Ham Radio Pensioners' Problems

In other words. if you are a pensioner on restricted income,. how can you afford to enjoy your ham radio hobby? Peter G3OJV, takes a look at the options.
ZL3XDJ
• ZL3XDJ/ qrp.

[@alandrury9955]

There's a lot to be said for older gear too, particularly for those of us who have been around for a while. Not only do you get a decent station for a decent price but you also have the nostalgia of keeping that old gear on the air. Now I'm retired I'm very much enjoying old gear such as the TS520 and FT101 that I dreamed of having as a young ham but never could afford

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

This ham _”pensioner”_ (the term here across the pond is _”retiree”)_ is checking in. One thing to watch out for is purchasing new radios on eBay from Japan. I have nothing against Japanese sellers, but for some reason these radios are somewhat _”cheap”_ because they’re designed for *Japanese hams* - and their *BAND PLAN!* If you’re skilled, I’m told there are ways to modify them for your country’s band plan. (Something you Brits have that we don’t have _”across the pond”_ is the *4 meter* band.) For _”pensioner minimalists”_ there is the *(tru)SDX* transceiver. It’s an open source QRP (5W) HF transceiver for ~ $150 US. *73 de AF6AS in **_“DM13”_** land*

[@jaimz33]

I know pensioner hams who won't have anything if it doesn't have valves in it. They won't part with them either.

[@KingLoopie1]

Peter, I'm a new retiree. (what we are called in the USA) and I just bought an ftdx-10 as my 1st hf+50mhz transceiver (as a tech, I've enjoyed my ft-70dr). Now you're basically telling me I'd have fun with a crystal radio and a home built tube transmitter... Where were you a few weeks ago when I ordered it? I could've saved $1k! 😂😂😂😜

[@user-ef3nu1eh7z]

Sorry in my 50 years of cross band operator used and old has always been my options ( no collections) one radio at time fix til actually broke!!!! Only problem had cataracts repaired now cannot do close and small work so change of radio is few and between

[@feste1012000]

This is excellent. I was a G8 in the 1980s. Stopped after a few years. Now in my 70s, took the Foundation exam and Ofcom gave me back my original call sign. They were very helpful. Yes, it has proved expensive to start again from scratch as I wanted the security of warranties., but it is all proving really enjoyable.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ndr8469]

As a G8 you should have been able to have it restored without a foundation exam.

[@feste1012000]

@@ndr8469 I could have, my choice to take the exam to get my brain back on track.

[@PhilG8JQH]

@@ndr8469I agree - I am a G8, had a 20 year break due to work/family commitments, then applied for my call to be restored- no requirement to sit any test at all.

[@sundog486]

That sounds good. I was a G8 in the late 60s (70cm & 23cm) but even though I paid for a search, City & Guilds can't find my records of passing the RAE. Nor have I been able to find any RSGB yearbooks with my callsign listed, which is another way of restoring the licence. I'm considering getting re-licensed by taking the exam/exams and it would be cherry on the cake if I could get my old call sign back.

[@CamilleCullen-ow6qj]

New ham radios are indeed very expensive. However, when you look at the prices using constant dollars, I think most are actually cheaper than they were years ago. That is a small condolence though when you still can't afford them. Another great video!! Robert K5TPC

[@maxinelko]

I thought that radio amateurs were expensive only in Ukraine.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Very well put together video. Having given up the Hobby sold all my kit. Now I am a pensioner and returned to the Hobby. Now struggling financially with the price of kit. Too many features and functionality on modern radios I shall never use. Voice speaking to me "Power On" Torch Function. Personal Panic Alarm. Why. ?? Same with all modern devices. Bread Toaster with a 24hour clock. Also why don't they make cameras for left handed people. Oh well is it me. Cheers from us old pensioners George and Jane. 😂

[@brucecash3939]

Great video Peter, 100 watts and some wire will get you contacts around the world. I had used home built dipole antennas and a used Yaesu FT840 transceiver for almost 20 years before getting a ftdx-10 last year. It doesn’t take much to have fun and make contacts

[@mikewalsh511]

I go to hamfests looking for bargain gear and most of the time even gear 5-10 years old is marked only a small amount down from the full retail price when the stuff was brand new! Stuff depreciates! Don't expect to sell a well used radio for 20% less than you paid for it. Take a small loss and do another ham a favor!

[@watersstanton]

Yes.

[@BrightBlueJim]

It's all supply and demand. This just means that there are too many poor hams who think they need 100 Watts. Sorry, but that's just how it goes. I think if most hams took the rule to heart, "use no more power than you need", 100 Watts would rarely be used, and 20 Watt radios would rule the bands.

[@michaelgriffin628]

I am a pensioner just qualified in 2023. My resources are limited. I have a Kenwood TS440 with a home brew doublet in the loft and a refurbed tablet. I think I get as good results as the 1.5K's splattering all over the place. I only spend what I can afford and I really enjoy the hobby. Know your hobby, the rules and the science and the sky is the limit, literally.

[@watersstanton]

Great comments.

[@BrightBlueJim]

Old pensioners, young students, and all other people who don't have money to burn. For the reasons you mention and more, the barrier to entry need not be as high as it looks. If you look at the catalogs and see that a transceiver is $1500, and a decent antenna is $300, and then you need coax, a tuner, and a dozen other things you haven't thought of, you're well into "nope" territory. But the good news is that if you are just a little bit handy, there's no antenna you can't build yourself for a fraction of what you'd pay for a store-bought one, and there are kits for all types of ham-designed transceivers, to lower that cost as well. And more importantly, at least for me, is the greater enjoyment for having built something (even if it's just from a kit) that you can work magic with.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks for your nfo.

[@williambrooks6629]

That was a very frank discussion. I came back into AR after 20 years away. It is expensive and there is a dirth of second hand bargains unless you are in the right place at the right time. I have to agree that having a powerful station with all the bells and whistles is a waste of time. It doesn't make you a better operator. As you said, " Where is the challenge". I recently set up on top of a hill with my fg pole tied to a farmer's fence post. It didn't work very well but the farmer and I had a really good conversation.

[@watersstanton]

At least you made a contact!

[@DiscusRussell]

This ham radio pensioner has to go and dig a hole for a mast tomorrow with COPD and only 1/4 lung function 😂 my Kenwood 450s does me ok just because you have a waterfall readout and all the bells and whistles don't mean shite. Spend your money on an antenna as if you can't hear em you can't work em

[@ronmikkenie73]

Indeed.... nothing wrong with a G90 and a piece of wire. Yesterday PA-VK with 20W SSB on 20M. FT710 is a great radio, but me being limited to portable operation, and having nearly no space at home for storing large stuff, most radios and all commercial antennas are just too big (for my personal situation). Not a pensioner, so money is not the real problem. Most manufactured stuff is just far too big! Portable operation also opens the road to antennas you should not use at home: EFRW with (homemade) 1:9 UNUN is a true multiband performer, but keep it far away from other electrical/electronic equipment as it picks up and generates interference due to it's nature. But in an open space "in the middle of nowhere", nobody cares about the outer conductor of the co-axial cable carrying RF current... What I like on your video: even while being a shop-owner, you still do not emphasize on buying new radios. Second hand is OK many times. Especially when you know the previous owner.

[@g4joe]

Go QRP , can make it yourself . Cheep 😄👍

[@jimdavis5230]

I am a pensioner and over the years I have bought many pieces of amateur radio equipment cheaply because they were advertised as faulty or not working at all. This includes transceivers, linear amplifiers and transverters. I managed to repair every piece of equipment I bought. Now if I can do that then anyone can do the same. Despite being licenced since 1978 I am just a bum G8 so clever people who have passed the Morse test should be able to repair equipment far better and faster than I can. Since the Morse requirement was dropped I found that many G4 and G3 licencees talked down to me and treated me as inferior so I abandoned amateur radio. The hobby seemed to be full of class snobbery which I dislike intensely. I have heard many old class A licencees talking down many M3 and M6 licencees which made me feel sick and annoyed. No wonder I abandoned the class ridden hobby.

[@Rubedo777]

Jim old son… nils desperandum carborundum illigitami… in other words don’t let some arrogant bastions get at you. Many of these never touch a Morse key after they passed, and if you get into Morse… slow Morse…. Those guys will look after you. Have a look on the Tube about them. Best wishes from another old boy.73. 🤠 💙

[@SteveBrace]

I agree with @Rubedo777 with the caveat that they are a tiny minority. I'm a lockdown ham (2020) and found some of them but they're just the general armholes you find in any community... As Rub said. Don't let them grind you down, hit them right in their log... No QSL 😁 DE 2E0PTY. 73 OM

[@Rubedo777]

@@SteveBrace Steve you are right and I should have made that clear… they are a small minority I found it hard to believe that “ senior “ hams would behave that way until a few more told me it was so. So I apologise, I didn’t intend to mean all of us. D U H ! Got it wrong again. 🤔🧐 Thanks.73. 💙

[@kd5inm]

There are lots of fish in the sea. You should fire up your gear and get back on the air. De KD5INM

[@gavindouglas5581]

I have a ic7300 with a 204 foot long g5rv antenna running 100 watts manual a.t.u tunnel 30 feet high i get good results on h.f ham bands 80 40 6 12 160 20 bands. In New Zealand. Zl1gam.

[@m.9243]

My 'old warrior' Yaesu FT707 is still doing a fine job, after a few capacitor replacements and an alignment. With just 100 watts and a wire dipole antenna I make DX contacts regularly! Bought it many years ago from another Ham operator who wanted to upgrade to a new transceiver with 'bells and whistles'. Then again, I am old enough to having started my radio hobby back in the days of home brewed Valve transmitters and a Hallicrafters receiver! So, as long as I make the QSO all these 'waterfalls' and various other facilities, I can do without. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.s 73's from VK2Bxx

[@nicklaslundgren]

I envy you a bit. I’ve owned a Yaesu FT-707 since 1993. It’s a mighty fine radio with wonderful reception and audio. However, mine is not working. 😔 The VFO is running all over the place, mostly around 91 MHz. I think it’s a soldering problem, but this radio is so hard to fix with all those wires in there, like a bucket of worms. How did you manage to fix yours? I now run a FtDX10, but still miss my 707...

[@snail2171]

@@nicklaslundgren It's easy to fix problem. I have had the same problem with FT 707 just bought. Problem is variable capacitor rotor contact oxidation. Spray of Deoxit will fix it.

[@m.9243]

@@snail2171 Well said! This process was part of my 'restoration' of the FT-707. Capacitor change also made a difference, mostly in drifting and selectivity. I left the alignment to a tech who has the right instruments and know-how to do it properly.

[@nicklaslundgren]

@@snail2171 Thanks for this reply! Very valuable advice! Can you say which variable capacitator that causes this problem, and where it is located?

[@nicklaslundgren]

@@m.9243 I sure need to check this on my faulty FT-707. May I ask which capacitators you replaced? And which variable capacitators did you spay?

[@Plons0Nard]

0:55 "more mature" 😊 My friend calls it "vintage" , like a good old Port, or Aldebaran liquor 👍🏻🤝🏻🇳🇱

[@OJ71081]

Many more senior Hams are like yourself Peter, encouraging and helpful. However I sometimes encounter people who seem like they would rather the hobby die out then allow new blood through the door. I think this attitude is really sad, I am happy to admit I'm still learning about radio and there's lots I have to discover , but surely the best thing is to encourage new amateurs to ensure the hobby stays alive and the amateur bands aren't poached for commercial interests. I'm not what i would call very young, got into the hobby at 40 four years ago, I'd always been interested in radio but more from the point of view of listening and through music etc, I never went to bed without my radio on fron about age 7, then as I got older became interested in the SW BC bands but got into ham radio quite late in life. The first time I managed a contact to VK in 20m completely blew my mind to be honest, and I've not looked back since.

[@watersstanton]

Well said and well done.

[@Dennis-uc2gm]

Good talk on being an old timer in the hobby. I got my ticket in 1977 when you almost had to wait your turn to get on a 2 meter repeater frequency. Being retired almost 5 years now and using almost a 20 year old rig on HF I still have just as much fun. Most the 2 meter repeaters in my area now are deadly quite and the ones that have some traffic have shifted to a digital mode of sorts. There still all sorts of stuff to do in hobby and it balances out some of the other things I like to do in these late years.

[@dougtaylor8735]

I am a retired ham and all I have right now is a Kenwood TS 440, a Heathkit amp, and a home brew off center fed dipole. Works very well on 80 through 10 meters and I regularly make contacts all over the world. I don’t use the amp unless I want to get through a pileup. I’ve never had a waterfall display so I don’t miss it.

[@watersstanton]

Sounds a good arrangement.

[@madcarew5168]

And we have nice sheds!!

[@control5835]

HOME BREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@watersstanton]

If you can! Many have physical limitations that prevent this option.

[@alangoulding4252]

Excellent advice Peter as always hopefully it will urge people to do more home brew and see expensive aerials are not required...I use my home brew antennae on 40 meters and get out very well I made my own 49:1 balun and have an swr better than 1.3 to i across the band. 73s Peter...G7WBB Alan

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks for sharing.

[@juraphotos7489]

My daughter says ham radio is a old mans hobby 🤣🤣

[@Maartenkarperfreak]

hi Peter i am al most a pensioner ....6 month to go i have my licence 40 years now ,but was not active the last 20 years but the hf virus is back.. and my kenwood 440 line is fired up and is working exelent after 39 years...but its much older.. i made some antennas and they are working ..your and other channels are inspiring ..to expirimenting with for me the best antenna for the rest there is nothing wrong with VINTAGE EQUIPMENT AND ANTENNAS it is a hobby in a hobby and is fun to do without high costs Keep on going with you channel Peter...73 Maarten PA3DTQ

[@watersstanton]

Welcome back. Thanks for sharing.

[@alzag6hpr553]

Couldn’t agree more Peter. As for the 710 I’m blown away by it for the money. Allan G6HPR.

[@watersstanton]

You and me!

[@spweber54]

Another great video and relevant topic, Peter! I, too, was licensed at 17 years of age and am now 70. Never owned a tower, yagi, vertical, or any commercial antenna in over 50 years if hamming--but had great joy playing with an endless number of wire antennas in all the places I have lived. Enjoy working CW at less than 50 watts, when propagation is good I can work the world. FT8 has brought great fun into the hobby for me, since it works at 25 watts when SSB and CW won't due to poor propagation. I just changed my QTH to a townhome in the great Pacific Northwest (Washington) and put a simple OCF dipole up using 22 gauge wire I bought for $20 for 100 feet. From my 2nd story ham shack, I screwed a 4:1 UNUN outside the window. I have 12' hanging down and pinned to the house with push pins. And I threw the other 57 feet up on the roof shingles, where I snaked it around so the wind can't blow it. It tunes from 80 up to 6meters,and I have been having a blast regular working Japan, Australia, New Zealand and all of USA with just 50 watts. Ham radio experimentation has always been a blast for me with a compromised wire antenna as it keeps the thrill alive when you work DX! Keep these great videos coming! Stan - WB5UDI

[@watersstanton]

Great to hear from you Stan. True Ham Radio.

[@union310]

Ham radio is still exciting, it just needs support and information to make entry into the hobby for newbies, of all ages.

[@watersstanton]

Yes agreed

[@brian.7966]

Ofcom has stated giving it away now. for 2 cornflake packet tops, you can get a full license.

[@union310]

@@brian.7966 I sat my foundation licence around two weeks ago and passed. My parents are both seriously ill and I struggle to find time to study as well as keep a job going and raise my children. If the licence was as it was I would have never taken it. However been able to sit it in three parts and use a transceiver, learn and have fun. I also will be attending a once monthly meeting at a local club. In my lunch times I have written a small paper to be presented to my local lodge on my journey so far. The encouragement from Essex ham and the likes of this channel all made it possible. I have also joined the RSGB and proudly display their badge on the back of my car.

[@union310]

@@brian.7966 Hi, as someone who has just passed their foundation licence I don't find your comment encouraging. I look after my elderly parents who are seriously ill, I work full time and I have three children. I am also heavily involved in Freemasonry. If I was not able to sit my licence in three parts to achieve a full licence I would have probably not put in for it. I was however encouraged by channels such as this and the work of Essex ham who were fantastic. The only way to grow or for that matter maintain a hobby is by being relevant, approachable and encouraging. I have prepared a small talk to be given in lodges around Cumbria to promote ham radio. I wonder how much you have done to encourage others? I look to people who have been in the hobby with a licence at any level for encouragement. 73's

[@union310]

@@brian.7966 Not sure why but twice I have given a comprehensive reply to your quote and twice it has disappeared?

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

I bought old heathkit hw 101 for 150 dollars and after few repairs and such and home made dipole I make contacts on cw and ssb all over the place. minimal costs. and when i was young i had tube receiver and home brew oscillator cost 25 dollars and i made contacts.

[@watersstanton]

Well said.

[@11ildiko11]

100w is sufficient,but nowadays the main problem is noise in the receiver! Anyone have a good idea how to reduce it?

[@Patrick-rd9qo]

Mag loop? More directional than a dipole.

[@CliveBriscoe]

Well said Peter! As one OT to another... 73 Clive GW3YHR

[@watersstanton]

Thanks Clive

[@cWatts-zv3oo]

I truly admire this one old man! Well said, 😊

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

One thing I would like in a Handheld. Is the time. Also a button you can hold in which records the audio so it can capture callsign. Also logs time and freq, signal strength etc. In file name of the recordings so I don't have to carry pen, paper and try and log it. Just records when button just held in not full qso. A useful feature..I know you don't need to record it. But a useful feature. So when back home you can replay for the log. Cheers from old George

[@N4DJC]

Some amateurs in the US complain about a $1500 radio and drive a $50,000 truck. Me, I’ve been retired for about 15 years I can afford the gear. Pricing here is quite a bit lower here than in the UK and EU, with all the taxes.

[@gtretroworld]

Brill video Peter, it’s like having my grandad back when you get going. As for pensioner’s my father has recently bought a FT710, infact a lot of friends have and for the money it is a little bargain. But if cash is tight i have said it before you can do the same with let’s say an old FT840 which you can pick up for coppers.

[@salve-amicus]

You be right, tnx

[@julianrobertson3303]

Thank you for sharing as always . I've just learned that if the UK goes to war all ham radio operators will have to stop using their equipment , during WWII ham radio operators was required to dismantle all their equipment & submit the equipment to the M.O.D local area official storage department . Ukraine ham operators have been ordered to stop their equipment ,& yet they still do !. It's likely to happen again so I shall wait & see what happens in due course .

[@jimdavis5230]

I remember some G4 licencees calling me " half a ham" because I hadn't passed a Morse test. Despite this I had several of my own radio designs published in Practical Wireless and ETI. My advice to any young people interested in amateur radio is don't bother unless you can pass a Morse test from 50 years ago. Then take a deceased G3 or G4 callsign to avoid being treated as brain dead scum.

[@B_MAD_24]

Bla

[@petemillis4666]

Sorry, but your advice is dreadful.

[@sundog486]

Or you could just call the HF bands "the DC bands" as some G8's used to do in the early days when we were on UHF.😉

[@mikeraymond6822]

my station has changed a again, 🙄 so i have settled on a yaesu ft dx 1200 for main set. a yaesu ft 991 for 2mts and 70. and its a back up for the main radio. i did have a 710 but I wasn,t that fussed to fiddley for me tbh. for mobile i have a ts50, all my radios are second hand 699 total cost 1599. that was my retirement treat along with my small rv hi hi. after 40 years of mechanical engineering I'm lucky to be in a good place , the hard work was very hard work .. now I'm sitting back and enjoying a hobby I'm back into since Jan 2024. next challenge relearn Morse code. my call is a GW4 from 1982

[@lifegettingintheway2710]

My ham station in 1962 was a Hallicrafters S38-B and a military surplus ARC-5 transmitter. My antenna was a vertical using TV antenna masts mounted on a large 7UP bottle for a base insulation. My ground system was the plumbing of my parent's house. Not much at the time for contests which I've never been interested in, and I don't care for talking into a radio though I did build an SSB mod for my ARC-5. I eventually got into digital and started with a model 19 RTTY desk complete with 5-bit yellow tape reader and keyboard. In the 80's I got an AEA pk900 running into a Yaesu FTDX-570 transceiver. I'm approaching 80 and have a keen interest in WSPR systems. Very low power, and all contacts are recorded and verified by automation. I do want to nail the extra class ticket before I go silent key. The idea of optimizing a WSPR by improving antenna systems and dropping power as low as possible while hitting all continents is compelling.

[@ericinthebush1961]

Hi Peter, a very relevant topic, and then even more so for people like us in South Africa with a terrible exchange rate. As a retired ham I fully agree with your outlook on the subject. I run late 1990's gear, and home made antennas, and still have a lot of fun operating HF from the QTH. I have no budget, but also no desire, to invest in new kit, as impressive as it may be. 73's.

[@JoseArrom]

I’m a pensioner and just bought a Yaesu FT710. I have eye issues and I’m ok with the display. Trying to deal with the antenna issues.

[@kd5inm]

New radios arent that expensive here in the states. There are radios out there that can be "assembled" and are very good new for 'used' radio prices. The uBitx v6.0 is a good radio. I have an upgraded version that I have $255 usd in I used to WSPR to Australia and NZ from Texas. The radio has WSPR mode built in with no computer needed. It can also display CW onscreen. I like that the Yaesu rigs are mentioned as well. I have several of them in various portable configurations. They are a very good value. The G90 is also a great rig as well. I however don't know what that paperweight 7300 was doing on screen because anything I Can Only Monitor is just good for 🔫 target practice here in the states....

[@paulswift700]

Yes I'm one of them. I'm 68 now but don't get on air anymore as it's become boring to me. I can't afford this new stuff and only have vintage radios like the TS830S and FT101EE and others but I don't get to use them.

[@MrMe4444444]

I have found everything at the swap "works". 😢 Yeah sarcasm.

[@n0vty873]

One of the reasons I get gear for a disabled friend of mine

[@watersstanton]

Well done.

[@11ildiko11]

My friend had to go into a retired facility, had his antenna in his window, and when he increased transmitting power more than QRP, he set up the internal alarm, and nurses stormed into his room assuming that he called for medical emergency!

[@chrisg7veo495]

there are a lot of well off pensioners too that can afford more than the younger ones

[@EI6DP]

Not me 🥸

[@Brookspirit]

It's not just pensioners who can't afford new gear. Most of it is out of my reach and i'm a fair way from getting a pension.

[@mikesey1]

My Yaesu FT-897D does me fine!

[@StarrKrumm]

I meant FT-710, not FT-170, sorry.

[@GordonHudson]

It's also worth looking at the ZS6BKW Junior antenna. It's slightly bigger than a half size G5RV but is closer to 50 ohms. I am retiring at the end of June. Looking forward to having more time for radio. The time in my life when I had the least money was when my kids were young! GM4SVM

[@GordonHudson]

@QRO293 I am lucky to be able to retire so young, but I have had enough!

[@watersstanton]

Be good to hear the results.

[@AB1Vampire]

Nice take on a fair observation, yeah. Here in the US too, n2eye

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

At the other end of the "spectrum" . . . I bought my niece's lad a Quansheng UV-K6 at Christmas (£15 including shipping!), he's made his own Slim Jim antenna and has logged his first calls (under supervision) while starting off a Foundation course with a view to taking his test in the summer holidays. Says it's "dead cool" So you can do it on a shoe string! 72

[@watersstanton]

Absolutely.

[@hamshackleton]

Your editing skills are slipping! You told us about your half-size G5 twice! 🙂 - - - I started with an HAC regen one-valver kit rx - when I could afford the batteries - it was a hungry beast!

[@watersstanton]

Its not emitting its memory!

[@qutips33]

flagpole antenna and easy set up and cheap

[@StarrKrumm]

Not really on topic, but I just learned an undocumented feature of the FT-170 concerning the LEVEL control. Normally, it affects the receive waterfall, but I accidentally adjusted it while it was transmitting FT-8 and it adjusted the level of the transmitted signal on the waterfall, independent of the receive LEVEL setting. This feature is not in the manual. I enjoyed your pensioner video - it was relevant to me as I retire at the end of May.

[@watersstanton]

Interesting feature. Thanks.

[@firemarshal17]

I agree. I’m a pensioner who is still running an Icom 725. I can’t afford to lay out $1,500usd on a new rig. 73 N8DG

[@watersstanton]

Keep at it. Thanks.

[@leonardogalloiz3atv474]

I appreciate the contents of your video, expecially the idea that an Ham Radio operator can greatly enjoy the hobby even with limitate resourced. In fact satisfaction arise from different activity, all requiring personal effort, but vastely not depending on money expence: study of fundamentals of radio communications tech, exercise on operating skills, home brewing of antennas and simple equipments and accessories, outdoor and QRP operations. The greatest joy in the hobby is to achieve contacts with simple means and low budget gears. Ham-radio rigs manifacturers have to take in account the physical limitations of a market made up mainly of elderly and ever aging people. Only taking in the right account the ergonomics of radio equipment, older Hams will be induced to purchase new equipment. 73' de IZ3ATV, Leo

[@watersstanton]

Great comments.

[@TheIaindavidson]

Very informative video, even for a 35 year old juvenile. In today's economic landscape, it's not just pensioners who have to make the best of old or budget gear. Thank you

[@watersstanton]

Well said!

[@alangoulding4252]

Forgot to mention Peter I am still using my Kenwood TS940s made during the late 80s and still going strong..73s Alan

[@watersstanton]

Great!

[@waterst20]

I need to stock up before I retire next year. 73s KE4EDU Tim Waters

[@watersstanton]

Dood idea Tim

[@peteshulver9221]

Another really useful video but it’s not only some pensioners who struggle to afford equipment and many retired people like me still have a decent income and like me live in a rural area and have a couple of towers and several transceivers in my case a 7610 so not an old one. My problems are more associated with climbing tall ladders and such as not so good with balance but technically sound and been licensed since 1979 😀

[@watersstanton]

Better safe than sorry.

[@rayscrivens6160]

I agree that success in amateur radio is doing the best that you can within your abilities and resources. I get the greatest satisfaction in QSO's with the "small guys" rather than the big stations for whom you are the umpteenth station they've worked this week.

[@watersstanton]

Well said.

[@leonvanderlinde5580]

I am an Amateur pensioner. I can not afford anything anymore as the pricing is horrendously high.

[@adamap2796]

The internet is flooded with near new second hand equipment, what do you call horrendously high ? Are you in the UK ? You’ve just had a 10% triple locked pension increase 🧐

[@fredr7217]

I’m 58 and studying for technician license.

[@watersstanton]

Do for it.

[@Pootycat8359]

I'm 71, and my eyes have gone south. So, I like equipment that uses tubes, discrete transistors, and traditional 8 & 14 pin ICs, Surface mount components? Ah!!!! I need a magnifier to read the color code on a 1 W carbon composition resistor.

[@billmccullough777]

At 75 y.o., I have learned I am no longer competent to fiddle with the HV parts of the TS-830. Sigh... Now I have a TS-870 that a professional refurbished. Sounds great, works great! I can forego reliving history for living the journey now. 73

[@Pootycat8359]

Unless you HAVE to work on it "hot," it's best to kill the HV PS & ground the B(+). In the 1980s, I took care of the maintenance for a Harris MW-50A AM xmttr, which had a 24 KV PS. One did NOT work on that puppy with live HV!

[@nealbeach4947]

It's becoming a hobby for the wealthy.

[@londo776]

and the old

[@adamap2796]

Ham radio equipment in general has never been so affordable. And neither has it been so easy and inexpensive to obtain a license.

[@union310]

Only if you want it to be.

[@GearoidMacGearailt]

Great video

[@kenwezeman7827]

Excellent advice!

[@watersstanton]

Thanks for watching!

[@StevenTT120Layout]

Yes I am G6MMD

[@watersstanton]

Welcome

[@B_MAD_24]

I don't know. Pensioners and people with jobs are going to be saying they don't have the money to pay for these radios. The second-hand market is just as bad as NIB.

[@JuliusLemonhead]

Not ok with title, you and your channel is commercial, preaching to the choir...

[@SteveBrace]

Yes. What do you expect from the director and secretary of a ham radio retailer? But this isn't a long advertisement; it's informative and I find his avuncular presentation pleasing. 73 OM

[@stuffyourhandle]

Pensioners like me don't buy the latest fancy gear they have been around long enough to know what is worthwhile and what is not....

[@londo776]

That is exactly the problem with amateur radio all you old( Where are the ladies) man, I think the average age of a sad ham is 68, Where is the next generation coming from? I don't know of any amateurs in they 20s or 30s in my town. Amateur radio Is dying or very dead With nobody to come on in the future

[@union310]

That could be said of a lot of hobbies

[@adamap2796]

Only last month, in my club, a family of four took and past their foundation licenses. Parents and two kids. Ages, parents 36, 38, kids 12 and 14 years old. They are loving the hobby and the kids friends have also been enticed to also have a go.

[@union310]

@@adamap2796 Fantastic

[@londo776]

@@adamap2796 just one family in how many years?. My points still stands.

[@londo776]

@@union310 name some?

[@stuffyourhandle]

wouldn't trust any Chinese radio

[@EI6DP]

I run an Xiegu G90 and its one fabulous rig and a brilliant receiver. With *all* Japanese rigs and equipment in general all have inbuilt obsolescence.

[@stuffyourhandle]

@@EI6DP ts50 ic728 ts520se

[@tonywright8294]

Make your own it’s not difficult !

[@watersstanton]

Many pensioners are no longer able to build gear because of health issues.