For New Ham Radio Operators: How to hook up your ham radio gear

In todays video I am explaining and demonstrating how to attach your ham radio gear for the first time. I also make suggestions for connecting your ham radio gear so that it is easily manageable by using Anderson Power Poles. In addition I go over how to connect your radio to your power supply and an auto tuner. Links for everything in the video is below:
Powerwerx 4 Port Block: amzn.to/3QJpJuf
Powerwerx 8 Port Block: bit.ly/3QJ2ssl
Powerwerx Fused Block: bit.ly/3pmHwMa
Power Pole Ratcheting Crimper: amzn.to/3SRt7Fr
Powerwerx Connector Kit: bit.ly/3JXe4Gj
540 Piece Wire connectors assorted pack: amzn.to/3SMYqkR
All the tools I own and use for Ham radio related projects can be found below:
HR4NT Amazon Tools Page: amzn.to/3C55KST
✅Website: hamradiofornontechies.com
✅Patreon: / hr4nt
✅My Amazon Store: amzn.to/3sSeA1n
✅Facebook: / hr4nt
✅odysee.com/@hamradiofornontec...
✅Twitter: / hamtechies
✅TOADs Discord: / discord
✅Kit.co Product Recommendations: kit.co/ki5npl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Current Shack Setup:
ICOM IC-7300
Yaesu FT-2980
DX Commander Classic
Comet GP-9
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply
LDG AT200 PROII Tuner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies

[@HR4NT]

MNHR Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLx7eWHQQtzBnLCD32wqo1YYmnDkdTouID

[@AlvinMcManus]

Powerpoles make life worth living. LOL I am starting out using Powerpoles exclusively.

[@bassangler73]

One tip i didn't know until a few weeks ago is that on your PL259's / SO239 the "PL" stands for plug and the "SO" stands for socket...Maybe that will help a new Ham easily remember male and female connectors easily....73's

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for that. I have covered that topic before and I have a ton of information as well on my website hamradiofornontechies.com . Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@bassangler73]

@@HR4NT it was probably on your website that I seen this info...lol

[@NeoWolfsOutdoorAdventures]

This is awesome! I am new (1 month) and just passed my general. This is the kind of stuff I am looking for!

[@NeoWolfsOutdoorAdventures]

If that is your wife behind the camera she must be a saint! LOL! Hats off to her for helping and doing such a good job!

[@bassangler73]

Congratulations! I just passed my tech back in February and im about to take the General...Get you a good 2 meter radio and a good antenna and you can have a lot of fun on your local repeaters

[@HR4NT]

Congrats on being a new General!!! I hope that my videos will help you out and save you time, money and aggravation down the road in our ham radio journey! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@HR4NT]

That is my wife behind the camera and I am grateful to have her help me when i need to get those closeup shots!! 73!!

[@HR4NT]

Congratulations on passing your Tech!!!! If you study, general will be a breeze!!! Look forward to seeing you on HF sometime! 73!!

[@diegow2drr255]

Re-watched this and laughed hysterically at your face pulling out the handful of wires at the beginning. I can so relate.

[@HR4NT]

The struggle is real! LOL Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

PowerPoles are ONE of the best things since sliced bread!

[@HR4NT]

I agree and it is sensible to have a uniform way to connect everything in your shack that runs on DC power! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@tmor2458]

Thank you! Finally, a source for clear information for absolute non-techs like me. I might even shed a few tears of relief, this is so good! I think some newbies give up because it’s so hard to find guidance from someone who keeps in mind THROUGHOUT their instructions that the student(s) may know nothing about any part of the process. No slippage into tech phrases that make younglings’ eyes cloud over in confusion. Jedi master, thanks!

[@HR4NT]

Hey T Mor! Glad you enjoyed the videos. I really try to explain things that seem to get overlooked by other channels and bring you info and value that will explain things in a simple but complete way. I hope you enjoy my other videos as well. I also have a great website that is full of good information as well: hamradiofornontechies.com . Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!

[@techguyd1208]

Regarding the Anderson Power Pole connectors alot of ppl don't realize that they go all the way up to 350A @ 600v connectors I have been using the SB175 for jumper cable leads and such for many years makes life much easier dont have to open hood to run high draw loads like a winch or air compressor ect... Good Vid

[@HR4NT]

WOW! I just learned something new! Thank you for that! It makes perfect sense to set that up like you described to jump a vehicle. Thank you so much for sharing that info!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! 73!!!

[@3henry214]

Another great video for us beginners! It seems like you're reading my mind with the videos you've been posting, because they seemed to come out just when I'm looking for info on the topic you cover. You're doing God's work for the Ham community... thanks!!

[@HR4NT]

I am always glad to be of service. I also take comment sand suggestions form the viewers that way i can customize videos for you that will help out others as well. Let me know if you have questions or ideas. Thank for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@wushock92]

Excellent overview. Kudos to your camera operator as well.

[@HR4NT]

LOL..thank you! My wife is my camera operator sometimes when I have to demonstrate things while teaching a topic. Thanks for your support and thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@ferdinandwp4rjl377]

Hi SCOTT from Puerto Rico 👍🏽

[@HR4NT]

Hey Ferdinand!!!! Glad to have you! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@albertjoseph9684]

Wow! Now this is a rare video and not many ham KZbin channels show this. thanks for this. Very valuable to new hams

[@HR4NT]

That is exactly why I did this. I had the same issue and once I was educated on the matter I knew that there were others out there in the same boat. Glad you liked it and that it hopefully helped explain everything. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@julielabrouste6344]

OMG THANK-YOU!!! I've been looking all over youtube for about 2 hours trying to find EXACTLY what you show in this video! As I looked at the radio and the power supply I could see how it should be done, but I wanted to see someone do this who has actually done it before, and probably many times. Apparently all of the other HAM folk inexplicably chose to show everything ... EXCEPT ... this rather important part! Again, thank-you so much!!!

[@HR4NT]

You're very welcome! Glad my video helped you out. I hope you find great info in my other videos as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@AlvinMcManus]

I love how your logo says H Rant to me. Rant on dude. Great videos.

[@HR4NT]

LOL...Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

Thank you - thank you - thank you!!! Great information that is really useful for a novice like myself. I'll definitely be doing power poles to make life easier.

[@HR4NT]

It makes sense because of how easy it is and I like having a uniform connector for everything in my shack. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@otrdriver6767]

I found this video very helpful. As I mentioned previously in other videos I did this completely backwards on purpose. I got the antenna, M&P coax, Power supply, antenna tuner to assist And then and then the icon 7300. It was very difficult to sneak all this in without my wife knowing how much I was spending. I believe I am about $2,300.00 into this. Now I need to take my two tests to get a general license and talk to the world. Thanks again for your motivation.

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! All ham radio gear costs $50....ROFL! I wish you the best of luck on studying for and passing your exams. Ham radio is well worth it once you take the plunge and get licensed. You have a whole new world of great folks to converse with. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@_Mordion_]

I would really love to see a mobile install. I'm a newbie and jumped the gun. I bought an Anytone 578 to install in the truck then I saw those bare wires and had no idea how to connect those to my truck battery. Oddly there isn't really anyone on youtube demonstrating how to install a mobile radio on a vehicle lol

[@HR4NT]

I have a couple videos on that topic. I am showcasing one right now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6SqhIBqqNiafNE Hope this helps a bit. 73!

[@robertsumption1243]

Newer vehicles can be really difficult to install a Ham radio you may find just locating a spot to mount it to be a real problem If you install a radio with high power output you may have problems with it interfering with your cars computer ...For mobile use I recommend 2 meters FM the antennas are small and so are the radios most of them anyway . I ran a 10 watt radio for many years and with a nearby repeater you can have the advantage of the repeaters power and wide range from a Hi building, tower or hill . Bob

[@Ateles0]

Keep up the great content. I became a ham 2 years ago, and your videos help me fill in the gaps between what I have figured out myself. Thanks for presenting content in a very practical way. -K5IZV

[@HR4NT]

Hey Brady! Thank you for your support of the channel. Part of my personal mission is exactly that: to help fill those gaps and offer up a practical way to interpret what we do in ham radio. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@brentjohnson6654]

I am also a 2 year HAM! 73 de KI5HXM!

[@kumasu]

This video is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@HR4NT]

You're so welcome! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@johnsantiago8220]

Just got my General license and I'm about to pick up my first HF transceiver. This video was incredibly helpful for me. Thank you so much!!

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! I wish you the best of luck finding your perfect radio. Congratulations on passing your General!!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@frankrobinson4453]

Thank you, your video helped with understanding how to set up

[@HR4NT]

I am glad the video helped. Everyone talks about radios but never show how to connect everything. So I solved that issue. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@DonzLockz]

I will definitely get those power poles when I get HF gear. You should have mentioned what gauge wire suits what power pole re current rating. I seen cheap Chinesium power poles but not worth damaging gear or burning the QTH down. Lol. Thanks for the info and demo.🍻👍

[@HR4NT]

When you get the power pole connectors, you will notice they are different diameters. Use the connectors that most closely matches the wire gauge you are using to make the connection. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@DonzLockz]

@@HR4NT okay nice, I didn't know that.👍🍻

[@radiotec76]

I have experience connecting radio gear but your pitch for Anderson Power Poles made me a believer. I will probably be connecting only two radios so your demo on creating the “whips” to connect to the rig’s power pole crimped end was a solid and affordable idea. Thanks!

[@HR4NT]

Yeah it really is a no brainer to have Anderson Power Poles. I like the convenience as well as a uniform connector for anything that is DC powered in my shack. I am glad you found value in the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video. I’ve had my general for about six months. I’ve played with and made a few contacts on the UV-5R, listened to some stations on the Tecsun PL-368 and RTL-SDR. I’ve Fiddled with some JS8call on those as well. I’ve saved up some cash and am looking to purchase my first real radio. Missed a great deal on a FT-857D at HAMfest in Waynesville NC this morning, I was just a bit shy of cash. In about a month, if I don’t change my mind again, I’ll pick up an IC-7300. But I really need to know what other gear I need. Like a power supply, obviously an antenna (but which one) and tuner. I don’t want to hook this up and let all the magic smoke out. So now I’m trying to learn this side of it. So again, thanks for the video.

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely! I am glad the video helped you out. I think you will be very happy with the 7300 just with all the features and so on. I liked it so much I bought two...one for home and one for portable (I'm too lazy to unplug the home one for POTA...LOL). If you have any questions please let me know. Also check out my website: hamradiofornontechies.com I have a ton of info there that is helpful as well. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@graywolf1911]

Very well-done presentation. Clear, concise, and very informative.

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@whiteknight68]

keep the good videos running

[@HR4NT]

Will do! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Subdood04]

Good stuff again (as usual)!

[@HR4NT]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support, for watching and the comment. 73!!!

[@TheWendell946]

Thank you for the help

[@HR4NT]

Happy to help!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@DK5ONV]

Scottie Boy.....thx for this nice Presentation. You explained that out for everyone to be understood to get their Mojos working safely. Keep up your fantastic Work & a happy mid of the Weekday to you. 73 de YFUG from southwest Germany 💯👍🙋‍♂

[@HR4NT]

Hey Hey Uncle Guenter!!! I am glad you enjoyed the video! I think this topic was overlooked by many so I decided to demonstrate the setup for those who may be in that same situation as my viewer. I appreciate your support as always!! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! 73!!!

[@cmarchi128]

Thanks for the video

[@HR4NT]

You bet. I hope it helped explain things a bit better for you. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73

[@kyoshivp]

Another great video, Scott. This actually answered a question I've had about why the different wattages on powerpole connectors.....aside from the whole more power thing. Thicker wire. Thanks! A powerpole crimper and connectors are next on my ham shopping list. Didn't buy one when I was buying my 7300 because I was wanting to spread the bleeding of my wallet out over time. Got some pre-made cables at HRO instead.

[@HR4NT]

I am glad you found the video helpful! Being able to make your own power poles is crucial in ham radio in my opinion. I fully understand wanting to spread out the money after investing in a new radio and accessories. It can get expensive really quickly. You will be very happy once you get setup and can make your own wires. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@ethencare]

That was very helpful video . 👍

[@HR4NT]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

Nice video Scott. I remember seeing those bare wires on my first rig and thinking... "Oh, I gots more learning to do before I screw something up" thankfully, a few books and videos from guys like you really help out. It may seem simple now but man, I feel your friends pain.

[@HR4NT]

This is a topic that I think a lot of us youtubers have overlooked as we took it for granted that people would just "know" what to do. That is not the case sometimes and I think having a visual representation of one solution will help out those down the road that may run into this issue. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

@@HR4NT Seems silly now but I just couldn't wrap my head around needing a power supply.. lol I mean my whole life I just plugged things into a wall socket. It's sort of embarrassing to admit now but the experience taught me alot. I know this video will help someone for sure

[@MrBikboi]

@@AndyAAzeroAM I'm currently upgrading from a handheld and this is currently where I'm at, I've been googling, how to hook up ham power supply, all that jazz. Hopefully this will help, it's a bit intimidating like you said, only been plugging things into the wall socket.

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

@@MrBikboi guys like Scott are a huge help nowadays. Also, finding a book or magazine about the particular topic has been helpful too. I've added a few books from the ARRL that have been awesome.

[@MrBikboi]

​@@AndyAAzeroAM I'm looking to grab a Retrevis RT95 / Anytone AT-778UV, it looks like it has a T connector, say I bought a power supply, are there cables out there that I can buy with a t connector on one and, and the ring loops to attach to the power supply?

[@21inchwide]

I like your straight up, no BS Texan approach. I've just jumped in to the hobby and bought a Yaesu FT-710 and an Alinco DR-735T for 2m/70cm with an Alinco DM-330FXE power supply. Now all I need is an antenna! thinking of a MFJ cobweb off my balcony for the 710 and a Diamond X-300 dual band for the DR-735T. Can I power them off the same power supply?

[@HR4NT]

I try to bring the viewers easy answers that are straight to the point. As to your question: I don't see any reason why not. I have that GZV4000 power supply and I power my 7300 AND my 2980 at the same time with no issues. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another great video, Scott! As to the Anderson Power Poles, they are great quick disconnect but for a permanent connection in unprotected environments I might like a more secure connection. In my job designing cables on aircraft, we would use a screw-on locking connector to connect things that were not very robust (like a RJ45 Ethernet cable connecting through a pressure bulkhead). So I don’t disagree with power poles to a point, just can understand the argument to a degree. I do have power poles all over my shack and mobile where I am connecting equipment quickly. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM!

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for the comment. I agree that they may not be the best for every situation, however they seem to be the most popular for ham operators for the convenience and ease of use. I like them because I can easily switch form my power supply to battery in a snap. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@justin9605]

Thank you.

[@HR4NT]

You are most welcome! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Truckinman2000]

On the ft891 and ft857 (I think it's the 857 maybe 897) you can 3d print an "adapter" to convert the power going into the radio to anderson powerpoles.

[@HR4NT]

I remember seeing something about that, but I also cannot remember which model that was for. Thank for sharing and for watching. 73!

[@tophattommy2]

Just found your channel with this video. I have been looking for such great content. Sadly, I have gone through probably over 100 videos looking for a simpler approach to try and get a better understanding on HAM radio! I liked the video but wish I could

[@tophattommy2]

P.S. Your furry buddy looks just like mine did a couple years ago!

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! I figured a video like this would be helpful since no one else did one. As KZbinrs in the ham radio world we sometimes forget that the simplest things to us may be a problem for others. Glad to have you on the channel! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Ron-xn4wf]

Timely video . How would you connect a 2 meter radio and your HF radio to the same power supply ? Could you show that on your next video ?

[@HR4NT]

If you remember in the video when I was attaching those pigtail wires to my power supply and I left one out...well that other pigtail wire was the one that powers my Yaesu 2980. I have both radios powered off the same power supply ands can have both running at the same time with no issues. I hope this helps out. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@nativetexan9776]

When I become rich and can afford 1/8th of what you have, I will return and watch the video again.

[@HR4NT]

It is not about keeping up with the Jones's. Get a radio you can afford that does what you want and put your focus on a great antenna, whether that be a plug and play or one you build yourself. Your antenna is more important than the radio. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@robertsumption1243]

There are Places you can go to find lower cost equipment. NO its not your local Goodwill store . Here are some suggestions visit a ham radio club any community of any size has a local ham radio club so try looking on Google for your local ham radio club I have seen guy at clubs who like to loan out Radios and equipment to new operators at these local radio club meetings and they will often come to your house and help you install an antenna or your radio station SO JOIN A CLUB. JUST GO and to a club meeting and say " HI I am interested in Ham Radio. if you live in any community big or little there are Hams around and Ham radio clubs and Hams in general are very friendly and Helpful plus they love to talk They will also help you getting a Ham radio license . You can also contact local Hams Try googling Ham radio operators on google in your county I did about 40 names and addresses appeared and I live way out in the Boonies ! when you do this A list of people should appear remember Ham operators love to talk that's why they got on Ham radio in the fist place so pick a name get their phone number and call them . Bob

[@michaelrobbins3559]

Unbelievably good video! I swear, every other video I've seen shows someone opening the box with their new Binford 2500 HF radio inside, then cuts to them showing the bells and whistles and making contact with McMurdo Station from Utqiagvik during major solar flares. I open my box and WFT are these bare-ended wires?

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! I think sometimes showing the simplest things can help out those who may be in that very position. I try very hard to make sure that I cover the bases when I am explaining something. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@michaelt.9372]

As convenient as they are, I’ve had nothing but trouble with Anderson power poles. I bought legit ones from them and they have been such a PITA. They’re usable but very finicky.

[@HR4NT]

I still like them, but you have to understand they work fine as long as the wires are not under any tension. As a simple connector they are great. Proper crimpers may make a difference as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@marytryon8314]

I am just getting started on Ham Radio. If you have a resonant antenna instead of the tuner, do you use an antenna analyzer in that place? What about a Power and SWR meter? Do you need that?

[@HR4NT]

The analyzer is to allow you to see what your SWR is on an antenna and then make adjustments by cutting the wire on the antenna in small increments until the SWR is where you want it to be, which is usually as close to 1:1 as you can. Once the antenna is tuned, you do not need the analyzer again until you build another antenna down the road. You will always need a power source whether that be from a power supply or a battery. SWR Meters are optional as many radios have them built in. However I rarely use mine as my antennas are already tuned. I hope this made sense. If not, email me through my website. Thanks for the questions and for watching. 73!

[@jonthebru]

I have a 500 watt amplifier and was wondering about how to use power poles for high amperage devices. I really don't want to buy another crimper just for a couple of those large power pole connections.

[@HR4NT]

From what I have seen, it seems that the larger power pole connectors would be necessary if you want to use them. Maybe check with one of the online ham radio dealers and see if they have a ready made cable that you could use. Otherwise you will end up having to find a way to get the larger crimper set. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but from what i can tell from my research, that may be the only way. I hope this helps. Let me know what you come up with. I have not had any experience with amps just yet, but am interested. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@zigzagfly1635]

As a newbie, looking to get into the ham hobby, I really needed to see this. Thank you. Question, is there a limitation to the size of length of the coaxial cable leading out to the antenna connection the reason I ask is because I would have my shack at the front of the house, and the antennas would be hidden in the rear of the house hidden from the HOA.

[@HR4NT]

You will see losses in your coax if you go beyond 100 ft. Not a lot, but the longer the coax the more loss you will see. You can help this by using larger high quality coax like LMR 400 etc...but if you keep it under 100 feet you should be ok and probably won't notice any issues. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions. I can be reached at my website down below the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@zigzagfly1635]

@@HR4NT thanks I appreciate your assistance and will be in touch. 👍

[@michaelmcghie]

Hey boss, I was wondering if you had a video on power supplies. I am not sure exactly what amperage I should get. The IC-7300 has a maximum power 21.0 Amps and the Diamond power supply your using is 40 amps it looks like. Does the power supply only send to the TX what it requires? In addition, A video on how to know what power supply to buy would be awesome!

[@HR4NT]

I may be able to do a more in depth video, but I only own one power supply at the moment. I use the Diamond GZV-4000. There is a variable knob on the unit that allows you to set the power level. I am under assumption that most power supplies for ham radio are like that as long as it is a power supply made for ham radio gear. The 40 amps on mine is a max amperage. It is perfectly safe at the level I have it set for with my 7300. I hope this helps. I will add your idea to my show boards. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@rustymacshackleford6276]

Can you please make a recommendation for a coax cable for the antenna? Thanks.

[@HR4NT]

I did a video on this and you can also call this place and they can make recommendations based upon what will work best for you and your radio setup. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJKyZqCQftaMhbc I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@gregoryaisemberg2037]

I have a Yaesu 500FTMD and a Yaesu FT 891. My power supply is a samlex 13.8. I haven't a clue how to connect my radios to this power supply. No one seems to help. I'll watch your video and hopefully I can find some clarity. KN6ZFM

[@HR4NT]

Hi Gregory! This video is pretty straight forward. I hope that it helps you to get your radio hooked up and operational. Let me know if I can help. Also, check out my website for a ton of more information: hamradiofornontechies.com Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@johnbauman4005]

Very helpful info for this newby! What power supply/how big do you recommend to run the 7300 and a 991 vs 7100 simultaneously with power to spare? What antenna tuner do you recommend with this setup? The 7300 has a limited built-in tuner, and am unclear on adding an external tuner - whys, and available choices. So the pictured tuner has 2 coax antenna inputs for separate antennas? Are there switches that can handle 4 or more antennas that would plug in to one of the tuner ports? Do you happen to know the wire gauge size on the 7300? Now on to your grounding video! Thanks much to you and your wife! 73, John KK7JBZ

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for the questions. I decided to answer your question live on a show that will be uploaded in a few minutes and premiering this afternoon. Check it out and let me know of I answered your questions. Thanks for the questions and for watching. 73!

[@johnbauman4005]

@@HR4NT Super! Way more than I expected. I'll try not to be so long winded in the future. Signed up for your Patreon! Thanks!

[@Harriet_Tubgirl]

I know this is an old video, but is it necessary to put a choke (not sure if that’s the right term) on your radio power cable like you have? Thanks

[@HR4NT]

Putting ferrites (basically a choke) on your cables is not necessary, but if you are having RFI issues it can definitely help out in eliminating sources of that RFI. I have bad RFI from an external source and was hoping that by putting an RFI kit on my radio that it would help eliminate a lot of it. The neighbor with the solar panels is ONE source of my RFI issues. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@AlvinMcManus]

Do you recommend chokes on all power leads to your radios? I see one in a set of leads on the bench there.

[@HR4NT]

That is one of those things that is completely up to you. Is it absolutely necessary? No. Are there situations where it can be advantageous, yes. You just have to determine for you what is best. It won't hurt anything except your wallet. I hope this helped a bit. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@AlvinMcManus]

@@HR4NT good enough. I figure I can either buy snap on beads or ferrite cores and wrap my own power leads.

[@jamesmiller2342]

How do you know what amp power pole connector to use?

[@HR4NT]

I simply match the connector to the size wire I am using. The connectors are different diameters, so you can't add a large wire to a 15 amp connector, but it may fit the 30 amp. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@robertvarner9519]

Back in the old days people had to build radios and everything else from scratch.

[@HR4NT]

I actually wish there were more kits out today that allow you to build a radio. I think that would be much more immersive in teaching new hams the ins and outs of ham radio hand on. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Subdood04]

Do you tin your wires before crimping the power poles?

[@HR4NT]

No. There is no need to tin the wires as the crimper will make a very tight contact to the wire and connectors. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching 73!!

[@stevec9889]

How is it that the power poles connect end to end without being male/female mated parts?

[@HR4NT]

The way they are constructed it allows them to pair up and work just fine. I love my power poles! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@akcharlie1960]

So, in a beginners shack, 1 hf, 1 vhf/uhf, 1 power supply, maybe 1 ant tuner, do I need 45, 30, and 15 amp connectors? Seems to me 30 amp would work for everything. Thanks.

[@HR4NT]

I think you will be just fine with 30 amp connectors. Those are the ones I use primarily and refill regularly. As for your shack, separating your radios is a personal decision. Some like the shack in a box like the 991A or the Icom 7100, etc...I personally just needed to separate them due to my situation with local net and my love for doing HF at the same time. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck on setting up your shack. Let me know if I can help! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@akcharlie1960]

@@HR4NT I have a new (last month) IC-7300 for HF base only and an IC-2200/Yaesu FT-60r for UHF/VHF, still base only. Not really interested in mobile. Not a big computer guy either. Just want to re-hone my CW skills and voice DX from Alaska, with homebrew wire ant. and put pins in a world map. Short term goals. Your videos are helping me get there. THX.

[@nr3rful]

Use "banana " plugs on your power supply

[@HR4NT]

Banana plugs are another alternative to power poles as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@SldgeHammr]

Black on red, red on black right

[@bassangler73]

😂😂😂

[@HR4NT]

ROFL...yeah that will work out well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@DK5ONV]

@@HR4NT 😂😂😂😂💯👍

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I've seen hams is xt60 connectors and amderson pole connectors. Is it a personal preference thing? I've used xt60 for non ham projects. 73 kq4hcu

[@HR4NT]

I am not familiar with the XT650 connectors. I have always used Anderson Power Poles and they just work for me. I think the ease of use and ease of making them is what attracts most hams to the Anderson's. It could be a personal preference. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Thank you have a great week

[@brianmartin7964]

How big of a battery should I get for POA?

[@HR4NT]

If you are running a 100 watt rig, I suggest a 15-20aH battery. That will last quite a while. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

What about if your power supply don’t have Anderson plugs

[@HR4NT]

Then check out my video on how too make Anderson power poles (kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5vKoqOjibuinKssi=F9qC5AvvPWS7Iccg ). Super simple but you will need a special crimper and the power pole parts, all of which I have in my Amazon store that should be linked in the video. It's worth it. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@charliebillingsley2486]

How would you hook an amp up to all that

[@HR4NT]

I do not own an amp just yet due to cost, but I am sure that installing the amp with the equipment would probably be pretty straight forward. I would have to look into that further to give you a better answer. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@unclemikeyplays]

"Other people are going to have different opinions on [Anderson power poles]...." Honestly, not as far as I've seen in my trip down the radio rabbit hole. Every KZbinr, at least, seems to absolutely swear by power-poles!

[@HR4NT]

They seem to work just fine for me all the time. I have yet to have one fail on me. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@caseym890]

Hey everyone

[@HR4NT]

Hey Casey!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

[@akcharlie1960]

Grounding???

[@HR4NT]

I have a separate video covering how I grounded my shack which was not covered in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHTEoqaolr6Vpck Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@KE5ZZO]

You never told user to hook up ground radio - tuner - power supply

[@HR4NT]

Hi David. I actually already covered grounding in a previous video, but probably should have mentioned that as well in the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!! Grounding Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHTEoqaolr6Vpck

[@KE5ZZO]

@@HR4NT I know it was covered on previous video. Just thought should mention to ground stuff - please see other video for all options since grounding has many options - did not want newbie to watch and skip ground and complain my radio is full of rfi or wife’s computer reboots when they key up

[@HR4NT]

@@KE5ZZO Agreed...I should have touched on that. I may append the video with a new one to set a reminder. Thank you. 73!!!

[@LoafingMushroom]

Spent $1000 on gear and it's literally just been sitting around for 4 years doing nothing because of this and i don't know what antenna i need. Honestly i gave up because the pandemic basically shut down the club for years and i don't know anybody else who even knows what a radio is.

[@HR4NT]

Depending on your radio, I assume it is an HF rig of some sort, you can grab a half wave end fed or some other type of antenna like the DX Commander and be up and running. Email me through my website, hamradiofornontechies.com and let me know what gear you have and maybe we can figure out a good solution for you. Without knowing what radio you are using, I can only guess at what to recommend. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@michealmihailovic4128]

If you passed the exam and received your ticket well if you cannot figure out how to make simple and secure connections then my question is how did you pass your exam this is todays standard in ham radio most hams today do not even bother to make the simplest antenna like the dipole they go and buy one from say mfj really great that is why the hobby has gone downhill the standards have gone downhill.

[@HR4NT]

I have always said that people learn differently and at different paces. As long as they get to the finish line, a little help along the way doesn't hurt. The study guides for the exams do not go over Anderson power poles, so some may not know they exist. You have to admit, ham radio is a technical and sometimes difficult hobby. Any help I can provide to the public to assist them in understanding ham radio is a plus. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I'm kind of old school and have an aversion to crimped fittings because of the inevitable oxidization that will occur in them, especially in the salt air environment where I live. So, I solder all my connections even though it's a pain in the butt...worth it in the long run. Ivan VE7IVN

[@HR4NT]

If you are able to solder your connections that is a good solution as well. I have not tried to solder PP connectors before and may have to give that a shot. Thanks for watching and for the tip! 73!