Been wanting to get into HAM for years! Signed up for the online classes, purchased the charts, pre-test; the whole 9 yards. For whatever reason, life got in the way. This video inspired me to try again, thanks for posting.
Brian every once in a while you come across somebody who’s doing great amateur RUclips videos. Good audio & video sensible, down to earth, real thank you very much keep up the good work. I have learned a lot during pandemic about ham which I have wanted to understand etc. for many years.
I just subscribed to your channel, and wanted to thank you for your great videos, and for explaining ham operation in a way I can actually understand. My brother and I are wanting to get our licenses, but a lot of the videos out there can be very confusing, and I end up getting discouraged pretty quickly. Your videos are helping to curb that feeling, and I appreciate that very much sir. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Not bad, as a licensed Ham, who mostly does HT's, I like how you talked about the variables of range. When I got my first Baofeng, I was told to get a better antenna, and this still holds today. I don't care how much your radio costs, upgrade the antenna for better use. I have even rigged my bike with a external antenna and I use the TYT UV8000E 10 watt HT, and hes its ten watts on one frequency. Plus last year I got into DMR, very interesting. 73's stay safe and warm.
Im currently studying for my amateur license. I also try and read/watch as much information as possible and by far I enjoy these videos the most. Not pretentious videos assuming my knowledge level, you break it down so even a noob can understand and I appreciate it. Keep it up!
I know it's been a while since you posted this video but I just now viewed it. As a beginner just starting my hobby in ham. This video answered many questions better than most Shine on.
There are many, many factors that determine the usable range. The contact I made that was farther away than any other of my HT contacts was done with a 1 Watt HT with a rubber duck antenna. Several years ago, during a peak in the 11 year sunspot cycle, I made a contact from California to Maryland. I was in my office in Mountain View using an Icom IC3-AT 220 MHz HT. I went through a repeater on a mountain above San Jose, that had a remote base on 10 Meters. The remote base was on 29.6 MHz, put out 100 Watts and was using an omni antenna. The guy in Maryland was putting 50 Watts into a beam antenna. The contact was NOT short, and after I signed off several other guys came up to talk to the guy in Maryland. This did NOT require Echo Link or any other internet assistance. It was just a typical ham repeater with a battery backup and a phone patch for emergency situations. I have NEVER heard anyone call "CQ" on 2 Meters or any band higher than HF. The standard procedure that I am familiar with is giving your callsign and then saying the word "monitoring."
I have a jeep club and have directed 15 members to watch this very informative video. This Video goes really well with the Technician study guides. All the members have passed the Technician test.
The "Range" depends on many different factors. With my HT set at one watt, but connected to an outside, rooftop antenna, I've gotten many extra miles! And if your using a "Beam" antenna? INCREDIBLE!
Just got my new DM-5R. WILL HAVE TO set down and read the book and learn all the bits and bobs about it. (Wife gone 25 years had to be mom and dad) famly first. Now I learn more of ham radio.Tks Fer your missives. Kv4li.
Between your channel, HOSHNASI, and Ham Radio 2.0 I am addicted and excited to get my first radio and get started in the hobby. Thanks for all your videos. I have recommended your channel to quite a few of my friends. Thanks again for the content!
I found this video during the middle of my Studies. It was super informative and actually helped me understand what I was reading in action. I really appreciate your approach to Ham Radio on RUclips. Thank you. I'm now a New Ham Technician.
Maaaan, this is sooooo AWESOME!!!! I was always into Ham since I was a kid when my grand father gave me his old Johnson CB and realistic radio...I was all in! lol Im going to get back into Ham Radio and get myself a nice base station or hand held. Radio was my first passion!
I have a mobile 2M Yaesu set up in my basement, connected to an external mounted copper Jpole. I need to learn the digital function. Your videos really do help me figure this stuff out. Thanks again Brian. 73; W3RRM
I am glad I chose to watch your video. I'm a new HAM and I needed to learn how you talk. I don't know watch all the codes are like 73's and CQ CQ CQ. Thanks from Yucaipa, Calizuela.
Excellent video, thanks! I checked into a ham net with my FT 60, Comet 24 whip with a rat's tail that is 97 miles away across the Georgia straight from Vancouver to a mountain repeater on Vancouver Island in BC, Canada. My signal was very weak but readable. It's all about line of sight. 73 to all!
Thank you for taking the time and doing his video for people that are not familiar with amateur radio I think you gave a great presentation and I appreciate it I subscribed to your channel thank you again 👍🌞👍
Very well explained mate, no waffling, put in simple terms for anyone to understand, including myself that isn't licenced. Enjoyed this video, even though I use my ones as you would your licence free ones there, only using a bit more than the allowed power and with a changeable antenna. Thoroughly enjoyed your video, subscribing as soon as I've written this. 73 from 26DD901 Kent/SE London
He obviously knows his stuff. I have a YAESU FT-70D handheld, mostly for listening because I am not licensed yet (working on it). Any advise is appreciated.
I've done real well with an HT from up on the Peak to Peak Highway outside of town. It's overlooking the CO high plains from over 9,000 feet. I have a good mag-mount antenna on the van roof and plug my HT into it. Works great. Nothing beats altitude except skip.
With a Cobra Nightwatch 40 channel CB I frequently talked with truck drivers in southern Europe, Portugal/Austria from the western highlands of Scotland.
I made a 23 mile simplex contact on 146.52 with a guy on his HT today. I was on the ground on my mobile rig, but he was on a mountain making SOTA contacts.
I once had a ~40 mile contact on .52 in the desert. I was using a mobile on 20w, ended up bumping the power up to 50w for better clarity. I think the other guy was either on a mobile or base station. By far, my record for dx on VHF simplex. I was pretty excited!
Another great video Brian. I’m enjoying watching more and more YT videos as they’re making more sense the more I study. I’m consistently scoring in the mid-high 80’s on practice Technicians tests. Once I ramp the scores into the 90’s I’ll start studying for the General test with hopes to take both the same day as soon as tests resume. Thanks again, Dave
How far can CB radios function?. I just bought a couple Cobra walkie talkies that say they are effective up to 42 miles, it's probably more like a couple miles seeing they are two watt that don't require a license
Manufactures often cite distance under perfect conditions, i.e. over water or desert terrain. It's very disingenuous of them. But technically it's not false advertising
Hey Brian, pleasure watching your videos. Is there a way you can recommend some tech I can use to communicate 30 miles range in case power grid goes down. Thank you.
Hi Brian! Really love all your info-loaded videos on Ham radio and appreciate such hard work. So long I was of the opinion that the 2-metres band was silent and so was contemplating to purchase the FT857. But now after watching your video it seems to be very interesting. Can you please let me know whether a Slim Jim or a Roll-up J-pole antenna is more effective and advantages as well as disadvantages. Two months ago I had qualified for my ham exam, but apparently due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, processing of my licence is getting delayed. Stay blessed, stay safe! 73
That's a shame that your license is delayed. Hopefully not too much longer. I could be wrong here, but it seems the roll-up antenna I use in this video is called both roll up J-pole and SlimJim. It should give you better performance than any rubber duck mounted on the radio. There are plans on the internet to make one, it does not look too tough. I bought mine on ebay because to buy all the materials to make it would have cost more than buying it pre-made.
Great video about HT radio range. When you're not transmitting using a repeater, how do you determine which frequency to use for direct radio-to-radio communication? Do you decided on a starting frequency and then move up frequencies in small increments until someone replies?
Oh, there are two frequencies that are pretty much used for simplex communication. 146.520 and 146.550 are the two simplex frequencies used in North America. Good luck
So glad I found your channel. I’m new to this and looking forward to diving in. I live in Colorado and I travel into the mountains a lot for work. What would be a good set up for me and my family so I can communicate with them? Thank you for your time.
I do a lot of mobile, but on a bicycle. In a car, get a good 50 to 65 watt mobile unit and use the longest antenna you can put on your car. But remember, if there is an obstruction between you and the person your trying to talk to, might not do very well. I live in Wyoming by the way. And have been licensed since 2016. Oh, hm, you might look into DMR, but you'd have to join a local club. Just getting into DMR myself.
Brian: I have watched your video using your Baofeng to connect to Echolink, but could you do a video where you actually show us what tones we need to use to connect the to the Echolink repeater? I know you have to know the node number, but how do you get the the repeater to go into Echolink mode? 73 Brian
Echolink website has the list of DTMF commands. Your radio manual should explain how to transmit DTMF tones. Be sure no one is using your repeater or has an objection to you linking. Also, be sure to unlink when done.
I’m in the research and learn phase, and was considering getting one of the popular HTs. After watching this video, however, I’m not so sure I’ll have much luck hearing anyone. I do plan to get my technician license, so if I do get an HT prior to that I do know I will be listening only. To whom, is what I’m wondering about. I found there are 54 users in my state, and there are 10 repeaters; the closest one being about 40 miles away. I know no one close to me with whom I will eventually be able to communicate. I am in one of the dreaded HOAs, so my antennae options are limited. My question is if it’s worth it for me yo get an HT at this time? Thanks.
I think you might be surprised. Your hoa might appreciate a couple users, and they might be fine with an antennae. Just get it in writing. You're not using it to call in airstrikes. You might use it to save their lives if cell towers aren't functioning.
@@maureen3134 do not under any circumstances compromise your roof. Get a triangle frame type antennae and connect it to the wall below your eves. All roof perforations eventually leak 😂😂😂😂 also, you might be able to get your hoa to allow you install an antenna on a cable internet power pole to your house or something. You may be able to wrap a flexible antennae up the pole. Nobody would hardly notice it exists. But there would be a bit of power loss and possible interference from having it out from your house.
Hello. Thank you for the information. I am wanting to get a duel band and digital HT. The problem for me is that there are so many choices and I am new to the hobby. Would you recommend a unit that has good reception and is easy to use? Thanks so much.
What are your goals with the radio - strictly ham use, emergency SHTF communications, etc ? What environment are you primarily going to be operating in, city, suburban, rural ? You get what you pay for. But you don't have to break the bank to get a decent radio. By digital, what mode are you interested in - DMR (the Chinese HTs, and non Chinese like Kenwood, Motorola...), D-Star (Icom, Kenwood), Fusion (Yaesu)... DMR is the "newest" digital mode, the fastest growing, and the most affordable. I just bought my first digital HT, a Retevis DMR just for fun/a novelty. If you want to be in on nets and talk groups you need to find out what modes are used in your area, and make your decision from that. Now with the all the digital modes, you can get gizmos that will allow you to talk on your HT to and through a gateway on your PC, Android, or I phone, and also operate cross mode i.e. DMR can talk with Fusion. DStar can talk with DMR and Fusion etc. I don't know very much about that at all. Just that it exists.
I’m almost always will have have a hill in the way. I’m in the valley and besides of the dense foliage there is the urban hustle. I was even a radio operator in the military and still can’t figure out how to find a suitable mobile com system with a longer range than 1/4 mile. Certainly there are rare line of sight exceptions.
My nearest analog/DV repeater is 21 miles away. I live in a mountainous region so little chance to hit the repeater with a handheld. Simplex possible line of site. However, I need advice on whether a base station at 2 meter/ 440 at 50 power could hit the repeater? Will use Ed fong antenna attached to chimney but worried about power lose of coax around 30 feet. Am I wishful thinking here, just go for DV access direct to cloud or use pc based dongle? Thoughts. Kk6ped, former kQ6je and kk6pu.
Nice explaining. One thing i didnt get. You said about repeaters, one freq to transmit and one to receive. So does that mean there is only one channel for one repeater?
I'm Brand New to ham and was thinking about getting a handheld. I live deep in the mountains of East Tennessee. Does the antenna need to be above the tree line or will just hanging it high in a tree be sufficient ? If anyone can answer this I would appreciate it. I do understand that I won't reach China...lol. Thank you.
@@HamRadioInAction you ever going to answer my question I asked you without reverting to Childish comments like you did last time I asked you a legitimate question and asked you to show me where you were right legally stating to me that you have to have a ham license to operate I noticed you deleted all of our other conversations I figured it's been quite a while you had time to do your own research to prove me wrong so I'm waiting
Thanks for your informative videos! I'm new to ham. On another users review of the TH-D74, a viewer commented on that radio's lack of cross band repeat and full duplex. It's my understanding that most handheld radios do not have those features. Is that a serious drawback of the TH-D?
It just really depends on what you want to be able to do with the radio. To me, cross banding is a novelty unless you have a need for a short time/short distance repeater, or operate a base or mobile radio remotely using the HT. Not a whole lot of HTs have it built in... Maybe 2-4
I’m still new and learning everything. Do you have an antenna recommendation for the icom v86? Also, is there way to find repeaters if they’re not listed?
That is a half wave on 2 meters 5/8 is better for ground comm, so 2 42" 10w ht in the woods 5~8 miles the 2 meter wave will reflect off of trees but it has to have 2 meter spaces to fit through or it gets attenuated now over water 30 miles
So I am looking to get a SSB radio handheld for my wife’s vehicle for emergency purpose only. Can I get one of those to reach 50 miles or so with an magnetic external antenna on her vehicle?
SSB Handheld are very uncommon and without extreme Antennas you won’t get 50miles (reliable). You should look into GMRS Mobile radios. Did you already find a solution?
Brian- looking for a radio for everyday communications. I’m typically miles in the backcountry and need a system to connect with people behind or in front of me on the trail system on dirt bikes. Or potentially something to connect with wife back home to relay safety... any ideas -- thank you
I have a friend who offroads and he got a GMRS license and radio. No test, $75 covers your whole family. GMRS handheld would work to talk to people on trail, but talking more than a few miles line of site would be tough unless on top of hill or mtn.
VHF or 800-900 mhz would generally perform better in forested, back country areas. UHF signals are often absorbed by natural vegitation. I have a ONE watt 33 cm (900 mhz) portable that I was able to get three miles on, through a heavy pine tree rural area. Mine was made by TriSquare (no longer in business), but Motorola makes several 1 watt, license free 900 mhz portable radios. You can un screw the rubber antenna and connect to a gain external/mobile antenna and increase the range.. Also, the Motorola (and the old TriSquare) uses FHSS - Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum which is like "virtual" digital channels. And unless someone has the same radio, set to the same "channel" no one short of the Federal Govt will be able to intercept your comms. Same basic principle as a scrambler
I hate to say it, be depending on how far apart you two live, Cell Phone might be the best option. As the man said, buildings really cut down range, unless you can put your antenna up high enough to clear them.
It could hurt it quite a bit or it could help! It may block your signal or it could act as a reflector, giving you more signal in one direction than the other. The best place would be to operate from the stern of the ship in a spot that is as open and a high as you can safely find. Also, be sure that when you choose a place to operate from that you are actually allowed to be in that spot! Trying to operate from inside of the vessel will be iffy at best! That being said, the first thing you have to do before operating from aboard a vessel, whether it is a cruise ship or otherwise (unless it is your vessel), is to check with the captain or the ships communications officer to see if you are allowed to operate from on board the ship (some allow it while others don't)! Ideally, you should get permission to operate before even setting foot on the vessel. You must also find out what other countries reciprocal operating agreements are in effect when sailing around as you may have to get permission from the local authorities before operating in their territorial waters. This applies to both commercial and private vessels. In international waters the ships captain is the one to say whether you can or cannot operate. In just about all cases you will have to prove that your radio equipment will not interfere with the safe operations of shipboard radio and navigation systems.
Very helpful - thank you! I'm brand new to this hobby, about to sit for my technician's exam. In your repeater demo your contact said "you are five nine". Curious what does that mean?
A shame nobody replied. It means readability 5 (perfectly understandable, the range is 1-5) and strength 9 (very strong, range is 1-9). People get lazy and will typically say 'receiving you 5 by 9' for pretty much any conversation that they can hear but occasionally someone will put more thought into it.
Hi Brian I enjoy your videos, I am a new ham just got my Technicians license.. I live in a small town in south central PA. I am not having much luck finding hams operators or anyone to talk with. I can hit a repeater sometimes I hear someone talk but not often. I think one repeater has echo link but Im not sure how to get permission to use it.( Fairview Mountain) Clear Spring, MD. No Elmers that I know of in my area. Any help would be appreciated. Struggling!
Sorry to hear that. Best way to get activity on any repeater is for you to start it. Keep calling, make sure you say you're new (more likely to get response). Search your area for a ham radio club, here is a link to PA clubs www.dxzone.com/catalog/Ham_Radio/Clubs/North_America/USA/Pennsylvania/ To contact the repeater owner, get the callsign of the repeater and use QRZ.com to get an email address and send them an email. Ask if they are OK with you using echolink and get any special codes you may need. Ask if the repeater is owned by the individual or a club. If you have echo link on your phone or PC, join our Tech Talk net on Monday nights. Get more info on NFARL.org. We have several out of state regulars. If UHF/VHF is not active in your area, you may need to consider upgrading to General and getting on HF. Good luck!
So say I want to talk to someone on the other side of a mountain. What radio would do that? I know plenty can get super long distance cause I've heard Hams from Spain to New Zealand on my shortwave reciever. But what about intermediate distances, further than a little handheld on 2 meters but not world wide distances.
Repeaters, and any more they use a Digital mode on a trunked system, that you also need a password for. But even analog has range if you go through a repeater.
You need a license to talk on amateur radio frequencies. If you don't want to get a license check out MURS. MURS is similar to Ham 2 meters as it is just above the 2 meter frequency allocation. You can operate on 151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570 and 154.600 MHz FM and you are allowed up to 2 watts out which doesn't seem like much but unlike FRS you can change out antennas to extend your range. You can also use CTCSS/DCS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System/Digital Squelch System, standard on most modern radios) to reduce interference from other stations on the same frequency (both you and the person(s) you are talking to must have the same tones enabled for it to work). I have talked 50 miles on MURS with a vertical base antenna at 40 feet. In my area Walmart uses 154.570/154.600 for floor communications.
sir, i have a question. i have no knowledge of this type of expertise. but i think we're going to need to learn radio operating due to current situation. i'm willing to buy one soon. i think we might lost cellular data transferring. i'm currently living in Turkey. i have a map that shows vhf stations across country. Q:what type of radio should i use to communicate with my friend, he lives another side of the country (about 500km/310 miles)? or is it possible? when i look at the station map; the stations covers the area from my city to his city. The map says they're vhf stations. any comment any suggestion appriciated.
If you and your friend are both in range of an echolink repeater you could link those repeaters. If you don't want to rely on infrastructure you would need HF radios to have communication at that distance.
Hi sir! The new baofeng that is being sold here says “The main difference is the frequency range, before the frequency range for UV5R and UV82 is VHF 136 -174 MHz, UHF 400 - 520 MHz, Now, in order to make them legally in Canada, we need to restrict their frequency to HAM radio band which is VHF 144 - 148 MHz, UHF 430 - 450 MHz.” Would I still be able to listen to the ISS? Thanks
Go up in an aircraft. I did and my radio was about 10 watts. I could talk with other aircraft down in the US from the Toronto area. Answer: direct line of sight ... a long way. 2 meters and higher are very directional.
From what I've seen (from online radio Amateur and Land Mobile sales) the same general brands of radios approved by the American FCC are approved by Industry Canada: Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Alinco, Baofeng, Retevis, Motorola
Been wanting to get into HAM for years! Signed up for the online classes, purchased the charts, pre-test; the whole 9 yards. For whatever reason, life got in the way. This video inspired me to try again, thanks for posting.
Brian every once in a while you come across somebody who’s doing great amateur RUclips videos. Good audio & video sensible, down to earth, real thank you very much keep up the good work. I have learned a lot during pandemic about ham which I have wanted to understand etc. for many years.
Thanks, will do!
Your turning out these videos like a factory! Keep it up, love the content
Nice Kenwood radio 👍
I just subscribed to your channel, and wanted to thank you for your great videos, and for explaining ham operation in a way I can actually understand. My brother and I are wanting to get our licenses, but a lot of the videos out there can be very confusing, and I end up getting discouraged pretty quickly. Your videos are helping to curb that feeling, and I appreciate that very much sir. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Try to make a contact simplex
Not bad, as a licensed Ham, who mostly does HT's, I like how you talked about the variables of range. When I got my first Baofeng, I was told to get a better antenna, and this still holds today. I don't care how much your radio costs, upgrade the antenna for better use. I have even rigged my bike with a external antenna and I use the TYT UV8000E 10 watt HT, and hes its ten watts on one frequency. Plus last year I got into DMR, very interesting. 73's stay safe and warm.
Im currently studying for my amateur license. I also try and read/watch as much information as possible and by far I enjoy these videos the most. Not pretentious videos assuming my knowledge level, you break it down so even a noob can understand and I appreciate it. Keep it up!
I know it's been a while since you posted this video but I just now viewed it. As a beginner just starting my hobby in ham.
This video answered many questions better than most
Shine on.
There are many, many factors that determine the usable range. The contact I made that was farther away than any other of my HT contacts was done with a 1 Watt HT with a rubber duck antenna. Several years ago, during a peak in the 11 year sunspot cycle, I made a contact from California to Maryland. I was in my office in Mountain View using an Icom IC3-AT 220 MHz HT. I went through a repeater on a mountain above San Jose, that had a remote base on 10 Meters. The remote base was on 29.6 MHz, put out 100 Watts and was using an omni antenna. The guy in Maryland was putting 50 Watts into a beam antenna. The contact was NOT short, and after I signed off several other guys came up to talk to the guy in Maryland.
This did NOT require Echo Link or any other internet assistance. It was just a typical ham repeater with a battery backup and a phone patch for emergency situations.
I have NEVER heard anyone call "CQ" on 2 Meters or any band higher than HF. The standard procedure that I am familiar with is giving your callsign and then saying the word "monitoring."
I have a jeep club and have directed 15 members to watch this very informative video. This Video goes really well with the Technician study guides. All the members have passed the Technician test.
Thanks for sharing the video, glad you found it informative.
Next ,you will get the members of your Electronic Club to get 4 x 4's .
@@filianablanxart8305 I tried but no go! Lol they prefer 4 by E
I really enjoy your videos. They break down sometimes complicated topics in a simple way for new hams like myself. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
The "Range" depends on many different factors.
With my HT set at one watt, but connected to an outside, rooftop antenna, I've gotten many extra miles! And if your using a "Beam" antenna?
INCREDIBLE!
Just got my new DM-5R. WILL HAVE TO set down and read the book and learn all the bits and bobs about it. (Wife gone 25 years had to be mom and dad) famly first. Now I learn more of ham radio.Tks Fer your missives. Kv4li.
Between your channel, HOSHNASI, and Ham Radio 2.0 I am addicted and excited to get my first radio and get started in the hobby. Thanks for all your videos. I have recommended your channel to quite a few of my friends. Thanks again for the content!
I found this video during the middle of my Studies. It was super informative and actually helped me understand what I was reading in action. I really appreciate your approach to Ham Radio on RUclips. Thank you. I'm now a New Ham Technician.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Maaaan, this is sooooo AWESOME!!!! I was always into Ham since I was a kid when my grand father gave me his old Johnson CB and realistic radio...I was all in! lol Im going to get back into Ham Radio and get myself a nice base station or hand held. Radio was my first passion!
I have a mobile 2M Yaesu set up in my basement, connected to an external mounted copper Jpole. I need to learn the digital function. Your videos really do help me figure this stuff out. Thanks again Brian. 73; W3RRM
I am glad I chose to watch your video. I'm a new HAM and I needed to learn how you talk. I don't know watch all the codes are like 73's and CQ CQ CQ. Thanks from Yucaipa, Calizuela.
Excellent video, thanks! I checked into a ham net with my FT 60, Comet 24 whip with a rat's tail that is 97 miles away across the Georgia straight from Vancouver to a mountain repeater on Vancouver Island in BC, Canada. My signal was very weak but readable. It's all about line of sight. 73 to all!
Informative and friendly, well done.
Thank you for taking the time and doing his video for people that are not familiar with amateur radio I think you gave a great presentation and I appreciate it I subscribed to your channel thank you again 👍🌞👍
Very well explained mate, no waffling, put in simple terms for anyone to understand, including myself that isn't licenced. Enjoyed this video, even though I use my ones as you would your licence free ones there, only using a bit more than the allowed power and with a changeable antenna. Thoroughly enjoyed your video, subscribing as soon as I've written this. 73 from 26DD901 Kent/SE London
your content is very positive and encouraging, I always learn something new. thanks for your efforts.
I really enjoy your videos. Just studying to get my technician license so I learn a lot from them, thank you.
I learnt such a lot from this very simple and straightforward video.
Thanks so much, from the UK :)
Great content delivered with easy to follow, clear instruction. Thanks much for all your videos.
He obviously knows his stuff. I have a YAESU FT-70D handheld, mostly for listening because I am not licensed yet (working on it). Any advise is appreciated.
I've done real well with an HT from up on the Peak to Peak Highway outside of town. It's overlooking the CO high plains from over 9,000 feet. I have a good mag-mount antenna on the van roof and plug my HT into it. Works great. Nothing beats altitude except skip.
Thank you very much Sir. U answered all my questions about Ham radio
Just looked you up on QRZ and noticed you in Atlanta. Hello from the Dalton area!! -KM4SIG
*Clarifying and helpful video.* Thank you.
Luv your video you get to the point with extra points
2 days into studying and I’m consistently passing practice tests for my license! Can’t wait to text for it!
good luck!
With a Cobra Nightwatch 40 channel CB I frequently talked with truck drivers in southern Europe, Portugal/Austria from the western highlands of Scotland.
Thank you ! I am just getting into the topic and you been very helpful !
I FINALLY found that answer to the questions I was looking for! Thank you!
I made a 23 mile simplex contact on 146.52 with a guy on his HT today. I was on the ground on my mobile rig, but he was on a mountain making SOTA contacts.
I once had a ~40 mile contact on .52 in the desert. I was using a mobile on 20w, ended up bumping the power up to 50w for better clarity. I think the other guy was either on a mobile or base station. By far, my record for dx on VHF simplex. I was pretty excited!
@@USAFJUNKIE it’s amazing how far you can reach when there aren’t any hills in the way!
Another great video Brian. I’m enjoying watching more and more YT videos as they’re making more sense the more I study. I’m consistently scoring in the mid-high 80’s on practice Technicians tests. Once I ramp the scores into the 90’s I’ll start studying for the General test with hopes to take both the same day as soon as tests resume. Thanks again, Dave
Great video. I use a uv-5r my best so for on simplex is 35 miles on 1watt. Great little radio n battery life..
Great video, efficient, informative, no BS. thanks
How far can CB radios function?. I just bought a couple Cobra walkie talkies that say they are effective up to 42 miles, it's probably more like a couple miles seeing they are two watt that don't require a license
Manufactures often cite distance under perfect conditions, i.e. over water or desert terrain. It's very disingenuous of them. But technically it's not false advertising
Good talk about short range radio.
Hey Brian, pleasure watching your videos. Is there a way you can recommend some tech I can use to communicate 30 miles range in case power grid goes down. Thank you.
Hi Brian! Really love all your info-loaded videos on Ham radio and appreciate such hard work. So long I was of the opinion that the 2-metres band was silent and so was contemplating to purchase the FT857. But now after watching your video it seems to be very interesting. Can you please let me know whether a Slim Jim or a Roll-up J-pole antenna is more effective and advantages as well as disadvantages. Two months ago I had qualified for my ham exam, but apparently due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, processing of my licence is getting delayed.
Stay blessed, stay safe!
73
That's a shame that your license is delayed. Hopefully not too much longer. I could be wrong here, but it seems the roll-up antenna I use in this video is called both roll up J-pole and SlimJim. It should give you better performance than any rubber duck mounted on the radio. There are plans on the internet to make one, it does not look too tough. I bought mine on ebay because to buy all the materials to make it would have cost more than buying it pre-made.
Good clarity for beginners. Thanks.
exactly the explanation i was looking for
Great video. Great topic. Great presentation. 👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for doing that Brian- good stuff!
Great video about HT radio range. When you're not transmitting using a repeater, how do you determine which frequency to use for direct radio-to-radio communication?
Do you decided on a starting frequency and then move up frequencies in small increments until someone replies?
Oh, there are two frequencies that are pretty much used for simplex communication. 146.520 and 146.550 are the two simplex frequencies used in North America. Good luck
@@longrider42 Thanks for the simplex frequencies info, James.
I love the vids! I am actually taking my technicians license in 3 days. Probably overstudying for exam.
Heard it can be took online now..anybody know the website?
@@henrickwhite9786 check with your local ham radio club
So glad I found your channel. I’m new to this and looking forward to diving in. I live in Colorado and I travel into the mountains a lot for work. What would be a good set up for me and my family so I can communicate with them? Thank you for your time.
I do a lot of mobile, but on a bicycle. In a car, get a good 50 to 65 watt mobile unit and use the longest antenna you can put on your car. But remember, if there is an obstruction between you and the person your trying to talk to, might not do very well. I live in Wyoming by the way. And have been licensed since 2016. Oh, hm, you might look into DMR, but you'd have to join a local club. Just getting into DMR myself.
Great content, you explained all very well, thanks for sharing!
Brian: I have watched your video using your Baofeng to connect to Echolink, but could you do a video where you actually show us what tones we need to use to connect the to the Echolink repeater? I know you have to know the node number, but how do you get the the repeater to go into Echolink mode? 73 Brian
I thought that EchoLink repeaters links were static? Please show how to use tones with EchoLink repeaters. 73 WØBJT
Yeah, an Echolink for dummies video would be great!
Echolink website has the list of DTMF commands. Your radio manual should explain how to transmit DTMF tones. Be sure no one is using your repeater or has an objection to you linking. Also, be sure to unlink when done.
I just wanted to see how to use a baofeng like you used since that is what I have also
Where is the link to your video explaining the DTMF codes for EchoLink ?
I’m in the research and learn phase, and was considering getting one of the popular HTs. After watching this video, however, I’m not so sure I’ll have much luck hearing anyone. I do plan to get my technician license, so if I do get an HT prior to that I do know I will be listening only. To whom, is what I’m wondering about. I found there are 54 users in my state, and there are 10 repeaters; the closest one being about 40 miles away. I know no one close to me with whom I will eventually be able to communicate. I am in one of the dreaded HOAs, so my antennae options are limited.
My question is if it’s worth it for me yo get an HT at this time?
Thanks.
I think you might be surprised. Your hoa might appreciate a couple users, and they might be fine with an antennae. Just get it in writing. You're not using it to call in airstrikes. You might use it to save their lives if cell towers aren't functioning.
@@sasquatchrosefarts Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll give it a try.
@@maureen3134 do not under any circumstances compromise your roof. Get a triangle frame type antennae and connect it to the wall below your eves. All roof perforations eventually leak 😂😂😂😂 also, you might be able to get your hoa to allow you install an antenna on a cable internet power pole to your house or something. You may be able to wrap a flexible antennae up the pole. Nobody would hardly notice it exists. But there would be a bit of power loss and possible interference from having it out from your house.
Hello. Thank you for the information. I am wanting to get a duel band and digital HT. The problem for me is that there are so many choices and I am new to the hobby. Would you recommend a unit that has good reception and is easy to use? Thanks so much.
Did you already decide on something? :)
What are your goals with the radio - strictly ham use, emergency SHTF communications, etc ? What environment are you primarily going to be operating in, city, suburban, rural ? You get what you pay for. But you don't have to break the bank to get a decent radio. By digital, what mode are you interested in - DMR (the Chinese HTs, and non Chinese like Kenwood, Motorola...), D-Star (Icom, Kenwood), Fusion (Yaesu)... DMR is the "newest" digital mode, the fastest growing, and the most affordable. I just bought my first digital HT, a Retevis DMR just for fun/a novelty. If you want to be in on nets and talk groups you need to find out what modes are used in your area, and make your decision from that. Now with the all the digital modes, you can get gizmos that will allow you to talk on your HT to and through a gateway on your PC, Android, or I phone, and also operate cross mode i.e. DMR can talk with Fusion. DStar can talk with DMR and Fusion etc. I don't know very much about that at all. Just that it exists.
Hi there! I just wanted to asking, what I need to take my license to use my BH-F8HP radio
Whats the difference between triband and dual band
Great video. Thank you for the valuable information. Definitely worth a subscription 👍
I’m almost always will have have a hill in the way. I’m in the valley and besides of the dense foliage there is the urban hustle. I was even a radio operator in the military and still can’t figure out how to find a suitable mobile com system with a longer range than 1/4 mile. Certainly there are rare line of sight exceptions.
Grid squares!
Do you guys use military-style topical maps?
My nearest analog/DV repeater is 21 miles away. I live in a mountainous region so little chance to hit the repeater with a handheld. Simplex possible line of site. However, I need advice on whether a base station at 2 meter/ 440 at 50 power could hit the repeater? Will use Ed fong antenna attached to chimney but worried about power lose of coax around 30 feet. Am I wishful thinking here, just go for DV access direct to cloud or use pc based dongle? Thoughts. Kk6ped, former kQ6je and kk6pu.
Off topic but how do you feel about the signal stick antennas for the baofeng radio ?
I have one and it is a great antenna. Check out my Baofeng accessories video.
Nice explaining. One thing i didnt get. You said about repeaters, one freq to transmit and one to receive. So does that mean there is only one channel for one repeater?
When you program a radio memory it can have separate receive and transmit frequencies for repeaters.
@@gerardo7290 basically, yes. Some people use a single antenna for multiple channels, but one Antenna per channel is preferable
Excellent presentation, very informative. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos KN4CGE...Countryside, IL
Excellent introductory video to handheld radios and the 2m band. Keep it up. - KJ6YQG
Great info! Thank you from a new guy.
I'm Brand New to ham and was thinking about getting a handheld. I live deep in the mountains of East Tennessee. Does the antenna need to be above the tree line or will just hanging it high in a tree be sufficient ? If anyone can answer this I would appreciate it. I do understand that I won't reach China...lol. Thank you.
VHF and uhf is line of site. Going through mountains or cities without using a repeater is not reliable.
@@HamRadioInAction you ever going to answer my question I asked you without reverting to Childish comments like you did last time I asked you a legitimate question and asked you to show me where you were right legally stating to me that you have to have a ham license to operate I noticed you deleted all of our other conversations I figured it's been quite a while you had time to do your own research to prove me wrong so I'm waiting
Thanks for your informative videos! I'm new to ham. On another users review of the TH-D74, a viewer commented on that radio's lack of cross band repeat and full duplex. It's my understanding that most handheld radios do not have those features. Is that a serious drawback of the TH-D?
It just really depends on what you want to be able to do with the radio. To me, cross banding is a novelty unless you have a need for a short time/short distance repeater, or operate a base or mobile radio remotely using the HT. Not a whole lot of HTs have it built in... Maybe 2-4
Great video. Thank you!
I’m still new and learning everything. Do you have an antenna recommendation for the icom v86?
Also, is there way to find repeaters if they’re not listed?
Love your videos. Thanks
How does your contact determine your distance from him when he responds?
No real way of knowing unless you are operating APRS and you can see the contact on a pc or device. Or you look up someone's call sign..
I heard a few years back..there was a guy who reached Hawaii from San Fran with a handheld 2 meter they said it was a world record at the time
I'm just wondering without uesing a repeater. I have a uv-5r at 10w but I got a 42.9 inch tell antnnta
That is a half wave on 2 meters 5/8 is better for ground comm, so 2 42" 10w ht in the woods 5~8 miles the 2 meter wave will reflect off of trees but it has to have 2 meter spaces to fit through or it gets attenuated now over water 30 miles
Thank you for getting to the point.
So I am looking to get a SSB radio handheld for my wife’s vehicle for emergency purpose only. Can I get one of those to reach 50 miles or so with an magnetic external antenna on her vehicle?
SSB Handheld are very uncommon and without extreme Antennas you won’t get 50miles (reliable). You should look into GMRS Mobile radios. Did you already find a solution?
With SSB you risk your signal being "skipped" and short range comms lost. A GMRS or VHF MURS radio would be better
Brian- looking for a radio for everyday communications. I’m typically miles in the backcountry and need a system to connect with people behind or in front of me on the trail system on dirt bikes. Or potentially something to connect with wife back home to relay safety... any ideas -- thank you
I have a friend who offroads and he got a GMRS license and radio. No test, $75 covers your whole family. GMRS handheld would work to talk to people on trail, but talking more than a few miles line of site would be tough unless on top of hill or mtn.
VHF or 800-900 mhz would generally perform better in forested, back country areas. UHF signals are often absorbed by natural vegitation. I have a ONE watt 33 cm (900 mhz) portable that I was able to get three miles on, through a heavy pine tree rural area. Mine was made by TriSquare (no longer in business), but Motorola makes several 1 watt, license free 900 mhz portable radios. You can un screw the rubber antenna and connect to a gain external/mobile antenna and increase the range.. Also, the Motorola (and the old TriSquare) uses FHSS - Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum which is like "virtual" digital channels. And unless someone has the same radio, set to the same "channel" no one short of the Federal Govt will be able to intercept your comms. Same basic principle as a scrambler
How can you make or buy that j-pole antenna? Looks handy.
Bought mine on eBay.
what's the best device to use when you live in the city ?? for two friends to communicate ?
I hate to say it, be depending on how far apart you two live, Cell Phone might be the best option. As the man said, buildings really cut down range, unless you can put your antenna up high enough to clear them.
Apparently a counterpoise can extend receive and transmit range on a HT.
Yes, there's is/or was a counterpoise called Rat Tail. Made in Canada if memory serves. You velcro it to the back of the HT
@@baronedipiemonte3990 you can make them yourself quite easily
Interesting, I dabbling in this I have a few radios just like those for business
Very Informative Thanks
How would the range be effected upon a Cruise ship..... lots of metal from 3rd deck to the 15th ?? fore to aft ??
It could hurt it quite a bit or it could help! It may block your signal or it could act as a reflector, giving you more signal in one direction than the other. The best place would be to operate from the stern of the ship in a spot that is as open and a high as you can safely find. Also, be sure that when you choose a place to operate from that you are actually allowed to be in that spot! Trying to operate from inside of the vessel will be iffy at best!
That being said, the first thing you have to do before operating from aboard a vessel, whether it is a cruise ship or otherwise (unless it is your vessel), is to check with the captain or the ships communications officer to see if you are allowed to operate from on board the ship (some allow it while others don't)! Ideally, you should get permission to operate before even setting foot on the vessel.
You must also find out what other countries reciprocal operating agreements are in effect when sailing around as you may have to get permission from the local authorities before operating in their territorial waters. This applies to both commercial and private vessels.
In international waters the ships captain is the one to say whether you can or cannot operate.
In just about all cases you will have to prove that your radio equipment will not interfere with the safe operations of shipboard radio and navigation systems.
Baofeng vr5 are thay digital singial can thay be programed to use as a scanner
Very helpful - thank you! I'm brand new to this hobby, about to sit for my technician's exam. In your repeater demo your contact said "you are five nine". Curious what does that mean?
A shame nobody replied. It means readability 5 (perfectly understandable, the range is 1-5) and strength 9 (very strong, range is 1-9). People get lazy and will typically say 'receiving you 5 by 9' for pretty much any conversation that they can hear but occasionally someone will put more thought into it.
Hi Brian I enjoy your videos, I am a new ham just got my Technicians license.. I live in a small town in south central PA. I am not having much luck finding hams operators or anyone to talk with. I can hit a repeater sometimes I hear someone talk but not often. I think one repeater has echo link but Im not sure how to get permission to use it.( Fairview Mountain) Clear Spring, MD. No Elmers that I know of in my area. Any help would be appreciated. Struggling!
Sorry to hear that. Best way to get activity on any repeater is for you to start it. Keep calling, make sure you say you're new (more likely to get response). Search your area for a ham radio club, here is a link to PA clubs www.dxzone.com/catalog/Ham_Radio/Clubs/North_America/USA/Pennsylvania/
To contact the repeater owner, get the callsign of the repeater and use QRZ.com to get an email address and send them an email. Ask if they are OK with you using echolink and get any special codes you may need. Ask if the repeater is owned by the individual or a club. If you have echo link on your phone or PC, join our Tech Talk net on Monday nights. Get more info on NFARL.org. We have several out of state regulars. If UHF/VHF is not active in your area, you may need to consider upgrading to General and getting on HF. Good luck!
@@HamRadioInAction Thank you
very informative , thanks ! :)
Did you ever come across k2uu out of long island ny
So say I want to talk to someone on the other side of a mountain. What radio would do that? I know plenty can get super long distance cause I've heard Hams from Spain to New Zealand on my shortwave reciever. But what about intermediate distances, further than a little handheld on 2 meters but not world wide distances.
Thanks again...very helpful!
I’m looking to get on a 70cm repeater on a handheld ht that’s 12.4 miles away, can any recommend a ht that would work for me?
happy Easter KO4CJJ
if 2m is so short ranged 5-8mls than how a police is able to communicate 50mls?
or they too use repeaters?
Repeaters, and any more they use a Digital mode on a trunked system, that you also need a password for. But even analog has range if you go through a repeater.
So to get more than a mile range, i’d need a tech license? I got ham radio for the purpose talking over a few miles radio to radio.
Yeah, the license is not hard to get. You don't even need Morse code any more.
You need a license to talk on amateur radio frequencies. If you don't want to get a license check out MURS. MURS is similar to Ham 2 meters as it is just above the 2 meter frequency allocation. You can operate on 151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570 and 154.600 MHz FM and you are allowed up to 2 watts out which doesn't seem like much but unlike FRS you can change out antennas to extend your range. You can also use CTCSS/DCS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System/Digital Squelch System, standard on most modern radios) to reduce interference from other stations on the same frequency (both you and the person(s) you are talking to must have the same tones enabled for it to work). I have talked 50 miles on MURS with a vertical base antenna at 40 feet.
In my area Walmart uses 154.570/154.600 for floor communications.
Like your vids so much
sir, i have a question.
i have no knowledge of this type of expertise. but i think we're going to need to learn radio operating due to current situation. i'm willing to buy one soon. i think we might lost cellular data transferring. i'm currently living in Turkey. i have a map that shows vhf stations across country.
Q:what type of radio should i use to communicate with my friend, he lives another side of the country (about 500km/310 miles)? or is it possible?
when i look at the station map; the stations covers the area from my city to his city. The map says they're vhf stations.
any comment any suggestion appriciated.
If you and your friend are both in range of an echolink repeater you could link those repeaters. If you don't want to rely on infrastructure you would need HF radios to have communication at that distance.
@@HamRadioInAction HF then. thanks for the reply
Hi sir! The new baofeng that is being sold here says “The main difference is the frequency range, before the frequency range for UV5R and UV82 is VHF 136 -174 MHz, UHF 400 - 520 MHz, Now, in order to make them legally in Canada, we need to restrict their frequency to HAM radio band which is VHF 144 - 148 MHz, UHF 430 - 450 MHz.” Would I still be able to listen to the ISS? Thanks
The frequencies ISS use mostly in 2 meter band within the range you posted.
The ISS, and AmSat often use UHF for uplink, and VHF for downlink, or vice versa
Go up in an aircraft. I did and my radio was about 10 watts. I could talk with other aircraft down in the US from the Toronto area. Answer: direct line of sight ... a long way. 2 meters and higher are very directional.
So what do you use if you are on foot in mountains and you need to communicate 5 miles
Sat phone?
Can you recommend a radio that is accepted in canada? Couldnt find baofeng here. Kenwood is pricey. Thanks
I cannot, I’m not familiar with your regulations.
From what I've seen (from online radio Amateur and Land Mobile sales) the same general brands of radios approved by the American FCC are approved by Industry Canada: Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Alinco, Baofeng, Retevis, Motorola
Loving this. Steep learning curve. But interesting.