I have the Uniden BCD436HP.  It was expensive but well worth it.  It will even decode P25 radio traffic.  It also has a close call feature that alerts you it someone is transmitting nearby.

I found that a dipole pointed in a general direction also helps.  An example is this video:  https://youtu.be/4qle_lWTrpc
With one leg high and the second leg under it the path is directional.  With one vertical and the second horizonal in the direction of your intended contact it may work.  For best results experiment.  See what works best for you and your environment.  I have used the Buddipole antenna with one straight up and the second pointed, with a compass, at the azimuth my target is at.  Good luck!!!
de KE5ES

I downloaded the files for handouts to interested people.  It is all well and good to talk about them with people, but for them to have something to take home or back to their campsite and read and think about is a great thing.  In my military training communications with the masses was a difficult lesson for many people.  Print is good in an environment where people can read and it can be reread.  Radio/hearing is a good medium for illiterate populace or where print capabilities are limited.  Video is good for populations that have access.  A handout at a parks on the air station can recruit people that may not have thought about the hobby. (Steps down from Soap Box and yeilds it to the next person)

If I hadn't bought the KX3 I would have considered the 599 but I like the features I have installed with the KX3.

Yaesu FT-817ND.  I own a few radios but the 817 is my Baby.  I bought it for the all modes all bands features.  I have talked to multiple continents and love using it.  I just ordered a 1296 mhz transverse to use with it.  It is just a handy radio to have.
De KE5ES

I was trying to update my Raspberry Pi the other day.  It came back with a "you're running an out of date system" error.  I imaged a new micro SD card and inserted it.  Finally someone did something right.  Plug and play all the way through the setup.  Super fast also.  I took the old card and reimaged it for my other Pi.  I just have to get it running with the digirig and 817nd.

Hello my name is Steve and I'm an addict.  I started with a Baofengs and over the years I have progressed to the hardcore stuff, Elecraft.  My radio of choice though is the Yaesu FT-817nd withe a Buddistick vertical.  I found the YouTube channel that led me here.  Thanks Gil for hosting this forum.

Five 9 sided dice are a great random 5 number generator for one time pads.  Time consuming but there is a company that produces OTP machines that are stand alone.  https://www.partisanlabs.com/

I was looking for a battery the other day in a backpack and found five antennas I forgot I built.  The sparkplug is nestled in with my Yaesu FT-817nd and works wonderfully.  You just have to cut the wire correctly.

I got Bulgaria LZ3FA from Texas using the sparkplug antenna and 5 watts.

My first dipole got me tons of contacts.  My endfed halfwave is becoming my GoTo antenna.  Yes, Morse Code is far more effective and efficient than voice.  In two weeks I have gotten over 200 contacts on 5 watts with two of them on voice.  The rest are CW.  Some people say "You get what you pay for.". I say use your money wisely.

I seem to have bought the last 817 as the 818 was coming out.  It is my go-to radio.  I have talked next door and to Europe with 5 watts. (Morse Code). It has all modes and all bands.  I have a battery cable with attachments for a vehicle cigarette lighter plug, car battery clamps, and connectors for any 12v source I can find.  My all power power pack is a 26,000 ah battery when hooked to the 817 it should run for 20 days or more with accompanying solar panels.  It is worth the wait.  Also, you can listen to AM/FM broadcast stations for local propaganda.  With a small modification you can use it on the CB frequencies if it is legal in your country.

The last couple of days I have been camping in South Texas.  I am learning Morse Code and have been using it mainly with either my Yaesu FT-817 or the KX3.  With an endfed wire on my DX Commander pole I was talking easily to Hungary and Bulgaria.  My issue is my local EMMCOM wants WINLINK on 80 meters.  It is all well and good but if you are 'deployed' I can't see having the room for an 80 meter antenna.  Any suggestions??  It just amazes me that shack rats expect field rats to use 100 watts on WINLINK on 80 meters.

It doesn't matter if it is a far right or far left boot kicking you.  It is still a boot kicking you.  It is irritating when people have to bring ideologies into discussions.  Everyone has an opinion and many should stay private.  Except radio brands.

I used to go to the ARRL ARES training but grew disheartened when it was the same thing over and over, "you have to use winlink if you want to remain in this training and join the ZOOM meetings on Thursdays!!!"  When chatting with people locally they just want to learn how to use their radios or other communication devices during an emergency or disaster.  A few of my neighbors and coworkers decided to get their radio licenses and training and are totally enjoying a hobby they really didn't think about.  Thanks for the website!!!  de KE5ES