ZYU / Xiegu VG4 Vertical Antenna
Real-world performance review using FT8, PSKReporter data, and live SSB contacts. Honest pros, cons, and on-air results.
Product Reviews
Hands-on reviews built around real use: time on the bench, time in the shack, and time in the real world. No “spec-sheet theater.” If something works, I’ll show the setup and the results. If it doesn’t, you’ll get the straight answer.
How I Test (What You Can Expect)
- Real use cases: how the gear performs in normal day-to-day operation (not just first impressions)
- Measurements when possible: power output, noise, stability, thermals, or anything relevant to the device
- Ham radio context: RF noise, power behavior, and whether it plays nice with radios and digital modes
- Pros/cons that matter: what impacts reliability, usability, and value (not marketing buzzwords)
- Clear conclusions: who it’s for, who should skip it, and what I’d buy instead if needed
If a product is ever sponsored or provided for review, it will be clearly disclosed on the review page.
Latest Reviews
KAMRUI Essenx E2 Mini PC
A compact, affordable mini PC that punches far above its price. Tested with ham radio software, streaming, and daily workloads.
Bietrun 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
A real-world review of an affordable pure sine inverter. Tested for solar backup, ham radio use, and clean AC output.
Shop-Vac 5.5 HP Wet/Dry Review
A no-nonsense, real-world review of a 16-gallon shop vacuum. Strong suction, solid design, zero marketing fluff.
Coming Up Next (What I’m Working On)
I’m building out a bigger review library, especially around ham radio gear and electronics tools. If there’s something you want tested (or a problem you want solved), send it over.
- Radios, tuners, antennas, and accessories
- Digital mode gear (audio interfaces, cables, noise fixes)
- Mini PCs and budget computing for ham radio
- Power gear (inverters, supplies, noise control)
- Test equipment and bench tools
Have a suggestion? Use the Contact page and include the make/model and what you want measured.