Ham Radio Basics--Jim, W6LG Sets Up a Basic Ham Radio Station

Please do support the channel:
/ jimw6lg
or for a single donation
buymeacoffee.com/hamcq73c
I have acute myeloid leukemia also called AML and thyroid disease from exposure to radiation and chemicals. I have not worked around either of these hazards. My only exposure I believe occurred while living as a youngster in the San Fernando Valley.
I was in the hospital 5 times last year and 1 time so far this year. I have had 20 transfusions. I have had 7 rounds of chemo that have made me very ill. I think the medical bills last year were greater than $500,000 and this year may be even higher. I do have Kaiser so much of that has been covered.
For those who donate blood, thank you. I have had 20 units of blood so far. Just last week I had to have another unit because my HGB was below the threshold value of 7.2 with RBC, WBC and ANC also being dangerously low again. My blood is tested twice a week. Blood is drawn from a PICC line in my right arm.
Jim W6LG demonstrates typical connections for a basic ham radio station; power supply, transceiver, microphone and key. In the next episode, other devices are added to the station.

[@Jimmyjackfruit]

Jim thanks for your videos. I'm not a ham radio guy. However, I'm a TBI survivor struggling with listening and encoding information to memory. Watching your video and listening to you describe, in detail, how radio components work and how they are put together helps with my disability. I watch these videos over and over again practicing the skill of listening and memorization. The call signs, jargon, radio components, names of parts and how they work challenge me to listen, pay attention, and remember; Not just this stuff, but day to day stuff, like names, addresses, phone numbers and how to get back home. I bet you didn't know far your work could go. Thank you - I recommend your videos to others suffering with TBI.

[@lightwavz]

Brand new Technician license here and I REALLY needed these videos! Thanks so much!

[@ZAR66]

As a new Ham, I really appreciate the time you take to make these videos. Keep them coming.

[@mitchellmatyasse4592]

How did you get into ham radio? Where would someone who is clueless (i.e. me) start?

[@marklowe7431]

A club. Study with them and get some kind of radio and listen at the same time. When possible build anything you can and learn everything about the device. Buy a length of coax or ladder learn everything about it. Pros cons etc.

[@keithcronk7980]

Mitchell Matyasse AMEN

[@user-ew2xb1tj6y]

This old fart brags about himself way too much on the air

[@edgarsmith5462]

Jim, I'm a new Ham, AC8ZS. I want to thank you for showing the new guys the basic steps that I'm looking to do at this time. I always enjoy your videos. Thank you for being an Elmer on an internet scale. 73

[@kanaiyalalkotak2638]

Hey Jim I am a New HAM, VU3HVA...I want to thank you for showing the new guys the basic knowledge. Knowledge.i regularly enjoy your video.73 sir.

[@robertbennett6410]

aspiring Ham here, and wanted to THANK YOU for this great information

[@Avensur]

HI JIM. YOUR MY FAVORITE ONLINE TEACHER IN THIS RADIO WORLD. SO DETAILED AND PASSION THAT DRAWNS ALL THE ATTENTION IF YOU WANT TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HAM OPER. THANKS FOR BEING HERE FOR US . I'M STUDYING RIGHT NOW FOR THE TECH LIC AND LEARNING EVERYDAY. TAKE CARE.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks very much Anibal. I wish you good luck on the Tech Exam. Also, please do take the General Class Exam as soon as you can. HF, high frequencies, are a lot of fun and you can communicate around the world. I am working on several new videos that I hope to finish and upload soon. Right now, I am finishing my new radio room at my new location in Rocklin California. 73 from Jim W6LG

[@CA2APat]

Awesome, sir! Thank you so very much for this informative video! It’s so helpful for knowing what and how to set up a station.

[@sherlock1895]

That was informative. I’m buying ham stuff for my wife for Christmas because this interests her. We’ll see what happens after Christmas. Cheers!

[@TheZippydoda123]

Jim, you are the best of the best! Great presentation and lots of information for us new-bes. Hope that your health holds out and take care of yourself. You are not replaceable in the this craft!!

[@charlesweimer2842]

Hi Jim I don't believe I have ever had the pleasure I have been a Ham since 1977. My call sign is KD8l my name is Charlie now live in Florence, Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio. I was raised in SW Ohio.I have enjoyed your video . I have not been on the air for a while as moving here I live in a town home no antennas. I will be looking for new videos you put out. Thanks much really enjoy your videos keep'em coming 73

[@michaelfrank333]

Thank you for the time taken to make this video. Nice to watch one without no background music blaring!!

[@ham-radio]

For some, CW is music to their ears. Thanks! 73, Jim

[@thormusique]

I just found your series and love it! Thanks for taking the time to show the ins and outs of setting up a station. It's usually assumed that we all know how to do this, but even though I've been a ham for a while, I can already see things I never thought because of your step-by-step approach. And I'm building a Wishlist to upgrade my shack, as I'm about to upgrade my license to General Class. Please keep these coming!

[@ham-radio]

Thank you! Yes, do get the General and then work towards the Extra so you have all of the frequencies. Yes, you can pass the Extra exam. I am working on 2 videos right now. Both should be a little more "fun". 73, Jim W6LG

[@bobthenoob4858]

I just bought a FT-450D can't wait to get it set up.

[@jefcon.1]

Studying for the Technician Exam, and very much appreciating your videos for the content and the presentation style. Well done sir!

[@whattheflimflam]

Hey Jim. I'm a new tech and watching your videos brings me relaxation and confidence I can set up and do well at this hobby. Thanks for being a great Elmer to everybody. Most importantly, I hope your recovery is speedy that you're doing well. Hope to see ya on the air.

[@trevorlockhart6587]

Hey Jim. Thank you for this. Currently trying to obtain my foundation here in UK, 30 years after I told myself I’d do it! Very interesting topics and looking forward to CQ you when I pass my exam and get licensed. Thanks again.

[@ham-radio]

You are welcome and thanks to you! 73, Jim

[@cod4madass]

I really do enjoy these videos. I'm sitting here at 1am trying to get this tuner finished and having this on in background just makes time fly. Keep it up Jim, 73 de M6EXH

[@aw7425]

You are the Best Elmer, Jim. Thanks. 73 W1NGA

[@mickcapsouto2270]

Jim, I really like your videos. I've been a ham for several years. It's nice to go over anything and everything no matter your level of experience. 73 de W7MCK.

[@ham-radio]

Thank Mick. It is nice of you to write.....nice callsign too! 73, Jim

[@JoeGiz64]

Great informative video! I always wanted my Ham license since I was a little boy. I’m in my 50’s now and studying for my Technician license. This helps me a lot in learning the basics of setting up a station. Now I just need to find a good reputable place to start looking for equipment to use with the Tech license.

[@322doug]

im just a tech, working on my generals, been a ham almost a year, trying to figure out which HF rig to go with, great show, absolutely my favorite, thanks again KD9GRP 73

[@justincase9638]

You are such a pro - thanks for showing the best of ham radio!

[@ham-radio]

I wished I were even semi-pro. Thanks for the nice compliment. 73, Jim

[@johngulliver6151]

Hi Jim thanks for posting, may i say you're looking well .keep em coming i really enjoy your videos take care .

[@Rudmyster]

Wow I'm new to Ham in fact I'm so new I don't even have one yet. I really appreciate the info and your time thank you.

[@timber2533]

Adolph Dupree I'm new too brother I'm going to get this setup

[@migram4190]

Yes me too. I'm just binging these videos for now. 😁 73 Brothers!

[@bradfrancis9473]

Hi Jim. I have been watching several of your videos. They are great for my needs. I was a novice a 1000 years ago. Yes, I did cw. Now I am interested in many of the “new” features of amateur radio. Thank you for all of your help as I begin my studies.

[@PF9Z-HamRadioDXStation]

Best Easy to Learn channel ever! and boy i love the intro ;) 73s OM Jim....Sascha PD9Z

[@browntroy101]

Thanks for a really nice video! I like that you cover the distance from the mike and mentioning the room echo! Had no idea! KI5RTH

[@timtillman40]

Jim, fantastic video. I am a new HAM and really enjoyed watching this video. This is a learning persons hobby. Thanks again!

[@ham-radio]

You are more than welcome Tim. There is always, always a lot to learn. And, keep in mind that it is a licensed radio service first and foremost. 73, Jim Heath W6LG

[@drumbri]

Awesome videos! Thank you sir. I am new to ham and so much to learn. You are saving all of us new to ham radio a lot of money. Testing for tech this week.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Brian. Good luck on the tests. I hope you become part of the Amateur Radio Service. 73, Jim

[@ReflectingMe2024]

Jim. Your presentation style is flawless, and you are so so easy to listen to and to watch. I’ve learned so much in a short time by watching your excellent videos. I have my foundation exam in a few weeks and will be looking to purchase a Yaesu 450d. Thanks for doing what you do, and I’m so glad you’ve made a good recovery. I hope one day to make contact with you on the air. Regards from South Wales, UK. John.

[@davidvelen9835]

Your instructional videos are the best Jim, thanks so much for putting them out there, 73's David W5DPV

[@JamesJohnson-ok1hn]

ive been playing with the sdr-rtl units and it has been pushing me in the direction of getting into ham radio gonna learn more before i buy but these videos are great teaching source. thanks for posting.

[@d1nx2]

Thanks, Jim! Your videos are excellent.

[@utkf16]

I'm brand new just about to get my first rig and this has been very useful, thx for posting

[@MrWmburr7]

Thanks Jim. Very easy to follow instructions. 73's, AA8VA

[@brucetraudt1571]

JIM YOU ARE SO RIGHT AND THE POWER SUPLY TOO IVE HAD A CHEAP ONE AND RECEIVED 7-9 DBS OF NOISE BAD BAD BAD! NOW im in a new place that can not have a base station and im in the mobile and jim a whole new world of issues STATIC! tore the mobile out and started over! i put a battery in the trunk ran all wires away from the engine compartment and i used dlo 4/0 and killed all interference i was having 7-9 dbs of whining noise and then some. its amazing that you can make a agressive move and bam results are awesome!! great videos jim!

[@rob-zz5pp]

This is great I'm still learning lot from you Jim and thank you for making these Video Rob Australia.

[@buckeye5704]

Thanks so much for the time you put into helping us noobies get on the air. I got my Tech & Gen back in 2015, but haven't been on the air much since then. I only have a couple UV-5Rs and a TYT mobile quad band. Can't wait to get back home from overseas and make a start at setting up my shack in the house we're building. Much I have to learn and relearn and much time to do it. 73 K1WME Dixmont, Maine

[@billrichards2903]

hi Jim thank you very much for taking the time to make these videos . I can tell you that it's greatly appreciated and informative for new guys like myself . I will continue to subscribe to your videos and am looking forward to learning from them so that I may be a good operator . I also wish you well with your health and welfare . anyhoot just thought I'd give a shout out and say thx . ML&R Bill from kemptville Ontario Canada .

[@colinwiltshire4503]

Thanks for this Jim....studying for my licence up here in Canada and wanting to become familiar with gear needs. You've got a great, honest, easy style that makes it easy to learn and retain. Maybe we'll have a chance to chat down the line. Stay well.... Cheers 73

[@j0llyroger889]

Great video jim thanks for posting.

[@walterforred7865]

The BEST ham info videos on the web. Thanks Jim. AA6ITWalt

[@alexatilbrook7728]

Thanks for this video. As a new ham, KI5AUE, I appreciate this!

[@ham-radio]

You are very welcome. 73, Jim

[@CTCstudentgeorgeh]

Thanks for all the knowledge. I just got licensed a few weeks ago and have learned much from you. I made my first call a few days ago and I am already doing weekly calls with my club here in Temple, TX. I am currently just using a Baofeng BF-F8HP, but hope to some day have a serious system to reach out across the country. Thanks again and take care. KG5WUN

[@ham-radio]

HF is a a lot of fun. There are many modes and lots of guys to work around the world. Go for it! 73, Jim

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

Love your videos Jim! I love amateur radio, and I always look to your channel for advice!!!! 73 de KE0STO

[@32Burtons]

Thanks Jim, interested in ham and I’m researching . Great videos.

[@ferncaballero]

Great video. I would be interested (maybe in a subsequent video) on how to properly added the grounding to all these components in my shack. Not sure if you were going to talk about that aspect of building the station.

[@philthompson3499]

Nice demo Jim, thanks, continue with the videos.

[@selfloveloveself9502]

thank you w6lg for sharing...

[@jamesmitchell8713]

Praying for your healing

[@happydxer7542]

Great video jim.

[@oldwolf1928]

Thank You for the video. Wife and I are just getting into it

[@joemurphy7799]

Jim, I enjoyed your video but I was surprised that you did not talk about a station ground connection. thank you, Joe Murphy W7JBM

[@harbselectronicslab3551]

Its good to see you looking a lot better in these later Video's Jim.......you look a lot healthier! ..........and yep, I have gotten of my butt and had a walk around today lol its great to see these video's.......I have been showing them to a new potential Ham and she likes them.

[@jackplummer161]

]i greatly appreaciate these videos that you post, and they are quite helpful. could you do an episode on antennas, please?

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim's w6lg what a interesting hobby to get in to ham radio

[@RickRose]

Great video for beginners like myself. Thank you!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. If you have a suggestion, let me know. 73, Jim

[@RickRose]

I haven't been through your whole catalog, so you may have already covered these questions, but right now I'm really interested in antennas. What's the first antenna you would put up at a base? Are you familiar with the DBJ-1 dual band J-Pole? Good choice? Would something like that require lightning protection and, if so, how would you connect it? Things like that. 73!

[@dnvr08]

Thanks for the basic info for newbies like myself and ask if you have something that you can share on Antennas for the new / basic Ham Shack?

[@TheAragonProduction]

Excellent video, very informative. I am getting my technician license soon.

[@ham-radio]

Best of luck! Aim for the Extra Jose. You can do it. HF is a lot of fun. 73 from N. CA. , Jim W6LG

[@alvarogaitan2529]

nice videos Jim 73 good luck my friend

[@stephentaylor280]

Great information for prospective new hams. KK7T

[@jackrabbitslim1028]

Jim, all your vid's are outstanding! since you got your license back in 63, i'll bet you know your way around tube equipment, is there anything you miss about using tube stuff from back then compared to all the stuff thats used today ? i still prefer my tube amps from EICO listening to music..thanks so much for all you have given us.

[@jeromewhite2347]

Great video from KI6TLK

[@26GB75]

Hi Jim, another great video. I agree that power poles have some drawbacks. Personaly I use SB50 Anderson connectors on all my power leads as they are rated to 50amps, have a very positive and secure snap fitting and the moulded design means its not possible to reverse the polarity. I'm supprised they aren't more popular in the ham world. 73, Tom

[@ethanpoole3443]

26GB75 The downside of the SB50 power connector, which uses the same crimp connectors as a 75A PP plug, is that they really are not designed for wiring smaller than about #8 AWG, which is a bit large for most amateur radio connectors and the connector itself is quite large (a distribution strip made up of a dozen SB50 connectors would be huge by comparison). The biggest risk with the PP connectors is really the chance of connecting them shifted over one pin, which can potentially leave you with a negative hanging off in space in the positive connected to the negative pin on the radio (and the radio's positive unconnected) -- which would not be an issue if not for the fact that if you have other gear then the radio is likely to be backfed by the coax shield passing negative power from another radio or accessory. Actually plugging in a PP backwards is not a possibility unless you literally reversed the pins when you initially made up the connector. As long as you take care to plug two PP connectors together so that both halves must be plugged in and you have not physically shifted the connector over one so that it plugs in only one side, then you can not get polarity reversed. I much prefer them over binding post connectors for that reason as it is much easier to reverse polarity when connecting to binding posts, especially if in a rush or where there is poor lighting available.

[@masterewoks8121]

Jim can you talk about the software programs you use. I see stuff on your computer screens and wanted to know what they are.

[@kensclark]

Since I am mainly wanting to get into the HF band after I get a general or extra license, what is the typical wattage used to transmit across the US or even across the world on the 20 meter band? I see most new stations only go up to 100 watts, yet I thought you would need closer to 150 to reach really far?

[@ham-radio]

Typical is probably just the transceiver's power or about 100 watts. There is not much difference between 100 and 150 watts. An amplifier that runs 1000 watts makes a significant difference of about 10 dB or almost 2 S units. The most important part of your station is the antenna system. If you are running 1500 watts to a lossy feedline and dummy load antenna, you are not going to be heard much of the time. The 3 more important things in your station are the antenna system, the antenna system and the antenna system. 73, Jim

[@Zc4sh]

Beautiful image

[@robertbutow1110]

Thanks jim a lot of help

[@deltahotelxray]

This is the best start up video I've seen, thanks so much. One thing though, you mentioned your store. Is this on online store or brick and mortar? I couldn't find it when I googled your call number and its not in the video information.

[@larryak0z672]

I didn't catch the brand of the linear power supply. Great video, thank you!

[@hamzah6251]

Thanks very much Jim!

[@ham-radio]

Very welcome, 73, Jim

[@1fanger]

Very enjoyable vid, Jim, thanks, KC3BXZ Joe

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Joe, I did it with a green screen. Taking some time to learn how to do that. 73, Jim

[@digital4282]

You did really well with the green screen, I didn't even realize it! lol

[@charleswells9682]

Thanks for the video. I'm in the throes of setting up my first HF station, so this was timely. My question, though, is what about grounding the equipment? I've been told that this is crucial. So, what do you do for grounding?

[@n9eerptr]

Most grounding is first connect all metal of the gear together. Most transceivers and other gear have special terminal for this. Use simple #14 house wiring for this. Put separate wire for each piece of gear and run all back to a central point/plate. DO NOT CONNECT GROUND WIRE FROM ONE PIECE TO THE NEXT, ETC. Then from this point ground to outside ground rod. DO NOT CONNECT TO HOME WATER PIPE FOR YOU ARE INVITING LIGHTNING INTO YOUR HOME IS GEAR IS HIT FROM THE ANTENNA (exception might be if like on 3rd floor of apartment. As for antennas use separate ground. Might connect all coax shields together, but when disconnect want these shields to be disconnected from the gear. this is basic grounding. Grounding gear together can also protect you in the event a piece of gear develops a short to like AC or high voltage inside. ARRL has good book on the subject. Be safe.

[@PowderMill]

Polyphaser has a good section on grounding & surge prot. // and good old BatWing R56 guide to site grounding and bonding (and the NEC published by the NFPA) Don't pinch pennies ! Spend whatever it takes to do it right. (no daisy-chaining like the knowledgeable guy below wrote about) It's all about "wheel and spoke" everything gets connected to a central bonding point / and IT is connected to the building primary ECG -- a "UFER" type ground is also great if building a home and pouring a basemtnt slab ..... use CADWELD (exothermic joints) for all buried connections. (and stub out access with an access door/port or even a short piece of schedule 80 pvc conduit in a large diameter --- cut later and add a female threaded hub and you have access.... you can cap it if you bring the ground wire out through the side of the coonduit.

[@robey60]

What is the name of the book, please?

[@timber2533]

Hi Jim great job, I'm new and I want to buy this same set from you is there a list or a link to your website you can send me, also is this setup powerful enough for international use.

[@geraldscott9446]

I have a D104 Lollipop microphone on my Yaesu FT-DX 560, but I'm using the microphone that came with my Icom IC-718. I do not want a desk mic with this radio. Is there a better quality hand mic that I can use with it?

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Love it! True ICON!

[@ham-radio]

Which one?? 73, Jim W6LG

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Love the 450….but you my friend are the icon!

[@dpoulson]

As always, I love your videos. One question for you. I noticed a short cable with a plug hanging off the mic connection. Perchance is that a headset connection?

[@ham-radio]

Thanks David. That is for a switch to do push to talk. 73, Jim

[@jamesbonanno3359]

What a terrific communicator! You just really have to enjoy this gentleman's demeanor. It's a gift when you have somebody that talented in your hobby that can show you the correct way as you grow. Thanks Jim. 73 from KD2PGJ.

[@graphguy]

As a newbie... this is exactly what I was looking for (albeit it 4 years post its release), what about specific antenna?

[@tomw5vlt119]

Hi Jim, I've watched this series a couple times, new Tech/General operator (studying for Extra) trying to select and acquire my first base equipment. Wasn't thinking about power supplies, but if you can answer a question... I'm thinking for my base shack, a combination of units including 1) Yaesu 991A, 2) ICOM 7300, and perhaps a 3rd, such as ICOM 9700 or alternative. So the question is... with up to say 2 units turned on at the same time (example 991A operating UHF/VHF, and 7300 for HF)... how do I determine how much power supply I need? In your example you have one unit selected, the PR-25 power supply, but is that matched to only having turned on the one transceiver? Is there any other equipment that requires the power supply (as opposed to A/C plugs) such as voltmeters, antenna tuners, amplifiers... The need for a power supply threw me for a loop and I'm a complete beginner, thinking everything would plug into wall outlets.

[@jalensi1978]

Jim, I hope you're recovering well. I have had a question for some time about the standard use of Coax, while twin lead has much lower loss (db/100'). I understand that it would require some type of a matching systsem to get 50 ohms @ the radio - but wouldn't recovering the losses in coax be worth it? I've always found that something to ponder. 73's, Jared

[@ethanpoole3443]

Jared Sigler The challenge with using twin lead and ladder line (unshielded balanced feedline) is that they are both very sensitive to any metal (including other conductors) that they may run near or parallel to. That makes it much more challenging to actually bring twin lead and ladder line into your actual shack as they must be kept adequately separated from other wires and cabling as well as any metallic building materials (including things like clay bricks which may contain iron themselves). In the case of metal towers, such unshielded feedline must be kept spaced away from the tower by an adequate distance as well and you will want it to run perpendicular to your antenna to reduce unwanted coupling. Burying unshielded balanced feedline, like ladder line, can also be problematic as many soils are also conductive and/or contain metal traces, so that generally necessitates overhead runs when using such feedline. Coax, by comparison, is very easy and forgiving to run with a minimum of concern as to proximity with other wires, cables, metal objects, and the ground -- just do not crush coax or subject it to excessively tight bends (as specified by the manufacturer) and it will behave very predictably. The greatest advantage of high impedance balanced feedline, like ladder line, is its relatively low losses at what would be very high SWR versus typical 50-Ohm coax due to its higher characteristic impedance (e.g. a 300-Ohm antenna fed directly into 50-Ohm coax is an SWR of 6:1 versus about ~1.5:1 for 450-Ohm balanced line or 2:1 for 600-Ohm balanced feedline), making it easier to deliver a greater percentage of power into even a badly mismatched antenna with less equivalent SWR, though you will still need a tuner or matching network of some sort to match it to your transceiver if using such. However, you could accomplish the same with coax by using good quality coax and then relocating the tuner to the antenna's feedpoint by using a remote tuner, that way the impedance seen by the tuner input, coax, and radio remains a nice 50-Ohms and the remote tuner then handles the final match to your mismatched antenna, thus avoiding all the feedline losses that would have been incurred due to high SWR due to the mismatch between your coax and antenna -- leaving you with only the fixed losses of either coax or ladder line per length of cable run. That is why it is not uncommon to see ladder line run for a great distance in the clear overhead where it is easy to avoid everything metal, then adapted to coax by way of a suitable balun for the final portion of the run into your entrance panel, surge protector/discharge unit, and then finally into the home and shack where coax is much simpler to route work with.

[@jojopri22]

Thanks Jim for the video Jim, may I request if you have time how to use/set up an Icom Ic-7000 that we saw on this video? More power to your channel! Its great to see you well, 73! Jojo KM6EHD

[@ham-radio]

Thank Jojo, Maybe I can do that when I do the next episode with the SWR meter, wattmeter and tuner. 73, Jim W6LG

[@jojopri22]

Thanks Jim for your consideration, God Bless and take care. I love your channel, keep it up! 73

[@lenggongsunardi5065]

You are a new friend Mr.

[@ham-radio]

Wonderful. Let me know if you need some help. 73, Jim

[@BigBand1942]

Excellent! What is a CW Key?

[@joshuacash]

Great video. I do have a question about the power supply. Mine is like the one in the video and sits next to my feet under my desk. The exposed connections always make me nervous about the "what if" of inadvertently touching the connectors with the metal desk leg, or worse, my foot. What is the best way to cover those exposed posts and connection points to ensure there is no accidental shorting or electrocution? Thanks Jim. de KE8EAS.

[@ham-radio]

Hi Joshua, Safety is a big concern. With 12 to 14 volts, your shoe probably would do nothing due to resistance. The metal desk would conduct way more than 30 amperes and likely blow the fuse protection after it did some damage. So, I would put something over the screws or terminals to insulate them. Heat shrink or tape might be a good idea Joshua. Thanks, Jim

[@jjgr661]

Hello Jim How mucho length do you recommend for the jumpers talking about RG213 or RGX for 40 or 80 mts band? I mean jumpers from the HF to Amp then SWR meter plus antena tuner and finally antenna switch, some people say that length doesn’t matter except from the tuner to the antenna I’d like to hear your opinion on this matter. Thanks a lot DE VE6GTZ

[@kupelwakasongo5937]

Can you use that basic station for competitions as well?

[@donaldmittelstaedt500]

Hey Jim, thanks for making these excellent videos! You said, "on my website" in the video. I was unaware you had a website. Do you still? What's the address? Thanks! W6DLM

[@kennethblevins6973]

i am new KD8EPL i live in wv in mt,s ian in a valley way down low what antenna would be good for me to use thanks for help great help 73 ken

[@quadcathippiedrone9282]

I'm putting my first antenna Up on the Roof it's a j pole 2 meter antenna. I've got everything else - a cheap 25 watt Chinese mobile radio, a cheap power supply, and of course 50 foot of rg8x. It's going up tomorrow. After watching your video (and I kind of knew this) I will be switching out to a much better coax. Listening to you explain in a coherent detailed clinical synopsis beats in my head what I need to do. I hear a lot of people say money is tight right now. So if I buy an 80 watt radio like I plan to do soon, why would I waste half of my power thru line loss ? Thank you for explaining things in a common sense way that us new guys can understand.

[@ham-radio]

Don't spend any money on new coax. Use what you have in place now. You will want to upgrade to HF at some time. 73, Jim W6LG

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg I like your utube videos are awesome

[@victor7530]

Thanks!

[@kurtjohnson6464]

Great stuff. I just picked up an Icom 7300 (WOW!!) which is an upgrade for an Ic-730 that I just listened to (not much into talking).. I live, geographically in a bowl, under monster elm trees and next to power lines so currently running a discone as high up and far away from the power lines as I can get (25') yard is fence to fence 50' X 50' Any suggestions on antennae choices?? A neighbor a few blocks away says he has great reception, but he also has a direct view of Cheyenne Mountain and a yard full of BIG antennas (the kind that make neighbors cranky)...and cost more than my radio.. Love your channel and glad to see you looking so good. KE0JOA 73

[@ethanpoole3443]

Kurt Johnson Cranky neighbors are a great way to improve reception -- not only will you hear distant radio stations far better but you will hear your neighbors much more effectively as well. Look into options for stealth dipole, end fed, and vertical antennas to help improve your reception. They will still be compromise antennas but should do far better than what I presume is a VHF/UHF discone antenna when trying to listen to HF. If all you are doing is listening and *never* transmitting then life is much simpler as you can get by with the longest practical length of wire as high up as you can get it plus a good grounding point as SWR concerns are of little import if not ever transmitting (just do not forget to install a properly grounded surge protector at the point where your antennas enter your home to help reduce the risk of lightning damage, which should be tied directly to your electrical ground outdoors or at your main service entrance electrical panel).

[@kurtjohnson6464]

Thank you for that. The discone is a 25-1300mhz and, well...yeah.. I am working on a dipole that I can make use of the trees with, just getting one to work with the shape of the trees is the challenge. Vertical may be the best option.. Thanks again.

[@phillipspeer3527]

KW4PH-I like the 4 pole connector. Hope everybody has plenty of fuses....... I do.

[@treemancloud7220]

Thankyou so much! You're a great communicator!

[@michaelcitarelli9164]

hi jim very good video

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Mike! 73, Jim

[@littlewingpsc27]

Is there any value to keeping the power cable from the DC supply to the radio as short as possible? My PS53 is right next to my TS-570DG but I have about 2.5 feet of excess cable or more just wire tied in a loop. Is it best to shorten this from a RFI or any other reason?

[@ham-radio]

RFI, I don't think that would matter. But, your question is very good. When you think of wire or cable, there is a difference, think of the resistance with lots of current. There maybe some voltage drop in that cable when the Kenwood is drawing 20 amps. Now that voltage drop may not be significant in the scheme of things. Or, it may be. I don't know the wire size. In any case, the answer to your question is yes, keep the cable a reasonable length to do the job. If you think you will never use that excess part of the cable, then trim it. A test that you might do is to measure the voltage at the power supply and then with the transceiver key down at full power, measure the voltage at that connector. See if there is a significant voltage drop. Due that measurement with caution. You do not want to put a short across the cable. Make sense? 73, Jim

[@PattyD5150]

We're is the best place to buy this radio?

[@YaketyYakDontTalkBack]

Hey Jim, You showed modular connecting mics. Do transceivers have XLR connections for microphones?

[@ethanpoole3443]

Yakntoro Udoumoh Not naturally, but you can buy adapters that will allow you to use an XLR microphone with your radio.

[@skeets6060]

This is pretty interesting , I have been kicking this around for a long time, but to be honest I am rather intimidated but all the stuff on these transceivers. What would to recommend for someone just starting starting, that is simple to use and understand.

[@wesleybuff2536]

Just starting in HAM or just stating in code?