Ham Radio News
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FTx-1 series Summary
FTX-1 Series – True All-Rounder HF/50/144/430MHz All Mode Wide-Coverage SDR Transceiver
We are pleased to announce that we will launch the new HF/50/144/430MHz All Mode Wide-Coverage SDR Transceiver –FTX-1 series : “FTX-1 Field” and “FTX-1 optima”
The FTX-1 provides continuous wide-range receiver coverage from 30kHz through 174MHz and from 400MHz through 470MHz including SWL, FM broadcast, and Air-band.
FTX-1 Field and FTX-1 optima shares the “Field Head” - a field compact transceiver (W8.4’’ H3.5’’ D2.2’’).
FTX-1 Field is supplied with a 6400mAh large capacity Li-ion Battery - SBR-52LI for field operation. FTX-1 optima is supplied with a detachable 100W RF power amplifier - SPA-1 for a Base Station in addition to the SBR-52LI Li-ion battery for field operation.
By attaching the SBR-52LI to the rear of the Field Head, the FTX-1 provides 6W (5W for QRP) stand-alone operation on HF through V/UHF bands in all modes – SSB, CW, AM, FM and C4FM digital. 9-hour stand-alone operating time with 6W on HF bands (SSB), and 8-hour operating time with 6W on V/UHF bands (FM) are available (6-6-48 duty cycle). The SBR-52LI is rechargeable separately with a third-party’s USB Type-C PD cable (45W or greater/ 15V 2A).
When using an external 13.8V DC power supply, up to 10W of power output is available, and the Field Head charges the SBR-52LI automatically.
By connecting the SPA-1 to the rear of the Field Head, the FTX-1 operates as a 100W Base Station. No tools are necessary for connection.
·6W (5W for QRP) Field Operation with the supplied Li-ion Battery ·10W Field Operation with external DC power supply
Included items:
Field Head
SBR-52LI - 6400mAh Li-ion Battery
DC Power Cable with 2p-round plug for Field Head SSM-75E Hand Microphone
·100W Base Station Operation with external DC power supply ·6W (5W for QRP) Field Operation with the supplied Li-ion Battery ·10W Field Operation with external DC power supply.
Included items:
Field Head
SPA-1 - 100W RF Power Amplifier
Heavy-Duty DC Power Cable for SPA-1 (25A) DC Power Cable with 2p-round plug for Field Head SBR-52LI - 6400mAh Li-ion Battery
SSM-75E Hand Microphone
FTx-1 Series Two models and some accessories
FT-1X Field
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
FT-1X Field
FTX-1 Field – Designed for portable operation, this version includes the 6400mAh SBR-52LI Li-ion Battery and delivers up to 10W output with an external DC supply (or 6W standalone). Perfect for SOTA, POTA, and mobile use.
FT-1X Optima
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
FT-1X Field
FTX-1 Optima – A complete base station solution. Includes the same Field Head and battery as the Field version, but also comes with the SPA-1 100W RF Power Amplifier for full-power operation at home or in the shack.
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
HF/50MHz 10W Automatic Antenna Tuner for Long-wire/50Ω antenna. The FC- 90 is a compact automatic antenna tuner compatible with both long wire and 50 ohm antenna. By connecting with a cable it can be installed close to the antenna.
FC 80 Tuner
SPG 1 Protection guard
FC 90 Automatic Antenna Tuner
HF/50MHz 10W Automatic Antenna Tuner. A light and thin automatic and antenna tuner which can be attached to the rear of the field head. By using the supplied spacer the FC-80 and SBR52LI or SCF 1 can be combined to attach to the rear of the field head.
SPG 1 Protection guard
SPG 1 Protection guard
SPG 1 Protection guard
Yaesu branded front accessory "cage" to protect the radio. There will be a lot of after market offerings to come.
SCF 1 cooling fan
SPG 1 Protection guard
SPG 1 Protection guard
Modular fan that can be added to the system
More accessories
SBR-52LI
6400mAh Li-ion Battery Pack *Supplied with radio package
SPA-1
This is the engineering drawing of the SPA-1. This drawing was pulled from the FCC website. The SPA-1 makes the FTX-1 series a 100 watt radio. It can be purchased separately, comes with the FTX-1 optima
BU6 Bluetooth Unit
This add on is required if you intend to use blue tooth devices on this rig.
FGPS-5
GPS antenna unit
SSM-BT20
ATAS 120
This radio support the ATAS antenna system
Some initial published pricing
Amateur Radio Helps 2025 Boston Marathon
Posted 4/29/2025
Over 280 amateur radio operators volunteered during the 129th running of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025.
Operators were working at virtually every location connected with the race, including the starting line, the entire course, the finish line, transportation, and various operations centers including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the State EOC Unified Command Center (UCC), and the BAA Race Operations Center (ROC) in Boston. Combined, they performed communications duties that included logistics support as a primary function and backup support for medical and other public safety requests for the race as needed.
“This is one of the largest public service events amateur radio supports in the United States and planning started over 6 months in advance,” said Rob Macedo, KD1CY, of the Boston Athletic Association Communications Committee.
Fram2 Astronaut Conducts First Amateur Radio Contacts from SpaceX Dragon
Posted 4/7/2025
Rabea Rogge, LB9NJ/KD3AID, a private astronaut on the crew of the Fram2 mission, has conducted the first amateur radio contacts from aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The Fram2 flight sets many firsts, including being the first crewed mission to do polar orbits of the Earth, and Rogge became the first German woman in space.
The mission is funded and commanded by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter) about the first day of the mission, “Rabea spent some time on the ham radio, making contact with Berlin.”
Rogge is using a battery powered Icom IC-705 aboard the flight. She’s transmitting SSTV images on 437.550 MHz for a youth amateur radio competition called Fram2Ham. Rogge will send images from polar regions that have been broken into digital puzzle pieces, which students must assemble.
More information can be found on www.fram2ham.com.
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act Re-Introduced
Legislation Will Increase Communication Options During Natural Disasters
02/07/2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D- Conn., and Representatives August Pfluger, R-Tex., and Joe Courtney, D-Conn. announced their joint re-introduction of legislation in the Senate and House to restore the right to Amateur Radio operators to install the antennas necessary to serve their communities.
Homeowner association rules often prevent Amateur Radio operators from installing antennas at their homes even though Amateur Radio has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural disasters such as hurricanes when other means of communication fail.
“Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters, including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference between life and death,” Senator Wicker said. “The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires.”
“When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often life-saving information, which shouldn’t be hindered by prohibitive rules or confusing approval processes. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act eliminates obstacles for ham radio enthusiasts, allowing them to continue their communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Natural disasters and other emergency situations that hinder our regular lines of communication are unfortunately unavoidable, which is why we must bolster our emergency preparedness by removing the barriers amateur radio operators often run into when installing antennas. Amateur radio plays a vital role in public safety by delivering critical information to people at all times. My district is home to dozens of amateur radio operators ready to volunteer in the event of an emergency, and I am proud to lead this legislation,” said Congressman August Pfluger.
“As we know from recent natural disasters, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It is in our communities’ best interest that we give them the capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the re-introduction of this bill, we’ve taken a strong step in that direction,” said Congressman Courtney.
Background:
The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 (H.R. 1094 and S. 459) would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed Amateur Radio operators by prohibiting the enforcement of private land use restrictions that ban, prevent, or require the approval of the installation or use of Amateur Radio station antennas. Homeowner associations have often prevented installation and use of such antennas through private land use restrictions. This has hindered voluntary training for emergency situations and blocked access to necessary communications when disaster strikes.
Among other provisions, this legislation would:
- Prohibit homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban Amateur Radio antennas;
- Specify an approval process for installing Amateur Radio antennas;
- Provide a Federal private right of action to Amateur Radio operators in disputed cases.
On behalf of America’s Amateur Radio licensees, Rick Roderick, the President of The American Radio Relay League, re-confirmed the ARRL’s full support for the passage of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 and extended his thanks and appreciation to Senators Wicker and Blumenthal and Congressmen Pfluger and Courtney for their unflagging leadership of the bi-partisan effort to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators.
The text of the House version can be found at this link: H.R. 1094
One of our own has a new book!
Profound Awareness: Living, Learning, Loving, Laughing, and Leading in His Presence
Please check out KO4ZMT Dr. Eric Palmu's new book!
Releasing my soul back to God was both frightening and exhilarating. The most challenging aspect of release was understanding how the transforming salvation worked. My believer's prayer carried a deep sense of freedom... for that day. The draw of the world made it grow dim. My question became why? Since that fall afternoon in the late 70s, I have studied spiritual formation with one goal n mind, to share how intimacy with God works so that you will lead when called.
You can order it on Amazon.com -
Paperback – January 28, 2025
by Dr. Eric J. Palmu (Author)
Get Ready for "Ham Radio Open House" on World Amateur Radio
01/24/2025
To help promote amateur radio science and technology, and to honor the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), ARRL is inviting radio clubs and schools to organize a Ham Radio Open House in April, built around World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) on April 18.
The event is intended to highlight the Amateur Radio Service for its development and practice of the latest radio communications and technology, and as a hands-on pathway into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for the next generation.
In April, amateur radio clubs, school stations, and other groups will have the opportunity to advance public knowledge about ham radio by welcoming their communities into their stations for the Ham Radio Open House, as part of World Amateur Radio Day. The focus will be on scientific advancement and demonstrating cutting-edge technology. This is a chance to not only shape the conversation about modern ham radio but also to show how it serves as a steppingstone and testbed for many young people pursing STEM education and future high-tech careers.
ARRL has teamed up with HamSCI -- Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation -- and the science community organization SciStarter to invite the public to participate in One Million Acts of Science during April, which is Citizen Science Month. By hosting a Ham Radio Open House at your group’s station on April 18, you'll introduce individuals who might never otherwise find out about today’s amateur radio, where science and technology intersect with fun and learning.
ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX, said ARRL is excited to work with HamSCI and SciStarter on this project. “This is an exciting opportunity to really reclaim the public’s image of ham radio and show them the modern, cutting-edge technology that’s in use by many amateurs,” she said.
Clubs are encouraged to showcase the latest weak-signal modes, such as FT8 using WSJT-X, or other digital modes. This could be a great opportunity to explore new areas of amateur radio and demonstrate how the service is at the cutting edge of electrical engineering.
Look for resources to help organize and promote the event soon. Find details at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day. .
For many participants in the world of amateur radio, the initial draw can be something like the ability to talk to people from around the world.
“It starts as a hobby. You want to talk to somebody because you hear somebody else talking,” said local amateur radio enthusiast Ralph Grover.
But for a lot of people involved in amateur radio, also known as ham radio, it’s not just for the fun of it. Amateur radio can play an important role in emergency communications, and many people involved with it are here to help.
“It’s one of those things, it’s very much under the radar, but there’s a strong community effort to make sure we as a community can at least be prepared and supported where we can provide that support,” he said. “The amateur radio community is pretty important to me as an emergency manager,” said Andy Martsolf, emergency services director for Mesa County. As it happens, Martsolf has held an amateur radio license since the early 1990s, “so I count myself as one of them,” he said. He said he’s not active in amateur radio these days but had made sure not to let his Federal Communications Commission license lapse because it’s a bit of a process to get the license. He said getting into amateur radio at the time he did as a bit of a natural thing to do, as his career field was communications when he served in the Air Force.
He said amateur radio enthusiasts are an important part of the emergency operations plan for the county. Facilities are in place for them in the county’s emergency operations center in case there is a need to establish some sort of long-haul communications to the state emergency operations center. “To me they’re important because they offer multiple modes of radio communication. Public safety radio communications tend to be limited to one mode, so if there’s a failure there then it leaves the potential for gaps in radio communications,” Martsolf said.
EARLY DAYS
Martsolf said that in the early days of the county’s COVID-19 response, one of the first objectives at the county emergency operations center was to establish a call center. “It’s the amateur radio community that I looked to help staff the phones for that call center,” he said.
Beyond the assistance amateur radio enthusiasts provide for emergency operations, they also help with communications for multiple special events throughout the year, such as running races and gravel bike races, some of which take place “in the middle of nowhere,” Martsolf said.
“That gives us additional training,” said Grover. On other occasions amateur radio enthusiasts who want to help with emergency communications have the opportunity to engage in training in a much bigger way. One of those occasions occurred on Oct. 26, as part of a nationwide exercise involving a simulated emergency. In Colorado, Ferron and Grover say probably more than 100 people participated in the exercise. Ferron says around 25 were from Mesa County and northwest Colorado. Grover said the exercise involved mobilizing to address what was referred to as a grid failure caused by a cyber attack. The simulation included shutdowns of cellphone services and police radio systems as a result of cyber attacks. Grover said he served as what was referred to as an inject coordinator for Region 9 in northwest Colorado. “My job was to develop additional issues and hand them to radio operators — to say this or that is happening and see how they respond — because no emergency is just a standard emergency. Things happen in the middle of them and so you try to prepare for those too,” he said.
“... What we tried to do as a group in the state is to respond to additional mobilizations as each one of these attacks occurred.”
Grover said local amateur radio signal repeaters all are backed up with battery or solar power.
“So when the grid quote unquote ‘went down,’ we managed to maintain our repeaters fairly effectively,” he said.
SIMULATED EMERGENCIES
Ferron said the Northwest Colorado region of ARES has participated in the simulated emergency event for a number of years. He said that for the first time, it had people working out of an incident communications center in Meeker. The region also worked with participants in the Delta/Montrose/Gunnison county region and the Four Corners area. “We extended our reach a little bit this year and we were tickled about that,” he said. Western Colorado participants also engaged in communications with counterparts on the Front Range. Ferron said local amateur radio enthusiasts are able to coordinate with counterparts there and with the state Emergency Operations Center in the event of things like a major snowstorm or grid outage. He said typically emergency communications in the state are set up by the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which runs the state Emergency Operations Center. ARES volunteers coordinate with the state, but a number of them from Grand Junction and across the state also participate in Colorado Auxiliary Communications, or AuxComm, a volunteer-based state public safety communications unit that supports the state. Ferron said amateur radio enthusiasts worked with the state AuxComm coordinator during the October exercise. Local participants worked out of a base at the First Christian Church in Grand Junction for the training event. Grover said the exercise, with all the simulated scenarios being thrown at participants, could be hectic at times. “The only way to test capabilities is to go through it. It can be pretty intense,” he said. On Dec. 7, amateur radio enthusiasts in the United States also held the 25th anniversary of an event known as SKYWARN Recognition Day. It honors the contributions of SKYWARN volunteers who use amateur radio and other means of communication to provide real-time ground-truthing of weather conditions to National Weather Service offices. The volunteers also can provide communications between the weather service and local emergency management officials when other communications go down. Ralph Grover, right, points to a sheet alongside Keri Varela during the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Colorado Simulated Emergency Test on Oct. 26. During the exercise, Grover served as what was referred to as an inject coordinator for Region 9 in northwest Colorado. “My job was to develop additional issues and hand them to radio operators — to say this or that is happening and see how they respond — because no emergency is just a standard emergency. Things happen in the middle of them and so you try to prepare for those too,” he said. Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel The Dec. 7 event included a special exercise in which amateur stations worked to exchange information with as many SKYWARN weather spotters and National Weather Service stations as possible on various radio bands. Grover said amateur radio enthusiasts are particularly busy in the southeastern United States pitching in with emergency communications and they participate in more training as a result. He said they play a big role after hurricanes helping transmit welfare messages between people who are trying to check on each other and get word out that they’re OK when communications networks are down. He said that while amateur radio enthusiasts in western Colorado enjoy practicing, they are thankful that they don’t have as many emergencies to be participating in because that would mean a lot of lives and property would be at risk.
“But we want to try to be prepared so we exercise,” he said.
Ferron said there are a thousand things you can do with amateur radio, and one thing a lot of people, himself included, like to use it for is to give back to the community. Martsolf said emergency communications support is “kind of baked into amateur radio.”
Anyone interested in learning more about getting involved locally in amateur radio as an emergency-service tool can visit the Mesa County ARES website, www.ares-mesacounty.org.