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