2 Meter Ham Band, VHF 144Mhz, SSB/CW/FM/AM

[@raithjames860]

Just got my licence and I am learning more about ham radio via the web. Been on a lot of instructional sites, but frankly yours are to the point, informative and easy to digest. Thanks for that. Keep them coming.

[@jimbonanno5460]

How can a presentation like this get a thumbs down?. The gentleman is well-versed in the information he is providing and prepares it very well. You can actually tell his enthusiasm and enjoys teaching people. Kudos to the channel. The thumbs-up was provided and I am also subscribed.

[@вечная_мерзлота]

thumb downs are from violin musicians. maybe?

[@ChrisinOSMS]

I had this on full screen and had to push it to arms length because dude was in my personal space. That was the first time I had that reaction to a video. I minimize the screen and all good. Thanks for the content, new ham listening.

[@vonzigle]

Even as a seasoned ham (60 years), this video provided a lot of information on what can be done on 2 meters. Thanks! 😊

[@fineartonfire_5327]

I tested 2 weeks ago and received my license today. Imagine the fire hydrant I’m drinking info from. Lol. I don’t even know how to use my radio yet. Lol.

[@indridcold8433]

For me, I have been licensed since 1991. However, it was so I could carry a scanner in my vehicle, legally. It is only recently I got a transmitter. It is a Japanese banded Icom IC-7000. I just wanted to hear the HF band sideband activity. I did a modification to get the North American frequencies. It now receives from 1.6Mhz to 199.99Mhz. Then from 400Mhz to 470Mhz. It transmits 1.6Mhz to 30Mhz, then 50Mhz t 54Mhz, then 144Mhz to 145.99Mhz, then 430Mhz to 439.99Mhz. 2 meters and 70 centimeters are crippled and there is nothing I can do. However, the sideband segments are available. I just hear nobody on them because of my vertical antenna. I am told by amateur radio operators that I should still be able to communicate with the vertical antenna, just less efficiently. But nobody is there. 10 meters has given me a few contacts to Paraguay, with a very basic antenna. But the other bands, I either have no privileges, or there is nobody there. Maybe I should get a cheapie FM for the upper parts of 2 meters and 70 centimeters. T just seems nobody likes sideband on VHF and UHF.

[@slickjimmy76]

I love 2m/70cm because they are so versatile and easy to use. I once had a qso with a pilot 100 miles away at 15,000 ft going 380 mph on 520 simplex. I was using an Icom 2100 5 watts on a base station antenna, pilot was using FT 60R with a rubber duck.

[@VE9ASN]

As a total newb just beginning to study for basic this video is solid gold, thank you!.

[@heinzpilot]

I just passed my technician exam today! Whoohoo! Ready to learn sooo much more! Scott (KF0DRW)

[@wiltonsmith3397]

A very good video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Old guy here. Irksome to old ears to hear our language changing all the time. Old way was: “One four four point six five”. Now, the new way (apparently) is: “One four four dot six five”. It is a decimal point of a number, not a website. Thanks again. Sorry to grump out on you, but everything is changing in the world, and very little for the better.

[@randomgeneratedname1264]

When you have rolling valleys with mountains on all sides, 2 meter LOS with a cheapo measuring tape yagi can easily reach 100 miles or more. It's ideal for us nutcase preppers who want 100% assured coms with the family if needed, without the use of a repeater. 2 meter is fantastic.

[@fineartonfire_5327]

The same reason I got my license. I tested 2 weeks ago and just got my papers today. I still don’t know how to use my radio. But I got it for prep coms. Still trying to learn what I’m doing and what I need now.

[@carlperez2621]

What is LOS?

[@randomgeneratedname1264]

@@carlperez2621 line of sight

[@miker1473]

Good job covering so much info, quickly, Eric. Yes, there's alot you can do on 2 meters. BUT.....I wouldn't say that 2 meter SSB, CW weak signal is the obvious next step, UNLESS you happen to find an HF rig that has this band in it. Something like an iCom 746 Pro.....perfect rig for 2 mtrs, with it's 100 watt output. I still say HF is the next step that makes sense. VHF/UHF can get expensive really quick, for limited use. I've worked weak signal on a 1/4 wave ground plane, but, let's face it...serious horizontal beams, and amplifiers, are necessary to really get much out of it. There are some areas that have a decent amount of activity. But, that's not everywhere. Here, where I live, about the only time you hear anything on VHF/UHF, is during a contest.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Excellent series on the bands... Thanks Eric, you've helped me learn a lot over the years! I appreciate you

[@73175scott1]

Great video. I got my tech license10 years ago. Got super busy with life. So needless to say im getting back into it and it basically starting over again. Thank you

[@garychap8384]

I talk over 2 metres ... but on a good day my wife can can yell over 100 metres ; )

[@maytronix7201]

I cant believe we married the same woman..... or at least the same hormone 🤣🤣🤣

[@MykeNukem]

You win. Period. Internet wide. Win

[@mlr06121974]

I made a 4 element quad for 2 meters fm out of Lowe’s driveway markers and 1” pvc. Works excellent KE5MUG

[@edwardmanfredi121]

Just got my Tech license 2 weeks ago so this was a great video to watch. Haven't got my shack set up yet, but it's a "work in progress" right now. All your videos have been extremely helpful. Many thanks for your hard work !

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Who gives this kind of video a thumbs down already?? Sheesh..

[@toastrecon]

That one guy who hates the metric system and strangely refers to the 2m band as the 6.5ft band?

[@slickjimmy76]

Some grumpy a$$ who thinks HF is the only real band. I have run into a few " A tech talking on a 2 m repeater is not a real ham".........

[@joeddejohn]

HamRadioConcepts As a new ham this is really nice! Thank you.

[@giffjim55]

Haters gonna hate. Keep up the good work

[@lambdog76]

Somebody just looking for a reaction. You’re doing a great job, keep it up.

[@Avensur]

THANKS AGAIN ERIC FOR THE VAST KNOWLEDGE ON HAM RADIO. I LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN EVERY SESSION. AMD I'M A NEWBIE, WILL GET MY TECH LIC SOON IF ALL IS CLEAR AND THRILL TO GET IN 2 METERS. FOR NOW, I WLL USE MY BAOFENG UV-82 WHILE I'M BUILDING MY SKILLS AND LAYING OUT MY FUTURE STATION. THANKS MAN. THIS US ANIBAL, 73!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Excellent video ! I just got my Technician and General exams, KO4OAJ The test is only the tip of the iceberg. I have yet to even attempt to make contact. I can spend a long time, just becoming proficient on 2m !!!

[@stuarthall3874]

This has been such a great series of videos! Thank you. It has really helped me understand the different bands and built a vision for getting my license.

[@lokisullivan469]

I’ve hit repeater 47 miles away on a 5-watt Baofeng on 2m/70cm in the flatlands of Illinois (when the bands aren’t even open. With a base antenna (50’) and good conditions, i get 70-80 miles on 40-50 watts.

[@ojjenkins7110]

June 19 2010 I was on 6 and heard someone say that 2 was open so I went up there and it was. I had at that time 11 el Cushcraft A147-11 vertical and was using my IC-706MK2, 50 watts. What fun I had!!!!! I got all of 4 land but VA, KY, NC. I did also get MS! It was at 5pm and lasted for an hour or so. I am in Greeley CO where this kind of propagation is very rare. You never know when stuff like this will happen. Next year in July I got WA and was heard in OR one evening this time with my TS2000X. I have also worked Joplin MO on 432.1 all the above and this on ssb also 11 el Cushcraft for .7m.

[@xxfaction6xx]

Extremely useful series. Thanks

[@herbdyer4145]

I picked up a used Yaesu FT-897D from a local ham club member. Older radio, no C4FM, but does SSB on 2m. It's a transportable swiss army knife. Still figuring this ham thing out, Great video, thanks.

[@brianshanahan3878]

Dude, please keep up videos like this! I learn a ton from you and enjoy every minute of them! I need to see if you're on that paytreon or whatever and subscribe!

[@timberwolf7384]

I greatly appreciated this video! I am actually studying for my technician & general license and this video shined some light on alot of stuff for me. So, thank you for this video. 🤙🏼

[@singletona082]

Man. I remember having a club owned HTX202. I miss that thing.

[@sgtbrinny8982]

In the 90's, I used to talk 2 meter ssb to Amarillo, Tx from Seminole OK in the early mornings.

[@kd5you1]

The linear translators were used with satellites, but I noticed that our Texas 2 meter band plan uses those frequencies for repeater inputs. Not all band plans are the same, so your local frequency coordinators should have band plans available to download.

[@mikemiles3068]

Great presentation ‼️

[@MrBOB39]

Hey Thumbs up on your videos.. This band is not that bad a band to use.. Especially if you use some good gear.. Ofcourse how crazy you want to go or as limited as you want to go will give different results.. My 2 meter antennas are a Comet GP-9 Plus a Gulf Alpha 11 element ssb beam Even when using my Icom T90a handheld with hand mike into my GP-9 I easily reach my friend 40 miles away.. So when I use my 706 MKIIG with my 2 meter beam.. Well I get out easily 250 to 350 miles..( though on ssb I am sure my SM-20 desk Mike helps as well ) But then part of the equation is that for coax I am using 1 and 7/8 inch andrews heliex coax feedline to my antennas 65 to 75 ft away.. The hobby is what you make of it.. Over the years I have experimented and done things others swear can not be done... though if you experiment enough you know better...lol Great hobby.. Be it as a beginner or advanced ( whatever advanced may be...all depends I suppose )

[@elektroqtus]

Linear translator inputs is basically a local oscillator band translator for ssb operation primarily. 2 meters in 10 meters out. It was used in Oscars. Didn't have FM on Oscars back then. Doppler drift is very prominent. I've actually heard this thing downlink on 10. I want to play with ISS, satellite, EME and 160 meters.

[@duaneshuster6366]

2 M SSB does carry far real well some the old Kenwood Yeasu mobil's can be found at big hamfests or ic 706 & yeasu ft+857 will work. Great video

[@n6pud]

Love your videos.

[@GSGExtreme44]

Great video! Thanks for posting!

[@davep6977]

Coax works both ways. Loss is loss. On rx as well as tx., I use Andrew Heliax. It's worth it. There's a Chicago net on every Thursday on 144.220. I'm northern Indiana and talk to Wisconsin, Missouri Kentucky Michigan & Iowa on a 10 element horizontal (A148-10s) a 150 watts up 45 feet. But wth 150 watts out I get 135 at the antenna with 1/2 hardline. It's a lot of fun. Up there it's about efficiency. FYI I'm using a transverter for the place mentioned. It works fine paired with my Kenwood 570 which has a transverter mode in the menu so it may be on 28mhz but the display shows 144mhz

[@WoodyPhillips]

Thanks for the discount!

[@aaronedw77]

If I might offer a recommendation for coax is to use discarded 75 ohm Hardline from the cable company. I use a 12th wave Transformer at either end to match it to the antenna and the transmitter 50 ohm. You will find that 50 ohm coax has significantly more lost than 75 ohm and if you want to have the absolute least loss use 300 ohm twin lead but keep it at least 6 in away from any metal . We use 50 ohm because in the 1940s a research paper was done showing that 30 ohm coax can carry the most power and 75 has the least loss, So 50 ohm coax was the Compromise. Once I switch to 75 ohm and twin lead I never looked back. 73. AD0WQ

[@HamRadioConcepts]

But is that copper clad 75 ohm? Or sold copper? I have used this for many antennas, and even have the F to PL259 adapters.... I have endless 75 ohm coax at my disposal HI HI

[@aaronedw77]

HamRadioConcepts. The 3/4" 750 series Cu clad Al conductor comscope hard line has a 0.5 dB/100 ft loss at 150 Mhz and 1.18 dB at 500 Mhz. That is hard to beat for transmission line that you might even get for free. There are two tricks you can use to get around the mismatch, I personally use a 1/12 wave transformer at each end, or you can trim the coax to a multiple of 1/2 wave * the velocity factor at your chosen frequency. Plan a couple hrs to straighten and inspect the hardline, the cable guys are a bit rough with the scrap line sometimes. And as for power handling, I have heard legal limit is not a problem. I will test that once I finish my twin 3cx tube amp :-) 73.

[@wlgaddy]

KC3NOA Extra here. Great videos. Keep on keeping on.

[@billyjack5612]

Excellent video!

[@1fanger]

I have gotten plenty of contacts on 2 meters FM simplex. I have worked stations 40-50 miles away, from my driveway. The old canard of line of sight is bull. I live and work in the Endless Mts. region in PA. My club`s usual repeater is about 35 miles away and I can usually hit it with 5 watt handhelds. If you are in a sweet spot, you can work mobile units way away over mountain ranges as long as you have got the sweet spot. Propagation events also help as well. Looking forward to more of your videos. KC3BXZ

[@brianmead1952]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@Gilgamesh347]

Love your videos. You mentioned a series on the different bands? That sounds like a playlist candidate to me! :-)

[@smartypants5036]

Have not used Ham radio for years but I just found out about SDR and wonder if it is all worth another look. Cheers for your post Regards ZL2WBW.

[@MrCowboybud]

I am trying to get some friends of mine to get into 2M SSB and CW, I think it will be fun. I have four modern radios that have that capability. I also have a fifth radio, my late Father’s Yaesu FT 480 with a 45W amp. That is the radio I want to use the most.

[@beengone95]

Got my ticket on 9-24-19! KN4YMT

[@fineartonfire_5327]

I tested 2 weeks ago and mine came today!;-). KJ7KPF

[@oldwolf1928]

Congrats and welcome to the hobby! Dont get disappointed by the grouchs-

[@spaceshipdev]

Outstanding content and thoroughly appreciated.

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

I have a 10 element fm(vertical) in regular conditions with no propogation at with a range of 150 km (roughly 100 miles). 73 de ve1qet

[@99Victor]

I am having a hard time viewing your vid from 6yhrs ago. I would like to see a newer version (video wise). And Technology has advance as well. Thank-you, good info.

[@jjrardin]

newb question. sidebands, cw, 2 meter, 6 meter... is there a video for "I just got a ham radio, now what" lol (sort of)

[@JoeyGarcia]

Actually, yeah there is a video kinda like that. I think it's by Ham Radio 2.0 or maybe Ham Radio Crash Course. Look those up on KZbin. It talks about the first steps to do after getting your license.

[@davep6977]

Also, I have a stacked pair of horz. loops. freqtester on ebay has aquality product. Stacked they have 8db gain. We have a group around here. 2 to the west of me 1 northeast and 3 south all about 10-20 miles and a yagi with good side and back rejection is rough. Where the loops work perfect and they help hear stations that you might not be aimed at. 73

[@wisconsinoutdoorsman4782]

Thank you

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

WONDERFUL Video Eric! Dr. Jack Nilsson, N8NDL

[@BradSnyder1]

This was great information! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@shaneisaacs1350]

Great video, thank you

[@ParanormalBiker]

Sooo.. I was told as a new licensed tech I only had ssb privileges on that small portion of 10 m..? I wish there was a cheaper way to get on ssb as most rigs that will do it are out of my income range. But thanks for this info. I have been learning a lt from your vids.

[@ne2i]

back about 20 years ago 2 meters had lots of activity on ssb and fm simplex. There needs to be a resurgence!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Absolutely.. I'm working on it HAHA bring back AM

[@graywoulf]

Great and informative video. Since I am new to this I want to ask, what is the difference between SSB on a 2 meter radio and SSB on a CB radio?

[@HamRadioDX]

SSB on CB is generally down at 27MHz which is much lower in frequency than 2 meters (in VHF). 2 meters can be exciting though in band openings and distances over 1500 miles are possible

[@ve3tvb]

First time viewing your ch. very nice job thanx fer the info VE3TVB

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Make sure you subscribe.. Thanks for the comments. 73

[@barneymerrill3188]

What's the ICom model you were talking about for the 2m ssb work?🤔🎙👍

[@craigd1275]

I don't see a link to the transverse website

[@dalemyers5096]

I bought a spool of lmr clone ca600 and have an ic211. I could have a formidable station.

[@AJ-ri5ee]

New to the hobby, was wondering what coax is best for 2m in a mobile set up? Right now I have rg-58. Also where would I buy it, and would I want to hazard putting my own connectors on it? Thanks!

[@markmenz2287]

i was giving a ALINCO VHF FM DJ 196 i am new is it good it was free taking my test march 3

[@DD-gd3fr]

Great info thanks great vids👌

[@buick4013]

I do it on 11 meters everyday.

[@supercattelephone]

I can't seem to access the site at the bottom it keeps redirecting me to the main site.

[@michaelstora70]

I love this video series. I started with HF (apparently in the wrong order because I went 60 to 10m). Did you skip 6m or did it just not make your playlist?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

6 meters 50mhz "the magic band" is on there.

[@michaelstora70]

@HamRadioConcepts Found it earlier today by searching. Thanks.

[@dalemyers5096]

I have two 13b cushcraft beam antenas. But being disabled I can't install. The stroke took its toll.

[@fineartonfire_5327]

Where do ya stay at? Im in Tacoma wa. So if you’re close, I don’t mind lending a hand for an install. But I guess that’s a slim chance location.

[@761jasper]

Great vids and thanks

[@fmsocal2310]

Thanks for the video, what ht duel band around 200$

[@jay-rus4437]

What are the advantages of getting the General over the Tech if my goal is just for local communications with family, minor business use, and general emergency monitoring? Guess I should ask, are there any advantages that I might not know about? Just passed my tech exam 1 week ago, have a mobile installed in the truck, and now helping my son and wife prep for exam.

[@miker1473]

There aren't any, really. Unless you're serious about having communication in the event of a serious disaster, that wipes out communication. If this happens, you'll not have much to rely on, unless you have an off grid HF station. Also, I must add....you'll get in hot water pretty quick, using the ham bands for any type of business use, regardless of you thinking it's minor.

[@jay-rus4437]

Mike R .....ended up getting my General in July and my Extra in August. Guess I could clarify what I meant at the time about business use is that we own and operate a home renovations business. Both my wife and son also have a Tech license. So occasionally we will call one another and ask how far out they are from the site, or a call to let them know when I will be back etc. So I guess that isnt really “business” use as we are not discussing business nor using the radio to sell or promote the business. In fact, we never even discuss on the radio that it is business related. Just general communication really.

[@dalemyers5096]

There not enough hams working the am mode on all bands.

[@tomfoley1265]

Yeah, good video all up, but you definitely don't need LMR400 for a 2M fixed station if your cable run is less than about 50 feet. The losses are so minor you wont know the difference using RG8, or even RG 58.

[@revbikerbigd8664]

I just became a general, I have dual band Dr735t alinco. What coax and antenna should I use on my house for 2 meter and 70 center meter with this radio. I have it hooked up to a magnet mount antenna. I'm on a fixed income so cheapest best! Looking to do a out side roof mount on the side of the house now .Thanks

[@miker1473]

This is the best deal going, and it's all assembled. www.dxengineering.com/search/part-type/coaxial-cable-assemblies/product-line/dx-engineering-400max-pl-259-low-loss-50-ohm-coax-assemblies

[@flipping_for_funds]

Where r u located?

[@angelodepalma538]

Can you give the page where that table (at 5:47) can be found? Anything similar for HF bands?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

www.arrl.org/band-plan and scroll down

[@IIrandhandleII]

That mic is awfully close. Thanks for the video. Nice content.

[@vaclavvavra8359]

about nothing...I'm looking for SSB (CW) Hsnheld. For serious work I have Yaesu 847 and antennas system on tower. KD8MRK

[@slkgeothermal]

Do you take your antenna's down during hurricanes? Just wondering if your trusted your guy system & mast enough.

[@jgalicic]

Technicians also have nice HF privileges on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters ! Learn Morse code and have a blast working the world!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

jgalicic absolutely. I addressed that in all my other HF bands video series

[@rangersmith4652]

There is a clear lack of radios under 1200USD that can do 2m SSB. WHY?

[@roberthaughwout617]

I have a Pofung hand radio I use at work they use the Motorola hand radio sometime my radio sounds weak my step is set at 20 I can set the step on 2.5k, 5.0k , 6.25k, 10.k , 12.5k, 20k, 25.0k and 50k what is the best step settings for freq. 154.570 and the (R-Tone) - is set at 1000hz the other are 1450hz, 1750hz, 2100hz thank for any info. Robert

[@roberthaughwout617]

[e-mail]

[@porkyfedwell]

2 meters is a good social distance

[@davidaix5771]

Can I ask you guys a question I'm new not license yet working on it but can you on 2m use a repeater and talk to another repeater farther away since the repeater is going to give you more range can you use that repeater to talk to another repeater?

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

No. Why? To access any repeater you need a PL tone. The PL tone is sent from your transceiver when you access the repeater. In your scenario, you cannot add a PL tone to the output from the first repeater. So the second repeater will not pick it up. Further, local band plans will usually prevent frequencies of nearby repeaters from overlapping. PS: digital repeaters are a different story, they talk to each other via the internet. I know that’s not your question, but just threw it in. That will be interest to you in future when you get into digital modes like DMR, D-Star or Fusion. Good luck with your exam. Have fun with ham radio.

[@danmayes4657]

@@kulanchandrasekaran4462 Thanks for your patience in answering a question that might be obvious to most but to us noobs, it might seem logical. 4 thumbs up!

[@Avensur]

Hi Eric. Which tranceptor nowadays are capable of redirect to another band. I'm just a newbie on ham and I want to understand how everything works so I can move around. 73 my friend. Thx, Anibal

[@joeddejohn]

For a new ham what mobile radio do you recommend? Was looking at the Kenwood 710 and think it was Yaesu 8900 but the ratings seem decent.

[@indridcold8433]

Yaesu FT-857D is what I would get should I ever get licensed. It has all analogue modes on HF, 6 meters, 2 meters, 70 centimeters. That is a huge amount of the bands on a no frills transceiver. 100watts HF, 50 watts 6 meters, 50 watts 2 meters, 35 watts 70 centimeters. I would definitly get one should I ever get my amateur radio license. There are modifications for other bands as well. An amateur radio operator showed me he could transmit on UK40 FM citizen's band and the CEPT citizen's band. He told me it was in the grey zone of legality but nobody cared. It was a very fascinating little transceiver.

[@CharlesReiche]

6000+km contacts on satellite v/u

[@smartazz61]

What kind of ADVERTISEMENT goes for over 40 minutes?

[@MrHorsecop]

thank you kj4ssk

[@gregorgman]

Does 2 meter AM exist?

[@mikethees6434]

40 miles with a tyt 9800 and a mag mount

[@darkslayer6911]

16:00 have any flat earthers pointed their arials straight down the ocean to see if the sea is flat or not ?

[@smartazz61]

O. K. That's weird. I'm still technically on ham radio concepts. Again, is it mislabeled? A forty minutes commercial.

[@jasonhowe1697]

looking at the new proposals this bamd plan is redundant

[@n1leu]

Not true Eric I purchased a 25w IC-290H that does CW, SSB and FM. And it was a less than $300

[@indridcold8433]

I listen to 2 meter all the time. I have never heard anything but FM and digital on 2 meters. I feel it is rather a waste of the band's potential. I enjoy listening to citizens band. There, AM, FM, SSB, digital, CW, are all heard. I think it is the only band that is used with all modes commonly. I know 10 meters has segments for CW, USB, LSB, AM, FM, and digital. All I have ever heard is USB and LSB. One time, I did hear AM. Of course, I can not partake of any amateur band. I have no license. By the way, bandplans are merely suggestions of common use. You can use any mode on any band if you are an amateur radio operator, save 10 meters. I have noticed if you are an entry level operator, you are dictated to only use USB on 10 meters from 28.3 Megacycles to 28.5 megacycles, and CW on 28 to 28.3 CW. However, the entry level operators may operate on any mode on any of the other available bands for the entry level operator. I do not understand the micromanaging of 10 meters. Maybe that is why it is deserted.

[@miker1473]

I've got to say...I've NEVER heard CW being used for communications on the citizens band. What country, or planet, are you on?

[@hutchofthenorth5322]

Thanks! KC1JLZ

[@cogitoaprendo1017]

I have been posting links to your videos on www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?p=17828274#post17828274 so that other new hams could get some learning in. It has gotten 255 views so far, so hopefully that equates to even more views for you. Fantastic videos you have here.

[@IIrandhandleII]

Seems like you can just take mic and up the gain a little bit and get it away from your visage.

[@danmayes4657]

Looks like he's a drummer, so he may be comfortable with a mike in his face.