Is My Power Company Overcharging Me?
Installing a Wi-Fi energy monitor inside my breaker panel to compare real-world usage against the utility smart meter. Practical install, app overview, and real data.
Articles
Practical, repeatable guides: antenna work, digital modes, station setup, electronics troubleshooting, and real-world testing. If there’s a “gotcha,” it’s called out. If there’s a reliable method, it’s documented step-by-step.
What These Articles Cover
- Ham radio: HF antennas, tuning, on-air results, station setup, operating tips
- Digital modes: FT8/WSJT-X setup, clean audio, CAT control stability, software tips
- Electronics: troubleshooting, repair lessons, and “how to spot the fake” component checks
- Computing: memory, storage, pricing trends, and upgrade advice
- Energy monitoring: real-world power tracking and verification testing
- Real-world testing: what works in practice, not just what sounds good in theory
Want a specific guide? Send a request on the Contact page with the model number and what you’re trying to accomplish.
Featured
Xiegu VG4 vs Traditional OFC Dipole
Real-world 40m FT8 A/B testing comparing DX reach and regional coverage using PSKReporter maps — no theory, just on-air results.
Radioddity HF-008 Multiband Mobile Antenna
Tap settings, whip tuning, VNA graphs, and my “two whips preset” trick for quick 20m/40m band swaps.
Why RAM and SSD Prices Are Rising — And What 2026 Looks Like
RAM, SSDs, and even hard drives are getting more expensive. What’s driving it and what it means for everyday users.
The Fake Component Epidemic
How to spot counterfeit transistors, ICs, and RF parts before buying. Hard-earned lessons from decades of repair work.
RF Transistor Testing
Why counterfeit RF finals pass basic checks but fail in real radios. A hands-on look at fake vs real devices.
Beginner’s Guide to Ham Radio
Licensing, first radios, antennas, bands, and operating etiquette — explained without the fluff.
Software & Setup
Reliable digital mode setups, fewer crashes, cleaner audio, and the settings that actually matter.
Ham Radio Software Tips
Practical setup advice for FT8, logging software, and digital modes — what actually works.
Connecting a Yaesu FT-991A to Ham Radio Deluxe
Step-by-step CAT control + COM port setup for reliable integration.
Next Articles (In Progress)
Building a bigger library of guides around antennas, digital modes, station reliability, electronics, computing, and practical testing.
- More FT-991A guides (clean audio, CAT stability, and common failure points)
- Noise hunting and RF interference fixes that actually work
- Antenna tuning notes and what changes move the needle
- Memory, storage, and upgrade decision guides
Send requests via Contact.