There Are No Dumb Questions: Ham Radio Handheld Antenna Answers

[@macgyver5108]

You forgot to mention using a mag mount antenna at the center of the ubiquitous "cookie sheet" method?! I don't bake cookies, but what I do have is old desktop PC metal side panels which work great for that. Plus you can lay those flat up in your attic MUCH easier than trying to get a file cabinet or fridge up there! 😜

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Haha. Good point! This gets a pin!

[@johnwest7993]

I like using a roll of heavy aluminum foil. Cheap, quick and easy. And it keeps the cookie sheets available for the important things, like cookies.

[@macgyver5108]

@@johnwest7993 still might want to put some sort of firmly mounted ferrous (magnetic) metal under the aluminum foil to keep it in place, unless you don't bump the coax at all.

[@jhutch1470]

I once bought a large, flat, round, pizza pan just to use as a ground plain for a mag mount. LOL

[@Buzzygirl63]

I wish this sort of training existed when I first got into this hobby 20 years ago. I've learned so much on KZbin because of great teachers like you, Josh. 73!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you Jackie!

[@myballwilson]

I've been a ham for years and I like this type of focused explanatory video. I learned a few things and they are easy to share with my new ham friends. Love your channel because you brought me to the hobby.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@johncheyney3515]

Josh, I am an Extra with 10 years as a Ham. I learned from this video, Thank you and keep up the fantastic work.

[@RemoteAbductionArm]

I appeciate you so much! I'm studying in Sweden, so many of the "License" topics don't apply so much, but it's always such a joy to tune in and absorb some knowledge and positivity.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@JohnTarbox]

Great video!. Two quick tips for newbies: 1) Keep the antenna vertical. Sometimes you see people holding it at a 45-degree angle or even horizontally; this will not work nearly as well. 2) Be aware of the difference between RPSMA vs. Standard SMA connectors - best to Google it and verify what your radio has before ordering a new antenna.

[@t1czer]

Dude, you've shown me more than my local HAM club.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@SaucySharp]

Thanks god for videos like these, it’s only been a few short years ago that I had a baofeng, no license and didn’t know what to do. I seen so many people getting bashed for asking questions that were “stupid” or “should have been learned from your tech exam” by people that forgot that at one point in their life they didn’t know anything about ham radio.

[@jameski5oeb668]

That was a great beginners/101 on antennas for HT‘s.

[@hankfox4170]

My first "Franken-tenna" was a $54 Comet mobile car antenna CA-2x4SR. I got 2 pieces of 10x2" angle iron, put them in parallel and clamped the antenna base down. After great success with that, I thought "what about all the hoo-hah surrounding radials?" So I found some old test leads that had the insulation cracking and peeling off, cut them to about 19 and 1.4 inches long (VHF) and screwed them to opposite sides of the angle iron. Holy Shazam! I was hitting everything around me. Moral of the story... it doesn't have to be perfect, or store bought, or pretty, just make it as best you can. You'll be totally fine for a long, long time. Good Luck!

[@joeframo3347]

Josh I've been watching you for years you really surprise me you came a long way you Chris Jason you're totally amazing thanks for sharing this 👍😎

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Joe!

[@lisabritten7042]

I loop my Signal Stick when I’m not transmitting. It makes it less floppy. It’s my go-to hamfest antenna because of that.

[@304jeep]

I'm as new as they get. I've watched a ton of " newbie 101" videos. Everyone still loves to throw around the "ham jargon" and might as well be speaking Chinese. This video was pretty good,even though there are still plenty of terms you used I don't understand. I hope you do a complete series.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hit me up with an email on jargon terms you are having an issue with! [e-mail]

[@leo3times]

This has SO much potential moving forward. Thanks Josh for all you and Leah do.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Leo

[@mmgreen31]

Thanks for your efforts to help those who are new to the world of HAM radios. Caught between too much information and not knowing where to start can be challenging.

[@kchaney56]

I have tried a lot of antenna on my HT's and hands down the signal stick is the best. FYI, I use quad band radios and prefer to not change antenna's so the signal stick is the best compromise.

[@JRS986]

Been a ham for as long as I can remember. Nobody out there to help me, or maybe I had no idea where to look. I bought the ARRL manual and read it cover to cover, especially the chapters on antennas and feedlines. First licensed as a novice in early 70s. At that time novices were relegated to CW operation. You had to pass a 5 wpm send and recieve test to pass the code test. There was this option to operate 2M am voice which a friend did, but he never progressed to a higher class license and slowly died out. I operated HF up until I moved (1992) and setting up a new station was not working out well. I operated SSB mobile for a while, but that was not easy. That big radio sucking big amps off my 12v car battery. Finally got a 2M rig. By that time I was driving ohio to florida every six weeks and the 2M rig provided company through the night. I could work one repeater for several hundred miles. Finally traded trucks and never put the 2M rig into the new truck. That brings me up to today. Your service to today's ham has great value. Following the self taught path was certainly enlightening, but progress was slow. I took all my license exams (Novice, General, Advanced) without any formal schooling. I am now an electrical engineer and I should say the Ham experience helped with schooling. I had a few Ham profs, the most famous being John Kraus W8JK. His class did so much to expand my understanding of feedlines and antenna radiation patterns. One if the comments on this video ranked about radials and the coolie sheet mag mount (steel not aluminum) helped understand thar radials are so very helpful, something those rubber duckies antennas cannot provide. Read an antenna book for discussion on ground radials. Might me a good topic for this channel. I have tampered on long enough, Jim, W8APV.

[@Riverbend1752]

I use a Signal Stick for my HT. When I'm out and about, my HT lives in one of the water bottle pockets. That pocket is close enough to the bottom of the backpack that it doesn't stick up too far above my body. I then use one of those little speaker/microphone/PTT things that plugs into the radio so I can use the radio without pulling it out of the pocket.

[@otrdriver6767]

I think this is great that you're talking about antennas. I am very new to this hobby of radios. I am currently a listener on most of my radios. I will be taking my license test next month. With my HT, mobile and base radios I have upset my wife with about $800.00 worth of antennas for all the different radio frequencies.

[@duff8402]

Informative and perfect video length. Looking forward to more of these

[@KlayJones]

This is perfect! I just got my license this week! I'll be sending some questions over shortly!

[@ragman2323]

Thanks man. My wife and have watched tons of your videos. We are ordering the book to do the course together. Excited to dork out -- up here in northern Canada

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@patrickgerth4570]

I used a Power Works mobile antenna that came with the adapters. I still use the same antenna. Just don't need the adapter ever since I got a mobile. And I did have a mag mount on a file cabinet until I got a ground plane at hamfest. Easy and cheap hobby to get into even if you are on a budget like me.

[@rwdewey]

Amazing content that is so helpful to a new person in this space. Thank you for your time and devotion to this craft!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@erving-n1ecc230]

Congrats on 250K Subscribers !!!! Great Job!

[@jim2mckenna220]

Hey Josh... FYI you are a strong reason I got my Tech License. KC3TZS. I listened to you and Mike and thought... Do it! Now I have it and don't really know what to do... I have recently joined a local club to find an Elmer. Just wanted to say thanks for the push. I'll send you an email with a GMRS / HAM question.

[@timothystockman7533]

Actually there are left-hand-thread SMA also. The FCC rules used to allow left-hand thread for an antenna which was not user changeable since they considered it a non-standard connector. I think those days are past, but you still occasionally see equipment with a left-hand-thread SMA. I have never seen a reverse-polarity-left-hand-thread SMA. So far as BNC connectors, there are both 50 ohm BNC, which we want for radio, and 75 ohm BNC which is used for video and digital audio. The 50 ohm variety has white insulating sleeves around the inner conductor, 75 ohm doesn't. 50 and 75 ohm BNCs will intermate, and the only small problem is the impedance bump. Note to 50 and 75 ohm N connectors will NOT intermate without damage. In any event, I try to use BNC connectors for everything through LF to UHF. They work great with anything from receivers up to 100 watt and even higher powered transceivers Very easy to connect and disconnect. Standard BNC are not weatherproof. If you need a weatherproof connector it should be N, as N connectors have an O rings which seal when fully mated..

[@EdwardGriffin]

There are no dumb questions. just dumb people. I KID, I KID. Seriously having someone to kelp you out with this hobby really is part of the ham spirit. Always ask your questions when you find a resource, and be prepared for conflicting answers at times. You'll get better info if you stay away from superlative questions like "What is the best xxxx?"

[@thedoobie1]

A walk through of installing and setting up one's first Mobile in a vehicle with a balling on a budget suggestion and a buy once, cry once suggestion. I see HT and Mobile being my first stops once I'm licensed.

[@mattxoverbey]

I have one of those n9tax roll up j poles. I got it for when I’m out in the field. Fantastic antenna.

[@legallimitoutdoors9917]

No dum questions. Thanks 4 you're help... u rock

[@RookieLock]

Thanks for helping out the new guys !

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure thing!

[@knight907]

Great video. I just got my Tech 2 weeks ago. Got a Baofeng GT-5R to dip my toe in. First upgrade (before getting a “real” radio) will be an antenna. But both in your video and on other social media posts I’ve seen the Signal Stick actually perform worse than the OEM rubber duck on Baofengs. As I understand it, it may be overloading the receiver? Before I buy an antenna that costs almost as much as the radio and find out the performance is worse, can you provide some clarification on that issue? Thanks.

[@Bravo-qh4ym]

I just passed my Tech and now just waiting on my call-sign. :)

[@DellFargus]

I roll a signal stick up in my HT case. It never fails to launch out whenever I open it. For all of the time the signal stick spends rolled, it bounces back to being straight as an arrow.

[@longrider42]

Abbree makes four different length of antenna. Maybe 6 now. Any ways, I have the 42.5. I never attach it to my radio directly. But to a back pack then a short piece of coax to the radio. I have the 18.8 also. And that one I do use on my radio. A very good antenna. And lastly the 15 inch one. Also good, and they now make a 13 inch version. I also use and like the Signal Stick antenna's. I have three :) A good antenna, can make even a cheap radio sound so much better.

[@margaretbash4819]

Midge w6lik JOsh this is a wonderful video for the newbie. You are sincere, casual, informative, and always fun to hear. ane see. Wish I had it when I started. Great idea for thevnew series. Our ARES in Seal Beach will group will definitely follow this weries.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Margaret! Thank you for all the kind words!

[@HamRadioDX]

Great video Josh and look forward to this series - great tips and information for new beginners

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you sir!

[@brad10104]

I would love it if you shared some video of what it looks like, specifically regarding your mag mount to a filling cabinet.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What do you mean? I just slap the mount on the top of the cabinet.

[@frunomaol5069]

A safety suggestion: For those eye gouging aerials; what about a small light ball /globe at the end? Or maybe a small loop. The style-consicious may be offended, but safety first!

[@N2YTA]

I recommend the Signal Stick antennas.

[@mikew5skk137]

Great idea for new videos. Keep up for the great work.

[@buds79]

Thanks for the great video! Where did you get the t-shirt??

[@Lee784447]

I’ve always put the radio in a pouch then tie down the antenna thru loops found on the pack. There you go no floppy antenna

[@freerangetots9955]

I hAve been watching to learn the technicalities of ham. I don’t have a license and bought a uv-5r to listen. It seems like all I heard on my local repeater is old farts talking about weather or the “good ol days”. Why should I get a license?

[@williamstiefel3908]

Hey Josh, I have a question for you. Without drilling holes in my car, how do I run antenna cables into the passenger cabin without worrying about leaks-(it rains and snows a lot in the Pittsburgh area.) and is it better to mount antennas to the roof or the trunk? Thanks for the input, and I love your videos, thanks for helping us noobs out!

[@fabiofboful]

Hi, first of all, thank you for the video Josh. A no dumb question: How could i make a counterpoise in a tyt uv 98 radio since it does not have a back screw to be used as a ground like my baofeng UV-5R?

[@jeremyhunter1459]

Lid question here for you. Was I wrong to buy a tri band antenna?

[@jameswyatt2739]

Great information thank you. I’m knew in this not yet a ham baby steps grms. The only thing I’ve not been able find is how to get my call sign. If you could give some direction. Thank you.

[@SecretMan299]

Good day, I hope you’re well. I have a question regarding the Signal Stick antenna. If I mount it on a vehicle, I’m concerned about its flexibility. Would it be able to handle high speeds over long periods without deforming or being damaged by the wind? I’d appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you!

[@ki4mox989]

Ham Radi'O's the new cereal of Ham Tactical (3:52)

[@DainM]

As always fantastic video with some great info.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@antidecepticon]

What About mounting the antena on a backpack and Running a coax line to it?

[@dale2625]

How do I get started? I’m retired and would like to get started! Questions about Licensing classes? Dale T

[@DaveW6OOD]

Here is a dumb question. At the end there, are you hinting at a video upcoming on GBOTA (Game Boys On The Air)??

[@mysterious-benefactor]

Another quality video!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@mtnride4930]

Just subbed. I have a yaezu FT 60 I am going to have a bunch of questions I CRS anything I got my license about 5 years ago and have done very little with this radio.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@arthurdent8091]

Josh you are doing a great job. I really prefer your channel to some of the others. I have a Baofeng BF-X3plus and I cannot find which flavor of Chirp I should use to program it. If you could find out I would appreciate it. Thanks for your help. Tom

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Just regular CHIRP. chirp.danplanet.com Try use of the uv5r as a starting point.

[@Spike-sk7ql]

You're right. There are no dumb questions. Just dumb people asking questions.🤣 Just kidding. Unless I'm willing to admit that I am one of those "dumb people asking questions", which I am actually.

[@RemoteAbductionArm]

The humungous ABBREES seem great. However, there are already counterfeits out there. There is an Abbree store on AliX, is that safe?

[@KJV1611AV]

one day in my truck I plugged in my Yaesu VX-7R and since then I can no longer charge via the DC charger in the truck or even with an A/C Wallwart, how do I fix my HT without sending it back to yaesu ($$$) ? I have had it apart before to look at it.....nothing smelled burnt or appeared so. someone once told me it might be a part where the charger plugs in that could have switched and got stuck in the no chargie position. it was my first Radio when i got my Tech Lic and most important given to me by my late Dad.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Have you opened it? It could be the connector.

[@KJV1611AV]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I did open it once, I'll have to open it back up and look at the connector again. The way I understand it from what little I could find on the subject, is that the connector on the radio has a switch that changes position based on whether it is running batt DC, 12 V DC, or 120V AC. I'll report back once I get it apart again and get a better look at the connector. I guess I could look for continuity on the different connections to see that much. (Don't know why I didn't think to do that when I had it apart...)

[@bk2022]

I just got a signal stick for my HT. With Rubber Duck I was able to listen to 146.520 which I assume is national calling frequency. Now with Signal Stick this frequency is pulling in local police dispatch on that frequency. Checking frequencies for the dispatch show them all in the 155.000 range. This doesn't seem like it should be happening.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Why not?

[@jessiehorne]

@Ham Radio Crash Course Poster comment says he tuned to 146.520 Mhz and when on the rubber duck he does not hear police dispatch but replacing the rubber duck with the Signal Stick on the same frequency he is getting police dispatch which is in the 155.000 Mhz range. Sounds like he is getting the police dispatch due to faulty equipment on dispatch side or they are close enough to the dispatch antenna and with the Signal Stick the signal overloading the radio.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s either the dispatch or his radio has poor selectivity.

[@bk2022]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I have a Yaesu FT5d. It is fairly expensive radio so I would assume it has good selectivity. I am fairly close to dispatch so perhaps its bleed over. I was going to go down to the police station to ask. I am studying for my license so I can't talk on any channels right now but hearing dispatch on that channel when I didn't expect it to scared me as I don't want to be communicating on any emergency channels or get in trouble. I Guess I have a lot to learn still.

[@johnroberts6695]

Does anyone know how good the antennas are that come with the TYT TH-UV8000D/E? It comes with two, one a shorty, and the other a whip. I love the radio and just got two Signal Sticks, but ordered the female because most of my radios are male. I have an adaptor, though. Josh, I wish you'd do a video on the BNC connectors. I can't figure out how they work from the pictures on Amazon. I'll look on KZbin, first though.

[@jimkunkle2669]

I love this idea.

[@YankeeinSC1]

As a budding new maybe ham enthusiast, I skipped through much of this but came away with just one question....WTH would you take a radio to DisneyLand?

[@RemoteAbductionArm]

Stupid question: In a mag mount mobile antenna, is the "Mag" actually ground, or is it just a magnetic patch separated from the rest of the antenna. Will this make a diference? Some people seem to say no. I just don't get it. Wouldn't it make a huge difference if you have a huge ground provided by tons of steel by the car?

[@KyWindage]

Off subject but I have a question. Maybe a link idk. Looking to purchase a scanner to listen in my area. All have gone digital and my old one no longer pics up. Any suggestions on a good option? Uniden SDS 100 True I/Q is what I was looking at. I know absolutely nothing about these.

[@thewildbunch2782]

Can my baofeng uv-5r be on the charging port while it is turned on, without harming the battery?

[@noexcuses6727]

great information

[@avila1682]

I have zero informtion about all this redio and antenas matter, but i would like to learn because i will be moving put of country soon, how can i start learnign about this please

[@jerryfowler7182]

Thank you

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

noob here: does a longer antenna help with broadcasting and receiving? if so which does it help with more?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No, the antenna is generally the appropriate length for transmittings within a frequency space.

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

Thanks! I have a UV-5R and don't have my licence yet so I just like to listen. That being said maybe ill upgrade to a better antenna once i get my licence and start broadcasting! @@HamRadioCrashCourse

[@michaelpage4199]

All I can say is good stuff. 73’s

[@vicrattlehead8665]

Damn Josh I thought you only had the lightning 👀 favorite color s2000 veri nais

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The S2000 will continue to be the car I wish I never sold. I miss it often!

[@vicrattlehead8665]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse that’s unfortunate! Got the absolute LUXURY of a chance to drive one and was tempted to drive off with it (jkjk)

[@toml.8210]

I was wonder what SMA and BNC stand for...

[@ausrakleinote757]

What is the difference between 70 cm and 2m

[@KB0OTY]

How do I DMR my Baofeng without getting a license? Is like CB?

[@stephensuter7242]

How much will the new tests change in July?

[@dougputhoff3215]

Great info….thanks

[@BigBoss32897]

GG OWND

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sadly, I sold that car.

[@geminisduerme5266]

What's the name of that really long green antenna? Where can I buy one?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Signal Stick. It’s linked in the description.

[@geminisduerme5266]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks

[@Chriskinikin]

I JUST WANT TO GET CERTIFIED

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Do it! 🤘

[@Chriskinikin]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse how do I do it never can find a testing place

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

HamStudy.org/sessions

[@buds79]

PARC did my exam online.

[@jonsimmons5041]

Is my td-h3 antenna a SEMA/FEMALE ?

[@johnwest7993]

Anyone who wants to throw out their HT (even a Baofeng,) because the antenna jack broke can just send it to me. I've known how to solder and to use epoxy cement since I was 12 or 13. All hams should at least know how to do that much.

[@Ghost-z8f]

Love from Bangladesh

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@zephaniahpickering4658]

Why don't hams want to help us when we are working on getting over ham license

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Getting over?

[@martyisabeliever]

Antenna magic... teach us about 70cm, 2m, 6m 10m...please...

[@AlvinMcManus]

Radio antennas are so sexist! LOL🤪 I have an Ed Fong J-Pole base in my future. Looking forward to the extra reach. My signal stick will hit repeaters 15 miles away right now so the base antenna might be a real hoot.

[@hkmp5s]

I knew a guy named Terry but he died. Dysentery I think.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hahaha yep!

[@caffrey9]

I had that moment!!! Me,”Hey Sir, how do I make a TNC do APRS?” Graybeard,”Go read the handbook.” Me,”hmmm what is a Tnc?” As I slink away saddened

[@toml.8210]

You're more likely to poke your own eye, with a long flexible antenna, than the person next to you.

[@339110001]

you have a new student,

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@Lkeyhacle1465]

No dumb questions lol??? I don’t have my license yet lol

[@thetable123]

Connector gender always breaks my head.

[@jhutch1470]

I have a question. Was Christopher Columbus just trying to commit suicide?

[@jay_kun]

Tip to that Karen- If I poke your sons eye out, back the hell up, you’re too close.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol

[@graybryan9521]

Why is everything referred to as "tactical"?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Everything isn’t. Some things are.

[@503Nick]

First

[@TheGtech83]

Oh you did not just assume that antennas gender did you

[@YOLOSWAG4JESUS420]

Karen? idk bro carrying that signal stick antenna on your shoulder at a park that's full of people...well, you might end up poking someone's eye. You should have carried a shorter antenna.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nice name!