so i was just sitting at the desk doing some logging cleanup and figured id throw the radio on 10m just to check and holy cow it was absolutely alive, i was working stations in south america and then a few europeans started coming through around mid afternoon, havent seen it like that in maybe two years at least around here. ran barefoot with the G5RV and was still pulling in 59s from Brazil which i wasnt expecting at all.

anyway while i was on i heard a couple guys talking about the new Yaesu FT-710 AESS or however you say it, apparently theres been some updated firmware that fixes the weird audio issues some people were complaining about on the earlier units. i havent tried the new firmware myself yet but figured id mention it in case anyone here has one and hasnt heard. supposed to be on the Yaesu site now if you go looking.

also heard through the club email list that our regional hamfest got moved to the second weekend in October instead of September, something about a venue conflict. if youre in the northeast and were planning on going just double check the dates before you book anything.

yeah i caught the tail end of that opening, must have been around 3pm local when i tuned in and there were still a few south american stations coming through pretty strong. i was kicking myself because i had a meeting i had to jump on and couldnt really work it properly. only managed to log like 4 contacts before i had to walk away. of course the band dies the moment im free again lol.

on the firmware thing, i updated mine about a week ago i think and the receive audio does seem a bit cleaner but honestly im not sure if its placebo or real. the transmit reports havent changed much from what people are telling me. still a solid radio either way, no regrets on that purchase.

im pretty new to hf, just got my general like two months ago, and ive been nervously lurking on 10m waiting for something to happen because everyone told me to watch that band when the cycle picks up. is that what a real opening feels like then? i tuned around yesterday afternoon and heard some spanish speaking stations but wasnt sure if i should just jump in or wait. didnt want to step on anyone. maybe next time ill just go for it, whats the worst that can happen i guess