Ham Radio Shack Tour 2019 WD0AKX

[@MrScottcollier]

You have one of the nicest shack set ups I've seen. A nice blending of newer and classic tech for sure.

[@soundscapemeditation6258]

I love your humble attitude about the hobby doesn't have to cost much. I spent only 50 Euros (about 60 dollars) on an old russian transceiver and I can go around the world with it. 73' PA1EMD - By the way, it is a SEG15 made in eastern Berlin in Kopenick during the cold war, actually used by the Stasi in those days... There is a lot of surplus stuff to choose from for a few bucks, so indeed no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy our hobby.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the tour! I am a newly licensed Tech/General. I passed my tests at a HAMFest in January. I am a retired engineer and have worked on radio communications a lot of my career and have always been interested in Ham radio since 1971 when we hooked up a short wave antenna around the soffit of the house when we were in Jr. High. Haha memories! I am converting my office to a ham shack. My wife has moved her remote office to a kids bedroom (we are empty nesters). I am working on a feed-line panel with lightning arrestors for my external antennas. I will be re-using a computer desk for my radio desk and I have a soldering station for projects and building antennas on the other desk. Oh yeah, I also have a flight simulator in this ham shack as I am also a licensed pilot. 73!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks and congrats on the new ham ticket, that is great to hear! Yes, lot of memories from back in the 70's, I have a lot of those myself, real fun memories and it is hard to believe all that time has passed now, I remember it all very well. Sounds great on setting up your shack, good luck, this is such a fun hobby to be involved with and we have so many more exciting things now than I ever would have thought back in the 70's!!! 73 and let me know when you get on the air, maybe we can make a contact. 73...Larry

[@brentjohnson6654]

RadioHamGuy thanks for your reply. Did I hear you mention you are from Minnesota? I grew up on the Iron Range north of Duluth. Yes I have had an interesting journey and many good memories. I have learned and continue to learn in this hobby which is an added benefit. I will let you know when I get on the air. My call sign is KI5HXM.

[@RadioHamGuy]

@@brentjohnson6654 Yes but the southern part, I am in Albert Lea. I have been up to the iron range several times over the years but not in the last 10 yrs or so I guess. Great area. I looked up your call sign on qrz, keep me posted! 73 and nice to hear from you and have fun with radio.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@RadioHamGuy oh Albert Lea? Very nice. We have stopped there many times on our road trips to Texas. I hope to be on the HF airwaves later this fall. Maybe we can have a QSO then or on 2m one day. 73! de KI5HXM

[@RadioHamGuy]

@@brentjohnson6654 That sounds great, keep me posted on how things go! Maybe we can try for a contact on the air. 73

[@Eric-zb6nv]

Nice vid. I just got my Technician ticket today. That old Dak radio brings back memories. One of my favorite local guys to talk to when I first got in to CB had a Dak. Maybe I''ll catch you on the air some day. No call sign yet. They said by Monday. 73's

[@garyseward7058]

Very nice Radio station nice Rados and a good video thanks for your time from Gary in the UK 🇬🇧 73 my friend.

[@rok3895]

Hi, I'm Owen KE0ROK, I'm 14 and I've been a ham for about six months, your dx video that you did a while back really set me on getting into radio. Ive met so many people on the radio and getting my license is the best choice I've ever made. Thanks for all the videos you make. I hope to contact you someday soon. 73s, KE0ROK

[@larrylacroixve3oei489]

Congrats ROK

[@WW5RM]

That is awesome Owen! Good job on getting you ticket! Tons of things to do on Ham Radio. Enjoy and have fun!

[@brianmadonna2873]

Congrats kid

[@patrickwall8517]

Welcome to the hobby, you'll get lots of enjoyment out of it. I've been at it over 30 years and it's still fun. 73's de KB0CCN

[@spresc2180]

You have quite the setup, for sure. A Hams dream shack that can keep one entertained for quite the while. I was one of several that had asked in the past for a tour, and it was the equalizers and scanners that grabbed my attention most of all. Thank you VERY much for making this presentation. Perhaps in the future you can show us your antenna's for the various bands, scanners etc.

[@RadioHamGuy]

I have been doing some antenna work and maybe when that is complete I can do a new antenna tour also next summer.

[@Rhodeislander]

Very nice of you to invite us in, I love all the old gear. Just got my ticket at 53, looking for ideas to build my shack.

[@wa4aos]

Nice tour of your shack. Good attention to equipment placement. Though, I am glad my shack is NOT the only one where dust accumulates... Hi hi. I got my Novice back in 1971, age 15, when we were still required to be crystal controlled. I think in 72, the FCC approved VFO usage for us. I operate mostly CW but occasionally a little SSB and AM. I still enjoy the hobby but am more and more discouraged by the profanity and childish behavior of many Hams. As a CW op, I never hear that mess and probably the reason I enjoy that mode so much. I also run FlightRadar24 and often hear jets, mostly, flying overhead with my security monitor. It's cool to look at the altitude and calculate when I should be able to hear the engines, unless a car goes by and drowns it out. Hi I have also been a licensed private pilot since about 1977, though, I have not flown recently. 73, Glenn WA4AOS

[@southjersey10]

Thx Glenn. I am a HAM t/b in about 28 days after taking a Tech & General exams. Right now I just monitor some conversations and nets (analog only). At 64 I don’t anticipate operating CW - however, remembering WWII has me appreciate anyone that can handle the keys. I keep reminding myself that Amateur radio is a hobby; also a potential life line in certain emergencies and support for outdoor events. I’ll ignore the negativity. Mark, soon to sign off 73. 😃

[@fubarsnafu4994]

Bravo and great stuff! Lots of work over the years but wow what journey huh? Really enjoyed the video. Best tour I've ever had! 73

[@TheDgdimick]

You seem to have the same problems with dust as I do, I found that a soft, middle of the road cost wise, 3" paint brush works well for cleaning gear. It does a very good job cleaning the crud out of the nooks and crannies. I also have one for cleaning the dirt off my AR.

[@afk2jam]

Thanks for the tour. Nice to see in depth views of people's shacks, equipment and what it's all used for. -WI9MED

[@kayjayhchdee]

I'm looking at getting into the hobby so I found your videos and they're a great introduction! I also love your On Air light, I worked on-air at a local radio station for a few years and during a renovation the engineer gave me the exact same On Air light, so if I ever get a shack as nice as this I'll be using it in there for sure!

[@darrenbird2526]

I love the way you look after everything! Beautiful shack Great video

[@johnratcliffe6438]

What I find interesting about this tour is that you aren't using the latest transceivers; they are relatively old. Yet your results are insane. Having watched other videos, I suspect this is because your antennas are excellent and well situated for your needs. That's a great lesson for new operators; take an antenna led approach to building the shack, because it doesn't matter how good your rig is if the signal can't get out! Great video, thank you.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks for the comments John, appreciate that very much. Yes, I do concentrate on the antenna first, do the best I can for my property, that of course is the most important part of any station. I have collected all of this equipment over many years and have fun with it, once in a while I will add a new piece of gear. Many people look at this as being very expensive but it is not considering all the years it took me to get to this point. I just don't really sell much and keep using it over all the years. 73!...Larry

[@nivid01]

Good onya mate, good to see you are enjoying your hobby and gadgets!

[@jennifer86010]

Very good Man Cave ! Nice mix of two hobbies, combining your music and audio interests with your Ham station. Nice integration of audio mixers, EQ's, speakers and compressor. It all makes your station look more like a broadcast station, which is what so many Hams are doing these days, mainly due to Bob Heil selling boom microphone set-ups. But Hams have it a lot tougher than broadcast stations, because broadcasters only have to worry about modulation on a single frequency, and they only have to listen to one frequency. In addition, broadcast engineers mainly work on audio, which is what the studio is all about, and occasionally the tech checks the transmitter to make sure the tower is still standing and the RF is getting out. So Ham operators have to deal with a hundred different and difficult aspects of radio compared to the simplicity of any broadcast station, and Hams have to pay for and make all of their electronic gear. On the other hand, if a Ham operator's Nielsen ratings are low, it never matters !! '73

[@VK2UAL]

Gday Larry, Thank Mate for the tour, I think we are same vintage as it is like looking at my shack. I would go to bed and hide under my sheets and listen to MW dx till day break and once after a long dxing session I got up and to go to breakfast and my Mum said I don’t look very well and said I should stay home from school today, excellent that way I got some sleep before that nights doing session. No I went to school as it was sports day and I was boing surfing during the summer so that was not well planned Lol You have a lovely weekend Larry 73 Richard vk2ual

[@Rspiritjgl]

Very Nice Shack. Im KA3LNA From Delaware..My interest also started from a pocket AM ,my father gave me when I was about 5 years old?? I'll never forget that. It was a cold crisp clear night when my parents picked me up from my great grandparents farm. Stars out ETC.. Amazing.. I also played guitar some years ago. Ive had some great fun over all of the years..Things have wound down these days due to health reasons..But its all good..As a teen,I was an avid shortwave listener. Anyway,Thanks for the video... Enjoy and 73...

[@MichaelALoberg]

Hi Larry, thanks for the tour and all your videos. I hope you keep it up!

[@anselb2000]

I loved that Barry Goldwater QSL card I spied. As a kid I used to hear him on Sunday mornings booming in from Arizona to Missouri. I can still hear his voice!

[@RadioHamGuy]

I was wondering if anyone would notice that, you are very alert!

[@hazelwood55]

My dad talked to Sen. Goldwater and had his QST card in his shack. It was different than the one here, it had pictures of Arizona and Washington DC on it.

[@Ira06002]

One of thee biggest mistakes I ever made was to sell my very first rig...the Drake 2C and 2NT. Great rig with great memories. Thanks for your tour! 73 ~ Steve (K1KTF)

[@jasonke0iav]

Love the shack tour. Very nice set up. I enjoy your videos you post. I appreciate all that you do. 73 from KEØIAV Des Moines

[@Macro-photographer]

Great shack and thank you for sharing! PS. Your Yaesu is a FTDX3000 not as you mention a 2000 lol❤

[@fm71450]

Thank you for inviting us into your house / shack. Please give a tour of your antenna(s), with commentary.

[@CW-le8wc]

Thanks for the tour, Larry! Always love your videos.

[@tom-ehill2713]

Hey Larry it’s Tom up in Manitowish Waters Wisconsin I envy your set up there! I’ve got a similar radio shack scanner I don’t use anymore. 73.. thanks for the show and tell video👍🏼

[@ToddFun]

Loved the shack tour. Thanks for sharing. I really like learning about all the fun toys you have. 73

[@624radicalham]

Thanks Larry for showcasing the shack and especially that older console that you designed and had your friend build. There is NO substitute for that design! I can tell you that people are attracted to that console as was I, and I even inquired about its whereabouts in a previous video of yours. Especially the EQ and the PRO VLA II. We just love it man. With the right lightning, a little bit dark, It looks like you're about to call in an air strike lol ... It's great listening to the history of your equipment. I remember the story about the Drake from '77. To me the history is an enormous part of the hobby. No 'dots' issue with your TS-440?

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks for the very nice comments, appreciate that very much and I was lucky to get one of the 440's that never had that issue, I was lucky!

[@SpectreOZ]

Thanks for the tour Larry, quite some collection of classic and impressive radios 👍

[@Tom-W7TMD]

Very Nice! Makes me wish I would have kept my old radios!

[@JeffNewton508]

Nice update on the shack Larry. Stay warm up there with upcoming clippers to hit the great lakes! Really not looking for a brutal cold snap..! 73's KE7OUR

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

NICE STUFF LARRY, THANKS, HOPE TO SEE MORE OF YOU

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

Gorgeous shack OM, been enjoying your videos, so informative - Noticed 2 things in passing - a QSL from (the late) Sen Barry Goldwater, K7UGA (he did the voice intro to the Heathkit Novice course I rcvd Xmas '78 age 14) and vinyl of The Cars "Shake It Up" (today's news RIP Ric Ocasek)...Getting back into the hobby slowly after many years, 1st licensed at 15, relicensed Tech & straight to General in 2012, now eager to get back on HF (as V/UHF is kinda dead where I live), so while it's not ideal, there's a corner of my dad's woodshop that seems like it should work out fine (long as I run AC in summer & take the rig in the house each night) - I'll keep going thru your treasure trove of info as I get my 'sea legs' back trying to learn all that's happened in the hobby since I was running novice CW off an 11m CB antenna & working the world! Cheers es best 73, de KG5LSH (orig. KA2DQS)

[@RadioHamGuy]

That sounds great and thanks for the comments, really appreciate that. Hopefully you can get back on the air and have some fun, there are so many new things to try all the time! 73...Larry

[@Radiowild]

Nice tour Larry! Glad you have some rigs that still use bottles! Couldn't help to notice your drinking bird on the shelf. Mrs. RW used to look like that when I'd go through each gear in my old 65 ElCamino! Thanks for the peek! P.S. I'll buy that scanner if you decide to fill that section....... 73's KC2RDU

[@m0dad]

Thanks for sharing the video Larry. You have a very neat and tidy shack, looks very impressive and well organised. I think its motivated me to have a tidy up in my own shack.

[@richardlindner3974]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing and for your encouraging remarks at the end.

[@dFuidhfoDFJdf]

Hello. I’m in a first ring Minneapolis suburb. I’m new to ham and wanted to ask what is a popular repeater in the area. I learned from a previous video you are from Minnesota so I thought who better to ask! I love your videos and have learned a lot from them. Thank you

[@RadioHamGuy]

Well thank you very much and a repeater I like to use once in a while up in the cities is the 146.85 with 100 hz tone I think it is. I can get into that from my location here once in a while when the band conditions are good, It has very good coverage. There are many repeaters up in your area, but this one is just one that I can get into from my location since it has good coverage and I have met a lot of nice people on it. Great to hear you are new into ham and I hope you have a lot of fun with it, I know I sure do!

[@Extremebutcher]

Really nice Shack tour, it really gave me some inspiration for my own 73's SA0BQJ

[@billstewart2586]

Thanks brother! Enjoyed the tour :)

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Great set up -- thanks for the tour. Interesting how you musician/hams really tool up on the audio gear for your ham equipment, I see that also for example on the DX commander KZbin channel. I'm very new here to HF, so I have no opinion either way on what difference using the EQs and such really makes in a practical sense; ...But I find it interesting.

[@patrickwall8517]

Very impressive. One of the QSL cards I noticed, I never got the chance to work him, is W7UGA, former Arizona Senator and Presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater SK.

[@patrickwall8517]

Sorry Mr. Goldwater's call was K7UGA.

[@TRXLab]

you have a very nice shack Larry! Very much enjoyed the tour. Thanks for sharing 73 from Peter

[@freddysamson1]

Super nice shack and fine equipment. Wish I could keep mine that neat. 73's K0LC

[@northdakotaham1752]

You put some time and alot of thought into that setup Larry. Definitely know what you mean about equipment multiplying over the years. What shack would be complete without a little dust! I would enjoy being there and smelling the finals heating up on that Drake! About the only thing better for me is burnt gunpowder or the exhaust from an old 2 stroke snowmobile! 1970s vintage! Oh... cant forget Hopps #9! Still think somebody should create an aftershave with that fragrance! Btw.... great job there hiding the massive bundles of wiring that supports all that equipment!

[@KutWrite]

I sure wanted a Drake TR-3 back in the day. I remember their 2-series receivers, too. Kind of cheap-o tuning setup, where you slid the transparent front with the scales to adjust with the "zero beat" tuning. But it sure worked! I had a huge Hallicrafters receiver later on. Heavy as an anvil, but sure worked fine. So, I sure appreciate your pretty TR-4c. What is the equipment on the desk in the closet near the end? is that some kind of music workstation? Thanks for the tour! 73, Daniel, N5ZXX, formerly WA6PEK and WN0FRS

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes, that is a music work station, this is only a temporary spot for that so it will be going into another room. I play guitar so I like to lay down tracks to play around with. I used to have a studio downstairs but things have changed and I have scaled down so just have this to play around with my own stuff instead of recording other people like I used to do. And yes, I love that Drake stuff!

[@99somerville]

Some equipment I have never seen before in a shack.

[@klarencemedelpacer773]

I love your HAM Shack setup, this will going to be my inspiration in my future shack! 4H1BJT from the Philippines. 73!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thank you very much, it took me years to get to this point but I sure enjoy it, thanks again and 73 to you also!

[@w1ljm]

Hey Larry, I know it has been a few years since you designed and had the console built. It still looks great. Could you tell me what the rough dimensions are? Also ! If you had to do it over, what would you change about it, now that you have had years to use it.

[@elkabong6429]

Great tour! You have a lot of wonderful stuff in a great mix and well arranged! Love your vids! 73 de W4PKR

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thank you very much!

[@cathrynm]

Nice station -- interesting setup, lots of audio equipment, didn't spot any HF anplifiers, at all, right?

[@RadioHamGuy]

That is correct, my maximum output here is at the 100 watt level. Thanks also for the comment!

[@PracticingLiberty]

Thanks for the tip on bypassing internal audio amp for better sound quality. I need to try this in the mobile! (5 watt tinny speakers are not cutting it.)

[@thiscorrosion900]

Likin the Cars album there.....Since You're Gone! beowwwooowooooo

[@watcherman65]

WoW.. Very Nice.. - Thanks for making and sharing this video. It's inspiring..

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Nice setup Larry!

[@ichabodon]

Wow. A beautiful shack and gear. 73’s

[@CtPirate]

Thats a GREAT shack set up! Thanks for sharing,

[@tobiasgrey6699]

Cosy, compact and smart-set! Good job!

[@littlepaul1969]

Good video. Nice setup. 👍

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Thank you so much Larry for subscribing to our channel! It means a lot my friend!

[@ka8gov]

I'm trying to rebuild my shack I just moved here about a year ago and I don't have my HF station setup yet but hopefully very soon so that way I can get back on HF living a senior citizen apartment complex and no outside antennas but I may have an indoor antenna soon no attic but I like to put it by the window but I love your videos hope to see you in Dayton Ohio one day at the Hamvention

[@indridcold8433]

Beautiful station. All I have is a deluxe AOR scanner that does all modes from 500 kilohertz to 1.9 gigahertz, a broken HF transceiver that receives but does not transmit, a CB radio with all channels empty, and an old television antenna on the roof. If bands ever get better, I will get my license and build my station. But for now, there is really no reason to get a license. These are bleak times to be in any sort of radio hobby. I still remember in thed late 1980s talking from Saskatewan, Canada to Puebla, Mexico using only a 3 watt AM Walkie Talkie. Today, there is nothing going on above 15 megacycles.

[@rollerbald]

Very interesting shack tour - nice video! I noticed the Barry Goldwater QSL - wish I had one of those. I also noticed the TALARC membership certificate and the Popular Electronics Short Wave Monitor certiificate - I DO have those! Guess I am kind of an old timer also - first licensed in 1960. Like you I was an Advanced class for many years - finally got Extra in 2014 mainly as a personal challenge - not too much difference between the two though. Keep up the good work, 73, Bill KC5SB.

[@Aleziss]

next video, show how you did your grounding and bonding with all this stuff around in the shack...

[@alvarogaitan2529]

great station congratulations 73 from kb2uew

[@PelDaddy]

Thanks for sharing. Nice shack setup.

[@davidmerchant8245]

You always have great videos, keep making them!!!! Nice shack!!!!

[@donw.9497]

Always enjoy your vids, this one especially. Nice shack!

[@danielgiraud2192]

Very impressive. 73 de ZS5DG in South Africa.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Nice looking Ham shack...we have one too but just getting it fixed up. WB6EGS, KF7EDE

[@joannaspence2557]

y don't you turn the sound up on your vido.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Very nice console. Thank you for the video. 73!

[@Oscaro9928]

Hi would you recommend a TS-2000 as a main transceiver?? Thanks Oscar

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes I would, I have not owned one myself but know of many others with them who say they are a great shack in a box type radio that works well and covers a lot of bands. They seem to be very happy with them.

[@Rotwang72]

very awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@doctorhonda111]

How does your setup compare to my Beofang uv5r? I think mine is way better!

[@giulianoggg2035]

Great explanation very good.

[@MoTown44240]

No shortage of transceivers. Maybe you could run a contest station with some ham buddies.

[@timg5tm941]

Wish my shack was like that ... not jealous! Honestly lol. Working mobile/portable is something I really enjoy capturing. 73

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

Wow hope your insurance is up to date for theft and fire... lol just became a tech at 53 and I wish I did it years ago! I used to have crystal scanners from radio shack and I would save my pennies to ride my bike to get the latest crystals. Waiting for a lawsuit check so I can build my shack, I may have questions in the future. -73- KC1KSM

[@RadioHamGuy]

Very good and glad to hear that you are now a tech! Have fun with radio!!

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

RadioHamGuy thanks!! -73-KC1KSM

[@BradSnyder1]

Impressive shack setup Larry! Thanks for sharing it. 73

[@RadioHamGuy]

Well thank you and appreciate that very much. 73

[@buzzsah]

A few memories on the shelves

[@1958johndeere620]

Thats cool you take care of your stuff and make it last. I don't change equipment like undies either. To expensive to do that.

[@KB2CWN]

Very nice Larry. I am not familiar with the Yaesu FTDX 2000? I know of the 1200 and 3000. It looks identical to the 3000. Anyway, nice job on the shack, and hope to catch you one day on the air. Best 73 De KB2CWN KZbin channel also

[@RadioHamGuy]

You got me, I misspoke when I said that and meant to catch it in my editing but missed it until it was already uploaded. It is the 3000!

[@lucasowens1182]

How do you keep RF out of all your external speakers around the house? 73 KG5ZNG

[@RadioHamGuy]

Been lucky, I only run 100 watts on HF and it has not got into anything much over time. I do have a couple RF chokes on a few cables also and things are grounded well.

[@1112223333111]

where is this shack now? you last video looks like this room is gone

[@RadioHamGuy]

Still in the same shack here, maybe a different angle of view or different side of the shack. But all pretty much the same here in the shack now for many years. Plan on making changes though in the next year or two.

[@nikonman3971]

whats that on your head ?

[@robertjacob5dmk3]

my jaw dropd...great video and new here ..new subscriber

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thank you very much for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the videos.

[@TI3WTI]

WOW, that is a really great shack !!! 73s William

[@beentheredoingthat3912]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Larry! Thanks for the great tour... 73 N0RVS

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

thanks for the tour. beautiful shack you have there. much respect and 73, kb3aum

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks and great to hear from you! Hope things are going ok for you.

[@tomcat1fl]

Noticed your Barry Goldwater QSL card... I'm jealous.

[@terryhowell5513]

Fantastic ham shack you’re born in 1964 like me

[@thecrow5798]

Thanks for posting this video...I got more inspired to do ham radio....God bless

[@SurvivalReview]

I think that's the ftdx3000 not 2000?

[@SurvivalReview]

oh i see some others have caught this as well - disregard! :)

[@mrshankj5101]

Ham Radio is awesome!

[@njchuck1]

Have you gotten in to DMR yet ? De kc3fsp

[@RadioHamGuy]

I have not yet, not much in my area yet.

[@chrischarters376]

Good stuff Larry!

[@charlie12590]

Thanks for the vid 👍. 73 from N2FJ

[@pratwurschtgulasch6662]

i always like to check out people's places on street view and in your case you're actually in your yard, that's pretty funny. nice antenna mast :)

[@RadioHamGuy]

That is pretty funny, I saw that myself, that is a very old view but I guess that is the last hey had up there, haha.

[@pratwurschtgulasch6662]

@@RadioHamGuy it was very good timing also because that is a very nice chair in your yard and with the for free sign, you must be very generous :D

[@RadioHamGuy]

@@pratwurschtgulasch6662 ha, that was another funny thing, just on that day the camera guy came by that was out there, but it wasn't long and somebody took it!!!

[@zanado11]

Nice job Larry, great looking station. 73 Roger W8RLP

[@1fanger]

That is a very neat shack. Thanks for the video Larry. Be well. KC3BXZ Joe