I'm not done. I WILL bring more attention to simplex 146.520 this summer in Chicagoland area. I will activate this park with a baofeng HT and I will have fun.... Sorry for the peaking audio.. I messed up. Btw, Camp logan. 1892, not 1982 :D. Finally, it's been brought to my attention there is no right channel audio; It happens sometimes..
I took my twin brother out to a national historic site that was a POTA park last minute for our birthday this year. Packed “everything” and off we went. Drove 2 hours north, made it to the park, took everything out. Forgot the radio’s mic… and as of now I don’t do digital modes for POTA so I didn’t bring my laptop or interface. Lesson learned. Always take the time to prepare.
@@HAMRADIODUDE oh we did. The activation was just going to be a side thing. My dad used to take us trips to state parks and historical sites all of the time. I wanted to go out to some further out with my brother and just relive some childhood memories. The activation would have just been a bonus.
Uh? I think I’ve been doing it. I appreciate your videos and they think give me starting points to experimentation. You show a way but not the only way. I was first licensed in 1989 so I definitely could call myself an expert but experimenters are always trying to learn more and are never expert’s.I doubt Tesla called himself an expert and if he would have been on RUclips, he would have hated all the armchair experts telling him how wrong he was. I definitely get what you are saying about the pedantics out there. They should make their own channels. I’ll just keep watching yours and getting a perspective that gives me knew ideas,
HRDude! This is an awesome video. I have been reminded frequently that my own personal growth is limited only by me. I love POTA, and there are so many lessons we can learn from it, to apply to our personal lives! You are doing great things my friend. Others can and are learning from you!
That's it. Stop worrying about others and do your best for yourself.. Try to (it's difficult sometimes) eliminate certain bad habits and mindsets, live well....be well. Thank You for the kindness, I really do appreciate it.
I always like to say that every time you operate portable, it's an opportunity to learn. I have done a few POTA activations on 2m FM simplex, but I was using a 50W mobile with a roll-up j-pole on a mast. But I need to give it a try from a 5W HT sometime.
I don't want to say SUPER easy, but it is really a lot easier on the west coast with mountains. Like you said though, it's all about opportunities. This will be a continual opportunity to challenge myself. Instead of worrying about the activation, I can focus on techniques and maybe raise awareness for 2m simplex. Good luck if you do !
That's great! I know that I've done some activations with some 2m/70cm. The ultimate goal is to make that cross lake contact with an HT! :) ... I hope you're having fun. Are you going to dayton?
Great video - that's really a great location to try a 2m activation though. Are there any dunes on the IL side? I know there are in IN and MI.I moved away decades ago, but a POTA from Indiana Dunes should be totally doable with Chicago and Michigan City visible from the top.
no dunes, really. But it is one of my favorite places to go and I will keep trying. a Park to Park on 2m from there would be epic. I will be heading to the sand dunes in Indiana soon to activate as well. That should be a really good one. Thanks so much!
Great video showing a different perspective on the hobby. The amateur radio community needs more positive videos like this. I encounter too many SAD HAMS that have very strong opinions about amateur radio. I’m glad you are making content like this to show people who might be interested in the hobby that it’s okay to start with what you got. Those “cheap ass baofeng radios” are a great way to get started in the hobby. Of course they aren’t the best quality radio you can buy. I don’t think they were ever marketed as the highest quality or most reliable but for the most part, they work. Those radios are at a price point that makes amateur radio possible for a lot of folks who can’t afford to run out and drop hundreds of dollars on a “better” radio. Thanks for what you’re doing and keep the great content coming. 73’s from KI5PRK
Sean, I also live in McHenry County. Woodstock to be specific. I'd like to get started in POTA. I'd appreciate any advice you could offer. Where to go in the area, operating tips etc. 73's KE4CON
I hate the word "fail"! When something does not work, it is a learning opportunity, a chance to discover why things went the way they did, and how to overcome the problem. An activity is only a "fail" when you do not try to rectify the problem, or constantly repeat the exact circumstances, with no material changes. Even with an HT there is much that can be done, trying different antennas, or rigging ground radials or an earth. Peter Parker "down under" is often seen barefoot in the surf with a grounding wire trailing in the water, while he works all over the place. Get out there and try things, they may not work this time, but give it a try, it just might be fun, and who knows that 50 mile HT contact is just over the horizon! 73 Jim M7BXT
I love Peter's videos! He has such a great experiment mindset and attitude, and he likes the beach :). Haha. I am glad we share the same thoughts on the word "fail". Cheers!
Beware of the "ham radio karens", who may tell you "you can't POTA on 146.52" or "you can't call CQ on 2M simplex? or "146.52 is for emeregency use only, get off!" Truly sad hams. A minority, but they're out there. Beware, brother, beware! 73 de Mike K3CXG
I know it, right. How dare people like you and I call CQ on the national calling frequency :) You're right though, it's bound to happen. You take care!
I need to check if I have that one yet :)..... *checking* .... NOPE! 6 as an activator and 7 as a hunter. As soon as the rain lets up, I have a new plan :) Thanks haha.
Hey I appreciate that. I was recently told on a livestream that is the reason they watch, as well. I really appreciated it and am going to attempt more videos like this. :) 73.
Really enjoyed this video and I love what you say. Found your channel recently and really liking what it a lot. Ham radio (in my nearly humble opinion) is about learning, experimenting and most of all enjoying what you do. Got an idea? Try it! (within legal bounds of course) Been a Ham (and/or ham) since 1983 but largely inactive for a long time and just getting back into the hobby. I'm definitely interested in POTA and plan to start hunting parks as soon as I get my antenna up. May try doing my own activation one of these days.
Awesome! Welcome back to activity! That's it, go plan an activation, show up and see what happens/what could be changed/etc, but most importantly; Have fun with it all! Have a good one!
I love my Fengs for simplex and field work. If one gets trashed, I won't cry. Newest cheap HT is a Retevis RA 98. I will not say that I appreciate your unlock for a similar Retevis. Hmm, my 98 sure wants that Signal Stuff antenna. 73 for your video, KF0NNQ.
Absolutely. I rather lose a 5.99 cent radio than a more expensive radio. I am glad you did not say you appreciated that video (i got the reference :D). Have a good one!
Sean!! I absolutely enjoyed this video. I live in Southeast Michigan, where 2 m simplex is pretty much a null. But that doesn't stop me from always monitoring calling frequencies and reaching out every time I'm in my vehicle or on my HT. Every once in awhile I make a contact.
I always chuckle at American slang. I wonder what Americans say that others languages laugh at because of the dual meaning, which the American doesn't know of. 🤣
I'm a hand held guy myself. Got three Baofengs, two TYT's and one Wouxon radio. All pretty decent HT's. What I want to know is Where did you get that antenna from? I've always been told that the Antenna makes the Radio. Really important for HT's.
ruclips.net/video/vKfToDctC60/видео.html How to make a flexible antenna. I built it. Antenna and height, two very important things. Thanks for watching, cheers.
I am really appreciate your sharing these thoughts. So true, try, try, and try again; and learn each time... So important in Ham radio and life in general.
Almost every SOTA activation I do, I get 2 Meter Simplex contacts. Once, it saved my activation. HF bands were non existent due to solar activity at the time. I ended up getting my 4 need QSOs for the SOTA activation on my HT. Great Video! 73 de W6OBB
Amazing callsign ;) those 2m contacts on the mountains were fun. One time red summit rf and I did 1.25m! It's so cool to get into the valleys from those heights. Enjoy and have a good one. Thanks for watching
I'm not done. I WILL bring more attention to simplex 146.520 this summer in Chicagoland area. I will activate this park with a baofeng HT and I will have fun.... Sorry for the peaking audio.. I messed up. Btw, Camp logan. 1892, not 1982 :D. Finally, it's been brought to my attention there is no right channel audio; It happens sometimes..
I took my twin brother out to a national historic site that was a POTA park last minute for our birthday this year. Packed “everything” and off we went. Drove 2 hours north, made it to the park, took everything out. Forgot the radio’s mic… and as of now I don’t do digital modes for POTA so I didn’t bring my laptop or interface. Lesson learned. Always take the time to prepare.
I've been there too. Unfortunate, but sometimes it's the best way to learn. I hope you still had fun. Cheers !
@@HAMRADIODUDE oh we did. The activation was just going to be a side thing. My dad used to take us trips to state parks and historical sites all of the time. I wanted to go out to some further out with my brother and just relive some childhood memories. The activation would have just been a bonus.
Id love to see the adventure radio protocol get some attention! Cool video! Thank you for sharing
Uh? I think I’ve been doing it. I appreciate your videos and they think give me starting points to experimentation. You show a way but not the only way. I was first licensed in 1989 so I definitely could call myself an expert but experimenters are always trying to learn more and are never expert’s.I doubt Tesla called himself an expert and if he would have been on RUclips, he would have hated all the armchair experts telling him how wrong he was. I definitely get what you are saying about the pedantics out there. They should make their own channels. I’ll just keep watching yours and getting a perspective that gives me knew ideas,
HRDude! This is an awesome video. I have been reminded frequently that my own personal growth is limited only by me. I love POTA, and there are so many lessons we can learn from it, to apply to our personal lives! You are doing great things my friend. Others can and are learning from you!
That's it. Stop worrying about others and do your best for yourself.. Try to (it's difficult sometimes) eliminate certain bad habits and mindsets, live well....be well. Thank You for the kindness, I really do appreciate it.
I always like to say that every time you operate portable, it's an opportunity to learn. I have done a few POTA activations on 2m FM simplex, but I was using a 50W mobile with a roll-up j-pole on a mast. But I need to give it a try from a 5W HT sometime.
I don't want to say SUPER easy, but it is really a lot easier on the west coast with mountains. Like you said though, it's all about opportunities. This will be a continual opportunity to challenge myself. Instead of worrying about the activation, I can focus on techniques and maybe raise awareness for 2m simplex. Good luck if you do !
Brave man! Success comes to the bold....HUZZAH!!!
Thanks Sean, I have finished an activation on 2m FM Simplex before here in Texas.
That's great! I know that I've done some activations with some 2m/70cm. The ultimate goal is to make that cross lake contact with an HT! :) ... I hope you're having fun. Are you going to dayton?
@@HAMRADIODUDE No, remember, I am moving that week. I get the new house a couple of days before and I have a lot of moving to do.
Great video - that's really a great location to try a 2m activation though. Are there any dunes on the IL side? I know there are in IN and MI.I moved away decades ago, but a POTA from Indiana Dunes should be totally doable with Chicago and Michigan City visible from the top.
no dunes, really. But it is one of my favorite places to go and I will keep trying. a Park to Park on 2m from there would be epic. I will be heading to the sand dunes in Indiana soon to activate as well. That should be a really good one. Thanks so much!
Hey dude great way to get people in to pota and ham radio
Knowing your terrain. That’s pretty easy in Illinois. It’s flat. Great video by the way!
Did you that huge mountain behind me? 5 ft incline, straight up
Nice video. Wish I would have known, I'd have tried to make a contact!
Next time! I am going to go a few more times this month (is my goal, if the rain stops) and focus only on 2m / 70cm ht! hopefully some tropo too!
Great video showing a different perspective on the hobby. The amateur radio community needs more positive videos like this. I encounter too many SAD HAMS that have very strong opinions about amateur radio. I’m glad you are making content like this to show people who might be interested in the hobby that it’s okay to start with what you got. Those “cheap ass baofeng radios” are a great way to get started in the hobby. Of course they aren’t the best quality radio you can buy. I don’t think they were ever marketed as the highest quality or most reliable but for the most part, they work. Those radios are at a price point that makes amateur radio possible for a lot of folks who can’t afford to run out and drop hundreds of dollars on a “better” radio. Thanks for what you’re doing and keep the great content coming. 73’s from KI5PRK
Well said!
Also another peice of advice always expect the unexpected
Thanks Gordo!
9:20 Me at my therapist office. lol
I got to laugh at myself.
I agree with ham radio sometimes you have to think outside the box. KO4HPC 73
It's my happy place for sure. 73!
Some times, so far out of the box, you cant even see the box any more :)
Sean, I also live in McHenry County. Woodstock to be specific. I'd like to get started in POTA. I'd appreciate any advice you could offer. Where to go in the area, operating tips etc. 73's KE4CON
I absolutely can give advice. If you'd like to go activate moraine hills with me sometime, I'll be happy to show you and give advice?
I hate the word "fail"! When something does not work, it is a learning opportunity, a chance to discover why things went the way they did, and how to overcome the problem. An activity is only a "fail" when you do not try to rectify the problem, or constantly repeat the exact circumstances, with no material changes. Even with an HT there is much that can be done, trying different antennas, or rigging ground radials or an earth. Peter Parker "down under" is often seen barefoot in the surf with a grounding wire trailing in the water, while he works all over the place. Get out there and try things, they may not work this time, but give it a try, it just might be fun, and who knows that 50 mile HT contact is just over the horizon! 73 Jim M7BXT
I love Peter's videos! He has such a great experiment mindset and attitude, and he likes the beach :). Haha. I am glad we share the same thoughts on the word "fail". Cheers!
Sometimes you need all the bands available to a technician lol
I looked for you yesterday... if you went, I hope you had fun. Yeah
. Use the bands!
Beware of the "ham radio karens", who may tell you "you can't POTA on 146.52" or "you can't call CQ on 2M simplex? or "146.52 is for emeregency use only, get off!" Truly sad hams. A minority, but they're out there. Beware, brother, beware! 73 de Mike K3CXG
I know it, right. How dare people like you and I call CQ on the national calling frequency :) You're right though, it's bound to happen. You take care!
@@HAMRADIODUDE But hey, if they ID, that counts as a contact, right? 🤣
If you're trying to complete an N1CC for POTA, 2m/70cm are very helpful.
I need to check if I have that one yet :)..... *checking* .... NOPE! 6 as an activator and 7 as a hunter. As soon as the rain lets up, I have a new plan :) Thanks haha.
I did a POTA on 1.25M with a Baofeng from Mt Diablo during a VHF contest. Why, because we can. 😂
Dang straight. Mt. Diablo was such a great POTA. fun drive up the hill!
@@HAMRADIODUDE That was a great time, let me know if you are out this way again. Tons of good spots for VHF/UHF. POTA and SOTA.
Great perspective video....we need more of that! See you in Dayton, my friend!
Thank You, I enjoyed this video. I am trying to get to Dayton, even if just for a Friday trip. *Fingers crossed*
You are one of the first RUclipsrs I binged watched when studying for Tech years back. Great that you keep that cool and real style. #realtalk 😊
Hey I appreciate that. I was recently told on a livestream that is the reason they watch, as well. I really appreciated it and am going to attempt more videos like this. :) 73.
Really enjoyed this video and I love what you say. Found your channel recently and really liking what it a lot. Ham radio (in my nearly humble opinion) is about learning, experimenting and most of all enjoying what you do. Got an idea? Try it! (within legal bounds of course) Been a Ham (and/or ham) since 1983 but largely inactive for a long time and just getting back into the hobby. I'm definitely interested in POTA and plan to start hunting parks as soon as I get my antenna up. May try doing my own activation one of these days.
Awesome! Welcome back to activity! That's it, go plan an activation, show up and see what happens/what could be changed/etc, but most importantly; Have fun with it all! Have a good one!
I love my Fengs for simplex and field work. If one gets trashed, I won't cry. Newest cheap HT is a Retevis RA 98. I will not say that I appreciate your unlock for a similar Retevis. Hmm, my 98 sure wants that Signal Stuff antenna. 73 for your video, KF0NNQ.
Absolutely. I rather lose a 5.99 cent radio than a more expensive radio. I am glad you did not say you appreciated that video (i got the reference :D). Have a good one!
Sean!! I absolutely enjoyed this video. I live in Southeast Michigan, where 2 m simplex is pretty much a null. But that doesn't stop me from always monitoring calling frequencies and reaching out every time I'm in my vehicle or on my HT. Every once in awhile I make a contact.
Thank You! Look into this seasons morning tropo! I think that will increase your chances of some simplex contacts. Cheers!
Great channel, correct attitude to amateur radio. Anything is possible, so called "experts" once said the world was flat!
Keep up the good work. 👍
Much appreciated!
No rt channel audio
Yeah, it happens... My bad. Initially in one of my edits I copied channel L into Channel R, but obviously that didn't happen in the final cut.
An expensive handie wouldn't have helped here either.. 10 QSO's is a utopia 😒
Ah, sorry . "is that a cb radio?" better?
I always chuckle at American slang. I wonder what Americans say that others languages laugh at because of the dual meaning, which the American doesn't know of. 🤣
@@HAMRADIODUDE yeah, it can be a bit dodgy, but It'll blow off 😉
I'm a hand held guy myself. Got three Baofengs, two TYT's and one Wouxon radio. All pretty decent HT's. What I want to know is Where did you get that antenna from? I've always been told that the Antenna makes the Radio. Really important for HT's.
ruclips.net/video/vKfToDctC60/видео.html How to make a flexible antenna. I built it. Antenna and height, two very important things. Thanks for watching, cheers.
Will try it more when I activate
I am really appreciate your sharing these thoughts. So true, try, try, and try again; and learn each time... So important in Ham radio and life in general.
So true and thank you. I hope to continue sharing these thoughts and ideas while challenging myself in radio. Cheers and have a good one.
Oh WoW looks so nice out there!
One of my favorite spots out here
Almost every SOTA activation I do, I get 2 Meter Simplex contacts. Once, it saved my activation. HF bands were non existent due to solar activity at the time. I ended up getting my 4 need QSOs for the SOTA activation on my HT. Great Video! 73 de W6OBB
Amazing callsign ;) those 2m contacts on the mountains were fun. One time red summit rf and I did 1.25m! It's so cool to get into the valleys from those heights. Enjoy and have a good one. Thanks for watching