My Amateur Station & Why Get into Ham Radio in 2023?

In this video, I give a brief history of why I decided to get into ham, I show some of my equipment and give some ideas for a new basic setup and some ham radio antenna ideas. I also give some ideas at the end of the question... Why get into ham?
One thing you can do that's free is visit www.websdr.org. Just pick a station and you can listen in to some live HF bands.
Some good resources I've dealt with that are reputable.
Ham Radio Outlet: www.hamradio.com
DX Engineering: www.dxengineering.com
Giga Parts: www.gigaparts.com
R&L Electronics: www.randl.com
Amazon is actually not a good place to get most ham gear, except the Baofeng below, they are usually higher than everyone else!
Baofeng UV-5R:
amzn.to/3tkjxze
Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank You for Supporting my Channel.

[@expert244]

Good video. Nice to see more radio content. That is a hilarious story about the ham neighbor on the CB. I’m always on the lookout for antennas lol.

[@JLPicard440]

Awesome! I do too, but in those days my eyes weren't trained yet... 😂. Yes it's absolutely true. I've lost touch with him, but he definitely had an influence on me...

[@martinkurek1940]

I enjoyed the video. Hey it's for 2023! Happy New Year and good DXing!

[@JLPicard440]

Happy new year! Yes I need to get on the bands a little more and catch some of that DX.... been lazy.. 😂

[@kingsoutdoors4379]

Thank You Sir...I learned more in this video than all of the others I have watched over the past year... Now I know I like simplex 😆

[@JLPicard440]

Great to hear! I'm glad I could help! Most repeaters are "OK"... but that was my experience..

[@togeika]

Thanks for this video. I am getting into GMRS. I am my block's neighborhood watch Captain and found with my base, I can actually talk to FRS 2watt radios several blocks away. This is the primary reason I started getting into two way radio this summer. About 95% of what you talk about can be done on GMRS and its license. My Wouxun kg-uv9g scans the frequencies you mention, including aircraft frequencies. I have a modern scanning receiver to listen worldwide hooked to a line antenna. I find related to long distance, I am satisfied with listening. so a receiver takes care of that. But I might get a dongle for the computer. GMRS repeaters cover where I travel in the. Metro area. I have the technician books and am studying them, for knowledge. I may get a HAM mobile/base radio to listen to and have handy in a catastrophic emergency which is pretty unlikely. But it would be available just in case. And I may hear conversations on it that might change my mind. I am looking into a local amature club. If I meet people doing it, that may be what changes my mind. Thanks again! Lee in Minneapolis

[@JLPicard440]

HI Lee... Great to hear that you're thinking about getting your license. I am thinking about putting together a video on that subject. Local clubs usually have people who are willing to help you with questions and stuff like that. Many clubs actually administer the license test and you don't have to travel very far to take the test. Especially in a bigger area like Minneapolis.

[@HollyTimlick-du2zx]

I agree with that statement. My man is also on GMRS radio, he has tried too many times in passing the ham exam or the practice test on line, never could get past 68% correct. There is too much math, theory on propagation, satellite stuff, which my better half doesn't understand or comprehend. So GMRS radio is where he stands. He too is in the process of setting up his weather watch network on GMRS. Since my better half and I are both trained storm spotters for the NWS, we are both using GMRS for severe weather reports. The license is very simple, without the need of all that studying for a ham radio. My better half has been telling anyone who is interested in joining with him, could. Just need their licensed GMRS radio call sign, and my better half has designated a channel for just that purpose with channel tone.

[@ralphlucas3906]

Hi there Rudy! Was watching your amateur radio show and noticed the dusty cw key that you didn’t comment on! So apparently you gave up on cw after all the work we did in the past! Hope you are doing well down there! Still would like to make a schedule sometime for hf. Sill having a hard time with this Parkinson’s, makes me real tired and wobbly. But so far can still get around for now. I try to get on 2 meters with Jake and some other guys at 6 pm on 146.535 but at times I am too exhausted to talk. Roy shows up at times too. So wanted to say hi and keep those videos coming. May God bless you and yours! 73 -.. . .-. ... .-..

[@JLPicard440]

HI Stan..! Yes I know. I wish I hadn't got away from CW. I can barely remember all the letters and numbers now.. ☹️. I use those keyers as a PTT for my radios. I know, not what they were intended for. Believe it or not, I do still have my paddle key in a box somewhere. It just needs the plug attached back to the end of it and I'm back in business... Yes I would definitely like to try and connect on 20M or something. I can try to message you during the week and see if you're available. IF you don't hear from you then message me and remind me! 73..

[@StealthGTI]

Nice video! Not sure how I wound up visiting, but I was happy to watch to the end. I need to update my "why" video. I'm a mobile-only operator and currently in the middle of a huge overhaul. "Phase 2" is my most recent update video. I'm hoping to pick-up my new beams soon... yes, mobile beams! HAHA! 73! -Scott, KE4WMF

[@JLPicard440]

Awesome! Thank you! I always wondered how beams would work on a mobile... I'm sure you don't mean 20 meter beams! 😀. Are you talking about 2 meter beams or 70CM? A small 4 element beam wouldn't be to big... Not sure you could turn it going down the road at 70mph though.. be a lot of drag at those speeds... I'd be curious how that works or what you had in mind... 😀

[@StealthGTI]

@@JLPicard440 - No beams for HF! They'd be HUGE. HAHA! I'm building a VHF/UHF contester. As a "Rover Limited" class operator, my plan is to work on the 50, 144, 222, and 432 MHz bands. I may add microwaves later, if I'm feeling accomplished. I will pickup my new beams from Directive Systems very soon. They have "Rover Specials" with 8-ft booms, which makes them road legal even when turned sideways. I'll use a 2L Moxon by Par Electronics for 50 MHz. Two meters is 5L, 222 is 10L, and 432 is 15L. The beams and my Yaesu rotator are rated for 100-mph winds and DXE's calculator says my "mast" design is good to 120+ mph. So, I should be okay at 70-80 mph. I will use a remote switching network to use the loops while in motion and the beams when parked, though beams in motion will work if I'm feeling safe and ambitious. See my build progress at stealthgti.com/ke4wmf-r/.

[@JLPicard440]

Wow cool! Not sure how you're going to attach that to your car. Im picturing 3 or 4 of the tri-mag mount devices (MFJ.. about $50 each... they used to be $35). I would use plates of steel between them so you can use the strength of all the magnets combined and put the antenna mount in the middle of the whole thing.... I wouldn't think you would want to drill multiple holes in the roof of your vehicle... but I guess on an older vehicle it won't matter,.. but with the magnets they are strong and can be used in the configuration like I was saying. I use one of the tri-mount devices on my van and never had a problem with it coming loose ... even with hitting tree limbs. I guess with a pickup truck you can build some kind of apparatus in the bed and don't need to mount to the roof.

[@michaelhealey2378]

Please tell me the color/brand of the paint on your walls. It's fabulous. Thanks for the content, awesome- you are a good ambassador for Amateur radio. God Bless!

[@JLPicard440]

HI Michael... Thank you so much for the feedback... 😀. I think the color grade added some blue in the shadows, so the color represented in the video isn't actually what they look like! They are more of a light gray...

[@bobdillashaw4360]

Just came across your channel, looked through all your videos and didn’t see anything else about cb or ham radio, so you plan on doing more videos on radio? Thanks, Kg7vdn

[@JLPicard440]

HI Yes I do plan on more. Thank you..

[@jonhaze7537]

New ham here, got my callsign 2 days ago. Having a blast to say the least! I spend alot of time on the Papa System; tons of great people on there. Cheers!

[@JLPicard440]

That's awesome! Congrats for the new ticket. I'm working on a video right now on getting a ham license for the first time.... I haven't heard of the papa system? Can you elaborate more?

[@ruvendraprasad9377]

Hi Mate, what's the Papa System ?

[@JLPicard440]

@@ruvendraprasad9377 If you're in the southern CA area, it's an interlinked repeater system/ Here's an excerpt on it from ARRL: The PAPA System is a member-supported wide-area amateur radio network of 57 inter-linked analog FM, D-STAR, DMR, and P25 repeaters on 19 hilltops providing extensive coverage of the Southern California region and beyond. We have reliable communications from the border with Mexico to north of Santa Barbara, and from the Arizona border to "maritime mobile" well out into the Pacific Ocean. As a result of the System's extensive coverage and hundreds of members, it's very likely that you can find someone to talk to at any time, day or night - just get on the air and give your callsign. We have a motto on the PAPA System: "No call goes unanswered!" You can listen at www.papasys.com

[@Aegieon76]

🎉Great video

[@JLPicard440]

Thank you 😁

[@DK5ONV]

Nice IC7600 there on the Shelf. Happy Monday & 73 de Your Friend Uncle Guenter 💯🙋‍♂

[@JLPicard440]

Happy Monday to you as well! I like the 7600. It's been a good one. 😀

[@xjohn1970]

just got a new Yeasu FT-DX10 really happy with it.

[@JLPicard440]

Oh nice... had to look that one up. Looks like a nice rig. Is that a new model?

[@CraigMilesYoutube]

Love the Bird Thruline👍

[@JLPicard440]

Yes I do too. I used to have a coaxial dynamics meter and I liked that one better. Wish I hadn't sold it...

[@bruces4515]

I am interested in a slightly different form of community service. It would be a group mainly of disabled, but some not disabled, that have experience in technology. The goal would be to help people who are disabled build accommodations that serve them. Is there anything close to that in the field now?

[@JLPicard440]

HI Bruce... That's awesome! I haven't heard of anyone doing that, but that doesn't mean there isn't. I have a fairly small bubble that I live in!.. 😂. I'm sure those folks would appreciate having something like that in their lives..

[@davidu01]

It would REALLY help if when you are pointing to the jets in the carburetor that you DO NOT cover up everything with the back if your hand@!

[@JLPicard440]

Ok thanks!

[@120keysmusic]

What is the name of the book that you recommended from Amazon? Thank You!

[@JLPicard440]

Did I leave a link? Its been over a year and I don't remember now... 😀

[@nativetexan9776]

I have found that those who will ask why are usually the ones that have very minimal interest in the hobby and will end up allowing their license lapse in the end. Curiosity is at play but the interest in it is not really there. It is hard for them to comprehend that cellphones are susceptible to going down and leaving you with no communications at all and you are at the mercy of the cellphone service as to for how long and how much damage was done to the system. Ham Radio will always have a means of being there for you when all else fails.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes definitely. HF is useful to see if the problem is widespread in a communication outage, but VHF is more practical to talk to local people who might actually be able to help you if they're available... Thanks for the great input.. 😀

[@matthewo.859]

I have a satellite phone

[@AmateurRadioClub]

Great Video 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@JLPicard440]

Thank you so much!

[@lgcacher9205]

Rudy I hope to hear you on the radio or APRS. You sound like an older ham operator when ham radio was still fun . Now days everybody just half ass everything. From there radio's to the antennas to ham net's I do not know what happened over the last 10 years around 50 miles from my QTH. NO BODY WHAT TO MAKE THINGS. Nor do anything.

[@JLPicard440]

That's interesting. I haven't experienced that. The places I go are mostly hams that have been hams since before me, so that's probably why! But you could be right about newer hams... ☹️ although I can't say since that hasn't been my experience.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

It is a circular problem. As people stopped making things, stores like Radio Shack closed; making it difficult to get the small parts needed for making things. It is also a technology thing; it is pretty easy to make a little CW transmitter with a tube or transistor, but try making your own frequency synthesized digital radio. There's something magical about seeing the glow of vacuum tubes; you can sort of see them working. CPU chips just sit there. What they do is incredible and I'd love to take one back in time, but it isn't magical.

[@JLPicard440]

Cool.... I've never had a tube transceiver, but I definitely have had different tube amps through the years. I like to twist the knobs rather than just go to a frequency and the amp is self tuning... More complicated means harder to fix when something goes wrong!... 😀

[@DR-zj4od]

This was a great video and inspiration. Now I want a wig.

[@JLPicard440]

Thank you so much!

[@BurningtunaDC]

Awesome that because of the sponsorship you have with the gym you have some extra $ to buy more gear. Nice video.

[@JLPicard440]

Lol... I just happened to be wearing a planet fitness t-shirt... It'd be nice if they were a sponsor 😊. Thank you for the feedback.

[@BurningtunaDC]

@@JLPicard440 Defiantly trying to be supportive and not critical but when you have awesome videos that get 13 K views (congrats!) mentioning any organization has a monetary value. I'd love to see youtubers wear a shirt promoting their local non profit such as an animal shelter instead of a sneaker company. If they got a check from the sneaker company that would be awesome. No need to mention the biggest online retailer. Mr. Bezos gets thousands of $ worth of free advertising everyday. As if he wasn't wealthy enough. Your videos have great lighting and sound. Keep up the great work.

[@JLPicard440]

TYSM for the great feedback! I'll keep that in mind in the future on what kind of things might be in the background or foreground!.. I appreciate it. 😊@@BurningtunaDC

[@zvpunry1971]

2:00 Don't even try to directly connect a thick coax to an HT except for testing something or in case of emergency. It is absolutely unusable because the coax is heavier then the HT, doesn't like to bend and makes it extremely awkward to use. There is a better solution: Use a short (about an arms length) piece of a thin and flexible coax, like RG 316, to connect the HT to the thick coax.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes that's true. You have to physically support the coax and if you want to mount the HT you can use a hand mic with a flexible cord. But the thinner coax is a good option too. Thanks for your input. 😀

[@Michael-ew5kj]

my ft-65r just arrived in the mail; what would you suggest for a better antenna. Nagoya, diamond,....?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes I have a diamond antenna for an HT. It is a noticeable difference over the stock antenna. I think the FT65 is a reverse SMA connector. Just make sure it has the proper connector on it. I just did a video on opening up the FT65R for wide TX. You can check it out here if you want to see how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrNnYmjoJhkgck

[@Michael-ew5kj]

@@JLPicard440 thanks; 73.

[@ouijim]

Hope WE get back to Amateur Radio Operators HELPING Amateur Radio Operators. Too many youtube pay me first ego operators. Amateur Radio Operators in the past helped each other in anyway they could. Ask me anything about Amateur Radio and I'll answer and its free. Thank You for your many tutorials ; )

[@JLPicard440]

Yes absolutely. Most will help. Physical help is a litter harder since a lot of these guys are on the older side, but questions and stuff like that, I've found they are always willing to help.

[@AB1Vampire]

You're a look-a-like for Carmine Appice when he was young. He could play.

[@JLPicard440]

Nice! I love the drums... 😀

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I hope to see more of your videos. Fine job. Maybe hook up sometime! Take care and g'luck! Callum, England.

[@JLPicard440]

Excellent! Yes, I'm sure we could. I hear England all the time from Florida.... Thanks for the feedback.. 😀

[@nativetexan9776]

If you have a reliable 13.8v supply or a auto battery with a charger and a generator, a good analog radio will help you in an emergency. Digital modes are just as susceptible to failure as a cellphone in this case.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes absolutely. My mobile rig I'm showing in the video has digital capability, but I rarely use the digital mode. I'm usually on 2 Meter FM...

[@robertstephens1599]

Digital does offer some obscurity, if you're talking with someone specific and are not keen on being heard by everyone with a baofeng or sdr.

[@JLPicard440]

@@robertstephens1599 Yes that right!

[@VK5FUSE]

Well Done 👍73

[@JLPicard440]

Thank you! Cheers! 73.. VK? Are you an Australian station? If you are, i've had a couple QSO's with Australia... one time on the Long path.. 😁

[@SyrupSplash]

My only gripe is at least in my area (presumably most but I don't want to assume), the vast majority of operators are old folk. People who have at a minimum 35 years on me, often a decade or so more. Not much to relate to or discuss other than radio and that only gets you so far :P

[@JLPicard440]

That's true! I am usually the youngest one on frequency too... But we still talk about a lot more than radio for sure... 😀

[@stopmotionking49]

Can you pick up am fm to

[@JLPicard440]

Do you mean the AM/FM commercial bands? The HF radio will definitely pick up the AM broadcast bast band, but the 2 meter radio won't tune down to 88-108 on the FM scale even though the main mode is FM...

[@jeffgriese680]

There is only one thing keeping me from becoming a ham; everyone is operating a transceiver. I want to build the transmitter myself and purchase a receiver. Now, try finding a modern receiver. It's virtually impossible. Sure, there are a few low end receivers out there

[@JLPicard440]

Back in the day, the transmitters and receivers were separate. A modern scanner wouldn't work? They do make pretty nice scanners that are way better than the ones your might get from Radio Shack! 😀

[@johnwest7993]

If you get into ham radio you won't have to get a 'handle' like 'Snake Eye', and talk about '4 pills' and '16 pills', and 'birds' as if you have any idea what you're talking about. And you'll be able to do with 2 watts and a piece of wire tossed up in a tree what 'Snake Eye' can't do with 2,000 watts and a 5 element beam. I find that rather compelling.

[@JLPicard440]

Lol... that's all true!

[@soundhealingbygene]

interesting

[@JLPicard440]

Thank you!

[@delbert9357]

I'm on EBT but I do have a cell phone. I can't afford this stuff. What's it do that my cell phone can't do plus I'm scared about having a callsign that anyone can know who I am and where I am . that scares me.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes that's true. Anyone that knows where to look can look up your callsign and see where you are. You can put the callsign address to a P.O. Box. They will let you do that. At least they used to and it hasn't changed to my knowledge. A cell phone will "usually" work.. but in the case of an emergency or a disaster, it is certainly not a guarantee that it'll work. I think I got into some other reasons in the video... Thanks for the input..

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Where I live exist large areas, usually in the mountains, where cell phone does not work but radio works fine; it even connects to the telephone network via "autopatch". As for people knowing where I live, yes, it is a risk. I have chosen to have my callsign on my license plate. In case of emergency, First Responders see the license plate and accept that I am there to help, sort of a "Second Responder" but in the mountains I am very likely to be the first responder. So I keep an eye on my location both GPS and milepost on the road.

[@JLPicard440]

That's awesome! Thanks for the input. I guess cutting off your typical driver in traffic doesn't mean they'll automatically show up at your house! ... 😀. The first or 2nd responder is excellent...

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@JLPicard440 "I guess cutting off your typical driver in traffic doesn't mean they'll automatically show up at your house!" Where I live they are likely to meet my friends Smith and Wesson. That's the nature of Red States. Kinda like that scene from "Miss Congeniality", where the FBI woman freaks out because someone has a gun. The producer says, "This is Texas. Everyone has a gun."

[@devilsatan2973]

Scared about someone tracking you by your callsign? Yet you have a cell phone? Really? Paranoid much? The folks that can track your phone are the ones I'd be MUCH more worried about, rather than a callsign that few today understand!

[@joebiggers4703]

Getting real time information without wounder if your talking to a bot. Cell phones are limited to who you know.

[@JLPicard440]

No probably not to many bots on ham radio!... Lol.

[@tom-ehill2713]

Look- theres Elvis!!!!

[@JLPicard440]

Lol.... Thank you very much.. 😀

[@tom-ehill2713]

@@JLPicard440 a lot of the channel jamming has gone away from 38 lower sideband- amen!!

[@Hootman]

HT = Handy Talkie????? HT = Handheld Transceiver. 🤔

[@JLPicard440]

I've heard it called both...😀

[@waterhead1027]

@@JLPicard440 I have also heard both. From people with very large YT channels.

[@JLPicard440]

@@waterhead1027 Thank u!.. 😀 It's like tomaaato or tomato.... it depends on what part of the country your standing in... Lol

[@thomasmaughan4798]

It is also part of the superiority complex. YOU have a "walkie talkie" but I have a "handie talkie". So I call it a walkie-talkie on the air and hoping someone makes an issue of it. So far, not.

[@JLPicard440]

LOL... naaah it's not worth arguing over... 😀

[@josephtotter7484]

Why , because you want to. :) 😀

[@JLPicard440]

Yes that's true too!

[@josephtotter7484]

@@JLPicard440 :) Joe WA4UJY

[@JLPicard440]

You're welcome!

[@waterhead1027]

"They don't like you talk about certain things". Censorship. Given the opportunity, people will keep you off topics they dislike. A deal breaker if I was going to spend thousands on a hobby.

[@JLPicard440]

HI, you wouldn't spend thousands and then talk on a repeater! The more expensive stuff is usually HF stuff. There aren't to many repeaters on HF (although there are some on 10 meters). It's the 2 Meter repeaters that I had the experience with. Switching over to simplex which is talking directly without the need of a repeater doesn't usually have those limitations. Many people enjoy repeaters because they only need a small station to get through and use it. I can't even say that it's a common problem. IT was just the experience that I had personally with some fuddy duddies that were just set in their ways!... Lol. But it did leave a sour taste with the repeater experience... I've been on simplex ever since.

[@devilsatan2973]

@@JLPicard440 Yep. I've had several examples of piss poor hams sadly too! That's part of the reason I'm not real active today on the bands. To many clowns on air today. But there are still a few good folks on air!

[@JLPicard440]

Although I have run into some clowns, usually I don't find that to be the case in my experience... 😀

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Why Get into Ham Radio in 2023?" Because that's the year that starts next week. You could choose 2024 but you'd have to wait a year.

[@JLPicard440]

OK THANKS!

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@JLPicard440 It's the pedantic in me. At work I sometimes get email saying "If you are hungry there is food in the kitchen." I tend to reply, "Where is the food if you are NOT hungry?" I was at McDonalds drive-through and after placing my order, the order-taker said, "That will be twelve dollars at the second window." I asked, "What would it be at the first window?" and completely disrupted her thought process. "Is there a discount if I use the first window?" It is a bit sloppy. A better declaration would be "That will be twelve dollars. Please pay at the second window". This unlinks the amount to pay, from where to pay. But as often stated, there's a *dependency* that you would pay 12 dollars but only if you use the second window.

[@JLPicard440]

Lol.. that's hilarious. I might have to use that one.... 😂

[@albertlepore1039]

CQ DX CQ DX W3AUJ AND WE GOT 1983 NICE TO MEET YOU. I SEE YOU ARE 5X9 AND YOU'RE HAIR NEEDS TO COME BACK

[@JLPicard440]

Lol.... Thanks for the feedback!

[@stopmotionking49]

On tv fcc there 10 word you not alound to say no more freedom of speech

[@JLPicard440]

While there are certain things the FCC doesn't want you to say.. mostly curse words. I am not aware of any other limitations on the Ham radio bands.

[@folksurvival]

Is he wearing a wig?

[@JLPicard440]

Lol...

[@ruckedupg9166]

Whhhhy. Grey beard and not a spot of gray in you mopp?! Your not fooling anyone!!!!

[@JLPicard440]

Ok thanks!

[@dcobbler8897]

Ive yet to watch a vid that explains why i would want this?? Only old dudes flexing their tech and talkin jargon… Are u ham people literally just in it to eavesdrop on convos. Radio karens? Such a wierd hobby

[@JLPicard440]

Ummmmm..... Ok thanks!

[@onesecureone]

Always wanted ham radio never had time but interesting

[@JLPicard440]

It might be good to have something small in case of an emergency. In an emergency situation the callsign goes out the window!.. 😀

[@onesecureone]

Yea I bet you will get news and good info on HAM it could be a lifesaver