part of my issue may be that I am transmitting directly into a wet tree

And then just randomly Australia

Can't hear fuck all out there, usually Japan is chatty with my setup. Warrants further investigation tomorrow.

Time to get the flashlight and investigate

That or my ground got fucked up, also possible
Maybe a bit of both

Then moved on to a second hand TS-850s I got second hand from my school club and upgraded to a Yaseu FTdx10 early last year as a present to myself for a new job

I briefly tried to do digital modes with a Kenwood TS-120s and a hand made audio + PTT adapter until I realized the thing would slowly drift frequencies once it got warmed up and my waterfall was at a like 60 degree angle