Apparently My Son's Radio Still Thinks It's Christmas

I ordered the radio on the right, a Yaesu FT-897, as a gift for myself for passing my General Class exam. I've wanted this radio since it was released in 2002 but as a Technician Class I wouldn't have been able to use but two frequency bands, not to mention it was out of my price range. I got it off of ebay and learned that it's a Japanese version and hard wired to not operate on all U.S. frequencies, even after MARS modding it. I already have the two radios on the left and the handheld (HT) for the 2 meter and 70cm bands so it's not a total loss and the radio still has performance abilities (power consumption wise) that far exceeds modern rigs.

All done printing the faceplates!

After being a Technician Class since 1997, I passed my General Class exam last month. I only missed one question! *pats self on the back* It took about two weeks to be updated on the FCC website.

Loads of activity on 14.282 today

Second one ready to go!

Next two parts of the project. No license required

My homebrew 1/4 wave vertical antenna was damaged and I've had a hard time resoldering the main element back on, sooooo I'm thinking of a J-pole made from copper piping. In the planning stage just now but hopefully within a week I'll start assembly.

Images taken from Pinterest