Ham Radio Basics: 5 Things Every Ham Radio Operator Should Know

[@thork0tjt515]

Great advice here! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichaelLitty]

Good voice, good look, good production value and you didn't bore and irritate your viewers with a two minute intro and ten minutes of babble. You got right to the point and you were obviously well prepared. Well done and thank you.

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

Cringey soy gape thumbnail though.

[@davinaross6625]

Interested in starting up on HAM radio I require an Almyer! no clue where to begin

[@Cab3475]

As a new ham, I feel like the best thing I have done is just talk on the radio. Our local club has several net calls throughout the week. Just check-in. Even if that is all you do, it will build confidence and help you to start “drinking from the firehouse” so to speak.

[@K0LWC]

Nets are a great way to get comfortable and have people on that machine hear you on-air!

[@charleswoods2996]

Before you even get your license, get "listening" equipment; shortwave RXrs with Single Sideband, a cheap scanner that will receive V/UHF of course, rather than just getting on the air with (starting by giving your call sign), "Hey! I'm a new Ham!" Because upon my experience being licensed in Sept. 06, I learned "Newbee means New Meat." K0LWC, you remind me of Drew Carey with brown hair, LoL KD8EFQ/73!

[@mborghese]

great advice - the antenna and coax advice is great. Today's rigs are all very similar in terms of performance. The antenna is what helps get you the contacts.

[@K0LWC]

Absolutely. I feel like people get lost in the bells and whistles we play with in the shack and forget the most important part of the station at times Give me a 30-year old radio and a properly designed antenna system with no expense spared any day.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Mic fright is real.

[@K0LWC]

I agree. I can’t even remember this for me since I grew up on the radio. But I can still imagine it’s intimidating for new operators.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

You just have to jump in feet first. I was VERY nervous when I started activating parks with POTA, but after a few times I felt very comfortable… although my brain & mouth can’t always coordinate sometimes. But now I can just sit down in front of a radio and call CQ (whatever - Field Day, POTA, whatever).

[@thomastammaro693]

Yes it sure is. I'm still working up the nerve to talk. " Better to be silent and thought a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt".

[@jwhardig]

Also have extra coax in case u want or need to go potable like for field day or a POTA activation.

[@M7EUP]

Another great option for technician/foundation holders is Data Modes like FT8. The instant gratification of contacts even on 2m/70cm keeps them interested. It also helps to visualise the propagation at different times of the day/year. Awesome video man, your so cool 👌

[@TroyCraft]

I'll add one: Learn to play the used market! As a new guy, I prefer to buy new and "know the equipment works". However, seeing how well the prices hold in the used market, I feel confident knowing that if I don't love the equipment, I can sell it very easily and for darn near retail. Basically, it feels like you can demo new equipment for 10-15% of the cost.

[@K0LWC]

I agree, Troy. It's not difficult to flip gear for very little loss in value if in good condition. I used my Kenwood D74a for three years and sold it for 5% less than new. However, that was because it was announced as discontinued.

[@MichaelLeo]

#4 should be the primary focus of the Tech test, but isn't...i'm hoping the new version of the test makes some changes around that.

[@JaynBea]

I got my Novice ticket back in 74, and had a blast doing CW. Then I put the rig away and let the license expire. Now in my 70’s, I’m a General Class ticket, and have been loath to key up again after hearing the grief dropped on new licensees. Times have changed. Where did the helpful Elmer’s go? As I prepare for my Extra exam, I have to wonder if we aren’t killing off the joy in the hobby by being so mean. I enjoyed your video, as it reminded me of the Elmer who piqued my interest by dragging me out of the 11 meter band in its heydays. Keep up the good work and mentoring those who have come home to Ham Radio. KN6NPK/73

[@samscement]

Great and honest advice, you smashed that nail right on the head, thanks, really enjoyed your video, keep them coming !

[@davidgray2969]

You said a lot about coax. Don't forget that balanced line really works good. Low loss even on long runs. In Colorado I might love a big tower.... but my wire antennas work veery well in our little back yard. An of center fed dipole at 8 or 10 ft off the ground gives me surprising results on hf.

[@K0LWC]

Indeed. That’s a great point. Balanced feed line is certainly another good option.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Yes.! Twin lead balanced feed, can be up to 3db better than coax. You can diy it, impedance matching is built in, will drop the noise floor by 2db in most cases. I use it on everything, except for the car of course. I had a single lead feed for a bunch of yrs. Read about it, so I tried it.

[@BrianMaguire]

Your videos, advice, and ham gear reviews are really helping to promote the hobby. Thank you! -KB6TPS

[@K0LWC]

Thank you, Brian. Trying to do my part to grow ham radio!

[@sthompson8376]

Thanks for the sage advice. I am helping my 80+ yr old father put up a new vertical antenna. I have done several projects like this with him. I noticed your license plate on the wall. Can you direct me to a really solid ham group that meets in Denver. My father has not had much luck doing this.

[@sophoklesgreek3237]

Important: You can do a lot of stuff on a budget. Antenna .. well you are a HAM right? build one. it is fun, you learn a LOT and a self made dipol is much cheaper than a one from a shelf. buy 2nd hand, consider DRM or other digital modes.. why? because why the hack not? and most important.. grab some gear..( yes even some cheap china stuff) set it up..and get started.. the first QSO is something sooo rewarding.never forget that this is not a race.. it is about fun... your fun.

[@macaw2000]

5 solid tips

[@kevinmatthews2620]

oh yeah another thing do not buy mfj wquipment, i was in my local ham shop buying a brand new still in its box as packed by mfj, and the shop owner shook the box ,and you could hear screws rattling around in it,he then proceeded to open the box for the first time to reveal 2 brocken pieces of polystyrene holding the atu in the box, and upon opening the atu 2 screw rolling around inside that had come out in shipping and 6 more that were on the verge of falling out, the mfj quality quality is/was zero to non existent, once bought once cried since then i havent bought anything with a mfj connection and i have no breakdowns or failures :)

[@mattblack133]

I planned ahead... just got a 991a. Definitely dont think im gonna cry once or buy onne!

[@Marty48034]

1:40--LITERALLY my experience. Very defeating. And I started during C19, so no one was really meeting and all the Elmers (usually older) were cautious about meeting folks. Better now.

[@AlvinMcManus]

I really appreciate this video and all the other virtual Elmer video on KZbin. I have just recently rekindled my interest in ham radio which has lain dormant since my high school days (1965-1969) and here I am at 71 slightly disabled on a fixed income and bored of the video games I've been playing for years. Ham seems like a possibility since my ambulatory activities are very limited. I am right now studying for the technician license and grateful that code has been dropped from the requirements (This is really what stopped me 50+ years ago). I have limited space and finances so a lot of the stuff that one can do is out of reach so what can I really look forward to? All comments will be greatly appreciated as long as they are not rude and coming from the ham community I would expect they wouldn't be.

[@bentonjackson8698]

"Find an elmer" should really be "Find a club". Which you mentioned, but only as a way of finding an elmer. The club itself can be your elmer, in fact lots of elmers.

[@K0LWC]

I just didn’t want it that limited as elmers can come from anywhere. One of my elmers in college in Menomonie was just a regular on the repeater who invited me out to a repeater site. We talked weekly, and eventually met up based on conversations.

[@chuck9333]

Not all clubs have resumed get togethers because of Covid. I had to learn on my own to pass the Technician test.

[@jonathananderson6057]

I would add carry a note pad so if you come across another ham you can get there name and call sign and get them on the air

[@The_Koolaid_Control]

Just trying to start getting into this all, thanks!

[@K0LWC]

You got this!

[@hamradioeconomystyle48]

Good advice; especially on buying for the future. I never liked the notion of "a beginner radio." Just get the best one for your interests. When I got my novice license way back then, it was similar to today's Technician license. A VHF radio was not the first one I bought. It was HF, because that's where I wanted to be. Great advise. Also getting an Elmer is important. I got lucky and my Elmers found me. They were invaluable. But, I won't mention clubs, other than I have my own opinion of them and it's not good.

[@k2bny]

Those were 7 great tips..I mean 5 😉 but seriously another good video. I'm still a little mic shy and it seems pretty common especially on my local repeaters. A lot of people just listen

[@K0LWC]

3A, 3B. I should have just made it “10 Things…” 😂 I always imagine people staring at their radio listening to repeaters ID. Get on and talk! 😉

[@hamradioeconomystyle48]

Yes Ken for some reason no one wants to talk on VHF. They just check into a net, and that's it. It's really weird. I think being Mic shy may be linked to being shy on public speaking. I've been a ham since 1977 and I'm still mic shy.

[@jeremycarmack4334]

I am considering getting into Ham. I work in telecommunications and I don’t know how much coax I have thrown away over the years. We scrap anything pretty much under 100’ 😮.

[@K0LWC]

That's usually what I need! 😆 70’-135’ -- I'm good on QRZ. 😊 I recommend getting your license. Lots of fun to be had with RF!

[@tonyridlen]

Helpful information for the new ham radio operator I am an extra class operator but I have had my ticket since October of 2009 but still found this you tube video to be rather interesting. KC9QVE Marion,Indiana

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Good info for all new & current hams.

[@miltonzambrano5542]

Excelente felicitaciones HC4Z 73

[@philipcanterbury4722]

Join a club, read read read learn about the hobby, keep your mind open to new stuff and join the arrl

[@zachbender7607]

On the subject of COAX that can't be overstated , you can get very good transmission line, but the wrong type. Make sure your buying the right cable for your intended use. RG-8 FOR HF AND 6M, and RG-213 Or hardline for VHF/UHF Work.

[@K0LWC]

I’m running LMR-400 for my HF rigs, and LMR-600 for VHF/UHF. Choosing to run something like LMR-600 for HF is overkill, even for those that enjoy being overkill - but it sure wouldn’t hurt anything. 😊 Running 150’ of RG58 on the other hand. 😂

[@zachbender7607]

@@K0LWC Totally agree - RG58 is OK for short runs, in a car or truck - but not to terribly the best thing to do at long runs indeed. New hams get the stuff since its cheap, but you'll pay the price in loss - both RX/TX.

[@G0USL]

I only use double screened coax for everything. The reasons? I don't get pickup between long parallel runs, It also resists breakthrough of any "ambient" rf in the local environment. I have measured this in my location by comparing the performance of two 30metre runs. One was RG213 and the other Westflex103. The signal source was a local radio station. I could see and hear the station breakthrough the 213, not however through the Westflex. I only use single screened coax now for making antennas out of. Not for feeding them.

[@cybertruckmax2798]

Awesome advice! Thanks for all your doing to promote Ham Radio! I have your QSL card displayed in my Ham Shack! Look forward to talking HF in the near future! 73! KN4ZOO

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Solid tips!

[@trevorfilipiak1247]

Hi. I would like to know how much Ham radio study/certification would be needed in order to participate in public events like marathons and 5ks, especially in areas where cellphone reception is limited. Could you do a video on this topic?

[@K0LWC]

Technician level is all you need to do public service comms like that. It’s the entry level test and fairly easy to pass. Check out Ham Radio Prep as a study tool, whether desktop or in the App Store.

[@pcrequest]

What are the Morse Code applications called? That would be a great future video topic.

[@K0LWC]

I use the N1MM software suite with MRP40 which has a bunch of tools, one of which is the ability to do CW via computer. It takes a bit of setup and the signal needs to have good tone, but it works well enough to hold a conversation.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

BUY an antenna? Get some antenna books then BUILD an antenna. A few rolls of wire and a pair of cutters are much more fun and educational. I built delta loops and 2 element quads out of wood and wire for 10 metres. G4BTI.

[@adamc999]

"Saying you're a new ham instantly changes the conversation." True, but not always for the better (i.e., if you run across an 'elitist' ham.

[@K0LWC]

That can happen, but I like to think that’s rare. Most hams are excited to hear someone new as it means the hobby is growing. 😉

[@charleswoods2996]

Know and remember this: the "elitist" is often a narcissist that's just condescending, rude and belligerent - and still lives in his mother's basement at 40+ years old and likely wearing her underwear while bragging about how great he /thinks/ is. Trust me. I've met what turned out to be an "elitist" Amateur Radio operator. A blessing in disguise however was writing a Thesis on such Narcissism and getting rave academic reviews at which earned my degree in Psychology!

[@chuck9333]

Not only that but some hams get aggravated if you ask for help.

[@charleswoods2996]

@@chuck9333 Well c'mon now, you know those are the ones that descended on the clouds with an Advanced Extra class license in their hand radiating glowing rays of light with halos and all that, right? lol

[@chuck9333]

The elmers are a cause to my problem. What's obvious to them is not obvious to me and I'm stuck in all kinds of problems following their directions.

[@K0LWC]

You need to ask more questions then. 😊

[@todddugdale57]

@@K0LWC You really don't get it. You just invented a stupid 'problem' there and 'solved' it with a glib reply. That's pretty much what happens when most new hams ask questions of senior hams -- that question gets ignored and replaced with a different (and very stupid) one. Any follow-ups are 'translated' as "You need to dumb it down!", as the original question is completely forgotten and the 'replacement question' goes down a rabbit-hole. See, it's kind of like how you just ignored everything I wrote and replaced it with some black-and-white Good Guys/Bad Guys dichotomy that has nothing to do with the issue at hand. Gee, maybe the issue *isn't* Bad Guys who refuse to help. Maybe it's obtuse Good Guys who fail to listen because they already 'know' what the new ham "really means".

[@variousbirdspecieshahaha]

If a beginner like me should buy a book from Amazon about ham radio,which one should I buy? Thanks🙂

[@jackmortimer329]

If you simply want to pass the test, I like the books by Craig Buck titled "Pass Your Amateur Radio XXX Class Test" where the XXX is the level you want to study. I am still looking for a way to learn to become a ham. I feel it is more than simply getting your ticket.

[@flipster7285]

Hams are always willing to help other hams.....true, but also a bit of a drawback... had some trouble getting to know hams in my area as they are not very keen helping newbies. Very standoff-ish and guarded. Luckily I had one ham reach out to me as he experienced the same and I can now really call him a friend. If you are new and exoeriencing the same, just persist and find that one person who will take time to listen, help and teach, they are out there.

[@chuck9333]

I only know one elmer and he may be the only elmer for the club. He doesn't always answer me and I can't always do what he tells me to do.

[@todddugdale57]

The problem is not that senior hams refuse to help. It's that these intelligent, well-intentioned people *fail miserably* at it. They fail because they assume idiocy in advance on the part of their 'student', and stop listening before the question is even asked. The reasonable question asked by the new gets turned into an unrelated (and very stupid) different question, which is then 'solved' with some glib and simplistic cliche. Basically, the stupider that the 'mentor' can imagine their 'student' is, the more 'help' they can provide. Usually, though, any discussion of this phenomenon falls back into the dualistic Good Guys/Bad Guys frame and -- just like the question asked -- is turned into something stupid that no one ever even implied.

[@hootiebubbabuddhabelly]

Just use the buddy system with another or other newbies. Explore, play, practice the correct manner and terminology while talking to and "policing" each other and practice laughing at yourself when you screw up. If you can do that instead of trying to impress somebody or avoid embarrassment, it will be a WHOLE lot more fun. Just keep the basic rules of my explorer parents in mind - i.e. don't dismantle the phone, hurt the dog, burn down the house or electrocute yourself. Oh, and try not to bleed on the carpet.

[@hamradioeconomystyle48]

Yes, I find a lot of experienced ham want to TELL you how much they know, but won't TEACH you anything. Just keep look until one finds you. Clubs are kind of iffy. I won't say any more about that except if there's several in your area try all of them to see which is the best for you.

[@chuck9333]

One of the problems I'm facing is knowing which connector to buy. When hams think the connector is intuitively obvious, they think I know and I don't.

[@K0LWC]

When you say connector, what do you mean?

[@wb7rws]

@@K0LWC Type N, SMA, reverse SMA, BNC, Type F, PL259, SO239, NMO, need I go on unfortunately. When I was new that was madding.

[@mikeylocks1844]

I am new HAM. Is there a way to connect multiple radios on multiple frequencies, using one Antenna?

[@bobbyagee3796]

I live in Central Texas. My mom and I are looking to get into the hobby. She's seeking a base station where I'm looking for an handheld. What guidance would you provide us? I'm a VET and just want to establish our communication PACE Plan. Primary Alternate Contingency Emergency

[@arwreece]

I’m a tech, I can’t use hf can I??

[@K0LWC]

Yes. But only certain frequencies and modes.

[@arwreece]

@@K0LWC man I still have so much to learn!! Great video!

[@Davidjb37721]

Arrl say technician have privileges on 80 m and 40 m

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

And 15m

[@kb9mtd-aaronwebb]

True! Morse code!

[@zukispur5493]

Pirates rule the waves

[@alanchatfield4271]

Is that a globe??

[@reason7123]

Great advice, dumb thumbnail. Why do youtubers make stupid faces for their thumbnails?

[@alanchatfield4271]

You are kidding? Poor lad