Amateur radio has a rich history spanning over a century, and despite the rise of the internet and mobile communications, it remains a vibrant and evolving hobby. The advent of digital modes has transformed how radio amateurs communicate — enabling long-distance QSOs with minimal power and bandwidth. In this article, we explore the three most…

In spring 2025, Yaesu introduced its latest SDR transceivers, the FTX-1F and FTX-1 Optima, which represent a new generation of modern, versatile, and modular handheld and base station-class radios. With these models, the company targets portable (SOTA, POTA), QRP, and high-performance home operators alike. The development focused on innovations such as dual receivers, a full…