Five Regrets

[@KM4ACK]

TN07 Mast - tn07.com/32-portable-antenna-mast Rig Expert Stick Pro - rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/stick-pro/# Nano VNA - amzn.to/4at6WOB Modular Go Bag - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3fKc2CCj7Gims0

[@gamingforlive2150]

Personally i really regrett my Leixen VV898 as its terrible (i can barely recive as it is too insensitive, and It just has a lot of weird software bugs) overall it performs way worse than even my uv5r

[@TheSpitfiregoggles]

That's a pity...I've had a Leixen VV-798 for several years now, used as a base station at first and latterly in the car. Mine's been fine, if a little fragile compared to some radios. Maybe you've just been unlucky and got a duff one.

[@daveN2MXX]

A large (and heavy) box with radios is not really a "go box", but probably better called a portable station. It is good for field day, special event station, or to move between multiple HTQs. You are right, a rack case which includes the kitchen sink is usually not great for casual parks on the air, sota, or other spontaneous field operations. You are also correct about upgrading to lifepo4 vs sla.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I made the same mistake of running a Baofeng UV-5R with a cheap mag mount antenna for the Jeep. About after that, I went with a Kenwood D710GA, a Diamond KS400 mount and a Comet SSB5 antenna. I am happy that I made this investment. It's still going strong 3 years and counting. Invest in your tools! P.S. I wish I could sell you on my manpack approach for the FT-817/818. 73 de KT7RUN

[@KM4ACK]

I don't run my 817 enough. I have been stuck on the 705 for the vast majority of 2023. Every time I watch your videos that have manpacks in them I can't help but think I might be missing out on something :-)

[@ericbjorkman4665]

I think your just "missing" out on the running part. Both methods are extremely valuable for comparison and necessary. Thank you both for sharing your experiences. 73 KE0IHR

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@ericbjorkman4665 You're welcome.

[@AJ9FE]

I feel the same about the NanoVNA, once I started doing stuff outside I ended up purchasing a RigExpert Stick Pro too.

[@lonewolfhamradio]

I regret buying cheap amazon coax that wasn't 50 ohms and had a really cheap bnc like connector on one end. Whilst I don't advocate buying special magical pota coax with goofy colours I do realise that buying from a recognised radio dealer is essential.

[@mikemurphy1940]

Great video. And if I had purchased those items, I would probably have had the same results. That said, after being in the hobby for over 44 years, it is the items that I regret selling that I could make a video about..

[@mauriceaustin3442]

GREAT video. My list is about the same LOL About 35 years into the hobby here

[@Blake-W8LB]

I feel the exact same about my first mast and my first GO box.

[@johnk23705]

Excellent list ! My biggest regret was thinking I needed a Linier Amplifier. I bought an Ameritron 600 watt amp. Yes, it did help in DX pile up's a little bit. Maybe a DB or two. What I found out was that 100 watts works just great except maybe if you happen to be into serious contesting. Then a amplifier can help, but is still not 100% necessary. The amp some years later had a tube flash over that took out the amp and my Yaesu transceiver. It would have been much better to have upgraded my antenna system. An amp gives you a bigger mouth, but does nothing for the ears. You can do a lot with 100 watts and a wire. Focus on building or buying a very good antenna system and coax before going for more power. You'll get far more per $$$ in the antenna.

[@rjy8960]

I went on exactly the same journey with the Nano-VNA. I've had mine for a couple of years and it is a PITA to use in the field and went for a Rigstick Pro X, primarily because I struggle to use the Nano in the field due to visibility and the faff involved in setting up a simple sweep. However, saying that I do find it considerably more useful than the Rigstick as a bench tool as it does have two ports. I can easily plug it into my laptop and I have a larger screen and it is easy to set up frequency plots of different ranges and I can easily check filter responses with it which I can't with the Rigstick. Personally I do appreciate both. I will most probably get a larger sized VNA that can cover up to 3GHz at some point as I'm QRV on 13cm and have no way of analysing antennae for the band.

[@michael_KD8GIJ]

I'm at an age where I've had to admit to myself that my truck has essentially become my go box. If I can't drive into or out of a situation, I'm probably not getting in/out anyway so I better have a few things with me in my truck.

[@chrissewell1608]

Thats your Go Anywhere Box!

[@Bob814u]

My antenna carrier is my truck.

[@Brent_N4BDW]

Hey Jason, GREAT video topic, thank you for sharing your personal radio regrets. Mine would probably be the original Buddistick. Now, it’s a very good antenna, however….i bought it with the ground-level mini tripod. Very, very easy to tip over in breeze, so now ya have to have a weight option. And the elevated radial….it requires you to measure out the lengths and either mark the wire, try to put heat-shrink at each length, or back & forth adjusting length in the field. It just takes away from the flow of POTA. Now I use a 17’ whip ground-mounted and Silver Bullet Mini and I have 8 bands in a park, easy.

[@RookieLock]

Great video, this is something I wish people would talk about more.. Thanks Jason !

[@warplanner8852]

You nailed the NanoVNA! It's a wonderful toubin the Shack but, outside in the sun or just outside in general leaves a to be desired. If you're skilfull, you can get by with as little as the old VSWR meter. I have found that one of this old Chi SARK100s reliable and provides enough information to keep you informed and out of danger. In the field with end fed antennas, a outboard tuner like an LDG is fine. But the NanoVNA is just too much information.

[@KQ4QCJ]

#3 should be #1 and the first piece of advice given to a new ham. Sure, cheap radios will get you on the air, but I will never forget what an experienced ham said during a local rag chew, "Buy cheap, buy twice."

[@sixstringforge]

Ah, the baofeng front end issue... The problem no one wants to admit. I knew it was bad, but didn't know how bad it was until I was taking to a friend simplex while we were driving opposite directions. He was running a 1/4 wave mag mount and I had a 5/8 Larsen. I could hear him just fine when were about a mile apart on my Icom V8000. He could copy me at all even though I was running the full 75 watts... Pretty sad.

[@theodoreantanaitis7829]

To see the nano vna screen in sunlight, I have added a piece of black opaque cloth to my kit which I throw over my head to view my nano effective even in the brightest sunshine and much cheaper than upgrading to a more expensive instrument.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Love Scott Tracy’s go-box he hauls out of Thunderbird 1. G4BTI.

[@timsmith428]

#4..YES!! I have always built my own antennas. I the cost alone is in the savings. Buying a "dipole-in-a-bag" is just a joke. All the antenna building info is online. Use it!

[@islandmagicco]

Thanks for keeping it real, Jason. Agreed, the Nano VNA can be tricky to use. The Rig Expert stick, though, is a total game-changer.

[@TheSpitfiregoggles]

The only radio I remember buying that wasn't a good purchase was a Standard C58, in about 1984. It was a 1Watt, 2 meter, multimode portable, like a more compact version of the FT-290. While it was OK on FM, the transmitted audio on SSB was awful and there was no adjustment (mic gain, ALC, etc.). Sold it in the end and bought an IC-202S, way better!

[@chrissewell1608]

I agree with the Go Box idea. I have been planning and buying for 2 years, for my basic design. It keeps getting bigger, and I have not even started building it. It is almost time for a dry layout, then trimming the fat! Then will get to a final design.

[@KI4ASK]

Nice video Jason. Merry Christmas from Atlanta. 73, Joe

[@KM4ACK]

Merry Christmas Joe

[@MattCoversTech]

Cheap radios have their place. I have a little of both. I've used a UV5R style as a mobile radio, and it actually worked well. I also have HTs that cost 5-7 times as much, they have their place as well. The thing about a cheap radio is, if it gets stolen from the car, no big deal.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Those framing go-boxes are beasts. I have a suitcase and a backpack. It works to me. The modular approach is the best way to go. I have used a Baofeng as a mobile radio. Worked for me. I have had good luck working DX on a vertical .antenna. I have four SLA batteries. I will use them until they die. Then I will look as LIph. I guess different people have different experiences.

[@KM4ACK]

yes sir. gotta run with what works for you

[@jimlynch9390]

I agree about the display on the Nano VNA, also I don't use it often enough to remember how.

[@J0HN3]

Gotta agree that rig expert stick pro was a good choice. I regret the Chameleon magnetic loop antenna. Paid a ton and used it like a week. Been in a box ever since.

[@Thomas-ZET]

Great video, over the years I have purchased more antennas than I care to admit, heck I still have several still in the box, my 2 best purchases were the rig expert stick pro and the DX commander that has been a good work horse

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I just got the stick pro. I will be using it on my copper jpole.

[@taroctg]

Bro, you are a gift that keeps on giving. Your videos are saving me a bundle. Many thanks. Keep making videos like this.

[@KS0JD]

Great concept on the worst 5 things. I probably have a few but when I look back I think of it as party of the learning experience of this hobby. That is probably the thing I enjoy most is the learning aspect of the hobby. As far as analyzers I have a few of them but each has a place. I have recently found the Comet CAA-500 MKII to fit my needs the best. It's built like a tank and has the cross needles as well as the digital display. Thanks for the videos! 73

[@yophotoman]

Great video. I also bought cheap HT's before I understood topography - I'm in an rf dead zone, behind a ridge. Now I use my HT's as limited channel scanners. Bought the NanoVNA too. Useful to a point, but awkward like you said. Don't use it much for those reasons.

[@doc145]

I bought an AA-54 Rig Expert analyzer about 15 years ago. Works fine. Thought about buying a newer model but why? Once the antenna is up and running the analyzer sits in a drawer.

[@ronrico2620]

I got real lucky being gifted a antenna analyzer from my local ham club. Someone donated it to give to a young person. Im not young but compared with the average age of the club. I made almost every antenna i have. I did buy some antenna kits to learn on.

[@LWRC]

Speaking of mobile rigs, I never ran the UV5R as a mobile rig but did have a Yaesu mobile unit as a base station. The RJ45 mic connector failed at the entry point to the radio and almost rendered the mic useless as the cable body was no longer securely attached to the connector. From that point on, I went to Motorola radios and never looked back. I now have a Motorola XTL5000 50W mobile unit with a 13W commercial Motorola speaker so both the TX and RX audio are crystal clear!!! There are no amateur rigs that can compete at that level!!!

[@alessandroconcas]

Agree with you at 120% (bonus included)! In my experience I've to add: swr meter that arent cross needles and without pep/awg (hate to tx, set , adjust to max, ptt again and ...), and other less important thing but that make operaion more stressfull! Like you have say I'm waiting for your video that include item must have buy/do before or at the begin (like read book, pratice with friend already "expert" in outdoor activation, take a loot at score in contest of stations not money value)... 73 from Italy de iz3qvb Alessandro

[@KuehncIncorporated]

Regrets 1. TYT 7800 2. GD88 3. Compactenna 4. Ranger 10m Radio 5. UV5R Recommend 0. UV5R (LOVE HATE I know) 1. Yaesu FT-891 2. Atas 120A 3. Diamond X50 4. Rigexpert 5. Tgif hotspot 6. Anytone 878 7. Yaesu FTM200 8. Anytone 5555 9. RG213 Type N

[@TheSmokinApe]

Solid advice 👍

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks Ape!

[@kevin_wb0poh]

Completely agree with the nanoVNA. I have NO problem with the nanoVNA for RF measurements, but not for field usage. I bought a RigExpert AR170 and love it. I still use it on POTA activations to adjust my antenna and antenna tuner.

[@LinkEighty8]

I bought a nano vna to build uhf/shf antennas. I will forever agree that the stick is the way to go for hf.

[@nate43data]

Good list/video for new hams to consider. I've had my ticket for 15 years. I regretted buying the flex 6400M not understanding the face (on the M model) was a maestro control unit made onto the case simply connected with a network card. I'm not sure why I didn't fully understand the set up. It makes more sense to have the maestro wherever you want it separate from the radio. The radio failed due to a part flaw that they have since rectified. That allowed me to refund the radio and the next time around 3 years later knew the non M model was for me. I operate predominantly from a computer. Great radio, and the receiver makes it difficult for me get used to the timbre of my other HF radios.

[@bb_37]

Your #2 needs to be driven home. Whenever I see someone bragging about their go-box, I ask "how much does that weigh?" A fancy go-box is no good if you break your back carrying it. I think the easiest way to modularize is to separate the DC power source from the radios. Thanks for the video.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Worst purchase…Heathkit HW7. Heavy microphonics. Left me with a headache with the hi Z headphones clanging like a gong. Very deaf. So I added a RF preamp and LM380 audio chip. Microphonics then vanished!. Eventually got everything usable. Put it away for a couple of weeks, went to use it and it no longer worked on 20 or 15. All bands stuck on 40m!!! Threw in bin.. Being a masochist I am looking out for HW8! G4BTI.

[@Bob814u]

MFJ-935C loop antenna. I have used it a couple of times and it just collects dust. BUT coupled with a good analyzer to tune it I am sure it will work great. Come to think of it I may set it up in my house to play with today......

[@JeffHochberg]

The RigExpert Pro is a phenomenal analyzer. The NanoVNA does a decent job, but from the standpoint of visibility and ease of use, the NanoVNA is down at the bottom of my list. I am curious about the spectrum analyzer that’s similar form facton

[@DonzLockz]

Great tips Jason. I probably have too many HT's but otherwise, I think I have made sensible choices.

[@JonathanKayne]

I don't regret buying my nanovna. The thing is, the only time I need an antenna analyzer is when I'm building an antenna and need to trim the wire to length. I don't build them every other week so a stick pro is somewhat a waste of money. I also don't build antennas that require an analyzer in the field. Things like loaded antennas just take too long to adjust compared to my MC-750 which has markings that the whip is adjusted to. Most importantly, I don't want to be lugging around another piece of equipment if i don't have to.

[@AD6DMDennis]

Hindsight is 20/20, but yeah I share your pain. My very first battery box was a 15Ah Headway build that cost me about $600 to put together because I wanted to put every conceivable idea into it. In retrospect, that was insane. But look at what I do now. I know the learning experience was worth it.

[@KM4ACK]

Yep. Sometimes we have to pay for the education. But dang it can be expensive :-)

[@Bob814u]

Yaesu FT-990 at a ham fest that my wife calls my $600 piece of junk. After cleaning it and having to buy a new power supply as the one I bought with it wasn't powerful enough it works massively well. A quad Cubix antenna that the 40' boom is my antenna mast as everything was rotten.

[@jamesr5564]

This was good, thank you.

[@bierakanus5463]

I enjoyed this style video, good info and advice

[@ronpetroski7203]

I like the mfj 269 analyzer. I boughtine for 100 bucks.

[@DavidJohnstone-hi9kr]

Excellent video ! I agree on the NanoVNA, however the low cost is what makes it attractive. Besides the NanoVNA, I have an MFJ-269 and a Comet CAA-500. I find the Comet the easiest to use in the field mainly because of the dual needle meter and it's overall ease of operation. It's what I consider a KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) device. The NanoVNA packs a lot of punch for such a small low cost device, however I too would not prefer it for field use. 73 WB1COB

[@dangermandave67]

I regret buying a Mini-Buddipole. It's not that it is a bad antenna. It is just a lot of messing around to set up and tune, and you need to spend extra money on a tripod and guying kit to be able to use it effectively, so the total cost becomes substantial. The poles don't do a great job of supporting the weight of the coil and radiating elements, so it has to be supported by the tripod and guys if you have any wind at all. I've held onto it because I can see myself sometimes wanting to operate in spaces where there isn't enough room to set up a wire dipole or EFHW. But, in an ideal world, I'd use one of the wire antennas in preference to the Buddipole when operating in the field.

[@Kevin_KC0SHO]

I regret buying a MFJ RF Sense TR Switch, Model MFJ-170BB. It didn't work at all, purchased from HRO.

[@notshared2543]

Couple of things 1. TIDRADIO HT Radio Wireless Programmer great concept but didn't like the permissions required for the software... Immediately uninstalled. 2. Single 2m antenna I installed on the house should have went with a dual band. 3. Several cheap speaker mics for HTs.

[@pcfreak1992]

I don't think a beginner needs the RigExpert Stick Pro, the Stick 230 can do the job as well and unless you need it for UHF antennas or do TDR measurements, there is a lot of money to be saved with the 230. Nonetheless, I still think that the NanoVNA is a must-have regardless. The RigExpert can only tune antennas, while the NanoVNA is a real VNA that can do S21 measurements. So if you want to measure transformers or filters, you're out of luck with a RigExpert alone as it only has one port. The best combo is probably the 230 with a NanoVNA for less than the Stick Pro..

[@LWRC]

For the Go Box, just get a dolly!!!

[@KM4ACK]

😂😂😂

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Jason, this video is packed with outstanding advice! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@rickgilbrt]

ID4100a - display is far too small for mobile use. FT-70DR - short battery life and awkward volume control. I keep the battery slightly ajar in the FT-70 so the software on/off switch doesn't drain the battery when I'm not using the radio. I'm OK with the display issues on my 4inch nanoVNA, given price and features. Mine has N connectors and a metal case, which make it more robust for field use.

[@GordonHudson]

I keep buying ATUs and then not needing them. I don't know how many I have owned that were just too good a buy to pass by.

[@mntalyAceptable]

I had the exact same experience with that MFJ mast. Thanks to you, I bought a TN07. That was four years ago and it's still working great.

[@Bob814u]

I broke the top two sections off very soon after buying it. I now have a DX Commander expedition mast that is working well, don't want to jinx myself by say it is the best thing since sliced cheese.

[@KH07734]

how is the used market on masts?

[@Swoop180]

There's more "Sellers remorse" in my case!😂

[@KM4ACK]

😂😂 I have a few of those as well

[@jamesr5564]

Would you recommend the ARRL Antenna book for helping to understand Antenna builds?

[@KM4ACK]

Yes. Great resource to have on hand and I like paper copies. Then again, Google will also yield good results.

[@robertmeyer4744]

very good. I started some time around 1980. Radio shack was the go to then. some good some bad. the worst things I regret is the vacuum tubes I got from China. was trying to save money. China is a mixed bag. not all bad. wish i learned that sooner. I have LiFePO4 made in China and they very good. have many Power queen ones and all super ! at first I thought was junk in a nice package. I should have watched more you tube video's . 73's

[@LWRC]

I regret buying the Baofeng UV5R!

[@KM4ACK]

They make great loaner radios :-)

[@cavdvr99]

Cheap Coax cable is my #1 regret..

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

We all know that most hams are thrifty/cheap... It can be a good thing and a bad thing. Personally, I don't mind spending money on items that will last. 73!

[@MicroOutdoors]

I'll say it.. FT5DR! biggest dumb purchase i've made. (Try and leave opinions out) Once you really think about it, a 5w HT for $500 (price has come down) that does mostly the exact same thing as a solid 10w HT does for $300 or less. Unless you have a very specific use it's not worth it. Mine sitting is a drawer and has only used for a week till I realized my other $200 HT was a much better daily use radio.

[@KM4ACK]

I agree that if you don't want, need, and use all of the features, it's not a good purchase. I use mine on a regular basis because I like and use APRS. If I don't need APRS, I won't take the FT5.

[@ronjones4069]

The NANO VNA should be thought of as a loboratory piece of equ;ipment for doing circuit design and analysis. It is extremely awkward to use as an antenna analyzer for tuning up your antenna. Although it will do a fine job of that, it is extremely awkward to use it that way and really crappy to use in the field. Eventhough it will do a fantastic job, it is still the wrong tool for tuning up your antenna. If you are not into circu;it design and analysis, save you money and get a proper antenna analyzer that was designed for that job, like the RigExpert. Like the NanoVNA, it does make a good circuit analysis tool, but is the wrong tool for doing bench top circuit analysis,for that use the NanoVNA.

[@stevetrapp1095]

links ?

[@KM4ACK]

In description and pinned comment

[@bruehlt]

I always laugh at those huge go boxes. They are so large that they are impossible to actually go anywhere with.

[@nr3rful]

Disagree on lith batteries. Prohibitively expensive, not to mention now a special charger is needed. I will stick with my sla

[@lonesomekennels5047]

Whew! I was afraid a used FT857 was going to be on that list. 73, Ron

[@KM4ACK]

Not a chance. Still use both of my 857 radios. 😃👍

[@markmartin9303]

Bashing Baofeng is so overdone and pointless. Why does every ham seem to be an incorrigible radio snob with more dollars than sense? This is why amateur radio is dying. It is the rare exception for people involved to be the "common man" hobbyist. I have never seen hardcore golfers constantly bashing cheap clubs or hardcore fishermen endlessly bad-mouthing Zebco rods and reels. This EXACT mentality is why I pretty much dropped pursuing it as a hobby, I could name at least 20 others who experienced the same unpleasant community and decided it wasn't for them. Was speaking with a young former Eagle Scout just the other day that said he would vote to eliminate HAM bands simply because of how rude and condescendingly he was treated after passed the technician exam and bought a Baofeng. Unsubscribed.

Don't get rid of that NanoVNA. Use it for the things it's good at. It's a great tool for testing filters, for example, something that your antenna analyzer can't easily do.

[@KM4ACK]

I didn't toss it. Just don't carry it outside anymore. Works great inside under controlled lighting.