Ham Radio Basics--Jim, W6LG Sets Up a Basic Ham Radio Station

[@Jimmyjackfruit]

Jim thanks for your videos. I'm not a ham radio guy. However, I'm a TBI survivor struggling with listening and encoding information to memory. Watching your video and listening to you describe, in detail, how radio components work and how they are put together helps with my disability. I watch these videos over and over again practicing the skill of listening and memorization. The call signs, jargon, radio components, names of parts and how they work challenge me to listen, pay attention, and remember; Not just this stuff, but day to day stuff, like names, addresses, phone numbers and how to get back home. I bet you didn't know far your work could go. Thank you - I recommend your videos to others suffering with TBI.

[@ZAR66]

As a new Ham, I really appreciate the time you take to make these videos. Keep them coming.

[@mitchellmatyasse4592]

How did you get into ham radio? Where would someone who is clueless (i.e. me) start?

[@marklowe7431]

A club. Study with them and get some kind of radio and listen at the same time. When possible build anything you can and learn everything about the device. Buy a length of coax or ladder learn everything about it. Pros cons etc.

[@keithcronk7980]

Mitchell Matyasse AMEN

[@МартинХороши]

This old fart brags about himself way too much on the air

[@charlesweimer2842]

Hi Jim I don't believe I have ever had the pleasure I have been a Ham since 1977. My call sign is KD8l my name is Charlie now live in Florence, Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio. I was raised in SW Ohio.I have enjoyed your video . I have not been on the air for a while as moving here I live in a town home no antennas. I will be looking for new videos you put out. Thanks much really enjoy your videos keep'em coming 73

[@lightwavz]

Brand new Technician license here and I REALLY needed these videos! Thanks so much!

[@edgarsmith5462]

Jim, I'm a new Ham, AC8ZS. I want to thank you for showing the new guys the basic steps that I'm looking to do at this time. I always enjoy your videos. Thank you for being an Elmer on an internet scale. 73

[@kanaiyalalkotak2638]

Hey Jim I am a New HAM, VU3HVA...I want to thank you for showing the new guys the basic knowledge. Knowledge.i regularly enjoy your video.73 sir.

[@jamesmitchell8713]

Praying for your healing

[@michaelfrank333]

Thank you for the time taken to make this video. Nice to watch one without no background music blaring!!

[@ham-radio]

For some, CW is music to their ears. Thanks! 73, Jim

[@aw7425]

You are the Best Elmer, Jim. Thanks. 73 W1NGA

[@bobthenoob4858]

I just bought a FT-450D can't wait to get it set up.

[@browntroy101]

Thanks for a really nice video! I like that you cover the distance from the mike and mentioning the room echo! Had no idea! KI5RTH

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim's w6lg what a interesting hobby to get in to ham radio

[@bradfrancis9473]

Hi Jim. I have been watching several of your videos. They are great for my needs. I was a novice a 1000 years ago. Yes, I did cw. Now I am interested in many of the “new” features of amateur radio. Thank you for all of your help as I begin my studies.

[@thormusique]

I just found your series and love it! Thanks for taking the time to show the ins and outs of setting up a station. It's usually assumed that we all know how to do this, but even though I've been a ham for a while, I can already see things I never thought because of your step-by-step approach. And I'm building a Wishlist to upgrade my shack, as I'm about to upgrade my license to General Class. Please keep these coming!

[@ham-radio]

Thank you! Yes, do get the General and then work towards the Extra so you have all of the frequencies. Yes, you can pass the Extra exam. I am working on 2 videos right now. Both should be a little more "fun". 73, Jim W6LG

[@322doug]

im just a tech, working on my generals, been a ham almost a year, trying to figure out which HF rig to go with, great show, absolutely my favorite, thanks again KD9GRP 73

[@trevorlockhart6587]

Hey Jim. Thank you for this. Currently trying to obtain my foundation here in UK, 30 years after I told myself I’d do it! Very interesting topics and looking forward to CQ you when I pass my exam and get licensed. Thanks again.

[@ham-radio]

You are welcome and thanks to you! 73, Jim

[@TheZippydoda123]

Jim, you are the best of the best! Great presentation and lots of information for us new-bes. Hope that your health holds out and take care of yourself. You are not replaceable in the this craft!!

[@cod4madass]

I really do enjoy these videos. I'm sitting here at 1am trying to get this tuner finished and having this on in background just makes time fly. Keep it up Jim, 73 de M6EXH

[@robertbennett6410]

aspiring Ham here, and wanted to THANK YOU for this great information

[@justincase9638]

You are such a pro - thanks for showing the best of ham radio!

[@ham-radio]

I wished I were even semi-pro. Thanks for the nice compliment. 73, Jim

[@davidvelen9835]

Your instructional videos are the best Jim, thanks so much for putting them out there, 73's David W5DPV

[@mickcapsouto2270]

Jim, I really like your videos. I've been a ham for several years. It's nice to go over anything and everything no matter your level of experience. 73 de W7MCK.

[@ham-radio]

Thank Mick. It is nice of you to write.....nice callsign too! 73, Jim

[@MrWmburr7]

Thanks Jim. Very easy to follow instructions. 73's, AA8VA

[@sherlock1895]

That was informative. I’m buying ham stuff for my wife for Christmas because this interests her. We’ll see what happens after Christmas. Cheers!

[@timtillman40]

Jim, fantastic video. I am a new HAM and really enjoyed watching this video. This is a learning persons hobby. Thanks again!

[@ham-radio]

You are more than welcome Tim. There is always, always a lot to learn. And, keep in mind that it is a licensed radio service first and foremost. 73, Jim Heath W6LG

[@retromanc3r]

Thanks, Jim! Your videos are excellent.

[@ReflectingMe2024]

Jim. Your presentation style is flawless, and you are so so easy to listen to and to watch. I’ve learned so much in a short time by watching your excellent videos. I have my foundation exam in a few weeks and will be looking to purchase a Yaesu 450d. Thanks for doing what you do, and I’m so glad you’ve made a good recovery. I hope one day to make contact with you on the air. Regards from South Wales, UK. John.

[@whattheflimflam]

Hey Jim. I'm a new tech and watching your videos brings me relaxation and confidence I can set up and do well at this hobby. Thanks for being a great Elmer to everybody. Most importantly, I hope your recovery is speedy that you're doing well. Hope to see ya on the air.

[@JoeGiz64]

Great informative video! I always wanted my Ham license since I was a little boy. I’m in my 50’s now and studying for my Technician license. This helps me a lot in learning the basics of setting up a station. Now I just need to find a good reputable place to start looking for equipment to use with the Tech license.

[@colinwiltshire4503]

Thanks for this Jim....studying for my licence up here in Canada and wanting to become familiar with gear needs. You've got a great, honest, easy style that makes it easy to learn and retain. Maybe we'll have a chance to chat down the line. Stay well.... Cheers 73

[@brucetraudt1571]

JIM YOU ARE SO RIGHT AND THE POWER SUPLY TOO IVE HAD A CHEAP ONE AND RECEIVED 7-9 DBS OF NOISE BAD BAD BAD! NOW im in a new place that can not have a base station and im in the mobile and jim a whole new world of issues STATIC! tore the mobile out and started over! i put a battery in the trunk ran all wires away from the engine compartment and i used dlo 4/0 and killed all interference i was having 7-9 dbs of whining noise and then some. its amazing that you can make a agressive move and bam results are awesome!! great videos jim!

[@Rudmyster]

Wow I'm new to Ham in fact I'm so new I don't even have one yet. I really appreciate the info and your time thank you.

[@timber2533]

Adolph Dupree I'm new too brother I'm going to get this setup

[@migram4190]

Yes me too. I'm just binging these videos for now. 😁 73 Brothers!

[@jefcon.1]

Studying for the Technician Exam, and very much appreciating your videos for the content and the presentation style. Well done sir!

[@buckeye5704]

Thanks so much for the time you put into helping us noobies get on the air. I got my Tech & Gen back in 2015, but haven't been on the air much since then. I only have a couple UV-5Rs and a TYT mobile quad band. Can't wait to get back home from overseas and make a start at setting up my shack in the house we're building. Much I have to learn and relearn and much time to do it. 73 K1WME Dixmont, Maine

[@harbselectronicslab3551]

Its good to see you looking a lot better in these later Video's Jim.......you look a lot healthier! ..........and yep, I have gotten of my butt and had a walk around today lol its great to see these video's.......I have been showing them to a new potential Ham and she likes them.

[@billrichards2903]

hi Jim thank you very much for taking the time to make these videos . I can tell you that it's greatly appreciated and informative for new guys like myself . I will continue to subscribe to your videos and am looking forward to learning from them so that I may be a good operator . I also wish you well with your health and welfare . anyhoot just thought I'd give a shout out and say thx . ML&R Bill from kemptville Ontario Canada .

[@utkf16]

I'm brand new just about to get my first rig and this has been very useful, thx for posting

[@drumbri]

Awesome videos! Thank you sir. I am new to ham and so much to learn. You are saving all of us new to ham radio a lot of money. Testing for tech this week.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Brian. Good luck on the tests. I hope you become part of the Amateur Radio Service. 73, Jim

[@CTCstudentgeorgeh]

Thanks for all the knowledge. I just got licensed a few weeks ago and have learned much from you. I made my first call a few days ago and I am already doing weekly calls with my club here in Temple, TX. I am currently just using a Baofeng BF-F8HP, but hope to some day have a serious system to reach out across the country. Thanks again and take care. KG5WUN

[@ham-radio]

HF is a a lot of fun. There are many modes and lots of guys to work around the world. Go for it! 73, Jim

[@walterforred7865]

The BEST ham info videos on the web. Thanks Jim. AA6ITWalt

[@JamesJohnson-ok1hn]

ive been playing with the sdr-rtl units and it has been pushing me in the direction of getting into ham radio gonna learn more before i buy but these videos are great teaching source. thanks for posting.

[@lenggongsunardi5065]

You are a new friend Mr.

[@ham-radio]

Wonderful. Let me know if you need some help. 73, Jim

[@ferncaballero]

Great video. I would be interested (maybe in a subsequent video) on how to properly added the grounding to all these components in my shack. Not sure if you were going to talk about that aspect of building the station.

[@jimantonino4394]

Thank you. Where have all the Elmers gone?

[@PF9Z-HamRadioDXStation]

Best Easy to Learn channel ever! and boy i love the intro ;) 73s OM Jim....Sascha PD9Z

[@larrywillis475]

I've found that a lot of knowledgeable hams are crabby old men that don't want to help newbies. I appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share and help. I've learned so much. Thank you sir.

[@kevinlawton9074]

Sorry, Hackberry, but my experience disagrees with you there. I got started in the hobby at 11 years old as a SWL (short wave listener) on a TRF (tuned radio frequency) set I built myself. Right from the start, I found other amateur radio enthusiasts generally really helpful and made some friendships then which lasted many years. Most amateur radio enthusiasts at that time really hated the term 'Ham' as it was used otherwise to denote somebody who did things poorly with a slap-dash attitude (amateurish). Even I become a 'crabby old man' if somebody calls me a 'ham'.

[@rob-zz5pp]

This is great I'm still learning lot from you Jim and thank you for making these Video Rob Australia.

[@johngulliver6151]

Hi Jim thanks for posting, may i say you're looking well .keep em coming i really enjoy your videos take care .

[@CA2APat]

Awesome, sir! Thank you so very much for this informative video! It’s so helpful for knowing what and how to set up a station.

[@alexatilbrook7728]

Thanks for this video. As a new ham, KI5AUE, I appreciate this!

[@ham-radio]

You are very welcome. 73, Jim

[@larryak0z672]

I didn't catch the brand of the linear power supply. Great video, thank you!

[@Avensur]

HI JIM. YOUR MY FAVORITE ONLINE TEACHER IN THIS RADIO WORLD. SO DETAILED AND PASSION THAT DRAWNS ALL THE ATTENTION IF YOU WANT TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HAM OPER. THANKS FOR BEING HERE FOR US . I'M STUDYING RIGHT NOW FOR THE TECH LIC AND LEARNING EVERYDAY. TAKE CARE.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks very much Anibal. I wish you good luck on the Tech Exam. Also, please do take the General Class Exam as soon as you can. HF, high frequencies, are a lot of fun and you can communicate around the world. I am working on several new videos that I hope to finish and upload soon. Right now, I am finishing my new radio room at my new location in Rocklin California. 73 from Jim W6LG

[@selfloveloveself9502]

thank you w6lg for sharing...

[@jeromewhite2347]

Great video from KI6TLK

[@happydxer7542]

Great video jim.

[@jackrabbitslim1028]

Jim, all your vid's are outstanding! since you got your license back in 63, i'll bet you know your way around tube equipment, is there anything you miss about using tube stuff from back then compared to all the stuff thats used today ? i still prefer my tube amps from EICO listening to music..thanks so much for all you have given us.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

What a terrific communicator! You just really have to enjoy this gentleman's demeanor. It's a gift when you have somebody that talented in your hobby that can show you the correct way as you grow. Thanks Jim. 73 from KD2PGJ.

[@32Burtons]

Thanks Jim, interested in ham and I’m researching . Great videos.

[@jackplummer161]

]i greatly appreaciate these videos that you post, and they are quite helpful. could you do an episode on antennas, please?

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

Love your videos Jim! I love amateur radio, and I always look to your channel for advice!!!! 73 de KE0STO

[@26GB75]

Hi Jim, another great video. I agree that power poles have some drawbacks. Personaly I use SB50 Anderson connectors on all my power leads as they are rated to 50amps, have a very positive and secure snap fitting and the moulded design means its not possible to reverse the polarity. I'm supprised they aren't more popular in the ham world. 73, Tom

[@ethanpoole3443]

26GB75 The downside of the SB50 power connector, which uses the same crimp connectors as a 75A PP plug, is that they really are not designed for wiring smaller than about #8 AWG, which is a bit large for most amateur radio connectors and the connector itself is quite large (a distribution strip made up of a dozen SB50 connectors would be huge by comparison). The biggest risk with the PP connectors is really the chance of connecting them shifted over one pin, which can potentially leave you with a negative hanging off in space in the positive connected to the negative pin on the radio (and the radio's positive unconnected) -- which would not be an issue if not for the fact that if you have other gear then the radio is likely to be backfed by the coax shield passing negative power from another radio or accessory. Actually plugging in a PP backwards is not a possibility unless you literally reversed the pins when you initially made up the connector. As long as you take care to plug two PP connectors together so that both halves must be plugged in and you have not physically shifted the connector over one so that it plugs in only one side, then you can not get polarity reversed. I much prefer them over binding post connectors for that reason as it is much easier to reverse polarity when connecting to binding posts, especially if in a rush or where there is poor lighting available.

[@j0llyroger889]

Great video jim thanks for posting.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

nice videos Jim 73 good luck my friend

[@timothyfidler2088]

One thing that you omitted to mention is that you were connecting to a resonant antenna (unless the tcvr contains an auto tuner and many do not ). Some people looking at this would have not a clue as to what was happening at the far end....

[@jojopri22]

Thanks Jim for the video Jim, may I request if you have time how to use/set up an Icom Ic-7000 that we saw on this video? More power to your channel! Its great to see you well, 73! Jojo KM6EHD

[@ham-radio]

Thank Jojo, Maybe I can do that when I do the next episode with the SWR meter, wattmeter and tuner. 73, Jim W6LG

[@jojopri22]

Thanks Jim for your consideration, God Bless and take care. I love your channel, keep it up! 73

[@joemurphy7799]

Jim, I enjoyed your video but I was surprised that you did not talk about a station ground connection. thank you, Joe Murphy W7JBM

[@RickRose]

Great video for beginners like myself. Thank you!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. If you have a suggestion, let me know. 73, Jim

[@RickRose]

I haven't been through your whole catalog, so you may have already covered these questions, but right now I'm really interested in antennas. What's the first antenna you would put up at a base? Are you familiar with the DBJ-1 dual band J-Pole? Good choice? Would something like that require lightning protection and, if so, how would you connect it? Things like that. 73!

[@charleswells9682]

Thanks for the video. I'm in the throes of setting up my first HF station, so this was timely. My question, though, is what about grounding the equipment? I've been told that this is crucial. So, what do you do for grounding?

[@n9eerptr]

Most grounding is first connect all metal of the gear together. Most transceivers and other gear have special terminal for this. Use simple #14 house wiring for this. Put separate wire for each piece of gear and run all back to a central point/plate. DO NOT CONNECT GROUND WIRE FROM ONE PIECE TO THE NEXT, ETC. Then from this point ground to outside ground rod. DO NOT CONNECT TO HOME WATER PIPE FOR YOU ARE INVITING LIGHTNING INTO YOUR HOME IS GEAR IS HIT FROM THE ANTENNA (exception might be if like on 3rd floor of apartment. As for antennas use separate ground. Might connect all coax shields together, but when disconnect want these shields to be disconnected from the gear. this is basic grounding. Grounding gear together can also protect you in the event a piece of gear develops a short to like AC or high voltage inside. ARRL has good book on the subject. Be safe.

[@PowderMill]

Polyphaser has a good section on grounding & surge prot. // and good old BatWing R56 guide to site grounding and bonding (and the NEC published by the NFPA) Don't pinch pennies ! Spend whatever it takes to do it right. (no daisy-chaining like the knowledgeable guy below wrote about) It's all about "wheel and spoke" everything gets connected to a central bonding point / and IT is connected to the building primary ECG -- a "UFER" type ground is also great if building a home and pouring a basemtnt slab ..... use CADWELD (exothermic joints) for all buried connections. (and stub out access with an access door/port or even a short piece of schedule 80 pvc conduit in a large diameter --- cut later and add a female threaded hub and you have access.... you can cap it if you bring the ground wire out through the side of the coonduit.

[@robey60]

What is the name of the book, please?

[@TheAragonProduction]

Excellent video, very informative. I am getting my technician license soon.

[@ham-radio]

Best of luck! Aim for the Extra Jose. You can do it. HF is a lot of fun. 73 from N. CA. , Jim W6LG

[@stephentaylor280]

Great information for prospective new hams. KK7T

[@quadcathippiedrone9282]

I'm putting my first antenna Up on the Roof it's a j pole 2 meter antenna. I've got everything else - a cheap 25 watt Chinese mobile radio, a cheap power supply, and of course 50 foot of rg8x. It's going up tomorrow. After watching your video (and I kind of knew this) I will be switching out to a much better coax. Listening to you explain in a coherent detailed clinical synopsis beats in my head what I need to do. I hear a lot of people say money is tight right now. So if I buy an 80 watt radio like I plan to do soon, why would I waste half of my power thru line loss ? Thank you for explaining things in a common sense way that us new guys can understand.

[@ham-radio]

Don't spend any money on new coax. Use what you have in place now. You will want to upgrade to HF at some time. 73, Jim W6LG

[@Zc4sh]

Beautiful image

[@kensclark]

Since I am mainly wanting to get into the HF band after I get a general or extra license, what is the typical wattage used to transmit across the US or even across the world on the 20 meter band? I see most new stations only go up to 100 watts, yet I thought you would need closer to 150 to reach really far?

[@ham-radio]

Typical is probably just the transceiver's power or about 100 watts. There is not much difference between 100 and 150 watts. An amplifier that runs 1000 watts makes a significant difference of about 10 dB or almost 2 S units. The most important part of your station is the antenna system. If you are running 1500 watts to a lossy feedline and dummy load antenna, you are not going to be heard much of the time. The 3 more important things in your station are the antenna system, the antenna system and the antenna system. 73, Jim

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Love it! True ICON!

[@ham-radio]

Which one?? 73, Jim W6LG

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Love the 450….but you my friend are the icon!

[@dnvr08]

Thanks for the basic info for newbies like myself and ask if you have something that you can share on Antennas for the new / basic Ham Shack?

[@tomw5vlt119]

Hi Jim, I've watched this series a couple times, new Tech/General operator (studying for Extra) trying to select and acquire my first base equipment. Wasn't thinking about power supplies, but if you can answer a question... I'm thinking for my base shack, a combination of units including 1) Yaesu 991A, 2) ICOM 7300, and perhaps a 3rd, such as ICOM 9700 or alternative. So the question is... with up to say 2 units turned on at the same time (example 991A operating UHF/VHF, and 7300 for HF)... how do I determine how much power supply I need? In your example you have one unit selected, the PR-25 power supply, but is that matched to only having turned on the one transceiver? Is there any other equipment that requires the power supply (as opposed to A/C plugs) such as voltmeters, antenna tuners, amplifiers... The need for a power supply threw me for a loop and I'm a complete beginner, thinking everything would plug into wall outlets.

[@oldwolf1928]

Thank You for the video. Wife and I are just getting into it

[@graphguy]

As a newbie... this is exactly what I was looking for (albeit it 4 years post its release), what about specific antenna?

[@JohnQPublicSafety]

Hi Jim, in this video, you mention a website that you have. May I get that from you so I can navigate. Your videos are very helpful and I enjoy watching them. Many Thanks. 73s from Central Missouri

[@ham-radio]

Due to a lengthy series of illnesses, I had to close the website and move closer to medical care in the Valley near my son's home. What were you looking for? I have a very few things left and I am putting them on Ebay. 73, Jim...thanks!

[@moondog_radio]

I enjoyed your video. I’m wondering, you didn’t hook up an external speaker. Do you think most people use the internal speaker on radios like this?

[@ham-radio]

I do. That is even more likely here in the sound proof radio room in Rocklin CA. I have some big speakers that will do a job at voice frequencies of about 200 to 3000 Hz. 73, Jim W6LG

[@moondog_radio]

Jim W6LG Rocklin... I know a guy there who does professional voice work. He did all the voice work for another friend who builds widely-used repeater controllers. So the ham community hears his voice on repeaters all over the country!

[@philthompson3499]

Nice demo Jim, thanks, continue with the videos.

[@dpurrington]

Useful information, Jim, and I hope you're mending well. I have a question about the power supply. You are not keen on the switching supply, but I didn't follow what exactly was different with the other one. Is it simply a non-switching supply?\

[@ham-radio]

Hi Dave, The switching supply or switch mode power supply uses transistors in a very complicate circuit that switch very quickly to produce voltages. That switching action produces an RF signal that can be suppressed or filtered or somehow eliminated. Switching supplies are very efficient, typically small, light and located everywhere. A standard linear power supply is simple. There is a transformer, rectifiers and filter capacitor. Anybody can build one. It is relatively quiet with respect to RF. Because of the transformer, the standard power supply is larger and heavier than an equivalent switch mode supply. I hope that helps. 73, Jim W6LG

[@dpurrington]

It does, very much. Now you have me thinking that building that power supply would be a nice project. I'm going to Google that and do it with my 10 y.o. son. :) It looks like there's no shortage of instructional videos. 73, Dave KC1GES

[@ham-radio]

There are lots of guys with helpful, good, nicely done, instructional videos. For many applications, you will want a regulated supply. That involves a regulator and probably a pass transistor. It is something you can build. Start looking for parts; cabinet, transformer, capacitors. A good source can be a ham swap meet in your area. Leaving now for an appointment at UC Davis. It took months to get in there. 73, Jim W6LG

[@dpurrington]

Very good, and thanks, Jim. I'll let you know how it goes. NEARfest is coming soon, so maybe I'll pop up there to see what I can find. Wishing you a good appointment. 73, Dave KC1GES.

[@jjgr661]

Hello Jim How mucho length do you recommend for the jumpers talking about RG213 or RGX for 40 or 80 mts band? I mean jumpers from the HF to Amp then SWR meter plus antena tuner and finally antenna switch, some people say that length doesn’t matter except from the tuner to the antenna I’d like to hear your opinion on this matter. Thanks a lot DE VE6GTZ

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg I like your utube videos are awesome

[@d.k.barker9465]

Thanks Jim. Could you talk about antennas sometime, beginners especially?

[@ham-radio]

That video is partly done. It will take another week of work to get it finished. Thanks for asking and thanks for the topic. 73, Jim

[@skeets6060]

This is pretty interesting , I have been kicking this around for a long time, but to be honest I am rather intimidated but all the stuff on these transceivers. What would to recommend for someone just starting starting, that is simple to use and understand.

[@wesleybuff2536]

Just starting in HAM or just stating in code?

[@YaketyYakDontTalkBack]

Hey Jim, You showed modular connecting mics. Do transceivers have XLR connections for microphones?

[@ethanpoole3443]

Yakntoro Udoumoh Not naturally, but you can buy adapters that will allow you to use an XLR microphone with your radio.

[@BigBand1942]

Excellent! What is a CW Key?

[@hamzah6251]

Thanks very much Jim!

[@ham-radio]

Very welcome, 73, Jim

[@joshuacash]

Great video. I do have a question about the power supply. Mine is like the one in the video and sits next to my feet under my desk. The exposed connections always make me nervous about the "what if" of inadvertently touching the connectors with the metal desk leg, or worse, my foot. What is the best way to cover those exposed posts and connection points to ensure there is no accidental shorting or electrocution? Thanks Jim. de KE8EAS.

[@ham-radio]

Hi Joshua, Safety is a big concern. With 12 to 14 volts, your shoe probably would do nothing due to resistance. The metal desk would conduct way more than 30 amperes and likely blow the fuse protection after it did some damage. So, I would put something over the screws or terminals to insulate them. Heat shrink or tape might be a good idea Joshua. Thanks, Jim

[@stevefox3763]

when you say that switching supplies are noisy, what does that noise sound like on HF? Im not a ham, im on CB in the UK and my car setup sits at zero of the rf meter when im not receiving anything and received signals are clear but my home base has a fluctuating 5-9 pound on the meter and very poor audio on signals that are not very strong, everyone but the most local people all sound like they are in the back of the box :( Im using a pc power supply for the CB, I do also have a 2m/70cm transceiver hoked up to that same PSU which i use on the licence exempt public 446mhz band we have here but get no problems with interference or static on that radio but i think the CB is more susceptible as the CB also goes extra wild when my central heating boiler first fires up but the VHF/UHF radio isnt affected at all.

[@capt400]

I'm not yet a ham. The wires on the back of the power supply I assume go into a wall plug. If that's true the contacts seem to be exposed. You didn't mention speakers or head phones. Is there and internal speaker? Is there a head phone jack?

[@dpoulson]

As always, I love your videos. One question for you. I noticed a short cable with a plug hanging off the mic connection. Perchance is that a headset connection?

[@ham-radio]

Thanks David. That is for a switch to do push to talk. 73, Jim

[@masterewoks8121]

Jim can you talk about the software programs you use. I see stuff on your computer screens and wanted to know what they are.

[@jeffstokes6389]

Hi Jim. My name is Jeff Stokes: VK2JET at Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia. I am the Education Officer at the Westlakes Amateur Radio Club here. I'm building some web-based content for those who are looking to get an Australian Ham Licence. Normally we would run classes at our Clubhouse but Face-to-Face classes are out of the question at the moment due to Covid-19 restrictions. I would like to embed, in those resources, links to your website and specifically, KZbin links to some of your excellent videos. Before I publish the content I need to ask your permission so to do. Would it be possible to include the links along with credits to you? I am planning to record a large number of very short KZbin videos addressing specific aspects within the Australian Amateur Radio syllabi but want to supplement that with other sources. I have always found your videos to be clear and informative. Keep up the valuable work.

[@Colin-fj1ci]

So i dont quite understand what you need for an antenna because from my POV you put a coax cable in it but i am just wondering if you need one of those roof-mounted antennas orrrr something that isnt that advanced

[@i82996]

Hey Jim, Albert here, I am a new subscriber and I appreciate your teaching style. I am not a Ham, yet, as I am primarily a receiver restorer. But someday. In watching your discussion on microphones, why don't Hams use a quality headset or lapel microphone. In the audio visual world, holding the mike close to the mouth is called "coupling" which is the big issue you are talking about. With sound boards and headset or lapel mikes, they can adjust the coupling to get good response in the green zone without feedback. I never see pictures, videos, or discussions about this kind of tech among Hams, or am I just the neophyte among your crowd? Why not make a lapel or headset mike with a VU meter and slide switch on the stand and go a better tech direction? Or am I way off base?

[@ham-radio]

Hi Albert and thanks for writing. Mics with a tailored response usually sound better when transmitting single sideband. Manufacturers have made some mics that have that kind of curve that are good in the range of 300 to 3000 hz. The mic must be close to the mouth, make that very close to the mouth. Otherwise, room echo and other noises become a problem. I am currently building a studio with attention to sound issues. Most hams are using a room that is not designed for doing recordings. When someone uses something like a lapel mic, the gain has to be increased to compensate for the distance between the mic and the mouth. That brings in room echo from the hard surfaces. Many hams have VU meters and sound boards. But frankly, many of them have incorrect adjustments which introduces distortion products and that in turn broadens their transmitted signal causing interference to others. Again, thanks for writing. it is a good discussion my friend. 73, Jim W6LG

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg your ham radio Transceivers is cool

[@kurtjohnson6464]

Great stuff. I just picked up an Icom 7300 (WOW!!) which is an upgrade for an Ic-730 that I just listened to (not much into talking).. I live, geographically in a bowl, under monster elm trees and next to power lines so currently running a discone as high up and far away from the power lines as I can get (25') yard is fence to fence 50' X 50' Any suggestions on antennae choices?? A neighbor a few blocks away says he has great reception, but he also has a direct view of Cheyenne Mountain and a yard full of BIG antennas (the kind that make neighbors cranky)...and cost more than my radio.. Love your channel and glad to see you looking so good. KE0JOA 73

[@ethanpoole3443]

Kurt Johnson Cranky neighbors are a great way to improve reception -- not only will you hear distant radio stations far better but you will hear your neighbors much more effectively as well. Look into options for stealth dipole, end fed, and vertical antennas to help improve your reception. They will still be compromise antennas but should do far better than what I presume is a VHF/UHF discone antenna when trying to listen to HF. If all you are doing is listening and *never* transmitting then life is much simpler as you can get by with the longest practical length of wire as high up as you can get it plus a good grounding point as SWR concerns are of little import if not ever transmitting (just do not forget to install a properly grounded surge protector at the point where your antennas enter your home to help reduce the risk of lightning damage, which should be tied directly to your electrical ground outdoors or at your main service entrance electrical panel).

[@kurtjohnson6464]

Thank you for that. The discone is a 25-1300mhz and, well...yeah.. I am working on a dipole that I can make use of the trees with, just getting one to work with the shape of the trees is the challenge. Vertical may be the best option.. Thanks again.

[@1fanger]

Very enjoyable vid, Jim, thanks, KC3BXZ Joe

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Joe, I did it with a green screen. Taking some time to learn how to do that. 73, Jim

[@digital4282]

You did really well with the green screen, I didn't even realize it! lol

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Try & get a Schematic for the Tripp Lite Power Supply & you may be surprised.Two friends of mine & myself all had Tripp Lite 60 amp 40 power supplies & within a week or so of each other they All Failed.One was a 40 amp & the other two were 60 amp.I contacted Tripp Lite & they sent me a Schematic & none of the components had any listed values.I contacted Tripp Lite about this & they told me that they were not sure what components were in their power supplies since they were being built in Mexico.We disposed of all three of the supplies into the local landfill & each one of us purchased ASTRON Power Supplies & never looked back.I have a more than a little bit of an issue buying a product from any company that can't even provide me with what should have been pretty simple information.They did offer to repair each of them if we paid shipping both ways & Yes we declined the offer since we would have paid for the cost of New supplies by doing do.