Setting Up Your Home Ham Station: Ask Dave Episode 3

Ask Dave Episode 3, on setting up a ham radio station in your home. You can submit questions at www.ke0og.net/ask-dave. There's a tip jar there too.

[@PelDaddy]

These are incredibly helpful, as a new ham who is still waiting for his callsign to appear in the database! Thank you!

[@bluewatermike9249]

Thanks, Mr. Casler, for all you do. Passed my extra exam today and am ready to set up my first shack, get my first hf radio etc. Looking forward to learning the next challenge and am able to do so knowing your resources are close by. I'm grateful. Mike KE8RDW.

[@tophattommy2]

I've gone through a ton of videos to find something this basic. THANK YOU for a great video!!

[@jriver64]

My goodness, this video is awesome. You really know how to convey a subject with ease, when all this time I thought it was a hard subject to really comprehend and put it to work. Thank you so much. By the way, keep using your hands, it bring much emphasis as to how much you really mean what you say and the experience that you share to your viewers. Thank you.

[@davecasler]

Thank you.

[@DavidMitchell79]

The metal peacock on the wall though... LoL. My mom & dad had those in our living room! Everyone must have had those.

[@ianmeasures7355]

Having a hard time sorting through all of the advice offered online and your videos are always reliable, and very clear for this new HAM.

[@atx4dt]

Well spoken, intelligible, and considered. I like this guy :)

[@billashby2156]

Dave, I’ve been a HAM for just under 25 years. I just found your UTube posts, and I’m enjoying them Immensely! I Wish I would have been able to have Tutorials like yours when I was a “Budding HAM” (Hamlet?) Keep up the Excellent Work, Helping HAMS, Old and New, get things done Right the 1st Time! -73- Bill N6FFC

[@rebg3458]

This would have been super helpful when I was trying to get my home station set up. The manuals all just said “Connect the radio to the power supply but didn’t say HOW”. I finally found an article about ring terminals and crimped the wiring to make the connection. Fantastic information!! Thank you!

[@douglaswilliams6834]

Great video! I find that RG-58 is my favorite cable for HF patch cables inside the shack at 100 watts or less. It's very flexible and easy to work with. These days, I'm partial to LMR-240 for outside runs at HF. Should be good for at least 500 watts with a decent SWR. It's easier to work with than RG-213 or LMR-400.

[@jasonwatson2808]

Thank you Mr. Casler! 73

[@tomw5vlt119]

I know you’re doing a Reference station series currently... but relative to this video, noticeably and critically absent from this and every other station video are: 1 ) bus bar 2 ) lightning arresters especially if in an area prone to lightning 3 ) grounding, bonding, chokes ... for RF and electrical mitigation 4 ) mast solution - this one alone has kept my own first shack from being completed and off the air for months on end while EVERYTHING else is ready to go. For first timers, we need to see all the above, what they look like, how they are sourced, assembled, connections ...in detail to connect the dots and close huge gaps for first timers.

[@wb5rue]

The steel wool also keeps the critters from coming in through the holes. It's amazing how a mouse can make it through a very small hole. My "Shack" is in the "extra" cloak closet in our bedroom. It's insulated with polyurethane panels on all walls and the ceiling for sound absorption so I can chase that wee-hour DX station. It has a vent into the ceiling for cooling, it can get quite warm with rigs, computers and amps going. It's not large, it's about 5'X7' and can be locked to keep the kids out.

[@captainkirk7881]

You are an AWESOME teacher!

[@w.rustylane5650]

I got my start in single sideband CB radio. I used to modify single sideband CB radios to go above 1-40 channels and unlock the clarifier. I'd supply the clarifier with 8 volts and reprogram the PLL chip with either a high (+5 volts) or a low (0 volts). Now the only Ham radio I have is a Yaesu FT-4VR I got from the local Ham club for passing the test. It's only a mono band, 2 meter HT and I built a 1/4 wave ground plane out of some old romex 12 AWG wire I cut apart. Using my old RG-58U CB coax cable from the antenna (20 feet in the air) to the HT. So far my wife tolerates the coax coming in from outside through a crack in the door, but when it gets too cold I have to shut the door. I'm hoping maybe my dad will buy me a Baofeng dual band radio so I can get onto the 70 cm band as well. I have plans to make a 2 meter folded dipole 4 element yagi when I can save up enough to buy the PVC pipe. I have all the other supplies to make it with. Trying to hook up an Astatic D-104 to my HT but I'm having difficulty doing that 'cause I cannot find a proper schematic on the Yaesu FT-4VR 'cause they ain't made anymore.

[@lowspeed2300]

I am returning to the amateur radio hobby since retirement and your videos are very helpful for me. Thanks.

[@JaniceFBaca_Translator]

Some of the best explanations I’ve seen to date!

[@davecasler]

Thank you

[@gatesmw50]

Dave: At 4:42 the powers that be relegated me to the basement, and 34 years of Ham Radio later I'm still there LOL!

[@indridcold8433]

I set up a vertical dipole for a 12, 11, and 10 meter antenna. It is fed in the middle, of course. It is set on the crest of the roof with a pole coming out horizontally from the apex with the vertical dipole on the end. It looks strange but it seems the person I set it up for is happy with it. He also uses it on 6 meters with a tuner.

[@JohnCrawfordSchoolOfMusic]

Are used your entire video series on the tech preparation course and now here I am setting up my first shack! Thanks again and 73

[@davecasler]

+John Crawford You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the videos useful.

[@99somerville]

Excellent presentation. Step by step and easy to understand.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

Awesome station. 73

[@adelarsen9776]

The term RG as a prefix for RF coaxial cable designation comes from the US Navy. They first used it and called it Radio Guide. They needed flexibility and parallel line just wasn't cutting the mustard. Nowadays we have, as an example, Radio Guide 58 (RG58) feeder transmission line.

[@davecasler]

+Ade Larsen Indeed that is true. And the U that is sometimes appended stands for Utility, e.g., RG-8U. There's an article in the August 2001 issue of QST on the history of coax cable.

[@adelarsen9776]

David Casler I'll look it up, thanks Dave.

[@BobWestWA8YCD]

Good job, Dave. Glad you're doing this. We encourage all hams to share their experience with newer hams, and even new hams might learn something they can share with older hams. For example, a brand new Tech can learn how to do Satellites; older hams might have never tried it. The NEW HAMS can teach the older guys! Sharing knowledge and skills is where it's at! THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO, DAVE!

[@davecasler]

***** You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@globalclimate4744]

A Newby and enjoy your enthusiasm for the technology. Located in the outback mtn valley mid BC Canada. Have to encourage a friend to get into the waves and community, so appreciate the variety of radio types and uses, lots to learn and enjoy,

[@Chriskelly19067]

Hi David, just wanted to say thank you for your videos. As a new ham who has no ham friends (just wanted to start into the hobby myself) these videos are extremely helpful and do not glaze over the basics that other more experienced folk may take for granted. I knew literally very little to nothing when originally finding your videos, but through a lot of research and watching I feel confident in setting up my home station. thanks and keep on doing it!

[@davecasler]

You're most welcome! I'm happy the videos are of assistance. 73, Dave

[@mewrongway]

I seen that HW-16 in the basement. I started in a basement with a Hot Water 16 in 1979! 👍

[@kk4dbi]

Thanks again Dave for another fine production! I hadn't thought about the transient voltage spikes coming from our power supplies at power off/on and the correct method of dealing with them. Learned something new!

[@jmursa959]

Thank you. So helpful. I took notes my idea is to fix a radio with a beginner kit.

[@hopefuldad]

Hi Dave. I recently ran my Icom 7300 to (2) 6V golf cart batteries with a Harbor Freight 100 watt solar panel kit, with included charge controller. The first stop off of the batteries is an mfj fused power strip with power pole connection slots.

[@DonzLockz]

Great info for the new hams Dave. The US mains power cable colors seem so wrong for us Aussies.😮⚡️😄

[@timelord1137]

When I started my journey to HAM I could not afford to buy a power supply and used a 25A⋅h LiFePO4 travel battery) This type of battery provides 14-11V and 20A until the very end of the charge. When working with the Yaesu FT-891 at 100W, this battery was enough for me for more than a day. So this is a good option for those on a tight budget)

[@antonyharding5360]

Love itt, dave, very comprehensive.. You are the Man....

[@mcinkyt]

How much cable do you need? Well, it takes 17 feet of wood to trim around a door. So, more than you first thought

[@charliegoodson8247]

Your voice reminds me of David the Gnome. I enjoy your videos and your speaking. Thank you for all your videos.

[@davidbarlow7955]

30 years ago I was taught to put up as much wire antenna as I can get up and not worry about residence, but I never agreed with that. Want to see you.

[@mikec8378]

Hi Dave and thanks for the insights. They are helpful to a new ham with no Elmer to lean on. I am with Anthony re: setting up a rig in a vehicle, but probably with a different slant. I live in a Winabego 35 ft. diesel pusher. Most of the time I am in a permanent location and hooked up to shore power. But, from time to time, I disconnect and take a trip. So, I not only have to consider a "base station" but the mobile concept as well. While en route, I am on rubber tires going down the road, when parked, on steel levelers in contact with the ground. Plus, electrically, I live in a metal shell. I am not so much concerned with how to route cables, or power supply, but more with grounding, lightning protection, portable external antennas vs. a permanent arrangement at home base, etc. and how these relate to my particular living conditions. I obtained my Tech. class -self study only- 4 years ago, but have not been on the air much for several reasons. Time has come to use that which has been granted me. Hope you can help. 73

[@mikerey02]

Great ideas. Will have to adopt this method for my house and negotiate where I can put my ham station. Great explanation. Thanks, Dave.

[@stewartperry7797]

As a new ham (KN6MCT) browsing various tubers.. you’re very informative and much less a salesman which causes me to subscribe

[@PaulaHighYoung]

Thanks, Dave. This was great. I'll be offering this link to a batch of new (& returning) hams at the Duke City Hamfest in Albuquerque. Thanks for all you do. Looking forward to meeting you soon. ~Paula, KZ5YL

[@PatrickDickey52761]

On the power supply, the ring terminals on the back also accept banana plugs. So that's an option to avoid the bare wire and shorting risk. You'll have to get adapters or connectors for your power cord though.

[@howardhiggins9641]

I would like to recommend that new Hams also NOT use multiple pieces of coaxial cable connected together. Always try to use a single piece, as each additional connector between the radio and the antenna can cause additional attenuation of the signal. This loss is exacerbated by improperly attached connectors.

[@starlight1308]

Just passed the test and don't have my call sign yet but I'm looking into equipment and these videos are just what I was hoping to find. Thank you for sharing!

[@nkans]

Thanks, Dave. Thanks for the clear explanations and clarity in voice in the videos.

[@johnkidd1694]

Thanks, Dave.

[@KB5WQW]

I use crimp on ring connectors and/or banana plugs on my pwr supplies. 73 de KB5WQW

[@davecasler]

Same here. Works well.

[@daveworkman2013]

Awesome Thanks for the videos...and my wife is telling me "not another hobby"

[@19.RYAN.82]

Loud and clear thanks very much sir.God bless

[@BlackDogBlues4961]

Thanks Dave, setting up my first HF station in a few weeks. This video and the one on grounding gave me some food for thought. Still planning and learning, but getting a better picture of how to set this up.

[@davecasler]

Good luck with your first HF station! Perhaps we'll meet on the air. I'm mostly on 20 meters though my last QSO was on 40. 73

[@barndweller4573]

I wish these were around when I got into it, but then again there was no internet. We had dirt and we were happy!

[@lunchboxtheman]

Look forward to the antenna selection and mounting video. It would be great if you touch upon grounding (for lightning) in that video. Also curious on your thoughts on attic antennas if there is time in that video. 73 de KE0BIO

[@davecasler]

Lunchbox The Man I'll put lightning protection and attic antennas on my topics list. Thanks for your questions. 73, Dave

[@dallen052066]

Finally a,video that I understand.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

How to get the coax from inside to outside is the question that has had me stumped for months now. Nobody covers the topic! 😳

[@saifal-badri]

I love your videos Dave, All the HAM operators in your club are lucky to have you :D

[@thecrobar6450]

Thanks again, Jim from West Virginia (KD8GKP)

[@dennismarble3591]

Wow, what a great job on this video! I'm hooked Dave and I am now subscribed and ready for more.

[@dave241983]

Thanks

[@thecrobar6450]

Thanks Dave for all of your videos. They have helped me immensely! I have my Technician clasd license and I'm studying for the general class.

[@lpark8]

Thank you!

[@justinb.5822]

Thank you so much for this informative video with excellent visual aids! -- W5NRP

[@rvnmedic1968]

Another great video. Thanks, Dave. 73 From Upstate NY KD2MCH

[@RationallySkeptical]

One thing I disagree with though... RG8 may be just good enough for HF *if* the run isn't too long, but it's much too lossy for 2m/70cm. I used LMR-600 for my UHF *and* HF feedlines. Yes, it's overkill for HF, but the best advice for any new Ham, in my opinion, is to buy the most lossless feedline you can afford, period.

[@davecasler]

The key is "can afford." RG8 is expensive enough, but LMR-600 is very pricey. All hams have to make a tradeoff between what's best technically and what fits in the budget.

[@RationallySkeptical]

David Casler I got 85 feet of LMR-600 for right around $200. I guess we all have different ideas of what 'expensive' is. That didn't seem like a lot to me for top of the line feedline.

[@thatcrazywolf]

The trick is to make your uhf/vhf runs under 25 feet

[@tom_olofsson]

This is great stuff. I wish the guys at my local ham club could give such concise answers.

[@davemarriott9332]

Excellent video Dave. Liked & Subscribed

[@roberthildebrand9937]

Great review of rig setup. I plan to review it often as I set up my station. Thanks for your video's.

[@omnisteverino]

Still lots of good info after all these years...

[@annstrange988]

nice and informative thans for the ifo

[@PLB4082]

Thanks Dave, I'm a new ham...this video was extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to Episode 4.

[@davecasler]

Paul, I'm delighted you found the video helpful. There are 35 Ask Dave videos so far. Check out the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL0R9jy9LZw_2Je-1Td9Xb2S8-Vl_bFTGG

[@PLB4082]

Thanks for the link...your videos are keeping me up late at night...that is just fine. I passed my technician exam in September and am going for the General in December...your videos are helping me set up a station and get ready for the General. Much appreciated.

[@GSGExtreme44]

You answered all of my questions - Thanks for posting this!

[@peternilsson7582]

Thanks, from Sweden!

[@ewingsharp8916]

Well done video Thanks for building into the hobby🇺🇸👊

[@LikeTheRain100]

Hey Dave, thanks for all the great information. I have a grounding question; I understand the metal enclosures for all station equipment should be grounded to each other, and then to a dedicated grounding rod - additional to the electrical grounding that is provided by the third prong on the A/C cord. My power supply is very similar to the one in your video and there is no specified spot to attach a ground wire to the case. Do you still recommend grounding the supply this way or is it unnecessary? Is there a specific way I should attach the wire? My transceiver has a built-in terminal for the ground wire. Thanks again, Matt

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Your radio case is grounded to your power supply through the black wire. No additional wireless is necessary.

[@derekdowns6275]

I see that Heathkit HW-16 down in the basement. When I was 14, that was all I wanted. Now I'm almost 60, still no ticket and it makes me kind of sad.

[@davecasler]

I got the HW-16 at a swapfest and it's in need of restoration. I'm quite sad I sold my original, but I had to trade it in to afford an SSB rig.

[@mcpocketsgarage2832]

Good job

[@nickc8819]

Dave, I'm new to HAM and this is my first watching your videos, and I just subscribed. Very organized and informative. 73

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Thank you, Dave. I"m finding these videos very helpful. I hope you keep doing them.

[@dannymcneal]

My learning curve in the realm of short wave radios is pretty vertical. I think I might need to start with Episode #1, but this one showed up, and it had an interesting title. I just purchased an Eton Elite 750 (free returns), but after picking up an English broadcast from Havana, Cuba, one somewhere in Japan, one from the South Pacific, I am quickly thinking I want to get into ham, instead of just listening to the broadcasts of others. Can I learn on a shortwave transceiver, say, an ICOM IC-7300 or Yaesu FT-991, but without broadcasting, before getting my ham license? I don’t want to violate any laws about operating a transceiver without a license. It would be nice not to have to buy two different radios (a starter receiver like the Eton and then a transceiver), when I could apply the price of the first one to the second one. Thanks! This was a fantastic video!

[@OysterPir8]

This video is a work of art.

[@AnthonyDeBattista]

Wow! this was very useful! I learnt a lot from you.

[@brucelitteaur7623]

Just got my Technician License 2 days ago. Great Info. Thanks.

[@davecasler]

Congratulations and welcome to ham radio!

[@JohnS-zv7hf]

Well articulated. Thanks from someone just getting started.

[@prepperpov5852]

This is exactly the video that I’m looking for, sir. Perfect & thank you

[@WiseInTexas]

Well done! Was that a Heathkit HW-16 CW transceiver in the basement video?

[@rumbai08]

Thanks Dave!

[@adj168]

very helpful concise and well explained. i am new to ham and needed to know more esp. getting license. much thanks :)

[@79xlch]

Heck man, you're my new found friend. I am dumb as a rock but I have time on my hands. Speaking of which why did you try to cut your finger off :) I'am two weeks in this venture.

[@OysterPir8]

That beautiful S20R!

[@davecasler]

I bought it because I had one as a child that was a gift from a doting aunt. I was told it works, but one test showed that it needs a lot of TLC. It's just a shelf decoration at the moment.

[@FTORRES.JR.]

Thanks Dave your video's are very helpful I just subscribe to your channel I like the fact that you talk very clearly and you don't rush through your words. I'm a newbie trying to get my technician license wish me luck please I live in New York City area,Take care.

[@davecasler]

+F TORRES,JR. Thank you. I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful. Good luck with your studying and becoming a ham! 73, Dave, KEØOG

[@geraldshultz4271]

Thank you Dave. I learn from you videos. Keep up the good work.

[@ohaya1]

Excellent video!

[@jesstineo]

Thank you Dave I'll go ahead and put it back in line with my 225 amp I'm running .. by the way I love your videos I just started to watch them yesterday.. Km4wng J.Tineo I'm in the middle of trying to get my rig up and running in my HOA , house here in Florida

[@davecasler]

I may have misunderstood. Do you have an external power amplifier? Make sure that the LDG is rated to handle that amount of power.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another great video. Informative as always. As a newly “minted” Technician & General I am looking for feed line and shack setup. Your L-shaped desk will fit my needs perfectly. I already have a external box with a pair of LMR400 that feeds lightning arrestors in the external panel and using a low voltage box inside with a metal plate with a couple of N-type bulkhead connectors. So I am trying to decide between LMR400 & RG213 for VHF/UHF feed line. Bonding the ROHN 25G tower in a better fashion is also on my list (they only put one ground on a single leg). I am looking forward to a coming up with a good grounding/bonding plan as well. So if you have any advice on feed line let me know. 73!

[@juliemiller5181]

You are awesome! Thank you!

[@OjiOtaku]

2021 - Still helpful!

[@SPimentaTV]

Another awesome video! Very well explained! Can't wait to see the next video!

[@dangoodwin2948]

Thanks Dave for the great videos!

[@nazairetetreault181]

Have multiple transceivers and a very good speaker How do I get all radios to function on one speaker

[@Py1axRADIOAMADORISMOSEMSTRESS]

Can you do abt balum 1:1 tks David

[@stephenreynolds6359]

Thanks David ZS6SJR

[@bethlukin463]

Thank you thank you from this newbie!