1st HAM Radio Setup, and WHY DO HAM in 2024?

After years of being on the outskirts of HAM radio, I am finally a licensed Technician level radio operator and have my first complete HAM setup! Why did I get into this hobby, why should you consider it, and what is a good way to start? Let's check this out!
Here's my video about the antenna that I'm using: • The EASY and CHEAP HAM...
Link for radio and power supply bundle: www.ebay.com/itm/332790119522
Radio bench / box: www.ebay.com/itm/321747037291
More info about HAM radio in general: www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio
Baofeng UV-5RT handheld HAM radio: amzn.to/3CpUb8k
Into cars and airplanes? Subscribe, thumbs up, and share!
Heavy Metal Horizons T-Shirts: maxcarlisle.sellfy.store/p/he...

[@xavierayayaell546]

First video I've found that doesn't make the whole thing seem completely overwhelming - you are one chill dude, many thanks.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Glad it helped!

[@katt2002]

One of the reason these are still make sense is disaster preparedness. You know, in the modern world where everything is so convenient, people often take it for granted, but the fact is disaster can happen anytime, where cellphone services knocked out, internet, powerstations knocked out, gas line, fresh water, elevators, cash-less transaction services etc. During time like that, we have to 'back to the basics'.

[@insanemainstream3633]

Exactly why I am getting into this hobby. Once the north tower collapsed on 9/11, all cell phone coverage was lost which added to an already tragic situation.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Not really. There is no electricity during disasters that means no repeaters.

[@truhartwood3170]

A) Repeaters often have battery, solar, and/or generator backup. B) You don't need repeaters. You can communicate directly with people around the world using HF. C) Even if you aren't communicating directly via voice with people around the world, you can hit antennas hundreds of kilometres away that you can use for data, even text messaging people straight to their phone, or sending email, all with 10 Watts or less.

[@paulkelzer5038]

OUTSTANDING! I'm going to have a knee replacement this winter. I was wondering what to do during my recovery...Now I know...Study and PASS the Ham License test.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

There you go!

[@jsollowsphotography]

I used an MFJ 1622 Apartment Antenna for years when I was in an apartment. It covers 2m through 40m. I worked the world with this

[@dougsnova1]

I’ve been in ham/Cb radio since 1964. I’ve built HealthKit units as well as modern kits available today. The thing is radios will always work if all other communication goes down. During natural disaster’s it’s still the only form of communication working including today with what happened in Florida.

[@badxradxandy]

Taliban used ICOMs, it just works

[@benitopussolini544]

You ain't seen nothing yet.dystopian new world order approaching full speed!

[@martincvitkovich724]

I built the Heathkit GW-12 in 1964, Great times. I still have one along with a GW-22

[@jeromekaidor7254]

The attraction of ham radio is that it's unreliable. Huh? It's like going fishing. You never know who you might get. Absolute reliability - like the Internet - is boring.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Should I get a ham or cb radio for my car?

[@bobdillashaw4360]

For a better antenna I would recommend the Diamond x50, you can stick it in a flower pot, it’s about 5.5 feet, you can camouflage it with a phony vine or flowers and stick it on your balcony, if you don’t have a balcony just get it close to a window, it should get out far better than your mobile window antenna. Good luck, KG7VDN 🤘🏼

[@donnasmith1966]

I have a similar antenna for my cb radio but I mounted it to the wall beside my back door. Is it okay to put there with a wall behind it? I’m not getting good reception yet.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

@@donnasmith1966 cb works totally different than uhf or vhf, the antenna really needs to be outside, the higher the better,and what kind of antenna do you have exactly?

[@rpkett]

Excellent recommendation.

[@jonaszwojcik]

I use Diamond x50. Great antenna. Single item. No joints. Built like a tank. Set and forget. I also recommend.

[@Someoneishidingjdjsj]

Does it reach Moscow from Canada Montreal?

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I just got my Technician license. I’ve been watching your guitar channel for years. I really appreciate your review here.

[@elitespoon]

When the big winter storm hit in Texas a while back and the power kept going out, I was able to still use my radio (HT and battery backup desk unit) to listen/talk to other people in my area I didn't know and see what they knew. I still use it during thunderstorms because you'll find out what's headed your way before the news can tell you. It's also nice just to listen/talk to people you don't know. Can't do any of that with a cell phone.

[@alvinnorris6523]

This Video got you a new subscriber. I’ve been a ham since 1974 and a pilot since 1976. I probably wouldn’t have found you without this video. Thanks

[@sharonjuniorchess]

My advice is to join a local Amateur radio club if there is one near you. They will run their own nets which you can participate in as well as encouraging you to try and reach further afield using different frequencies & modes. Whilst a Baufeng is a great starting point and entry into the hobby now there are other modes you can try & explore in VHF but the real area to get into has to be the HF bands as these go far beyond your local area. You dont have to buy all your kit brand new. I get a lot of my kit second hand from Rallies or other hams.

[@LickeyWebster]

Thanks for this making this video. I've been curious about the subject for quite a few years, and this was very informative!

[@angusmcsweeney3618]

You're like the version of me I wish I could have attained! Organized as anything, fit, pilot, awesome at guitar, and extremely level-headed.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Wow, thanks!

[@SilverSeleucid]

@@HeavyMetalHorizons any tips to become as awesome as you?

[@robertchunt]

I just got into ham radio a couple of months ago and it’s been a blast man. Thank you for the info. 73 and have a good one!

[@quagmyer7230]

Getting into ham radio as well, disaster preparation is a most. Besides, it’s a cool hobby.

[@arconeagain]

I like your story about how you got into ham radio. Once there's an interest in radio, it never goes away. I'm a CBer, and a bit of a funny story, my friends bought me a UV-5R for some radio favours I did for them. I loved that thing, listening to the cops etc. One morning I drove off for work at around 6am, and 200m down the road took the first turn and heard a sliding sound on the roof. I knew it wasn't a coffee cup, I very quickly realised I'd left the radio on the roof of the car the previous night because I was using the light to help with firewood. I didn't have time to stop so looked for it after work. I eventually found what may be it on the side of the road. It was very flat and large, and when I turned it over, all that was distinguishable was a sought of over sized speaker. It looked like something out of a cartoon. Turns out it was run over about a 100 times by potato tractors, I lived high up in potato country (awesome for DX) and it was harvest time.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

My condolences for your loss!

[@Dingdongwitchisdead]

I had an anytone come off the Truck rolling down the highway at 75 mph. Thought it would be in a thousand pieces. Not only did it survive, it was in one piece with only a few scratches in the plastic. I feel like the purchase was worth it it now lol.

[@granitebuilt5836]

Welcome to ham radio! I have watched some of your guitar review videos and found them very interesting. Good luck in getting your general license. I have been having a lot of fun on the hf bands and, although fairly new to hf, have been able to make contacts with several foreign countries.

[@jagpie3736]

Please please please make more radio videos. As an absolute starter, I had no idea if I was even ready for the hobby. You did a great job not just explaining some of the basics, but explaining what radio can offer.

[@denelson83]

The real ham action is on HF. If you have not already, go for your General ticket.

[@lisocampos8080]

Great video. Radio is a great tool and you did an awesome job showing it to people.

[@93greenstrat]

I'm from the guitar channel and I am also a railfan. I use a Baofeng GT3 primary as a railroad scanner and it works pretty good considering how cheap it is.

[@N0SSC]

Cool to hear your perspective and upbringing into such a niche hobby (especially when you clearly have a thousand other hobbies going on!). I do work with youth advocacy and getting more people into ham radio, so it’s excellent to hear your story. We’re still doing it! A Lot! Hope to hear you on the air! 73 😊

[@user-lw5fm2xc3w]

Sad HAM

[@seanstookesberry5224]

🐴88’s

[@seanstookesberry5224]

@@user-lw5fm2xc3w 🐎

[@shawndouglass2939]

I know you from Guitar Max Didn't know you were a ham, I'm just getting started in the hobby

[@ernieb3626]

Taking a peek over from the guitar channel again and glad I did. This type of hobby reminds me of what I read on a Harley Davidson shirt one time. It read “if I have to explain it you wouldn’t understand “. I find it very intriguing. Thanks for sharing this and keep us posted On your progress. Thanks as always Max

[@Peter-dd3br]

For those who are just starting out, the stock antennas that come with cheap handheld radios aren't very good, so if your goal is to tune in to the local ham scene, a better antenna is a must, and the basic rule is longer is better. A good choice is the RH-770, a 36" telescopic dual band, but my favorite is about 50" long (130cm) telescopic VHF, I'd give you a model number but it doesn't have one. The pair cost less than $20 on Ali. They're way too long to pack around, but as a base station they're perfect. One other tip, it's good to have more than one handheld so you can lend them to your friends in the event you want to use radios, but it's also the best way to scan popular frequencies. Scanners tend to miss the start of a transmission because they're flicking through channels, but each radio can listen to 2 channels simultaneously, so if you have 3 radios that's 6 channels you can monitor with no delay.

[@SuperWillie0]

Just got callsign this last week. Looking forward to exploring hobby.

[@keithflesser1533]

Nice video mate, amateur radio has so many aspect's to it and is referred to as a million hobbies in one. This is a great video from someone who is new to the hobby as just venturing into it with a realistic approach. Once you have gained your license you will find what aspect of the hobby is a good fit for yourself and situation, just remember to take it slow and enjoy it.

[@bobmac2610]

Great video! Thanks for your enthusiasm on amateur radio. I JUST got my technician license and am trying to learn everything I can as I begin this interesting journey. Appreciate your insights.

[@tornadoaftermath]

Wait wait wait.... Guitar Max is a HAM?? Dude you're officially one of the coolest KZbinrs out there in my opinion.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thank you! KN6VNE.

[@shawndouglass2939]

It's news to me also, I've been watching him for quite some time on guitar Max and never knew about his being a ham😊

[@dabprod]

The box is a great idea. I think four small swivel wheels would be nice for my situation so I could roll it out from its place on the back left corner of my large desk when I want to operate. Nice video.

[@ColeDedhand]

A great option for a scanner would be a SDR (software defined radio).

[@isprishniinofinada5219]

Thank you and nice meeting you 🖖🇵🇭

[@forzacruza209]

Thanks for a fantastic video. It's a real insight into the hobby that I have just started to be interested in. I have just ordered my first radio a Baofeng UV-9R Pro. Who knows I may be talking to you one day on the radio. Thanks again for sharing your experience of the hobby.

[@RenatoBellucci]

Great presentation to get people enthusiastic about this great hobby/service! 👍🏻

[@ppipowerclass]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I have had UV5R's for a few years, and I didn't want to spend a ton of money to step it up. Thank you!!

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

You're very welcome!

[@ChoralSea]

Enjoyed you conversation and journey. I am Disabled Vet and an old ham...have lost my ham head and returning to the air...have lost my cognition to some degree. So your self explanation and history is refreshing my knowledge base. Thanks for being there. 73, John KH3AE😊

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thank you! And welcome back.

[@n1zw]

I have been enjoying all videos mostly on the guitars for decent prices and such. I have been a ham since 1997 and my first call was my novice KB1CGG once I made an extra class I chose a vanity of N1ZW and I have been happy with N1ZW. I still love playing guitar but it's hard to practice without one. Radio gave me a chance to communicate all over the world and I operate mostly on digital modes with low power 1 to 5 watts and maybe a little more if needed. Have fun making contacts over bands.

[@forgemientka3820]

Man this video is awesome!! Thank you!

[@eriklambert3809]

Awesome! I have been looking into this lately.

[@Nemo-un5rr]

Excellent video. This is the first video that I watched on your channel.

[@bengilbert9211]

Perfect video for someone looking to get into the hobby. Thanks for putting it together. Ben in UK

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pd1jdw630]

Antenna wise. There are a lot of options. MFJ makes an antenna “mfj 1625” that for HF to 6meters frequencies. Ore if you’re not transmitting on HF maybe buy ore build a PA0RDT mini whip antenna? Depends on where in the building you are. Cause this little antenna works awesome. As long you can get it away from noise sources. Cause this little thing is very sensitive in picking up signals. But since you’re on vhf and uhf. I’d probably go for a multiband “yagi” antenna. Cause it’s directional. And the building is blocking most of the signals from one side anyways. You could hang a delta loop around the ceiling. But the beauty of this hobby is. You can build you own and experiment with different antennas. As long as you can keep the swr down. And thus build your antenna to the frequency you like ore want to use. Have fun!

[@johnburris3395]

That's all pretty cool in the 70s and early '80s the soul fellow that live down the road from me when I was a kid gave me a ham radio it was a receiver. Used to listen to places all over the world. Then I got a little older and I got into CB radio and sideband radio which are pretty much getting ready to go out with the time in the middle of the '80s came. They're not regulated at all anymore knowledge. Bring back a lot of memories. Very cool Max. I love your guitar Channel too and I'll watch your wife's Channel too

[@LEXPIX]

Good stuff. Love the integrated box holding all the various radios.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thanks! It has worked out great.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Great video. Also, my Baofeng UVR is tough as nails. It has been used and abused over the years - including frozen - and it works perfectly. Today I carry it while hiking. I just replaced the stock antenna with a better one.

[@Visitor2Earth]

Welcome to ham radio! I was first licensed at age 16, and never looked back! de W5JN

[@ralphbailey736]

Great history thanks for sharing..I first caught on to ham radio listening to a scanner..got my license back in 92 thanks for putting out the video.... 73's N7ZXG

[@fredr7217]

Me. It was the 70s. My dad was a technician who was a projectionist at the cinema. He was building circuits and fixing radios and tvs and vacuum cleaners 😂 He gave me my old SW radio and ran a wire with insulators. Listened around the world and he gave my stuff to build speaker systems and radio transmitters. Built a station FM station! Blasted Boston and Styx.

[@judyt.3228]

Thanks, really enjoyed this video!!!!

[@peterkunka2694]

HAM radio friend here. I started with scanners, then CB's, then took the test and got licensed. I use the hobby everyday, talking simplex while driving in Phoenix, and on camping trips through repeaters (another hobby). My radio is an Icom-5100 which I use in my Jeep while driving. Since Icom has digital mode, I also have an Icom-51A HT radio that I use at home connected to an OpenSpot to talk around the world on D-star. All with the Technician license. My longest contact was with a gentleman 8K miles away in Indonesia. I live in a HOA community, so I can't really put up big towers and antennas... I chose to go with the Openspot and D-star for worldwide comms. Anyway, even with the Icom ID-5100 in my Jeep (or the ID-51A HT), I can monitor frequencies outside the HAM band on the B-side of the radio (examples being; police, fire, forest service, aviation, etc....) Super cool hobby if you're into hearing what's on the radio waves, and interested to see how far you can talk to other people around the globe. Sidenote: If you want to start with no money for a radio, get your license, then use Echolink on your phone to talk to repeaters. Options are endless and such a great hobby to get involved in, especially when outside cellphone reception and range. Cheers! Pete - KI7LIL

[@Johnyrocket70]

I live in a condo. I use a telescopic antenna on the balcony for 6 meters to 20meters. 40 meters with the coil. I use N9tax slim Jim antenna for uhf vhf hanging from anywhere from the balcony to my blinds. I have a small three element yagi mounted on a 6' wooded coat rack pointing at the mountains with the repeaters on.

[@dudehuh5491]

i had a 2 m ant wrapped around my radio room the ceiling perimeter glad i found your radio/aviation ch already dig your music gear/guitar ch

[@JohnBassarcticsoundstudios]

Love your show. I have the little Baofeng, worth every penny. Its built like a tank.

[@ernieb3626]

Taking another peek from the guitar channel And glad I did. I always think of this type of hobby is being similar to a Harley Davidson shirt I saw one time. It Read “if I have to explain that you just wouldn’t understand “. Keep us posted how it goes Max. Very cool

[@clivedavies3]

Good luck with your intrest in ham radio I love it I've been into radio since I was 13 also guitars from before them I'm subscribed to your guitar channel which is very informative. I also have a collection of guitars so im always bouncing between my radios and playing my guitars, keep up the good work I look forward to one day catching you on hf. An idea for an antenna might be a mag loop placed by a window. Best regards.

[@lindsayhengehold5341]

Love these!

[@dl4qb-andre938]

Very Cool!! HAM Radio has SOOO many options!!

[@IFoundMyUsername]

Your smile when hearing the radio is priceless.

[@Ripper13F1V]

Holy crap, I've been watching you for a minute on the guitar channel, ha. Sitting down with coffee to watch this, this should be interesting. AND I just got both my Technician and General, took them back to back. Now starting to look for a radio, after setting up the antenna and grounding this year. ETA: whoa, I have private SEL too. We're eating from the same trough for sure.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Another baofeng model people can start out with is the GT3TP. It’s also an 8 watt model and is able to pick up a weaker signal than the UV5R’s.

[@chrismosquad1056]

Dude, I just got into ham radio this year, too. - 73, KC3UIJ

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

Great video ! W4ZTX North Alabama when we have new hams get their license we give them a Baofeng. I think they actually gave me two one when I got tech and one when I got my general. I keep one in our storm shelter and I have one set up like you do with an external antenna.

[@Roddy1965]

Great video! Love the style and approach.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thanks so much!

[@miata350]

Good video, you showed pretty much what I wanted to see.

[@davidlateano9684]

Great video!

[@vironpayne3405]

I really like what Keith said below, "Amateur radio is a million hobbies in one." Today, amateur radio has been heavily integrated with standalone computers and the Internet at various levels for various purposes. I do identify with as a condo dweller. Fortunately I was able to put up some small outdoor antennas. You also have "the one that must be obeyed" giving you guidance. With that in mind two easy inexpensive to build or buy antennas are the twin-lead j-pole and twin-lead Slim Jim. To the casual observer they often look the same, but they are slightly different electrically. These are easy to roll-up and store or hang-up to use. Two other antennas to consider that I believe are only "roll your own" in the amateur world are "patch antennas" and "fractal antennas." They are found in commercial aircraft and cellphone industries. If you remember from your exam antennas length or size is based upon length, typically 1/2wl for dipoles and 1/4wl for monopole vertical groundplane antennas. Those formulas whether English or metric work great for thin radiating elements, but they are technical based on the wrong physics principle. Antennas resonate not based upon frequency, but surface area of the radiating element. As a thought experiment rollup your window mounted antenna into a disk. You have mentally made your first patch antenna. Fractal shapes are infinitely repeating self similar patterns. The first use of fractal antennas is believed to be WWII when German resistance loaded the framework of stained glass windows in churches to conceal transmitter antennas. The upside of patch and fractal antennas is they tend to be somewhat broadbanded, which is ideal for cellphones that have to be able to operate on various frequencies according to the service provider's purchased frequency. The downside is they may not be the most efficient antenna, so the big boys apply a lot of simulation and testing to optimize antennas based on broadbandedness and efficiency. The last rabbit hole is small loop antennas of 1/4wl, 1/8wl, and 1/10wl. There are large loop antennas of 1/2wl and 1wl also. In an antennas you have three parameters of size, efficiency, and Q aka bandwidth. You chose two. You can have high efficiency and broad bandwidth with a large antenna. Small size, high efficiency with a narrow bandwidth antenna. Low efficiency, broad bandwidth with small size. All loop antennas have better noise rejection. 1/8wl and 1/10wl magnetic loop antennas have good near field noise rejections within about 1wl of the operating frequency due to primarily receiving only magnetic radiation in the near field. There is a lot of study to do and a NanoVNA in your future, if you are the cobbler experimenter.

[@gosteve1]

Thank you for all of the great info

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

You're very welcome!

[@Marlisio5150]

Love the axes behind you! I really want to get into Ham radio.

[@peternorthrup6274]

You did a great job.

[@Clark-a-holic]

Max, welcome to the ham radio hobby. I am a ham since 1982 and a ARRL Life Member. I watch your Guitar Max channel too. I play several instruments: guitar, banjo, mandolin. For an indoor antenna, I recommend the ELK 2m/70cm 5-element log periodic yagi mounted on 1" PVC pipe and installed on a 3-foot roof mount tripod placed on the floor in your room. The antenna can be rotated by hand as it is connected to the PVC pipe. I cut the PVC pipe at about 4ft in length to allow clearance from the top of the elements to the ceiling to avoid high SWR. The ELK 2m/440L5 antenna is a portable antenna with the elements screwing into the 2ft boom. I use about 10ft of LMR400 coax between my Yaesu FT7800 mobile rig and the antenna. I hope you find this useful. KN6VNE de N2DUI kn

[@sheateeley1]

Hey Max, I went to high school with you and just randomly stumbled across this video when casually looking into ham radio stuff. So unexpected, haha. Nice collection behind you btw. Good to see you’re still shredding. 😀

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Hey dude! Nice to hear from you. And thank you! Check out my main "Guitar MAX" channel if you haven't seen it already!

[@kalilay]

for 2m and 70 cm i recommend a jpole, you can buy them premade or make them yourself very inexpensively. they are easy to construct and produce great results

[@danperpall1996]

Nice job demonstrating that ham radio aspect.

[@vintagesimpilot2623]

Max, at 18:10, you gave the best reasons why anyone in this day in age would want to get into ham radio. No one has ever described it better.

[@peternorthrup6274]

Bought the same stool. Works great. I mounted a 12 panel fuse box on the side of mine. Cobra 129 and a 2000 watt inverter on the top. Radios underneath. That children's stool is perfect for my stuff. Have fun.

[@SeattlePioneer]

I got my Novice ticket circa 1969, and then rapidly went on to a General and Advanced class license. I still hold that license today, although you can't even GET a new Advanced class license! It was interesting to see how a recently licensed amateur might put a new station on the air. For me, I built a crystal controlled CW transmitter mostly made from an old television chassis parts. Never did get rid of all the chirp that had! Still it's kind of sad to see no homebrew equipment in your station. It's been about half a century since I got my ticket. Half a century before that, spark gap transmitters were just going out of style in favor of transmitters using the latest technology ---vacumm tubes that allowed continuous wave radio signals! It seems that the rate of technological advance in the past half century has probably accelerated even more rapidly. Thanks for the opportunity to see your station and choices as to the equipment to use.

[@cavdvr99]

Love the Box! The Diamond x50 or X30.

[@georgecook1374]

Great vid man.......... hopefully you peek the curiosity of some new people into the hobby. i am currently working at getting my technician license,

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thank you. Good luck!

[@jasonhughes1526]

I have seen everything in terms of Antenna from mag-mount dual band antenna on a pizza pan on the porch or on top of the fridge to what I did when living in an apartment: I pit a 4ft galvanized fence post just behind the bushes (Advantage that I was first floor apt) and put a Christmas Tree stand unstide down on the post, then I stuck a 5/8 wave dual band antenna. It worked great. It would be good to note that the bands you're talking about, 2m / 70cm really only need small antenna. A FULL WAVE 1m antenna is.. That's right.. 2m (6ft) Most people use 1/4 wave antenna's just fine (19") or some of the "High Gain" Base antenna's are still under 5ft. Something you didn't touch on is Range and Repeaters on 2m / 70 cm. 2m / 70cm are pretty short range frequencies anyway and are considered Line of Sight (yes, there's exceptions, Yes you CAN talk to the International Space Station on a simple Baofeng Handheld, etc) but commonly people use those bands to talk to a repeater that then rebroadcasts at higher power and better elevation to make "Your" signal go further. That kind of use is perfect for your QYT / TYT 8900. TRUE long distance comms come later when you get access to the HF frequencies ( a few of which you get at the Tech level, but...) , but then so does the antenna rea-estate. Never the less, VERY cool vid and it's awesome that you decided to cover it. Good luck as you porgress your license! 73

[@eduardootero2953]

First of all congratulations on getting your Ham license Max. I just subscribed to your Channel. I love everything about your channel. And this is a guy that has one hour flight time on a Cessna 172. I love everything Aviation, cars and ham radio. Just to mention a few. I also live in an apartment in NJ. What I'm using for VHF and UHF is a dual band Slim Jim antenna made by N9TAX. It's been working very well for me. Great video, keep them coming. Good luck with all your adventures and welcome amateur radio. God bless and all the best. 73 from KC2NGH. P.S. I originally posted this comment on the video you posted a day ago. Good luck and enjoy the hobby.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thanks very much Eduardo! Comments like yours inspire me to make more videos!

[@SaintJohnYT]

The Ebay box for the radios is a great idea. Some one turned me onto cutting boards, the plastic ones (high density polyethylene). They're like 5 bucks at walmart, got 4 of them, drilled them together, boom, decent bay-station.

[@senterpoint]

Been watching your guitar reviews and didn't know about this channel. What a surprise. You sir are a well rounded individual. I'm a Sub, 73

[@pd1jdw630]

Welcome to the Ham club! And be radio active. Hope to catch you on the air one day. 73

[@greg5929]

Dude. Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed your video, totally stumbled onto your channel. Fairly new ham also, about 3 years, really appreciate your honesty and genuine demeanor need more new hams like you joining the hobby. Hope to catch you on the local repeaters. Study up for your general and get into HF - you can be one of those long distance station some kid hears and get enthusiastic. Cheers and 73.

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Awesome, thank you! Yes, I definitely want to get my General. Any recommendations on an affordable HF rig?

[@greg5929]

@@HeavyMetalHorizons folks are all over the icon7300, I'm not a fan, BUT I 'bought up' and looked at it from the view of something I'd want for next 3+ years, I bought the yaedu Ft-DX10. And it is fantastic. It's 3rd on Sherwood report (google) the top two are expen$ive. I started with. Yaesu 100d - HF, UHF, VHF but isn't made anymore. But honestly the 991a, shack-in-the-box was my target, but DX10 hit the market. Not sure of the new Yaesu 710. But remember your best bet is check out a local group and see what they're running. (My schedule makes it tough to join). You can check out PAPA group in LA. They have a new ham net plus tech nets, weekly. You can listen in and get free access for a month or so. I got the HF bug real bad. Plus bands are opening big time.

[@wingrider1004]

I got my license last year (technicians) and just got my first HT. Programming it and learning the setup stuff has been tedious, but it's starting to gel. I have programmed some repeaters and frequencies in, but so far...not much happening. I have a GT UV 5R...the Baofeng is the Ham cocaine. Perfectly good to start with until you decide if you're in or nah.

[@Screamingtut]

I've been a Ham for 42 yrs got licensed in 1980 and was a Tech Plus until 1999 then Grandfathered in as a General when they dropped the 13 WPM code then Extra in 2002. I went to the FCC in NYC to take my General test I was a Novice and passed the General written test but failed the 13 WPM code by 1 question (missed the Guy's call).

[@robertkeller9828]

CW is more valid than ever. It gets thru when nothing else works. Did you go back and try the test again? You should learn and practice it.

[@VicB325]

Guitar Max! Good to see you on Ham Radio. Nice add to the channel! 73’s K4VDB

[@sandhill9313]

Great video, thanks!

[@frankbarrena7892]

Thanks!

[@AA0Z]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@zigzagfly1635]

Great video I learned a lot. I’m thinking of getting into ham radio and despite the fun factor ham radios I believe a critically important aspect of communication in case the grid goes down or a solar event. Knocks out cell towers, ham radio would be a good alternative in communication.

[@clarenceswope6706]

The antenna I would recommend for 2m440 is Arrow osj 146/440 For the 10m it is called firestick iba-5 yes it is a CB antenna but it works quite nicely because it has counterpoise I figured I would mention those two and fire stick is made in Phoenix n0spw

[@Hal891]

I just saw this. The Beofang is a great starter. I knew I was going to out grow it quick but also knew I'd have a radio collection. Also, the PAPA system there is great. I was also using DMR with them

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

I have a handful of other radios now and the Baofeng is not the worst of them for sure! And yes, the PAPA system here in CA is great! Thanks for you comments.

[@Johnyrocket70]

I would also recommend a Yaesu 991A its a shack in the box. They will even expand the frequency to include 11 meter CB band when you order it online for a small fee. It has UHF VHF & HF with all modes plus Yaesu system Fusion for online talk groups. A 100 watt radio with everything you need. Buy during a holiday sale. I talk all over the world on 10 meters to 20 using a telescopic whip on my balcony. 17' Stainless steel telescopic whips are under $100 for 10 meters it you only need it up around 8'

[@markmusicman]

Congrats Man!

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thanks!

[@clgoose1646]

Great video, very practical. Thanks

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregdelgado812]

Cool set up! Looking to get my ham license soon my self, tech ,and then general.. I already have all my radio equipment set up.. hf, gmrs, cb,vhf, uhf…and digital police scanners… good luck! From Diamond bar, California. Your neighbor

[@IncandescentDaD]

Love the reference to "Where Eagles Dare" ("Broadsword calling Danny Boy!").

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Hey Max. Love your guitar videos. Had no clue you became a Ham until a few days ago. You should try out doing Satellite contacts since you are a Technician. You can do it with a Dual Band HT and a Handheld Yagi. It would be a really cool video series for you to take on.

[@zenguitarankh]

Good info man thank you for this. A lot of videos out there assume you already know quite a bit and doesn't lay it out basic like you did here. I've had a UV5R+ for a while now but wondered if it was ok to plug in an external antenna that works with the window or front porch. Dig the Type O Negative colors for your rack and the E-1 FRS on the wall...I have the candy apple red version! 🤘

[@alcorbecky4704]

Great video, I am getting ready to retire and have been looking at ham as a hobby, you have shown me how I can approach it with out spending a boat load of money to find out if I’m going to enjoy it, thanks

[@HeavyMetalHorizons]

Thanks! Go for it.