How to get started on Ham Radio 2 Meter FM, Part 1

[@K7AGE]

Welcome back into the hobby. HTs from an apartment can be a challenge being low and not being able to get an antenna up outside. If you can get any outside antenna setup, it will help. Enjoy the videos.

[@GeorgeIreton]

Wow! Finally a KZbin broadcaster with authentic knowledge AND the personality to convey the info in an extremely effective way! I have received instruction on hundreds of topics over decades. I can't remember when I thought to myself "Listen up. You can really learn from this guy" until today! You have a gift Randy. So grateful you decided to share it. Thanks again. Taking my ham exam this Saturday.

[@michaelpriest6242]

This is my 2nd of your videos and I am convinced that you are a good teacher. I am subscribing to your classroom. Your on-screen pictures of the things you are lecturing about, and the full script version of what you're abbreviation verbally are EXTREMELY helpful. Your short videos are immensely instructive and well edited. The bloopers at the end show your editing efforts and crank up the humor. Bravo!

[@mysticstarxxx8185]

Hey Randy! I just wanted to tell you that your enthusiasm and and really good heart is conveyed in all your videos. I'm 62 and you bring that fun, excitement and enthusiasm that we had when we were kids, back inside and waiting to see what you're going to cover next. Thanks!

[@K7AGE]

Thanks. Glad that you enjoy my videos. I have lots to watch.

[@Zenshu1]

Thank you for this video. It is easy for people to get discouraged from pursuing the hobby because of the attitude shown towards the new guys on most internet forums that discuss amateur radio operation. It's good to see someone taking the time to encourage people to take up the hobby. I would have gotten into it years ago but every time I tried to find info online I got shot down by someone and eventually gave up. Had I found your video ten years ago I would have gotten started much sooner.

[@K7AGE]

Thanks, sometimes you just have to give big knob a twist and get away from the less helpful.

[@tenncutt]

And 7 years later during the 2020 quarantine I say thanks for this video! Stay healthy

[@Dmmac]

Hi Randy, N7DRM (Dan) here from Idaho. I've been a ham since 1978, but have only recently tried to work Satellites, 6Meters and PSK all because of your helpful videos! -- Thanks! 73

[@K7AGE]

One of the great things about this hobby is that there are so many different things you can do. You missed Hellschreiber. Get that setup and check for the monthly simple contest at the Feld Hell Club side.

[@mv-eg1wt]

Oh my gosh...found your video on the Miklor site...for a new guy on the block, and a knucklehead to boot you are exactly what is needed. Concise, clear, and common sense orderly approach. I am learning! Respects and truly...thank you.

[@K7AGE]

Glad to be of help. Enjoy.

[@TheRealGunGuyTV]

Hi Randy. These videos are wonderful for new HAMs like myself. Thank you very much for taking the time to produce them. Joel KM6ZBL

[@rc3291]

I just passed my technician license exam and studying for my general while I'm waiting on my ticket. Found your video very informative. You have a new subscriber.

[@K7AGE]

rc3291 HI, congratulations on getting your Tech! Hope you get your general soon. Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@va3sgi]

Revisiting this many years later. Thanks for providing this great info!

[@ScottElias]

Just a quick "Thank You" for all your hard work on these videos. My son (KDØWBB) is a brand new ham and was inspired by your videos to create his own. 73 de ADØEO.

[@Smaug1]

Thanks for the videos. I'm a former ham, KB9NSQ who let his license lapse years ago and I'm going to get back into it. I was looking for a review on this particular radio, but found this information was a great refresher. I live on the ground floor of an apartment building, and am thinking whether to start with an HT or mobile. I remember from before HTs are pretty much useless unless one is close to the repeater or up on a hill. But so convenient, and no need to mess with a power supply!

[@enzopianelli6081]

Hey Randy, thank you much. As a new HAM going in to get the Technician License in about a week, your videos are amazing and full of information and I appreciate that. I've subscribed for more because I can't get enough of this hobby and look forward to being on the air by the end of May...Thanks again.

[@4kedhorn]

I found you via a link on miklor.com. I have been trying to get motivation about learning how to use a ham radio for years but it gets so frustrating that I lose interest for months. After watching just this one video I'm enthused again and look forward to your other videos. You seem like the kind of person I could sit down with at the kitchen table and talk to about radios until the wee hours. I have a UV-82 so I don't know exactly what I'll get out of this little series but I'm going to watch every second of it to find out. Thanks!

[@wyoming179]

I considering becoming a HAM operator and watched this video to learn more. I found that Randy was very informative and easy to understand.

[@K7AGE]

Thanks for watching

[@llaymard]

Sorry for the empty post, Randy, the message got away from clumsy fingers on the iPad. Just wanted to drop by and thank you for putting this video online. I have been off the air for 40 years. Just retired and getting back to ham radio. Boy have things changed. Looking forward to watching your videos so I can get up to speed.

[@K7AGE]

Lou, welcome back. Yes, things have changed a bit. Enjoy the video. Thanks for the comment.

[@richardackerman6151]

One of the best videos I've seen. I cracked up at the out takes at the end. Great job. Best explanation I've seen and I actually got it this time. Thank you sir.

[@K7AGE]

Thanks, glad that you got it!

[@tokebuddude]

Great vid! I'm in nursing school right now and have only 7 more weeks till I'm out and I can't wait so I can start studying for my amateur radio license! I"m excited about learning about the technology and concepts. Subscribed to your channel. Thank you for the information!

[@K7AGE]

Thanks for the comment. Finish up nursing school for now, then on to ham radio.

[@graywoulf]

I appreciate that someone finally explained what the tones are about. Good information all around. Thanks!

[@K7AGE]

I first got started on 2M FM in the early 70s. It was a blast. Have fun on QRP CW.

[@childfree83]

Love part 1,2and 3 videos. You make it easy to explain to other people how a repeater works. I now own 4 ht’s with lots of accessories for them. I own a yaesu ft60r, a yaesu ft 65r and two Baofeng uv5r’s. I think every ht should have a standard bnc antenna connector like my first AdI at 600.

[@enriqueramongonzalez5912]

Excellent video Randy.I´ve just bought a Baofeng UV5R and I´m kind of lost on its usage.You help me a lot with all the data.I´m going to continue watching all your videos,I´m looking forward to get on the air very soon.Thank you very much.

[@davidpianosi4512]

this is one of the best basic Ham radio videos... kudos to you sir . So many questions simply answered. Thanks for taking the time, you are a good teacher/communicator.

[@K7AGE]

David, thanks for the comment and for watching

[@kevinW6AAE]

Thanks Randy! I am back to Ham Radio after a 45 year absence, ans your videos are very Helpful! - Kevin KM6KCP

[@hdtv5150]

Hey Randy! Nice to see you active on youtube, congrats for the HAM videos, really good stuff. I moved to countryside in Brazil now, so I am planning to get back to HAM world. 73s and take care!

[@K7AGE]

Daniel Diniz Daniel. Yup, still cranking out videos.

[@jriver64]

You know how to explain things in such good simple terms. Thank you for sharing your invaluable knowledge of the RADIO.

[@SignalsEverywhere]

Absolutely, I'm glad you think so. Normally the second I mention the UV-5R people go on about how its a "Chinese toy" and they wouldn't use it if their life depended on it. Though I'm sure those people have never used one either. It's not perfect by far, but its a stable working radio.

[@tastethejace]

Glad you're back! Excellent video. Great editing and formatting; very informative and entertaining. Keep up the superb work!

[@GinaLong85]

Nice video. I've used HTs for two years now and am working HF nets, and I found this video very informative. Thank you :)

[@billyfred5775]

K7AGE, thanks very much for the video. The wife and her late husband were avid Ham operatotrs.I have alot to learn and her equiptment is much more extensive than this.She is currently licenesed. Like most things you are far better servered learning from the ground up.So this is where I will start,thanks again for the video.

[@karlkaukis4445]

Randy - thanks for the video help. Am a long time HF ham but know zip about VHF/UHF operation. Your video is very enlightening. I expect to be there soon with your help. You are a great teacher. Am most appreciative.

[@tomsmall2479]

I share the comments for George Ireton - below - Randy has a true gift of making great videos - please continue - and I will follow

[@K7AGE]

Thanks Tom. Busy getting a new house built, then move in, get settled, and then new videos.

[@robertbennett6410]

Randy, you are VERY helpful.... I am extremely new to Ham radio, havent even made it to the local radio club's meeting, but have been in touch with them via email... your videos have been VERY helpful!!

[@K7AGE]

robert bennett Glad to help

[@Mr.LoveUnlimited]

Hi there Randy, thank you for making this video, shared it on FB and the guys are happy to see Santa doing a lecture on 2 meter ham radio = )

[@waylenamccully8863]

Thank you for making these videos. I'm a complete beginner and I'm finding these to be very helpful.

[@K7AGE]

Thanks

[@amram101]

Randy, Thank you for the excellent presentation. I have watched all three in this series and found them very helpful.

[@K7AGE]

amram101 Thanks for watching

[@zenmello]

Great info, I learned a lot.BTW I haven't heard AA batteries called "pen light" batteries in 35-40 years.

[@Stephen-wh7vl]

Thanks these videos help alot, after passing my technician test I felt like I had no idea what I was doing

[@K7AGE]

Glad to help

[@rayjohn8689]

The most informative video that I've seen on this subject....many thanks !!

[@manas1950]

Hi- friend I just bought icom v80 looks like quality product but after seen your explanation how to use v80 that makes me understond the product more and more much better, thank you friend

[@K7AGE]

Hope you enjoy your new radio

[@muythai32]

Thanks Randy, I am a new "ticket" and have been reading all I can, your video(s) have helped to bring that info to the surface for me !! 73'

[@johnboywsnc]

WQTZ396: Just got my GMRS license. I know it is limited but I inherited a Yaesu hand held and base station full Ham radios that I can use now. Both are dual band. I like the GMRS as that each family member can use them. Great video.

[@TheGreatBunghole16]

Thank you for finally clarifying the process a repeater goes through in very simple terms! :)

[@K7AGE]

Glad that I helped you understand

[@deaustin4018]

I've had this radio for a few years now, great radio. With a half wave collapsable, I can get into repeaters 35 to 40 miles. I also have one of those arrow snap together 4 element beams. Doing hilltops or low mountains, it's like 60 to a hundred miles into a repeater or a base station.

[@dhill730]

Thanks for sharing the basics! I'm a newby looking for all the info I can get and you helped a lot with this video series.

[@K7AGE]

Lots to watch, have fun.

[@Mr.LoveUnlimited]

73's there from the Philippines... nice discussion and I hope to hear more!

[@garyljarvis6118]

Thanks Randy 4 your help. Am just starting ham radio and am excited to be learning much more. GlJ

[@noworknowretire1771]

Great job. Finally, found someone to explain things in my language, SIMPLE. Have had my Technician Class for two weeks now. Haven't purchased a transceiver, yet. Looking and listening.. Started out with a Knight-Kit "SpanMaster SW reciever.. (witch I still have) I've got a LOT of bench knowledge to learn. 73's KK4ZMT.

[@K7AGE]

Enjoy your retirement and settle down with a a couple good radios.

[@Barnekkid]

I really appreciate the information. Thanks. I'll be watching all three vids since the content is very applicable to my situation.

[@wa6gxq]

Randy, Great video as usual. I could have used this when I first started, and glad that you did this video for new hams. I had do a lot of reading to understand what was going on. The good thing about that is when you sweat for information you don't forget! I got into it so deep, I started playing with commercial radios! Added bonus! It seems there is a lot of misinformation on how pl and ctcss work. I am glad you are doing videos to explain. Thanks for all your hard work. 73 WA6GXQ

[@pamedicineman8898]

Randy K7AGE. Just wanted to say thanks for posting your videos. I am new to HAM and really look forward to getting on the air.

[@itsawsome1234]

I love your videos and have enjoyed watching them. You have inspired me to get my general class license. I have loved the hobby and you helped me get here. thank you. 73's ,KD8SYI

[@gort400]

Thank You. You always do a great job. Watched your solder project on HAM Nation. Thumbs Up!

[@Offgrid_U.S.A]

I have watched your videos, & I entered in exactly how you said, but down here in Chattanooga Tennessee, I cannot find any listings for the tone settings. Your video was very informative and very helpful but trying to find the tone setting it just will not work here I know there is a tone setting but I'm not finding it or seen it on any printout

[@K7AGE]

+bryan smith Oh boy. I would google for the club web page for the repeater. You may be able to find a web page for the frequency coordination in your area. And, maybe the repeater does not need a tone at all.

[@pauljones8730]

Cool vids man. Just getting back into radio after a long hiatus . Joined a local club and am getting a baofeng. A guy in the club has the software and cable and is going to help me set it up. 73 from KE4KKM.

[@K7AGE]

His video is great, thanks. Looking forward to his videos. Looks like your family will be enjoying ham radio together.

[@kazz330]

Great job as always, Randy. Missed you on KZbin!

[@ptreth]

Hi Randy, You sort of assumed that beginners understand what squelch is/means. I was looking for a video to usher a newcomer into the ham radio hobby, and you're the best. Paul NC6PT

[@K7AGE]

Sorry about that. Good point.

[@RedRockSurfer]

Thanks for the video. It was simple, direct, and insightful.

[@AJ5C]

Great video as always. I was LMAO at the "goat scream" at the end. That's fantastic! I always enjoy your videos my friend. 73 de AJ5C

[@RVArchery]

Great video, Randy...really enjoyed the out takes. Looks like a smaller version of my IC-T2H. 73 - KF7TOV

[@garyvestal6739]

Good info. Am considering this radio but would like to know approx. how long the AA batteries last under normal use?

[@craig9309]

Great stuff! I'm half way between you and the Shingle Springs repeater you mentioned in another video. Let me know if you'd like me to help with any simplex experiments.

[@K7AGE]

+Ed Fardos that would be fun. But, I have moved to Oregon

[@stevencsawyerss]

Ed Fardos I haven't heard the name Shingle Springs for yrs. I lived in Shingle Springs in the mid 1960era. Good memories! :-)

[@copper-tc6un]

Great video for us noobs, so much info to absorb, but this really helps, thanks.

[@JonathanSawyerGB]

Randy, I'm curious: are the AA battery packs not available separately? If I were buying a new HT I would look at buying one that came with a rechargeable battery pack, but also buy the AA battery case as well. That way I have a back up for when the battery pack dies.

[@fezufo]

Excellent video Randy.I`am currently sitting my Foundation test here in the UK and became very interested in your channel,so i have subscribed! Some great information for newbies here and i look forward to watching more! Thanks for sharing...FEZUFO

[@andywilbourn8761]

This is great. How in did you record and publish the video to be in such good quality? I have never been able to get any videos on youtube to stream well and not buffer. I would love to know how you did it. I am new to HAM myself and found this very informative.

[@K7AGE]

I record in 1080, and post to youtube in 720. Not sure how to fix the buffering, that is a transmission issue of video streaming over the internet. Thanks for watching.

[@sokhaDotCom]

Andy Wilbourn Once you submitted your video to KZbin, you are no longer in control. The buffering depends on WHICH server your video resides and if the server is busy or not. Think of it like a freeway. Which freeway got traffic jam is just unpredictable. It can happen at anytime to any freeway. Since you don't have control on the YT part, there are several things you can do on your end which assure you have the best possible video before you submitted to YT. That is, shoot your video in the highest possible quality. Edit and export for YT at the highest quality. Once YT received your video, it will re-encode everything to comply with its standard. And from there, it's up to the traffic of the freeway scenario.

[@Achisachis73]

Nice video Randy! What other bands use repeaters this way?

[@montiraruba2831]

I am new to the world of Ham Radio. I am currently studying for the Technician license. I am totally excited about this new advanture. I have ordered my HT (new term I just learned) and will save up for another HT (Yeasu FT-2DR). I noticed that digital clock on your back wall. Totally awesome. Where can I get a clock like that?

[@K7AGE]

MontiR Aruba Good luck with your tech. Amazon sells the clocks, just search for big LED wall clock.

[@KandiKlover]

+K7AGE VX-6R sitting back there by your pc monitor on the desk?

[@Pikkakikka]

Very well explained! Can also handle the camera and sound well!

[@maxzivec]

Hey K7AGE great video!! thanks a lot, I have a couple of questions. Can you use a HAM radio like the one you bought as a walkie talkie (for example for an event organizing between staff) without having to go trough to much trouble? What is the difference between FRS GMRS frequencies and the 2m 70cm etc etc? Theres a Baofeng that can do fro and gmrs as well as 2m 70cm. why are the the 2m, 10m , 15 m 80m etc etc frequencies called like that? which ones give you the longest range? how do you transmit trough a repeater? thanks a lot!

[@K7AGE]

Jonathan, Only license amateur radio operators may use a radio on the amateur frequencies. So, for an event with non-amateur radio operators, you would need to use FRS, GMRS & MURS. I believe GMRS & MURS also needs a license, but that is just fill in a form and pay a fee. Many events like bike, walks and runs that cover a wide area, call on the amateur radio community to provide communication and operators for areas that cell phones coverage may be unreliable. Hams can provide voice as well as GPS position data, data for text and file messages, image and even real-time television communications. Difference between the ham, FRS, GMRS is mainly in the license requirement. FRS, none. GMRS, pay, Ham study and pass a test, learn about radio and our hobby. Many of the Baofeng radios can operate on the ham, FRS and GMRS frequencies. The Baofeng radios meets FCC Part 90 rules and regulations, which allow for wider frequency ranges. Amateur radios must meet FCC Part 97 regs, and one of the requirements is that they only operate on the ham frequencies. Baofeng has chosen not to sell amateur only radios, they sell a wide frequency range radio the allows operating on many frequencies at a very low cost. Baofeng does not support amateur radio, no advertising in amateur radio magazines, does not participate at amateur radio conventions, service is back to China or maybe by some dealers (only if you bought the radio from them). The common thought is that the Baofeng radios are cheap, and when they break, throw them out and get another one. The bands are typically called by the wavelength in meters, 2 meters, 80 meters and so on. The frequencies are in the 144 MHz range for 2 meters and 3.5 MHz for 80 meters and so on. Sort of two ways of saying the same thing. Frequency is much more exact. Longest range, HF (shortwave) for the longest range, around the world. Two meters and 70 cm walkie-talkie through a high repeater may have a 100-mile range. It all depends on what you want to do. How to transmit through a repeater, watch the next two videos in this series.

[@rogereriksen2472]

Love your sense of humor!

[@darrenadams38]

Randy, may I ask where you got your intro music from?

[@zbiku82]

Brilliant tutorial. thank you sooo much. Finally I understand what is all about.

[@thormusique]

Very nice! This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks so much!

[@K7AGE]

Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@kellyokamoto1604]

What 2-meter mobile radio would you recommend that is waterproof or at least, water-resistant? There are so many radios out there-it gets confusing. How about a waterproof handheld? Thanks for your vids. I learn a lot from them.

[@K7AGE]

I don't know of any water resistant mobiles, as they are usually projected. I see on the Icom site that the V80 is rated Waterproof rating: IP54. I found this meaning: IP54 Protected from limited dust ingress. Protected from water spray from any direction. Check out Kenwood and Yaesu to see if their radios have a rating. Or, get a cheap Baefong and if it brakes, get another one.

[@hokeypokeyalso1783]

LOL, great video. My I ask, what is your opinion of the Yaesu FT-60R radio.

[@MrRain-hk4zi]

Thanks Randy, excellent tutorial and content. Looking to get into ham and your a tremendous help! Subbed and liked.

[@K7AGE]

Thanks, hope you get your license soon

[@jrmcdowe]

Great info Randy. Wish I had this info 2 years ago.

[@yellownickyellow]

Many thanks. Am also new to Ham Radio. Very much enjoy and learn heaps from your videos. Hope to make contact one day. Many thanks.

[@K7AGE]

***** Wildhog, thanks

[@MrBdjoker2000]

i really want to get a radio like this,since i am just getting into ham radio,i think it would be a good radio to start out with.

[@jublywubly]

Thanks for making this fantastic, informative, tutorial. You make things very clear and easy to understand! I'll be sure to watch this video again and make some notes. P.S. I have a Baofeng UV5R+ They're cheap, but gee they're hard to program!

[@mitchm2559]

I am also new to the UV5R but Chirp works well, if you have ever worked with Excel you will find it simple.

[@thecooldude9999]

What's your opinion on the baofeng uv-5r dual bander? It's a $30-$50 radio and is very high quality, I'm impressed with mine.

[@K7AGE]

thecooldude9999 They are okay. I have a couple, along with other Kenwood, Icom and Yaesu HTs. They have their unique way of programming repeaters into memory.

[@thecooldude9999]

K7AGE Yeah. The documentation that comes with it is terrible, but there is much better information online.

[@K7AGE]

thecooldude9999 You are correct!

[@ldkmarco]

Really nice video!!! There is always something new to learn!!

[@RationallySkeptical]

What 's the multicolored LED display above your clock on the wall behind you?

[@voodew-nomad4715]

Great video! new tech , learning so much ! I’m torn between the Icom id51 and kenWood th-d74a any advice on which one ? And why ? Thanks Kc3kpe

[@K7AGE]

VooDew - Nomad Hi. Both are great radios. They both are complex. The Kenwood has APRS, which the Icom does not. I think the Kenwood cost more than the Icom. I have had the Icom for a couple of years before the Kenwood came out. You can check the reviews on eham.net. So, there you go. Have fun with your new radio.

[@zappp111]

Can you listen to the transmissions and conversations from a repeater just by tuning in its frequency, or do you need to generate PL tones and identify as if you were transmitting? Thanks!

[@K7AGE]

zappp111 You can listen just by setting the radio to the frequency that you want to monitor. Nothing else is needed.

[@SignalsEverywhere]

That makes sense, yeah the manuals are just horrendous.I use Chirp to program mine which makes it nice and easy however hand-programming is still no fun on the baofeng radios. I wasn't trying to knock that IC though, still a nice radio for sure and probably a heck of a lot easier to field program if you needed to.

[@reax2237]

Randy, enjoy your vids I'm a new ham, would like to contact for some elmering. Do you have a website?

[@alonsov]

Thank you. Nice video series... I learn a lot of

[@K7AGE]

I have one of those too. I wanted a simple radio to show the basics of getting a radio setup to operate on FM. I feel that these Chinese radios are harder to program than other radios. I had my UV-5R with me on away from home without the manual. I could not figure out how to get a repeater programed in it. Now, this may have been my fault not spending enough time learning the radio. But they program so differently than all my other radios. These radios are not my favorite.

[@dshoemake]

Thank you for your videos. They are very informative.

[@chuckdearruda6271]

Great videos Randy, Thanks! But, I’m thinking 3 and 3 is not 6. The buddy must hear me (must be within 3) and I need to be within 3 to hear him. 73 Chuck WR0Z 3 + 3 = 6 only happens with the repeater.

[@K7AGE]

Maybe try an outside antenna, higher the better.

[@bevkurtin]

Dear OM, I went QRT on 2 meters when the blasted CBers took over abt 20+ years ago. I've been off the air fer quite awhile, but am getting back on CW only. Just picked up a good Bencher paddle es looking fer a used CW rig, sure wud like an old HW8 cuz I love QRPP-CW, the lower the output, the better. Wid a solar max, bet I cud hit Europe. VY 73 ES GL DE KK5B SK

[@joeyshoe9095]

Currently studying for my Technician Test. Im using the hamradioschool.com, eham.net and the test question pools to study. Your video was well thought out and very informative!

[@rqtdad07]

Great start to learning how to use repeaters! KM6EEO

[@MrWmburr7]

Randy We new HAMS appreciate you explaining this in a way that we can comprehend and put the information to use. Bill KD8VTM

[@Offgrid_U.S.A]

I'm new to this, just got a new ic-v80 handy. I've read how to program it, yet nothing I do is doing what I'm wanting. I feel like I'm just not getting it on programming. can you help?? ty very much..

[@K7AGE]

+bryan smith I'll try.