Ham Shack Setup and Tour

This is a tour of my Ham Shack, which has been requested by several viewers, and which I want to build-out, so I thought a "starting point" would be good to show everyone.
★★★Support This Channel and Help Spread the Word about Ham Radio★★★
✅PATREON: hr2.li/7xziu
✅KZbin: / @hamradio2
✅Shop our Products: www.shop.hamradio2.com
✅Shop our Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/hamradio2.0
Commissions can be earned on Affiliate Links
📜 Shop Our Sponsors 📜
Gifts 4 Hams - gifts4hams.com
R&L Electronics - www.randl.com
Buy Two Way Radios - hr2.li/7q211
FlexRadio - flexradio.com
BaofengTech - baofengtech.com
😎 Ham Radio 2.0 Is Now Multi-Platform! 😎
Full30 - hr2.li/o9uok
LinkedIn: hr2.li/uzjn4
Odysee: hr2.li/8qvzv
Rumble: hr2.li/umu9h
★ DMR RADIOS★
Anytone D878+ - hr2.li/tl6xm
Anytone D578 Pro - hr2.li/3kjk4
✔ SOURCES ✔
AREDN Mesh Networking Hardware: hr2.li/l3m2q
Get a DMR or NXDN ID: hr2.li/zff8j
ALL About DMR: hr2.li/qze9b
How to write a DMR codeplug: hr2.li/tfr37
**Get your TECHNICIAN License! hr2.li/fgxn3
Upgrade to GENERAL! hr2.li/tm4v8
DMR, DSTAR and YSF Hotspots: hr2.li/7xo4j
Theme and background music courtesy of www.bensound.com
ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Website................► hamradio2.com
Podcast................► hr2.li/8kksq
iTunes................► hr2.li/cwtaw
Discord.....................► hamradio2.com/discord
Facebook.................►hamradio2.com/facebook
Twitter......................► / hamradio2dot0
Parler......................► hr2.li/kvd3e
Instagram.................► / hamradio2dot0
TikTok................► / kc5hwb
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mail: 2150 W. Northwest Highway STE114-1163, Grapevine TX 76051
Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #kc5hwb #hamshack

[@russellwatkinson]

Jason, it’s refreshing to see that everyone has the same issue in terms of using space efficiently. Great to see what is behind the camera sometimes.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@jDm-cq9ol]

Wow: behind the scenes of Ham 2.0 . I love the fact that you are honest,and we are privy to you finally getting your plans off the ground,and into the air. You're a busy guy posting first class videos,and information while attending Ham Fests,and all. I like that your shack has a gambrell roof givng you more headroom which is key for your studio production needs,and better for Mr.8,and Mr.10. I passed my General Class due to you reposting a Texas radio clubs video class,so I want to take this time to personally "Thank You!". Remember: watched paint never dries🤣. Keep up the great work👍. 73's KC1-JRL .

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@WJ6FRadio]

Killer Ham Shack! I wish I had the yard space to put one up. Showed my wife this video and her comment was "So, that's why you want to move to TX!"

[@HamRadio2]

LOL thanks Craig

[@attilaplays]

HA! You almost said casting couch. Love it. Thx for the insight

[@tedcam7774]

Great idea to combine what you personally need to accomplish as a Ham Radio Operator as well as helping to advance the Radio Art at the same time. Thank you for sharing Jason!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@leericelli_w8rnb202]

Jason: oh my!!! You gotta get organized man. I couldn’t stand living in that disarray. My buddy had a secretary whose husband name was Gary who had all these ideas that he was gonna do that never got done and she used to call him “Gary gonna”. Don’t be Gary gonna, get your projects done

[@HamRadio2]

I've made so many changes and updates since this video, it's scary

[@leericelli_w8rnb202]

👍👍👍👍

[@mark12.31]

Nice to see the rest of the shack we haven’t seen before. Would also really like a quick tour of your mobile shack in the truck or whatever vehicle your mobiles are in.

[@chuckzechman1497]

Very nice review of your Shack. Love the solar idea. One suggestion you may already know, the more equipment you can run on 12 volts DC the more efficient your solar will be. Anything you run thru an inverter will have some loss due to the inverter. Probably tough to run your base stations and computers on 12 volts, but your mobiles and HT chargers should be fairly simple. 12 V LED lighting is pretty easy also. Good stuff. I'm just getting into Ham, but I've been tinkering for the last 4 or 5 years with a small solar system for my outdoor deck lighting and I even have an RV fan I can run under my deck roof. The only thing I can't run is my fish pond pump with needs a 2500 GPH pump which I haven't found in a 12 volt pump, so it's still running from regular 120 VAC. Keep up the great content and God Bless!

[@smith040296]

Good Lordy this is a newbie’s (like me) dream. Tons of toys laying around!

[@Tank6883]

Sounds like you have a good plan for the shack. It'll be great to see it progress on video. And your idea to first work on wiring and cabling bringing it to one ingress point (with proper grounding and lightening protection) is spot on.

[@bddotnet]

I have four 8' 5/8" copper ground rods at my home station, with a fifth one going in at the antenna soon. Grounding is #2 solid copper from my service ground to the fifth ground rod and HF TX antenna. We used Cadweld #90 weld material to bond the #2 to the ground rods and also ran three runs from the #2 solid up to the panel box, which has 14 PolyPhasers in it, along with SG-230 control wires.

[@kimberlyann1029]

I live in the mountains and realize I need a fixed setup because the HT is useless. Maybe I'll learn something here. Maybe I can find me an Elmer and offer a lovely mountain vacation, free beer, and great food in exchange for help. JK, but I do need help!

[@jrpefx]

Thank you for this. I have been asked to do something similar for my club meeting. Great stuff 73 stay well.

[@heritagehomesteaders8650]

Can't wait to watch. New to the channel but I like what I've seen so far. I came here from H.R.C.C. Keep up the good work.👍

[@HamRadio2]

Welcome aboard!

[@clintjones5072]

This is great! It's a cool set-up and it's brilliant to carry that extra power out there because many overlook that point and just bury a 12-2 UF 20a cable and think they're in good shape. No! A shed or barn needs large conductors buried in in pvc conduit and a sub panel. So looking-forward to more vids from the "Shack."

[@greatwhite44u69]

Love that mancave bro, has just the right combinations of tech, clutter and utility.

[@bet2600]

wow! thanks for sharing! Nice setup!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching!

[@N5REL]

Thanks for the tour Jason.

[@waynedoomad2573]

Great shack/studio your set is great

[@hdrew4794]

Appreciate your help to this Noob of HAM Radio, I am just north of ya in OK. Looking forward to the Green country Ham fest, Gonna study till then and maybe pick a rig set up .

[@jay-rus4437]

Wow....thats impressive. I have just a couple radios. Having so many options would be pretty cool. Im pretty new to HAM. Got my Tech earlier this year, General in July, and Extra in August. Just got my first HF rig about a week and a half ago

[@HamRadio2]

Welcome aboard!

[@job1685]

That's a nice setup. 👌

[@lachumbley]

Jason pulls off all these antennae, because he's the HOA president, 😂.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

Several years ago I was going to get a 12"x12" or larger weatherproof enclosure with door or lid and place the Cooper plate in back then mount the Lightning Arrestors down the center of the plate. Have coax running from the arrestors inside the enclosure to female connectors outside the enclosure. Set up for several antennas. Each arrestor would be grounded to the cooper plate and to ground rods along with plate grounding to ground rods. Never got around to getting multiple antennas to do it.

[@slcoareschannel1943]

I was always wondering where you were doing your KZbin broadcasts. It was very entertaining. Thanks!.... it's was also nice to see your "studio" setup. THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@tankrust1]

I’m excited to see how it turns out. Also really interested in the solar setup

[@randallpatrick9551]

Looking forward to hearing more about 2m ssb . Enjoyed this one.

[@K7AGE]

Jason looks great. Lots of work to do. I find that everything takes so much longer than you think. Looking at all the power wiring, you may want to have a smoke alarm that you can hear in the house. A fire extinguisher nearby would be good too. Your station will get out when you get the beam up! 73, Randy

[@HamRadio2]

Hey Randy, thanks for stopping by!

[@africantwin173]

Great vid. Need more vids like these.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks! Will do!

[@christophersmith1155]

im really looking forward to following this feed. it my help me in my development.

[@dennismarble3591]

Great video and I learned a lot. First shack I've seen. So interesting as this stuff is not in the books. Thanks.

[@_onthemike_]

Looking forward to the video. Been a fan since before getting licensed.

[@ScannerJunkie]

Finally get to see the neighborhood

[@thebear6751]

Awesome setup

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

Another idea is to mount a cooper grounding bar with insulated stand off to the wall inside the shack. There you could ground each radio to that bar and a ground wire running from that bar to the outside to a new (unused) ground rod for radios only ground.

[@gbounit]

My head is swimming... This is impressive and to biggest thing I got out of that is mast idea for the main antenna, using the chain link fence poles, cigar lounge and the beer fridge... COOL!! I just got my call sign the end of March 2022, and have been watching your videos, and others, for great ideas on a hobby I put off for years, due to fear of electronics and pure laziness.Thanks for this channel and one of these days I will understand this radio knowledge and maybe actually hear you over the air waves. 73, KN6TMF (yes, I applied for my vanity already), Gerry.

[@billcrow5403]

Awesome video!!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

The thing I can say is only use that ground rod for anything out there that's 12VDC. Anything on 120VAC should be grounded at the house. Multiple ground paths can be deadly ! My favorite cigar,,, Hose Jenner, Hoya De Monterey Excalibur, close 2nd,,, the little Partagas #4 !!! Wild Turkey 101 on the rocks !

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Love it

[@AdamosDad]

Your ground rod is copper clad steel, the best way to drive it down is with a hammer drill. You need a safe full of guns in your man cave.🎙73's kd9oam

[@tookthe5th182]

Late to the party but thanks for sharing your Shack! I always wondered what your studio looked like! 73 -Mike N5AQM

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Very cool setup. I've watched your KZbin stuff for a few years now and met you at a ham workshop in Irving a while back. As a Galveston beach guy since I was a kid, I love it when you operate down there. I'm guessing your family owns that beach house on the west end of the island. I think you did a video from the deck as well as on the beach, plus at the state park. Way cool!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks! We own a vacation rental down there and we get down to the house in the off season when it's not rented

[@grantar2]

You might take a look at some of the RV channels and watch how they installed solar. There are the common low amp solar panels, and the newer high voltage high amp solar panels that exploit the rapid charging of lithium batteries. Channels I would recommend of the subject are Nomadic Fanatic, and Campervan Kevin. For room considerations you can get external storage racks for the batteries and inverter.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@yuriys.6352]

that was interesting 😊

[@bobdeitz7641]

Nice shack Jason. I'm about to get some HF gearand I need to install a couple of grounding rods and bond them to my existing house ground. Live in an HOA, so my permanent antennas will be in the attic. Thanks for posting! Bob, KI5HXQ

[@wdsracer]

Man what a cool set up. I never knew that’s where you shot the videos.

[@HamRadio2]

I need to get my update video completed because I have made some changes since this one was recorded.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Jaison nice studio fantastic 73 from kb2uew

[@steverino27]

Great video! I would like to learn more about the options to feed the various coax cables into a ham shack.

[@donnymazon8516]

Nice set b up so far

[@donizzo8884]

Nice area...many opportunities

[@reallybadaim118]

Consider a mono band 20 meter ground mounted vertical with radials. You'll be glad you did.

[@davidgrimsley865]

A few suggestions, cable management and labeling, apc battery back ups. Very nice shack. Keep it up.

[@HamRadio2]

Great suggestion!

[@ericg1391]

I did not go through all the comments so if this is a repeat... Need to put your ground rod almost all the way in the ground especially if it is dry where you are. I would make the fence rail mast like a flag pole so you can easily change out antennas. Thank you for this, The building I was eyeballing was about this size but now I think I will go bigger.....

[@HamRadio2]

I already have a pulley system on the fencepost so I can easily change antennas. It works well

[@Greg-zr4wm]

I would love to have a shack like that. Im confined to our furnace room lol

[@Tank6883]

At least you're in the house. I'm in the garage. Lol.

[@everetthooker4975]

Nice shack

[@dennisthrush2835]

Just had an idea. I'm working Saturdays and Sundays at MicroCenter and the Boy Scouts are having a fundraiser in front of the store. If you have contacts in Richardson or North Dallas, they may be able to set up a portable station, with Raspberry Pi, etc. to interest youngsters in ham radio.

[@HamRadio2]

That is a good idea

[@dennisthrush2835]

Shack plans sound great, Jason. 73s, de N5DHT

[@daves9551]

Looks good! I’d move your deer to the other side of the shack and put both photo lights on either side of the doorway up at the ceiling. This would give you more headroom, and give your shack a larger feel. The lights should work just fine at that distance since it’s a small space. Start using that old gear too😁 Looking good. Dave Km6myf

[@cliffengle2897]

Looks great! You may find the hex works on 2m, I've read elsewhere folks having success with that. On the dipole, just a suggestion.....make it as long as you can and feed it with 450 ohm ladder line to a balun just outside the shack, then short coax into the shack. It'll tune on just about everything! Have fun adn stay safe! de Cliff W3KKO

[@sphandengraving5691]

I’ve been watching your channel a few months now. You helped me get my tech license with your videos on that. With this new aspect of videos of your shack and what you’re planning on doing I’ll definitely be watching them all. Thanks 73 KN6KOE

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@chrissewell1608]

"I got an 8 foot copper rod, stake, thingy...you know, the stick thing man!" (Damn, Joe Biden.... sound it out!) LOL. Pssst - ground rod.

[@HamRadio2]

LOL

[@danthomas9474]

LOL!!! This made me laugh pretty good.

[@darrellcollins877]

I like your shack ! I'm wondering if you have enough HT's tho, I only saw 20 or 30, your a lil short in that area lol. Anxious to see you get it all together.

[@grantar2]

So number one good Job making Electra a star. Number two include dog in more video's don't know if it will work for HAMs, but dogs included in videos drive views and subscriptions for a lot of KZbinrs

[@HamRadio2]

Great plan. She's with me in almost all of my POTA videos

[@grantar2]

@@HamRadio2 On the RV video's I listed for solar, you will notice either a cat or dog, they will tell you the views are much higher when the pets are there. Now for me not so much, but but being a GSD guy. I suspected being a shepherd she didn't let you get far. Now getting her in the avatar and intro....

[@member1138]

Great video. I'm actually in the process of researching how to ground an antenna, so I can erect my first ham radio antenna. I ran across the lightening arrestors and was wondering how I was suppose to install them. Thanks.

[@paulhastings3109]

Looks good work in progress. When you get it the way you want.I am sure you want a antenna farm. 73

[@richarde735]

I just found this video…. You show an 8 foot copper rod next to the shed. All of your ground connections need to be bonded (connected) together! When the electrician ran power out to the shed / shack, I doubt he drove a separate ground rod at the shed and that’s because he’s already bonded or tied to ground at the main panel / ground rod by the fireplace / in the garage. You don’t want multiple separate paths to ground.

[@jaysolomon4156]

You need the ground rod 8 feet in the ground. The top of the ground dryers out and won’t conduct, but deeper is better. Run a flat strap into the shack and make it your main ground radios amps act. Be sure to isolate it from the electrical ground.

[@HamRadio2]

Done

[@paultampienkm4pt317]

Jason, if you were to build the shack again, what size would you make it?? I'm building one that is going to be 12 x 20. Should be enough room for two to operate.

[@lamarharris6384]

Enjoyed the tour Jason I see we are a lot alike we want to do it all.73 WW5N

[@Scott-lz3pp]

Also, is there a neat way to get coax from inside the house to outside (backyard)? Thinking of HF End Fed EFHW-4010P 200W 40-10m / Ham Antenna NO TUNER NEEDED!! / 63 ft long for antenna. I like simple.

[@Martin-io4wc]

Hi again Jason. So many cool ideas. It would okay to stop making videos for a while in order to get your radio shack in a premo condition. Now is a good time with solar cycle 25 just starting up. In 3-5 years from now low band DX will be amazing and you will want to be ready for it. Don’t be shy about asking for local help although I understand the pride involved in ‘getting it done’ yourself. 73 WD9ABG

[@larryak0z672]

Maybe built another small shed to store things you are not working on for a while. You have a nice setup, but a little crowded. HTH

[@larrycook9576]

Thats very similar to my shack and antenna set up. My Antenna 40 meter dipole

[@PineBarrens75]

Let’s hear the 10 pointer hunting story.

[@milesdozier6028]

Nice project an nice buck🦌🇺🇸

[@byd3k157]

I would gut the shack, and then make vids on putting things back together. Each vid would be a how-to and lessons learned.

[@HamRadio2]

That isn't a bad idea at all...

[@grfd711]

If you never got that MCS2K taken care of, I can refer you to a buddy. He's done multiple big "M" radios for me in the past couple of years, including some reprogramming at my part time job. If interested, gimme a shout.

[@arikjohnson412]

Supercool 😎 EMP-shield that shack and you’re in business for the apocalypse ✊

[@HamRadio2]

That's a great idea. I want to get some prices for doing that soon

[@MotorjockMike]

Nice shack. I hope you get back to enjoying contacts on the air even if it lessens the videos we get to see.

[@Martin-io4wc]

Hi Jason. It would be a good idea to secure the coax to the mast of the 20M dipole. WD9ABG

[@HamRadio2]

I had that done for a while, but I keep changing the antenna

[@stephfoster5158]

Damn that there back burner, I thought it was just me G4XKH

[@slik560]

Nice, but I cannot see myself plowing through snow in 8 degree weather to a separate shack. :) Midwestern weather can be...unkind. Keep up the good work.

[@chrissewell1608]

Then to sit in a freezer, and talk to guys on the radio....Yeah, No! LOL

[@chrissewell1608]

Your wife is going to tell you to make a damn video of doing your honey-do list, so you will finally get it done!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

You're scaring me ! I'm just starting to set mine up. I want to power mine with solar. Love the old school Yaesu ! Am I going to end up like this ? Will it ever end ?

[@HamRadio2]

Nope. It'll never end

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

Wish motorola software wasn't hard to get. I been wanting to pick up some mcs2000 to use but can't get the software. I do use the software for the cdm1250 radios. I would think they almost get programmed the same way. (Different software of course). I do know for sure on the cdm series you have to put the transmit and receive in yourself. And then add a tone to the transmitt side and not the receive side. Hopefully that's helps you out Jason.

[@KeystoneRangers]

Those mcs2000s are tricky to get down to 2m if i remember right. I think you have to hexedit the codeplug.

[@fordnut4914]

I was watching the reflection in your glasses incase some one trys to sneak up on me.

[@stevenbrown9263]

What gimbal stablizer are you using? I'm considering the Ikan.

[@HamRadio2]

Zhiyun

[@wvsparkey1]

Do Your Electrical first. Are U using a sub-panel in the shack? .. derived grounds.. plant a delta.. one corner as close to the SE as possible. 6-8 ft triangle, 5/8 rod. Cadweld

[@HamRadio2]

Did that when the shack was built a few years ago.

[@matthewscheuer6739]

My wife would kill me haha

[@noele8631]

How about consider an EFHW 80-10, or 40-10, it gets 10,15,20, 40 and or 80m. Very good all rounder for the size. Can either buy or build.

[@HamRadio2]

Right now I have an OCF dipole which gives me about 7 bands

[@noele8631]

@@HamRadio2 Yes, very good way to go. Good work.

[@AmishSpecialForces]

I’ve been wanting to do the same thing, but my concern is security. Have you thought of an alarm system for the door that sets off an alarm inside the house? Using a buried cable, of course. Oh, and your shack needs more boat anchors, one isn't enough!

[@HamRadio2]

There is a security system and camera, I just didn't show that

[@AmishSpecialForces]

Good to hear, now get some more boat anchors! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HamRadio2]

LOL. I have a couple

[@Jacob-mm8xq]

Do you know how to factory reset a tyt md-390?

[@HamRadio2]

Just write a blank codeplug to it

[@pedrocatalan9814]

Hi Jason. I notice you filmed this on July 1. Did you make much progress during the summer?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I did. I'm pretty much ready to film another segment

[@OFFROADRUNNER101]

What soundboard is that?

[@lblerg]

What is the vent called you ran the LMR through?

[@HamRadio2]

It's just an outside outlet cover that you can find at Home Depot

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I've got a 10x12 shack that I will be insulating. You have so much stuff in there it doesn't look like a 10x15. Is that steel cased ammo I see?

[@HamRadio2]

Probably

[@markryder5774]

I am helping my first a dipole and I would like to know for a 40 m dipole do I need 10 m on each side or 5 m on each side to total 10 m

[@HamRadio2]

You can do a Center Fed or Off Center Fed, either one. I would recommend an OCF because then it will tune multiple bands

[@higherpower4653]

Weedwacker needed!

[@dback4430]

Take that dipole down. Throw up a cobweb and then build a efhw like Steve Ellington and call it good. Be done in two hours. World wide all bands covered. Or a big loop. Great antennas. All.

[@Scott-lz3pp]

Have had an ICOM 9700 and a power supply sitting in a box somewhere for the past two years (we are in our third house; Louisiana; go figure). I am now on a meager pension, and have no idea what to do for an antenna. Also, do you really have to ground your station? Not everyone does, although I used to in my past life. 73, KB5AVP

[@MrButterpantz]

When you said the kegerator was empty, I almost stopped watching. ALMOST

[@HamRadio2]

ROFL

[@chrissewell1608]

Maybe he needs to start a home brew channel, on the side?

[@travismartin6470]

@@chrissewell1608 He has one! Texas Brew Crafters