FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Master Class: A Practical Guide to Precise Measurements

Unlock the full potential of the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Smart Tweezers with my practical tips and experience.

After going through the ins and outs of DeepVNA together, FTX-1F and FTDX10, it’s time to pay attention to a tool that has quickly become an indispensable assistant on my workbench – the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 smart tweezers.

This is my fourth book in the „Master Class“ series. In it, I decided to share not only dry technical data, but also real diagnostic methods that I use every day. In the world of miniature SMD components, a good tool is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you know how to decipher the „truth“ that the numbers on the screen are trying to tell you.

What will you find in this „Master Class“?

The manual is structured to take you from the first turn-on to the expert analysis of complex faults. In it I reveal:

• Dynamic Parameter Control: How to use the “hidden” joystick functions to see Q-factor, Impedance (Z) and phase shift directly on the main screen.
• Capacitor Diagnostics: My “Golden Rule” for measuring ESR (Rs) at 100kHz and why capacitance is often not the most important metric.
• Short Circuit Locator: The milliohm technique I use to find a blown component on a power rail without unsoldering everything.
• Frequency Analysis (SCAN): How to understand the behavior of coils and transformers in real operating conditions.

“Where “Numbers meet truth” is the motto for this guide.

My goal is to give you confidence in every measurement you make.

This book is the perfect complement to my previous „Master Classes“ for DeepVNA, FTDX10 and FTX-1F for practicing radio amateurs.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FNIRSI LCR-ST2 MASTER CLASS Complete guide to precise measurements with LCR-ST2“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: FNIRSI LCR-ST2 MASTER CLASS – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This manual is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If the information in it was useful to you and you want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the link below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical advice and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73! “ — Tony, LZ3AI

Friends, creating these guides takes hundreds of hours of testing, researching, and describing every feature. If you find my work useful and it has helped you save time or solve a difficult repair, you can express your gratitude and support my future projects. Your support is the „fuel“ that gives me the strength to continue sharing knowledge with the amateur radio community.

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your device? Do you have a „secret recipe“ for easily measuring different components without removing them from the board?

I would be glad if you share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or over a cup of coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the amateur radio community!

73 and see you on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

About the author (LZ3AI): „I believe that sharing experience is the basis of the amateur radio movement. My „Master Classes“ focus on the practical side of things to help you get the most out of your equipment.“

Literature and sources used

In preparing this „Master Class“ I relied on:

• FNIRSI Technology Co., Ltd. – Official documentation and specifications of firmware v1.5.1.
• H. W. Ott – “Noise Reduction Techniques in Electronic Systems”.
• Galanto Electronic Library – Materials for ESR diagnostics and internal resistance of batteries.
• Personal laboratory practice – Dozens of hours of tests with reference components.

Материалът FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Master Class: A Practical Guide to Precision Measurements е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

April 18 – The Day the World Connects Without Borders

Every year on April 18, millions of people around the world tune in their transceivers to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. This is not just a date on the calendar, but the anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in Paris in 1925.

Today, with over 3,000,000 licensed operators worldwide, amateur radio is more vibrant than ever. The theme for 2026 – “Developing the Spirit of Amateur Radio through Innovation” – reminds us that we are not just consumers of technology, but creators of it.

Success Story: From Paris to the World

A century ago, skeptics believed that the shortwave spectrum was useless. However, pioneering amateur radio operators proved otherwise by discovering long-distance propagation. It was to protect these discoveries and preserve frequencies for the community that representatives from 25 countries founded the IARU. Today, the organization includes 160 countries in three regions, with Bulgaria being a proud part of Region 1.

The Bulgarian Footprint on the Air

Bulgarian radio amateurs have a long and distinguished history. From the first experimental signals in the 1930s to today’s high-tech DX expeditions and contest achievements, LZ operators have always been among the most active and technically prepared in Europe. The Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs (BFRA) continues to maintain this spirit, uniting generations of enthusiasts who both preserve the traditions of Morse code (CW) and master the latest digital modes.

Innovations Born in the Ham Radio Den (Ham Radio Shack)

Few people know that many of the modern technologies we take for granted have their roots in amateur experiments:

• Mobile Communications and Cellular Networks: Early developments in the field of VHF/UHF repeaters laid the foundations of modern mobile telephony.
• Satellite Technologies: Amateur radio operators were among the first to design and launch small satellites (OSCAR) into orbit, demonstrating the capabilities of low-orbit communications.
• Digital Modes and Practical Applications: Amateur radio operators not only create protocols, but also successfully implement them in critical situations. A striking example from Bulgarian amateur radio history is the work of Toni (LZ3AI) and Vasil (LZ3WW). During the mission of the Bulgarian contingent in Cambodia, when official reports were transmitted slowly via telegraphy (CW), LZ3AI and LZ3WW demonstrated the power of Packet Radio on HF. They established a Sofia-Cambodia service link, where reports that previously took over half an hour were transmitted in a matter of minutes. This case clearly demonstrated to military authorities the advantages of amateur radio digital technologies for fast and reliable data exchange.
• The revolution in weak signals: Protocols such as FT8, developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor (K1JT), have revolutionized communication by allowing communication at extremely low signal levels (below the noise floor) – an innovation that finds application even in deep space.
• The next step: FT2. Today, in the spirit of the IARU theme for 2026, the amateur radio community is once again at the forefront of innovation with the experimental FT2 mode. Although not yet officially adopted as a standard, FT2 promises even better efficiency and resilience, proving that the search for better communication solutions on the air never stops.

Why is amateur radio important today?

In a world dependent on the internet and infrastructure, amateur radio remains the only community capable of establishing communication in global emergencies when all else fails. We are the „last line of defense“ and at the same time a laboratory for future engineers.

The story of LZ3AI and LZ3WW is proof that amateur radio is not just a hobby, but a powerful tool for innovation and practical help when it is most needed. Today, with modes like FT8 and experiments with FT2, we continue to pave the way for future communications.

Happy holiday, colleagues! May the air be clear, and the connections – far! 73!

Bibliography and sources:

• International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). (2025). World Amateur Radio Day 2026 Theme: Sustaining the Amateur Radio Spirit through Innovation. Source: www.iaru.org
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Amateur Service Regulations and History.
• Danev, P. (LZ1US), Radio Amateurism in Bulgaria. History, facts, memories, Sofia, 1998.
• Silver, H.W. (2023). The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications. American Radio Relay League.

Материалът World Amateur Radio Day 2026: More than a century of innovation and global friendship е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

DeepVNA Master Class: Your Practical Guide to the Vector Analyzer

Introduction: When a Transceiver Is Not Enough

Every radio amateur knows – a good antenna is half a transceiver. But how do we know if it is really working at its maximum, especially when we are in the field in field conditions (SOTA/POTA)? This is where the vector analyzer comes to the rescue. NanoVNA and its older brothers, such as DeepVNA 101, changed the rules of the game, but they come with one serious problem – the official instructions are often „dry“, incomplete and written in an incomprehensible technical language, which is sometimes only Chinese.

That’s how the idea for this book was born. After I was often asked how exactly I use my DeepVNA to tune JPC-12 or End-Fed antennas, I decided to turn my experience into a structured, practical guide. „DeepVNA Master Class“ is not just a translation of the official operating instructions – it is a „Master Class“ born from hundreds of measurements and practical experience in the field.

Who is this book for?

For beginners: If you have just bought a DeepVNA (NanoVNA or similar device) and are wondering what all those graphs it draws mean, this book will take you step by step in understandable language to learn them. You will learn why calibration is critical and how not to be “tricked” by your own device.

For advanced users: Here you will find details about the Smith chart (without unnecessary formulas), TDR diagnostics for finding defects in cables and how to use PC software (NanoVNA Saver) for precise tuning of multi-band antennas.

Key highlights in the “DeepVNA Master Class”

The language of the radio amateur: Forget complex mathematical formulas. Everything is explained simply, with clear examples from practice.

Practical scenarios: Tuning of dipoles, vertical antennas (like Rybakov), end-fed systems and filters.

Practical recipes: Specific data for popular antennas (coils and windings of JPC-12, lengths for End-Fed).

The Hidden Dangers: How to calibrate, where the power setting is located, and what to do if the touchscreen stops working.

PC Software: A quick guide to the NanoVNA Saver and how it helps with End-Fed antennas and other multiband antennas.

This book is the perfect complement to my previous FTDX10 and FTX-1F “Master Classes,” closing the loop between transceiver and antenna.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FTX-1F MASTER CLASS Complete Guide to Filters, Audio Settings and Operational Mastery for the Yaesu FTX-1F Transceiver“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: DeepVNA 101/NanoVNA-F Master Class – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This guide is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If you found the information in it useful and want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the link below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical advice and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73!“ — Tony, LZ3AI

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your VNA? Do you have a „secret recipe“ for easy and quick tuning of your antenna for field work?

I would be happy to share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or over a coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the amateur radio community!

73 and see you on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

About the author (LZ3AI): „I am a passionate supporter of all things radio. I believe that sharing experiences is the foundation of the amateur radio movement. My „Master Classes“ focus on the practical side of things to help you get the most out of your equipment.“

Материалът DeepVNA Master Class: Your practical guide to the vector analyzer е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Yaesu FTX-1F Master Class: Much More Than an Instruction

We present to you the long-awaited detailed manual for the revolutionary Yaesu FTX-1F. This is not another dry translation of the technical manual. This is a „Master Class“ – a practical synthesis of Yaesu engineering and the real-world experience of Tony, LZ3AI.

The FTX-1F is a revolutionary field transceiver, but its true power is often hidden behind complex menus, layered functions, and unspeakable touch-screen magic. This book is your key to mastering this machine.

What will you find in this manual?

Written for those who don’t just want to operate a radio, but want to master the airwaves and feel the radio as a part of themselves, the manual covers:

• Intuitive Navigation: Detailed mapping of the menus and the secrets of fast, operational control in the field.
• Light Intelligence: A complete explanation of the unique VMI (VFO Mode Indicator) system and LED indication, which allow you to operate the radio almost „blindly“.
• Energy Independence: The critically important battery power section, DC-IN and USB-C (Power Delivery). You’ll learn about battery care and how to stay powered up on the mountaintop.
• Mastery of Reception: A deep dive into SDR filters, DSP settings, and unique features like Memory Tune (MT).

“Because in the field, you don’t have time for mistakes—you only have time for connections.”

Whether you’re on a SOTA activation on a mountaintop or in your backyard, this guide will transform your FTX-1F from a complex machine into a natural extension of your senses.

Download the book in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „FTX-1F MASTER CLASS Complete Guide to Filters, Audio Settings and Operational Mastery for the Yaesu FTX-1F Transceiver“ completely free of charge from the link below:

[Download PDF: FTX-1F MASTER CLASS – LZ3AI]

Support the shared experience

„This guide is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If the information in it was useful to you and you want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee via the button below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical tips and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73!“ — Tony, LZ3AI

Buy me a coffee

Your feedback is important!

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your microphone? Do you have a “secret recipe” for a light and easy antenna for field work?

I would be happy if you share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments below the article or with a coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the Bulgarian community!

73 and see you on the air!

Toni, LZ3AI

Материалът Yaesu FTX-1F Master Class: Much More Than an Instruction Manual е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

FT2 – The New Speed ​​Champion in Amateur Radio – A Practical Guide

The World of Amateur Radio Communications is changing at lightning speed, and if you thought FT8/FT4 was the pinnacle of efficiency, get ready for something new. Starting in early 2026, a new player has hit the airwaves – FT2. This experimental mode promises to make our connections faster than ever, shortening the transmission cycle to an incredible 3.75 seconds.

In this article, we’ll look at what exactly FT2 is, how to set it up, and why time accuracy is no longer just a recommendation, but a critical requirement.

What is FT2?

FT2 is an ultra-fast digital mode integrated into the latest version of WSJT-X Improved (3.1.0) by Uwe, DG2YCB. It should be noted that the name FT2 originally appeared in the Italian project Decodium, but the version in WSJT-X Improved is completely open source and optimized for mass use.

(author’s note. Please note that Decodium’s FT2 and WSJT-X Improved’s FT2 are currently not compatible. Don’t be too happy if you see that JTDX-improved starts decoding FT2 – there is no transmission support, nor are the frequencies set – for the author of JTDX-improved FT2 it is not yet a priority)

FT2 is also integrated in the MSHV version (2.76.5) version by Christo, LZ2HV.

Main features

• Cycle (T/R period): 3.75 seconds (Compared to 15 sec on FT8 and 7.5 sec on FT4).
• QSO Duration: A full contact can be completed in less than 15-20 seconds.
• Sensitivity: About -12 dB to -14 dB (ideal for contests and strong DX signals).
• Bandwidth: About 120-150 Hz.

What’s the situation with JTDX Improved?

Although the author of JTDX Improved (also based on Igor’s work, UA3DJY) keeps up with the latest news, he is a bit more conservative than Uwe (DG2YCB) regarding experimental modes.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Decoding Only: JTDX Improved (in its latest test versions) can detect and display FT2 signals on the waterfall if they are within range of its decoder. This is possible thanks to shared libraries between the two „Improved“ versions.
2. Transmit (TX): As of March 2026, JTDX still does not have an official „FT2“ button in the main mode selection menu. JTDX is focused on maximum FT8 sensitivity, while WSJT-X Improved is the „innovation platform“ where new things like FT2 are tested.

Where to find FT2? (preferred frequencies as of early 2026)

Since the mode is new, it does not yet have official IARU segments, but the international community has already adopted the following frequencies (for all USB, DATA-U):

Note: You don’t need to manually enter these frequencies in WSJT Improved – go to the settings from /File/Settings/Frequencies and somewhere in the field where the frequencies are listed, right-click and select Reset. Most of the frequencies for FT2 will appear (the current version of WSJT Improved is missing only the frequency for 160 m).

How to find out if and where there is activity?

Although the mode is quite new, PSK Reporter filters it correctly under the name FT2. Set Using: FT2 and you will find out where the coupon is now.

The critical point: Time synchronization

If with FT8 perhaps even a difference of 1 second (DT) is permissible, with FT2 this will make you „deaf“ to the air. Due to the extremely short cycle, your computer must be synchronized with an accuracy of ± 50 ms.

Recommendation: The standard Windows synchronization is not enough. Use software like Dimension 4 or NetTime, set to check every 10-15 minutes, or the professional solution Meinberg NTP. I use the free version of NetTime with a synchronization period of 15 minutes (for a shorter period, the full version is required). 15 minutes is a good interval, but if I notice that the DT (Time Difference) in WSJT-X starts to exceed 0.2 – 0.3, I may have to look for an alternative, as much as I don’t want to push something I’m used to.

Alternatives to NetTime: Dimension 4 or Meinberg NTP

If you decide to experiment, many digital mode operators use:

1. Dimension 4: Completely free, allows synchronization every few minutes and is very lightweight.
2. Meinberg NTP: This is the „heavy artillery“. It turns your Windows into a true NTP client that maintains the time accurate to milliseconds in real time, without „jumping“ at intervals.

Important: If you use NetTime or one of the alternatives, do not forget to completely disable Windows synchronization to avoid conflicts and inaccuracies in synchronization.

Practical Tips for Operating the Yaesu FTDX10 and Other Modern Radios

1. ALC and Levels: Since switching between receive and transmit is extremely fast, make sure your ALC levels are set to zero. Rapid transitions can generate interference if the audio levels are turned up too high. Adjust the levels so that the ALC needle does not move, so as not to „slap“ on neighboring stations in this fast mode.
2. Split Mode: Be sure to use „Fake It“ or „Rig“ in the WSJT-X Improved settings (from the Radio settings) to maintain signal purity.
3. Filter Width: FT2 is wider than FT8 (about 120 Hz vs. 50 Hz). Make sure your radio’s filter in DIGI mode is at least 2400 Hz or 3000-3050 Hz to see the entire waterfall without „clipping“ at the edges.
4. Temperature mode: Your radio will work much harder. Intervals are shorter, but so are breaks. Watch for cooling during longer sessions.

Logbook and Acknowledgements (QSL)

Currently, QRZ.com reports FT2 connections as MFSK mode.

LoTW is still in the process of adding official support. At the moment, it will report your FT2 connections as errors due to the requirement for digital signing with TQSL.

If you use Wavelog, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Since FT2 is not yet officialized, QSL is unlikely to be needed for diplomas or competitions. But if you still want your confirmations to take effect immediately, then in software that does not support FT2, you can export your connections as MFSK or DATA. And hope that your correspondent announces them the same way. So, until the ADIF standard is officially updated – all fans of digital modes hope that this will happen soon.

Conclusion

FT2 is not here to replace FT8, but to give us speed when conditions allow it. This is the ideal mode for contests and „bursts“ of radio waves on 10 meters.

Download the latest version of WSJT-X Improved, set your watch and see you on 14.083 MHz!

73 de LZ3AI!

Материалът FT2 – The New Digital Revolution: Faster than FT4, more dynamic than FT8 е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.

Yaesu FTDX10: Master Class – Complete Guide to Setup and operational art (PDF)

If you are a current or former military person, a clarification especially for you – “operational art” is not used here in the sense of the military term

Domestication YourFTDX10: Whytheofficial manual issometimesnotenough?

The Yaesu FTDX10 is undoubtedly one of the best HF transceivers in its class, offering hybrid SDR technology and incredible dynamics. But like any precision instrument, it requires proper adjustment to unleash its full potential. Often, the factory settings are just a starting point. Even if they are perfectly selected, the real magic happens when the operator masters the work with the filters and parameters.

After many hours in front of the scale and experiments in real air conditions, I decided to systematize this experience in a small „book“ – a manual that would be accessible to every radio amateur.

What will you find in this manual?

In this publication (and especially in the attached PDF file) we cover critical aspects of transceiver operation that often remain misunderstood:

• Visual Control: How to use the display (2DSS and 3DSS) to „see“ the action of the filters.
• Clean Receive (RX): A deep dive into the operation of the DNR, DNF, Notch, APFandContour filters. How to „extract“ even the weakest signal from atmospheric and other noise.
• Perfect Audio Transmission (TX): Full settings of the 3- parametric Equalizer (PRMTRC and P-PRMTRC). What is the difference and how to sound punchy in a pileup.
• CWMastery: CW WAVE SHAPE settings, working in SPLIT mode, and using APF for narrow telegraph filters. Do we need a 300 Hz telegraph filter?
• Operational Ethics: How to behave in a pileup when we are „hunters“ or when we ourselves are the valuable DX station.

The Golden Algorithm of Settings

The manual also includes specific settings recommended by expert radio amateurs who have been working with this transceiver on SSB and CW since its appearance. You will learn why the value of CW WAVE SHAPE is critical for your neighbors on the range and how to properly adjust the voice processor (compressor) without distorting your signal.

„The purpose of this manual is to transform radio operation from a matter of turning knobs into a conscious operational art.“

Download the manual in PDF format

You can download the full version of the book „MASTER CONTROL“ ONYAESU FTDX10“ completely free from the link below:

 [Download PDF: YAESU FTDX10 – Master Class – LZ3AI]

“This guide is my contribution to the amateur radio community and will always be free to share. If the information in it was useful to you and you want to express your support for my work, you can buy me a cup of virtual coffee using the button below. Any such recognition motivates me to continue sharing practical tips and new ones on the site. Thank you and 73!”

Tony, LZ3AI

“Buy me a coffee”

Your feedback is Important for us! Really! Don’t take this sentence as a typical expression from a mobile operator’s telephone exchange.

Amateur radio is a hobby of shared experience. Do you use different settings for your microphone? Do you have a „secret recipe“ for the DNR filter when working on 80 meters?

I would be happy to share your opinions, corrections or personal settings in the comments under the articleor with coffee. Let’s make this guide even more useful for the Bulgarian community together!

73 and see you on the air!

Tony, LZ3AI

Материалът Yaesu FTDX10: Master Class – Complete Setup and Operation Guide (PDF) е публикуван за пръв път на Галя и Тони - Галанто.