WARNING: Some ass clown created a fake user with my profile image and replied to everyone when I first posted this video. Do not respond to them. I banned their account. I will let you know in the next video if I need anything from the actual winner. Be safe. I wish I could run scammers over with my Jeep.
Thank you, Aaron. The production quality is crap (i.e. the lighting), so I decided to just let the content speak for itself and share the experiences and experiments with you and the viewers in RUclips land in. Cheers.
I'm new, less than 2 weeks. Checking out gears and trying to learn from the sea of information out there. Thank you for telling like it is. I like your approach and no hype style. Congrats on the #10000!
Welcome to channel, Dani. Glad you like the format and style of the channel. It makes producing these videos easy if I'm just myself and sharing my honest experiences in plain English. Good luck!
Congratulations on #10000 subscribers! I love the fact that you don't just concentrate on HF, which would automatically leave Techs with very few options. More progress needs to be made within the EmComm community for local and semi-local setups that allow all ham license holders equal access during an emergency; and I'm glad you are running with this in mind.
The man pack video series idea is awesome. Seeing the performance of components saves us the time energy and cost...of trying it out for ourselves. Honestly I know I will be looking to copy a bag you showcase. Will your prototype bags be for sale? Some of us may be interested in a preorder...maybe that helps raise the capital to go to production?
Yes, it will be available for sale. I will be doing a limited run of 50 units if I am able to find a bag company that I can work with. If it sells, I will do subsequent runs. I plan to do a pre-order in the second run. Thanks for the interest.
#10000 !!! I really appreciate the practical demonstrations and reviews based on actual usage and experience. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Keep up the great work with these inspiring and helpful videos. Take care!
Thanks for the feedback. No un-boxing videos here (for the most part). I really enjoy using the gear in the real-world and then sharing the experiences. There's a good evolution of the gear for those who have followed along from the beginning. I appreciate the support.
Thank you. It's humbling. This was not my intent. I just wanted to talk about some preps during COVID and then document a month's worth of "radio" videos as I jumped into comms. Two years later...and the communications exploration has not stopped. Cheers.
Thanks for the feedback. I think in terms of simple steps and organize everything in lists. There's no need to make radio more difficult than it needs to be. Cheers and thanks again for the support.
Congrats on #10000 -- I've really enjoyed the manpack and UHF/VHF digital content on the channel. I haven't done DMR, but I'm looking forward to learning from your experience with in in the next year.
I appreciate the support and feedback. You guys are a great bunch of viewers. Glad to have you follow along as I muddle way through my journey in real-world communications.
Very good. I failed to mention a few things. It can technically transmit on FRS/GMRS/MURS even if it is not allowed by the FCC. You get FM broadcast radio, too. Enjoy your radio. Who knows, you may get a second along with a box of goodies.
@@TheTechPrepper Over here we have PMR 446 and indeed also works on those bands. It is a great radio from what I hear, Waterproof and no touchscreen that can break, always scared that if the screen goes you can't operate all the functions, to fragile for me. Thanks for the reaction, may your luckiest sub win!
Congrats on #10000 subs! I appreciate your focus on practical, targeted comms. Keep up the hard work, and you’ll reach your goal of doing this full-time.
Congratulations on milestone #100000 Gaston! What an accomplishment you have achieved. I have been following your journey on your projects and how the channel has become what it is today. I appreciate all the content you have published for the Ham Radio Community. 73
Thanks, Dennis. Glad to hear that my whacky experiments and training are rubbing off on you. I love it when you stop by. This may be the first video where I can't respond to everyone, so I am glad I found yours among the pack. Take care, my friend.
Gaston, it's really difficult to narrow down one specific area of you channel that is the best. I ran across your channel after a search for digital modes for FM, after that I started watching more and more videos of yours. Your early videos on EmComm Tools really hit home, I have had a similar idea since getting licensed but my programming skills stops at Java and Virtual Basic. LOL I can't leave out the Manpacks either. That is another area that makes an older guy like me, all giddy like a kid with his first walkie talkie set. HAHA Aside from the obvious benefits of Manpacks that you've stated in this video, they also fit the bill for portable satellite operations. While on a tight budget, some of us can't afford to have a separate rig for sat ops, a mounted mobile in a vehicle, one in the shack or one for SHTF scenarios. So the Manpack fits the bill for me, I can throw it in a vehicle, use it mobile as I travel to a location to work a few sat passes, then when all the fun is over I can have it in my shack as a multi-use rig. All in all, I'll say your channel delves into all areas that interests me and fits my current needs. A comment you made I couldn't agree more with is the fact that current digital modes are harder than they should be. I have years of experience in the IT field and some of the digi modes and software interfaces are worse than some of Cisco's interfaces and "easier" software... It's really refreshing to see someone with the motivation to, as you said take a Steve Jobs approach to the digi modes. Anyways, I myself and I'm sure many, many others appreciate what you are doing. You are a valuable asset to the ham community and a great example of what operators should be, not some old cranky Gladys Killjoy with a Secret Squirrel mentality. Best of luck to you Gaston, keep up the great work and content. Also, I'm an email away if you ever need assistance. Mike/W5SKK
Mike, thank you for taking the time to write this. I love getting feedback like this. I really appreciate a supporting point of view around the fact that the digital integration is even challenging for people in tech industry. I am happy to help and make this stuff easier for the average Joe or ham. Cheers.
Congratulations for those #10000 subscribers! For sure more will come, if you keep the content and plans. The digital stuff and also the part of making things easy and simple are important for me. PS: When you have time try also VARA modem, I know that you are a Linux guy, but is working also there.
VARA FM is fast! I've tested a few times on my Windows 10 partition. I'll have to circle back to see the current state on Linux. I know that has moved for a bit. Cheers.
#10000 Congratulations Gaston! You bring a lot to the table! I enjoy the integration of preparedness and amateur radio. I too have been bogged down by work, I hope to get caught up on your videos soon. Thanks for all the hard work you put in! 73!
Rob, I almost missed you. My wife is pulling my away from the computer. It's tough to respond to everyone on this one. Don't work too hard and take some downtime for youself.
I enjoy your genuine content and perspective on comms. Specifically, I like your tools not toys approach. Glad to hear you will keep the channel going. Congratulations on #10000
I went from DMR radios to being a Yaesu fan boy myself. Looking forward to seeing the manpack series. I've found the 5.11 flex cuff pouch is a perfect fit for inside a pack for the FT5D, FT3D and FT70DR for edc. Congrats on breaking the #10000
Thanks, Chris. This means a lot. We need 100 people like you for every troll that I get on the channel. Good luck! The giveaway and manpack video is coming up in a few hours.
Thanks. I need to get out more. Lately, it's been too many videos in the garage at 0400 due to time constraints. I hate it and would prefer to be outdoors running around or on top of a peak. A Mt Whitney SOTA activation is coming in October.
Good luck! Digital was frustrating for me at first. I literately said so on camera in earlier videos. It can be frustrating, but it will click eventually. Keep at it.
I really like that you present different ideas that throws a wrench into other ideas that I thought of. Definitely looking firward to your HF series. I don't want to be added to the give-away since other people are more needing of it, but just adding the #10000 to let you know I watched the video and greatly appreciate your content. Also enjoyed watching one of your older videos the other day and the Red Hat 5.2 distro box in the background as I remember having to buy it since we had really bad dial-up access when I was a teen.
#10000 - Congrats on the 10K point. Shows you're catching some attention. Caught mine. Really appreciate your content and have started converting some of my units over for mobile. Really looking forward to your next 2 series.
Thanks, Jerry. Glad to hear it. I am really enjoying these focused series, too. I guess if it works for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, why not RUclips? 73 de KT1RUN
Congrats on #10000 subscribers!! Well deserved! I recently discovered your channel and I'm still going through old videos. Really looking forward to your manpack series , as I'm making a hunter pack for mountainous Scandinavian terrain. I hope you will compare Amp draw on those. I think low consumption compensates for weight and cost. less batteries and less solar panels and/or charge time. The digital stuff confuses me a lot, and it'll be great to follow you getting into this field. Keep on bringing the good stuff!
Welcome to channel. I am a believer in using the lowest power required to make the contact. It helps with current consumption, too. One of the things I look for in radios is the RX and TX current consumption. Some radios are better at it, but may fall short in other areas. For example, the FT-818ND has a higher current consumption over the Elecraft KX2. I prefer the FT-818 because it is more rugged and supports 2m/440. There will be a video on this topic at some point. Thanks.
#10000 so happy for you! Been following for a while. I think I found you just off of the RUclips recommendation. I love that I get to see a similar backyard to mine and really understand our capabilities out here! Hope to mee you soon at one of the local meets!
@@TheTechPrepper ref the man pack bags... I have nothing. Only thought is to reach out to Dave Canterbury and SRO. Best of luck, I'll support as I can. 73
Oops... I forgot to leave a comment on the aspects of the channel I enjoy. At the risk of sounding like a broken record. I really enjoy the Manpack approach and it's applications to PSE. The Emcomm Tools is something that I am interested in as well. A third an bonus thing is the prospect of DMR. A couple years ago a friend loaned me his HD1 and for a time I was a member of a group on DMR and that radio was fantastic. Keep up the great work/content
Thanks, Jose. I actually had to perform a search for "Jose" to ensure that I did not miss my dear friend. I don't think I'll be able to respond to everyone on this particular video, but I am reading all of them. I am honored to have a friend like you. It's rare these days to make these kinds of relationships online. 73's
#10000 I am blessed to have found this channel few months ago. Always informative and look forward to what is coming up in the Pipeline. Keep up the great work Brother 👍
I am blessed to have viewers like yourself. You guys are a great bunch. I think you'll enjoy this new manpack series. I took a quick break from editing to check on the comments. We'll have that video along with the 10K winner in a couple of days. Thanks for the support.
#10000 looking forward to the Manpack setups. Started following because I first learned radio in the Army and like the blend of Ham and Tactical you do. Thank you for the info you put out to those willing to listen.
Glad to hear it. This hobby is nothing but rabbit holes. Enjoy the ride! DMR is one of them. I have nt time for that rabbit hole yet, so one lucky winner can explore it.
#10000 happy to have found this channel! I'm a new ham and I initially found you while researching the Chameleon CHA LEFS antenna (which I ended up buying) when I saw your review of it. Keep it up, I'm learning a lot from you and others on youtube, great community.
Great point. People were surprised when I transitioned from the FT-60 to VX-6R. But it's part of the process of learning, growing and make adjustments to your gear. Even the manpacks have evolved. Good luck!
Big congrats on 10k subs! Cool radio being IP67 and DMR but better if someone in the US wins it due to shipping. Enjoying your channel, I'm all in for making stuff simpler in the field, I'm interested to learn what you're up to.👍🤓
#10000 Congratulations! Doesn't seem that long ago that there where only 300 subs. Your organized progression through the subject and pointing out the rabbit holes along the way is supper helpful to me at least, so thanks for your professionalism. The outtakes and quick self critiques usually get a chuckle out of me too.
Seems like yesterday we were at 300 subs. Thanks for being a long time viewer. If the outtakes make me chuckle during editing, I make it a point to include them. Take care.
#10000, dude you are knocking it out of the park on these videos. As for ideas? Keep up the digital comms info as well as the field work. Might want to consider a series on a lightweight digital hf setup that is still man portable. Take care.
#10000. Just recently found your channel and I enjoy your explanation process of why you choose to keep or discard an item. Some channels just call something gold or crap with no explanation. Keep up the great content and thanks in advance for what is yet to come!
Welcome to the channel! I guess the difference is that we (the other channels) have different goals. I am actually trying to find the best gear for reliable communications in my area. It takes time and testing. Trust me, if used a lot of junk, too. Good luck.
#10000 congrats at 10,000 subs! I really appreciate how responsive you are with comments and instagram. I really like your field ops where you test your gear out in the elements, keep up the great work!
#10000 I just enjoy your attitude. I’ve been really enjoying following the whole process of emcomm tools and everything else you’ve shown. Congrats on 10k and good luck on many more subscribers! Maybe one day I’ll have something good enough to colab with!
#10000, look forward to your Manpack series, have looked at all of them. Like your detailed real life reviews. Analog with digital capabilities appears they way to go in Manpack radios. Really like radios with dual watch being in Florida. Florida SARNET with 70 cm capabilities is a real asset. Thanks for the videos and data points.
Completely agree there. That's why I look for radios with a data point on the back. You can breath life into these older analog radios with a DigiRig. 73 de KT1RUN
#10000 Congrats on 10k subs. I have a hunch that it's not far to 20K ;) The thing I enjoy the most about your channel is the fact-based, NO HYPE approach to everything: reviews, tutorials, experiences, event-de-briefs... just great content.
#10000 Congrats on reaching 10K! So much great content over the years and love all the focus on the VX-6R. It was my first "quality" HT I bought about 4 years ago and the one I keep in my daily case. We have alot of 220 nearby and even at only 1.5w, it's a great little radio. Looking forward to the regional comms - we have a NVIS net here in the LA basin that I have been struggling to get good reliable communication from a small HOA cursed lot. Have had some success, but need to do something a little more permanent. Never had the desire to get a DMR specific radio, mostly cause I have 2 YSF HTs that can cross over to DMR with my MMDVM hotspot...then again that is on the hated internet... Cheers my friend - gonna go buy you a coffee!
Thanks for being a dedicated supporter of the channel, David. The VX-6R is a workhorse. Hopefully, Yaesu notices the up tick in sales and keeps it around for another 10 years. I am intrigued by your NVIS net. Is it voice or digital? I am trying to integrate VOACAP behind the scenes into EmComm Tools for simple HF predictions for stuff like this. Cheers, bud!
@@TheTechPrepper It's voice and we also include a former employee that moved to PHX, so we get the bounce from PHX to LA pretty well. Have to look at the diff between 75m and 40m NVIS - we have been moving back and forth which is normal - just find what works.
#10000 - Learning a great deal from you about NBEMS. Picked up a FTM-6000 and DigiRig (Thanks Denis!) as a result of your videos. Using them for mobile ARES support and for the use when RVing. Thanks for the great effort you put into your videos and keep up the good work!
Glad to hear it. The first manpack video is on the FTM-6000R. And, yes, the DigiRig will be covered. Also, Denis contacted me today. He is donating a DigiRig Mobile, so we will have two prizes next week. Good luck and thanks for the support!
Lots of that coming. If you search "ARMOLOQ" or "SOTA" you will find more than dozen of my manpack videos. Just go to my channel video page to search. Good luck!
#10000 Big Congrats. Your success is well deserved. I love your approach to Ham and Prep related topics. I have been able to setup some digi comms from your videos. I wish there was more digi activity in my area. Hopefully, I can encourage others in my area thru your videos
Glad to hear it. Sometimes I skip the low level details due to time constraints. I find it is important to demonstrate and talk about what is possible with some guidance and let the viewer take it from there. Well done on your progress.
#10000 congratulations, that’s a big milestone. I am super excited about the “manbag” series as I have been searching for that kind of set up. Will you be selling the bags?
Thanks for the support. I just finished the design session with a local bag maker to build the final prototype. Yes, they will be for sale, but it will be a very small batch 50 (10 for me, and 40 for the public) due to the cost. They're all being made with premium material and will be made in Arizona. They'll look they're going to be pricey. I'm going to announce the details in late September.
#10000 Congrats, been following you from early on. Thanks for the content and I enjoy your process for choosing gear. Please let me know if you decide to do preorders on the manpack bags.
#10000 Congratulations on your achievement. Your videos show how radio comms can be tactical and practical. You are an inspiration to the radio and prepping communities.
Started getting into Ham radio as a pepper and your was the first channel that I have found that caters to that, practical comms in a field expedient way and loved the travelling video. I'd love to see more of how comms with your family/group. Getting to grips with my Boafeng as the super cheap option before I get my license and can transmit. Thanks for the content #10000
#10000 Congrats on 10,000 Gaston! Always enjoy your videos! Though I have been licensed since 2001 I am still learning and with that I say thank you! Keep the videos coming as well as the series of topics!
Glad to hear. I wish I started when you did. I feel way behind, but it's been a fun ride being on the air the last two plus years. Still learning with you. 73
#10000 You are doing good man keep on grinding. I really appreciate your vx6r videos and especially the antenna tests. You compare the range of different antennas on an actual map to get a visual representation, which helps us all make more informed purchases. Excited to see you transition to DMR next year. Also I LOVE saying the r word but try to stay monetized, this channel will be big.
What's the "r" word? Glad you enjoyed the VX-6R series. That's a great radio that seems to be overlooked because of its age. I'll do an accessory video at the end of the year as I'm still figuring out accessories.
@@TheTechPrepper the r word as in retarded. With how retarded youtube moderation is nowadays i wouldn't even be surprised if that word is picked up by the algorithm and affects the reach of the videos.
#10000. I am really interested in getting in to amateur radio, and you do a great job of explaining things in a way that entry level folks can understand. Keep up the great work and thanks!
That's wonderful to hear especially since this topic can be a bit intimating. Personally, I had a hard time getting into the hobby and nearly quit two years ago. I spent the first two years not making a single contact. I believe my entire ham journey has been fully documented after that first contact a little over two years ago. Take care.
#10000 Outstanding job on the 10,000 subscribers. Keep up the great work. I look forward to every video you make. You have made some headway that other creators haven't done with the communications videos. I have watched every video, including all the prepping videos when the channel first started. 73. Stay safe and healthy.
#10000. I 2nd another viewer who said, “I appreciate your focus on practical, targeted comms.” Also, your tweet saying “The Kenwood D710 works great with the DigiRig Mobile” helped me tremendously since I already had the digirig and had just acquired a D710. They do work great together.
This makes me happy. That's a great combo. I am running that combo in the Jeep. The D710 has been there for awhile, but the digital capability is new. I need to make a video. Thanks for the reminder.
#10000 Congrats! My Philosophy of Use for my Radio comms is for Emergency and SHTF scenarios. I have been a Prepper for over 10 years and finally got my Ham Tech License! I love the Caatail videos so much that I ordered two for both plate carriers for my wife and I. Keep them awesome vids coming! 73's.
Glad to hear it. Our group is also having serious momentum. We are learning a lot. We've had two more exercises this week from our respective home QTH's. 41 miles point-to-point NBEMS on 2m simplex! Good luck with your group. Let me know how it goes with your group.
#10000 Well done! Thanks for sharing your journey and tips. This is what radio is all about for me. Real world use and not so much shooting the breeze. Love the Yeasu stuff! Looking to build my man pack and yours are some of my favorite designs.
#10000 you've been a HUGE inspiration on my comms journey! I'm a rural paramedic and rescue squad tech, your videos have influenced a lot of my personal and work comms. Thanks for all you do! Keep it up!
#10000 congrats on 10000! I’ve been seeing your stuff on Instagram for a while. I like what you’re doing with digital emcomm and the man pack. Looking forward to more!
#10000 definitely enjoy your content. I’m part of our county volunteer Search and Rescue team. I was wondering if your public service activities ever overlapped with it? If so, might be a small group of us but would be interested to hear how your group has implemented radio.
WARNING: Some ass clown created a fake user with my profile image and replied to everyone when I first posted this video. Do not respond to them. I banned their account. I will let you know in the next video if I need anything from the actual winner. Be safe. I wish I could run scammers over with my Jeep.
That happens on many channels with "giveaway" in the title.
those bastages are everywhere
Hey, i just wanted to say congrats and that youre awesome and that you`ve totally earned it keep going! I wish you all the best.
The “text me on telegram” was an instant red flag. The real tech prepper would have asked us to run 6 miles from our QTH and send a Winlink message. 🤣
The spam has gotten really bad. Another small channel I watch gets the crypto spam now. But, YT has their priorities like the dislike button.
Congratulations on #10000 ! The channel has definitely come a long way and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Thank you, Aaron. The production quality is crap (i.e. the lighting), so I decided to just let the content speak for itself and share the experiences and experiments with you and the viewers in RUclips land in. Cheers.
I'm new, less than 2 weeks. Checking out gears and trying to learn from the sea of information out there. Thank you for telling like it is. I like your approach and no hype style. Congrats on the #10000!
Welcome to channel, Dani. Glad you like the format and style of the channel. It makes producing these videos easy if I'm just myself and sharing my honest experiences in plain English. Good luck!
Congrats on 10K! I got my license three months ago and have watched most of your videos. So much to learn. Thanks! I look forward to future videos.
Thanks! I really appreciate the support. Saturday morning is the next video drop. Manpacks in the field!
Congratulations on #10000 subscribers!
I love the fact that you don't just concentrate on HF, which would automatically leave Techs with very few options. More progress needs to be made within the EmComm community for local and semi-local setups that allow all ham license holders equal access during an emergency; and I'm glad you are running with this in mind.
Glad to hear it. If something goes sideways, your likely to have the most success with your local community's support.
Don't forget that it's a global audience and other countries allow entry level license holders onto some HF bands.
Congratulations on #10000 ! Thanks for the videos! Looking forward to many more!
Thanks so much!
Good morning everyone
The man pack video series idea is awesome. Seeing the performance of components saves us the time energy and cost...of trying it out for ourselves. Honestly I know I will be looking to copy a bag you showcase. Will your prototype bags be for sale? Some of us may be interested in a preorder...maybe that helps raise the capital to go to production?
Yes, it will be available for sale. I will be doing a limited run of 50 units if I am able to find a bag company that I can work with. If it sells, I will do subsequent runs. I plan to do a pre-order in the second run. Thanks for the interest.
#10000 is a great achievement. Congrats, Keep up your grind!
Life is all about the grind. Cheers!
#10000 !!! I really appreciate the practical demonstrations and reviews based on actual usage and experience. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Keep up the great work with these inspiring and helpful videos. Take care!
Thanks for the feedback. No un-boxing videos here (for the most part). I really enjoy using the gear in the real-world and then sharing the experiences. There's a good evolution of the gear for those who have followed along from the beginning. I appreciate the support.
Amazing! So glad you've hit the 10000. Keep up what your doing. It seems to be working.
Thank you. It's humbling. This was not my intent. I just wanted to talk about some preps during COVID and then document a month's worth of "radio" videos as I jumped into comms. Two years later...and the communications exploration has not stopped. Cheers.
Congrats on #10000 ...I do like your videos on manpacks and travel packs as well as your recommendations on specific radios. Thanks.
Congrats on the 10k. I'll let the others have shot at the radio. Keep up with the great content.
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate you in particular stoping by. 73's
Congrats on the #10000. Really seems like a very solid nice radio. Enjoy your camping and outdoor videos keep up that great work man it pays off. 73
More camping vids coming. I've been wanting to do a water expedition as well as bivouac video for a while. Stay tuned.
Congratulations on the #10000 subscribers!! Enjoy watching the info and videos you make, is something I should focus on. Have fun and be safe
Thank you, Dennis. The giveaway is a couple of hours away. Good luck! I am editing the final video.
Congrats on the #10000 subs! My VX-6R arrived yesterday- thanks for all the great videos!
You're welcome. Thank you for being a long time supporter. I hope you like your VX-6R. I am selling some gear to finance a third unit. 73's
recently got into comms and your channel has been great at bringing different topics to light. congratz on #10000
Awesome! Thank you!
Congrats on #10000 subs! What I like about your channel is that you explain things easily enough for the average person to understand
Thanks for the feedback. I think in terms of simple steps and organize everything in lists. There's no need to make radio more difficult than it needs to be. Cheers and thanks again for the support.
Congratulations #10000 subscribers. I enjoy watching your HT antenna testing and your focus on emergency communications.
Thanks for the feedback and support.
Congrats on #10000 -- I've really enjoyed the manpack and UHF/VHF digital content on the channel. I haven't done DMR, but I'm looking forward to learning from your experience with in in the next year.
Sounds good. Let's learn DMR together next year. This channel is all about learning and sharing experiences along the way.
I'll be waiting for the manpack video!
I'm hoping to learn more how I can make my everyday carry plan a lot better
I have you covered. Thanks!
Well done Gaston and congratulations on the 10K ! Keep up the great work ! #10000
Thanks, Bill. Will do.
Congratulations on the milestone! Also I have the Yaesu VX-6r for my encoms & your series on it was great!!
I appreciate the support and feedback. You guys are a great bunch of viewers. Glad to have you follow along as I muddle way through my journey in real-world communications.
I have orderd that same radio this morning lol Congrats with the #10000 man! have a great day!
Very good. I failed to mention a few things. It can technically transmit on FRS/GMRS/MURS even if it is not allowed by the FCC. You get FM broadcast radio, too. Enjoy your radio. Who knows, you may get a second along with a box of goodies.
@@TheTechPrepper Over here we have PMR 446 and indeed also works on those bands. It is a great radio from what I hear, Waterproof and no touchscreen that can break, always scared that if the screen goes you can't operate all the functions, to fragile for me. Thanks for the reaction, may your luckiest sub win!
Congrats on #10000 subs! I appreciate your focus on practical, targeted comms. Keep up the hard work, and you’ll reach your goal of doing this full-time.
Thanks so much!
Congratulations on milestone #100000 Gaston! What an accomplishment you have achieved. I have been following your journey on your projects and how the channel has become what it is today. I appreciate all the content you have published for the Ham Radio Community. 73
Thanks for being a long time supporter, Randy. I could not have done it with out you.
Congrats on 10k! (Won't enter the drawing, but really appreciate your content. It's changed the way I do things in ham radio.)
Thanks, Dennis. Glad to hear that my whacky experiments and training are rubbing off on you. I love it when you stop by. This may be the first video where I can't respond to everyone, so I am glad I found yours among the pack. Take care, my friend.
Gaston, it's really difficult to narrow down one specific area of you channel that is the best. I ran across your channel after a search for digital modes for FM, after that I started watching more and more videos of yours. Your early videos on EmComm Tools really hit home, I have had a similar idea since getting licensed but my programming skills stops at Java and Virtual Basic. LOL I can't leave out the Manpacks either. That is another area that makes an older guy like me, all giddy like a kid with his first walkie talkie set. HAHA Aside from the obvious benefits of Manpacks that you've stated in this video, they also fit the bill for portable satellite operations. While on a tight budget, some of us can't afford to have a separate rig for sat ops, a mounted mobile in a vehicle, one in the shack or one for SHTF scenarios. So the Manpack fits the bill for me, I can throw it in a vehicle, use it mobile as I travel to a location to work a few sat passes, then when all the fun is over I can have it in my shack as a multi-use rig.
All in all, I'll say your channel delves into all areas that interests me and fits my current needs.
A comment you made I couldn't agree more with is the fact that current digital modes are harder than they should be. I have years of experience in the IT field and some of the digi modes and software interfaces are worse than some of Cisco's interfaces and "easier" software... It's really refreshing to see someone with the motivation to, as you said take a Steve Jobs approach to the digi modes.
Anyways, I myself and I'm sure many, many others appreciate what you are doing. You are a valuable asset to the ham community and a great example of what operators should be, not some old cranky Gladys Killjoy with a Secret Squirrel mentality.
Best of luck to you Gaston, keep up the great work and content. Also, I'm an email away if you ever need assistance. Mike/W5SKK
Mike, thank you for taking the time to write this. I love getting feedback like this. I really appreciate a supporting point of view around the fact that the digital integration is even challenging for people in tech industry. I am happy to help and make this stuff easier for the average Joe or ham. Cheers.
Congratulations for those #10000 subscribers! For sure more will come, if you keep the content and plans.
The digital stuff and also the part of making things easy and simple are important for me.
PS: When you have time try also VARA modem, I know that you are a Linux guy, but is working also there.
VARA FM is fast! I've tested a few times on my Windows 10 partition. I'll have to circle back to see the current state on Linux. I know that has moved for a bit. Cheers.
#10000 Congratulations Gaston! You bring a lot to the table! I enjoy the integration of preparedness and amateur radio. I too have been bogged down by work, I hope to get caught up on your videos soon. Thanks for all the hard work you put in! 73!
Rob, I almost missed you. My wife is pulling my away from the computer. It's tough to respond to everyone on this one. Don't work too hard and take some downtime for youself.
I enjoy your genuine content and perspective on comms. Specifically, I like your tools not toys approach. Glad to hear you will keep the channel going. Congratulations on #10000
Tools, not toys! You've been paying attention. ;-)
I went from DMR radios to being a Yaesu fan boy myself. Looking forward to seeing the manpack series. I've found the 5.11 flex cuff pouch is a perfect fit for inside a pack for the FT5D, FT3D and FT70DR for edc.
Congrats on breaking the #10000
Thanks. Cheers to another Yaesu fanboy.
Congratulations on #10000 subscribers my friend! Well done!
Thanks, Chris. This means a lot. We need 100 people like you for every troll that I get on the channel. Good luck! The giveaway and manpack video is coming up in a few hours.
Congrats on the #10000. I really like your sota and trail running videos.
Thanks. I need to get out more. Lately, it's been too many videos in the garage at 0400 due to time constraints. I hate it and would prefer to be outdoors running around or on top of a peak. A Mt Whitney SOTA activation is coming in October.
congrats on the #10000 subs. just found your channel. i like the practical use demonstrations you have done.
Welcome to the channel. Glad you enjoy the practice demos. Cheers!
Awesome radio. I am looking to get into digital radio myself. Wish me luck.
Good luck! Digital was frustrating for me at first. I literately said so on camera in earlier videos. It can be frustrating, but it will click eventually. Keep at it.
I really like that you present different ideas that throws a wrench into other ideas that I thought of. Definitely looking firward to your HF series. I don't want to be added to the give-away since other people are more needing of it, but just adding the #10000 to let you know I watched the video and greatly appreciate your content. Also enjoyed watching one of your older videos the other day and the Red Hat 5.2 distro box in the background as I remember having to buy it since we had really bad dial-up access when I was a teen.
Thanks, David. It's going to take some time to respond to everyone. I may not be able to do it on this video. Take care my friend. Keep training.
#10000 - Congrats on the 10K point. Shows you're catching some attention. Caught mine. Really appreciate your content and have started converting some of my units over for mobile. Really looking forward to your next 2 series.
Thanks, Jerry. Glad to hear it. I am really enjoying these focused series, too. I guess if it works for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, why not RUclips? 73 de KT1RUN
Love practical prepper comms.
No random contacts! Practical comms, yes.
The hd 1 is a amazing radio I use them
Congrats on #10000 subscribers!! Well deserved! I recently discovered your channel and I'm still going through old videos. Really looking forward to your manpack series , as I'm making a hunter pack for mountainous Scandinavian terrain. I hope you will compare Amp draw on those. I think low consumption compensates for weight and cost. less batteries and less solar panels and/or charge time.
The digital stuff confuses me a lot, and it'll be great to follow you getting into this field.
Keep on bringing the good stuff!
Welcome to channel. I am a believer in using the lowest power required to make the contact. It helps with current consumption, too. One of the things I look for in radios is the RX and TX current consumption. Some radios are better at it, but may fall short in other areas. For example, the FT-818ND has a higher current consumption over the Elecraft KX2. I prefer the FT-818 because it is more rugged and supports 2m/440. There will be a video on this topic at some point. Thanks.
#10000 so happy for you! Been following for a while. I think I found you just off of the RUclips recommendation. I love that I get to see a similar backyard to mine and really understand our capabilities out here! Hope to mee you soon at one of the local meets!
I recognize that handle! Man, your feed is great. Yes, DM on Instagram. Maybe the Thunderbird Hamfest early next year. Thanks for the support.
Awesome lacks and radio! Great seeing the channel grow. #10000
Thanks. The bags are a constant work in progress. Each build gets better. I appreciate your support.
Congrats on #10000 ! I enjoy you approach to field Radio and brining digital into field portable.
Glad to hear it. I'll announce the winner on the video next week. Please ignore the troll that responded earlier. I band them.
@@TheTechPrepper no worries. Keep doing great things.
@@TheTechPrepper ref the man pack bags... I have nothing.
Only thought is to reach out to Dave Canterbury and SRO. Best of luck, I'll support as I can. 73
#10000 Congratulations sir, well done and well deserved. You'll be at 20,000 before long. ☕😎👍
Oops... I forgot to leave a comment on the aspects of the channel I enjoy.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record. I really enjoy the Manpack approach and it's applications to PSE. The Emcomm Tools is something that I am interested in as well. A third an bonus thing is the prospect of DMR. A couple years ago a friend loaned me his HD1 and for a time I was a member of a group on DMR and that radio was fantastic. Keep up the great work/content
Thanks, Jose. I actually had to perform a search for "Jose" to ensure that I did not miss my dear friend. I don't think I'll be able to respond to everyone on this particular video, but I am reading all of them. I am honored to have a friend like you. It's rare these days to make these kinds of relationships online. 73's
Congrats
#10000 I am blessed to have found this channel few months ago. Always informative and look forward to what is coming up in the Pipeline. Keep up the great work Brother 👍
I am blessed to have viewers like yourself. You guys are a great bunch. I think you'll enjoy this new manpack series. I took a quick break from editing to check on the comments. We'll have that video along with the 10K winner in a couple of days. Thanks for the support.
#10000 looking forward to the Manpack setups. Started following because I first learned radio in the Army and like the blend of Ham and Tactical you do. Thank you for the info you put out to those willing to listen.
#10000 Your content is what got me into the hobby a couple months ago. I'm slowly following you down the rabbit hole.
Glad to hear it. This hobby is nothing but rabbit holes. Enjoy the ride! DMR is one of them. I have nt time for that rabbit hole yet, so one lucky winner can explore it.
#10000 you've been consistently putting great content out there. Always enjoy your videos! Thanks man!
I appreciate that!
Woo, congratulations!!
Thank you!
#10000 happy to have found this channel! I'm a new ham and I initially found you while researching the Chameleon CHA LEFS antenna (which I ended up buying) when I saw your review of it. Keep it up, I'm learning a lot from you and others on youtube, great community.
Welcome to the channel and hobby! Good timing on your part. The HF NVIS series is going to cover the CHA LEFS quite a bit.
#10000 Congratulations! Just recently found your channel and I'm excited to see what's to come!
Welcome to the party. More practical comms coming your way.
#10000 atta guy! Love the gear review videos and watching how your setups change as you learn and adapt to different seasons or needs! Keep it up!
Great point. People were surprised when I transitioned from the FT-60 to VX-6R. But it's part of the process of learning, growing and make adjustments to your gear. Even the manpacks have evolved. Good luck!
#10000 is awesome hopefully you'll hit 100000 soon! thanks for all the great content
I had to count the zeros again. Thanks for the support. I hope to get there, too. Cheers.
@@TheTechPrepper you'll get there bud, you're an inspiration and absolutely hardcore!
Big congrats on 10k subs! Cool radio being IP67 and DMR but better if someone in the US wins it due to shipping. Enjoying your channel, I'm all in for making stuff simpler in the field, I'm interested to learn what you're up to.👍🤓
#10000 Congratulations! Doesn't seem that long ago that there where only 300 subs. Your organized progression through the subject and pointing out the rabbit holes along the way is supper helpful to me at least, so thanks for your professionalism. The outtakes and quick self critiques usually get a chuckle out of me too.
Seems like yesterday we were at 300 subs. Thanks for being a long time viewer. If the outtakes make me chuckle during editing, I make it a point to include them. Take care.
#10000, dude you are knocking it out of the park on these videos. As for ideas? Keep up the digital comms info as well as the field work. Might want to consider a series on a lightweight digital hf setup that is still man portable.
Take care.
Thanks. I'll touch on light-weight HF digital in the upcoming manpack and NVIS HF series.I appreciate the support.
#10000. Just recently found your channel and I enjoy your explanation process of why you choose to keep or discard an item. Some channels just call something gold or crap with no explanation. Keep up the great content and thanks in advance for what is yet to come!
Welcome to the channel! I guess the difference is that we (the other channels) have different goals. I am actually trying to find the best gear for reliable communications in my area. It takes time and testing. Trust me, if used a lot of junk, too. Good luck.
#10000 congrats at 10,000 subs! I really appreciate how responsive you are with comments and instagram. I really like your field ops where you test your gear out in the elements, keep up the great work!
Thanks. This may be the first video where I can't respond to everyone unless I take a couple sick days. Good luck and thanks for the support.
Congrats on the #10000. Love your content.
You're welcome. I appreciate the support.
#10000
I just enjoy your attitude. I’ve been really enjoying following the whole process of emcomm tools and everything else you’ve shown. Congrats on 10k and good luck on many more subscribers! Maybe one day I’ll have something good enough to colab with!
Thanks for the being a long time supporter, Ben. Best of luck!
#10000 Congratulations on your milestone! I like the field/digital mode videos you have been doing. Keep up the great content!
Thank you. There will lots of digital sprinkled through most videos. It's a big focus until I get it fully dialed in with my group.
#10000, look forward to your Manpack series, have looked at all of them. Like your detailed real life reviews. Analog with digital capabilities appears they way to go in Manpack radios. Really like radios with dual watch being in Florida. Florida SARNET with 70 cm capabilities is a real asset. Thanks for the videos and data points.
Completely agree there. That's why I look for radios with a data point on the back. You can breath life into these older analog radios with a DigiRig. 73 de KT1RUN
#10000 Congrats on 10k subs. I have a hunch that it's not far to 20K ;) The thing I enjoy the most about your channel is the fact-based, NO HYPE approach to everything: reviews, tutorials, experiences, event-de-briefs... just great content.
You're too kind. Cheers to 20K. More good stuff coming.
#10000 just found your channel and its right up my alley. Great work.
Welcome to the party. You have 176 videos to catch up on. Good luck!
I just recently discovered your channel. It's awesome. I can't wait to see how it continues to develop. #10000
Welcome aboard! Lots of fun stuff coming.
#10000 Congrats on the 10K. always liked the videos you put out, especially around Emcomm tools. Catch you on the next one!
I'll have another EmComm Tools video out as soon as I can. Thanks!
KUDOS on 10k subs, and congrats to the winner!!! 73
Thank you!
#10000. I really enjoy the man pack series as well as the emcomm tools. Very intrigued with that. Keep the good content coming and congrats on the 10K
Thanks. The new version of EmComm Tools has some interesting features. I'll get a video out as quickly as I can.
#10000 Great job and keep up the awesome work! Definitely enjoy the digital comms and field work.
Will do and thanks for the support
#10000 Congrats on reaching 10K! So much great content over the years and love all the focus on the VX-6R. It was my first "quality" HT I bought about 4 years ago and the one I keep in my daily case. We have alot of 220 nearby and even at only 1.5w, it's a great little radio. Looking forward to the regional comms - we have a NVIS net here in the LA basin that I have been struggling to get good reliable communication from a small HOA cursed lot. Have had some success, but need to do something a little more permanent. Never had the desire to get a DMR specific radio, mostly cause I have 2 YSF HTs that can cross over to DMR with my MMDVM hotspot...then again that is on the hated internet... Cheers my friend - gonna go buy you a coffee!
Thanks for being a dedicated supporter of the channel, David. The VX-6R is a workhorse. Hopefully, Yaesu notices the up tick in sales and keeps it around for another 10 years. I am intrigued by your NVIS net. Is it voice or digital? I am trying to integrate VOACAP behind the scenes into EmComm Tools for simple HF predictions for stuff like this. Cheers, bud!
@@TheTechPrepper It's voice and we also include a former employee that moved to PHX, so we get the bounce from PHX to LA pretty well. Have to look at the diff between 75m and 40m NVIS - we have been moving back and forth which is normal - just find what works.
#10000: been watching for a while. Keep at it! Just heard josh give a shout out to you on the HRCC post cast today!
I'll keep it up. Thanks. Which video or podcast? Josh has so much content. Good luck!
10K is a good mile marker.
#10000 Congratulations on making it to this milestone. And as always, keep up the great work and thank you for the great content!
Thank you! Will do!
#1000 really enjoy the content, would like to see more on the DMR digital side, but I know that its coming. Keep up the great work!
Thanks. I'll pickup DMR next year. I just gave away my Ailunce HD1 for the 10K drawing. I'll buy another one next year. Cheers!
#10000 - Learning a great deal from you about NBEMS. Picked up a FTM-6000 and DigiRig (Thanks Denis!) as a result of your videos. Using them for mobile ARES support and for the use when RVing. Thanks for the great effort you put into your videos and keep up the good work!
Glad to hear it. The first manpack video is on the FTM-6000R. And, yes, the DigiRig will be covered. Also, Denis contacted me today. He is donating a DigiRig Mobile, so we will have two prizes next week. Good luck and thanks for the support!
#10000 I love the content. What keeps me coming back is the manpack field tests. Keep up the great work.👍🏻
Lots of that coming. If you search "ARMOLOQ" or "SOTA" you will find more than dozen of my manpack videos. Just go to my channel video page to search. Good luck!
#10000 Big Congrats. Your success is well deserved. I love your approach to Ham and Prep related topics. I have been able to setup some digi comms from your videos. I wish there was more digi activity in my area. Hopefully, I can encourage others in my area thru your videos
Glad to hear it. Sometimes I skip the low level details due to time constraints. I find it is important to demonstrate and talk about what is possible with some guidance and let the viewer take it from there. Well done on your progress.
#10000 congratulations, that’s a big milestone. I am super excited about the “manbag” series as I have been searching for that kind of set up. Will you be selling the bags?
Thanks for the support. I just finished the design session with a local bag maker to build the final prototype. Yes, they will be for sale, but it will be a very small batch 50 (10 for me, and 40 for the public) due to the cost. They're all being made with premium material and will be made in Arizona. They'll look they're going to be pricey. I'm going to announce the details in late September.
#10000 Congrats, been following you from early on. Thanks for the content and I enjoy your process for choosing gear. Please let me know if you decide to do preorders on the manpack bags.
Thanks for the long time support and sticking with the channel. There are tons of videos that fell short, so I'm glad you're still here.
#10000 Congrats on 10k! Following along with you and your progress into ham has pushed me into the hobby as well. Thanks and keep on trucking!
That's great. I am seeing the same feedback on many other comments. Enjoy the hobby and the rabbit holes. 73's
#10000 Congratulations on your achievement. Your videos show how radio comms can be tactical and practical. You are an inspiration to the radio and prepping communities.
Cheers to another prepper. Thanks!
Started getting into Ham radio as a pepper and your was the first channel that I have found that caters to that, practical comms in a field expedient way and loved the travelling video. I'd love to see more of how comms with your family/group. Getting to grips with my Boafeng as the super cheap option before I get my license and can transmit. Thanks for the content #10000
Glad to hear it. Thanks for the family/group comms video. I have a topic like that in the video backlog, so it will be covered at some point.
Congratulations!
Thanks for the support!
#10000
Congrats on 10,000 Gaston! Always enjoy your videos! Though I have been licensed since 2001 I am still learning and with that I say thank you! Keep the videos coming as well as the series of topics!
Glad to hear. I wish I started when you did. I feel way behind, but it's been a fun ride being on the air the last two plus years. Still learning with you. 73
#10000 You are doing good man keep on grinding. I really appreciate your vx6r videos and especially the antenna tests. You compare the range of different antennas on an actual map to get a visual representation, which helps us all make more informed purchases. Excited to see you transition to DMR next year. Also I LOVE saying the r word but try to stay monetized, this channel will be big.
What's the "r" word? Glad you enjoyed the VX-6R series. That's a great radio that seems to be overlooked because of its age. I'll do an accessory video at the end of the year as I'm still figuring out accessories.
@@TheTechPrepper the r word as in retarded. With how retarded youtube moderation is nowadays i wouldn't even be surprised if that word is picked up by the algorithm and affects the reach of the videos.
#10000 love how easy is it to understand. Being new it’s harder to learn when everything is over complicated. Appreciate it!!
There's no reason for this stuff to be explained in away that requires an advanced degree. Glad to hear my simple approach is working.
#10000. I am really interested in getting in to amateur radio, and you do a great job of explaining things in a way that entry level folks can understand. Keep up the great work and thanks!
That's wonderful to hear especially since this topic can be a bit intimating. Personally, I had a hard time getting into the hobby and nearly quit two years ago. I spent the first two years not making a single contact. I believe my entire ham journey has been fully documented after that first contact a little over two years ago. Take care.
#10000 Outstanding job on the 10,000 subscribers. Keep up the great work. I look forward to every video you make. You have made some headway that other creators haven't done with the communications videos. I have watched every video, including all the prepping videos when the channel first started. 73. Stay safe and healthy.
Wow, that is high praise, William. That's 179 videos. Glad you enjoy them. I know they're not all winners. Take care.
#10000. I 2nd another viewer who said, “I appreciate your focus on practical, targeted comms.” Also, your tweet saying “The Kenwood D710 works great with the DigiRig Mobile” helped me tremendously since I already had the digirig and had just acquired a D710. They do work great together.
This makes me happy. That's a great combo. I am running that combo in the Jeep. The D710 has been there for awhile, but the digital capability is new. I need to make a video. Thanks for the reminder.
#10000 Congrats! My Philosophy of Use for my Radio comms is for Emergency and SHTF scenarios. I have been a Prepper for over 10 years and finally got my Ham Tech License! I love the Caatail videos so much that I ordered two for both plate carriers for my wife and I. Keep them awesome vids coming! 73's.
Congrats on your license. Now you can train when times are good. Well done!
#10000 always enjoy learning more about the hobby. Congratulations on your growing channel.
Thank you very much!
Congratulations Gaston! I love the digital messaging you are doing! So much that our local group is now looking into it for our events we do.
#10000
Glad to hear it. Our group is also having serious momentum. We are learning a lot. We've had two more exercises this week from our respective home QTH's. 41 miles point-to-point NBEMS on 2m simplex! Good luck with your group. Let me know how it goes with your group.
#10000 Well done! Thanks for sharing your journey and tips. This is what radio is all about for me. Real world use and not so much shooting the breeze. Love the Yeasu stuff! Looking to build my man pack and yours are some of my favorite designs.
Glad to hear this, Kurtis. What you describe here is exactly what I set out to accomplish on the channel.
#10000 you've been a HUGE inspiration on my comms journey! I'm a rural paramedic and rescue squad tech, your videos have influenced a lot of my personal and work comms. Thanks for all you do! Keep it up!
You're very welcome. Glad to help.
#10000 I loved the HF manpack video, but digital emcomm is also really interesting for me. Congrats and keep it up!
DMR i'm in 73.Congratulations on #10000 subscribers!
I have you covered in 2023 on DMR. Good luck!
#10000 congrats on 10000! I’ve been seeing your stuff on Instagram for a while. I like what you’re doing with digital emcomm and the man pack. Looking forward to more!
Thanks for the support on both platforms!
#10000 definitely enjoy your content. I’m part of our county volunteer Search and Rescue team. I was wondering if your public service activities ever overlapped with it? If so, might be a small group of us but would be interested to hear how your group has implemented radio.
Not yet, but we work with EMS teams on all of our events. I'll have more insight next year as I plan to join the local SAR group.