Getting Started with Ham Radio

In this video, Amber sits down with Ham Radio expert Josh Naas to discuss Family Communication. Cell phones are often used as the primary form of communication, but what would you use if cell towers go down? A PACE Plan, or Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency Plan, can play a key role in a worst-case scenario.
Josh also lines out the different types of radios, which would apply to various scenarios.
For more information check out Josh’s KZbin channel: / @hamradiocrashcourse
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[@EhWassAmattaU]

Thanks Amber and Josh! Amber (and Mike), "pro tip": if you are going to get your HAM license, don't do it the wrong way... ie: learning wrong information. Get the test guide Highlight the CORRECT answer for each question (or just the letter) Read the question and then ONLY the correct answer You will not put wrong information into your head When you take the test, the correct answer pops out at you! It is not "cheating"! It is learning ONLY correct information. This works the same for FAA written tests too...

[@behnkem1]

I've been a Amateur radio operator since late 2015. I've learned a lot about how the bands act during certain times of the day ight, which frequencies will get you across town or across the globe. As with every hobby, you'll come across people who are just there to make life Miserable for others, as they are most likely living a miserable life. But all in all, I've really enjoyed the hobby and when the power in our area was out for 3- 4 days, it was a lot of fun to use battery power and talk across the state, and send emails without having local internet. In the end, it's worth it. Josh is a great guy and his channel is a good place to learn. Great Video.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

Don't tell me there are trolls in amateur radio too. I would have figured people that are into that take it seriously, but I guess I'm putting too much faith in people.

[@k8byp]

Tgats nice, but yourr not a Ham Amateur radio is not what youre doing. Youre doing CB radio, just talking. All other radio services are for communicating. Amateur Radio is not.

[@JasonBender-mo6qv]

God bless God bless from Ham radio fond du lac Wisconsin Jeff was the Mr Bexley yes 1971 to 2008 the new retired as the teacher and they sold the equipment on auction many radios or for sale back then they didn't save the amateur radio club in the high school they want the digital television and had a newscast in broadcasting journalists program at the fond du lac high the antenna is still up there but not the equipment what a shame we don't have amateur radio anymore for the high school students oh well a thing of the past I love the amateur radio and speaking to people overseas and learning about radio waves and how they work with the weather and the conditions of the sky 73 centennial the students who still keep amateur radio as their class assignments fond du lac Wisconsin remembers 73

[@leokelly359]

I love that you're doing this. I am a disabled veteran and I've been thinking about getting my HAM radio license and some budget friendly equipment. just need the motivation and a place to start

[@GoDaveGo]

I’m doing the same. $4 for HamStudy app, $14 for test, $25 for radio. It isn’t free, but it starts out reasonably

[@ahendrix9787]

please do it! a BTech uv-5x3 (a US company-modified BaoFung uv-5x3 radio) is a cheap way to get started and some of the problems with it have been resolved...do a search for that radio for reviews, recommendations, and how to program...the question pool for the Technician changes after - i believe - June 2022, the General pool is good to 2023, and the Extra 2024...there are many YT videos and ham experts who are informative, and many of them are vets! all are willing to help! Best wishes! (73)

[@williamstiefel3908]

@@GoDaveGo you forgot $35 for the license itself

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

Go GMRS it’s much easier and cheaper and get get it now.

[@patriot9455]

@@JohnDoe-zg6fn Both have a place, and you can have both licenses.

[@glenncapone]

I love your "find a mom"; you know they're involved until the kid's mom is found.

[@billbbobby2889]

This was a great talk. Hopefully someone could do a great talk on what would happen if the whole grid went down, or we had EMP issues either from a rocket blast or the sun. That would be the best time that these ham radios would be life saving.

[@harleysoftail7107]

I’m a HAM radio operator and I just want to say that not all of us are dicks. LoL Get involved as capable American citizens, people.

[@countrysister700]

I'm sure you're right. But the tech types active usually don't have the patience to teach the non-tech novice.

[@aliensojourner]

You have to find an Elmer.

[@johnoneil4688]

Lol. Good to know.

[@killiansred1000]

An Elmer is someone who has been a ham and can help you get comfortable with talking on a radio, etc.

[@jayceew2j202]

Most hams r not diks

[@P3T3RXIII]

As a Texan this is an important topic for myself (and for most Americans as well) especially with what we experienced on February of 2021. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@takeahike2993]

Texas grid failed last month, as well.

[@Coffeeology]

I was in Austin area for the Feb 2021... That's why I started looking into ham radio. Josh and his group helped me get my technician licence.

[@dave_dennis]

I had to think for a minute what happened in Feb of 2021. How soon we forget. Which is exactly what Abbot has counted on.

[@blankreganon5395]

Another option that most people don't use is MURS It is license free and is 2 watts like FRS but has a couple of benefits. First it is VHF instead of UHF. Because of that it might be a little better in the woods. Second, you can remove the antenna and use a better one including using one 60 feet above the ground. It only has 5 channels instead of 22 like FRS. But, it is not as widely used so it is great for family and small groups.

[@baddriver3580]

Great addition to the emergency com for the family in time of emergency and crisis also to use daily! MURS is awesome for lots of uses 👍 73’s

[@Jake-yv9cr]

Upgrading to General, radio is a great hobby and preparedness asset!

[@guy1021]

If you put your name/phone number/address to a tune or rhyme, a kid can learn it at a super young, and then just practice on long car rides. Taught my nephew at 2 that way.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Very true. In fact all Morse characters have a cadence to them that aids in learning.

[@Mykael_G]

Question for Amber, at what age did you start implementing these things with your kids? And could you give an example of how to teach them this concept of learning? Thank you guys

[@joeblow9284]

She’s an outstanding interviewer.

[@BBaldwin]

She’s sexy, no doubt!😛

[@cappaculla]

Yeah, Luckily Josh didn't wear his tight pants..

[@V1AbortV2]

No, she’s really not. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chrissewell1608]

I thought she was very good as the interviewer. Keeping the questions on target, and in order. Also helping to explain, abbreviated jargen.

[@SweatyElectrician]

She kinda looks like Stephi Lee

[@richarda996]

When I had children I gave each of them a walkie-talkie for around the house and on vacations. It saved me a lot of walking. Also just listening I could tell where they were generally. Easy to walk to the car turn on the CB channel 14? And call supper is ready,lol.

[@tomsimota2117]

Great job with keeping the acronyms from obscuring the interview.

[@Texassmith9095]

Amber does such a great job of speaking on these episodes and really is very informative. Josh does a great job of explaining ham radio technology on a level that is easy to follow. Anytime I need information , he's the guy I go to. 😎👍

[@twohandsandaradio]

The uptalk drives me batty.

[@dakotahayden6937]

Can you tell us the makes/models of the three radios on the table?

[@gregsherwood4758]

Went and joined Josh’s channel. Thank you both for the information, I will be working on it this summer.

[@morganw02]

I appreciate having Amber in these videos. It really helps get my wife involved when she sees a woman's perspective.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I agree, Amber was fun to work with!

[@jinksomiabodyart3189]

Yeah, it was very sneaky 😄

[@rangersmith4652]

Losing all comms (AT&T wireless and Internet went hard down for hundreds of miles around) after the Dec 25 Nashville bombing is the reason I got interested in radio. We take comms for granted until we don't have comms. Cover all the bases: I have GMRS, HF, VHF/UHF, and CB, so something is almost always going to be working, and someone in range is going to be listening.

[@ke8mattj]

Recommended by YT to me because I'm into prepping, clicked because I saw Josh on the thumbnail since I'm also into ham and watch the HRCC videos. The time spent watching this video was not wasted. Would recommend HRCC if someone is interested in radio communications.

[@fm71450]

Very appropriate subject. I have been following Josh for some years, glad you teamed up with him. Thank you.

[@chrissewell1608]

I liked this episode. And the casual style. Being a Ham Radio operator, I am aware of this info., but its a casual way to introduce new comers to radio communications. I am going to subscribe.

[@corewarrior]

Amber is such a thorough interviewer. Nice job Josh.

[@henryslab]

Great information. Love the integration

[@pibble3962]

Excellent breakdown. Precise questions and knowledgeable answers!

[@Subgunman]

Great video! The issue with Sat Phones is that if something goes wrong with the satellite constellation ie attack on the satellites or a solar event that would disable the network you have an expensive brick on your hands. As a ham I utilize the ham bands for rag chewing however when it comes to the rest of the family I use commercial radios on P25 encrypted on general dot frequencies used for itinerant communications. For local comms I hold a private carrier class license for business which I can authorize users to use the repeater for business with a monthly fee. Repeater is on battery backup.

[@blazegulizack]

Wright in the Rain notebooks are outstanding! These are the standard in the military especially for the field!

[@theokayestguy9167]

He is crazy knowledgeable! Great interview.

[@LeonardChurch33]

I think the coolest part of Amateur radio and the thing that makes it the most valuable for the E in the PACE plan is that it is its own infrastructure. If you have a radio you can transmit to anyone within range of you and they can re-transmit to anyone within range of them. No towers, no satellites, just EM emissions through the air. In a wide area emergency it's certainly slower than the internet but way faster than word of mouth.

[@arikjohnson412]

Josh is the greatest and Amber is a great interlocutor 😎🙏🇺🇸🎈God bless America!

[@robertduncan2742]

A issue with ham radio is all the liscencing which needs done and with what's coming people aren't going to be worring about call number or what to say. What's you backup power when grids fall and cells are gone. My thoughts are a good radio with a good range area

[@shadowsun199]

I keep write as rain notepads, "Oh I do to!" in their backpacks "Oh right for the kids... . " lmao

[@outlawbadge1]

While I have used CB raiders all my life, the ham radios with all the options are very confusing, at least at this point. We have no ham radio experience but with the wife and I camping or traveling, we would like something we can communicate with each other easily or be able to reach someone for help no matter where we might be, boondocks, forest, woods, extttt… we aren’t sure what ham radio would be best for our needs and possibly seeking a license as well. Thanks for the video,,

[@adlucem9845]

Skip the license. Get baofengs. Also make yourself a guerilla repeater. (doubles as a battery pack) Guerilla repeater: -.50 cal ammo can - surecom or Argent simplex repeater ($55) -spare baofeng or 25w mobile radio -size 14 atv battery fits in ammo can nicely -20w - 40w solar panel - N9TAX slim Jim antenna. These hang from a tree and are quite good antennas. A tree makes a fast and easy way to get an antenna high without a mast. -25-50ft of coax. LMR400 or KMR 400 (knockoff but good and cheap at $35 for 25'). and appropriate connectors to hook to whatever radio you get. (Mobile radio and slim Jim need nothing) Put it all in the ammo can and route your hand held radios transmissions through it. It provides anywhere from 15-50 miles of total range. Deploys easily, cant be smashed, water proof, packs up small.

[@capnrob97]

I am 57 and studying for the tech listen. I have a few handheld transceiver radios I listen to. Probably won’t transmit much when I get licensed, but figure I should have in case I ever need to.

[@DonkeyMusic777]

Very well done.

[@dwpinspectot]

What would a "Carrington Effect" have on hams? What would be protective measures to protect your equipment?

[@dr.projectx5142]

This is great info. I still use my 29 lt cobra classic and a mag mount. Great radio for quick communication. And also carry a 2 uhf radios a bearcom by 130 and spirit motorola radio.

[@countrysister700]

Being old school, my learning needs to be able to review print, diagrams, outlines (showing term like FRS and the types that are subsets). This convo us pleasant but I'm not left understanding more than when I started. Simply don't know where to start to get the info in a format I can understand, retain and act on confidently.

[@jsnjyn]

Seems this was more of an intro or “hook.” Maybe the “getting started” playlist on his channel would be a good next step.

[@zayl777]

You guys found Josh! Awesome video

[@Hjaal904]

Learned a lot from Josh and crashcourse!

[@southtxroughneck113]

Which radio frequency should i use at the beach? National Seashore Padre Island has a horrible signal.

[@michaelsavage1532]

Awesome video!!!

[@rebeccaseveringhaus8642]

Which Ham Radio should I buy? There are so many.

[@nealfry2230]

I really Love you Hayden Panettiere

[@nealfry2230]

A Back up Generator for your Home and HAM Radios.

[@nealfry2230]

I'll Always Love you Hayden Panettiere

[@nealfry2230]

I'll Pay for all Expenses. I Promise, Neal Patrick Fry from Detroit, Michigan.

[@nealfry2230]

Merry Christmas Hayden Panettiere

[@ricardodelrey6419]

What happens with complete power down and relay system such as repeaters? Does this limit range

[@Guardian0313]

Does applying for a ham radio license require you to forfeit your search and seizure rights?

[@adlucem9845]

Yes. Ham radio people highly discourage questioning the government and licensing. But the reason you're licensed and assigned a call sign, that you must identify yourself with, is so the government can let other hams turn you in for wrong-think. It was created under a communist regime (FDR) that was also busy taking your 2nd amendment rights at the same time. But "good hams" scoff at any question of the system. Be obedient.

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

Just registered for a class and test at the local Community College.

[@lindsaymoore5852]

My struggle is all the technical terms in the test that I just don’t understand. Is there a good book that breaks down the vocab? I’ve tried to just memorize the answers but for me I need to understand more of the meaning behind things. I’m a hands on learner and probably also audio as well. I looked at ham radio for dummies but that’s for after passing the test. Is there a ham test prep for idiots? Specifically one that focuses on vocabulary?

[@DonzLockz]

Josh is da man for HAM!👍🤓📻

[@davidkay7389]

Great HAM resource

[@ncphotos]

Great show W2CSI

[@ezekielswiss4347]

I am more confused now then i was before this video. lol i have alot to learn

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Woot Woot!

[@Andrewbreeze316]

Love this guy

[@markhaywood7307]

Amber is over the top on to it.

[@h2osmokey]

Please link me to the edition when you launched the wire into the trees.

[@T2_Ops]

What are the two males and models of radios on the left?

[@wills5159]

maybe its just my phone, but while the gps itself will work without service, most of the maps are downloaded as needed while the map app is on. I cant get a map without service. I tried it out on a hike a while back. my phone, an S8 doesnt store maps. I think most work the same. its not like a dedicated gps navigation system that stores your area maps on the device.

[@wadebigelow6585]

Amber is funny and informative. Did she move from Oklahoma to Utah with her husband and kids?

[@africantwin173]

In the Netherlands most youngsters find the ham exams too difficult. And with a Dutch General Class license you still cannot use the 80 meter band for local work. The ITU 1 and IARU need to do something about all those band plan differences and difficulty in exams. Ham Radio is very nice hobby. Most hams in my area are very old. Hardly any young hams. The bands are quiet. Most new hams wont go further than General Class. And if they have the papers, then they use MMDVM with Internet. SO no rf repeaters any more . Just internet hotspots. Fusion and DMR.

[@NathanaelPadgett]

As of 7/6/2021, the FCC fee for "ZA - General Mobile Radio (GMRS)" is still $70 :(

[@Dom-o9q]

This is certainly true. Does anyone know what the date is on this change of fee ?

[@don_n5skt]

@@Dom-o9q No, not yet. The FCC is still working on the details. They met with representatives of the Amateur testing groups this month and are working with them to implement the fee collection.

[@boo-ix]

Excellent!

[@wild-radio7373]

Very cool interview! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@mattysee24]

Does anyone actually transmit on a UV5R without a liscense?

[@mtcup56]

Please explain to me why I care about rules and or license if it's a s*** hits the fan or a Big emergency

[@haxboi5492]

Ham radio is a skill that requires practice. If you don't know what you're doing in a emergency, you might as well not have a radio

[@haileymaya2030]

Are you able to give information on how to become licensed for the ham radio what websites do I go to and how much would it be I am very interested in purchasing radio for the family I also work in security and I'm a volunteer firefighter sometimes where I go the reception is crappy or no signal at all any information would help thank you very much

[@vetinger]

Until The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act will become as a law a lot of HAMers who are living under condominium restriction are feel themself very uncomfortable...

[@lilsheba1]

If you live in an apartment or as part of a HOA you can't put antennas of any kind.

[@adlucem9845]

Wrong. Try a slim Jim. Hang it from the window or balcony. Put it on a stick or even hang it from your ceiling. Then there's going to the park with your radio, your vehicle, camping, etc.

[@haxboi5492]

There are stealthy flagpole antennas for HOA and you could use a magmount next to a window in a apartment

[@routerpete1674]

Wow - she mentioned PACE plan. Wonder if she is a former military communicator.

[@mikehydroseed1282]

There’s something about Amber.

[@zeroUnitygain]

I have my GMRS, what next?

[@delbert9357]

You can buy all this stuff without a license. This is a survival channel. You won't need a license to operate it when your in survival mode. Good luck.

[@uMalice]

GMRS is easiest way to get into the more powerful radios. GMRS has a license fee and no test and the license extends to your family. HAM is the next step and requires some additional knowledge and has a license and requires passing a test to get your basic/technician license. If you just want to use a radio without getting in the hobby of HAM, GMRS is the way to go. Whatever path you decide on, just do it and get started in radios!

[@adlucem9845]

You only need a call sign.

[@matt.t2639]

@9:39 shooting your RF straight up. Does anyone have any videos on the antenna system he is talking about?

[@americancitizen2536]

They call it NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antennas. Sometimes it is as simple as having your antenna closer to the ground rather than elevated in a normal fashion. Just a little bit of knowledge helps understand it all. One day it just clicks in your mind as you play with all of it.

[@matt.t2639]

@@americancitizen2536 thank you.

[@Hmetalz]

What is the handheld on the left??????????????

[@haxboi5492]

Maybe the tyt md 750. DMR radio

[@SkeezyFPV]

Josh, what's the handheld ham radio you have on the table?

[@pnwgeek]

Yaesu FT-3DR

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The yaesu FT3Dr and the TYT-UV88

[@kg5radio716]

GMRS is $35/10 years, as of April 19, 2022.

[@moorepatriot76]

I have a radio with a frequency for the local police but can't pick up anything. Any ideas?

[@americancitizen2536]

Probably just need a better antenna. Try putting it by your window or taking it outside to see if it picks up stuff better. If it does, a better antenna would probably help you. ...other times, you may not be able to hear your police at all, if they encrypt their communications. But most police scanners also pick up other folks too, i.e., state local govt, hospitals, utility company, etc. Good luck.

[@obic5538]

What brand/model of upgrade antenna is that on the HT?

[@shadowsun199]

looks like a signal stick

[@RJD0314]

Can someone explain if Ham and shortwave are the same? I have a short wave receiver and it seems like I can only pick up Spanish stations, if i hear any at all. Thanks

[@garrettstephens91]

They use different frequencies and require different licenses. That is the only difference.

[@americancitizen2536]

Actually some of the ham frequencies are used right in shortwave also. It's just that shortwave radios "receive" from the broadcasting stations (just like am radios in your car -- which is actually medium wave). If you obtain a shortwave radio with a single side band option (SSB) you can also listen to the ham folks talking on your shortwave radio. ...provided you have a good tuning knob (that tunes a bit finer or with smaller steps of the frequency,) and an ok antenna. These radios are not at all expensive, as "receiving/listening" radios and you don't need a license at all to ever listen.

[@SteelWolf13]

what radio was he holding up at 17:00 that he was saying can text his wife while out of cell service? He made it sounds like he could just send his wife a text directly to her phone. Interested in more info. Been a ham since 2008 and have not heard of a device that sends direct texts to a specific users unless your using APRS devices. Phones don't APRS at all. Maybe a phone dongle or radio to radio device was used?

[@daveys]

There’s a technique for doing APRS to SMS but he might mean something else entirely!

[@haxboi5492]

There are cables that adapt from the phone jack to a radio jack. And in aprs droid you can just select connection via audio. That's it

[@haxboi5492]

Btw the radio he's holding there is the yaesu ft3dr. Super pricey. But it can do aprs without any additional equipment

[@patrickgerth4570]

I was out delivering orders when I heard the power went out in my neighborhood on a local repeater. The phone service was down because everyone flooded the network with calls when the power went out. So not only did I know what to expect when I got home. I could still communicate.

[@M9A1MAN]

Great video, and damn Amber is FINE!

[@mikeh4524]

Ink in a pen can also freeze. Pencil is better.

[@garrettstephens91]

A quill with an inkwell is superior.

[@shaunengleby5429]

I had a license as a child. Is it still valid? KSY6630? How can I find out?

[@americancitizen2536]

FCC has a website. But most expire after a set period.

[@youngtrav8696]

Damn

[@kathybilski5375]

Programming the radio is another huge headache

[@rhondagodfrey1590]

ha?

[@BakerchopzZ]

I just like looking at the pretty woman. I didn't hear anything about radios this entire video.

[@steven3379]

Young lady in thumbnail & video looks like "Captain Marvel".🙂

[@Dan007UT]

Can't wait for the HAM die-hards who will be like "bwaaaaa it's nOt AlL cApITalIzEd!"

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

🤣

[@youngtrav8696]

How about don't lose your kids

[@haxboi5492]

We got a helicopter parent. Give them some freedom or they will grow up having no self reliance

[@drugtalk101]

Smokin!!

[@Gmar69]

I wish that both of you spoke at a similar voice level. Amber, you are too "HIGH" and Josh is way too "LOW." I'm constantly turning my volume up and down, respectively.

[@stevenpeterson8444]

turned up her mic because you forgot to turn his on?

[@takeahike2993]

Didn’t run the audio equalizer.

[@hogan6216]

People who depend on there phones are a Fool...RLTW

[@jesseobrien5864]

This has nothing to do with the actual exam. Cool information. But was 10 minutes of talking vs. what it actually takes to pass the test

[@ericthomas9915]

♿

[@HerdingDogRescuer]

So far ham has been a huge time suck and money pit. Too many barriers to entry including, conflicting opinions, supply chain issues, jargon, cost. Fuck, I'm sick of it and I haven't even gotten on the air.

[@haxboi5492]

Just start slow. Get a baofeng uv5r and a Nagoya antenna. Not that expensive

[@donl5158]

very disappointed. you wasted our time. Why couldn't you get to the point, id the various choices, less than 2 minutes, then drill down on differences in distances.