Hello all,
My name is Joe and as of last week I have a callsign !
Yesterday, based on a discussion with a very helpful store employee, I bought my first kit. By talking through it with me we figured out that what I want to get out of this is
A. Have emergency communications available at my semi-remote home in Maine.
B. Be able to go have fun with POTA or other portable events.
I left with a Yaesu FTDX10, Superstick MP1 antenna. Samlex 30A power supply, coax etc…
I can assemble the radio and parts no problem, but once I turn the switch on…
The amount of switches and settings is overwhelming. I know that I am only going to use 5% of this until I learn more but what is the absolute basics that I need to know? If anyone knows of a great “Day One” guide, I would be very appreciative.
Hi Joe
Maybe this video about the Yaesu can help you https://youtu.be/qmpJV6ZggOE
The main thing is to find the button to turn the radio on and off and where to change bands and modes. Then adjust your audio (Mic, Proc, etc), the filters for SSB (2.7, 2.4, etc) and likewise for CW, RTTY, etc.
Another important thing is to see the meter on the radio, that you can read the SWR, ALC, PWR, etc.
I hope I helped you 
Alfredo WP3C
Thanks for the link. I have seen the learning curve go vertical and it looks like it stays there for awhile : ) Going to get the hardware setup today. Tomorrow is predicted to be rain all day so I think Ill just spend the day with the rig and try to get my head around it. Thanks again…
Any questions or doubts we are here to help