Ham Radio - New Hams tip. Making that first contact on the repeaters.

[@markcatizone2011]

Your video is still making an impact. Today, after watching, I made my first contact. Thanks for the insights.

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby. I'm glad to know I helped a little. 73.

[@Michael-ew5kj]

just got my license on Saturday; after watching your video it helped me overcome my butterflies of going on the air for the first time. 73 from VA2KDJ in Montreal

[@sonofmaniam]

First contact tonight. One on one contact with another ham via a repeater 15 miles away with a $25 Baofeng HT (UV-5R). Inside the house, in a valley, with an 8 inch antenna. Did a couple of net check-ins afterwords. One of the nets knew I was new in the area and new to HAM and welcomed me the second they heard the callsign (not much traffic here, so they know right away if one sticks out). Thanks for the video!

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby Jordan. Glad you liked the vid. Thanks for watching!

[@jimerickson1809]

Keep it up, nets are important to keep people in practice.

[@jamescollier3]

My first contact: Got scolded for entering tones incorrectly into a repeater. [edit] guy didn't like it.

[@banjomandan7199]

Hello Kevin! Just passed my Technician test on Saturday, at age 65, and can't wait to get my call sign! This video was very educational, and put me at ease. Thank you!

[@loughkb]

Glad it helped Dan, welcome to the hobby. I hope you find many years of enjoyment on the air.

[@Amyr61]

I’m just studying at 58. Little overwhelming but I’ll get there!

[@w.rustylane5650]

I'm 69 and just got my call sign a few days ago. Passed the Technician license test with a 100% a couple of weeks ago. Waiting on the call sign was murder as I spent 2 weeks listening on my HT the local club gave me for passing the Tech. test. It's a Yaesu FT-4VR which is a mono band 2 meter only HT. Glad to have gotten it even though I want a Baofeng UV-5R so I can get on the 400 MHz, 70 cm band.

[@ralphalberti6851]

Just got my ticket a week ago and this video is exactly what I needed to help me along. I'm 62 and was furloughed from work recently so I decided to get into Ham radio. Bought a Yeasu FT-70D.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Lol. It happened to me! 👍😎

[@xjmoe83]

Great video, thank you! I passed my technician test and am awaiting my callsign. I really appreciate this video!

[@Man0fMeans]

Wow, I really needed this video. I earned my Tech Plus in the mid-1990s then got General before all the code was dropped, but through it all, I've never been on-air and have yet to make my first contact! Just got a nice HT for my birthday and looking to get back into radio after these decades. Wish me luck!

[@rclark999]

Kevin, real nice job! I just showed up in the FCC data base (three days ago) and am having some anxiety about making my first contact. This video really helped!!

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby Ron. I'm sure you'll have a good time and make many new friends. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonjames6076]

Excellent video for new hams like me! I made my first contact today when I heard someone keying up a repeater for testing. I responded with "my callsign listening". He seemed thrilled to get a signal report and guided me to a local radio net & his club.

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby Jason. Glad you had such a good experience first time out. :-)

[@edwardharding8148]

Kevin, Followed your lead and hit several repeaters in the area. No joy, until the 8th repeater, I made a contact about 30 miles away ( must be the time of day ) ! Had a nice conversation and then as soon as I cleared my first contact, another HAM was calling MY call sign ! He had heard me say I was new and was surprised my little Baofeng BF-F8HP was sounding so strong. We had a nice chat and I promised to reach out in the future. Wow what a thrill, I was smiling and shaking the whole time ! LOL I really see the importance of the phonetic alphabet, I am a little hard of hearing and it really helps me get the correct call sign from the contacts. Thanks again . 73, KO4DJM

[@KX4UL]

Excellent info for nervous new Hams. Teaching correct and polite operating procedures is crucial. That first contact is a big deal!

[@heinzpilot]

Thanks so much for this video! I just got my Technician license and I used the information in this video to give me the confidence to start talking on my local repeater. It was so fun! The other HAMs were very friendly. They also recognized that I had a new callsign. So it made it very easy and inviting when they started asking me questions. It was great! I wrote down their call signs, name, and locations. My first HAM contacts. 73!

[@loughkb]

Glad it was helpful! And welcome to the hobby.

[@graywoulf]

Good intro into first contacts! I just ordered my first radio. I have a Baofeng BF-F9 V2+ coming. I have made contact with a local club and I am listening in with my old Realistic Pro 43 scanner for now. I won't be able to take the technician's test with them until January so that gives me plenty of time to study. I'm learning what I can here on YT every day. I have been wanting to do this for years. I'm 63 now but I can still learn new tricks. 73 to all!

[@reidtillery2856]

Great help. Thanks. I never really knew how to make contact on a repeater. I knew enough not to call "CQ," or say "Anybody out there got your ears on?" but never really knew the 2-meter way of finding someone to talk with other than to ask for a radio check. As such, I've felt uncertain trying to contact someone (anyone) on a repeater. Enjoyed the video.

[@keithjas25]

Hi Kevin. I am in the UK and not got a ticket yet. Just so encouraged by this enthusiastic video. I am subscribed to you as you are so infectious in your encouragement in the hobby. Keep it up please!!!!

[@wglwt]

Wife & I just passed the technician and our handhelds should arrive soon. Been searching the web for what to do now and this is the most help of any video I've found. Our main reason for using Hams is to use them while doing disaster relief work when other com methods are down. Thank you and I just subscribed. Bill

[@jeffreytobin4424]

Holy cats that was a helpful video, sir. I just got my technician’s, and am awaiting my call sign. It felt like you’d made the video just for me. I appreciate your work and your care for others.

[@BrianConklin]

Thanks! I'm just waiting for the FCC to get me in the database and I'm checking every day. This has been a question in the back of my mind and you answered it perfectly.

[@bobbryce8674]

Inspirational Kevin. Thanks so much for the positive way you are 'selling' the hobby. I'm studying in the UK for my ticket and hope to go live either end December or January next year. For us, the first step is called a 'Foundation Licence' rather than a Technician class. We get access to most amateur bands and are limited to 10W output power on most of them. I figure that should be enough until I learn how NOT to be dangerous!! Please keep up the good work. Videos like this will certainly help and inspire us Newbies.... PS My first 'transmitter' was a one transistor crystal oscillator that I built 50 years ago. I just came across it in an old box while clearing out some junk. It wasn't meant to be a transmitter (!) but imagine my surprise on applying the 9V battery when the TV screen went blank (turned out I was 'broadcasting' on the TV IF frequency.....).

[@donpettinger8079]

Did what you said, got my first contact tonight 30 miles away. Was in house on a Yaesu Ft70D. Received a great welcome. Invited to tech night and monthly breakfast... Thanks for the helpful video. Great you focused on how to help a new ham...

[@finder216]

Expecting my license within a few day...this video really helped answer some questions I had - Thanks Kevin!

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby! I hope you have many years of enjoyment with radio.

[@robdudley3867]

This is a great video! I'm waiting for my FCC notification, but passed Technician and General on Dec 14, 2019. Can't wait to make my first contact. Thanks for the how-to!

[@shandybrandy5407]

Thank you for this gr8 video. Just appeared for the test on 16th Dec 2019 here at New Delhi, India and now keeping my fingers crossed until the results are declared within a month. 73

[@danielkoker1872]

8

[@edwardharding8148]

Hello Kevin, I just got my ticket today, I'm 70 and a little late to the party, but very excited ! Your video was just what I was looking for, just the basics delivered in a laid-back style. I hope to make my first contact this weekend. Thanks for the heads up. 73, KO4DJM

[@christianitis]

Just got my tech license yesterday. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful!

[@WaynesWorld69]

Great video - thanks for your channel. I'm learning so much from you. My father in-law held an Advanced licence and had been involved in radios since the '70's. He passed in June and I've inherited his equipment. So I've been listening in to one of our local repeaters, joined a club and am slowly setting up my radio space in the house. My Foundation licence exam is this Friday and I'm looking forward to making my first contact!

[@H.pylori]

Just the video that I needed. I just got my Tech license and wanted to know how seasoned Hams start a conversation. You explained it well. Now off to test it out. Thank you and thumbs up!

[@FoodiesAndFundies]

Thank you for sharing this video. Got my tech on 5/19 and leveled up to General last weekend. My call sign was posted on Monday but I’ve been nervous about making contact. Going to the Prescott Hamfest tomorrow.

[@BigDaddyUker]

Great video. Took my tech exam in November, got my ticket 12/7. Got my radio programmed up (I think) to the local repeaters. I listened for a couple hours with nothing...but it was later. Too chicken to try anything until I found this video. Took some notes and will fire it up again in the morning. Thanks for the vid. 73-KD9JUT (Dave - Big Rock, IL)

[@bennettsjb]

Great video! Just got my call sign today KD9NBF and looking forward to getting on the air. Thanks again!

[@iml1945]

Excellent advice. Videos on “how to break the ice” and initiate a QSO are welcomed. 73, N2POP

[@richlin1]

Just got my foundation licence (technician, but in the UK). Can't wait to get started.

[@gaylinlack726]

Thanks. Helpful for 1st timer- will make the first contact more comfortable. Just tested 2 days ago. Fortunately passed tech and general. Just waiting for name and call sign to show up on data base. Have enjoyed several of your videos.

[@loughkb]

Thanks for watching! I'm happy to know you found it helpful. And welcome to the hobby! I hope you have many enjoyable years playing with radio.

[@normnpat]

Kevin, great instructional video. Wish I would have seen this when I first got my ticket. Good information.

[@oladapoaloba]

Thanks Kev for a very informative video. Will be taking my ham exam in the autumn your instructions here will definitely come in very handy in my case. Thanks for sharing, greetings from Norway and have a good one mate👍

[@cuban9splat]

Wow. This is an excellent tip! I hear so many new hams say, "Well, I didn't really know what to say or how to say it and that's why it took me so long to get on the air". Excellent video Kevin. Hats off to ya. This should be mandatory viewing for all new hams. It should be mandatory for all old hams that are getting on a 2 meter repeater for the first time too.73 DE K7RMJ Frank

[@loughkb]

Thanks Frank. If you have a VE group or club in your area, send them a link to the vid. Maybe they can use it. Thanks for watching!

[@cuban9splat]

I already did LOL

[@jimerickson1809]

People love talking about themselves. Ask not too personal questions like what kinda work they do, where they grew up, etc.. Also don't just limit yourself to two meters, 440 and 220 are also great bands !

[@ReelTimeCapt]

KB9RLW this is KO4DYC - Thx and Great advice. Just got my call sign and listened to a local net this evening, but was not so sure I knew the protocol enough to jump in. I do now and thx. 73 and thanks again.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Good video. I bought me a new 10 meter radio to start and ordered my study materials. Can't wait to get started 👌

[@w.rustylane5650]

Howdy Kevin. Excellent video for new Hams. Just got my call sign a few days ago. Made my 1st contact on 2 meter repeater and logged it. I log in all my contacts in a notebook, writing down call sign, name and location. Someone else I talked to told me to go to the ARRL.org site and get a certificate for 1st contact, so I did. I had to fill in a form with the other Ham's call sign and my information and now am waiting on the ARRL to send me my certificate. Just wanted to let others know about this by commenting. I'm an old CB single sidebander from the mid 70's so radio is really nothing new for me. Never had mic fright as I like to rag chew. 73's KO4IDL in eastern TN.

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby Rusty, I hope you have many years of enjoyment. If you get to general class or higher, you'll have a ball on HF. There's always activity on one of the bands.

[@KALAENTAXI]

Thank you for your valuable input, cant wait till my call sign is listed on the FCC so i can surf the waves !!!

[@Fexone718]

Thanx for the video. I just got my ticket. This video def helped me ! Ty for making the time and doing this

[@rumsin300]

Good video! Thank you. I just got my technician license and getting ready to make contact in the next couple of days

[@lynnrichard6181]

Excellent video. Low on mature jargon and easy for a new ham to follow. Thanks for the guidance.

[@BBaldwin]

Just passed my Technician exam last Saturday! Now, just waiting for my call sign to show in the FCC database and I’m ready to take the plunge!

[@bilymac2321]

Great video Kevin, lots of good info to take ease the nervousness. I've had my ticket for a few months, (Tech & General), but i'm finally getting around to installing my radio in my Jeep. Looking forward to my 1st contact. Bill, 73, W6BKM

[@einyv]

Hi , i just passed my general (took technician an general at the same time) and my callsign just appeared an hour ago. Plan on taking the extra since i tried the exam anyway and got 18 right without studying, so figure i will give it a try. About to make my first contact after watching your video!

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby. You'll get over any nerves pretty quick and start making new local friends. Let me know how that first contact went. 73.

[@einyv]

@@loughkb just got off with my first contact. I was his first ham newbie so he thought that was cool. I wasn't sure if I had the repeater settings correct but I did. I was even able to bring up the repeater on broadcastify so I know it worked. He was friendly, have me some times and repeaters with group meeting. A nice first call to get my feet wet!

[@loughkb]

Great! If you have a local club, check them out. Clubs sometimes have events that are fun like fox hunts, QRP adventures, cookouts, and field day. Have fun, there's lot's to explore in this hobby.

[@KI4CFSHamRadioMartinBrossman]

Nice job, added it to my "Ham Radio Etiquette" playlist.

[@GGITS]

Thanks, Kevin! That's just the information I was looking for.

[@ComputerTech95]

Just passed my technison license on 04-08-2019 hope i get my call sign before may im supper excited

[@racheltgal]

Very help full thank you for this video I just got my license god bless

[@Fernwald84]

Great intro video, Kevin. Very well organized and spoken! Tnx & 73s

[@mattwitkowski8326]

Thank you for posting this video. I just got my license KC3MGQ on 10/25/2018.

[@macgyver5108]

WAIT FOR OPTION 3!!! The local net controllers usually LOVE to give out a first contact QSL card as a memento!

[@pyresflood]

I have radio, I dont key it up as I'm waiting to get my ticket.. I cant wait to utilize option 3.

[@tkhorn53]

Good Video. Just took and passed my Technician cpl of days ago. Now waiting for the call sign. Thanks

[@loughkb]

Congrats and welcome to the hobby. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

[@scotthill6807]

Thank you for this video. Will be testing for my Tech in a week.

[@kf4dcy501]

great info. in 95 when I got my no code tech license. I was a nervous ham but I lost that with time. now I'm an extra. and not yet put up a big hf antenna outside of my a99. but that's a vert. its not a great antenna for the low bands. but I can work it with my Denton supertuner.

[@billz410]

Great video, Kevin! Just started studying for my Technician's license. A bit daunting but I'm wading through it...

[@coziii.1829]

Hey love your doctor who Tardis wall decor behind you

[@loughkb]

That's a light switch cover I 3D printed. There's a few of them up on thingiverse if you have a printer.

[@louieborges8684]

I’m new to radio and this was very helpful. Thanks.

[@soupdragon12345]

Very interesting video and thanks , going to start studying for my Technician license. Going too check your other videos as well . Thanks

[@zacharysmith5947]

This was a good video, you have a reassuring tone, kind. Thanks

[@joshbrookegallman8675]

Thanks for the video. I just got my call sign this week KJ7FUF and I'm looking forward to making my first contact. Your video was very helpful.

[@marknormankn4cwt619]

Got my ticket 3 weeks go. Very informative. Keep up the good work. Mark KN4CWT

[@frankiii4587]

Great Video, Kevin! Lookin' forward to applying this wisdom soon!

[@jeff503]

Great info.just got my ticket and thank you very much.

[@jaybenny5870]

Great information, just got my ticket this morning and I was like "Hooray, now what?" Thank you, KN4QXY

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby. I'm glad you found this helpful. I'm sure you're going to have a lot of fun exploring and learning radio.

[@jay-rus4437]

Taking my Tech Exam this Saturday. Reached out to a local club, but unfortunately didnt find a welcoming attitude or even useful assistance. Found myself discouraged, but decided that despite my Zero experience (just ordered my first radio even....an Icom IC 2730a) that I would use the internet resource for info, sharing of knowledge, and assistance in how to move forward. So this past Sunday I started studying, and Saturday I test. Ready to get that done, and in the meantime will get the radio and NMO antenna mount installed in the truck. Once installed I need to figure out the process to get into the repeaters in the area...dont even know how to figure out what repeaters are available, much less how to get into them.

[@HALEdigitalARTS]

KZbin, baby. You are not limited to folks within walking distance. There's some overlap between clubs, so most likely you can hook up with an alternate that meshes better. 73

[@jay-rus4437]

jim hale ....done deal 😁 Took the exam and got my tech license a couple months back. My wife and son passed their exam early July. Im taking the General exam this Saturday. Once I got my call sign and on the radio there has been a lot of support from local operators. We have ic-2730a in each truck now, and we put up a 24’ mast last week. 73 to you, and dont forget to keep your QRZ page updated 😁 Its nice to share pics of past and current projects. KI5JHX

[@Truckinthrulife]

Thanks for the video Kevin! Very helpful as i dont have an elmer. Just set up a 2m in the house with a j pole antenna. Haven't made that 1st contact yet. After watching your video i fell I'll be more prepared. Again thank you. KD9LJY 73S.

[@Aerospaceman]

Nice video, from Bill I just got my ticket KJ7HWV in Spokane Valley Washington.

[@bizman45390]

Thanks for the great information just passed the tech exam on 9/9/20 waiting on my call sign

[@loughkb]

Welcome to the hobby. There's so much to explore in radio. I hope you enjoy many years at it.

[@DeviantMotives]

Awesome video thanks for the advice

[@roberts3942]

Very helpful and well-done video.

[@lindasmith3978]

Thank you for this! New HAM here.

[@NHHDog]

Thanks Kevin. This is very helpful! Nicholas N1KOP out of Portland, ME

[@tpascen1]

Thanks nice video for us new operators!

[@waynegalvin1593]

Great video for new hams. W1WAG.

[@freebird1473]

Thank you, did get my ticket few month ago. but havent found anyone to help me along lol

[@freebird1473]

@Midwest Auditor thank you very much , can I ask what you do to get your practice in ? I need training

[@Zooeybabe]

This video was excellent. Thanks! KC2YEO.

[@cosmosliger]

Helped me make my first contact! Thanks for the reassuring advice. 73 de KI5HJM

[@Chungustav]

May want to discuss PL tones and offsets.

[@chord972]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@motorradmike]

Excellent!

[@Motherforker-c2o]

after waiting to see if the frequency/repeater is clear, wouldnt it be better to ask if its in use? not in a rude way im just wondering

[@tikibar4me]

Thanks for the great video!

[@Late2theShowagain]

Great video. Thank you.

[@chrisnaylor8211]

Thanks Kevin, much appreciated! Chris VK3TLA

[@surveysy7561]

But what if I don't get any response on the local repeater frequency? How do I find another repeater frequency or net that is talking

[@monte4891]

Hehehe I'm nervous here I go.. thanks for the info

[@MaV-eR-riCk512]

Very helpful video Kevin thank you! I'm am currently studying for my technicians license using qrz's practice exams. This might be a silly question but i was wondering once i pass and receive a call sign if i don't like the call sign may i apply for a call sign that might be easier for me to say? If so how would one do that? Is there a way to see call signs that are available? or call signs that are expired and i could apply for one that is easy for me to say?

[@loughkb]

You're asking about "vanity call signs". The FCC has a way to apply for one, and they may have a search function to see if one is available. You could also use QRZ.com and search for call signs to see if someone already has it.

[@MaV-eR-riCk512]

Awesome! thank you for your help Kevin. Much appreciated cheers!

[@roberpic]

Nice job. I see your TARDIS back there! KC0HIP

[@K1EDH]

Is a net a open repeater? I mean, do you have to be a member of a club or is it just a bunch of people that may be members of the club and some that might not be?

[@daveg5520]

This really helps... thanks. Still a little nervous cause I don't want to mess up. Very interested in the emergency preparedness aspect of amateur radio... especially since we are having severe flooding right now in Missouri. KE0UXE - no contact yet

[@teashea1]

well done indeed

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Hello sir i own a pair of cp200 uhf and also another pair of cp200 vhf. My question is. I got my GMRS lisence and i got my callsing . I also have a pair of baofeng radios. Witch radios m i able to use with my gmrs lisence can i use any of my radios and programmed them and use them

[@kg7yts187]

Ok, you bugged my house or something lol... My local traffic net handles larger amounts of traffic by sending some of it to a repeater the is 146.88 called be most "The 88 Repeater"

[@charlesromulus7317]

Good day . I am working on getting licensed when this craziness settles a bit . There is a lot I have to learn . I have a question please sir . The number in the call sign ( I.e. the 9 in your call sign ) is for the region correct and has to be incorporated into any call sign regardless of rank of license ? Thank you very much . I am trying to learn the lingo as to perform call correctly once allowed .

[@loughkb]

Hi Charles, Yes, the number is the region. It used to be strictly enforced and moving to another region meant getting a new call sign. They relaxed that requirement some years ago. All valid US ham calls will have a number.

[@charlesromulus7317]

@@loughkb Thank you sir

[@coffeemocha]

Just got my license and trying to figure this all out. Newbie question. when announcing on a repeater freq of 447.280, do I say 'listening on 80' or listening on '28'. Not sure what the short hand rule is. Thank you.

[@loughkb]

You could just say 'listening' and be fine. Sometimes people include the freq or part of it for the benefit of someone who's within earshot of their radio, which could be scanning multiple machines. That gives a clue as to which machine they heard you on. But it's not strictly necessary.

[@coffeemocha]

@@loughkb Thanks. First contact was yesterday. Success!

[@loughkb]

@@coffeemocha Welcome to the hobby Dan.

[@claydelsman1637]

When I got my ticket the first person I made contact with on 91 was horrible, made me leave the hobbie for a short time. Just the down talk he did made you feel not welcomed. Im slowly getting back into it. There are alot of good guys out there. Just don't let one person or 2 ruin it for you.

[@PatAutrey]

Field day is coming up and I'm concerned about operating in such close proximity to other radios any experience with this? What can be done to ensure that I don't damage my radio? I'm using a 991A Yaesu

[@loughkb]

It's not proximity to the radios you need to worry about, it's the proximity of the antennas to each other. Try to keep the antennas at least a wavelength apart and not parallel to each other and you'll reduce interference. No worries about damaging the rigs. But you will see desense. Strong nearby signals will bleed through as noise.

[@southink9122]

Great vid. Thx!!

[@slycollins6029]

If you live in the middle of nowhere can I use ham radio to call help if you have no phone signal

[@loughkb]

Sure. With a general class license, you can operate on several bands over the HF spectrum, from 1.8 up to 29 mHz. Even with low power, less than 5 watts, you can talk to people around the world.