amplifiers, though it lacks a dedicated low-noise receive antenna provision. ARRL Lab tests confirm excellent receiver performance, with blocking dynamic range exceeding 137 dB at 2 kHz spacing and robust IMD dynamic range figures. The hybrid receiver design incorporates selectable roofing filters at 500 Hz, 3 kHz, and 12 kHz, along with two preamplifiers and various attenuation levels, allowing operators to tailor reception characteristics to challenging band conditions. Transmitter performance is also rated very good, with low transmit phase noise.