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YSF and DMR final conclusion from an old poor ham
_**i started with a Yaeso FT70DR
I wanted to try C4FM and get into all those cool world wide talkgroups
well that turned into frustration because when you take the repeater, for a while the locals complain...
Then I thought...hey Tom try DMR that sounds like fun.
well pretty much the same end result. Its another mode for tal;king to locals on a repeater...
and if you want to try one of those fun talk groups well you get kicked off after a few minutes, the radio just goes quiet...you have to push the ptt to get back
moving on from YSF to DMR
well I tried YSF on my FT0DR for a while...
I just dont like it
too many dropped messages too hard to listen to
so Im going to try DMR
a friend is loaning me a DMR radio to try and learn on
I know its a whole new learning curve...
but I have no life, no family
and a lot of time
Ill keep you updated
Oh does anyone find it irratating that yaesu only has a handful of radios thaat do fusion and almost all are $400-$800...
37
Vote System Reset
Just a heads up — the vote system (thumbs-up) has been reset.
We ran into some technical issues during a recent upgrade, and unfortunately, we had to wipe the previous vote data to get everything running smoothly again.
We know this might be a bummer for some of you, especially if your posts had built up a lot of votes. We're working hard to make sure the new setup is more stable moving forward.
Thanks for sticking with us and for being part of the HamLike community!
My Yaesu FT-891 during vacationing in Ensenada Mexico

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GMRS Operators Are Welcome on HamLike.com!
We’re excited to announce that HamLike.com is also open to GMRS operators with valid FCC-issued callsigns!
Our goal has always been to build a fun, welcoming space where radio enthusiasts can share knowledge, stories, and gear tips. By inviting GMRS users to join the conversation, we hope to create a bridge for anyone curious about amateur radio to eventually take that next step and earn their ham license.
If you're a GMRS user, come on in — share your setup, ask questions, or just hang out with fellow radio nerds. And if you've been thinking about getting your ham ticket, this
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# 📡 What to Post on HamLike.com — and How!
Welcome to HamLike.com — the community-driven ham radio hub where you decide what makes the homepage.
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If it's related to ham radio, it's fair game! Here are just a few ideas:
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What logging software or app do you use?
Hey everyone! I'm curious about how you're keeping track of your QSOs.
There are so many options out there… from classic paper logs to modern apps and cloud-based tools. Some hams love N3FJP, Log4OM, HAMRS, or Ham Radio Deluxe. Others stick with QRZ, CloudLog, or even roll their own spreadsheets or Raspberry Pi setups.
So, what do you use? And more importantly, why do you like it?
Drop your favorite logging method below. Whether it's old-school or high-tech, I’d love to hear what’s working for you. If you’ve switched from one to another, what made you
Need help choosing a logo for HamLike.com
Hey everyone,
I’ve been working on some logo designs for HamLike.com and ended up with 5 different versions. I’m not totally sold on any one of them yet, so I figured I’d ask for your input.
Take a look at the logos below (they’ll be numbered 1–5) and let me know what you think.
- - Which one feels right for the site?
- - Which one doesn’t work?
- - Would you change anything?
- - Or if none of them feel like the right fit and you’ve got a better idea — I’d love to hear it.
This site is about community, so it makes sense to let the community
You’re off to a good start.
I think that you are making headway in trying to bring the San Diego Amateur Radio Operators together. Keep it up.
???? Big Update: Welcome to HamLike.com!
Hey everyone, exciting news! SDHam.org has officially rebranded to HamLike.com, and rolled out some awesome new features!
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Along with the name change, I’ve updated our About page to better reflect our mission: to be a community-powered repository of knowledge for all HAM radio
Bored with Ham Radio? Try Something New!
If you’ve been in the hobby for a while and feel like you’ve hit a rut, **you’re not alone**. Maybe you’ve worked all the DX you care about, or you’re tired of the same local repeater chatter. But instead of walking away from ham radio, why not explore **a new aspect of the hobby**? With so many different modes, bands, and challenges out there, there’s always something new to try!
## Mix Up Your Operating Style
Contesting isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t care about high-pressure pileups, contests are a great way to grab
Integrating AI into Everyday Ham Radio Activities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have been transforming various hobbies and industries, and ham radio is no exception. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out, AI can become a valuable asset in your radio activities. Here’s how you can use AI to enhance your ham radio experience.
### 1. Technical Troubleshooting and Guidance
When setting up your equipment or troubleshooting issues, AI can act as a knowledgeable assistant. For instance, if you’re unsure about antenna placement or need help calculating the best propagation times, you can ask ChatGPT for advice. AI can also provide
Get Your Own Vanity Call Sign
One of the most common questions new hams ask is, “How do I get a vanity call sign?” Although the process can seem a bit complicated at first, it’s something any ham can navigate with a little guidance. In this article, I’ll simplify the steps so you can get your own custom call sign without any hassle. Keep in mind that the FCC now charges a $35 fee for vanity call sign applications as part of its new license application fees.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:
- 1. Choose one or more call signs you’d like
Grounding Your Ham Radio Station: Best Practices for a Safe and Quiet Station
Setting up a solid grounding system is one of the most important steps in establishing a reliable and safe ham radio station. Proper grounding helps protect you and your equipment from electrical issues, reduces noise for clearer signals, and provides a safe path for static and lightning discharge. Here’s a comprehensive look at grounding and how to set up an effective system.
### Why Grounding Is Important
**A well-grounded station serves three primary purposes:**
**1. Safety:** Grounding provides a safe path for electrical currents,
Protecting Yourself from Electrical Shock in Ham Radio Operations
Ham radio is an exciting hobby, but it involves handling electrical equipment that, if not treated with respect, can pose serious risks. Understanding how to protect yourself from electrical shock is essential to staying safe while you enjoy your radio activities. This article will cover some key precautions and best practices that every ham radio operator should follow to minimize the risk of electrical shock.
**1. Understand the Dangers of High Voltage**
One of the first things to keep in mind is that ham radio equipment often operates at voltages higher than household levels. Even small
