How to get started on Ham Radio 2 Meter FM, Part 3

[@fitz7779]

I purchased an Icom IC-V80. This video is the ultimate quick start guide. Thanks for posting it.

[@DaneHenson]

Just wanted to pop in and thank you for your videos. I’ve had my Tech license for over 10 years now, but have only hit the PTT on my HT a handful of times. I appreciate you showing us a conversation where you get a little tongue tied and recover. It gives me a little boost of courage to jump on the local repeater and chat a little bit, even if I know I might make a few mistakes.

[@K7AGE]

We all make mistakes, thanks for watching.

[@jriver64]

If you only know how many time I've enjoyed seeing your series. I have learned so much by what you have shared with these series. Thank you so much, Randy.

[@johnhschuster]

KD8VON here in Lansing, MI. Thank you for the tutorials. I'm working with a Baofeng UV-5R and while the buttons are different the principles are the same. Nice outtakes. Just got my technicians license and your videos are great for the newbie.

[@stevey3480]

Hey John, how do u like ur uv5r? I'm waiting for mine to arrive.

[@wyoming179]

Randy, thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos. I am strongly considering becoming a HAM operator based on what I am learning from you.

[@Texan747]

Another helpful video from Randy. The out akes at the end are fun! Randy is a good guy.

[@jriver64]

You know how to explain things very well, especially some of the more intricate aspect of that small radio. Thank you, Randy.

[@jack002tuber]

Excellent video! I like the bloopers at the end too.

[@joancompton2372]

Thanks for your videos. i will take the Tech exam in 2 weeks. Just wanted to make sure i had the repeater offset in correctly. You helped immensely. i will be sure and check in on more of your videos in the future. Thanks again.

[@dwdohr]

Randy, Thank you so much for taking the time to create these videos. I am new to Amateur Radio, and truly appreciate what you are doing here. Keep up the Great Work!!!

[@SirBeauJangles]

Randy, you're a natural teacher. This level of knowledge seems far too often to be assumed that you magically get it when you pass your examination. Well I passed mine in 87 and didn't take out a licence till a few weeks ago, so things had "changed" slightly... HF is easy, no problem - but the new little chinese cheapie UV82 I got was like - built by Martians. I'd figured how hard can it be if HF was a relative breeze - well it's been an education. Thanks for these helpful videos - and thanks too for leaving your outtakes on the end! Glad it happens to practised and confident operators as well! 73s - Ian MM0HRL

[@K7AGE]

Ian, thanks

[@dnr0]

I truly appreciate the step by step, much of this seems to be trial by fire.

[@markadoglet]

Randy you make this look very easy, I bought an icom ic-7000 several years ago, I have not managed to program it yet, its too complicted for me plus to many buttons to press and remember hi....nice video and I've enjoyed watching it. 73 de Barry G4DIP.

[@AJ5C]

Fantastic training series for new and seasoned hams as well. 73 de AJ5C

[@Yukonlove1]

Im a new Ham and and the instructions I have with my new radio are very confusing. Thank you for making this awesome video!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@K7AGE]

Glad the video helped

[@polishpicl]

thank you thank you,, got my license 3 days ago and applied for my own at k3rjw......you taught me a lot,,, I will be getting a icom radio,,, even though I have a yeazu right now from my elmir.....I also subd you

[@timmanwell2538]

THANK YOU so much for these vids, especially this one! I've been a ham for a couple years, but it's been slow going. I have the ubiquitous Baofeng that I use CHIRP for programming. No prob. However, I wanted a basic/robust 2m HT, so just acquired the new IC-V86 which is a very similar layout to your V80. One of my goals was to become comfortable with manually programming this radio. YOUR VID has significantly helped with that. Again, thank you so much!! 73. [I echo the sentiments of a comment below, esp thanks for the 'turn on the tone' tip!!]

[@OldMojoDT]

I used this video as a model for programming my (4) local repeaters into my own new ICOM V80. So much more enjoyable than wading through the manual. Thanks, Randy! KE8ICK

[@K7AGE]

David, maybe the manual will make some more sense now. Thanks for the note and watching. Randy

[@MrHawaiiScott]

Hey Randy, great job with the video series. '73 KH6FM

[@matthewpolansky1762]

This series of videos were very informative and helpful for me. looking forward to programming my ft8900 and getting on the air.

[@MikesGarageReviews]

I would just like to say thank you for the videos. I need a mentor and I guess this is close as I could get. Thanks again!

[@K7AGE]

Check out AmateurLogic and David Casler on KZbin.

[@K5NOV]

Randy again a brilliant 3 video's In fact all the videos you have posted have made a great watch Thanks K5NOV

[@alanshaw6379]

Great instructive video,as always.Cheers Randy..Keep them coming.

[@K7AGE]

Alan Shaw Thanks for watching.

[@kellingc]

Randy - You make me want to go and get one of those radios. I've not been a particular fan of Icom (I Can Only Monitor), and not sure what to make of DSTAR on radios that can use it. But, this radio seems to be one that would serve my needs well. I realize that this isn't DSTAR capable, and the series of videos weren't a review of the radio - but I think this is a radio I will put in my go kit.

[@danieldyngen4412]

Thank you for the lessons, Mutch appreciated. Norway - Europe.

[@lrrprangerglenn]

Excellent series!

[@doll-ir4oi]

Thanks for dropping in this video it helps me lot

[@holscherkc]

Great videos! I am a new HAM so these have been extremely helpful!

[@K7AGE]

Klint Holscher Thanks for watching

[@chrismaybury61]

Randy Thanks for the info. Question... How do you assign a name to the stored channel?

[@MaverickFischer]

Hi Randy, great videos! I just want to mention that part three on your website has been removed.

[@K5NOV]

Hi Mark I have the Icom 706 mk2 G and I fully understand what you have. I cheated and linked my radio to Ham Radio Deluxe and that made easy K5NOV

[@monicawilson138]

Thanks for the Tutorial, I'm trying to get back into ham radio, and you're videos are providing me a nice refresher course. Thank you for taking the time to make them. 73, KC2IAY

[@K7AGE]

Monica, enjoy. Get radio active.

[@monicawilson138]

I was actually able to program my HT (with a little help from your video) as well as partially get over a big case of mic shyness and start making a couple contacts on 2 meters :)

[@K7AGE]

Monica Wilson Outstanding!

[@deaustin4018]

I use this radio with a half way or a snap together 4 element beam, but the stock antenna is one of the best around, very reliable for events and such.

[@K7AGE]

Not sure what you mean. The original Part 3 video deleted and replaced by this newer version that did not have the buzz comments that were due to the repeater.

[@chriscaldwellvoiceovers]

Good stuff! Thanks for taking the time to make these tutorials.

[@stevesly8562]

Hi Randy. My name is Steve from Toronto Canada. I enjoyed your most informative and well produced videos on intro to 2 M. Just passed my basic a few weeks ago and was given a gift of a Yaesu FT 250R, any experience with this? Because of your videos I plan to purchase the Icom you feature as the Yaesu is a little difficult to program. Just curious to know if you have any QSO contacts via SIMPLEX skip or even if that at all frequent enough to be realistic with HT's on 2 M.....Thx .

[@russhendrix9674]

Really enjoying your videos - thank you for posting! I purchased Stu's book from Ham Radio School and have been studying for a few months. I will take the technician test in less than two weeks. Not having any experience in ham...there is a lot more to it than i first thought. All the different ways to communicate can be a bit overwhelming...am/fm,repeaters, SSB, satellites, packets,gps, ect. not to mention each manufacturer of radios having their own digital stuff and initials for things. Do you recommend getting an inexpensive HT as a first radio?

[@K7AGE]

+Russ Hendrix There are the cheap Baofengs, they are harder to program and they don't support the hobby with US based support, and don't support our magazines nor hamfests. The Icom that I show in the video is a very good basic radio. They have US support, advertise, and attend many of our hamfests.

[@russhendrix9674]

Woohoo!! Passed my technician exam today. Enjoying your videos thanks for posting.

[@russhendrix9674]

KM4OPJ! got my call sign. have the next book and will take general test soon!

[@gghutton]

Thank you for your video's. Simple, refined, to the point. very helpful. Gary ke7uia

[@gerryhazelton6470]

Awesome videos! Getting ready to take my Tech exam in April, and will continue thru Extra... can't wait! Is there a mobile hand-held you would recommend that covers 2, 6 and 10 meters all in one? Thanks!

[@K7AGE]

Jerry A Please keep me posted

[@Nuts4Bass]

Randy thanks for this three part video it has helped me so much. N3UKP

[@K7AGE]

Nuts4Bass Thanks for watching the series

[@candacetygrett2970]

Great videos, Randy! Could you recommend a 2-meter half- or quarter-wave antenna for my Yaesu FT-470 walkie-talkie? Having much difficulty getting into 2-m repeaters. Thanks

[@K7AGE]

Hi, search my channel for my 2M quarter-wave antenna build.

[@alcpower1]

Very nice video. Thank you. I have the same radio. Can you describe how to clear an existing location of memory that has previous settings?

[@jeffrymararac328]

it helps me alot with my icom v80... thanks...

[@ahmadyousfi8737]

Hi Randy, great videos indeed! i don't know if you can help me in this but i got new 2 i-com and i wanna use them in my construction site, a 400 m high tower building and i need the best set to get the maximum vertical range here, i'm so confuse about the settings and i don't know if i can get a better results, considering the concrete slaps and inside shafts!!! i will really appreciate it if u can give me ur expert advice in this.. Thank you so much my dear :)

[@1fanger]

Hey, you have kind of sold me on the V-80 Sport, just to let you know. I just ordered one this afternoon, plus some rechargeable 2500 mA/hr AA`s and a smart charger for it, plus some alkaline ones to have on the shelf. Looking forward to 2 meters; it`ll be my 1st time on FM. I really feel the need to have some Amateur capability while on the road. 73, Joe KC3BXZ

[@K7AGE]

Joe, I think there is a warning in the battery case about using rechargeable batteries. I also got a T70 dual band with the Li-Ion battery, which also fits the V80.

[@1fanger]

I also have some SW radios that take AA`s, so, no loss. My off grid tendencies kinda revolve around AA batteries a little. I am getting into battery powered interior lighting. The Li -Ion tip sounds good, will check it out. Joe

[@gregorgman]

Randy, watched you enter the frequency and you saved it. Does this mean you use the same frequency when you are in your area so that frequency is for that one repeater? I wasnt sure as to why there are several memory places to save frequencies. I assume for different repeaters?? Thanks in advance anyone??

[@K7AGE]

As you become more active you may use more than a couple of channels. Storing setups in memory will make it easy to hop around on a few channels.

[@Elundy55]

Hi Randy, I've watched quite a few of your vids here on KZbin and I have learned a lot. I just passed my tech last month and only missed the General by 3 questions. I have a question. I'm wondering if I can connect my little cheapy handheld Baofeng UV-5R to my CB spring mount in my Toyota? Do they make an adapter? I'm sure I will have to buy a new antenna, I just don't want to drill new holes in my 71 Land Cruiser. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much and keep up the good work. Out here.

[@K7AGE]

KK6TDM Eric Eric, great news on your license. Get back for another test soon! You would need to find an 146/440 MHz antenna that would fit your CB antenna mount. At the radio end you probably have a PL-259 coax connector. I would use a short cable to go from the PL-259 to the Baofeng connector, and not use an adapter that could apply a lot of stress to the radio's connector. Amazon even sells these. www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Baofeng-Handheld-connect-Antennas/dp/B00B3KHLVM

[@Elundy55]

Thank you sir, sorry about slow reply. Had a few family issues, all is good.

[@lapisdust]

Good job on your videos, Randy! This has really helped a lot. Thanks! Doug KD5RBS

[@MaverickFischer]

Wait, my mistake. I found your video posted on ham universe which I thought was your site.

[@johnbspringer]

Nice video. I am thinking about purchasing a radio. But I live in a home owners association, so rigging a 40m antenna to talk on 80m is not an option. I was looking for a repeater like system that allows my to transmit on shorter freqs (perhaps even 2 meter) to a system that would then retransmit my signal on 80m or any other freq that I want. Does such a system exist? My main issue is limited antenna length and a desire to talk on longer wave lengths.

[@K7AGE]

I don't think you will find a 2M to HF system. If there are any, then it is probably something private that someone has setup for remote control. You might be able to put up a flag pole vertical. Google for that and other stealth antennas.

[@larryforbes7974]

Randy. Curious do you know of any Repeater in Truckee

[@nr3rful]

Great as usual

[@H.pylori]

I am new to HAM and wanted to see how act on a repeater in terms of calling and signing off. This video was great for that. Thumbs up and sub. When you are done, do you say "73" or "clear" or "out" and then the other person's call sign and then your own? s

[@FullHouseOutfitters]

Ordered one this morning from AES and it's getting a steady diet of rechargeables whether it likes it or not. I use a Goalzero solar charger for the AAs which works killer.

[@K7AGE]

Have fun

[@bradenglettkd8zm69]

This might sound like a smart-aleck question, but it's sincere: Other than asking for a radio check and waiting for an emergency to occur, what can you do with one of these units? Can you engage in conversation, or is that considered a waste of bandwidth or repeater time? Something else? I "did" ham radio ending about 30 years ago, and on HF you actually could engage in conversation occasionally, but I'm wondering if the same applies to the repeater-dependent 2m genre? Any thoughts? Thank you, KD8ZM

[@albert5519]

very imformative video ,thank you very much ! I've learned a lot .

[@danielgiraud2192]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge if our Hobby. 73 De ZS5DG in Durban, South Africa.

[@rogerwilco94539]

Thanks for informative video, I am studying to get my tech license.

[@Cbro-621]

Man I wish someone would do this with the Yaesu FT-4X. I can’t get the tone to stay on transmit? The manual is extremely vague. Great video!

[@asoftail]

Nice series Randy. Great information. I've been wondering what power repeaters retransmit with? Does it vary or is there a standard?

[@K7AGE]

+Mike Simpson Repeaters may use around 25 watts. Some run over a 100 watts. No standard that I know of.

[@asoftail]

Thanks

[@davidsaccoccia4649]

I am also new to Ham. Just starting, actually. How do you know whether your offset freq. will be a plus or a minus? Also, do you know of any clubs or mentors in AZ?

[@K7AGE]

The offset will usually be listed with the repeater's output frequency as + or -. I don't know of anyone or clubs in AZ. Google to find clubs. The ARRL site has an area that list clubs.

[@davidsaccoccia4649]

Thank you

[@EMRJoel1330]

nice video k7age really helped out alot - Joel VK2FABG

[@bvds2007]

Very useful - thanks

[@tbhollywood]

Hi K7AGE.... This is KD2DIX... I'm new to Ham operation and I to have the V-80 platform. Was wondering if you could answer a question for me. Why is it that when you key up the mix or push the squelch button it shows a different frequency? This might be the reason I cant get anyone on the other end of repeaters for radio checks? Thank you..

[@500VulcanRider]

Randy, what would you recommend for a beginner as a dual band mobile radio?? Not an HT. Thanks

[@K6TJO]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@Rspiritjgl]

Nice job on the Video's.. Thanks.. KA3LNA.. Delaware..

[@jeep146]

What do you normally set your squelch? Off, Tone Squelch, Tone Encode for the repeaters. Thanks.

[@K7AGE]

You typically need to encode tone to get into the repeater. I don't use tone decode on my radios, Just normal squelch. I like to hear if there is something else on the repeater frequency.

[@jeep146]

@@K7AGE I have my radio set for Tone Squelch on most freq but thinking about turning them to off. AG5QP - 73

[@n0rg]

How far away is the repeater you're hitting? I have to go out on my porch in order to hit the local repeater

[@abuhadra1790]

thanks for your help...My icom IC V80 won't transmit! I don't have a clue what the problem is! the TX sign does show up and the bars do come up,When I try to transmit, everything on the little screen seems to be right: duplex, tone encoder, TX, and all three bars come up. I just can't figure out what's wrong...but the Rx is good..i can hear.. plz help

[@Pawoodsman]

Studying for my Tech license , see I am going to have to write down call signs before I respond back. I have too many brain farts lol.

[@K7AGE]

I too have that problem

[@K7AGE]

They may have linked to the original Part 3 video, which was deleted. They need to link to the current Part 3 video.

[@pmc181]

Awesome videos Randy. This is Paul KG5FAZ in Conroe, Texas. I just got my tech license last month. Can you please tell me the make and model of your station clock in the background of your videos? Thanks, Paul

[@K7AGE]

Paul McNerney Congratulations on your license. Here is the clock tinyurl.com/l4x6le4

[@pmc181]

K7AGE Thanks Randy. Paul in Conroe, KG5FAZ

[@sgstiffler]

Great videos. I am completely new to Ham and I haven't even taken my Tech exam as of this time. I went to my local Amateur Radio club and found repeater information. Output is listed as 145.49-. Input is listed as 144.89. PL tone is listed as 123.0. I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but how do these numbers relate to the numbers you refer to: Repeater's frequency, repeater's offset, and repeater's tone. I believe the repeater's tone=PL tone which is 123.0. Is that correct? Thanks for your help.

[@sgstiffler]

OK. I figured it out: 145.49 MHz - 600 KHz = 144.890 MHz....so the offset is 600 KHZ.

[@K7AGE]

Steven Stiffler You got it. Use the - offset, normally set for 600 KHz for 2M FM.

[@SuperKevinjake]

+Steven Stiffler how we can get the freq tone. tnx

[@K7AGE]

+Joepet Heruela Usually the repeater is listed as 145.49 - 123. So set the radio to 145.49 with minus offset. Set the tone to on and frequency to 123.

[@maldog4303]

Great videos....... Thanks, Bob?Pete? Lol

[@KandiKlover]

So do you ever use that yaesu still? I seen it sitting on your desk in the background in some later vids.

[@K7AGE]

+Kandi Klover (Fursuiter Furry) I used that for my echolink link radio. I should get that running again.

[@KandiKlover]

K7AGE please do I've just downloaded the app and would love to check your node.

[@K7AGE]

+Kandi Klover (Fursuiter Furry) I need to setup another PC and make changes to my wifi router to get back on echolink. Not high on my list having just moved. Lots of other stuff is needed first.

[@KandiKlover]

How about now? :)

[@K7AGE]

The Yaesu is setup in Brookings as an Echolink link to the 146.96 repeater. I can't reach the repeater from Gold Beach, so I link into it.

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks Randy

[@tcherry4450]

Good job!

[@YZFoFittie]

Is there a way to get a License without a local club? I have tried contacting a few with limited to no response...

[@geoffreycheadle3530]

Well done! Very helpful. Gedoff KO3C

[@adelarsen9776]

I got the Icom T70A and Icom 2300H. But all Icom gear is great :-)

[@larryforbes7974]

Thanks Randy for the info I replied about week ago bot obviously I didn't do properly 73 Larry F N6RCP

[@reax2237]

Repeater book has receive transmit offset. I don't see tone? Newbie here

[@1fanger]

I researched the features on it and have come away with some more desirable plusses to it. It does seem to have a more rugged and water resistant shell to it, as I do seem to have inherited a more than 2 thumbs. It does have a 5.5-6 watt capability. It is more simplistic in it`s functionality- that is good for me, as I have an analog brain.

[@K7AGE]

Always good to do some of your own research.

[@franciscohuertas5263]

Thank you! for your help.

[@buz375]

Best videos on u tube

[@skycarl]

Good info Randy,,, as always. 73 Carl KD8SKG

[@ShaggyDawg]

You didn't mention where we find the frequencies for the repeater.

[@whizardmagic]

Can you send me info on how to get a license? How hard is it to get and how much? Any test? I have two CP200 VHF Motorola Radios. I would like to use them with each other, and also on a repeater would be great. Any help, thanks!!

[@K7AGE]

Dig around on the ARRL.org website to learn about licensing

[@ezamudio789]

? would this unit be able to be used with regular frs/gmrs units

[@abuhadra1790]

can the icom v80 works with motoralla repeater or any repeater else?

[@abuhadra1790]

heloo...how can i enter the Rx to icom ic-v80....to connect with repeater.....plz help

[@clydesostand3339]

Thanks for the info

[@fretgee]

thanks very helpful!

[@K7AGE]

Look at page 27 in the pdf manual that you can download from Icom

[@K7AGE]

Re-edit with the contact scene replaced due to buzzing audio from repeater.

[@gr8alarmguy]

Great videos Randy! Some of the best on KZbin!Jonathan KE0IPS

[@K7AGE]

Sounds like you are trying to get into repeater. Try simplex or get with someone to see if they can hear your radio.

[@K7AGE]

should work with any repeater with the correct frequency and tone settings.

[@KandiKlover]

I wanna see that 6mhz moonbounce featured in the intro

[@K7AGE]

***** Search for my Moonbounce video and you will see what happened that night.