Why quality stands the test of time, and what coffee has to do with it

What do a high-quality shortwave transceiver and two cups of coffee from the local bakery have in common? The answer lies in a surprising calculation that shows our fascinating hobby is one of the most sustainable investments there is. While many modern pastimes are characterized by short-lived trends and constant gear upgrades, genuine quality products often faithfully accompany us through every solar cycle for decades. You can find this highly interesting sample calculation in our new article on the topic of “Starting Gear.”

Let’s take a closer look at the often-discussed decision: new equipment or the used market? For newcomers with a fresh license in hand, choosing their initial equipment is an exciting milestone, but this guide offers far more than just a refresher even for the experienced YLs and OMs among us. It is the ideal resource for competently advising the next generation in your local club or for gaining a compact overview of the current state of the art yourself. In an era of extreme value stability and rapid technological leaps, we provide a thorough explanation of why supposed bargains on online platforms often turn into frustrating dead ends and why a modern, unmodified original device could be the safer foundation for long-term success.
 

Use our guide as inspiration to reminisce about your own first car, or to have the perfect link ready for the next motivated beginner.
HUGE PRICE CUT on the ICOM IC-7100

Are you looking for the perfect all-rounder for your ham radio bench, your car, or your next field day? Then pay close attention! We’ve drastically reduced the price of the popular ICOM IC-7100. The IC-7100 is a true all-rounder and offers everything you need: Shortwave, 6m, 4m, 2m, and 70cm in all modes—even D-Star is already fully integrated.

Why you should grab this deal:

Innovative touchscreen: The recessed, beveled LCD touchscreen makes operation in the car or shack extremely intuitive and comfortable.

Modern digital technology: The 32-bit DSP ensures crystal-clear reception (30 kHz to 199.999 MHz & 400 to 470 MHz) and eliminates the need for expensive optional crystal filters.

Plenty of power: Up to 100W on 10m/6m, 50W on 4m/2m, and 35W on 70cm.

Perfect for digital modes: Thanks to the built-in USB interface, CI-V, and SD card slot, you’re ready to go right away for FT8 and other digital modes.


IMPORTANT: This offer is valid only while supplies last! Be sure to secure your unit right away before it’s too late.
For a limited time only and at an unbeatable price
CG-3000 Asymmetrical Antenna Tuner, 1.6–30 MHz, 200 W, with remote control

Whether for traditional operation in your home shack or flexible use at the next Field Day—the CG-3000 automatic tuner is the ideal choice. Take advantage of this opportunity now and secure this reliable tuner at the current special price. Since this is a limited-time offer, we recommend acting quickly while supplies last.

The CG-3000 is a highly efficient automatic tuner for the 1.6 to 30 MHz range, specifically designed for feeding wire antennas, verticals, or dipoles. The unit features a rugged, weatherproof housing, allowing for permanent outdoor installation or mounting directly on a mast. With a maximum transmit power of 200 watts PEP, it is ideally suited for various modes of operation. A particular technical advantage is the integrated Pi-filter network, which also acts as a low-pass filter and thus attenuates unwanted harmonics. 

Once they’re gone, they’re gone—so act fast now before the stock at the promotional price runs out!
Modern SDR transceivers process more data internally per second than the entire Internet could have transmitted in its early years. As a result, amateur radio operators today have computing power at their workstations that would have been technically unattainable even for global research centers at the time of the first moon landing.

New from WiMo: OptiBeam OB16-5 16-Element 5-Band 20-17-15-12-10m

The OptiBeam OB16-5 is an uncompromising 5-band beam (20–10 m) designed for ambitious DXers and contest stations. Thanks to a directly coupled radiator cell and space-saving “Hidden Sleeve” technology, it delivers up to 15.5 dBi gain with 16 full-size elements and excellent forward-to-back ratios on all bands. The robust mechanics, designed for continuous stationary use, include a 10.10-meter-long boom and weigh 75 kg with a swing radius of 7.25 meters. Via the 50-ohm PL connector with integrated 1:1 balun, the high-performance antenna is precisely tuned at the factory and ready for immediate use.

 
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See you in the next newsletter!
CHRISTOPH BREKER
DL1CBS
 
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