Ham Radio Tips for Beginners
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- In this video I am going over some of the things I wish I knew when I got into Ham Radio. I am cutting through the bull and just give it to you straight. I am covering where to start, recommended gear to start, how to expand your understanding of the hobby and more. Enjoy!
www.qrz.com/
ARRL Handbook: bit.ly/3hr0GNN
My HT Picks: bit.ly/3AIqqNu
Mobile Radio Picks: bit.ly/3ACLWmJ
Facebook: / hr4nt
Website: hamradiofornontechies.com
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My Current Shack Setup:
Yaesu FT-991A - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Antenna - bit.ly/394f3TO
Diamond X-30A Antenna - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
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#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies
As a comment - I think what makes your content a step above others, is that you don't assume we know anything and you break everything down for us. I know that for experienced hams, you are so experienced and used to all the terms and lingo, that you just casually assume that everybody MUST know the basic terms and abbreviations - when we DON'T! LOL So, the fact that you really bend over to explain everything, no matter how simple or mundane, is a huge help for us new guys. I have gained more confidence watching your videos than I can say. Please keep it up. Carry on :)
You nailed the EXACT reason for my channel existing. I had the same issue when I got started and even though my knowledge was limited, I figured that documenting my journey in ham radio would help out others. I will continue to do so with my videos because there will be a nee for those of us who don't know everything just yet and need a simple and comprehensive explanation. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Taking my tech test next week, this channel is a god send.
You can do it! I wish you the best of luck! Email me is you have questions! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I just passed my technician license last month and your content is just perfect for me! Looking forward to your future shows and continuing to learn....thanks a bunch Scott.....73
Awesome! Thank you! Congratulations on passing your Tech! This channel and the website are designed to help give you a quick reference to find the answers you want without pulling your hair out...LOL I am glad you enjoy the video and hope that you will find value in the other ones I have and the new ones I will be putting out. Thanks for watching and for your support! 73!
As a newly minted technician I'm starting off the easy way. I have a GT-3TP Baofeng with a signal stick for carrying around and I put the Explorer QRZ-1 in my truck with a hand mike and external antenna. I also made a J-Pole out of 3/4" copper pipe for the house with coax adapters that I can hook up either radio to. I love diy projects and this hobby provides plenty of that.
Love your content and channel.
KQ4OFG
That is FANTASTIC!!! Glad you are jumping in head first and building stuff...it is addictive! Keep rockin'!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
KK7RXI here.
New tech license.
Bought a Yeasu vx 6 and basic upgrades.
Thanks for the great info and especially calling out the HAM SNOBS. No hobby needs people like that and yet every hobby has them.
And yes. They all suck.
I agree 100%. You will have that issue in any group of people over 10...LOL Just be the bigger man and enjoy radio. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT right. The firearms hobby is replete with snobs.
It would be laughable if it wasn't so stupid.
But so far in the ham world I have only found kindness and willingness to share and advise with wisdom. I hope that continues!
I’m somebody that needs things explained in simple terms. You do that very well. Thanks I look forward to watching more videos 🎙️🙋🏻♂️
I am so glad it was helpful! Feel free to ask questions too! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
A church purchased a property down the road and were going to tearing down the house onsite. I went and explored the home before it was gone. I found a lot of ham radio information and a lot about San Antonio ham radio club. Made me interested. There is a 40 foot tower still there onsite, in the back.
That's pretty awesome! I hope you find your path into ham radio and enjoy it as we do! Best of luck! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Yeah, I'm flying solo here! No Elmer! Trying get my 817 w/Signalink USB all set up on an older Panasonic Tough Book !!! I've been a General for quite some time! Never even tried hooking up my radio till recently!!! This hobby is unique in, you get your license and don't know Jack about it!!! 😂
LOL...yeah that can happen if you are limited on resources to ask questions and such. Luckily there is a huge online community that helps each other out and answers questions to help us get over those obstacles in our learning. Glad you are getting back into it! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
I am very grateful for you and your video. I am just getting started and hard to find info on my level.
You are so welcome! This is exactly why I started this channel because when I firs got into ham radio, I found it difficult to follow or comprehend the videos that were out there and I knew there had to be a better way, so I made a better way. Thanks for watching an for the comment. 73!
I’ve been a ham for a little over a year now. And just recently passed my Extra. But I’m still learning as I go.
That is awesome! Congratulations on completing your exams. Ham radio is an ongoing learning experience and you should always be experimenting and growing with the hobby. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Hi first time viewer, Love the show . I live in No Florida and studying for my Ham license now . I’m very excited to find your channel to have along with Josh HRCC with all the information that I get from you two I think I will do just fine. Thank you for passing along your knowledge!
Awesome! Thank you! Study, experiment and ask questions whenever you can and you will do fine! I appreciate that you like the channel and my content! That means a lot to me!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I have been watching your videos on several topics since I found your channel. Really enjoying your website. You are a real asset to us new guys. A life line to the ignorant LOL Keep up the good work.
Hey, we all have to start somewhere. I just want to bridge that gap and make it easier to digest. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
This is a terrific video - thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
Good stuff, Scott! Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
love your videos. starting to learn general
Great to hear! Keep studying, use the resources I have on my website hamradiofornontechies.com and you will ace that test! Best of luck!!! Thank you for the comment and for watching. 73!
Really got a lot out of this. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Let me know if I can help with any other questions. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Definitely i enjoy this kind of hobby great to know your channel Scott
Awesome, thank you! I am glad you are enjoying the videos and getting value from them! Thanks for watching. 73!
I've just recently gotten my Technician license and I started watching your videos. This was great for me and getting started. Keep up the good work.
Glad it was helpful! Congratulations on getting your Tech! I hope my videos bring value and explain things in a manner that is easy to follow! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
MFJ is a really great US 🇺🇲 company, very impressed with the owner, his staff are second to none.
I only have one item made by MFJ, which is my lightning arrestor. So far it seems to be good. I am apprehensive about some of their items just from the videos I have seen where the items are taken apart and showing the lack of quality assurance I have seen on some items. I am looking to get a few more things that they make that seem to be pretty good. Thanks for sharing and for watching. 73!
This was a very informative video. Just what I was looking for since I just got my Technician. 73!
Glad it was helpful. If you haven't already, check out the video I just did on the ARRL Operating Manual. It is a must have for new hams as well. Very easy to read and understand. Thanks for watching. 73!
Outstanding video!
Glad you liked it! Let me know if I can help! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Great video. My husband and I have been hams for 26 years. We both like you're videos. I feel that you can still learn things no matter how long you've been a ham.
That is awesome! I truly appreciate that! I am glad that for seasoned hams like yourself that my videos and topics still bring in value to you! Thanks for watching. 73!
Yea Me & my hubby studying Exam NOW! These R GREAT & Thourough videos. Oh , we R mid 60s N ages and
A little intimidated with Sooo much test/quizzes/
Exams. But WE SHALL
KEEP goin ! 🌹
@@bett059 I do wish you the best of luck getting your ham ticket. You do have the right attitude about keeping going.
Thank you Scott, just got my technician license and really enjoyed your presentation and recommendations.
Hi Dan! Congratulations on passing your Technician! Glad to hear that my videos helped out. The same strategy applies for the other two tests should you decide to go and take them. Either way, enjoy the new hobby and all that it has to offer. As time goes by, you will find new things that interest you and that may prod you to study for the other tests. Either way, passing your first exam is a milestone and proves you can do it! Enjoy ham radio! If you have questions let me know. Thanks for watching and for sharing! 73!
Great laydown. I'm just getting into it because we are into off-roading travel/camping and wanted to have a reliable means of communicating in case we are off the beaten path, great presentation!!
Hey I am glad it helped. Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
KJ5CHE, just got my license this morning. Thanks for the video.
Congratulations!!!! Glad to hear it! If you have any questions let me know and check out my website for a ton of ham resources. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Thanks Doug I just passed my tech and now I am using 2 Meter to hit local repeaters and enjoying this. Your presentation is great for newbies! I appreciate your overview and it will help me to progress with this hobby
Glad it was helpful! Congratulation on passing your Tech!!! You will have a lot of fun in this hobby. Just always be open to learning new stuff and experimenting a bit. That will enhance your experience a lot! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
great video, thx for making it!!!! I started in radio in the military back in the 70s.... and I got into CB radio.... after that..... now in the early 2000s I got my tech license. Back in the 90s I was talking with a local ham and he brought up about someone local who was not following THE RULES.... and described what was going on. From the description the kid was trying the best he could without help, which I did say to the HAM..... to which he responded with how the local group [club] had dealt with it..... they tracked the kid down, crept up to his antenna and put a thumb tack in the coax. "THAT really fixed HIM!" very proud of at best damaging the kid's property. Needless to say I did not bother to point out the several criminal acts that HAM had broken along with the bad taste the reported club's actions left with me. That HAM and most of his old buddies have either moved on or gone silent......
That is a fantastic story! Thanks for sharing. Every once in a while you run across someone like that, but most of the time hams are courteous. Glad someone came up with a creative solution to the issue...LOL...Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Very helpful !!!! THANK YOU !!!!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!!!
Great video! Just passed my Technicians test last week. Now waiting for FCC to give me my sign and post. Thanks for the video. I plan on checking all of your info out. Keep up the great work.
Glad it was helpful and congrats on passing your Tech!!!! I think you will find a ton of great info here as well as on my website! Thanks for the comment. 73!
He’s a good salesman.
Has a good delivery.
Makes the hobby sound exciting.
LOL...I appreciate that! Thank you very much! 73!!
I totally enjoyed your video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! I have more coming out each week. Thanks for the comment and your support!
Thanks so much Scott! I'm an old guy, but I have always been fascinated with amateur radio. I think I might take the plunge! This was very helpful!
I really hope tat you do! It is a fantastic and fascinating hobby to get into and you get to meet a lot of people from around the world! Let me know if I can help! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Thank you Scott for the information. I got my General license at the begining of the year when everything was still closed and was difficult to find direction how to navigate the hobby. The videos you and the other youtubbers you mentioned helpped me get some foundation on how to become a HAM. Again, thank you so much for your time and effort. (De W4RMZ)
It is my pleasure. I do what I can to bring value to my viewers and am glad to hear that something I said helped you! This is a great hobby and I am finding more and more out about it everyday. Thanks for watching. 73!
Recently discovered your channel. Good stuff, keep up the good work. Passed my tech back in October, general is next.
Completely agree... Josh and HRCC are amazing.
Hey glad to have you!!! Good luck on passing your General! That opens a whole new world of radio to you that you will benefit from for a long time! I am glad you are enjoying the channel as well! Thanks for commenting and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Glad to be here. I'm digging the format. When I finish watching a video, I come away with a sense of "Hey, I can do that...." I'm looking forward to trying this build in the near future, as well as some of your others.
Gear after general will be interesting since I live in a condo with an HOA, but I'll figure something out. That's what ham radio is all about!
Really cool Mail Bag Monday.
Thanks for watching an for the comment. 73!
just got my general on the first try. thanks for all the info
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is awesome! Are you planning on going for Extra next? Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
@@HR4NT yes I am starting to study now
Good stuff! Thanks for the video.
You bet! Thanks for watching! 73!
Great information, thank you!!!
You are most welcome. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Hit me up if you have any questions. 73
Love the video, thanks. Ham Radio is one of those hobbies where you actually have a license to make mistakes!
Very true! As long as we learn from our mistakes all the better. Thanks for watching!! 73!
Thank you for your videos, I’ve learned a lot and your presentation is great. Your delivery is very humble. 👍🏻👍🏻
I appreciate that! I am glad the video s are helping you out. Thank you for watching and for the comment. 73!
I just took my General lic test last Saturday and missed one. I ready for HF DX now
@@cmyk71 That is awesome!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 73
Im a beginner! Big help sir for sharing to us your objective and direct info on how to start ham radioing!!!! Thanks! From ph.
Glad it was helpful! I focus a lot of my videos on the new folks jumping into ham radio, so I hope you will find more of my videos as interesting and informative. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73! Don't forget there is also a website I created for new hams as well that will help you out a lot!
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Hello Scott I'm from the Netherlands and I started 2 months ago to get my license. I just want to thank you for the great videos with tons of very useful information, I don't know any people which are in this Hobby so I have to find out everything by my self. For me it's very interesting to talk and connect with people around the world without the help of internet. With a small set-up a big distance is my goal and mobile in a world without Internet and power I want to be able to communicate. Thanks again greetings from the Netherlands 73
Hello Bas! Thank you for subscribing and supporting the channel! I am very happy that my videos are helpful and provide value to you! I was in the same situation as you as far as having no one around locally to learn from. Everything i did up to now has been from my own research and watching others on RUclips, so you are not alone in that! If you have any questions or if I can help, please let me know! I am always more than happy to help out where I can. Welcome to Ham Radio for Non-Techies and to the hobby! Hope to hear you on the air sometime! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Thanks for this 👍🏽
I am glad you found it informative and helpful! Thanks for watching and for commenting. 73!
Great info my friend. I did my foundation test last weekend, just waiting for my results and callsign. So far, I have not had any bad experiences with sad or bad hams. Lol. I'm subscribed to most of those youtube channels and Discord. Only been looking into ham radio for a few months, I'm happy to have a new hobby and make new friends around the world. Many helpful guys like you that make it inviting and helpful to get into. Thank you.👍🤓🇦🇺 73
Glad to have you!!! This hobby has many rabbit holes to go down...I suggest picking just a few and see where it takes you. Most important thing is to learn and have fun. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
@@HR4NT thank you! So much to learn but trying to find out which rabbit hole to jump in.😁👍
Thanks, sir! Tonight, I’m ordering a Jackery 500w power-station with their 100w solar panel. I hope to (among other things) power a Powerwerx SS-30DV and Alinco DR-735T with it. That’s 2 big firsts for me. First decent little solar setup and first 50w ham radio! Actually, that will be my first non-Baofeng. Definitely excited for that. Still need to research more about station grounding but ultimately love the potential capability. Thanks again for the vid & help!
Cool to see you suggesting all sorts of ham channels.
The Jackery brand is supposed to be pretty solid. I have heard a lot of good things about them. Other RUclipsrs in Ham radio have recommended them for a while now so you will be fine! On top of that they are very affordable with many charging options for equipment. Thank you for watching and for your support! 73!!
I've been an Amateur Radio operator for about 4 decades.... a little more, actually, and (what you call) an Over The Road Truck Driver for a little less. I've operated mostly mobile , but also had home stations, but, since I wasn't home a whole lot, my antennas at home were more often than not ether wire or similar to double bazookas et al.
One of the things that really resonated with me on this presentation was that all too often what I call "technocrats" get all full of themselves, the technology and the theory (particularly with regards to antenna systems, but also with so much other radio related topics) and blather on as if they invented radio, or as if anyone who ISN'T like them in attitude is some sort of lesser Ham.
They will prattle on for hours about velocity factors, tuned feeders, resonance (or lack thereof), interaction, reactance or whatever the hell is their bent at that time and that things must be ""exactly" as they pontificate because they read it somewhere, or the "theory says" etc etc until the cows come home, without understanding that in many ways the theory works exactly that - in theory, in space, with no other factors (say trees, telegraph poles, buildings, structures and the list goes on) but here in the REAL world, you do what works, what keeps your equipment "happy" and gets out. Over the years I've done many, many things that should NOT work and had tremendous success!
People should never be scared to (as we Aussies say it) "have a crack" at something and see if it works. Oh - and mentoring is great, denigrating says more about the denigratOR than the denigratEE!!!!!!
Keep up your good work! BTW, there's not much Amateur Radio content on my channel because I tend to do what you are doing, but in person simply because I'm hopeless at editing/rendering etc!!!!!!
Kindest regards
De VK2XB
Wow, four decades!! My way of thinking is that not all people that may be interested in ham radio are interested (yet) in all of the technical stuff that is involved. If you want to use VHF/UFH and only want your tech license and an HT, then knowing all that other stuff is a bit overkill. However a lot will go into the hobby with that intention, like I did, and then see other stuff that interests them. It is at that point they will research and start to learn the other things that will get them into that part of ham radio. Ham radio is all about experimentation and trying new things and seeing what does and doesn't work. Each operator will find a path in the hobby that works for them and makes them happy. As you said, have a crack at it! give it a shot. You have nothing to lose!! Thank you for the comment and for watching. Always good to hear from fans of the show and interact. Maybe if propagation is good and my timing is right we can have a QSO sometime. Thanks again...73! de KI5NPL
Very well said! As I see it we all learn something new every day if it’s not ham radio it’s something else. Pass on what you learned with consideration will go a long way. No one is perfect in this world.
73,
KC1MZA
Scott, glad I found your channel. You are providing me with exactly what I need. I know zip, nada about ham but it has always interested me. I am way late in the game at 73 but I am serious about getting started. I am waiting on some books to do some studying for the license exam. I have taken several free online exams and have done well on both the technician and General. But, I want to "know" I have the correct answer and not just good guesses. I do have some electronics knowledge on a hobby level. Thank you..... I subscribed and will do some binge-watching.
Hey Wayne! It is never too late to get into ham radio. You got into it exactly when you were meant to! I am happy that my videos are bringing you value and you are getting good info from them. I also have a website with a lot of resources for helping you to study for your exams as well. Be sure to check them out! You are entering a hobby that millions around the world enjoy daily and I am sure that your journey into ham radio will be no different. It is fun, the comradery gained from it is fantastic as well. I wish you the best of luck on passing your exams and maybe making a contact with you on the air sometime soon! Best of luck! Thanks for the sub and for watching. 73!
never too late! i have been licensed for over 10 years (KC2UQB) and I really am not the most electronically minded person, so i'm sort of self-taught..........and i have been floundering a bit. unfortunately, i have been wanting to set up an antennae on my roof, but im in an apartment . i use something called ECHOLINK and i have a HT (handie talkie) FT-60R from Yaesu. fairly affordable radio. i highly recommend!
Great info. I opted for a 25w mobile that was bundled with a 30 Amp power supply from R and L electronics.
Good advice on going with a better h/t if you can. Especially from a US vendor. My yaesu ft 4xr was twice the price of the Chinese h/t I first had, but 10x the radio.
I don't hate the Chinese radio at all, I keep in my work vehicle where it is usable if needed. And it has nooa weather, which is a must in tornado country.
Yeah it really comes down to what you want, need and can afford. There is no shortage of options for radios out there, so when you find one that you like, that is a win! Thanks for watching and your support! 73!!
Thanks for the info.
Any time! Glad you are enjoying them...73!
Thank you for the content. I am a new ham and obtained my technician license on 29 Nov 21.
Congratulations on passing your tech! You have made the first steps into a large world of awesomeness! I hope my videos will help you and inspire you to try new things. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. I am always glad to help out where I can. Thanks for watching! See you on the air! 73!!
@HR4NT
Thank you so much for this excellent video summary. I especially appreciated the suggestion to find your "Why" for being in the hobby. That's good advice for any facet of life so I'm going to put some thought into that as I dip my toes into Ham world 🌎 for the first time.
I've always enjoying tinkering with electronics including radios 📻 , computers 🖥 and telephones ☎️ since I was a teenager. I've retired recently so I've got a little more time to finally delve into Ham radio a bit & got my Technician ticket this past week. There is *SO* much more technology in radio now tha when I first considered this hobby decades ago. I've purchased an inexpensive HT + antenna upgrade & I'm going to just listen on our local repeaters for a week or so before I try my first contact. Eventually, I'd like to branch into HF as well as that's a good bit more interesting. Will be working to get my General sometime in 2024.
So just I just wanted to say 73' and thanks again for the great content.
KF0OGU
Well hello there KF0OGU! Congrats on passing your exam and getting licensed!!!!!! Finding your why is important in almost everything, I just wanted to set that reminder to those who may not know. I think you will find that the leap in technology with ham radio today makes getting geared up and connected to the airwaves is simplified. As a Tech you DO have privileges on the HF 10M band if you wanted to dip into HF while you are still a tech. I like that you said you wanted to listen first and THEN make a contact! That is a great way to learn an see how those in your area use ham radio. I have full confidence that you will knock the General exam out of the park! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Thanx man I'm a Moonie this really helped
That is awesome! Glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching. 73!
Enjoyed the vid.
Thank you very much! Have a good one! 73!
Scott mentioned that 20 Meters goes dead at night. A year after this video was recorded, shortwave conditions have really improved because of the 11 year sunspot cycle. In 2021, 20 meters closed at night -- nothing skipping in over the ionosphere. In 2022, 20 Meters is now open "to somewhere" through the night -- sometimes only a few states away, sometimes a few continents away. With the sun increasing its violent activity for the next few years, higher and higher frequencies (17 meters, 15 meters, 12 meters, 10 meters, 6 meters, and maybe even higher frequencies) will bounce signals off the ionosphere and be "open to somewhere" as the sunspot cycle progresses.
I have noticed that same thing. Night time operations on 20 meters seems to be getting better now and I am happy for it because my neighbors solar panels don't affect my as much at night...LOL Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
My wife and I been licensing for 4yr now we both have ftm400 and ft3dr and 1 991a radio we find out new stuff every so often about them and about Ham radio :-)
Sounds like you both have a great setup!!! Thank you for watching my videos and for the comment! 73!
Great video and channel! I want to share my thoughts about coax because you mentioned using RG-58 for VHF/UHF. If you put 50 watts into RG-58 on the 440 MHz band you will only get 16 watts out the other end. That's 68 percent of your power being dissipated as heat. Will it work? Sure. You'll probably even hit all your favorite repeaters with near-full or full quieting with 16 watts and a roof-mounted gain antenna. But with this knowledge you are able to make decisions about where's the best place for your dollars to go. A little more for better coax and a 25 watt rig? That's if that's your thing. I really like your attitude about there are as many ways to enjoy ham radio as there are hams, so do what makes you happy.
Hey thanks for sharing! I agree a better coax would benefit the user more. I have LMR 400 on my GP-9 now and it is absolutely fantastic.. I am glad you are enjoying the videos and the channel. Glad to have you! I hope you check out more videos. I try to cover topics that other channels miss an I have a unique perspective sometimes on things that others seem to enjoy. Thanks for the comment again and for watching. 73!
Great work. Thanks for sharing. Also consider SDR for beginner.
Great suggestion! I haven't dabbled in SDSR yet, but looking forward to it. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Ive got the buddipole deluxe long version. Awesome!
Good choice! Thank you for the comment and for watching. 73!
Got a better antenna. Got the programming cable. Dl'd Chirp. Bought the Baofeng gt 5 r...very happy with it. Still trying to get some traffic to listen to.
That is awesome to hear! Keep scanning frequencies and maybe when you travel seek out local repeaters in the area. Someone is out there! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
dielectric grease is also recommended on all coax connections. Small tube can be found at most auto parts stores. its also know as tuneup grease
Good recommendation! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Just passed my pre-test, I am a technician a beginner amateur and I got a book from a ham fest for tips and you help alot for these videos thanks for your help!
Very glad to hear that !! Just keep learning and don't get overwhelmed with all the stuff in the hobby...baby steps will serve you better in the long run. Ask questions, learn and research and with a little hands on, you will be good to go in no time! I wish you the best of luck! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
@@HR4NT k
Along with having multiple antennas you will have multiple radios, don’t fight it, just save up and get it. There is always something new that comes out that you will like and not all radios ( rigs) do the same things the same way or have the same features.
M&P makes good coax. Once you get into it you have the bug then after that it’s a way of life. Nice video keep them coming
You aren't lying! I started out with a single HT....let's just say it has grown by a lot in just 6 months. I just find it fascinating and fun to experiment and I like building antennas either from a kit or from scratch. And you are right different radios have various features that might not be in others, so variety is a good thing. I will check out M&P! Thanks for watching and for your support! 73!
M&P??
Thanks I like this ..
Hey thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Wouxun is pronounced " Oh- shing" Good video for most part. I've been a ham for 22 years and thinking back to my new days you bring up alot of good points. I was an expert when I came to the hobby. I intimidated extras and now I am an extra lol.
That's pretty funny! 22 years is a long time. I look forward to being in this hobby for many decades as well. Thanks for sharing and for the comment. 73!
@@HR4NT when Wouxun came to the USA and people were trying to figure out how to pronounce the name there were lots of different pronounciations but I found a distributer that had posted the ( closest) way its supposed to be said as "oh-shing" , I take it as the 'w' is silent. Contact me via PM, maybe I can help you with some video subject ideas.
Sad that local clubs deteriorated over the decades. That was always a great resource for new hams. Heck back in the day we felt obligated to help a new ham. I sill buy a new study guide for some that shows interest. Still love the hobby but in some ways it aint what it used to be.
Couldn't agree more. I think that we need to reestablish those connections so that new hams have resources locally to them. I had to learn everything from RUclips or books, because the locals are hard t pin down for a face to face meeting and Q&A. Thanks for the comment. 73!
Scott,thanks,taking Technician test tomorrow 4-15-22
Best of luck! You will do fine! Post in my Facebook group when you pass!!!! 73!
Good advice. Also great advice on antenna coax. Don’t go overboard on coax especially if you’re working the low bands, 80/40, at 100 watts with 50 feet or less of cable. The only thing I would dispute is over antenna tuners. Using an antenna tuner to protect the rig is an expensive piece of rig insurance. All modern rigs going back at least 35 years have SWR protection. I would use an antenna analyzer or, if on the cheap like me, use a noise bridge to determine the impedance at the point where the coax meets the rig. If you can get the antenna resonant where you want to operate then you’re best with that arrangement. Except for certain exceptions, like feeding into ladder line feed, using an antenna tuner will be a compromise. Use an antenna tuner if a resonant antenna is not an option.
Those are all valid and very good points. Thank you for sharing that! I think that sometimes we tend to overthink things and that just hinders progress and having fun in radio. Thank you for the comment and for watching! 73!!!!
@@HR4NT, I saw you on the BVARC Homebrew Night Zoom meeting. I arrived too late to present. Better luck next year.
I bought a comet ds-150s, 1-1300mhz transmit and recieve . I put it 40 feet up on my roof and it did everything I want it to do, if any newbs are looking for a hassle free entry level base ant. I have never had a multi band antenna with such a flawless swr on every flippin frequency, nothing over 1.3, average vhf/uhf is 1.0. It gets out surprisingly well. I switch it between my gmrs, digital scanner and base ham.
Hey TC that sounds fantastic!!!!!!! I will have to look into that antenna and maybe do a show on it. Post your experience and links to it on my Ham Radio for Non Techies FB group. Others may want to know about it. Thanks for the comment. 73!
Thanks. The RUclips channels mostly want to sell me radios. I have radios.
Thanks again. Would love to see you go outside.
Hey there! I actually have a few videos of me outside doing POTA activations and so on. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!
so true, everything u say👍 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 😃
I am glad you liked it and found it helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment., 73!
I recommend the Radiowaves 80/40/20/10 OCFD. Its affordable and works GREAT on a ton of bands.
I will definitely check that out! Thank you for the suggestion and for watching. 73!
I passed my license last year. Got my first HT today...the Chirp software has been a challenge. Couldn't get my Mac to take it. Got it on my Windows computer. But still, I can't get it to upload right. So, I've been manually programming. It's only the first real day. Once I get some channels going, I think I'll feel better.
Having programming software is definitely convenient, but you should also be abel to manually program your radio just in case you are in a situation where you don't have access to the software to make it easier. You will come out ahead if you can do both! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I’ve got the ftm 300, same features as the 400 without the big touch screen, the face looks somewhat similar to the 400 but scaled down to attach to the radios body and about $130 cheaper, great radio though, I do plan to get the 400 as a base station.
I really enjoy my 400. It has been a while now since I installed it and have been using it almost every day. I just really like that radio. Thanks for the input! 73!!
Just got the Ic-705 with the thought being il use this to see what bands I want to get into and then go for a big ham shack base station as I can afford it. Then the 705 becomes the mobile setup. The best thing I’ve done I can recommend is get some wire up in the sky and start tuning it a radio only as good as it’s antenna.
You are exactly correct. I think it is a good idea that you are testing out equipment and the hobby BEFORE you sink a bunch of your money into it. Great idea! A good time on the radio will most likely depend on how good your antenna is as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT a few days in some ft8 and a load of struggles with setting up d-star in terminal mode boy that’s frustrating but finally we have a few in the log. Thanks for posting great vids and look forward to the next ones! 73
👍
Tnxs 73
Thanks for watching. 73!
Always great information. Thank you- K5BOU
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching and for your support! 73!!
Hey Scott , just arrived 2
UVD 8 plus to us!
Need manual Simple instructions on programming these.
NO calls cause working on
Tech Exam study!
Thanks
The Moores 🙏
Awesome!! They are great radios. I found a programming tutorial form buytwowayradios.com here: ruclips.net/video/P0ZwjZLVVqc/видео.html
This video should help you. If you have a specific repeater you want to program, you will need to know the tone fo rthat repeater in order to properly program it and have the repeater hear you.
Also, The Smoking Ape has a video on programming a similar radio, the KG-UV8E here using CHIRP: ruclips.net/video/o10xYvfspt4/видео.html
Hope this helps. Good luck on passing those exams!!!!! 73
Thanks for those words, and encouragement! Small bites and trying to learn. Like your bike, love mine! Thumbs up and subscribed!
73,
KN6TMF (Gerry)
Thank you for watching. I am glad the video brought value to you. I hope that you will find the same in my other videos. This is a fun hobby and I am trying to be the best ambassador for it that I can! Stay in touch! 73!
@@HR4NT You're welcome Scott! Yeah, I watched several of your videos and find value in them and I do not think I will outgrow the videos or your channel as you had suggested. I am about as non-techie as one can be. I did finally make 2 videos after years off... and they are about ham radio unboxing. I am trying to study for the general exam, too, at your suggestion. I was simply happy and relieved I passed technician, and I followed your advice on getting started, ARRL, local club, etc. I am just concentrating on analog, and absorbing what my new friends teach me here, and absorbing your videos, as well as Josh, 2.o, Ape, and a couple others. So yes, you had a big effect on me, and I felt encouraged by you. THANKS!
@@gbounit Thank you very much for that reply. If there's anything else down the road I can help you with please let me know.
Just a newbie question... which antenna do you recommend for a Yaesu VX-6R..? I have my first rig on order and I did order 2x extra batteries and the newer upgraded external mic. Thank you for your videos. Subbed with notifications. #hamradio #amateurradio #novice #study #yaesu #vx6r #riskmanagement #communications #ecomms #outdoorsports #hiking #camping #trekking #htradios
Hi Brad, the antenna I suggest for any HT radio is going to be the Diamond RH77CA. Keep in mind that it is a BNC connection so if your radio is SMA or other you will need to get the adapter to go from SMA to BNC. Get that figured out and you will be good to go. The Diamonds are excellent and low cost antennas that will work just fine. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
@@HR4NT Thank you. I think I found an SMA version SRH77CA. Cheers..!
I use RG213! It is better than RG8, but doesn't cost as much as LMR400. the LMR400 is better than RG213 but the RG213 is easier to work and cost less. Everyone needs to study and find out what is best for them. 73. W4DES
Thank you for the comment. There are so many coax choices out there, it can get confusing to someone just getting into the hobby. I really like the RG213 so far, but also like to have lighter weight and flexible cable for using while travelling. Thanks for your input! 73!!
@@HR4NT It does take time to understand the different Coax. I have been working with it for many years. I find RG213 as easy to use as RG8 with less loss. But it can still be a problem when working portable. RG58 is better when the runs are short and the power is below 100 watts portable. But this is personal preference. That is one of the things I like about Ham Radio. We can use what We things is Best for Us, and that we can afford!
Hi Scott. Quick question. I plan to set up “backyard portable” so I can get on the air HF while I wait for some help to set up proper indoor shack. If I use a power supply plugged into 3-prong outdoor A/C outlet, do I still need to ground the power supply and transceiver? Thank you for all your advice and great content. Jim in Oregon. K7NJL
When I am doing Parks on the Air, my radios are all powered and no ground used. The same would go for operating in your situation. Since you plan on using your radio as a mobile/portable rig and tearing it down when not in use, you should be fine NOT grounding while you are using it. If you still have apprehensions about that, maybe go get a Bioenno battery (15aH - 20aH) and use that while portable. I hope this helps! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
@@HR4NT you are always a big help. thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge!
@@jimcoon Anytime!!! 73!
Next is Equipment and my limitations.
2.
I need two equipment - one at home and one in truck. I am mostly in
remote forest roads where there is no cell service - how to communicate
back home ?
Please help !
It is difficult for me to give you an exact answer because I do not know the specifics of the situation. HF would probably be too close to use and unless you have repeaters nearby between you and your home VHF/UHF might be a bit challenging as well. VHF/UHF work on line-of-sight, but if you are close enough you may be able to use simplex and get a signal out, if not you would have to have good power and a high antenna to possibly reach back to your home depending on the distance and amount of objects in the way between you and your house. Keep researching that! In the end you will need a higher power radio 50 watts or more and a good reliable high gain antenna at both locations. That may solve your issue. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Off topic question but....I've been known to play with rare earth magnets. Should they be kept away from the shack?
I would imagine that they may cause some sort of interference or damage to a radio. I think for good measure, keep them away from your gear. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
Why is your audio cutting out on the Build your own window passthrough?
It was a new microphone and a mixing board setup and I had not gotten used to the fact that it is very sensitive to direction of your voice. I hope you were still able to get the info I was conveying in that video. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
What are your thoughts on a tyt th350 try band ht i got one on eBay us d for 50
From everything i have read it is a solid radio, performs well and for the price it would be a good purchase. It is inevitable that you will have multiple HT's over time. Get one, play with it and see what you like and don't like. Then when you are looking for your next one, you have a baseline in which to judge the new one you may be interested in. That's just my opinion. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!!
I just passed my technician class license
On Friday I don't even have my call sign yet. Q: Do you like yeasu radios?
Specifically the Ft60 and the vx6?
Hi Roger. First, CONGRATULATIONS on passing your tech!!!! For VHF/UHF work, I love Yaesu radios. They have a tone of features and options and for a good price. Every VHF/UHF radio in my house an in my car are Yaesu. For your first radio you can't go wrong with either of those choices of radio. They are both good and reliable radios. Just make sure they have the features you want before you buy. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
are you fixing your mobile rigs to your vehicle/truck? Or even more mobile by running them not fixed & out of back packing/container use from anywhere you choose for portability?
I have my FTM400 attached to the inside of my truck. If I need to be mobile I can remove it, but most of the time I have a handheld or one of my HF rigs with me to work in the field. My 705 is also an all band all mode radio that I keep nearby for portable ops. Thanks for the questions and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Thanks for that.
How do you find a repeater in your area?
Go to Repeater Book (repeaterbook.com/index.php/en-us/) sign up for a free account and then you can search by location and it will show any repeaters that are nearby. Hope this helps. I also have a video about rfinder here: ruclips.net/video/q3Wpb6SGlfo/видео.html Thanks for watching. 73!
Hey Scott! I just got my callsign and first radio yesterday, it’s a Yaesu FT-65, and I also got a Diamond SRJ77CA to go with it. It works, I know that, but I’m having an awfully hard time working other stations or repeaters. I went to an open, elevated area about 15 minutes from my apartment last night and caught the tail ends of some nets and a few conversations on some repeaters, but when I tried to call CQ, nobody indicated they could hear me. Am I doing something wrong, including being rude? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! KC1RRL
OK, a couple things here: you do not have to call CQ on a repeater. There are usually people listening on a local repeater throughout the day, so if you are able to hit the repeater, then just give your call sign and ask for a signal check or radio check. If someone hears you, they should come back and that could initiate the conversation.
On Simplex, you can call CQ, but remember at that point you are purely line of sight, so height, power and a good antenna are going to make the difference on whether you get a contact or not.
You may run into some salty hams that won't respond because you are calling CQ on those modes. I would hope this is not the case, but it happens. If there is a conversation going on, wait until there is a break or it ends and then simply give your call sign and maybe say comment...if you have something to add to the conversation.
If you are not getting any responses on a repeater check and make sure your settings are right. Most repeaters have a PL tone and an offset of + or -. If those are not set correctly, you can hear others but the repeater cannot hear you. This question is going to become a show, so look for it and maybe I can explain it better there. To find the settings for local repeaters, go to repeaterbook.com/index.php/en-us/ . Thanks for watching and for the question!!!!
@@HR4NT I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your response with all the tips. Funny enough, my VEC texted me earlier today and he told me the same thing about PL tones. I’m going to take this all into consideration next time I have an opportunity. And thank you for the additional etiquette tip on not calling CQ on repeaters, I’ll be sure not to do that. I’ll post an update on how it went once I make it happen. 73! KC1RRL
Hello. I’m a complete noob when it comes to H.A.M. Radios. I’ve recently been concerned with the events of the world and got into prepping. Now that I have most of my basis covered I need communication for not only prepping but entertainment. I’m very technically savy I just need a good teacher. I bought two Baofeng radios and as I do more research I hear 50/50 good things about it. Equally bad things. I’m not afraid to spend some cash as I know I want a “good” set up but I feel like I’m getting ahead of myself. I need to understand what is a ham radio and how it works. What I can do with it and what others do with it. I want a home set up and a portable set up. No matter what I search every video starts with assumptions I know more than I do. I need complete dumbed down to the bare bones intro. To H.A.M. Radios. Can you do such a video or recommend one. I want to go about this the legit way and the wink wink way. Just for a post apocalyptic scenario. Any suggestions on what to buy. I figure 800-1000$ for everything is my budget. As previously stated I already own two baofengs and their respective uhf/vhf extended antennas and extended batteries for each. I also bought the data cable everyone says to use. I downloaded things but I have no idea how to use or what they do. The extent of what I’ve done so far is I’ve heard some ems and noaa radio transmissions. That’s it. I enjoy your videos. Thanks in advance.
Hi David! First thanks for reaching out to me. You basically just described my channel and website. I designed this channel to do exactly what you are asking and I have many videos on the various topics you seek including how to get license an what gear to consider and so forth. I agree with you that a lot of the channels get too technical for newcomers to ham radio. Starting off with Baofeng's is OK, but keep in mind those are "disposable" radios meaning that if I dropped one off a cliff, I wouldn't be nearly as upset as if it was one of my higher end ones. I tend to instill the buy once cry once mantra on the channel. If you have a goal in mind for a piece of gear, don't lower that standard just to have something now. Save and buy what you really want. That will serve you better in the long run. Check out my website (hamradiofornontechies.com) and you will find a ton of information and resources that will help you out. If you have more questions, email me through my website and I will be glad to help where I am able. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!
I have seen other videos of antenna builds. You'd an Dave Kessler are more detailed. Thank you.
Wow, thanks! I appreciate that. I try to make my videos easy to follow and digest the information. Other videos make it seem like magic that things go together. I prefer a more practical approach. If I can do it, anyone can. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I have just passed the technician test and am researching affordable equipment. Would a Yaesu FT-60R be an appropriate choice for a technician license?
Hi Terry! First CONGRATULATIONS on passing your Tech Exam!!! The Yaesu FT-60R would be a perfect radio for you as a tech. It is very well built and a reliable HT radio for new hams or just about anyone. Thanks for the question an for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Thanks. I am watching the budget but also concerned about making mistakes like using the wrong frequencies. The FT-60R seems to offer the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands. Voice transmission on these frequencies is permitted for a technician class license, I believe, but please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks for your videos and your assistance.
@@terryquinn7648 OK, first, if you ever have questions about what your license permits go to my website specifically to this page: hamradiofornontechies.com/ham-frequencies-by-license/ and I have listed what your privileges are by license and band. 144/430 bands (aka 2M & 440) are well within your license privileges for phone/voice AND CW/Morse code. This is a sneak peek at a show coming out this week, but I have my list of the top HT radios for 2022. The link to that list is here: kit.co/ki5npl/ham-radio-for-non-techies-ht-ham-radio-suggestions . I hope this helps clear that up for you a bit. You really can't go wrong with any radio as long as it is a quality radio and something that has features you want and can grow into. Let me know and keep in touch. You can also email me privately at my website. 73!
@@HR4NT That's a big help! Thanks again for the information. I will review the list carefully and will probably have more questions.
HERE'S A TIP! Don't get a Yaesu FT5D until you have a call sign. When you turn it on, you can't get past the first screen until you can provide a call sign.
Yeah that can be an issue. There are probably ways to get passed that if you just want to learn about your radio and listen to conversations in your area. Thanks for watching. 73!
This Baofeng i was listening to people just over 12 miles away today. i picked up the Foundation Licence book. so ones i understand that i will go for my licence.
can you tell me if we have a cyber attack and computer and phones go down. will Amateur Radio still work. you know when they start talking about cyber attacks. one is just around the corner.
I also recommend using HamStudy for test-prep. For what it’s worth, I believe that you could successfully communicate via simplex (radio-to-radio on the same frequency such as 146.520 & 446.000 National calling frequencies) in a complete grid-down situation, assuming that you & whoever you’re talking with are still able to power your setups and are nearby one another. Some repeaters are solar powered but I doubt that most are. I don’t think phone service has any impact on ham radio and doubt that cyber attacks would impact ham radio at all. I’m talking mainly about 2m/70cm because that’s what I’m most familiar with. Certain ham radio setups do use the internet which would be impacted potentially by issues with internet. I think that HF would be just fine all across the board, though.
I’m so very far from an expert. Just trying to learn, myself.
By the way, I really like having the ability to use my Baofengs without electricity. They sell AA battery pack adapters for Baofengs that you can use rechargeable batteries with to power your radio. Pair that with a little 5w solar panel such as from Goal Zero (the Nomad 5 panel and Guide 12 kit) and you can power your radio with the sun. That or get the high capacity Baofeng battery that can be charged via USB. Plug the USB into a solar panel or power bank and there you go. This is all useful for many other things than ham radio but they definitely work for it as well.
@@prepperpov5852 Thank you for your help. i will pick up the HamStudy. I have got the Foundation Revision Flash Cards. I have picked up the AA battery pack for the Baofeng as i have the 5w power gorilla solar panel with the Power Chimp to charge my AA & AAA battery it a great bit of kit.
A cyber attack won't affect ham radio. It may affect a repeater if the network gets hacked, in which case you just switch over to simplex and make sure that you have an antenna that is as high up as possible to increase range. Simplex is line of sight. If you have HF privileges, you can always setup an HF antenna and reach others that way. I hoped this helped. Thanks for watching and for your support. 73!!
I did a coupLe videos a while back and listed all of the online resources for practice exams...I "think" I referenced Hamstudy.org. In a complete grid down scenario simplex and HF will dominate. As for power, yes have multiple ways to power your radio and the AA backup is a nice feature. For my Wouxun's I have a battery eliminator, which is a battery pack like thing that plugs into the lighter socket of your vehicle which is nice for longer trips. I can use that instead of the battery, if for some reason my actual mobile rig in my truck is having issues. Thank for watching! 73
RG-8X (not RG-8).....RG-8X is the "industry" standard. Only slightly bigger than 58 and ALOT less loss, also very flexible.
Thanks for the correction. I have so much cable now in my shack and will probably get more as needed in the future. Thanks for watching. 73!
RG-8X is a good lower cost choice especially on 80/40.
Baofeng is the gateway HT. LoL
Let's not knock it.
That, it is. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Thanks for the video Scott. New subscriber. 73 KI5RIY
Awesome, thank you! Glad you are enjoying the videos! 73!