Nifty Manual - amzn.to/3MlT7EN Power Pole Crimp Tool - amzn.to/3sd793Q Anderson Power Poles - amzn.to/3vHDORl Coax Adapters - amzn.to/3MRC0es Klein Crimper - amzn.to/3MRCbGE Coax Crimper Jaws - amzn.to/39DopsM Watts Up Meter - amzn.to/3vKycpG USB Meter - amzn.to/3LJvXYZ Digital Clamp Meter - amzn.to/3vIc9Q9 MS135 SuperWire - amzn.to/3P8hDLY Antenna Wire - km4ack.square.site/product/22awg-antenna-wire/25?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false HT Antenna - signalstuff.com/?ref=2223
I have to agree with the clipon multi-meter. OK it doesn't replace my bench meter, I get it. However, if you lend it to someone you can be assured that they can damage it. They may take it but not break it. Since the probes are not used for current measurement, nothing is damaged no matter what the setting. You can connect to 240VAC even when set on temperature. No problem!!!! I have a couple of $24 clipons just for lending. OK I don't lend out my Klein CL800 though. Redrok AD0TJ
My favourite thing is showing up at a remote site to set up my rig and have a weekend or week of fun with it and find out I lack a necessary adaptor. Instead, I have every adaptor ever made, except _that_ one. Industry is always helping us experience this by sticking weird new jacks on this year's merchandise, so that we will always need to carry around 12 more new adaptors to connect it to all the other stuff they put new jacks on in the past. The only experience as awesome as this is finding out you're definitively off the air in that mountain cabin or houseboat because the stupid 8" coax jumper that runs between your rig and something else (antenna tuner, watt meter, autotransformer, etc) is broken. Because I'm a bit of a spoil-sport, I always carry a hank of them to avoid this fun. 'Course, since their connectors are rendered obsolete every other year... (see above).
Your powerpole crimpers can do multiple functions. If you get the Tri-Crimp crimpers they also have jaws for coax, solderless connectors, etc. That said, switching jaws can be annoying sometimes.
The set that I have, the jaws simply pull straight out of the tool. By design. I bought them years ago to use at my shop. Definitely more pricey since they're snap on, but I use them mainly for my automotive day job. They even had coax crimp jaws that I was able to buy separately, but the regular automotive terminal crimpers are the same thing as a power pole crimper, so I just use that.
Dig through bargain boxes at hamfests for sma, pl-259, n-type, and other plugs, connectors, adaptors and patch leads. I usually end up getting loads of silvered and high quality stuff, the sort of thing Amphenol, or Suhner would charge you a fortune for, if you had to buy it new Buy high quality, low memory antenna wire, not the cheap stuff. DX-Commander sells great military grade stuff. You don't want your antennas breaking in some remote location in because you used cheap wire... (been there...) Buy quality tools: crimpers, cutters, multimeters, swr meters etc... you won't regret it in the long run
Thanks for a couple I had not thought about keep rocking especially the pi stuff I set up my friend with api and your ham software so he could do feta he had never owned a pc and suffers from cognitive injury and every day he’s on ft8 and over the moon so your build a pi really made a difference to his life so thank you for all you’d your a trooper matey🏴
Good video. All good tips. Anderson Power Poles are one of the nicest power cable connections they ever invented. One more item I would have suggested, "an antenna analyzer." Since the NanoVNA's have come out, they are probably one of the most useful and inexpensive tools on the market. Barry, KU3X
Out of High school I worked at West Mountain Radio. Most of us were R/C airplane guys who were using power poles for our R/C airplanes. When we developed the power bar using the power poles, it was KA1CVV and K1UHF who turned the HAM world onto the power poles.
Having worked in the communications industry for over thirty years I have accumulated most of these tools including specialty crimp ears for the more elusive coax connectors. The Unidapt kit is essential for shop oriented work but not robust enough for field work. There I like your idea of having multiple copies of every known adaptor for RF connectors. I keep some very common adapters in my wattmeter case as well. What I am missing are the dedicated crimpers for the power pole connectors. A set for the larger connectors would also be a helpful since the 50-150 amp connectors are of odd size. One should also make their own power pole connector cables to the radio specific power connector. Another item one must carry are spare fuses for all of their equipment. One blown fuse can cost you a valuable contest or field day expedition.
100% on point. I have needed each of them over the years. I now have a list to give to new hams to consider...you don't have to get them but life is much better with them.
All of these things are(stupid) must have items but there are really a few more must have items like number one some type of antenna analyzer, number two a VOM, number 3 at least a soldering iron or good temperature controlled station! I’m sure there is more but those are the main 3 I would say are a must have!
Hey Jason. What do you recommend for adapters? I spoke to a guy in my club and he recommended Anphenol, but they're very expensive. I have been buying from them under protest, though. Thanks for the video.
Very good list and I have to admit, being a ham now for 40 years there is one or two I don't have. I use the DxEngineering crimp tool that has dies for both coax, power poles and crimp terminals. The one thing I would consider adding to the list now days would be a antenna analyzer of some sort.. de KF3BH
The NanoVNAs are good for this. It’s the only feature I really use on them but it’s worth it just for that. Much cheaper than an MFJ or multiple MFJ analyzers (if you need UHF) plus it sweeps the desired range and shows the SWR etc on a graph.
What about a Standing wave/Power meter OR Antenna Analyzer???? ...I mean Gosh, you need that to even be a good CBer!..... I thought that would be the first thing you would say
Look for a magnifier app for your phone. Can't speak for Android but iPhone has one built in. I can't tell you how many times I utilize that feature. Another trick is to shoot a photo with your phone of a section you want to read. Then zoom in on the photo.
I would caution against the Amazon knock off wattmeter/power analyzers. I bought one when I recently built my solar generator and found out that it was not accurate. Not by a lot, but enough. As I had already put powerpoles on it, I couldn't return it. I then bought the Powewerx one, at 3x the price, but it is dead on accurate. Buy once, cry once.
I have a love hate relationship with them myself - albeit , I started hamming in the 1970s so the old connectors were a real PITA. but for these modern rigs that can go everywhere the powerpoles are almost a necessity, I have a field rig outfit that I run my Raspberry Pi (with touchscreen ) all mounted in a 'Jump Box' and being able to have a set of power nodes on my battery packs makes setting up a breeze. being an old timer I don't just crimp anything I solder too. Anderson Powerpoles the brand is like Jason said, are head and shoulders above anything else, I think for just home use - I'd just make traditional connections but if you have field equipment, then they are the bees-knees. :)
@@TexasScout then I understand where you are coming from. My home rigs are wired straight into the power supplies and with the molex connectors, because they aren't going out anywhere. My old Icoms and Kenwood's are like lugging a transmission around lol!
Those are all good points and useful to new and old hams alike. So what’s up with the title? “Stupid things hams should have”. I didn’t find anything stupid about them. Discretionary, yes. Stupid, no. I sense we don’t need a Webster’s dictionary to show you the definition of “stupid”, so I’m going with the explanation that the use of this word was deliberate click bait. Please just be straight up with us. I, for one, would appreciate it.
A properly crimped connector is mechanically superior to any soldered on connector! For power connections, a solder only connection has the very real, possibility of over heating and then the solder becomes liquefied and you end up with a loose or broken connection or worse, a short and possibly a fire in the car/shack! In other words a big problem! The only connector I solder on (never crimp*) are PL-259's. I really don't like crimped PL-259's as I have had quite a few (even factory crimped connectors) just pull right off the cable or have had no or very poor shield connection. *Field repairs/installations are another story, especially when you don;t have a cordless soldering iron of sufficient wattage or, as in (most) situations like these, no access to electricity to power your soldering iron. Then a crimp connector will do the job if it is done right! 73, de N1WOM
When I worked for Bombardier Aerospace on a U.S. Navy aircraft (UAV) research project we were told that all connections had to be crimped or they would not meet MILSPEC. Of course, we had to use specified terminals or pins and crimp them with specified tools using the specified dies and settings.
Cannot recommend the Nifty manuals enough. I could not live without them. I have one for every radio I own. Could not manage without them. Best money ever spent. Albert EI7II
Nifty Manual - amzn.to/3MlT7EN
Power Pole Crimp Tool - amzn.to/3sd793Q
Anderson Power Poles - amzn.to/3vHDORl
Coax Adapters - amzn.to/3MRC0es
Klein Crimper - amzn.to/3MRCbGE
Coax Crimper Jaws - amzn.to/39DopsM
Watts Up Meter - amzn.to/3vKycpG
USB Meter - amzn.to/3LJvXYZ
Digital Clamp Meter - amzn.to/3vIc9Q9
MS135 SuperWire - amzn.to/3P8hDLY
Antenna Wire - km4ack.square.site/product/22awg-antenna-wire/25?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false
HT Antenna - signalstuff.com/?ref=2223
I have to agree with the clipon multi-meter.
OK it doesn't replace my bench meter, I get it.
However, if you lend it to someone you can be assured that they can damage it. They may take it but not break it.
Since the probes are not used for current measurement, nothing is damaged no matter what the setting.
You can connect to 240VAC even when set on temperature. No problem!!!!
I have a couple of $24 clipons just for lending.
OK I don't lend out my Klein CL800 though.
Redrok AD0TJ
My favourite thing is showing up at a remote site to set up my rig and have a weekend or week of fun with it and find out I lack a necessary adaptor. Instead, I have every adaptor ever made, except _that_ one. Industry is always helping us experience this by sticking weird new jacks on this year's merchandise, so that we will always need to carry around 12 more new adaptors to connect it to all the other stuff they put new jacks on in the past.
The only experience as awesome as this is finding out you're definitively off the air in that mountain cabin or houseboat because the stupid 8" coax jumper that runs between your rig and something else (antenna tuner, watt meter, autotransformer, etc) is broken. Because I'm a bit of a spoil-sport, I always carry a hank of them to avoid this fun. 'Course, since their connectors are rendered obsolete every other year... (see above).
Your powerpole crimpers can do multiple functions. If you get the Tri-Crimp crimpers they also have jaws for coax, solderless connectors, etc.
That said, switching jaws can be annoying sometimes.
The set that I have, the jaws simply pull straight out of the tool. By design. I bought them years ago to use at my shop. Definitely more pricey since they're snap on, but I use them mainly for my automotive day job. They even had coax crimp jaws that I was able to buy separately, but the regular automotive terminal crimpers are the same thing as a power pole crimper, so I just use that.
Jason, you are spot on with your list. I would add a few clamp on ferrites if you play with digital stuff.
Plus these things are only stupid because you cannot plug them into a “build a pi” , keep smiling.
Dig through bargain boxes at hamfests for sma, pl-259, n-type, and other plugs, connectors, adaptors and patch leads. I usually end up getting loads of silvered and high quality stuff, the sort of thing Amphenol, or Suhner would charge you a fortune for, if you had to buy it new
Buy high quality, low memory antenna wire, not the cheap stuff. DX-Commander sells great military grade stuff. You don't want your antennas breaking in some remote location in because you used cheap wire... (been there...)
Buy quality tools: crimpers, cutters, multimeters, swr meters etc... you won't regret it in the long run
Thanks for a couple I had not thought about keep rocking especially the pi stuff I set up my friend with api and your ham software so he could do feta he had never owned a pc and suffers from cognitive injury and every day he’s on ft8 and over the moon so your build a pi really made a difference to his life so thank you for all you’d your a trooper matey🏴
The Klein and Ideal crimpers are the same units with dies being 100% interchangeable.
Good video. All good tips. Anderson Power Poles are one of the nicest power cable connections they ever invented. One more item I would have suggested, "an antenna analyzer." Since the NanoVNA's have come out, they are probably one of the most useful and inexpensive tools on the market.
Barry, KU3X
All these things are stupid... but essential! 😁 Good hook, Jason, and I agree your list of things to have on hand makes ham life so much easier.
Out of High school I worked at West Mountain Radio. Most of us were R/C airplane guys who were using power poles for our R/C airplanes. When we developed the power bar using the power poles, it was KA1CVV and K1UHF who turned the HAM world onto the power poles.
Cool history lesson. Thanks!
Thanks for leading us to US manufactured products, it's a breath of fresh air. Great video, thanks.
Having worked in the communications industry for over thirty years I have accumulated most of these tools including specialty crimp ears for the more elusive coax connectors. The Unidapt kit is essential for shop oriented work but not robust enough for field work. There I like your idea of having multiple copies of every known adaptor for RF connectors.
I keep some very common adapters in my wattmeter case as well.
What I am missing are the dedicated crimpers for the power pole connectors. A set for the larger connectors would also be a helpful since the 50-150 amp connectors are of odd size. One should also make their own power pole connector cables to the radio specific power connector.
Another item one must carry are spare fuses for all of their equipment. One blown fuse can cost you a valuable contest or field day expedition.
I agree 100% on spare fuses. I keep those in my field repair kit :-) ruclips.net/video/iI3nkbaM4z4/видео.html
100% on point. I have needed each of them over the years. I now have a list to give to new hams to consider...you don't have to get them but life is much better with them.
All of these things are(stupid) must have items but there are really a few more must have items like number one some type of antenna analyzer, number two a VOM, number 3 at least a soldering iron or good temperature controlled station! I’m sure there is more but those are the main 3 I would say are a must have!
Hey Jason. What do you recommend for adapters? I spoke to a guy in my club and he recommended Anphenol, but they're very expensive. I have been buying from them under protest, though. Thanks for the video.
I try to pick mine up at a hamfest. I agree Anphenols are great but they are pricey!
Power Pole crimper is a must. I used a crimper with the same shape but it just isn't the same next is the caox crimper
The volt meter is one of my go to tools to in the ham shack.
Don't forget a minimum of 16 fluid ounce bottle of SWR grease. It has gotten me out of a jam more than once.
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you. Hadn't thought of having the full manual on the SD card in the Pi...great additional Tip.
Great video. I have all but the usb meter and the digital clamp meter. Also converted all my ht's to bnc some time back. Thanks!!
There's one crimper out there that I think has various jaws for both coax, power pole and more. If your limited on space might be a wise investment?
Neko, I was looking to reach out to you and noticed I can't find you anymore. Do you have my email? Hope you're well.
Very good list and I have to admit, being a ham now for 40 years there is one or two I don't have. I use the DxEngineering crimp tool that has dies for both coax, power poles and crimp terminals. The one thing I would consider adding to the list now days would be a antenna analyzer of some sort.. de KF3BH
Thank you.
The NanoVNAs are good for this. It’s the only feature I really use on them but it’s worth it just for that. Much cheaper than an MFJ or multiple MFJ analyzers (if you need UHF) plus it sweeps the desired range and shows the SWR etc on a graph.
Appreciate the share out, love experience based videos, great to learn from someone who has been there
I prefer to solder power poles so I can re-use them.
I’d add a decent SWR meter.
Very interesting & thanx! 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸
You need good, clamp-on ferrite chokes. Lots of them
Agreed. I keep extras in my field repair kit....just in case.
Smart man, video quick and to the point.
Great info, well done Jason 👍
Thanks Ape
Pineapple slices & maraschino cherries?
Great Stuff Jason, Thanks!
Thanks TO
What about a Standing wave/Power meter OR Antenna Analyzer???? ...I mean Gosh, you need that to even be a good CBer!..... I thought that would be the first thing you would say
That should be at the top of everyone's list but in this video I tried to cover things one might not think of right away.
Good list, Jason! Thanks for sharing.
Nifty manuals... a shame they don't make a large print. Bought one and it's completely useless in the field unless you have 20/20 with laser focus.
Look for a magnifier app for your phone. Can't speak for Android but iPhone has one built in. I can't tell you how many times I utilize that feature. Another trick is to shoot a photo with your phone of a section you want to read. Then zoom in on the photo.
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Well, I scored a 5. I just dropped a birthday suggestion hint to the XYL for the remaining 3! Very good advice. Thanks. (de AC5JS)
Happy early Birthday! Hopefully she will take the hint :-)
Great list Jason!
Ive got all except nifty manual. I never read manuals anyway :-)
😂😂😂 The nifty manuals are the equivalent to the "Cliff Notes"
Do you find the watts up meter accurate? I've heard even the branded Powerworx isn't accurate on amp/watt hours used.
it's not perfect but close enough for field work.
Now if we only had different qualities of money to pay with. Money that is close enough for cheap, inaccurate stuff. LOL
Good list.
Does the Power Pole crimper have accessory jaws for coax?
No. I wish I could find power pole jaws for the Klein crimp tool.
@@KM4ACK They may interchange. Have you tried the power pole die from your other crimper?
It's close but won't quite work.
Dude...you forgot beer.
I would caution against the Amazon knock off wattmeter/power analyzers. I bought one when I recently built my solar generator and found out that it was not accurate. Not by a lot, but enough. As I had already put powerpoles on it, I couldn't return it. I then bought the Powewerx one, at 3x the price, but it is dead on accurate. Buy once, cry once.
Were is my DX-40
I’ve been at (HAM) since 2003 and I have never been really impressed with Anderson power poles
I have a love hate relationship with them myself - albeit , I started hamming in the 1970s so the old connectors were a real PITA. but for these modern rigs that can go everywhere the powerpoles are almost a necessity, I have a field rig outfit that I run my Raspberry Pi (with touchscreen ) all mounted in a 'Jump Box' and being able to have a set of power nodes on my battery packs makes setting up a breeze. being an old timer I don't just crimp anything I solder too. Anderson Powerpoles the brand is like Jason said, are head and shoulders above anything else, I think for just home use - I'd just make traditional connections but if you have field equipment, then they are the bees-knees. :)
@@l.a.2646 used to do field work, no more.
@@TexasScout then I understand where you are coming from. My home rigs are wired straight into the power supplies and with the molex connectors, because they aren't going out anywhere. My old Icoms and Kenwood's are like lugging a transmission around lol!
Those are all good points and useful to new and old hams alike. So what’s up with the title? “Stupid things hams should have”. I didn’t find anything stupid about them. Discretionary, yes. Stupid, no. I sense we don’t need a Webster’s dictionary to show you the definition of “stupid”, so I’m going with the explanation that the use of this word was deliberate click bait. Please just be straight up with us. I, for one, would appreciate it.
Don't bend antennas infront of your face, they could bing open and catch you in the eye.
Good advice!
Why do I call this "7 stupid things?" Because I like to use click bait to get you to come to my channel and comment. LOL
Any thing crimped is a bad idea....This guy is a bad advice guy....
Tune in for more bad advice like this video where I recommend crimp AND solder - ruclips.net/video/0mXyEnDpTWg/видео.html
A properly crimped connector is mechanically superior to any soldered on connector! For power connections, a solder only connection has the very real, possibility of over heating and then the solder becomes liquefied and you end up with a loose or broken connection or worse, a short and possibly a fire in the car/shack! In other words a big problem!
The only connector I solder on (never crimp*) are PL-259's. I really
don't like crimped PL-259's as I have had quite a few (even factory
crimped connectors) just pull right off the cable or have had no or very
poor shield connection.
*Field repairs/installations are another story, especially when you
don;t have a cordless soldering iron of sufficient wattage or, as in
(most) situations like these, no access to electricity to power your
soldering iron. Then a crimp connector will do the job if it is done
right!
73, de N1WOM
@@jfrphoto01 LOL
When I worked for Bombardier Aerospace on a U.S. Navy aircraft (UAV) research project we were told that all connections had to be crimped or they would not meet MILSPEC. Of course, we had to use specified terminals or pins and crimp them with specified tools using the specified dies and settings.
Cannot recommend the Nifty manuals enough. I could not live without them. I have one for every radio I own. Could not manage without them.
Best money ever spent.
Albert
EI7II
12 volt deep cycle battery back up with a solar charger ! 73 . N9RWJ .
I just found your channel and I had to comment because our call signs are so close! I'm KM4AQV!
That is close!
Howdy from Wichita, Kansas!
de W5JN
Definitely a good list of items to have. 73 de Jeff K3JRZ