Setting up Ham Radio Station | No Clutter and Simple Set up!

[@patrickwall8517]

You have a very nice set up. I like the fact that you have the acoustic tiles on the wall.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Without them and my curtains it echos a whole lot.

[@INOV8TN]

You're an inspiration to all of us who haven't realized the value of a clean deck; How it opens up space for clarity. I'm just relicensed after a 55 year hiatus - a lot has changed (FT8, Programmable HT's, etc) but a clear flight deck is always something to strive for. I'd love to get the details on your antennas. 73 de W2TJF

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you for the kind words, and welcome back to Ham Radio. The antenna that I'm using at this QTH is a DX Commander Classic. Here is the link: www.m0mcx.co.uk/store/products/dx-commander-premium-build-hf-multi-band-vertical-system/ I ordered it from Callum in the UK, his call is: M0MCX.

[@researchcapt]

Very neat and clean. You do not have wires everywhere...nice! I did not see an antenna switcher or a master ground. Nice idea using moving blankets for noise absorption.

[@albert7ii]

Thanks for this "guided tour", and taking the time to share this with us. That is a beautiful piece of wood you have there as your table, just looking at it gives me pleasure. Your station is great and I wish you many happy hours running it. In a funny way.... your professional job and ham radio have common points. It doesn't matter whether you fly a "fast mover" or a tired old Piper.... with a bucket load of millions of price difference between 'em. The joy of what you are doing comes from WITHIN and doesn't depend on what you fly.. or what your shack is made of. The sense of pride and Joy also comes from within.,and all of us Hams share a strong common bond... which makes this such a fantastic hobby. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video. Albert. EI7II. PS: Local QNH 1009 at Cork Airport. I calibrate my small home barometer via Cork ATIS... when we have a good high pressure zone as we are virtually at the same height. I figure if their system is good enough for the commercial ships... it oughta be good enough for me. .

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hello Albert! Thank you for the nice comments. I've been a private pilot since 1999 and after retiring from the US Navy in 2012, I pursued flying as a career. Flying is so much fun especially when now your getting paid to do it. I like being the Captain and making decisions. I'm glad the 24 years in the Military Service has giving me the skills to risk management quickly in times of need. You mentioned Cork in Ireland, I visited the city of Dublin when I was onboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) back in 1996. I went to the Waterford crystal factory and visited a few Monasteries. You have a beautiful country! 73's de Capt Darren N4VFR

[@SuperJoker167]

Looks great! My shack is currently on FedEx truck. Just getting into Ham, and hoping to pass my General early May.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Good luck on your exam and talk to you on the frequency.

[@TheRealCaptAmerica]

Very nice. Glad to have made an FT8 contact with you last week. Hope to make another again. 73. W4YI

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hi Steaven! Yeah, I just check my QRZ log and saw our contact on 40m. Have a good one and talk to you again! 73 de N4VFR

[@BikePractice]

Just want to say, great vid. Love the set up. Love the hip music along with the shoot as well. 5stars! 73 W6SLA.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you!

[@DK5ONV]

A beautiful and clean looking shack. We could even eat from the Floor...good job, Capt. Darren. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you Uncle Guenter!

[@arafebi5414]

simple but that is verry cool ...good job

[@andy2E0JIU]

Looking good cappy :) love that table 👌

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Many thanks Andy!

[@paulhastings3109]

Your shack would be great. Waiting on a new radio which should be here today. FTDX10, 101. THE 101 has some great features and along with the IC family. Just have to grow when you can. This is a happy hobby and you just grow with it. Capt.you have a outstanding setup. Maybe we can meet on 40 sometime, I live in Florida also. We'll the FedEx man just got and have to check it out. 73 and good. DOING the bands are getting better KQ4CD Paul

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hello Paul! Ok, did you say you bought a FTDX 10 and also the FTDX101? Good luck and have fun with your new Radios. I often listen in on 40 meters while editing my youtube videos. 73's

[@markstump7079]

That Acom is sweet !!!! I have the same tuner..

[@africantwin173]

I would use some PL-259 to SO-239 right angle adapters on your nice amp to release all the stress that's on the chassis.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

African Twin, that's a good ideas! Thank you.

[@Yuēhàn24]

Hi Great video. Where did you get the little shelves for the tuner and amp from?

[@CT1JRZ]

Nice video

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you!

[@KB2AT]

Thoose are some thick grounding cables on ldg. What gauge? Looks great. KB2AT

[@CAMPstip]

you are a pilot!

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Yes. Captain for Mesa Airlines.

[@reidlanham2011]

Very nice video and setup! 73, K8JLW

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you Reid! Have a good evening.

[@AlvinMcManus]

The sound deadening material must be to keep your noise out of the living area, yes

[@LanceSheppard]

Very nice set up. Merry Christmas! KO4MWD

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you Lance, Merry Christmas!

[@nigelwilliams4800]

Wow lovely lucky man must have a good job.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Well, I can say I pursued my dreams as an airline pilot.

[@DaninVirginia]

Did those big ferrites help reduce noise?

[@rmcdj-k2kfe214]

Would've appreciated a look at the back while you were reconnecting everything...

[@DaninVirginia]

Did you find adding those big ferrites reduced your noise levels? Great looking shack and that amp is ooo la la! Thanks for the video

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Dan, no I have not seen any reduction of the noise level. At my other QTH where I have my Zero Five antenna, having those ferrite beads actually affected the external tuner's ability to tune down to 80 meters. I called Tom at Zero Five and he told me to remove them because that will affect the SWR and he mentioned on his antennas, there is no Common Mode Current. Therefore I removed them and I'm able to now tune to 80 meters.

[@timbrusky1]

Where did you get the riser for the radio and the turner?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Here is where I bought the legs: amzn.to/3SW393T And here is the shelf top: amzn.to/3mwuo9a

[@workshoptazz7893]

Great desk ! what are the dimensions ?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

72 inches wide x 29.5" depth. Height is 28.25" high.

[@workshoptazz7893]

@@DarrenN4VFR Thanks

[@JayN4GO]

Got a new desk today. Actually 8’x4’. I dread the process of re running everything. Haha. What gauge ground wire do you use and is there a bus bar behind the desk ?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I'm using 6 gauge welding cable (amzn.to/3BHRXk9) and 6 gauge lugs (amzn.to/3W8xKfB). I believe I have a 1 1/2" copper strip behind my desk and put wing nut bolts that fits the 6 gauge lugs. Then the 1 1/2" copper strip is grounded outside the shack to a grounding rod.

[@JayN4GO]

@@DarrenN4VFR very good thank you Darren

[@markstump7079]

What do you clean you radios with???

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I don't use any chemicals like windex. I just use a microfiber cloth and water. Wring out the microfiber cloth so it's not too saturated with water.

[@KB2AT]

30"x 72" length? How is width? Looking to make a bigger desk. 73's

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I'm home now so I measured 72 inches wide x 29.5" depth. Height is 28.25" high. I had a local Carpenter make it for me and laminated it.

[@jez4491]

Can I ask is the 'shelf' that you have above your radio custom made or is it something that can be store bought? I've been looking for something like that. Thanks.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Jez, here are the links from Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T1LPGXJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NPDG61R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@jez4491]

@@DarrenN4VFR That's awesome, thanks so much.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Where did the riser above the 7300 come from?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I bought them from Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FC49V4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@TorLangvand]

What happened to your OM2000+?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I still have the OM2000+ in Florida with my Zero Five Antenna.

[@dougtaylor7724]

Nice desk! What ever happened with the noise issue and the city vs antenna? Wait a minute, where’s the 101 Yaesu?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Good evening Doug, I haven't been to my other Home QTH in Florida long enough to work with the city in regards to my Antenna Violation. I still have the Yaesu FT101MP.

[@lizzyfan1986]

Where's your paddle?

[@w3les]

Hi Cap you don't want to see my setup....lol But you got nice there.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hahahaha, thank you for the compliment.

[@nutsforjeeps1]

Where is that desk from?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I had a Carpenter locally make my desk.

[@timbrusky1]

What are the dimensions of the desk? Having a hard time finding anything local or online for a desk, plus 3 layer riser that goes on top the desk. All furniture stores don’t have anything close. I even tried Wayfair, nothing close. ETSY has some builders on there, but I couldn’t tell them the dimensions I need, because I’m not good at guessing. I have measured some equipment from length, height, width. Still a miss. I’ve seen this video a few times and came to it today, just looking for a desk that I can add more to it later without coming back to it later.

[@larrypugh9662]

Good video sir, BUT why did you feel the need to introduce yourself as “Capt.” In a non-formal setting?? In a non-formal setting my wife does not introduce herself as “Dr.” Nor do I introduce myself as “Lt.” just curious.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I use the , "Capt Darren" as identity for my channel. Thank you for the comments and Thank you for your service, "Lt ".

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

Need to beware of solar panels with power optimizers!! RFI broadband interference

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thanks! My solar panel are quiet; haven't experienced any RFI from them on both IC7300 and SunSDR2 DX.

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

@@DarrenN4VFR it's only with power optimizers so no interference from straight panels.

[@SteelWolf13]

Hmm. Your first name is Captain? So your name is Cpt. Darren? Naaaahhhh.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Don't be a smart ass.

[@SteelWolf13]

@@DarrenN4VFR Yet apple is a first name for some. (eyes Elons kid) Hmm. Can't blame a guy for checking.

[@AmateurRadio-2PW]

Very nice, only the necessary essentials. LOVE IT! de Adam VK2PW

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you Adam!