Mistrustful, Suspicious, Untrusting, Weery, Distrustful, Leery of Alliteration by Me Jim Heath W6LG

[@WECB640]

Now THIS is why I watch! He cuts through the prestidigitation like nobody else. Thank you Jim. 73 OM

[@johnsimmons7806]

Please, please eschew obfuscation

[@RadioMan666]

As a member of the cult of W6LG!!! I say hallelujah and AMEN! Truer words have not been spoken. 👍👍

[@jpitfield]

Where do I send my membership application?

[@jeromeGrzelak]

@@jpitfield Check QRZ

[@bobroberts2371]

Paul Harrell has a vid on how to spot a face expert.

[@dalemyers9439]

Jim, you are a true sage. I appreciate your dedication and demeanor.

[@donl1846]

Straight talk from a great Elmer. Thanks Jim and 73.

[@29Megs]

Probably great advice for most product reviews on KZbin. Thanks Jim.

[@ham-radio]

You bet it is, 73, Jim

[@bob-N4REE]

Many thanks for excellent advice. Returning to Ham radio after a 30 year absence, I watched a lot of the "talking faces" that we didn't have "back in the day" and I agree with you completely. I grew up in a family that didn't have excess money for entertainment, so part of my teenage entertainment was attending county fairs. Not to spend money, but to watch the hawkers selling everything from gizmos to lotions. I marveled at their techniques ... and bought nothing. Of all of today's KZbinrs, most are like those carnival hucksters. Only a couple can be trusted. THANKS Jim for your fine advice.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes! Oh yes...

[@ham-radio]

The DXCiommander outperforms the Rocklin Rover by 20dB. There is no comparison. I did an A B test using a TinySA. It was night and day. 73 my friend, Jim

[@christophernetherton9389]

I'd love to try a DX Commander guyed to the top of my truck😃. Have you speed rated them for mobile use?

[@basshorseman998]

Haha! Thank you your Lordship

[@K7TDM_Tyler]

@@DXCommanderHQ I don’t know Callum… you could sell more just claiming “20dBI gain”. That’s what the rest of the manufacturers do. All you gotta do is advertise the peak, forget the takeoff angle! Although…. Makes me cringe every time I hear someone talk about how much gain their omnidirectional antenna has.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Learned alot about antennas from you, callum.

[@48661]

You never disappoint with your knowledge and down to earth explanations, thanks for making these videos for us and sharing, we appreciate you, 73

[@K7TDM_Tyler]

I think the “influencer” crowd does some amazing things for the hobby. When you have no other way to get information and don’t have an Elmer, they are a great resource. At its base, this is a science hobby. This is a great video explaining that learning the science is much more important than letting someone figure it out for you. Don’t believe marketing. This is good advice in any field!

[@Ekanselter]

Very well said.

[@Dscottff127]

Just getting started in this hobby and this is probably the best video I’ve watched! Thank you!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I came across this by chance looking at old cb radioes. This advice can be applied to every aspect of social interaction.

[@lewclark5300]

Great Videio Jim! you have been my Elmer for at least 10 years. I was the one sitting in the back of the room. I have been using the Rocklin rover for for one year now and it kicks Butt! Thank you for all of you great advise and guidence.

[@TallyTechandTroubleshooting]

Thank you for saving us "newer" operators from disappointment and frustration. Take care, Jim! -73 KQ4KIO

[@jodileslie6867]

Quality is its' own advertising...knowledge is power. ❤

[@kb1ynu555]

"Move over Rover, let W6LG take over !!! " Thank you again Sir for another truthful and to the point video. Best and 73 de W3HLS, john

[@adyg6ad73]

W6LG… the best KZbin Elmer of 2024! Keep up the good work Jim.

[@g7pku_g7pkv_m7eaf]

Great video and great advice as always, Jim. Speaking of antennas, I purchased one of your excellent High Sierra Sidekick antennas about 15 years ago, and it still performs as well as when I bought it. The condition is still great considering its age and the number of times it has been on and off my vehicles. It's a shame that your antennas are no longer manufactured. A couple of years ago, I tried to get a spare contact spring just in case the installed one wore out. After searching the internet, I found what I believe is the original manufacturer, but even though they had a supplier in the UK, they would only sell the spring in bulk. Fortunately, I haven't needed to replace anything on the Sidekick, which is a testament to how well you made them. Thank you for such a great piece of equipment and for the wealth of knowledge you share with us. 73 Peter G7PKU, Nicky G7PKV and Eirinn M7EAF

[@ahendrix9787]

...Jim, as always, thank you for "truth in advertising...caveat emptor!" Blessed to see you still setting unsuspecting hams free with truth! 73!

[@nplds6551]

Serious man talking serious. Many thanks sir.

[@JK-mo2ov]

Don’t forget that when you have questions for the designer of this product that he just repeats back that it’s patented and should be used as intended, and to check the spec sheets whether it would be ok to use in heat/attic.

[@richb.4374]

I just worked outer Muldavia on my Rockland Rover. Got a 40 over signal report and I was full quieting into the repeater...thanks for the activation Hi Hi!

[@norbertstepien9185]

I absolutely agree Jim...these "influencers" are in the hobby for 15 minutes and speak with such conviction and authority. They think they are doing the hobby a service when in fact often it is quite the opposite. I think their main objective is to get as many subscribers as they can and never mind the quality or accuracy of what they produce. Unfortunately this is the world we live in and it's up to us the sift through the minefield which is social media. Personally I have identified several reviewers as irrelevant.

[@MedusalObligation]

The world of social media influencers is like the Sea monkeys, X-Ray Specs and build your own Hovercraft ads in the backs of comic books..

[@otterc.9337]

I've always been all-in on alliteration, but in the future I'll be super suspicious! Great episode, as always, Jim. So good to see you looking strong and clearly enjoying yourself. 73!

[@thestingyham1188]

Glad to see you doing well, Jim! Never bought into the purchased portable coil hype. Did build my own using a website I can no longer find (K6LEM, or something similar ending with LEM) which provided loads of scientific information and exact dimensions with a calculator for building efficient coils at various points along the antenna. I made a 60%-sized 40m dipole with coils roughly midway down the line, and it performed really well. I think maybe it was around 1 s-unit less than a full-sized dipole, but it meant I could mount it vertically on my 12m long Spiderbeam pole. I was able to mount all of this up on top of a 12 story builiding. You might remember we spoke to one another on 20m (I was using a sickly moxon homebrew) from that same roof, once. HL1ZIX

[@OdieInAz]

Appreciate your frank and spot-on commentary. Returning tp ham radio after 40 year absense and browsing KZbin, my BSEE informs me the scare crow was right - some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't they?

[@PD4GB]

Very good video! I'm a no-tuner-guy, I only build my antennas that resonate on the frequency I choose, I had to learn from hams like yourself that explain how it works! It can be so simple to build an antenna yourself, just take the time to read, listen and understand what happens, KZbin and many,many websites are full of info, I just found another one right here 👍😊 73' from Nijmegen, the Netherlands

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Jim kudos to you for you shining light on this. I know Callum has talked about this as well. I have had discussions with two KZbin creators in the past month about this same subject who have been given product by manufactures and how to handle those reviews or whether to do them at all. Where there is an incentive for someone to promote a product, like the need for content creation, the "coin driven" individual, it's free so I must give it a good review or they will not send me more, or to stroke one's ego, be very weary. Reviewing equipment is a very technical process, most do not have the experience, knowledge, and tools required to do a proper evaluation of most gear. Opening a box, checking just the power output or the SWR is not an evaluation, no more than kicking the tires and listening to the radio is a way to shop for a car. Very few of, I will use Jim's term, "Talking faces" have the bona-fides let alone the equipment to review gear. They get a shiny box they open it, they gush over packaging, turn it on and give it a thumbs up... move to the next shiny box. There are a few on KZbin and you know who they are by the level of content they give, that are trustworthy. If you see them building, providing in depth explanations with verifiable information, showing successes and failures of their own experiments, and have cited their sources for data... then they are more than likely in the trust-worthy group.

[@jpitfield]

Superb…spot on…great advice….it would be interesting to see a list of trust worthy reviewers / contributors ….I’ll start with W6LG and Lord Callum

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

Jim - you gave a great lesson on theory and application and how they relate to real antennas. If nothing else, it will help people understand and make better choices. Years ago I built a J-pole antenna for 2M and put it on my room and connected it with 100' of new RG-58. Checked the SWR in my shack and it was 1:1. Wow... too good... went back to the antenna on the roof and disconnected and rechecked SWR, still 1:1. The antenna SWR falacy is real and sells. I think we all know if someone markets with enough glitter and promises, they could sell liters of river water for $5. Stay Safe 73 WA4QGA

[@n9bc296]

I agree with you Jim. We can't take these product reviews as gospel. While influencers offer useful information, their opinions aren't the final word. A lot of their subscribers treat the reviews as the absolute truth, without considering things like potential bias or fully understand the product. Reviews can be helpful, but shouldn't be the only factor in purchasing decisions.

[@jeffminnick5209]

Bahahahahaha I was just reminded of your WTF antennas!!!!! The Rocklin rover, I love it!! Glad to see you looking better Jim, 73 from Jeff de WD8JM

[@ham-radio]

I forgot about the WTF. I still have it. I should do a comparison! 73, Jim

[@jeffminnick5209]

Oh absolutely ​@@ham-radio

[@fitcher-armchair-sleuth]

So true Jim .. Thanks!

[@Ekanselter]

I fully agree but it always comes back to the buyer being knowledgeable enough to sort through the weeds. There are a handful of very good You-Tubers that I completely trust. Time proves all things...

[@ham-radio]

That is way more than I trust. Thanks for the comment. 73, Jim

[@twohandsandaradio]

Using the word "but" negates everything in front of it. If those handful of very good you tubers say "they sent this to me in exchange for a review" you need to rethink your trust.

[@Ekanselter]

@@twohandsandaradio I don't think I've ever seen so much negativity and automatic rejection of honest opinions over a trivial matter. Seems to be the order-of-day in society today.

[@ohaya1]

A real game changer!

[@HamRadioN0CKL]

😂

[@zathrasnotzathras9435]

Sage advice as always. I have learned over the years that if they don’t buy it with their own money and everybody suddenly is reviewing it at the same time it’s probably not going to be something I should be trustful of. Then add the amazing superlatives and even more red flags go up.

[@nachocopter6408]

I use a 17' ground-mount EFQW telescopic stainless-steel whip with radials at 15 watts on 20/15/10 meters to great effect in my POTA activations. Cost was about $100, all in. No fancy (expensive) coils. Just good radio science that I learned on my own. It takes me about 10 minutes to set up and another 10 to break down and pack up, which means more time operating.

[@billvargo]

Great Video Jim, right on!

[@bob-N4REE]

Many thanks - part 2. Upon my return to Ham radio, I again focused on QRP and CW (something to do with keeping costs low). It seems to me antennas are an extremely important part of the QRP station and I began antenna experimenting. No, I didn't buy expensive pre-built antennas. I make my own, and I have a huge box of discarded experiments. The thing that amazes me is how many "new and different" 9:1 baluns can be introduced in a year. C'mon! A 9:1 is as common as dirt, and putting it in a new package doesn't make it new, different, or better. Same goes for 49:1s, EFHWs, EFRWs, or any other variation of age old antenna forms. EVERY one of them can be made to work, as demonstrated by "talking faces" that gush weekly on the shiny new thing that arrived in the mail. Once we actually learn a bit about our technology, we know what works and it isn't the new stuff we see every week on KZbin.

[@MentalWhiplash]

A video FULL of truth...thanks, Jim. KZbin reviews do tend to be ignorantly positive, ill-tested, and full of bad information. They tend to throw the word "resonance" around in a way that fully illustrates their misunderstanding of what resonance is. Ham radio, with its associated costs, is prime ground for confirmation bias. Very few want to admit that they wasted their money so tend to exaggerate the performance of radios and antennas. Thanks for the honesty!

[@va3kv]

Great video. I live in Rockland Ontario, and I definitely want a Rockland Rover.

[@BlessedLaymanNC]

I hear and understand you. The suspicion goes the other way, too. I experiment with different antennas, especially small ones. That always gets the "engineers" to come out of the wood pile. They tell me I might only get 40% of my power to transmit. Maybe they are correct, but I have antenna size restraints and cannot put up the best antenna I ever operated from, a log periodic for 3-30 MHz up 100 feet (USN). There is always a better antenna and there is always a worse one. I've loaded up the gutters of the house, a car, a parking lot light pole, coat hangers, and window screens. I have sadistic friends in the QRPp clubs that try to communicate with less than 1/2 watts on HF. (Let me see them check into a 75 meter net at night, HI HI). If I only need 5 watts to make a contact, then what do I care if I lose 95% of my power on a compromise antenna if that is my only choice? You did point out some of the obvious, and necessary, and that is how over priced some of these things are. Some of us QRPers try to use antennas like the "miracle whip" antenna (maybe 5-6 feet long maximum) to make contacts. And we do! Sometimes not so easily. Other times some of us try to put up the full sized dipoles or maybe even long wire antennas to get the best signal out we can get. The most important thing about making a contact has nothing to do with equipment and antennas, but is propagation. Without it, Washington doesn't hear what happened at Pearl Harbor for 4 or more hours after the fact.

[@VE9ASN]

This is exactly how I feel about every magic coil and efhw antenna on KZbin. I couldn't agree with this video more! 73

[@raywhitehead730]

Great advice, even beyond Ham.

[@neiltolman3182]

Very well said! This why I make my own. Thank you

[@KO4AYE]

Jim, the technical aspect of "Q" and the trade offs are important to understand for sure. Every now and then I still find car audio speakers with the blazing red letters "500 WATTS peak to peak". Technical context is very important. I would like to differentiate, you are highlighting "marketing scams" and not directly or even indirectly intimating high/low "Q" is good or bad per'se. You provided the technical overview of "Q" to assist in understanding how the marketing magicians spin the illusion of value when in reality there is little to no value for the amount of money requested. If a home brew antenna made of coat hanger and aluminum foil works because that all that available at the time, great! Trying to sell it to others for $1K dollars, that's the point you're emphasizing. I really enjoyed this one, It seems to me "Q" is one of the most overlooked/misunderstood principles in relation to antennas today.

[@KingLoopie1]

Perfect! 👍 Thank you for staying this! Maybe read an antenna book and build your own as you're learning about why that is designed like that.

[@ugsisr]

Never be leary of the Trusted... Thank You Jim

[@seankm6nfo990]

I want my Rocklin Rover .! Thanks .73

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Another reason to build your own. I still need to learn more about the nuts and bolts of how antennas work.

[@W9HJBill]

I couldn't agree more. Good to see you again Jim. 73

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Good to hear from you! Good advice, Jim.

[@jackK5FIT]

Well said! That's one reason I never buy the latest and greatest as soon as it hits the market. I like to get multiple reviews over a period of time and try to find out if all the hype is accurate.

[@thestonerguy5276]

Excellent and well-timed👍 video, Thanks Jim!

[@billalguire74]

Thanks for the advice and the reasons why.

[@jrjr1273]

True knowledge for sure. Thank You and 73, JR

[@VictorJenks]

Thank you Jim ! All the best W3VIC

[@cheifreal]

And thats why im resigned to studing antennas and building my own. My first was a vertical dipole made from coax for 27mhz and second that im using now is 102' random wire in inverted L configuration up bout 40' and over 4 trees. Third contact was in japan near Tokyo from north texas 20m i thought 100 watts till i found out it was actually bout half that. Good clear signal on both sides. Trying to figure out what im gonna do next. Maybe a magloop i do have a bit of 1/2copper tubbing and an old capacitor from an old tube radio. Should be good for qrp or receive maybe. I just got into radio for the experimentation as it is. If i mke crap i still learn somthing and move on. Thinking of doin somthing lime the dx comander in vhf/uhf for the roof. Im just using stuf i have on hand as im cheap and brokeish. The main thing is im having fun and learning at same time. I cant buy somehing when i can build it for much cheaper price. Thanks ive been learning much from you over the last few years mr heath. GOD BLESS.

[@BrokenSignal]

Wow, couldn't agree more. You should only take advice/suggestions from those who have earned your trust.

[@frankw7266]

This advice would be pertinent to anyone for any subject. It's always funny when there are reviews of anything where you see the same object come up across multiple "reviewers" all within a week or two... dead giveaway.

[@fntsmk]

Thanks for the great advice Jim!

[@lylewatts6370]

Now I have to follow that great advice Thanks Jim

[@arbez7k]

73's Jim de N6JRZ. Great advice as always.

[@peterhatfield]

Same applies across the internet. It is full of empty headed "influencers" who are only in it for the money.

[@Bernard-John]

Hi,good interesting video, you made some good points, Buyers beware 😢, thanks from Rotterdam 73s 🙏🙏

[@WFXURadio]

Thank you Jim!

[@nickmartin9403]

Research!!! Great advice Mr Jim! Thank you

[@rickn501s]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@TheFlyingSquerill]

Great Job Jim ...Thanks for posting...."Rockland Rover" Love it...if you ever hit the CB band would be such a great handle...that is so cool...

[@basshorseman998]

Thank you Rockland! best company to deal with..

[@PabloGarcia-sf7bn]

If you really want great reviews you simply put money in the gift box. It works for local politicians as well. Although they seem drawn to posh dinners and drink tickets at sporting events. Greetings from New Mexico!

[@bierbarrel]

My Rockland Rover was dead on 40 meters.....Im sending it back!

[@ham-radio]

Darm! You are the only one that could not make it work. Maybe it is your whip. Is the whip shorted? 73 Jim

[@bierbarrel]

@@ham-radio I was trying to run it with my Baofeng....I dont get it!

[@BusDriverRFI]

​@@bierbarrelI hooked my Baofeng up to my Rocklin rover and now it won't transmit any c4fm.

[@mikeperry2561]

Keep the humor in it Jim. 73

[@72tx340]

I bought some shoes that were awful. Every review on the website raved about them. I left a bad review. It never was posted. That lead me to now understand they either post fake reviews or screen them. I sent the company a message asking why my review wasn't posted. Never got a reply. My review was honest and pointed out flaws with the shoe. That made me realize reviews for that company were useless. Thanks Jim for all you do! Ka1hiw.

[@DK5ONV]

I have always been and I will always be, Elmer Jim. Happy Weekend into Rocklin CA & 73 de Your biggest Fan from across the Pond 💯👍🙋‍♂

[@W5RTM]

Always like your info Jim .. keep on keeping on

[@kb6dxn]

Most products, a good ham operator can hit the ARRL Black books and look at the design of the product to figure out if the product will do what is says, especially antennas. I think the newer ham operators have gotten away from looking at the design and mentally asking question how does it work and are just buying a box of widgets thinking the manufacture would never lie and that they tested and it will work.

[@machfive916]

Jim, you are a great Elmer.

[@tpobrienjr]

You can get a perfect match with a 50 ohm resistor (as in the rubber ducks that come with many handheld radios). Thanks for the reality check, Jim.

[@GordonHudson]

Indeed! Just been discussing this same issue with a "reviewer".

[@ON3PLZ]

Thank you!

[@sc20910]

@jim w6lg it’s great to see critical thinking being promoted in this day and age. I would like to add that there are agencies that a manufacturer can purchase services from, who hire freelancers to buy and review products, with the review having to be approved prior to payment to the freelancer. Unfortunately this goes on in broad daylight on platforms like upwork. So even the reviews can be gamed, if the manufacturer desires and is willing to take the (low) risk of being caught. Here’s another thought- I feel that you are one of very few who are in a fantastic position to recommend, from your empirical experience and perspective, what general antenna test parameters matter. To me it would be great to see more direct comparisons in real time like some folks do, while receiving a weak station and switching back and forth between antennas. And equally importantly, do the same testing on transmit, using WSPR or ft8. I like ft8 because the number of reports will be high compared to WSPR. Keep up the excellent promotion of critical thinking!!!

[@jameski5oeb668]

I love the content Jim! Sell more best of antennas!

[@OZ5ZX]

Spot on Jim. Thats how i did with my DXComander, 100 videos, loads of live data, before i got it, sure it is a monster antenna, and i love it, but yeah dont just trust the first and best. And Jim stay safe.. 73 de OZ5ZX

[@DPTrainor1]

Thank You

[@g0fvt]

Sage advice Jim, so many products that claim to defy the laws of physics. I also see plenty of VHF/UHF handhelds that are promoted for having 50 miles or so of range, hardly typical in everyday use. A young ham being swindled on their first purchase may be permanently put off the hobby. 73

[@n4zou]

This is one of the reasons the ARRL dumbed down Amateur Radio by eliminating the Morse Code requirement and published all the questions and answers. Most all Hams today are Appliance Operators and are easily sold expensive junk because they can't make their own stuff.

[@raywhitehead730]

True, But Ham was dying, needed new people.

[@ekkiplicht7283]

LOL You will get a lot of orders for the Rockland Rover now 😄 Thanks, so true.

[@El_Porcho]

Hahaha this video is brilliant! The Rockland Rover 🤣🤣🤣 yes we all know exactly what product you are really talking about. Thanks for this video it is excellent advice and the jab at "that product" is absolutely on point. We all need to be very careful with these online reviews and so called influencers. There is more disinformation than ever coming at us.

[@JayN4GO]

I thought most of this was common sense up until the past 2 years or so. Yes , re invented wheel. Amazingly enough, most of these talking heads are all in the same group together. I just couldn’t make myself a part of it. In the end , people remember your honesty and willing to teach them. If they are teachable. Kool aid is on every corner in this business my friend.

[@bobr6555]

Another great video from the great W6LG. So many of the current crop of KZbin hams are simply driven by three things: 1. their own ego (who wants to watch and hour maybe two of them blathering mindlessly?); 2. KZbin clicks to earn them money from KZbin; 3. Getting freebies to play with. I now ignore most of the flashy, loud guys and stick to watching you, K4OGO and KB9VBR. Glad to see you're still looking good. VK4BOB

[@ammocraft]

Don’t forget pushing merch, running livestreams where people actually tip them for running their mouths, and sponsorships/paid promotions.

[@BrantleySmithNC]

​@@ammocraftYou don't have to watch.

[@ammocraft]

@@BrantleySmithNC I don’t…..as soon as they start shilling, I go elsewhere.

[@K7AGE]

Well said. I receive emails to send me yet another Chinese HT. I decline these offers as I am not a review channel. Then a few weeks later I see the radio being ‘reviewed’.

[@timg5tm941]

Same here

[@janetwinslow2039]

Name names man, name names!

[@daveN2MXX]

I heard the rockland rover antenna is made from milspec components and comes with a cool backpack.

[@w8lvradio]

Warren T Ratt to Faisel (in An American Tale) "Whaddya wanna believe, Kid, what you see, or the look on my face?" 🤣All the Best, Jim! 73 DE W8LV BILL

[@patrickbuick5459]

After training and decades of investigation, I *still* want empirical evidence (actual measurements) of how maximum radiation relates to resonance and lowest SWR. While at it, the relative radiation with a "tuner" inline, though you can't use a modern emitter because a true test wouldn't have AGC and fold back. Optimally, the raw data would be available for analysis, along with enough information to duplicate the testing setup.

[@CamilleCullen-ow6qj]

Great video Jim, many thanks!! You are a very wise man!! Robert K5TPC

[@timgoad5750]

Very well spoken.

[@patrickdemeyer2210]

Hello Mr Jim , speaking of antenna s , could you do a video about NVIS antenna's or did you already do one . How is the health by the way. Kind Regards , 73.

[@wa1ufo]

Right on the money Jim! Thanks. Gud Sx

[@wa1ufo]

Correction. Gud DX es VY 73 OM!

[@kenluning909]

I find it interesting that the "fastrac process" that seems to be common today regarding the race to get licensed with no antenna knowledge. Fortunately I had two great and knowledgeable Elmers who empasized studying antenna design before spending money on them. W5KAL