I run long miles. I spend nights at small truck stops and wide dirt lots. A CB radio sits right by my right knee. I reach for it more than my coffee. It’s not fancy. But it keeps me safe and on time. Long stretches of asphalt can also mean long stretches without conversation beyond …
Category Archives: Radio
The Handheld Ham Radio I Grab First (And Four Others I Actually Use)
I get asked a lot: handheld ham radio best? Fair question. I carry a few, and I’ve used them in real life, not just at my desk. Storms. Hikes. 5K races with lots of chatter. Let me explain what worked, what didn’t, and which one stays in my day pack.For readers who want the extended …
Continue reading “The Handheld Ham Radio I Grab First (And Four Others I Actually Use)”
I Tested “Radio Etiquette” in Real Life: What Worked, What Flopped, What I’d Say Again
I’m Kayla, and I’m weirdly into radios. Not just for fun. For real use. I use a Midland GMRS set on road trips. A pair of Motorola Talkabouts on hikes. A BaoFeng UV-5R for my ham newbie nights. And an Icom VHF on our old little boat that still smells like bait. So yeah—radio etiquette …
I’ve Been Carrying Radios For Years. Here’s My Take On Three Holsters I Actually Use
I’m Kayla Sox. I work warehouse days, volunteer at trail races, and run a small neighborhood watch at night. I carry a radio a lot. I’ve tried a bunch of holsters because one bad slip can crack a radio, or worse, make you miss a call. These three stuck with me for real reasons, good …
I Tried a Bunch of Radios So You Don’t Have To
I’m Kayla. I grew up with a radio on the kitchen counter and one in my backpack. I still keep a small one in my coat pocket. I use radios for chores, storms, ball games, and long drives. And yes, I’ve used every radio I mention here—some for years, some for a season, all in …
Continue reading “I Tried a Bunch of Radios So You Don’t Have To”
I Wore Three Radio Harnesses So You Don’t Have To
I’m Kayla Sox, and I spend a silly amount of time with a radio on my chest. Trail races, search-and-rescue drills, roof work with a borrowed Motorola, even dog walks with my little ham rig. I’ve tried chest harnesses that felt like a hug and ones that felt like a seatbelt made by a grumpy …
Continue reading “I Wore Three Radio Harnesses So You Don’t Have To”
I wore a headset with a radio for months. Here’s how it went.
I’m Kayla, and I’m a little picky about gear. I need it to work when life gets loud. A few months back, I picked up the 3M WorkTunes Connect + AM/FM (if you want the lab-test angle, see this detailed V2 review). It’s a headset with a built-in radio and hearing protection. Sounds simple, right? …
Continue reading “I wore a headset with a radio for months. Here’s how it went.”
I Wore Three Radio Earpieces on Real Jobs: Here’s What Stuck (and What Didn’t)
I’m Kayla. I work events on weekends and do store shifts during the week. I’m the one with a radio on my hip and a friend in my ear. I’ve used a few radio earpieces for real shifts. Some good. Some annoying. Here’s the truth. Want every gritty detail? I logged the whole trial in …
Continue reading “I Wore Three Radio Earpieces on Real Jobs: Here’s What Stuck (and What Didn’t)”
Radio Frequency Ruined My Face: My Honest Story
I wish I had a different story. I really do. But here’s the truth I wish I’d read before I booked it. I’m not a doctor. This is just what happened to me.If you’d like a plain-language look at how RF devices are engineered and the safety specs that matter, this short explainer from Airtronics …
Continue reading “Radio Frequency Ruined My Face: My Honest Story”
I Tried a CB Radio Amplifier In My Jeep: The Real Story
Quick heads-up before I start: running an amplifier on CB in the U.S. isn’t allowed. I follow the rules. I only transmitted with the amp on the ham bands (10 meters) with my license. For CB, I did bench tests on a dummy load. No on-air CB use. I break down the entire build step-by-step …
Continue reading “I Tried a CB Radio Amplifier In My Jeep: The Real Story”