I also have my own “secret Like counter” I’ll be happy to reveal. (These Likes were directly inspired by NotaRubicon’s entertaining video, so they count as additional Likes)… • I liked this video = 1 Like. • I liked NotaRubicon’s (the “Pinner’s”) response to Micheal’s (the “Pinnee’s”) comment = 1 Like. • I like seeing people using technology to actively enjoy life = 1 Like. • I like when people use their experience to teach, inspire and enrich, and not tear down, belittle and harass others = 1 Like. • I like happy hams = 1 Like. • I like green eggs and ham = 1 childhood Like. • I like when people are respectful to each other = 1 Like. This unfortunately meant disliking Micheal’s comment = -1 Like (oh snap). • I like long walks on short beaches = 1 Like. • I like short dogs with long tails = 1 Like, long dogs with shorts tails = 1 Like, and cats who identify as dogs = 1 Like. • My dog identifies as a bird = 1 Like. I could do this all day = 10,000+ Likes. So this video actually has over 11,750 Likes as of now that disagree with “the Pinnee”.
I actually met a sad ham at my General exam. After I passed the test, they offered and I took the extra exam. I failed the second test pretty nicely. Sad ham chastised me for not studying for the extra exam. He said he’s been a ham for over 60 years. I offered him my name and address for addition to his will so he can leave me his radio gear. For some reason he was NOT amused. Everyone else (not sad hams) were very amused.
I’m a Ham Radio operator, got my tech license back in April. I love radios in general, so whether it’s GMRS, HAM, FRS, or anything else, I don’t care. If it gets you on the air, it’s good to me!
@@blackhawk65589 Need more cat whisker transceivers..😝👍🏼..yeah .cells are okay while life is quietly simple but during a major power grid outage .NOT ! Grab your entry level solar panel, battery and charger, hook em up, get on the universal channels . Organize a bbq, tools, tents and where.
My Sad Ham story: While out hiking I had my radio tuned to a nearby repeater. I listen to about 20 minutes of dead air so I keyed up with my call sign and that I was monitoring. What I got back was a rant about how they were in the middle of an emergency drill and I was ruining everything. I responded with an apology, and closing out properly with my call sign and received another diatribe in response. So I deleted that repeater entry from my radio and moved on. 😆
Yes, I am a Ham, but I see GMRS as a very useful tool that enables comms between normal people, not sad hams. I think more Hams need to embrace the very useful GMRS environment. Your postings are GREAT. Keep it up!
I am a ham operator in Australia and I've got to say I both laughed and cried watching this. "Sad hams" are indeed a phenomenon but fortunately, from my experience at least, they are in the minority. Honestly, most hams that I know don't have much time for these types at all. If you're interested in radio as a hobby, don't let people like that put you off. Yes, there is required learning for using amateur appliances and I dare say in the context of this video, with good reason. Licensing is a multi tiered, you don't need to be a "brainiac" to get involved. I certainly wasn't one and found some of the learning a real challenge but it's also one of the reasons I wanted to engage in the hobby. The entry level license is no struggle at all. Class licensed radio and ham radio both have their place. Both have pros and cons that the other doesn't. It's horses for courses. Pick the type that is right for your needs at the time. You can always move sideways at a later date. Regardless of yours or others choices, please, live and let live.
Great video. I got a uv-5r a couple of years ago, then a Gmrs license, then a Tech license. Primarily interested in emergency communication. I figured that the ham license would open up a wider range of communication in the event of a wildfire here in the Colorado mountains. Plus there are no GMRS repeaters near me. Most hams are nice folks. Some, however, are authoritarian personality types…aka, Sad Hams. There’s also a bit of competition among them regarding technical knowledge. Some clearly either were or wanted to be President of the Science Club in High School. That’s okay. Not my thing. GMRS is great for most average humans most of the time.
I'm an extra class ham and been licensed for about 20 years and I enjoy your videos. Really love your style and sense of humor. Different radio services for different purposes. I appreciate them all. Even 27mhz. We're lucky to have so many options. People take it for granted.
So, I myself am a ham operator. I recently got my general license. But I started in the wild west of radio; CB. My dad had one, and a while ago I got one in my truck. I'm looking into CB and learning I came across GMRS. I said hey lemme get that too. And went on further to get my ham license. I feel like regardless of what radio you use, what band you're on, if you're not causing problems, it's really whatever. Sure, I understand getting licensed and only using certain bands with a plan. But honestly if it's not causing interference or unwanted operation, I don't think the radio you use matters.
I totally agree with you. I have both a GMRS and a Ham license. I use my Ham radios as a fun hobby, however, I belong to several off-road clubs and for that we use GMRS which like you said, is just a tool to communicate while on the trail. Love your videos.
I recently had a sad ham moment and heres the story: I live in an area where I can easily connect and receive transmissions from a repeater in British Colombia. (I live in WA) I connected to the Canadian repeater when I was taking a hike at the park. I recited my callsign and started talking about where I was connecting from and the area in which I live. there were two farmers on the channel who both said they had GMRS setups in their tractors. one of the farmers asked me what my setup was and I said it was a UV5r with the Nagoya extended range antenna. I dont know why but that fact made one of the farmers really mad. as if saying I had a UV5R was some kind of personal attack on his character. The farmer then started saying stuff like "Oh the uv5r isnt registered to the FCC and you will get a 5 billion dollar fine and how his setup is some $700 box and is much better than the cheap baofengs and blah blah blah." I just turned my radio off at that point and sat at my favorite bench and had some wafer cookies.
The term for these guys used to be HAMMY hams. There is nothing wrong with a baofeng radio. Ive owned one for 6 years, and the battery still holds charge. most people that hate a baofeng aren't smart enough to program it with the supplied cable. (you must change your dot net framework to 2007 driver on your pc)
When the first (or only) thing someone wants to talk about is your radio choice it's a clue you may be in an attempted measuring-contest with a sad ham. I have both ham and gmrs licences and enjoy them equally.
@@anleekij Being a CANADIAN ham radio operator I personally do not care what radio anyone uses, I personally own and operate several budget friendly radiosk, I am active on GMRS, Ham and 11 meters, his sad story would have happened to many places and with many people in the US and Canada
I was a prepped before I became a Ham. Dude you are hysterically funny! I have GMRS also. I got it for my wife and mother so we can all talk in case of emergency. Keep doing what you do! There is room for everyone!
I didn't let these types keep me from experiencing ham radio and it was brutal in the 90s in my local community, but I also met some of nicest people. It was cb or ham then and coming from cb I can say that, even coming from 'sad hams' (we knew them as radio police), I did probably learn a thing or two that helped me to become a 'better operator'. I also learned that I didn't need to be accepted by a clique to enjoy amateur radio. Don't be thin skinned and don't allow anyone to steal your sunshine if you have an interest in ham radio. You don't need anyone's approval.
I just ran across this video. Yes, I am a ham radio operator. But I really enjoyed your explanation and the humorbits that you threw in there. Actually, it is a very good discussion of GMRS. Keep up the good work! I’ll be following your feed
Don't let the (Sour Hams) get you down. A (Sour Ham) Operator is a (C.B.) Operator with More Money. I'm a licensed amateur radio operator and a member to a local radio club. The things I see and hear from these Sour Hams, is the same things I saw and heard back in the 1960's to 1970's from CB Radio operators. Little boys with expensive toys.
There is a certain "personality type" I see in amateur radio that I also see in fly fishing. Now, I enjoy both both hobbies, but this "exclusively special" attitude that some particular personalities bring to both is a bit off-putting. In amateur radio, there's the person who says "We do Field Day in a public park to be ambassadors for the hobby" out of one side of their mouth. If they can be bothered to answer public questions at all, the other side of their mouth is very condescending on makes it sound like amateur radio is uber-difficult to participate in; that you have to have the brain of Marconi and Ohm to even think about testing for a license. It's radio. It's not brain surgery or rocket science. The material covered in a Technician-Class amateur license is not beyond the capacity of the average person to understand, and making it out like it is seems little more to me than an expression of narcissism to me. They're like the people who make casting a fly rod out to be some kind exclusive art form that the average person can't ever master well enough to have fun and catch some fish, when the absolute truth is that anybody who has ever flicked excess paint off a brush or driven a nail into a wall to hang a picture already knows how to cast a fly rod. They just don't know they know. The long winded point is that both of these hobbies I enjoy have their more than fair share of grumpy old men who act as participation barriers rather than inclusion-minded ambassadors. And frankly, I think that's stupid. Fly fishing is a licensed privilege just as much as amateur radio is. More public involvement in a pursuit of privilege means more allies to stand up to those who might want to see such privileges revoked, for whatever reason. But some don't see the thing that way. The Sad Hams and the Sad Fly Fishers have a lot in common, in that they give the appearance that the main attraction to their hobby is, for them, the sense of superiority over other people that participation gives them.
12:56 Here is a pure example of what you mentioned (SAD HAM). 2 guys got into it on the radio while using a repeater. They got into a heated argument for about 2 hours cursing at each other and really bashing each other in a very bad way. THEN threats started happening. A few ham operators then chimed in to tell them to stop and ppl were trying to get them to stop, it just kept going on. Until one of the guys said "Hey fkr I know where you live" and the other kept cursing & yelling even more. Well as they were yelling at each other, one of the guys was already making his way to the other guys house. about 40 minutes later you hear one of the guys scream in the radio. "This fkr is at my front door threatening me and he just threaten my wife when she answered the door" and as they are still yelling at each other on the radio, you can hear a child crying in the background and the wife screaming to the top of her lungs about this guy making threats in front of their house. ALL this because the FCC made peoples private home address readily available for anyone to get right on the FCC's website. THIS is why many people don't get their ham license. And in many cities it cost a lot of money to get a PO Box. its around $75 every 3 months in my city. This city has experienced a few of these types of issues a year. Which has become extremely dangerous for families. Specially with the amount of crazies out there in the world. And that social security number you have to enter when applying, got only knows where that is posted on their website for anyone to grab by web scraping their server. Just wanted to point that out. I wish Ham radio operator protested the FCC to get them to stop posting peoples private home addresses & make is readily available for anyone online. But, a man can only wish. Maybe one day Ham operators will do it in my lifetime. 🤷♂
I am a university student and have an amateur license. I use my campus address when I'm at university because my building is restricted access. Only residents and guests accompanied by residents are allowed, and you have to swipe an ID card to get into the building and again to access the residential area. The building is secure enough I'm not worried about my address being known. When I moved home for summer, though, I got a PO box so I wouldn't reveal my home address.
One big reason I don't get my license is that I don't need the government knowing even more about me. I am respectful when I'm on the air and don't really think I need a piece of paper to talk to my buds or do some dx'ing.
@@hitekredneck109 What information will the government gain from you getting a license? All the information involved in the process is stuff the government has known about me ever since they issued my Social Security number.
Simple way to avoid all of that. Don’t argue with anyone over the radio. If someone started trying to argue with me I would just change channels and move on. Not worth my time or effort. Also you wouldn’t want to come to my house acting like that. I am also a licensed firearms instructor.
Got GMRS first, ham second and you're right. Sad Hams turned me off. I will still renew my license, why not, already bought the equipment. Like your channel!
Sad everything guy here. I just got a late start in the game. I did exactly what he said. Gmrs to talk to local folks. As i am working on my ham liscence. I dont care what brands you use. I ride any motorcycle that runs. Same as vehicles i dont care as long as they are 4x4. Love this guys channel. He just the guy who will help anyone out. He wont slander anyone. Thank you.
I actually just had a Sad Ham experience on a forum. I asked a general question about what system people who live out in the country use for alternate communications. I did mention, briefly, that I ordered a Baofeng UV-5R for scanning of emergency fire since I live in a fire danger zone. One particular person started talking about sun spots and how 'filthy' the baofeng is and he wont chastise me for using, he went on to chastise me for using it and other products made in China.
With the baofengs, it's one of those situations where it's a good radio until you get a good radio. If that makes sense. If you don't know what you're missing, you never know how bad it is. Having said that, I can definitely appreciate the low cost of Chinese radios and they have came a long way. It's made it possible for people to get into radios without having to spend a fortune.
I've been a CB guy for years. I've been considering Ham for a little while. I'm just learning about GMRS, and it seems like what I've been looking for. Just got my license, and can't wait to get into it.
We used GMRS radios to talk at coffee shops during the Coronavirus lockout. We bought coffee & donuts for take-out, then sat in the car (dining room was closed) to eat & drink. We used the $10 eBoo radios to talk!
I'm a HAM. Just got a GMRS Lic. Back story....I was at work and got into an accident. I was in the hospital for months. When I finally got to go home, had to sell off all my Ham equipment to help with hospital bills. Over 3 years later, I was better, and bough some more stuff. (C4FM). Seems the bands had "dried up", and a week would pass before I heard anything. Did the MARS/ CAP mod on my Yaesu and found out many of my old chat buddies were on GMRS. But the "sad hams" still on the ham bands talked about the EXACT SAME THING as 3 years prior. "Bigger, better, faster, more" and how much they spend is the only topic. I'm a chatterbox by nature and will QSO about anything BUT radio equipment. OK a breif discussion, but that's it. How many logs your tractor can pull is more interesting.
A true story: I was tuned into another youtubers Camp Talk live one Sunday evening and the subject of offroad comunication and gmrs came up. He actually had a a few UV5R's he briefly showed and for reasons we all know its the obvious choice for most people just starting out who need to talk on the trail. It generated a lot of interest in gmrs in the live chat. BUT you wouldn't belive all of the dickheads that that discouraged total novices in the chat from even getting into gmrs and went so far as to scare them into believing they would be raided for buying the beloved UV5R! It was insane. I immediately started calling out the 's and combating the false information, scare tactics, and "just study for the test" arguments the 's were pushing. But the truth is we are few and they are many. We may never know how many people they discouraged in that chat, but I know of atleast one. She ended up with FRS radios from Walmart (and that bundle of lies) because she thought GMRS was no good. Im happy to say after reading to her from the book of first Notarubiconians 10:100 she is now a lic GMRS user.
Ham radio is like a filter trap that collects the creepiest losers possible as well as some good people. But the creepy losers have nothing in their life but the fact that they have a stupid license to operate a radio, so they run around trying to hurt anybody who doesn’t have their stupid license.
@@jay-by1se I am on MeWe as a facebook variant. And I joined a group that said Ham radio for beginners. It was very slow and etc... Then yesterday someone came on and started some shit. And you would never believe how unprofessional and low these people stooped to go to kick him out and call him out. It wasn't just telling him what for and kicking him they really belittled him and etc. And I called them out for it and was made fun of for it. And then, one of them said " I have been in radio since 1964...." Oh okay lol.... Bye. I won't get my ham radio license for a while cause of that. Ill go ahead and get my GMRS
I studied for a year to get mine and then found out the types of people that are on Ham radio and left . I made a few mistakes when I first got on air and the self appointed radio police came down hard . I also said my call sign every 10 minutes or whatever it’s supposed to be and not every bloody time I let go of the mic . This upset them too ! No such stress on freeband radio . Old farts with one foot in the grave and nothing else in their lives .
That applies to all hobbies man. You have people that use it for practical purpose and others that eat, sleep and breathe it. The problem with ham is that since an exam is involved and some knowledge of the radio, you typically only attract people that do that as a full-time hobby. However, I can appreciate that. When I was studying for my ham license, I learned a lot from people that were very skilled in the art. Years ago when I was getting into CB before the days of youtube, your CB radio guys were the go to guys to learn how to adjust swr, get everything tuned up properly have a good radio experience. Without those guys, I wouldn't have known what in the world I was doing. My point, while I'm probably not going to hang out with a lot of those guys, those are the ones that I go to when I have questions.
I have been a HAM for many years now... and YES I have seen many of the sad HAMS you speak of online in forums, and commenting on videos. Makes me not even want to admit that I am a HAM a lot of times where I won't be associated with them! BTW, really enjoy your videos, a lot of good info passed along here, keep up the good work Sir!
In Arizona most county sheriffs, fish and game, lake patrols, the National Park service and the offroad recovery services monitor channel 16 on the VHF marine band. FCC license is not required for 'pleasure craft', so I carry a Baofeng BF-F8HP as a backup for my KG-905G. The Baofeng allows me to monitor NOAA, FM radio and 156.8 MHz.
I have both GMRS and Ham. GMRS is great for family outings at State Parks camping etc. less formal and family can share. My Ham is enjoyable for long distance chats, nets etc. this was an excellent discussion. No sad ham here enjoy what meets needs.
your best video. it is a life style. just like Jay Leno and his cool cars. I got my first CB in 1974 and HAM license in 1977. I enjoy GMRS/FRS and MURS as well. My daily carry is a BTECH UV82-HP for both HAM and GMRS
Be careful on Facebook groups or other forums - .if you mention the the u v 82 used on gmrs - At least one " radio cop / sad ham will let you know it's not "certified " for gmrs ...lol N3AFA Wrmz889
Randy was being kind when he said 'lifestyle'. Its really an addiction. I've become addicted so bad I got my baofeng radio out doing cheap tricks in the alley so I can buy more baofengs.
I do ham radio for fun, education, and engineering challenges. It's just a weird hobby. I do GMRS for practical daily communications with normal people.
Hello, your videos inspired me to get a gmrs license. I’ve been a ham since 2010. I’ve used frs, but now I am considering installing a gmrs repeater. Thanks for posting this great information.
I know one HAM operator for sure. He’s been into that for decades. For my purposes, and the technical interest of those that I’ll be talking with the most, GMRS is definitely sufficient. It’ll be a handy communication tool when camping, fishing, etc. It has the range I need the most and very simple to operate.
Love your video! I am both a GMRS and a ham operator. I think where a lot of heat that people get from sad hams is how easy it is for the common consumer to purchase Chinese radios and a lot of common folk don’t understand the rules and regulations. Where we are seeing a lot of problems is when someone who doesn’t understand radios will purchase a Chinese one and immediately just start using it not knowing that they’re transmitting on a first responder frequency or interfering with other ham and GMRS operators. But that comes down to us letting people know what it takes to be on the air regardless if you’re part of the ham community or the GMRS community. I was very upset when the FCC sent a letter out to everyone about the capital riot it’s people like that who mistreat radios that gives both ham and GMRS operators a bad name and in the end will restrict us even harder by the FCC, and no one wants that.
I'm a Ham, I enjoy your videos! I agree that a small minority of Ham operators sometimes give Ham Radio a bad reputation. I got my Ham license in 1991 K8CNN and just this year got my GMRS license WRKT687 I put up a GMRS repeater in Brunswick Ohio as GMRS has been getting more popular! and plan to put up a second repeater in Lakewood Ohio (should be on the air in 3 weeks!) I agree with your video, BOTH HAM Radio and GMRS both have a place! it just depends on what your needs and wants are from radio! I would encourage you to eventually get your Ham license, and talk on the local repeaters, I bet you will meet a lot of nice people, and as a popular RUclips creator, you can relate actual experiences you had using both! "Ham Radio 2.0" is another RUclips creator who explores and likes both GMRS and Ham Radio. I just think both are worth having. This is my first comment on your channel, Keep up the nice work!
Based on today's comment that you left on my other video it seems that you've had a change of heart since this post.. I also see that you've cancelled your ham license. Life comes at you fast!
ABSOLUTELY I changed my opinion over the past 2 years, You USED to give ham radio operators credit for being mostly good and helpful people with a few exceptions, Now your commantary is almost 100% bashing ham radio and you just get on a soapbox ranting about negative comments "That you now delete" if you don't like the comment (Like mine) you have found bashing ham radio = Subs , thats why people watch
You obviously have trouble paying attention. I don't bash ham radio or ham radio operators.. I bash self-important, condescending, non-helpful sad-hams.. If you are incapable of understanding the difference, then you are likely one of the sad-hams that myself, and everyone else, not only cant stand, but also are laughing at. Whats even more funny is that as much as you claim to hate my videos, not only do you keep coming back, you also take the time to leave comments instead of just going away and watching something else like a grownup would do. So, I hate to break it to you, but that makes you a fan. Thanks for watchiing!
I am happy Ham! N2NUT. Been one for 40 years and just like you cannot understand why so many are so sad. I have known and KNOW many that think that the world is dependent on them for communication in some future zombie apocalypse. I moved to a town recently, and don't lookup my location, and attended two local club meetings and no one even was interested in meeting me or talking to me. Left a group of very happy hams in Nashville. So, ignore their arrogance and if you want to get into ham radio, there are happy hams out there that would be glad to help. Love the channel and thank you for all of the help to folks around. Please, keep bashing those Sad Hams.
I've never heard gmrs called a toy. Maybe i don't hang out with those that do. I know many hams that have the gmrs license. I use cb, gmrs, ham and occasionally murs. RF is RF.
Thank you for sharing this comparison,, and for highlighting the people who take the fun out of fun. It's a good reminder to resist being a Sad Ham in any endeavor.
I don't have a sad ham story... Yet. I have a feeling ill meet many when they find out I'm studying the answers to pass the test and will worry about the theory later as I need it. Love your videos. I'm learning a ton. Thank you.
Great video as always......I see a lot of "Sad Hams" on Radioreference forums... many calling ALL GMRS radios 'Toys" or "Bubble pack toys" or Chinese Junk, etc. If they come up in a answer to a question I have about something GMRS related, I seldom even check them anymore. I appreciate this channel so much, It is such a relief from some of the other crap on here....Thanks again...
As a greenhorn "happy ham", and more recently issued GMRS license holder, I have both because there is a time and place for both. i.e. GMRS for the group I am camping/hiking with, and the Ham radio for attempting to hit a repeater or simplex for a SHTF scenario.
Sad Ham's are the IT version of the computer nerd that fixes your computer at work and gives you the same attitude smothered in condescension. Always a joy to work with, if you get my drift.
I had a sad ham turn me away from the hobby. I wanted to get into amateur radio a few years back. I emailed a local radio club looking for some guidance, and I got a condescending reply back. That gave me a bad taste in my mouth and I now refuse to get in the hobby. GMRS is all I need. Have my family and a few of my friends involved in GMRS now.
That is a shame. My local ham club is the same way. I just dropped my membership, and started again in the neighboring county. Its a great group of folks! So, don't give up. There are pricks in every hobby. Even the nerds are pricks too! That is all they have... 😩
Yeah, I like how when you are first considering the hobby, you hear about how welcoming and helpful the ham community is, but once you actually take the plunge, the reality is far, far from that. Bordering on hostile, even. I'm still involved for my own sake (I love learning and all radio), but I don't involve myself with this toxic group.
All too common in most clubs, I believe it also is due to the average age of a ham. So "grumpy old man" syndrome also contributes. If you like to learn how radio works ham is for you and there are several hams around that will help you learn. I find most of these hams on the internet.
I’m so glad that the club I’m a member of is so open to new members and hold free classes open to the public to get their license. We have grown from less than 50 members to over a 100 in less than two years. Our older Hams are some of the best things about our club. They want new blood , because they know they won’t be around much longer and want to keep what we have built going.
"Sad ham syndrome" is no different from: Sad Harley owner Sad private pilot Sad electrician Sad auto mechanic Sad computer hacker Sad Jeep owner And any other person that identifies with their occupation or hobby as a "part of who they are". When you spend years learning about anything, it becomes second nature. It's easy to forget what it's like to be a noob. Thus the "sad" syndrome.
True !! Many years motorcycles - I love Harley's and others ...the sad Harley guy is like sad ham , and alot of Mens hobby's when lifestyle is involved
I respectfully disagree in one way. Weird people who are lonely having a hobby is universal. But only the ham operators create their own law-enforcement branch or they hunt people down and tournament to the federal government to be punished. That makes them a level of low life scum that is unique.
@@jay-by1se They like to be the good guy to the government not you unless your the same as them..always quoting rules and regulations when it isn't a normal person who buys this stuff would even act like they describe I've never heard in the 40yrs I've been in this hobby and I'm in a very active city where gmrs is everywhere and hams also who talk on cb frequency with their 100w radio don't sound legal to me either rules smh..
Best radio-related video you've done. Accurate, balanced, and you didn't waste my precious time with music or an insipid intro (sluuuuuurp). Mostly-happy Extra Class ham, GMRSer, former CBer from the 70s, and commercial radio op. No GROL (yet).
Man, thanks so much for your videos/info on GMRS! I am newly licensed (WRMY975) and my KG-1000G is en route for my Jeep 💪🏼😎. You’ve inspired me to to do it! Thank YOU!
New to GMRS, but you're ABSOLUTELY on point. For example, I'm on a Two Way Radio Trader Facebook page, and there's a whole contingent of people on there, seemingly for no other reason, than to make condescending remarks and make people look stupid just so they can feel better about their own miserable lives. And often they're "in the business" which I guess validates their opinions and right to talk down to us peons who are there simply to learn and/or buy radios and accessories. So it's not just limited to ham radio operators.
"Sad Hammage?" HAHA! I've been enjoying your videos for the past 24 hours. I have two "sad ham" stories from my channel. I consider my channel to be mostly automotive and about my VWs. My car has ham equipment. Eventually, I shared my installation. My ham-related content has grown over time, but I still don't consider my channel to be technical in nature. Most of my viewers are NOT hams. As a result, I try to avoid "ham terms" or excessive technical jargon. Anyway, someone posted that I need to learn a "basic understanding about the way my antenna works" and that I should cut-open an antenna to share what's inside. My response: First, I didn't make a video to discuss the science behind my antennas. Instead, I shared what I use and how I like it. Second, SOMEONE has probably cut-open their $80 antenna, rendering it useless. Visit THAT channel. ;-) The next story was a ham who told me, "Look at your license: No where on it does it say 'HAM.' Learn the terminology!" Very clearly a "sad ham." To that, I replied that my first ham-related video used the term "amateur" and "amateur radio." Well, guess what? None of my regular viewers knew what the hell I was talking about. As soon as I answered a question that used the term "ham" anything, they said, "Oh, HAM? Why didn't you just say THAT?!?" I think I've used both terms interchangeably since then with the hopes of bringing both camps together. Still, as my ham content continues to expand, there will undoubtedly be some "sad hams" finding my videos and taking a dump on them from the safety of the high throne in their basement. ;-) Oh - You're both right and wrong about ham radio being a way of life. I've been licensed for 27 years and have been a mobile-only operator the whole time. My use was casual for the first 26 years; so, not a "way of life," with the exception of me being a military tech-weenie with comms equipment in his car. But I dove deeper into the hobby last year (thanks, COVID?) and now view it as my way of life. Must be because I'm older now. Most hams are old, right? ;-) Keep up the good work!
Also not a "Sad Ham" (Love that comment) i also use public radio in New Zealand called PRS which is our version of GMRS, Love this channel keep up the Good work!
Love your videos! You hit the nail on the head on many items! SAD HAM, Love it!... Been an Extra class Ham almost 20 years now, and I just purchased my GMRS license last week... Keep it coming! :)
I use both radio services. Honestly I never heard the term sad ham until I started watching your videos. So around here (Philly) we have sad hams and lids on ham radio and whackers on GMRS. Whackers are fun to listen too sometimes.
You are so on point about sad hams, they are in abundance! It makes them feel good to put others down, lifts them up in some way to belittle others instead of helping them. Not all hams are sad hams, thankfully, but there's plenty of sad hams, that's for sure.
I'm loving the Sad Ham graphic. I am a Ham, but a Happy Ham, and I love your videos on building your own repeater. I really don't care what type of radio it is, I think all of it is cool and I appreciate your putting your videos out. And yes, HRCC is dope!
I’m GMRS and CB all the way…my main problem with Ham is that the FEDS are too involved… the websites that allow you to enter someone’s call sign and it gives you their exact address and location. Is that necessary?
I'm a Ham operator. Some of my kids are interested, particularly my daughter. I didn't want men to be able to look her up and know where to find her (easily anyway). The solution was to use a "General Delivery" address at the post office. Most post offices support it. This way you don't have to pay for a PO Box but get the same benefits. They just throw away your mail after 30 days. Since we aren't using it for mail anyway, it works out. They can only pinpoint you to a zipcode.
Another great video. Recently found your channel and I am enjoying going your content. Ham radio has to be the most meta hobby that has ever existed. All ham radio operators want to talk about is their setup and what they are doing to change it or improve it. As far as sad hams go, operators that are attached to their call signs are what gets me. It becomes their whole identity. Personalized license plates are common but I am also on zoom calls that have nothing to do with radio and they include their call sign as part of their name.
Moon bounce is actually what you can do with CB radio. You can also do skip with CB radio to talk with the whole world on better days and that without any repeaters. Oh I love CB radios :D Love your videos as well btw.
In case no one else has replied - I looked up a quick history of amateur radio. Looks like amateur radio operators and the hobby became somewhat popular before 1910, but much of it was not allowed during WWI. Then, it appears, that Ham radio became a big thing around 1920 and 1923. I think that the first "Sad Ham" was not born until decades later, however, this species has populated rapidly over the years (they actually somehow get laid)!
Always wanted to get into ham but life was too busy. Finally got my GMRS to get my feet wet, then got my tech license a few months ago. I use the GMRS all the time with my family, it’s more convenient than cell phones. My local ham club is a bunch of older gentlemen but all seem to be eager to teach the hobby. I like your “Sad Ham” phrase. I’ve only run into a couple of those on the air. You can tell when I tell them I’m on my Baofeng BF-F8HP with a Nagoya antenna. They just stop talking. Sorry I can’t afford a $1,000 ICOM right now, plus all the other expensive equipment that goes with it. But good channel and I like your perspective on radio. Keep up the good videos. We’re all here to utilize radio as a tool or a hobby and have fun while doing it.
I posted a question on a well known ham site forum and one of the replies I got said that they were "dismayed that such elementary questions were being posed on the site". I think that was my first encounter with a sad ham.
Ham radio started when radio operators interfered with the sinking Titanic. There is a cool video about the news article on RUclips. Radio operators were born to take abuse. It started when radio began. Do you think Ham was a good name? Interesting stuff!
I watched a Sad Ham RUclips where the Ham bashed the UV-5R saying they use "spurious emissions:" and he used thousands of dollars of equipment to prove that the emissions other than on the Ham frequencies were higher than allowable by the FCC.
I like your videos they are fun. I have meet a lot of the Sad HAMs, I have an Extra class license but kept my Novice call sign, the Sad HAMs keep telling me that I should upgrade.
I'll tell ya man, you nailed it! I'm a ham, but I'm a happy ham, which means I think more like a GMRS or CB person. I do ham mostly but I also get frustrated with some of these guys who want to argue about grounding, programming, cabling, coaxing....no one agrees! I plug it in and make sure it's safe to start and I go. It works just as well as those guys with the engineering degrees...Of course you need that SWR meter to be sure you don't kill your stuff. The good news about ham is many guys are willing to help a guy get going without judgement.
I'm a ham, but got my start in CB. I was an OTR truck driver back when CB was considered required equipment. Back then, if you didn't have a CB, you couldn't communicate with shippers, receavers or scales to get loaded or unloaded. That's beside its use on the road. Today, if you like getting ripped off and enjoy wading through the mountains of misinformation, get into CB. I was actually introduced to ham radio by a fellow truck driver on the road. I love the hobby! I haven't gotten into GMRS yet, but I plan too. I love all aspects of of radio communication, but some really do get tribal about it. In the CB world, you will deal with a lot more ignorance as to how the equipment works and a long list of CB shops looking to take advantage of that ignorance. With ham, you have to study and get some Idea of how your equipment works and why. But still, you will find plenty of ignorance there too. 🤷♂️
Har! Excellent video. Right on the money too. As a ham that uses GMRS at least as much as ham repeaters I never bash GMRS, it's there for functionality only, not for technobating. I think that some older hams resent newer hams and GMRS users because their path to the hobby was a lot more difficult and expensive than it is today. They may resent the ease the new users are adopting the technology. And some of them have some pretty hateful thoughts and opinions about new Chinese radios on the market because they are more noisy than the expensive Ham radios that they hug and talk to every day. It is sad to see that kind of thing going on. GMRS is a great service and much better than CB radio in my opinion, it does the job it is intended to do very well. Keep up the good work, and I agree with you about Josh. Great guy. Jim WQXR840 KE0JQA
Great show as always. I got into GMRS and got a Lic. back in 2003 or so. In my area, we have no gmrs repeaters. I live in a very rural area and mountains abound. Gmrs radios have gotten better and more choices but they still never really get the distance that's advertised. I run 50 watts from the house and about the same out of the vehicles. I have a great ground plane antenna which is up 40 ft. I get about 20 miles around the valley, some places more and about the same with my portable toys. It is rare that we hear other stations. I like GMRS and would rather use than 2 meters etc there is a repeater a few miles away but I will not lower myself to the local Sad Hams. I have been on CB since a kid in the 1960s I enjoy talking skip on CB that's all as no one uses CB very much in my area. Like I told a few sad hams back a few years ago, Move out of your parent's basement get a girlfriend to start a family, etc. It is hard to buy $600.00 radios and above while working, raising a family, and all that goes with it. I would be a Sad Ham if I was them for sure. Thanks for hearing me and letting folks know that the GMRS companies lie about channels and distance. I do have a fondness for GMRS. WPTZ878
The technical aspect of HAM is interesting to me, the reason I got my license. Linked repeaters, DTMF controls, APRS, and packet radio checked all the boxes in the preparedness side of my brain. However, in practice, outside of messing with some settings and trying out new things, I have little interest or time to spend hours talking about nothing on the local repeaters, especially to the guys who ask for your call sign 5 times, knowing they're going to creep on me online because they don't "recognize my voice." GMRS or a business license would have suited my practical needs just fine. I should add most guys I've talked to have been very welcoming and friendly. But the few that are so stringently by the book or suspicious of new voices really gets old.
I was worried when I saw Josh on the screen in the back 😂. The Ham Radio Crash Course is a great channel, but Randy gave credit to Josh. I started out with my GMRS license and then got my Ham license. I love having both. Like Randy said, both licenses are different tools.
Have a particularly odious sort of sad ham living down the street from me. Bought himself a second lot in which to erect a massive ham tower. He doesn't seem to care particularly much if his equipment interferes with others, but is very aggressive about policing the airwaves. When we moved here in the early 90s, we had to abandon cordless phones because we would regularly pick up interference from his rig on our handsets. When we complained he basically told us to eff off. I also distinctly remember using some used walkie talkies we'd picked up as kids and having him chew us out, broadcasting to us on the walkie frequency to yell at us for interfering with his transmissions. He definitely steered me away from getting into ham radio.
GMRS was my first license and then got my ham license. Also plan on getting some FRS and MURS radios. I have a CB in an RV. Just want as much of the frequency spectrum covered as possible. Yes I am an amateur prepper and radio in general is a great tool to have. Keep poking the dickheads and putting out videos and I will keep watching. Thank you!
Hey Randy thanks for putting step by step directions for people to follow ive tried before to get my grms license I think I got it this time. well they thought my money away. Real miss the offraord stuff but I do enjoy the radio stuff
You hide your like counts because they suck. You suck.
I fixed that for you.. Now you can see for yourself that 1,600 people disagree with you.
@@TheNotaRubicon 😂 sad ham alert
You did actually pin it😂😂😂
I also have my own “secret Like counter” I’ll be happy to reveal. (These Likes were directly inspired by NotaRubicon’s entertaining video, so they count as additional Likes)…
• I liked this video = 1 Like.
• I liked NotaRubicon’s (the “Pinner’s”) response to Micheal’s (the “Pinnee’s”) comment = 1 Like.
• I like seeing people using technology to actively enjoy life = 1 Like.
• I like when people use their experience to teach, inspire and enrich, and not tear down, belittle and harass others = 1 Like.
• I like happy hams = 1 Like.
• I like green eggs and ham = 1 childhood Like.
• I like when people are respectful to each other = 1 Like. This unfortunately meant disliking Micheal’s comment = -1 Like (oh snap).
• I like long walks on short beaches = 1 Like.
• I like short dogs with long tails = 1 Like, long dogs with shorts tails = 1 Like, and cats who identify as dogs = 1 Like.
• My dog identifies as a bird = 1 Like.
I could do this all day = 10,000+ Likes.
So this video actually has over 11,750 Likes as of now that disagree with “the Pinnee”.
@@TheNotaRubicon he got destroyed
HAH! That Background!!!
You noticed that too, huh? LOL
I didn't know he was a fan ;-)
Josh he must envy you lol..
Sad Ham merch cross over opportunity.
Have that guy pay you royalties for using your picture on his background!
I actually met a sad ham at my General exam. After I passed the test, they offered and I took the extra exam. I failed the second test pretty nicely. Sad ham chastised me for not studying for the extra exam. He said he’s been a ham for over 60 years. I offered him my name and address for addition to his will so he can leave me his radio gear. For some reason he was NOT amused. Everyone else (not sad hams) were very amused.
😅😅
I’m a Ham Radio operator, got my tech license back in April. I love radios in general, so whether it’s GMRS, HAM, FRS, or anything else, I don’t care. If it gets you on the air, it’s good to me!
Exactly! We need to foster more people to go on the air ways and off the cell phones :)
Amen.I agree with you. KK7T.
Me too
@@blackhawk65589 Need more cat whisker transceivers..😝👍🏼..yeah .cells are okay while life is quietly simple but during a major power grid outage .NOT ! Grab your entry level solar panel, battery and charger, hook em up, get on the universal channels . Organize a bbq, tools, tents and where.
Right there with ya! Radio in general is awesome!
My Sad Ham story: While out hiking I had my radio tuned to a nearby repeater. I listen to about 20 minutes of dead air so I keyed up with my call sign and that I was monitoring. What I got back was a rant about how they were in the middle of an emergency drill and I was ruining everything. I responded with an apology, and closing out properly with my call sign and received another diatribe in response. So I deleted that repeater entry from my radio and moved on. 😆
Oh wow. That’s lovely 😂
I'm sorry that happened to you! I met someone once that said they don't talk to people on air that they haven't FIRST met in person! Very sad!
*gasp!* .how DARE you! .you could have started world war three, or spoiled somebody's hide-and seek game!
Yes, I am a Ham, but I see GMRS as a very useful tool that enables comms between normal people, not sad hams. I think more Hams need to embrace the very useful GMRS environment. Your postings are GREAT. Keep it up!
I am a ham operator in Australia and I've got to say I both laughed and cried watching this. "Sad hams" are indeed a phenomenon but fortunately, from my experience at least, they are in the minority. Honestly, most hams that I know don't have much time for these types at all.
If you're interested in radio as a hobby, don't let people like that put you off. Yes, there is required learning for using amateur appliances and I dare say in the context of this video, with good reason. Licensing is a multi tiered, you don't need to be a "brainiac" to get involved. I certainly wasn't one and found some of the learning a real challenge but it's also one of the reasons I wanted to engage in the hobby. The entry level license is no struggle at all.
Class licensed radio and ham radio both have their place. Both have pros and cons that the other doesn't. It's horses for courses. Pick the type that is right for your needs at the time. You can always move sideways at a later date. Regardless of yours or others choices, please, live and let live.
As a fellow Aussie, thank you
Well, you are Aussie, so...
Great video. I got a uv-5r a couple of years ago, then a Gmrs license, then a Tech license. Primarily interested in emergency communication. I figured that the ham license would open up a wider range of communication in the event of a wildfire here in the Colorado mountains. Plus there are no GMRS repeaters near me. Most hams are nice folks. Some, however, are authoritarian personality types…aka, Sad Hams. There’s also a bit of competition among them regarding technical knowledge. Some clearly either were or wanted to be President of the Science Club in High School. That’s okay. Not my thing. GMRS is great for most average humans most of the time.
When someone gets mad when you tell them to leave their name badges and titles at home before they come to an event, you know they won't be there.
Lots of sad angry little hams in Colorado
I'm an extra class ham and been licensed for about 20 years and I enjoy your videos. Really love your style and sense of humor. Different radio services for different purposes. I appreciate them all. Even 27mhz. We're lucky to have so many options. People take it for granted.
Oh yes ... the 11 meter crowd (CB). Very "back 40" mindset. I'm an Extra ham too...small world.
You Sir are the Grand Master of Radio Sensibility.
you should market "sad ham" t-shirts and thanks for not wasting our time. :)
So, I myself am a ham operator. I recently got my general license. But I started in the wild west of radio; CB. My dad had one, and a while ago I got one in my truck. I'm looking into CB and learning I came across GMRS. I said hey lemme get that too. And went on further to get my ham license. I feel like regardless of what radio you use, what band you're on, if you're not causing problems, it's really whatever. Sure, I understand getting licensed and only using certain bands with a plan. But honestly if it's not causing interference or unwanted operation, I don't think the radio you use matters.
So, it's not the size of your radio, it's how you use it?
Amen to this. I second this opinion.
He has the perfect voice for narration, radio, news, and relaxation CD's.
I totally agree with you. I have both a GMRS and a Ham license. I use my Ham radios as a fun hobby, however, I belong to several off-road clubs and for that we use GMRS which like you said, is just a tool to communicate while on the trail. Love your videos.
I recently had a sad ham moment and heres the story:
I live in an area where I can easily connect and receive transmissions from a repeater in British Colombia. (I live in WA)
I connected to the Canadian repeater when I was taking a hike at the park. I recited my callsign and started talking about where I was connecting from and the area in which I live. there were two farmers on the channel who both said they had GMRS setups in their tractors. one of the farmers asked me what my setup was and I said it was a UV5r with the Nagoya extended range antenna. I dont know why but that fact made one of the farmers really mad. as if saying I had a UV5R was some kind of personal attack on his character. The farmer then started saying stuff like "Oh the uv5r isnt registered to the FCC and you will get a 5 billion dollar fine and how his setup is some $700 box and is much better than the cheap baofengs and blah blah blah." I just turned my radio off at that point and sat at my favorite bench and had some wafer cookies.
Hopefully you thought long and hard about your choice to talk to canadians
The term for these guys used to be HAMMY hams. There is nothing wrong with a baofeng radio. Ive owned one for 6 years, and the battery still holds charge. most people that hate a baofeng aren't smart enough to program it with the supplied cable. (you must change your dot net framework to 2007 driver on your pc)
Our local club gives Baofengs away to new hams. Muahahahaaaaaaa.
When the first (or only) thing someone wants to talk about is your radio choice it's a clue you may be in an attempted measuring-contest with a sad ham. I have both ham and gmrs licences and enjoy them equally.
@@anleekij Being a CANADIAN ham radio operator I personally do not care what radio anyone uses, I personally own and operate several budget friendly radiosk, I am active on GMRS, Ham and 11 meters, his sad story would have happened to many places and with many people in the US and Canada
Thank you for another understandable GMRS Tutorial. You're doing a great service for a new GMRS Licensee.
I was a prepped before I became a Ham. Dude you are hysterically funny! I have GMRS also. I got it for my wife and mother so we can all talk in case of emergency. Keep doing what you do! There is room for everyone!
1500 Watts Max KM6MNS , WREL563 yes I also enjoy GMRS along with CB and Ham . I use all three ..
I didn't let these types keep me from experiencing ham radio and it was brutal in the 90s in my local community, but I also met some of nicest people. It was cb or ham then and coming from cb I can say that, even coming from 'sad hams' (we knew them as radio police), I did probably learn a thing or two that helped me to become a 'better operator'. I also learned that I didn't need to be accepted by a clique to enjoy amateur radio. Don't be thin skinned and don't allow anyone to steal your sunshine if you have an interest in ham radio. You don't need anyone's approval.
I just ran across this video. Yes, I am a ham radio operator. But I really enjoyed your explanation and the humorbits that you threw in there. Actually, it is a very good discussion of GMRS.
Keep up the good work! I’ll be following your feed
Don't let the (Sour Hams) get you down.
A (Sour Ham) Operator is a (C.B.) Operator with More Money.
I'm a licensed amateur radio operator and a member to a local radio club. The things I see and hear from these Sour Hams, is the same things I saw and heard back in the 1960's to 1970's from CB Radio operators. Little boys with expensive toys.
Amen !
There is a certain "personality type" I see in amateur radio that I also see in fly fishing. Now, I enjoy both both hobbies, but this "exclusively special" attitude that some particular personalities bring to both is a bit off-putting.
In amateur radio, there's the person who says "We do Field Day in a public park to be ambassadors for the hobby" out of one side of their mouth. If they can be bothered to answer public questions at all, the other side of their mouth is very condescending on makes it sound like amateur radio is uber-difficult to participate in; that you have to have the brain of Marconi and Ohm to even think about testing for a license. It's radio. It's not brain surgery or rocket science. The material covered in a Technician-Class amateur license is not beyond the capacity of the average person to understand, and making it out like it is seems little more to me than an expression of narcissism to me.
They're like the people who make casting a fly rod out to be some kind exclusive art form that the average person can't ever master well enough to have fun and catch some fish, when the absolute truth is that anybody who has ever flicked excess paint off a brush or driven a nail into a wall to hang a picture already knows how to cast a fly rod. They just don't know they know.
The long winded point is that both of these hobbies I enjoy have their more than fair share of grumpy old men who act as participation barriers rather than inclusion-minded ambassadors.
And frankly, I think that's stupid. Fly fishing is a licensed privilege just as much as amateur radio is. More public involvement in a pursuit of privilege means more allies to stand up to those who might want to see such privileges revoked, for whatever reason.
But some don't see the thing that way. The Sad Hams and the Sad Fly Fishers have a lot in common, in that they give the appearance that the main attraction to their hobby is, for them, the sense of superiority over other people that participation gives them.
12:56
Here is a pure example of what you mentioned (SAD HAM). 2 guys got into it on the radio while using a repeater. They got into a heated argument for about 2 hours
cursing at each other and really bashing each other in a very bad way. THEN threats started happening. A few ham operators then chimed in to tell them to stop
and ppl were trying to get them to stop, it just kept going on. Until one of the guys said "Hey fkr I know where you live" and the other kept cursing & yelling even more.
Well as they were yelling at each other, one of the guys was already making his way to the other guys house. about 40 minutes later you hear one of the guys scream in the radio.
"This fkr is at my front door threatening me and he just threaten my wife when she answered the door" and as they are still yelling at each other on the radio,
you can hear a child crying in the background and the wife screaming to the top of her lungs about this guy making threats in front of their house.
ALL this because the FCC made peoples private home address readily available for anyone to get right on the FCC's website.
THIS is why many people don't get their ham license. And in many cities it cost a lot of money to get a PO Box. its around $75 every 3 months in my city.
This city has experienced a few of these types of issues a year. Which has become extremely dangerous for families. Specially with the amount of crazies out there in the world.
And that social security number you have to enter when applying, got only knows where that is posted on their website for anyone to grab by web scraping their server.
Just wanted to point that out. I wish Ham radio operator protested the FCC to get them to stop posting peoples private home addresses & make is readily available for anyone online.
But, a man can only wish. Maybe one day Ham operators will do it in my lifetime. 🤷♂
I am a university student and have an amateur license. I use my campus address when I'm at university because my building is restricted access. Only residents and guests accompanied by residents are allowed, and you have to swipe an ID card to get into the building and again to access the residential area. The building is secure enough I'm not worried about my address being known. When I moved home for summer, though, I got a PO box so I wouldn't reveal my home address.
Wow 😲. Thanks didn't know that. Makes me not want to get a license.
One big reason I don't get my license is that I don't need the government knowing even more about me. I am respectful when I'm on the air and don't really think I need a piece of paper to talk to my buds or do some dx'ing.
@@hitekredneck109 What information will the government gain from you getting a license? All the information involved in the process is stuff the government has known about me ever since they issued my Social Security number.
Simple way to avoid all of that. Don’t argue with anyone over the radio. If someone started trying to argue with me I would just change channels and move on. Not worth my time or effort. Also you wouldn’t want to come to my house acting like that. I am also a licensed firearms instructor.
Got GMRS first, ham second and you're right. Sad Hams turned me off. I will still renew my license, why not, already bought the equipment.
Like your channel!
Sad everything guy here. I just got a late start in the game. I did exactly what he said. Gmrs to talk to local folks. As i am working on my ham liscence. I dont care what brands you use.
I ride any motorcycle that runs. Same as vehicles i dont care as long as they are 4x4. Love this guys channel. He just the guy who will help anyone out. He wont slander anyone. Thank you.
I actually just had a Sad Ham experience on a forum. I asked a general question about what system people who live out in the country use for alternate communications. I did mention, briefly, that I ordered a Baofeng UV-5R for scanning of emergency fire since I live in a fire danger zone. One particular person started talking about sun spots and how 'filthy' the baofeng is and he wont chastise me for using, he went on to chastise me for using it and other products made in China.
With the baofengs, it's one of those situations where it's a good radio until you get a good radio. If that makes sense. If you don't know what you're missing, you never know how bad it is. Having said that, I can definitely appreciate the low cost of Chinese radios and they have came a long way. It's made it possible for people to get into radios without having to spend a fortune.
YOU are an OSI, one sharp individual. I learn new stuff with every video you make, Thanks!
I've been a CB guy for years. I've been considering Ham for a little while. I'm just learning about GMRS, and it seems like what I've been looking for. Just got my license, and can't wait to get into it.
We used GMRS radios to talk at coffee shops during the Coronavirus lockout. We bought coffee & donuts for take-out, then sat in the car (dining room was closed) to eat & drink. We used the $10 eBoo radios to talk!
I'm a HAM. Just got a GMRS Lic. Back story....I was at work and got into an accident. I was in the hospital for months. When I finally got to go home, had to sell off all my Ham equipment to help with hospital bills. Over 3 years later, I was better, and bough some more stuff. (C4FM). Seems the bands had "dried up", and a week would pass before I heard anything. Did the MARS/ CAP mod on my Yaesu and found out many of my old chat buddies were on GMRS. But the "sad hams" still on the ham bands talked about the EXACT SAME THING as 3 years prior. "Bigger, better, faster, more" and how much they spend is the only topic. I'm a chatterbox by nature and will QSO about anything BUT radio equipment. OK a breif discussion, but that's it. How many logs your tractor can pull is more interesting.
Still love the slapstick with the Sad ham! Still comic gold!
A true story:
I was tuned into another youtubers Camp Talk live one Sunday evening and the subject of offroad comunication and gmrs came up. He actually had a a few UV5R's he briefly showed and for reasons we all know its the obvious choice for most people just starting out who need to talk on the trail. It generated a lot of interest in gmrs in the live chat. BUT you wouldn't belive all of the dickheads that that discouraged total novices in the chat from even getting into gmrs and went so far as to scare them into believing they would be raided for buying the beloved UV5R! It was insane. I immediately started calling out the 's and combating the false information, scare tactics, and "just study for the test" arguments the 's were pushing. But the truth is we are few and they are many. We may never know how many people they discouraged in that chat, but I know of atleast one. She ended up with FRS radios from Walmart (and that bundle of lies) because she thought GMRS was no good. Im happy to say after reading to her from the book of first Notarubiconians 10:100 she is now a lic GMRS user.
Ham radio is like a filter trap that collects the creepiest losers possible as well as some good people. But the creepy losers have nothing in their life but the fact that they have a stupid license to operate a radio, so they run around trying to hurt anybody who doesn’t have their stupid license.
@@jay-by1se I am on MeWe as a facebook variant. And I joined a group that said Ham radio for beginners. It was very slow and etc... Then yesterday someone came on and started some shit. And you would never believe how unprofessional and low these people stooped to go to kick him out and call him out. It wasn't just telling him what for and kicking him they really belittled him and etc. And I called them out for it and was made fun of for it. And then, one of them said " I have been in radio since 1964...." Oh okay lol.... Bye. I won't get my ham radio license for a while cause of that. Ill go ahead and get my GMRS
I studied for a year to get mine and then found out the types of people that are on Ham radio and left . I made a few mistakes when I first got on air and the self appointed radio police came down hard .
I also said my call sign every 10 minutes or whatever it’s supposed to be and not every bloody time I let go of the mic . This upset them too !
No such stress on freeband radio . Old farts with one foot in the grave and nothing else in their lives .
That applies to all hobbies man. You have people that use it for practical purpose and others that eat, sleep and breathe it. The problem with ham is that since an exam is involved and some knowledge of the radio, you typically only attract people that do that as a full-time hobby. However, I can appreciate that. When I was studying for my ham license, I learned a lot from people that were very skilled in the art. Years ago when I was getting into CB before the days of youtube, your CB radio guys were the go to guys to learn how to adjust swr, get everything tuned up properly have a good radio experience. Without those guys, I wouldn't have known what in the world I was doing. My point, while I'm probably not going to hang out with a lot of those guys, those are the ones that I go to when I have questions.
I have been a HAM for many years now... and YES I have seen many of the sad HAMS you speak of online in forums, and commenting on videos. Makes me not even want to admit that I am a HAM a lot of times where I won't be associated with them! BTW, really enjoy your videos, a lot of good info passed along here, keep up the good work Sir!
In Arizona most county sheriffs, fish and game, lake patrols, the National Park service and the offroad recovery services monitor channel 16 on the VHF marine band. FCC license is not required for 'pleasure craft', so I carry a Baofeng BF-F8HP as a backup for my KG-905G. The Baofeng allows me to monitor NOAA, FM radio and 156.8 MHz.
I have both GMRS and Ham. GMRS is great for family outings at State Parks camping etc. less formal and family can share. My Ham is enjoyable for long distance chats, nets etc. this was an excellent discussion. No sad ham here enjoy what meets needs.
your best video. it is a life style. just like Jay Leno and his cool cars. I got my first CB in 1974 and HAM license in 1977. I enjoy GMRS/FRS and MURS as well. My daily carry is a BTECH UV82-HP for both HAM and GMRS
Be careful on Facebook groups or other forums - .if you mention the the u v 82 used on gmrs -
At least one " radio cop / sad ham will let you know it's not "certified " for gmrs ...lol
N3AFA
Wrmz889
Randy was being kind when he said 'lifestyle'. Its really an addiction. I've become addicted so bad I got my baofeng radio out doing cheap tricks in the alley so I can buy more baofengs.
I do ham radio for fun, education, and engineering challenges. It's just a weird hobby.
I do GMRS for practical daily communications with normal people.
That’s a darn good comment. That sums it up perfectly.
There are "normal" people on gmrs?
Paul the troll lol
Hello, your videos inspired me to get a gmrs license. I’ve been a ham since 2010. I’ve used frs, but now I am considering installing a gmrs repeater. Thanks for posting this great information.
By the way, I am a ham radio operator, and I enjoy your channel . Thanks for your hard work. Good job.
I know one HAM operator for sure. He’s been into that for decades. For my purposes, and the technical interest of those that I’ll be talking with the most, GMRS is definitely sufficient. It’ll be a handy communication tool when camping, fishing, etc. It has the range I need the most and very simple to operate.
Love your video! I am both a GMRS and a ham operator. I think where a lot of heat that people get from sad hams is how easy it is for the common consumer to purchase Chinese radios and a lot of common folk don’t understand the rules and regulations. Where we are seeing a lot of problems is when someone who doesn’t understand radios will purchase a Chinese one and immediately just start using it not knowing that they’re transmitting on a first responder frequency or interfering with other ham and GMRS operators. But that comes down to us letting people know what it takes to be on the air regardless if you’re part of the ham community or the GMRS community. I was very upset when the FCC sent a letter out to everyone about the capital riot it’s people like that who mistreat radios that gives both ham and GMRS operators a bad name and in the end will restrict us even harder by the FCC, and no one wants that.
I'm not a ham or gmrs. I hate talking to people on the phone, on a radio, or even face to face. But this guy's videos are hilarious!
I'm a Ham, I enjoy your videos! I agree that a small minority of Ham operators sometimes give Ham Radio a bad reputation. I got my Ham license in 1991 K8CNN and just this year got my GMRS license WRKT687 I put up a GMRS repeater in Brunswick Ohio as GMRS has been getting more popular! and plan to put up a second repeater in Lakewood Ohio (should be on the air in 3 weeks!) I agree with your video, BOTH HAM Radio and GMRS both have a place! it just depends on what your needs and wants are from radio! I would encourage you to eventually get your Ham license, and talk on the local repeaters, I bet you will meet a lot of nice people, and as a popular RUclips creator, you can relate actual experiences you had using both! "Ham Radio 2.0" is another RUclips creator who explores and likes both GMRS and Ham Radio. I just think both are worth having. This is my first comment on your channel, Keep up the nice work!
Based on today's comment that you left on my other video it seems that you've had a change of heart since this post.. I also see that you've cancelled your ham license. Life comes at you fast!
ABSOLUTELY I changed my opinion over the past 2 years, You USED to give ham radio operators credit for being mostly good and helpful people with a few exceptions, Now your commantary is almost 100% bashing ham radio and you just get on a soapbox ranting about negative comments "That you now delete" if you don't like the comment (Like mine) you have found bashing ham radio = Subs , thats why people watch
You obviously have trouble paying attention. I don't bash ham radio or ham radio operators.. I bash self-important, condescending, non-helpful sad-hams.. If you are incapable of understanding the difference, then you are likely one of the sad-hams that myself, and everyone else, not only cant stand, but also are laughing at.
Whats even more funny is that as much as you claim to hate my videos, not only do you keep coming back, you also take the time to leave comments instead of just going away and watching something else like a grownup would do. So, I hate to break it to you, but that makes you a fan.
Thanks for watchiing!
I am happy Ham! N2NUT. Been one for 40 years and just like you cannot understand why so many are so sad. I have known and KNOW many that think that the world is dependent on them for communication in some future zombie apocalypse. I moved to a town recently, and don't lookup my location, and attended two local club meetings and no one even was interested in meeting me or talking to me. Left a group of very happy hams in Nashville. So, ignore their arrogance and if you want to get into ham radio, there are happy hams out there that would be glad to help. Love the channel and thank you for all of the help to folks around. Please, keep bashing those Sad Hams.
I've never heard gmrs called a toy. Maybe i don't hang out with those that do. I know many hams that have the gmrs license.
I use cb, gmrs, ham and occasionally murs. RF is RF.
The trumpet attached to the leaf blower killed me😂🤣
Thank you for sharing this comparison,, and for highlighting the people who take the fun out of fun. It's a good reminder to resist being a Sad Ham in any endeavor.
I don't have a sad ham story... Yet. I have a feeling ill meet many when they find out I'm studying the answers to pass the test and will worry about the theory later as I need it. Love your videos. I'm learning a ton. Thank you.
fried sad ham and eggs is a great breakfast before going out GMRSing
I can't believe I'm a year late finding this. That intro was GOLD.
Great video as always......I see a lot of "Sad Hams" on Radioreference forums... many calling ALL GMRS radios 'Toys" or "Bubble pack toys" or Chinese Junk, etc. If they come up in a answer to a question I have about something GMRS related, I seldom even check them anymore.
I appreciate this channel so much, It is such a relief from some of the other crap on here....Thanks again...
As a greenhorn "happy ham", and more recently issued GMRS license holder, I have both because there is a time and place for both.
i.e. GMRS for the group I am camping/hiking with, and the Ham radio for attempting to hit a repeater or simplex for a SHTF scenario.
Sad Ham's are the IT version of the computer nerd that fixes your computer at work and gives you the same attitude smothered in condescension. Always a joy to work with, if you get my drift.
I had a sad ham turn me away from the hobby. I wanted to get into amateur radio a few years back. I emailed a local radio club looking for some guidance, and I got a condescending reply back. That gave me a bad taste in my mouth and I now refuse to get in the hobby. GMRS is all I need. Have my family and a few of my friends involved in GMRS now.
That is a shame. My local ham club is the same way. I just dropped my membership, and started again in the neighboring county. Its a great group of folks! So, don't give up. There are pricks in every hobby. Even the nerds are pricks too! That is all they have... 😩
Yeah, I like how when you are first considering the hobby, you hear about how welcoming and helpful the ham community is, but once you actually take the plunge, the reality is far, far from that. Bordering on hostile, even. I'm still involved for my own sake (I love learning and all radio), but I don't involve myself with this toxic group.
Same reason I decided to not get into ham. local guys were all a bunch of tools and were too good to answer some basic questions I had.
All too common in most clubs, I believe it also is due to the average age of a ham. So "grumpy old man" syndrome also contributes.
If you like to learn how radio works ham is for you and there are several hams around that will help you learn. I find most of these hams on the internet.
I’m so glad that the club I’m a member of is so open to new members and hold free classes open to the public to get their license. We have grown from less than 50 members to over a 100 in less than two years. Our older Hams are some of the best things about our club. They want new blood , because they know they won’t be around much longer and want to keep what we have built going.
I'm an amateur radio operator and I get a lot of laughs from your videos. Thanks for the laughs. I just subbed.
"Sad ham syndrome" is no different from:
Sad Harley owner
Sad private pilot
Sad electrician
Sad auto mechanic
Sad computer hacker
Sad Jeep owner
And any other person that identifies with their occupation or hobby as a
"part of who they are".
When you spend years learning about anything, it becomes second nature. It's easy to forget what it's like to be a noob. Thus the "sad" syndrome.
True !! Many years motorcycles - I love Harley's and others ...the sad Harley guy is like sad ham , and alot of Mens hobby's when lifestyle is involved
I respectfully disagree in one way. Weird people who are lonely having a hobby is universal. But only the ham operators create their own law-enforcement branch or they hunt people down and tournament to the federal government to be punished. That makes them a level of low life scum that is unique.
@@jay-by1se They like to be the good guy to the government not you unless your the same as them..always quoting rules and regulations when it isn't a normal person who buys this stuff would even act like they describe I've never heard in the 40yrs I've been in this hobby and I'm in a very active city where gmrs is everywhere and hams also who talk on cb frequency with their 100w radio don't sound legal to me either rules smh..
>Sad computer hacker
sad linux users
Sad Linux users are a big one too
Best radio-related video you've done. Accurate, balanced, and you didn't waste my precious time with music or an insipid intro (sluuuuuurp). Mostly-happy Extra Class ham, GMRSer, former CBer from the 70s, and commercial radio op. No GROL (yet).
Man, thanks so much for your videos/info on GMRS! I am newly licensed (WRMY975) and my KG-1000G is en route for my Jeep 💪🏼😎. You’ve inspired me to to do it! Thank YOU!
New to GMRS, but you're ABSOLUTELY on point. For example, I'm on a Two Way Radio Trader Facebook page, and there's a whole contingent of people on there, seemingly for no other reason, than to make condescending remarks and make people look stupid just so they can feel better about their own miserable lives. And often they're "in the business" which I guess validates their opinions and right to talk down to us peons who are there simply to learn and/or buy radios and accessories. So it's not just limited to ham radio operators.
Sad hams can be spotted working at Ham Radio Outlet in San Diego. I’ll never go back, Amazon has all my needs
"Sad Hammage?" HAHA! I've been enjoying your videos for the past 24 hours. I have two "sad ham" stories from my channel. I consider my channel to be mostly automotive and about my VWs. My car has ham equipment. Eventually, I shared my installation. My ham-related content has grown over time, but I still don't consider my channel to be technical in nature. Most of my viewers are NOT hams. As a result, I try to avoid "ham terms" or excessive technical jargon.
Anyway, someone posted that I need to learn a "basic understanding about the way my antenna works" and that I should cut-open an antenna to share what's inside. My response: First, I didn't make a video to discuss the science behind my antennas. Instead, I shared what I use and how I like it. Second, SOMEONE has probably cut-open their $80 antenna, rendering it useless. Visit THAT channel. ;-)
The next story was a ham who told me, "Look at your license: No where on it does it say 'HAM.' Learn the terminology!" Very clearly a "sad ham." To that, I replied that my first ham-related video used the term "amateur" and "amateur radio." Well, guess what? None of my regular viewers knew what the hell I was talking about. As soon as I answered a question that used the term "ham" anything, they said, "Oh, HAM? Why didn't you just say THAT?!?" I think I've used both terms interchangeably since then with the hopes of bringing both camps together. Still, as my ham content continues to expand, there will undoubtedly be some "sad hams" finding my videos and taking a dump on them from the safety of the high throne in their basement. ;-)
Oh - You're both right and wrong about ham radio being a way of life. I've been licensed for 27 years and have been a mobile-only operator the whole time. My use was casual for the first 26 years; so, not a "way of life," with the exception of me being a military tech-weenie with comms equipment in his car. But I dove deeper into the hobby last year (thanks, COVID?) and now view it as my way of life. Must be because I'm older now. Most hams are old, right? ;-) Keep up the good work!
That joke at the beginning got me! Great vid, keep them coming
Love the “Fonz vs. Sheldon” graphic….brilliant!
Also not a "Sad Ham" (Love that comment) i also use public radio in New Zealand called PRS which is our version of GMRS, Love this channel keep up the Good work!
Love your videos! You hit the nail on the head on many items! SAD HAM, Love it!... Been an Extra class Ham almost 20 years now, and I just purchased my GMRS license last week... Keep it coming! :)
I use both radio services. Honestly I never heard the term sad ham until I started watching your videos. So around here (Philly) we have sad hams and lids on ham radio and whackers on GMRS. Whackers are fun to listen too sometimes.
You are so on point about sad hams, they are in abundance! It makes them feel good to put others down, lifts them up in some way to belittle others instead of helping them. Not all hams are sad hams, thankfully, but there's plenty of sad hams, that's for sure.
I'm loving the Sad Ham graphic. I am a Ham, but a Happy Ham, and I love your videos on building your own repeater. I really don't care what type of radio it is, I think all of it is cool and I appreciate your putting your videos out. And yes, HRCC is dope!
I’m GMRS and CB all the way…my main problem with Ham is that the FEDS are too involved… the websites that allow you to enter someone’s call sign and it gives you their exact address and location. Is that necessary?
I'm a Ham operator. Some of my kids are interested, particularly my daughter. I didn't want men to be able to look her up and know where to find her (easily anyway). The solution was to use a "General Delivery" address at the post office. Most post offices support it. This way you don't have to pay for a PO Box but get the same benefits. They just throw away your mail after 30 days. Since we aren't using it for mail anyway, it works out. They can only pinpoint you to a zipcode.
This guys is freaking hilarious!!! Love this style of video, never stop posting. Whish there were more videos on Btech vs Rino gps radio.
I appreciate your GMRS FCC guide you posted it made the process a lot easier! Thank you!
Hey, Randy, another wonderful video, thanks for your time and educational wisdom. Your the man.
The best product from today's show was the word "why", spoken as "ho-wwwhhhy"! Thank you. 10-4.
Another great video. Recently found your channel and I am enjoying going your content. Ham radio has to be the most meta hobby that has ever existed. All ham radio operators want to talk about is their setup and what they are doing to change it or improve it. As far as sad hams go, operators that are attached to their call signs are what gets me. It becomes their whole identity. Personalized license plates are common but I am also on zoom calls that have nothing to do with radio and they include their call sign as part of their name.
Moon bounce is actually what you can do with CB radio. You can also do skip with CB radio to talk with the whole world on better days and that without any repeaters. Oh I love CB radios :D
Love your videos as well btw.
In case no one else has replied - I looked up a quick history of amateur radio. Looks like amateur radio operators and the hobby became somewhat popular before 1910, but much of it was not allowed during WWI. Then, it appears, that Ham radio became a big thing around 1920 and 1923. I think that the first "Sad Ham" was not born until decades later, however, this species has populated rapidly over the years (they actually somehow get laid)!
I'm so glad I found this channel!
Always wanted to get into ham but life was too busy. Finally got my GMRS to get my feet wet, then got my tech license a few months ago. I use the GMRS all the time with my family, it’s more convenient than cell phones. My local ham club is a bunch of older gentlemen but all seem to be eager to teach the hobby. I like your “Sad Ham” phrase. I’ve only run into a couple of those on the air. You can tell when I tell them I’m on my Baofeng BF-F8HP with a Nagoya antenna. They just stop talking. Sorry I can’t afford a $1,000 ICOM right now, plus all the other expensive equipment that goes with it. But good channel and I like your perspective on radio. Keep up the good videos. We’re all here to utilize radio as a tool or a hobby and have fun while doing it.
I posted a question on a well known ham site forum and one of the replies I got said that they were "dismayed that such elementary questions were being posed on the site". I think that was my first encounter with a sad ham.
I got my ham license 43 years ago. I enjoy GMRS for local communications. I particularly like 11 meters SSB (CB) for daily use. Many fars. Much fun.
Ham radio started approximately 4 billion years ago!
“Allegedly”
Ham radio started when radio operators interfered with the sinking Titanic. There is a cool video about the news article on RUclips. Radio operators were born to take abuse. It started when radio began. Do you think Ham was a good name? Interesting stuff!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I don’t care if you’re a Ham Radio Operator or not, keep the content coming!!! Love your stuff WE4SEX
Time to make a T-Shirt: "I See Sad Hams".
You’re spot on in this video too. Thanks.
I watched a Sad Ham RUclips where the Ham bashed the UV-5R saying they use "spurious emissions:" and he used thousands of dollars of equipment to prove that the emissions other than on the Ham frequencies were higher than allowable by the FCC.
I started on CB 60 years ago. Ham operator for more than 40 years. 73 from a not sad ham.
I like your videos they are fun. I have meet a lot of the Sad HAMs, I have an Extra class license but kept my Novice call sign, the Sad HAMs keep telling me that I should upgrade.
I'll tell ya man, you nailed it! I'm a ham, but I'm a happy ham, which means I think more like a GMRS or CB person. I do ham mostly but I also get frustrated with some of these guys who want to argue about grounding, programming, cabling, coaxing....no one agrees! I plug it in and make sure it's safe to start and I go. It works just as well as those guys with the engineering degrees...Of course you need that SWR meter to be sure you don't kill your stuff. The good news about ham is many guys are willing to help a guy get going without judgement.
every time you say “why” i immediately want to say “cool whip” like stewie
🤣😂
I'm a ham, but got my start in CB. I was an OTR truck driver back when CB was considered required equipment. Back then, if you didn't have a CB, you couldn't communicate with shippers, receavers or scales to get loaded or unloaded. That's beside its use on the road. Today, if you like getting ripped off and enjoy wading through the mountains of misinformation, get into CB. I was actually introduced to ham radio by a fellow truck driver on the road. I love the hobby! I haven't gotten into GMRS yet, but I plan too. I love all aspects of of radio communication, but some really do get tribal about it. In the CB world, you will deal with a lot more ignorance as to how the equipment works and a long list of CB shops looking to take advantage of that ignorance. With ham, you have to study and get some Idea of how your equipment works and why. But still, you will find plenty of ignorance there too. 🤷♂️
GMRS is a Gateway drug... lol lol frickin love it!
I’m a ham guy….and LMMFAO, not even 2:15 in…this is BRILLIANT!!!
Thank you so much for all the information you have provide. Because all good information , I obtained my GRMS license. Thank you very much
Har! Excellent video. Right on the money too. As a ham that uses GMRS at least as much as ham repeaters I never bash GMRS, it's there for functionality only, not for technobating.
I think that some older hams resent newer hams and GMRS users because their path to the hobby was a lot more difficult and expensive than it is today. They may resent the ease the new users are adopting the technology. And some of them have some pretty hateful thoughts and opinions about new Chinese radios on the market because they are more noisy than the expensive Ham radios that they hug and talk to every day. It is sad to see that kind of thing going on. GMRS is a great service and much better than CB radio in my opinion, it does the job it is intended to do very well.
Keep up the good work, and I agree with you about Josh. Great guy.
Jim
WQXR840
KE0JQA
Great show as always. I got into GMRS and got a Lic. back in 2003 or so. In my area, we have no gmrs repeaters. I live in a very rural area and mountains abound. Gmrs radios have gotten better and more choices but they still never really get the distance that's advertised. I run 50 watts from the house and about the same out of the vehicles. I have a great ground plane antenna which is up 40 ft. I get about 20 miles around the valley, some places more and about the same with my portable toys. It is rare that we hear other stations. I like GMRS and would rather use than 2 meters etc there is a repeater a few miles away but I will not lower myself to the local Sad Hams. I have been on CB since a kid in the 1960s I enjoy talking skip on CB that's all as no one uses CB very much in my area. Like I told a few sad hams back a few years ago, Move out of your parent's basement get a girlfriend to start a family, etc. It is hard to buy $600.00 radios and above while working, raising a family, and all that goes with it. I would be a Sad Ham if I was them for sure. Thanks for hearing me and letting folks know that the GMRS companies lie about channels and distance. I do have a fondness for GMRS. WPTZ878
The technical aspect of HAM is interesting to me, the reason I got my license. Linked repeaters, DTMF controls, APRS, and packet radio checked all the boxes in the preparedness side of my brain. However, in practice, outside of messing with some settings and trying out new things, I have little interest or time to spend hours talking about nothing on the local repeaters, especially to the guys who ask for your call sign 5 times, knowing they're going to creep on me online because they don't "recognize my voice." GMRS or a business license would have suited my practical needs just fine.
I should add most guys I've talked to have been very welcoming and friendly. But the few that are so stringently by the book or suspicious of new voices really gets old.
I was worried when I saw Josh on the screen in the back 😂. The Ham Radio Crash Course is a great channel, but Randy gave credit to Josh. I started out with my GMRS license and then got my Ham license. I love having both. Like Randy said, both licenses are different tools.
Have a particularly odious sort of sad ham living down the street from me. Bought himself a second lot in which to erect a massive ham tower. He doesn't seem to care particularly much if his equipment interferes with others, but is very aggressive about policing the airwaves. When we moved here in the early 90s, we had to abandon cordless phones because we would regularly pick up interference from his rig on our handsets. When we complained he basically told us to eff off. I also distinctly remember using some used walkie talkies we'd picked up as kids and having him chew us out, broadcasting to us on the walkie frequency to yell at us for interfering with his transmissions.
He definitely steered me away from getting into ham radio.
GMRS was my first license and then got my ham license. Also plan on getting some FRS and MURS radios. I have a CB in an RV. Just want as much of the frequency spectrum covered as possible. Yes I am an amateur prepper and radio in general is a great tool to have. Keep poking the dickheads and putting out videos and I will keep watching. Thank you!
I been a sad taco for over 500 years and agree your radio rocks my world for ever and ever and ever.
also I have baofang
Hey Randy thanks for putting step by step directions for people to follow ive tried before to get my grms license I think I got it this time. well they thought my money away. Real miss the offraord stuff but I do enjoy the radio stuff