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In3D Gear Guide
Essential gear and software for radio communications enthusiasts and professionals
Beginners: Get on the air cheaply, learn basic operations, experiment safely.
1. Handheld Transceiver (HT):
• Baofeng UV-5R – Cheap, reliable VHF/UHF starter
• Yaesu FT-4XR – Better build quality, still affordable
2. Simple Antenna Upgrade:
• Nagoya NA-771
• Diamond SRH77CA
3. Radio Programming:
• FTDI USB cable
• CHIRP - a free, open-source tool for programming your radio
4. License Exam Prep App or SDR Receiver:
• RTL-SDR v3 USB dongle
5. Entry-Level Power Supply:
• MFJ-4230MV - Compact switching power supply with room for future growth
Advanced Users: Operate on HF bands, explore digital modes, field ops, increase range with better antennas.
1. HF Transceiver:
• Yaesu FT-891 – Compact 100W mobile HF/6m radio
• Icom IC-7300 – Top-tier SDR HF rig, not that expensive
2. Tuner:
• LDG Z-100Plus
• MFJ-939
3. Digital Interface:
• Signalink USB - Connects your radio to PC for FT8, JS8Call, etc.
4. Portable Antenna System:
• Wolf River Coils
• Chameleon MPAS
• DIY EFHW
5. Logging + Software:
• N3FJP
• Ham Radio Deluxe
• JS8Call + WSJT-X
6. Field Power:
• Bioenno LiFePO4 battery + solar charger for portable/EMCOMM use
Professionals / Emergency Comms / DX Hunters: High-reliability comms, global DX, EMCOMM readiness, lab tools.
1. HF/VHF/UHF Base Station:
• Kenwood TS-890S – Advanced HF rig with top-end filtering
• FlexRadio 6400M – Networked SDR base station with GUI
2. Antenna System:
• SteppIR vertical
• Hexbeam
• Dedicated UHF/VHF yagis or verticals
3. Amplifier:
• Ameritron AL-811 - Affordable HF amplifier
• SPE Expert 1.3K-FA - Auto-tune solid-state
4. Antenna Analyzer for Precision Tuning:
• RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM
• NanoVNA-F V2
5. Station Automation:
• Green Heron Rotor Controller
• ShackLAN Switch Controller
• Node-RED
6. Backup Power & Comms:
• Honda EU2200i generator + solar + Winlink Gateway setup
• TAPR TNCs or Tait radios for packet/digital work
7. Lab-Grade Test Gear:
• Siglent SSA3021X Plus Spectrum Analyzer
• NanoVNA V2 Plus4 Network Analyzer