{"id":2593,"date":"2026-09-17T16:44:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/?page_id=2593"},"modified":"2026-09-18T00:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T23:24:00","slug":"gear","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/gear\/","title":{"rendered":"My Gear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything below is stuff I&#8217;ve actually bought, fitted, or field-tested \u2014<br>not a manufacturer&#8217;s spec sheet. If I haven&#8217;t used it, it&#8217;s not on this<br>page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\"><em>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon at no extra cost to you.<\/em>&nbsp;<em>It just means a small percentage of the sale goes toward<br>keeping this site and the YouTube channel running.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"mtop\"><a href=\"#Rigs\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Rigs\">Rigs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hhr\">Hand Held Radios<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ant\">Antennas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Test\">Test Equipment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Mis\">Miscellaneous<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"Rigs\">Rigs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-style-default has-border-color has-medium-font-size\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-radius:8px;grid-template-columns:auto 42%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ICOM IC-7100<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Covers HF, UHF and VHF. It shows its age with the monochrome screen and no real waterfall display; used mostly for the higher frequencies.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"194\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7100.webp?resize=194%2C142&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ICOM IC-7100 HF, VHF and UHF transceiver, front view showing display and controls\" class=\"wp-image-2706 size-full\"\/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-default has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;grid-template-columns:auto 42%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ICOM IC-7300<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My first choice rig for day-to-day use. Excellent display and user-friendly menu system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obsolete with the introduction of the Mk2 Version but a good second hand buy.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"197\" height=\"138\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/carmont.com7300.webp?resize=197%2C138&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ICOM IC-7300 HF transceiver, front view showing display and controls\" class=\"wp-image-2701 size-full\"\/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;grid-template-columns:auto 42%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Xiegu G90<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HF radio with very capable ATU. Rugged construction and 20W output work well for portable use.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"194\" height=\"139\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/g90-1.webp?resize=194%2C139&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Xiegu G90 HF transceiver, front view showing display and controls\" class=\"wp-image-2704 size-full\"\/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#mtop\">Back to main selection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"hhr\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Hand held Radios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;grid-template-columns:auto 35%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>ICOM ID-50E<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dual band handset with D-STAR and GPS. Nice clear display and compact size.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?resize=1024%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ICOM ID-50E dual band hand held transceiver, front view showing display and controls\" class=\"wp-image-2758 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/id-50.webp?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;grid-template-columns:auto 35%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Radtel RT-6D PRO<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dual band handset with DMR and GPS. Budget price for what you get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy the Radtel RT-6D PRO on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dl5xN2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dl5xN2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon<\/a> (opens in new tab)<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/radtel-dmr-1.webp?resize=200%2C362&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Radtel RT-6D PRO dual band hand held transceiver, front view showing display and controls\" class=\"wp-image-2786 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/radtel-dmr-1.webp?w=200&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/radtel-dmr-1.webp?resize=166%2C300&amp;ssl=1 166w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#mtop\">Back to main selection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"ant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Antennas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><u><strong>MFJ-1795<\/strong><\/u><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portable\/permanent HF antenna covering 10\/15\/20\/40M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\">Less than 3m tall so it conforms to planning rules while providing good performance.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"485\" height=\"485\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mfj-1795_1.jpg?resize=485%2C485&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"MFJ-1795 vertical antenna\" class=\"wp-image-2083 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mfj-1795_1.jpg?w=485&amp;ssl=1 485w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mfj-1795_1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mfj-1795_1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#mtop\">Back to main selection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Test Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><u><strong>Rig Expert 500<\/strong><\/u><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simple and powerful antenna analyser. It incorporates Bluetooth for connection to PC or mobile device with a free app to control the analyser remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\">Full review being prepared<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"310\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stick-500_006-2-1.webp?resize=310%2C310&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Rig Expert 500 antenna analyser showing display and controls.\" class=\"wp-image-2769 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stick-500_006-2-1.webp?w=310&amp;ssl=1 310w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stick-500_006-2-1.webp?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stick-500_006-2-1.webp?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#mtop\">Back to main selection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Mis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#ffffff;border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><u><strong>Messi &amp; Paoloni POTA kit<\/strong><\/u><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comes with reel, cable, and bag. Terminations are weatherproofed. Flexible coax with low loss.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pota-flex.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"Coaxial cable, reel and carrying case\" class=\"wp-image-2763 size-full\"\/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Xiegu DE-19<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\">Add on for Xiegu G90 enabling digital modes to be used. Comes with all cables required for connection to PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy the Xiegu DE-19 on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4Ahrx5t\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4Ahrx5t\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon<\/a> (opens in new tab)<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"345\" height=\"327\" src=\"https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/de19.avif\" alt=\"Xiegu DE-19 showing ports and indicators\" class=\"wp-image-2776 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/de19.avif 345w, https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/de19-300x284.avif 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Soldering Helping Hands<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compact set of clamps with magnetic base and carrying case. I find this more useful than the more traditional helping hands with magnifier attached. The nuts are easier to tighten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy the Soldering Helping Hands on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46ttbmY\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46ttbmY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon<\/a> (opens in new tab)<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><div class=\"cc-attribution-box-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"232\" height=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/helphand.avif\" alt=\"Helping hands setup demonstrating various methods of holding circuit boards and components\" class=\"wp-image-2780 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/helphand.avif 232w, https:\/\/carmont.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/helphand-150x150.avif 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px\" \/><div class=\"cc-attribution-box\"> <\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#mtop\">Back to main selection<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everything below is stuff I&#8217;ve actually bought, fitted, or field-tested \u2014not a manufacturer&#8217;s spec sheet. If I haven&#8217;t used it, it&#8217;s not on thispage. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon at no extra cost to you.&nbsp;It just means a small percentage of the sale goes towardkeeping this site and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","advanced_seo_description":"Explore my top-rated ham radio gear and accessories, all personally tested for quality and performance. Find your ideal setup today!","jetpack_seo_html_title":"Top Tested Ham Radio Gear: Rigs, Radios, Antennas & More","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_wpcom_ai_launchpad_about_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_gallery_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_contact_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_events_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_video_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_portfolio_piece":false,"footnotes":"","big_sky_generated":false},"class_list":["post-2593","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P6jb6X-FP","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2593","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2593"}],"version-history":[{"count":100,"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2593\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2808,"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2593\/revisions\/2808"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carmont.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}