How To Get Started In Ham Radio Easy

Tonight we talk about the simple steps you can take to get started in ham radio. CountyComm GP-7 Giveaway: forms.gle/xRYkzbDbpfaB1ev76
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Technician Class books on Amazon: amzn.to/3O7aWbX
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Hamstudy.org
KiwiSDR: rx.linkfanel.net/
My favorite HT antenna is the Signal Stuff Signal Stick: signalstuff.com/?ref=622
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#HRCC #hamradio #amateurradio

[@Subdood04]

Started my journey in Ham after seeing you on Fieldcraft with Mike Glover. Passed my Tech and General exams yesterday.

[@DreadedOne509]

GMRS guy here looking to get into HAM and a better understanding of it, I've learned more in the first 40 minutes of this video than the combined information in dozens of other videos and websites. Think I found a new home.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Ray!

[@androidfan7612]

Josh I love this crash course. Really appreciate all you do for the hobby !

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@angelscomputers]

Over 25 years licensed and never thought about the slinky example/analogy, it’s perfect. As usual, great job Josh, you are awesome.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you sir!

[@pinkpantherak74]

I’ve been a ham for a few years. I’m a general but I still learned a ton from this video. Keep up the great work!

[@MarcMcClure]

I love that you keep on talking fundamentals even though this stuff is old hat to you...keep it up...just joined!

[@DonzLockz]

Good crash course Josh, there's always something to learn or re-learn because of forgetting.😄👍

[@user-zx6so2jg1i]

Really appreciate you breaking down all of this material, it's really easy to understand coming from you!

[@Aylah21]

I'm new here and really appreciate your thorough explanation; I've learned so much. This information is especially valuable for me as a healthcare worker. I've gained a lot of knowledge about the differences in frequency radios. I'm now looking into buying my first Ham radio and am steadily learning more. I plan to take the test soon. Thank you again!

[@boisinnawoods]

Thanks to your videos I passed technician in March and I'm studying for my general. I'm having fun playing with my feng and rtl-sdr and saving up for an all band all mode portable radio for use at home and for pota/sota

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@gmbetancourt]

Great job on all of your videos and your presentation style is so easy to follow. You have singlehandedly peaked my interest into this hobby. Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dougmarthaler3066]

Excellent video, so helpful! Thanks for doing this, exactly what I was looking for. 👍

[@xax3902]

this is a dated response to your show - I was an E.T. in the US Navy stationed at HEH Nav Comm Sta VLF site in w Australia for sub communications way back in mid 70s - we copied our "sine wave" at 1/4 power around the world and transmitter was capable of 2 Million watt power. VLF was used for sub communication as it was able to penetrate water along w many other things including me. Interesting comm site - tower zero was at the time the tallest man made structure in the southern hemisphere

[@elliotmccajun3736]

Just getting started with vids, have a few different model ham radios in my cart and trying to figure out which is the "best" to start with. Looking forward to learning the ins and outs.

[@radiotests]

Great course and you didn't promote any cheesy Italian coax or 500 watt TYT or garbage uSDX. Just a purely helpful and informative video a week ahead of Field day. You and Leah are a class act Im proud to support. pro tip for new Hams. Get the Yaesu 2980r VHF mobile 2 meter rig for $170 It's perfect to try out Ham radio, 80 watts and a yagi will reach over those repeaters you don't like. It's bullet proof and easy to operate. And has great resale value.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Craig!

[@mysterious-benefactor]

Always a wealth of knowledge and sound advice. Thanx

[@Baumrah]

Thank you for your content! HAM seems very daunting, but your videos have helped motivate me to get my license/s.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Happy to hear that!

[@user-sp8tr2ti1e]

Always a wealth of knowledge and sound advice. Thanx. Awesome stream Josh!, I learned a lot!!!.

[@user-sp8tr2ti1e]

Awesome stream Josh!, I learned a lot!!!. Always a wealth of knowledge and sound advice. Thanx.

[@725josie]

HUGE proponent on learning how to research!! This is how I like to teach others as well, idk if it’s just me but personally I feel like growing in such an age where everything is spoon fed via media logarithms that we don’t teach our young how to find the legitimacy and credible sources without having them just pop up on our feeds. Obviously groups and clubs are WONDERFUL, but knowing how to help yourself is crucial. For ANYTHING in life lol. Just found your channel, love what you’re putting out!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I agree! Thanks!

[@madhatter42o]

This video is just excellent for me. Thank you very much.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You are most welcome

[@thamomentum]

Dude. Thank you so much. It was so daunting trying to learn all this. But thank you

[@frankrobinson4453]

Josh thank you for breaking this down, and peaking my interest again. I took my novice license test in the early seventies, but could not pass the CW. Found out now about the technician and no code license and we'll start studying again. Always been on the fringes of ham, and shortwave listening.I just finished making a 11 meter dipole. Now being retired, in the various methods to study for and take the tests I hope to be joining the ranks soon

[@MrRocker00]

68% never studied… cable tv tech, a lot of similar focus points, we covered 4-47mhz return and 52-760mhz forward (closed loop 75ohm antenna)

[@1ReneDumont]

Hey Josh, thank you for videos and teachings; truly appreciate it! I don't have my license yet but studying towards it.i guess I'm one of those who want to learn as much as possible before passing the exam. Or maybe I'm a bit lazy and want to score 80% or higher so I get access to all the frequencies right away. I'm in Canada. And only being able to listen is a good motivation for me to study. So far anyway. 73

[@Trickhorn]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Any1SL]

An object oriented approach. Nice!

[@mlvncgndhn9583]

im starting to take interest on this.. thanks for all the info.. i might get one and get the license too..

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

Yooooo I was scanning frequencies on my way home from work tonight and I found you having a conversation with a couple other people! I don’t have my license yet so I’ve just been scanning and listening to whatever breaks squelch lol awesome to hear you out here, I’m relatively close to where you said you were I won’t name locations for opsec, but about 30 miles from you and everything was loud and clear. Would naming the repeater I heard you on be any concern for opsec? Im listening on a uv5r with a little 6 inch magnet mounted antenna stuck on the roof of my car 😂😂😂 these baofengs truly are impressive for what they are

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Probably not me. I wasn’t on the radio yesterday.

[@dennisclark8286]

Just got my first radio programmed

[@OZZIEGIRLable]

Thank you

[@eclipseaus]

Awesome stream Josh!, I learned a lot!!!

[@ZacharyHelvey-dr2wt]

Thanks!

[@WaynesHouse572]

Just passed my tech , thanks josh.

[@oldgravely]

Hosh you have the best content on radio

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@DakotahMiskus]

So you are of the same idea I am which is study to pass the test not learn much. Learn after you pass the test and actually do it. Like a driving test. You study to pass and get a basic understanding but the actual learning comes from actually driving on the road

[@bibicreationsCH]

Thanks for the video! Do you think you can one day run a test on alienco and their md5? Out of curiosity! I'm outside the US and wish to have some feedback on range and other topics! Thanks again and have a good weekend 😊 🇨🇭

[@kellydiver]

As an older woman, I’ve had to learn nearly everything about radio on my own. Things seem better now, but the clubs weren’t that friendly to women back in the day. Trust me, it can be done, especially now that nearly everyone has access to the internet. 👍🏼

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m glad you stuck with it! 73!

[@lyledal]

Nunavut? You want to get that person in your logs. That'd be a heck of a DX.

[@user-mf6ez5wh4l]

Thank good buddy

[@AndrewB416]

Just watching this now. The testing thing...a pain for sure. GMRS, FRS, CB are all relatively low power. HAMs can run big power (2KW linear at my Dad's place) and if we don't properly ground, elevate, and restrict access to our antennas we can very easily kill someone that's a little too curious. A big component to the license aspect I would expect.

[@davidmeeker7481]

Nine out of the 10 voices in my head told me to stay home today and play on my radios. CQ CQ

[@hank0074]

Hi, I'm new to ham.... Question, what are your thoughts on the differences and benefits between the Baofeng DM-1701 and DM-1702? What is the best Baofeng to use and have room to grow into? Thanks

[@jesseg6708]

I’m new to ham. What is a good frequency to listen to?

[@ColeDedhand]

When my wife googles she insists on typing in a paragraph in the search bar.

[@Prep4SurvivingMe]

you rock!

[@Nephilen2030]

Been following your content. Prepping for my technician. How close is technician and general ? You mentioned taking both test.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Technician and general are similar. General dips more into HF comms, which is where you want to be TBH.

[@MrRocker00]

Are harmonic’s only double the freq or does it also 1/2 the freq(I assumed it was only double)

[@dongarrett539]

I am totally new to this, but would like to be able to establish communication across 30-40 miles reliable, mostly in case of some type of natural disaster, so I can communicate with my family from work (assuming phones are down) is this the way to go? What would I need to accomplish this goal (like a check list?) Thank you for any response and for your time.

[@kylem6647]

Great information - Thank You! Have used ham radio (unlocked) for Search and Rescue and avalanche control. Looking to get a new radio and amatuer radio license. I also fly back country off airport and would like a radio to cover air frequencies. Using the Icom air radio as backup currently. Looking at Kenwood TH-D75A and Icom ID-52. Do you have suggestions? (My Aircraft radio is an Icom and very difficult to program) I do not lick to buy cheap as I rely on my equipment - Thanks Again!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There really isn’t a “good” radio that covers airband and ham radio as the modes of operation differ. You could MARS mod the D75, but I don’t think it transmit on AM.

[@johnroberts6695]

Here's a question I hope someone can help me with. I have a radio with an SMA-female connector on it, and it's a triband (200-260MHz). If I have a tri-band antenna with a _female_ connector, can I use it with an adapter or will that screw everything up?? Not only will the height of the antenna change, the fact that anytime an adapter is used, something will be lost. Any ideas? (BTW, the radio is a TYT TH-8000D) Thanks!

[@cw2gtc]

Hi Josh, this is several months past the show date. I hope you still get this and can and are willing to give me your “pearls of wisdom on a matter”. I’ve used the rubber ducks. Meh..performance. indoors, upstairs room, area of hills. Would like to put a not-spendy antenna on the roof. There is an HOA. Not sure how pricky. How far is a reasonable length for R50 coax? Antenna needs to be non-garish in appearance. Ideas? Suggestions? Would like to upgrade radio soon. I saw there is the President Lincoln mod.2plus,Version 3. So, my issues are: coax length perf. Antenna/radio model. THANX!😆

[@playerguy2]

Still catching up on the slightly older videos and the 0:15 meme hits close to home. Currently learning CW at full speed, but can't sustain 30 WPM.

[@AnnaRosaEverythingEnergy]

Here is a stupid question. Does one make the purchase first and then go for the test...or Practice on the new purchase? Or...is the test all book content with no practical experience?

[@FLHamExtra]

Taking the test for tech soon. Tried to sign up for the discord and there’s some issue with my phone number. It says I have it associated with an account already and remove it. I can’t find where it is listed.

[@ronfox5519]

Looks lke im gpnna need a ride

[@fmagalhaes1521]

@Ham Radio Crash Course. I am thinking getting into Ham radio, but I want to learn Morse as I think that it would be an essential skill to have. I was curious if Ham Operators still know morse and if you knew of any tools/simulators to hear morse to get an ear for it. Many thanks!!! :):)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I agree. I have a video on that topic exactly and how to practice. Check it out.

[@fmagalhaes1521]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks!!! I will look for it :):)

[@tsgambill]

I am new to ham radio

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Awesome, thanks for checking out my channel. I made a playlist for new people here. Are you new to radio? Start Here! kzbin.info/aero/PL1KAjn5rGhiy7JSmJHjUaUB47jPrd-xbK

[@user-ck7wk7re6s]

Just found you. Studying for my technician but am so greeeeeeen! Reading a beginner book and still feel overwhelmed...yes, the terms. I am not technical at all and this is quite hard for a newby at 60! Thank you for helping.

[@bobmac2610]

Don't feel bad. I just passed my technician test the day after my 70th birthday! Always had a general interest in radio, and now am retired and have some time to explore things like Ham radio. Lot to learn, but it is all interesting. Throw in the fact we live in an HOA community, so that has its own set of things to learn. Anyway, lets enjoy the opportunity to learn and have some fun and collegiality with fellow hams.

[@Echo_5_Charlie]

i have ZERO idea of what hrtz is, signals, frequencies, waves or any of that is. No idea what the formulas are for calculating things, or any of it. I want to learn the foundation of HAM so bad, but have no idea what keywords to use when searching for books and videos. Thanks HRCC!

[@didotb01]

I still don't know what song you used for your intro but I keep jamming(*) to it * don't jam RF guys

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

My buddy made it. Sonic D link in description.

[@ScorpioSin777]

You mentioned the Discord, but didn’t put it in the description or say what the address is there…

[@marqueeviveiros8412]

I came across a local repeater Chanel how do I approach communicating with them ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Say hi on the repeater.

[@ajustice2010]

Do you have an “updated” list for hand helds?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They have not changed a lot from my POV.

[@oneonta310]

is the solar cycle you said we're going through right now the reason why I can pick up CB radio from Alabama? I'm in SoCal.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep!

[@tylerdean980]

In the grand scheme of things we're still in solar minimum. As the years go by, reception from distant lands will only improve.

[@thomasdwyer1654]

What is the best way to find frequencies to monitor?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Turn the radio on and hit scan.

[@thomasdwyer1654]

Kind of what I thought. When in scan mode will it cover the entire ban or just what you have loaded in the radio?

[@warlock.420]

Ok I have to ask. Do you know if someone with a past can get a technician license? And by past I mean has a felony from over 10 years ago. I wnt to take the test but I'm afraid of being rejected. Not from failing the test but bc of my past.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes they can. But they generally submit a form along with explaining what happened.

[@mycatsaliberal3848]

I’ve been messing with ham radios for a few years. I’m considering going ahead with the license. I figure it’s time to get myself legal

[@Badboy7357]

@Ham Radio Crash Course The discord phone verification doesn't work. I can't talk to @mod or @admin because I can't post because of the failed verification.

[@DillonOrbon]

Baofeng on the way for my girlfriend. it arrives today!

[@jduke008]

Dang, I already applied for FRN # and used my home address. I do see where you can log in and do a change of address if you move obviously. I wonder if you can change it to a PO box?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. Do the change.

[@jduke008]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thank you Josh! I will change to my business address. Thanks for all you do!

[@MSTOutdoors]

Forgive my complete newb-ness here. Just got a radio and book To study for test. I wanted to listen for now. So far all I’ve picked up is school bus and a few security guys from local businesses. There are a few repeaters. Are those the frequencies you type to listen? Say repeater says 123.456 that’s what I type correct?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It really depends what your trying to do. Are you trying to participate in amateur radio or listen to public service/police etc? If it’s amateur radio, then look up amateur radio repeaters.

[@MSTOutdoors]

I was trying to listen to either honestly. I run the scan to find folks,just checked out repeater book and radio reference. Not many in my area. I never hear anything except welcome to repeater. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say they aren’t very chatty.

[@TintagelEmrys]

I always felt that the licensing process for Ham was more because HF is so long distance. The FCC need to worry about other countries getting upset at them.

[@Shankdaddy16]

What do you think about the Btech UV-5X3? It doesn't have an 8w mode but has a 1W speaker and some nice menu options and is triband.

[@UFOsExst]

I live in South florida. It feels like no body is on the air. Ive set up miltiple repeaters on my ham and all i get is radio silence. At this time, i see no point in getting the license.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There is a statewide repeater network in Florida. You might have something wrong.

[@motorolaman5736]

do you need to take all exams, or can i get one license at a time

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Either or.

[@danno02]

DUDE! I did the FRN last year without the PO box. UGH. Am I screwed?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nah, just change it to your P.O. Box and move on.

[@jakebechtproductions3850]

Can you manually change channels? IE. I have 28 programmed and want to manually go to a channel.

[@jakebechtproductions3850]

BAOFENG UV 5R

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. Put it into channel mode.

[@jakebechtproductions3850]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse and use the up and down arrows only? If I am on channel 9 and want to go to channel 12 can I manually enter numbers on the keypad? I am not a fan of using the arrows.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes, you can use the keypad. But seriously, you have the radio in front of you, try it out. Figure it out.

[@asfa1007]

where is the link for the discord?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

In the description of the video.

[@whollymindless]

Have two radios so you can self test your basic setups.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Great tip!

[@mohawkdriver4155]

I'm not building a radio; I'm talking on one.

[@eclipseaus]

first 2 comment

[@djcfrompt]

Hertz is the singular, not Hert.

[@radiohobbyist13]

Ham radio is on "life support" here in Ohio.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Idk what that even means. Hf is everywhere.

[@nickrupp2336]

Hell ya ! Skip the HT and get yourself an HF rig and some wire. Don't need no piece of paper to tell me I am a radio operator.

[@echo-hotel]

Took my general twice today. I failed. I’m a CW guy. I’m not going to remember phone junk.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You’ll get there! Keep at it.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Ooch

[@boisinnawoods]

Not with that attitude

[@fredrubble4305]

Give up

[@christophermcclellan8730]

Man… I appreciate you, but feel so sorry that you felt the need to say “don’t let anyone make you feel bad” so many times.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sadly, not enough people are rocking the same level of confidence as others. I do what I can to make people feel worthy enough to not let other people bother them.

[@christophermcclellan8730]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I suspect low confidence isn’t the problem, but rather how they’re treated. It’s good to see people like you doing what you can to make it a… let’s say more approachable hobby.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That could be it, I also think the newcomers need to be more receptive to being told how radios really work. It's not rare that while I am positively providing the info, people take offense to their being wrong, or dig in their heels to prove their position.

[@jaksmith6465]

bought the book. HATE the book. Its not a book of information. its a book of questions .. .

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Go get the ARRL Handbook then.

[@skirty_mob]

This video was quite unhelpful

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What specifically did you want to see?

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi Josh, Please note the time difference between this comment and my previous comment here. I have just watched this video right through, & I actually learned a few things which I guess I Will need to know about since I would also like to hold a USA Ham Radio Licence. I would like to compliment you on the way that you teach. The way that you simplified everything for nubee's is superb. I have been able to teach the UK Foundation course, & the Intermediate course's here in the UK for quite a number of years, & your teaching methods put Me to shame. I have a problem with simplifying things to make things easyer for people to understand, but I've never had anyone fail the exam at the end of what I have put them through in order to pass that vital Exam in order to get their required licence. I SURE WISH I had your teaching skills, LoL. I deffinately know who I'LL be taking notice of from now on for my USA Ham Radio Licence studies, & it won't be some guy half way up the road from me. I see You as a great tutor/Elmer/Coach for My next licence. I already hold the highest grade of UK Ham Radio Licences available in the UK. Kind Regards , Ray. M0RAY. ~

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That’s Ray!

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi Josh, Although I am a well seasoned Licencee in the UK, I am a nubee to the USA Licence, One of which, I would like to have. Kind Regards, Ray, M0RAY, Locator ~ JO01ii

[@paolorosin3820]

73 de IW3GPO jn65dk from Venice IT

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!