Radio Shack

Written on Sunday 27 December 2020
Last updated on Friday 10 January 2025

This page describes my “radio shack” and other ham radio equipment, along with providing some links to other radio-related pages below.

Radio Shack Setup A photo of the “shack” (one end of a desk), circa 2021

Antenna Setup

I discovered the ham radio hobby though some of my previous radio-related projects, primarily using AIS, ADS-B and APRS packet data for tracking. I got my Foundation licence during Covid lockdown, then went for Intermediate and Full in the following years to expand the list of interesting things I can do!

At home I usually work HF SSB, primarily chasing portable or special event stations rather than having long ragchews. I have a high level of QRM there so I also use weak signal digital modes and can often be found passing the time on 40m/20m/10m JS8 or FT8. Equipment there for HF is a Yaesu FT-840 transceiver and auto tuner, with a 9:1 unun and 13m of “random wire” strung down my small garden at about 3m high. For VHF/UHF I have a Yaesu FT-7800 and Diamond X-50 antenna.


A picture of me operating from a field with an HF dipole antenna

Outside of home I am a regular activator for POTA, WWFF etc. when time allows. Equipment for outdoors is a Yaesu FT-891 and Sotabeams Band Hopper II inverted V dipole or JPC-12 vertical. I have also very much enjoyed doing Jamboree on the Air with the Scouts for the first time in 2024.


Me sat on a plank of wood with radio in hand, view of Poole behind me

Outside of the ham bands, I also use radio systems professionally, both for data and for marine VHF voice communication. I try my best not to say the wrong things on the wrong service…

I confirm all QSOs via LOTW, eQSL, Clublog & QRZ.com. I’m also happy to exchange cards direct (e-mail me for postal address) or via Bureau - just let me know if you want one.

See you on the air

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