16 FREE Ideas to Spice-Up Your Ham Radio Life!

Looking at Weird Digital Modes, New Logging Software and Speedy Construction Projects..! These 16 ideas will invigorate your Ham Radio life and give you some extra sparkle. All FREE! Have fun and enjoy :) Callum.
• WSPR - My Best DX - Ha... WSPR
• Model to make a Dipole... Dipole
• Unlock Better Ham Radi... Receive Loop
• Ham Radio - How Do I E... Entering a contest

[@brianfields4479]

38 years and I still get excited when I turn on the radio, it's amazing who might pop up, it's a great hobby for me.

[@MrStanwyck]

You are 100% correct. It’s always fun meeting new people on the radio.

[@brian.7966]

That's funny I get excited by you turning your radio on.

[@MattHeere]

This is exactly why I took up portable operation. Not thing one wrong with my home station, but it is exactly the same every time I sit down. Going portable let's me have the fun of building a station every time I operate. Going on "walkabout" has plenty of it's own benefits, and there are days when the operating is tough that having gone somewhere interesting/beautiful is the only reason I come home with a positive outlook on radio.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Matt! My old friend.. Yes.. /P is fun!

[@DavidMitchell79]

All my radios I have bought so far are mobile radios. I am setting them up for base or portable operation. Looking forward to this hobby. I just started in 2022, when I tested and earned Technician Class, 2023 I earned General Class and this year I earned the Extra Class ticket. I don't know everything, but once I learn it, I can use it.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

I can't even afford to pay attention Cal so its nice to see some freebies that can help me out ;)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

That's funny!!

[@ZeroHarry]

A pair of “insulated” side cutters will help stop the noise from the neighbors fairy lights!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Woops!

[@vk2lq]

Whoops Did i do that LOL

[@rj2para]

LOLOL

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

I love the online SWR calculator! Awesome! Thank you! Plenty of food for thought here! 👍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, iit's a fun calculation.. I was fed up calculating each time myself so made a spreadsheet.. Aubs gave me some javascript instead!

[@ben2e0omr]

@@DXCommanderHQIt works fantasticly well.. Thamks Cal

[@1crazynordlander]

I bought a cheap Quansheng UV-K5 HT flashed the firmware with the IJV mod and took it with me yesterday to Sioux Falls SD and used Repeater Book to program the local repeaters onto the radio. I also found the local airport frequency and used the other band to monitor that traffic. As I was programming the HT I ran across a net on 70 centimeters. All this while getting out of shopping with my XYL. That was actually a lot of fun

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Fabulous!

[@donbunson5031]

I am into this. I did the same to a UVK5 and now love to watch the planes land on the internet radar and listen to air traffic control on the radio. I also use it on 446 and listen to CB on it. Have you got the meshtastic bug yet? You sound like the type.

[@1crazynordlander]

@@donbunson5031 Yes, on Meshtastic! I have only one unit so I am not communicating with anyone quite yet but plan on getting more devices and getting my rural neighbors involved.

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Callum, I have taken to grabbing older books about antennas, to read what the old timers did. There are some really great ideas in these books. Now you may be able to get some for free, most of them are cheap as chips. I picked up 6 at a hamfest for $5.00 US. Also, another free thing to do that might trip your trigger with Ham radio, is volunteer with your local ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services Group). They will be out doing exercises, doing comms for charities, etc. It is a great way to meet people and give back to the community while having fun and building skills.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

John.. Yes, I REALLY like the idea of volunteering for stuff.. Although with my condition(!) - I stopped volunteering about 10 years ago..!

[@G5STU]

Some great ideas there Cal, yep V2 on the way this month hopefully. Thanks for the mention.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Brilliant!

[@thomashardy9994]

Thanks for another great video. We appreciate all that you do.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

So nice of you!

[@quantumradio]

Callum, good ideas thank you. The one that comes to mind to add to the list is satellite comms from your own car using your current VHF/UHF rig and your current mag-mount antenna on top of your vehicle. I modeled my Nagoya UT 72 in MMANA GAL and figured that I could get the low passes of the ISS, say ˜23degrees in elevation. I downloaded a free satellite tracking program to my laptop & then took the laptop in my vehicle to an empty parking lot. When the AOS (Acquisition of Signal) time came up per the program, I listened at the suggested downlink frequency and got the ISS. Anyway, I had fun making a couple of QSOs bouncing off the ISS though it was hit or miss at the beginning. I made some videos on this as reference if you're keen. Keep up the great work & 73!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Brilliant idea!!!

[@quantumradio]

@@DXCommanderHQThank you Cal. Again, enjoy your videos tremendously. 73!

[@jolu2469]

Thanks Callum, always educational and encouraging content.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

My pleasure!

[@PaulGriffith]

I recently watch a KZbin channel where he used an 11m(CB) phasing harness for cophased verticals on 10m and with the same spacing (1/4 wave)and retuning the telescopic whips for 20m changed the direction from N-S to E-W. He was working a contest and wanted to tune out the west coast and Europe on 10m.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Fair enough! Although the spacing would have been 1/8th wave on 20m..? Maybe I got that wrong.. However, when I phased (actually I went parasitic) on 40m, the spacing was 8.5m. That was fun - and seemed to work too.

[@problemwithauthority]

Spot on Callum. If it had not been for POTA, SOTA, or IOTA (parks, summits, islands) I may have boxed up the radios for future use. Because of the popularity of portable ops (popular for me) At a minimum I cary a qrp rig with me everywhere. BTW the DX Commander classic or expedition make a great substitute for a tree when none are available.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice one old friend!!

[@johndovaston1531]

Wow ! Thank you ,, reminds me of the old days when I was short wave listening, amazing, technology 👍

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Some very good ideas here, I will certainly try some of them. Thanks, Cal! 👍😄

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Have fun!

[@sandynewman5533]

I have two OCF dipoles up in the air, one is 10-40m set up for NVIS, and the other is 10-80m and is 45 feet up. Both are inverted V's. I enjoy trying to contact on the NVIS and listen on the DX just to see how the two are performing.

[@dr5674]

What a great video!! Keep up the the good work. It's a pleasure tuning into your KZbin channel. This was a great poke!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Much appreciated!

[@stargazer7644]

I learned CW in a few weeks doing 20 minutes every other day using the W5IY practice tapes. Just a few hours total.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

I did a similar thing. 10 minutes twice a day, started at 5/10WPM. Then pushed myself along at 10/20, then, I got on the air. Had a few shaky QSOs…..after that, I figured I should go get my license reinstated….

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Brilliant!

[@JacquesVermeulenZS1WC]

Very inspiring Calum, sometimes I just want to give up the hobby due to solar panel noise from my neighbour. Our local spectrum guys ICSA the regulator authority is working on that or as a middle man so to speak. It is just a nightmare in SA mate, all these not filtered crap coming from China. Personally, I think the more hams complain they will need to put some laws in place at the end of the day. You get these fly-by-night installers as I call them. HI. But I will certainly have a look at the loop on the ground suggestion and some new Digi modes to fiddle around with in the future Calum. Thank you for all the content that you create. I love watching your channel mate. 73's from down South De ZS1WC Callum, if you have any ideas on how to reduce some solar pannel noise it would be appreciated to make a video about the subject. I have googled these loads....... I wish I could email you some screenshots about the interference. 73's mate. Sorry a bit off the topic of your vid. I just needed to get that out of my chest.HI

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Jacques.. Try that Loop On Ground first.. Then let me know..

[@DavidMitchell79]

I am going to install and try my DX Commander Classic for a bit, TX and RX. Then I will try the "loop on ground" for RX and the Classic for TX. I already have a Par End-Feds SWL antenna. I believe I can use the transformer unit from it to connect my ground loop. My Yaesu FT-891 does not have a separate RX input so I will have to arrange for an auto sense antenna switch to swap antennas from TX to TX (MFJ-1707B perhaps).

[@brian.7966]

I get very excited watching you :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Me too! LOL!!

[@wblue74]

Great ideas. CW is very rewarding for those of us who only have 10W radios.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Very true!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

And it’s one of those things you can always get better at

[@z3r0c00l2]

As for loop on the ground antennas can the "ground" be the rooftop of my house and not the ground of a garden ?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Best "on the ground" however, it will work also as a regular small loop off the ground too.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

I think I have many, many years to go before I start feeling bored with the hobby. I started out a couple years ago with an old Kenwood TS-430S and a homemade dipole for 40 meters. Then added 20. Now I'm up to 40-10 on that Kenwood, and still have 80 and 160 to get into. Picked up a TS-670 which lets me play with low power on 40/15/10/6. A couple older Alinco radios got me on 2 and 6 meter repeaters. And all of this is just voice. There's still a bunch of digital modes to try, CW to learn, satellites, etc. Plus, I like building and trying about any wacky antenna I come across on the Internet. Now, I'm trying my hand at home-brewing stuff like remote coax switches, audio switches, etc. I just don't see me getting bored in this hobby anytime soon.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Beautiful.. I particularly like your "wacky antennas"! :)

[@k9eihamradio]

RTTY is great fun too! I learned CW and it's been the best shot to the arm with my hobby after 23 years playing ham radio!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

RTTY! Good point.

[@migalito1955]

Good ideas. Radio Astronomy brought me back after a ten year absense. Glad I had kept the license. Also, building SolderSmoke's Direct Conversion Receiver that was designed for public school students is far too cool when completed.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Very cool!

[@frankthetank3342]

I've been a ham for 2 years and have done most of these topics, or at least started seriously studying them. You're spot on about how to keep the spark. However, I haven't gotten into contesting. I dont know why, but it just doesnt float my boat. Maybe someday that will change, but not this day! Talking antennas, I use a vertical for RX and OCFD for TX. Next step is to try an RX loop on ground. Ultimately, a cubical quad is the siren call.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

RX on ground is great on the lower bands.

[@frankthetank3342]

@@DXCommanderHQ Even on 10m it has been so much easier (lower noise floor) with the ground-mounted vertical.

[@gardeningfromscratch.]

Nice one Callum, you can see what I do on wspr with 5 watts, a 3 wire fan inverted v (shortened for 80 and no 160) , punch in my call G4LEN to the wsprnet map and select all bands :) nice to see where the signals end up. 73's

[@gardeningfromscratch.]

Interesting, I found that my message was instant deleted if you use the word "proper gation" with the correct spelling and spacing. lol

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Looking now.. East coast 17m Band! LOL

[@DXCommanderHQ]

(PS - Weird about the spelling thing!)

[@gardeningfromscratch.]

Big cluster! It' gets real hectic on 15 , 12 and 10 when it's open to west coast lol@@DXCommanderHQ

[@gardeningfromscratch.]

I'm assuming that was the word that triggered the algorithm, went to edit about the fan inverted V a few seconds after posting, and poof the message was already gone!!! weird. @@DXCommanderHQ

[@fm71450]

Dear Commander Callum, great stuff! Thank you for the ideas. I have not explored ANYTHING between 20m and 10m (except US CB), next on my list of things to try. As always, thank you and keep it up. One day we’ll connect out there. From the west side of the Atlantic - 73, KQ4IXD

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Try a 5-minute wiore vertical for say 17m..?

[@rj2para]

Another good one 👍

[@g1hwy]

As to CW. Never really learned but took part in CQ WW CW 2022, single op low power 40m, just for fun. You don't need much CW knowledge just your call their call and report. Came 2nd in England, 53rd in EU and 69th in World. 😎

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Brilliant!!

[@davidsheedy5793]

Thanks again for the great ideas...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you like them!

[@M0JHN]

I don't have many contacts on 160m, maybe need to get some in the log. What you all think would be a great antenna for that band with enough garden space for any wire length?

[@kevinmatthews2620]

i cut a 40m length of wire and connected it to the hot side of my dx commander and weaved in and out at top of fence height(about 4ft) until i got to the end, and amazingly it tuned on top band, i had a few

[@DXCommanderHQ]

If you have the space, a fuill sized dipole from about 20 feet upwards. Less space, then linera loaded for about 65% length. Less space again, halo loop. Alternatively load up some wire with a coil and trim?

[@TrygveMedhus]

Thanks Cal! Great fun! Now, an idea that might be up you'r ally: Tuning the ground plane or maybe the radio ground. I really don't know what I'm talking about here, but I overherd som 80m ragchewers talking about a grounding system that they could tune. 73 de LA6UOA/Terry in Norway😎

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Those rag-chewers have read the wrong books - or perhaps been on Facebook...!

[@stuartmccloud307]

Love the Video Callum. Although not limited to HAM, how about something on Lora and Meshtastic? seems a great cheap and license free way to get more young people into the delights of RF :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes - that too...!

[@donbunson5031]

Anyone interested in meshtastic? It's not strictly a ham radio hobby but taking off. It's a low power (100mw) Text messaging transceiver that forms a local mesh and can make contacts by jumping along the mesh network. Andy Kirby has popularised it along with many others.

[@g1hwy]

Just got a node going but nobody near enough so far

[@donbunson5031]

@@g1hwy Dam. Shame. What's the setup? Can you improve it? Can you force anyone into the hobby? lol. I have my kit on the way and if I cannot connect to the two locals who are a half a mile away I am just going to get my friend to play with it for me. There is also going mobile.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I am taking an interest.. Not sure if it's my thing - but GOOD FUN!

[@don_n5skt]

One thing, and you have mentioned it before as I recall, get on a WebSDR or LimeSDR and just have a listen to what's going on. If you already have a PC and internet, there is no investment required. If you feel your station is compromised, then listen at what others have put on the internet. Just listen around and see what is going on in the bands. There are some WebSDRs that can even decode FT8, WSPR, RTTY, etc. BTW, it would be interesting, if you set up a webSDR station at the factory and let us tune in and listen when you are away. Might be a way to give people a demonstration of the antenna. But I could also see where that might be a difficult to set up and keep running and your live streams give a good bit of that also.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Don.. SOmething like that is in the plan - but you are right, I would be switching it off and on regularly.. I will eventually find someone with internet and some land we can put a RX only station in..

[@NickelodeonTuber]

Thank you for the tips, Cal!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Lovely!

[@gfodale]

One thing you might consider, is grabbing a secretary, (not literally. LOL) and write a book. Lots of great information for us in one place, and recurring income stream for you. Win-Win.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It's already in the planning stages.. Thank you!!

[@wadd58]

I run a G5RV and have had pretty good luck with it. I was wondering about a G%RV Senior which is twice the length of a regular G%RV. The problem is the length of the ladder line on the senior is 63 feet. I don't have anywhere that I can get the main wire high enough. What do you do with all that ladder line? What would happen if you shortened the ladder line?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. don't actually shorten it - but I layed mine on the ground and it still worked.. It's a matching section (or someone told me - and I find this hard to believe - that on 20m, the ladder line radiated on 20m band.. I found that a difficult concept).

[@JayN4GO]

I like playing with old radios that got me into the hobby

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice! Mike, my friend has a beautiful FT101ZD Mk3.. Lovely.

[@DebsPhotography]

Just started following you and I really enjoyed this 😊

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah cool.. Thank you so much!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yay! Thank you!

[@michaell7877]

I’m just starting with the study for the Tech study. Watching this video seems complicated. I’ll continue np, I realize your from old school. I’m in my 60’s and disabled vet, so I need quite a bit of time in understanding such things. lol.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. this video was for folkls ALREADY in the hobby.. You want to watch my "Foundation Series" (there's a play list on my channel).

[@BrianFields]

Along with Loop On Ground, I've played with Dipole On Ground (DOG, haha)with good results.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good idea!!

[@peterlowrie1216]

Of course it's always fun to do the 'TX Limbo' and see how low you can go power wise to get contacts.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!

[@KH07734]

I have gotten bored with radio and am now using the meshtastick device and additional modules to see how they work.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Anything to spice up the RF :)

[@mcconja]

You’re talking to me. I have more fun adding things to the shack than talking on the air. Problem is, everything is so expensive. I’ve used many of the things you’ve mentioned to jolt my ham activities. Might be time to cycle through again. Think I’ll get DMR going too.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Stop spending! LOL

[@mcconja]

@@DXCommanderHQ I have. :)

[@txpatriot7038]

Question- what's outside the typical bands. Is there anything else I could monitor like air traffic, emergency, weather, CB, monitor ISS etc. I stay in the band plan on my HF but kinda wondered if I could direct tune to these for fun.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

There is aeronotical SSB somewhere around 5MHz.. I forget the frequency.. Also a digital weather thing using a non-standard RTTY on (I think) 10.1MHz. I also remember downloading many years ago my first HF weather fax.. But I forget how I did it!

[@txpatriot7038]

@@DXCommanderHQ wow a big-time celebrity responded :) seriously Thanks. I didn't know if that subject would have enough content for a video or not and before I went off script with the radio searching around digging in holes, I thought I'd ask. I'm just looking for the possible not looking to cause trouble. Thanks for all the videos I really have appreciated it since I started 2020 and benefitted. I'm thinking of joining the band police for chaos and just give bad advice to everyone. LOL

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

Have a look at HF Underground. So much “stuff” to listen to, from those creepy numbers stations, marine comms, aircraft HF, encoded military comms on the HFGCS frequencies. You’ll find a heap of info on that website Here in Australia, we have Royal Flying Doctor Services On HF. There are a number of remote 4 Wheel Drive club HF frequencies that work like CB radio for coverage in the majority of Australia’s land mass that is not covered by mobile phone services. Plenty of “Freeband” activity between 26 & 28Mhz outside of the US 40 channels. It’s interesting watching the chat on the Dutch WebSDR. There are live discussions of signals that people are tuned into in real time. While I haven’t done it in a while, last time, I was tuning into Russian Morse traffic from the airforce and navy. Much of it hand sent and less than 20WPM. All clear text encrypted, or simple check ins, position reports. Hf Underground for starters Pryom is the number station goto. A duck duck go will take you there.

[@japanham5973]

Evening from Japan, Cal!

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Another viewer from Japan?! PM95 here… Just got my 3rd class, prepping for 1st. Still waiting for my call sign, sigh…

[@japanham5973]

@@Tokyo1991.JL1AJEMy name is Greg, live in Hyogo, Kawanishi. Congrats on getting your 3rd class license. What bands/modes are you planning on operating?

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Hi Greg, thanks for the congrats. Well I’d love to work 20m but as you know I haven’t earned that yet. So 40/17/10 and 6m are of great interest to me. Can’t wait to test home brew antenna with WSPR and try some DX JS8call on 10m. Not forgetting some QRP CW/SSB SOTA/POTA. 73 John.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hey Greg & John!

[@japanham5973]

@@DXCommanderHQHey Cal.... Always learn so much here....and have a lot of laughs when you and the gang get together....

[@urbanbushcraft3018]

Cal, is your loop on the ground? Or has been dragged under? Has it made a difference?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It's physically on the ground covered in leaves.

[@cfsyoutube5799]

Hi Cal, I tried to get WinLink working with my 590SG after you suggested trying it in one of your vid's a couple of years ago, but never actually got it working😢 Everything else kit wise is good (for example, WSJT-X working fine, including Cat control). If you're "at a loose end", and looking for content for one of your excellent videos, then a "ground up" demo of setting up WinLink, starting with an un-configured 590 and no software installed, right through to sending/receiving emails would be well received 😊. Also, any update on the phased multi band verticals, are the DX Commander kits on pre-order yet? 😎

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good idea on Winlink "ground up".. Phased kits: I have no idea.. Roly and John are the kings of that.

[@ianharling9569]

Hi Callum when im operating from The Netherlands on 40mtrs i always use a half wave dipole on top of the garden fence so only about 5 foot off the ground and get excellent results.Its all about experimenting and enjoying the hobby. 73 Ian G7HFS/PA3IKH

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah! You the same!? Brilliant. Works well. Great.

[@joewilson2258]

I have a question for you , can you use a tablet to connect to your transceiver to control it?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I believe so, yes.. There are some Apps.. BUT I have never tried it..

[@mobileapperture]

Thanks Callum! I enjoy your videos very much. Thanks to your YT content I decided to get the foundation license and I passed in December. You mentioned the ground loop antennas are better in "ignoring" interference. Would the ground loop receive only antenna work ok for VHF or it's more for HF only? Thanks Cal!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HF only.. You need some height for VHF.. Good question!

[@kevinmatthews2620]

i started with my m6 on ssb ,but got fed up with being stamped over by "low power" USA/Italian stations so switched onto psk31/64 and worked most of the world on a very basic fibreglass vertical, i had literally 12k psk qsos, florida i could get every day, in fact after i got my full call i re dabbled in psk31, and my very first qso on my full call was Fred in Hearndon Bay in Florida who i had @ least 100 psk qsos with on my M6 call, nowadays i do most of my radio on FT8/FT4 and have won the WW Digi for England award 3 out of the 4 times i have contested it, and achieved 9 bands all georgraphic zones, just leaving 6m & 160m for a clean sweep, so looking at going back to ssb to try and increase my dxcc count from 221 (to beat my friend who has 222), hopefully funds permitting i will get OQ100 hardware up and installed this year too :), imho there is something for every one on amateur radio

[@DXCommanderHQ]

There's a number for you then! 222 :)

[@g1hwy]

You will love the pileups on QO100 😉

[@prabhakarv4193]

Very nice

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks

[@chuckrann6282]

How about I get back on the air after being off since 1996 when lightening hit my ATB34 antenna and fried my rotor. Time to “just do it”. You’re inspiring Callum. Thanks.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I'm afraid, you need to chuck that rotator stuff away and start again friend! Yes :)

[@z3r0c00l2]

Hi Cal. I used to play a lot with digital modes but i got sick of them. I prefer voice mode all the way . 73s

[@G1VNB]

thanks for video Cal some very interesting thoghts 73s

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Any time!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

So Callum, do you have to walk past your drum kit to get to your radios ??? Is that preventing you from getting on the air ?? My problem is guitar, straight key, glass of wine, but only two hands !!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, if I was an octopus with 2-heads, it would be easier!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@DXCommanderHQ do you get behind the kit much these days ?? I haven’t gigged in over a month and no rehearsals through February. Think I’ll be taking myself to a jam session on Friday night. A place called Staves Brewery. Little micro brewery in a lane way behind Broadway here in Sydney. Blow off a few cobwebs. It’s always good for the soul.

[@The-Chaos-Shack]

Great video buddy. I find it sad that most of the other datamodes have almost no activity due to the popularity of FT4 & FT8. I used to do Hellschriber and Thor, but sadly there's nothing happening now. I gave up with LOTW after having endless trouble setting up the TQsl file, I think its too complex. HRD Logbook is my mainstay for logging. 73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I don't know how LOTW works.. Tim M0URX does that for me! Sorry about the lack of Hellschriber and Thor.. Agreed. Good fun.

[@BrokenSignal]

Probably just me, but your cymbals seam to be mounted high?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It's a) the way I play and b) so I can see the band for eye contact!

[@BrokenSignal]

@@DXCommanderHQ Aww, makes perfect sense.

[@robertmeyer4744]

That was great. hear in the us I am finding RTTY and JS8 call used a lot. yes SSTV can be fun. I got some pic's from the UK to NY . I am finding the multi hop DX can be at a higher angel . even NVIS can multi hop . having 2 VFO listen on 2 antenna's same time in stereo head phones. can be fun. some times the QSB will fade ear to ear. hearing that helps me understand how the signals bounce around and twist polarization . love how your live stream is sending that. best to use head phones. hope to have some more money soon. more DX commander pools and DX 10 and DX 50 wire. I have some now having fun. the travelling wave antenna also makes a great receive antenna . that like a dipole on ground but is grounded threw a resistor at far end to ground. it is in the ARRL antenna book. makes a great SWL antenna as well. 73's

[@DXCommanderHQ]

So many GREAT mentions there. Agreed. The 2 x VFOs is amazing.

[@SteveHomer]

Packet Radio for the win :D

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!

[@mikethees6434]

Yes I do more CW than phone now

[@rayb228]

thank you !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You're welcome!

[@alanyoung261]

Hi DX Commander, Good day, 2 Questions. Where can I purchase a Russian SW radio. And is there any list for Russian SW radio stations, Many thanks alan

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Alan.. good question - but I have no idea I'm sorry.

[@alanyoung261]

Thank, honesty pays. Any idea who I could ask ? Grace and Peace alan.@@DXCommanderHQ

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Alan.. I did see your response - but now I can't find it.. Suggest searching some random forums.. Google will probably assist..

[@alanyoung261]

Ok Thanks, I'm afraid Google hates Russia. Trump will soon ........ 8

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Done that. Bought 10 of something that I like, to get a discount with the idea to resell and make my one free. And still got ten, minus one… in a box.

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Just realized we should count our blessings they’re cheap enough to fit in a box. 🤣

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHAHA

[@mattstosh6960]

Get on the radio and focus on Special Event QSo's only. They would like the contact.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice idea!

[@dirkdupont5004]

If I can make 2 suggestions: idea 17: sdr like the ADALM-PLUTO idea 18 (in combination with idea 17): QO-100 satellite

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good points!!

[@NamasenITN]

I probably wrongly assumed that not sending my log to a contest's organizers - even if just for one QSO - would cause the other parties to have their QSO with me unconfirmed.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Only if it's ONE contact.. As long as you quickly score 5 in a row, it'll come out in the wash. However, yes - best to squirt the log upstream.

[@VeteranInThePhilippines1]

Any news on a Easter sale ?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good question.. Probably not.. I will check the stock next week but unlikely - sorry!

[@falconredneck]

Another digital mode to try is VARAC.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh.. Off to check!

[@spacecookie-girl]

i love playing with my radio pulling out weak dx station and rag chew but what i dont like is that we can listen on on internet hf station and listen anywhere anytime taking the fun out of hf propagation hf shouldn't be on internet and even repeater links since what if the internet stops working tomoro what will happen thats why it will always better not having it connected in the first place

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I agree.. It's a bit of fun - because we can do it.. although I never actually listen myself whilst I am transmitting.. That "mix-n-match" is a bit odd.. However, some folks have no option because their noise levels are so high.

[@vk2lq]

3 years in and I have access to 400 watts but still get excited when I can talk to the other side of the world on 5 watts, Keep the bands alive by calling CQ CQ

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Lovely!!

[@adyg6ad73]

I wouldn’t discount anything when considering trying a new aspect of our hobby. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” as they say.

[@Dave-VK5PL]

Free Stuff? Can;t be much good. 😇

[@DXCommanderHQ]

(ducks!) LOL!!

[@M0JHN]

Just checked LOTW and seen I've reached my first 100 for DXCC just need to submit the last 19 contacts for credits.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Woo-Hoo

[@JonathanGGMO]

Blimey almost half a century licensed and the first 30 seconds describes my current status and has been for a year.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes..! I'm sure.. Been there - done that :)

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

Have a crack at going portable Google search POTA

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Roly!

[@PedroskiClimb]

Roly, portable is the best. My wife is a bit anti-hobby (all hobbies are a waste of energy.... I should be painting a ceiling or something?) so I have portable sessions when out and about. When I worked you Friday I had stopped off at Jack and Jill Windmills, Clayton, on way to work. Great time, and thanks for hearing my 5 Watts! 73 M3KXZ

[@g1hwy]

Hi Roly. Thank you for the 15m FT8 contact today 73 Mike

[@mikethees6434]

portable when I run my partner to the doctor

[@JxH]

13:56 "...understand how Logbook of the World works..." May & June 2024 - it doesn't. 🙂

[@DXCommanderHQ]

For you.. :)

[@applejacks971]

I gave up on radio. It just got too complex and complicated. I seriously doubt I'll renew my license next month. We have 1 repeater within 75 miles and only the same couple local stations use it. Its dead here and mixing computers/radio is out of my league.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK, I am sorry.. Have you ventured into HF? Maybe drop into one of my livestreams and have a listen..

[@PedroskiClimb]

Don't give up. It doesn't have to be complicated at all, and if you haven't ventured onto HF yet, I would urge you to do so. The only time I touch a computer for anything radio related is to read, use KZbin, send emails, and play around with EZNEC etc. I've got the great for digi modes but haven't felt the need to go there. Out portable with 5W CW and occasionally SSB is a blast. Best wishes, M3KXZ

[@sveinfarstad3897]

New wife? lol hehe

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Did I say that? LOL!!

[@sveinfarstad3897]

@@DXCommanderHQ Some shouldent be sayd... 🤐

[@mikeyj5608]

love you baby

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Luv you too!

[@pixeluser175]

First.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

First comment to the first response!

[@NamasenITN]

Please do not do WSPR with 1kW.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHAHA!

[@stargazer7644]

Please do not do FT8 with 1 kW.

[@waterskipilot145]

How bout we figure out a way to make ham radio less friggin complicated so we can attract more people? The hobby needs more normies and less nerds. Or, maybe keep the nerds and add more normies? Digital modes....pshhhh.....damn near need a PhD to figure those out. Somebody with more brain cells than i must create some type of plug and play system while keeping the traditional ways of doing things. That is all......carry on.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Put a dipole up for 40m and call CQ on SSB.. Easy! :)

[@justawfulgamer7738]

I get a dot on my underwear Everytime I turn the dial on.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

NOOooooooo!

[@henfrilangy3842]

Callum, I’ll buy one of them LoG antennas you still have in the box! de MM7BFL

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I was going to "bundle" them with some wire and fork connectors etc. I honestly can't remember the bloomin price. Email me!