The Coronavirus Special. QRP Ham Radio Communications.

[@brian.7966]

so when the apocalypse happens you will be sitting on a park bench calling out and guess what you will get a return call from a contest station. That will save you and the world.oh dear :(

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah, but its a guaranteed 59. Also, don't be afraid of punctuation.

[@TennesseeArborist]

@@hamradiotube ha! hell yeah

[@tylerdurden8115]

Well now Brian is just being a prick.

[@jamesmasonn4jom496]

Videos like this is why I’m interested in ham radio now, thanks!

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, thank you!

[@K6ARK]

🤘 glad the antenna worked for you. I gotta get my act together and finish up that build video.

[@hamradiotube]

You have to give the people what they want! Thanks again for the great antenna bud. 73

[@brentjohnson6654]

K6ARK Portable Radio Let us know when you have the build instructions or video posted. This looks fantastic.

[@jsieb]

Your antennas are so dope!

[@Frisky0563]

Adam we want this antenna bud!! please make the video!! 73's thank you both!!

[@BradSnyder1]

That’s a great antenna Adam! 👍🏻

[@crbraue]

This is exactly what I want to be able to do,.. and why I got into Ham. Plus I used to go ski-jouring being pulled by my Malamute at Proud Lake!! Awesome video! I am building the antenna tomorrow. I am sure that Brian is saving the world multiple times a day in his mom's basement!

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man, I hope you get out soon!

[@Lee784447]

I like how you were demonstrating your setup... Then, bam! Instant contest mode! Wow, nice antenna!

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you liked it!

[@thomasjames5722]

So cool. Just bought a Yaesu FT 991a - now I want a QRP radio setup because of this video. That looked like a ton of fun.

[@hamradiotube]

I absolutely love the X5105. It is really the awesome K6ARK antenna I'm using thats doing all the heavy lifting though. But this combination of radio and antenna works great. Super small and easy to bring just about anywhere.

[@thomasjames5722]

@@hamradiotube Def. will look into getting a similar setup. Keep rocking the great videos bro!

[@ThatguyFirst]

Entertaining video. I came here after watching K6ARK's antenna build. Nice to see that it works so well. Carry on!

[@hamradiotube]

Welcome aboard!

[@AlioMcDavis]

Called in work today #StayTheFuckHome. (62 w/pneumonia history) Haven't had my radios out in 2 years. The household didn't want wires strung. Now I think they're ready. That's a baddass radio! I couldn't believe your success. I think I'm going to sell my Collins amp $, get the Xiegu and go QRP! Thank you so much for the awesome and timely production!

[@KX4UL]

Way to go Mike! I absolutely love it! Such a small footprint from one tiny self contained radio with 5 watts, a skinny wire and an iPad Mini. QRP at it's finest. I'd have to say out of all your operating videos that your QRP videos are the most fun. Also, now subbed to K6ARK...73!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks a lot. I am always amazed that you can get out so far with so little. I really have had about the same success running qrp as I do running qro. I absolutely love the light weight, tiny footprint of this configuration.

[@yeater302]

They say the bands are dead, but they look very active to me!! Great job!! This video gets me motivated to get my station back up and going! 73 AC9HO

[@rijkvalkenburg9120]

I find the 40 and 20 meter not dead at all, only 10/11 meters are quiet now but last year 2019 i also worked nice dx there, get back and 73 from pd5rv

[@o2bnov0307]

Thank you for sharing this GREAT video. I'm in Northern Italy, with the law forbidding us to leave our homes except to go to work, go to medical appointments, or go to the grocery store. I tried to get a QRP rig, but local ham club said that my USA license and reciprocal agreement paperwork is not acceptable. Currently running into problem that many shippers do not ship to APO addresses. Result, I listen to AWESOME videos like yours, waiting for the day when I return to the US.

[@hamradiotube]

Man that's a real bummer for sure. I don't go anywhere without a radio. I'm not sure what I would do in your situation. I guess KZbin. You could listen to hf on one of those internet radio things. Or remote into a rig in the states? Well, good luck. 73

[@TXLorenzo]

I am in N Italy as well and have had my license transferred from the states and now have an Italian call sign. You have to have an Extra Class license to be able to transfer and/or operate temporarily. You might have to resolve yourself to study for your Extra if you don't have one yet. PM me from my QRZ page and I can hopefully answer some questions. 73s, IU3JNT

[@kw8z]

Great video NS4J is my Elmer! So great to hear the QSO. Great videos man keep it up. N4DVA

[@hamradiotube]

Oh wow thats really cool. You can tell him he's KZbin famous now! Thanks for watching. 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Nice setup, I like the antenna and 9:1 unun

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah me too, it works great.

[@patmcghie706]

Enjoying your videos Mike... Originally from Michigan (Livonia/Redford area)which makes it fun.. Currently reside in Savannah... Will be home in June and again at Thanksgiving

[@donizzo8884]

I can be having the worst day.... but when that unexpected item is found, its a game changer and I become happy!

[@hamradiotube]

Not quite sure what you mean by that but I'll assume you are talking about me happening upon the bag I just got. It completes me and I no longer need anything else ham radio related...said no one ever haha!

[@donizzo8884]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF .... The lunch bag!

[@hamradiotube]

@@donizzo8884 And I almost didn't get it. I have another bag that I can use that is smaller (the Red Rock Outdoor bag) than the backpack I usually take, I just really wanted this setup.

[@donizzo8884]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF Back in the early 90’s way before Go Kits became cool, I installed my first 706 and one the original LDG Tuners into a red Igloo cooler. Everyone thought I was the cool guy with the beer...”sorry but I work around the country/world”

[@hamradiotube]

@@donizzo8884 Ha, thats too funny. I bet your friends were really disappointed in you.

[@thuff3207]

The antenna is cool and I need to build one.

[@hamradiotube]

This was my first time really using it. I of course kinda played with it when I got it (I've had it for a few months now) but the timing was perfect to use it for this activation. I'm super happy with this entire setup I'm using. I think it's a keeper. Keep an eye out for Adam K6ARK on his KZbin channel for the build video.

[@walteredwards544]

I reached Braeden from Ga, I believe it was Tuesday with 8 Watts from Ga. Right before that, I reached Northern Italy on 40 meters, with an MFJ 10-40m EFHW antenna that's about 25' up.in a tree behind my apartment. Propogation was perfect. I hope to catch you one day soon. Thanks for the video. Cheers

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I talked to him the other day too from home. Heard a booming signal and it was him. That was cool to get him in the video. I know he watches the channel. We’ll catch you on the waves sooner or later I’m sure. 73

[@twwtb]

That's all I need. The remote control, the little statue and the ash tray. That's it. That's all I need!

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, I couldn't help think that exact scene when I was editing this. Absolutely love that movie!

[@twwtb]

It's a classic. Gets stuck in my head whenever i'm going around the house collecting stuff for a trip.

[@hamradiotube]

@@twwtb Every single time without fail. Just watch out for the cans!

[@sandraabarca6029]

what movie guys?

[@twwtb]

@@sandraabarca6029 : The Jerk with Steve Martin.

[@AndyWragg]

Hi Mike, that's a great looking system you have there. In particular the antenna, very innovative. On another note, I'd just like to say that POTA activation in the UK is really picking up now with members getting involved across England, Wales and soon Scotland. This is ALL YOUR FAULT as you're the guy that got me tuned in to POTA and got me interested. Thanks again buddy. 73 de G1AW

[@hamradiotube]

Well if I have to be guilty of that then I'm proud to be. Thats great to hear that POTA is taking off in the UK. Although I don't see why it wouldn't. It's a great program. Just watched Carl get his first activation. My only advice would be to just keep calling CQ POTA. Get that pileup going. Make everyone want to work you and not the other way around. 73

[@AndyWragg]

@@hamradiotube Carl's doing a livestream Q and A soon with me regarding POTA. Keep an eye on his channel.

[@hamradiotube]

@@AndyWragg Cool, will do.

[@BradSnyder1]

That antenna worked absolutely great! Congrats on 5k+ subs as well! Keep up the great work Mike! 73

[@jimhoffman3914]

Love watching your videos. You really appear to enjoy what you are doing.

[@hamradiotube]

I have a blast every time I'm out. This one in particular was a really fun one for me.

[@1958johndeere620]

I think he eats cat nip. LOL!

[@hamradiotube]

@@1958johndeere620 SHHH, don't tell anyone.

[@dwatson4]

The audio on that Chinese radio is impressive. Nice work

[@hamradiotube]

Its definitely build for portable operations. The volume is nice and loud and I like that the speaker is front facing. The G90 has really great audio too. The only problem with the Chinese radios audio is anyone with an "L" in their call sign sounds like an "R" :)

[@mikes6844]

QRP is a skill, patience is a prerequisite. Your reaction towards the end of the vid is priceless "on 5 watts watts". That's what its all about. Thanks for sharing 73 de M0AZE Mike

[@hamradiotube]

Patience is not a quality that I would say is my best. I have had some pretty good success with qrp and love taking these little light weight radios out. So much easier than QRO. This antenna is really great too though.

[@kazcat8096]

@@hamradiotube i just built one i can not wait to test it have to wait till my leg is good again got knocked of my bike last sunday

[@marek100play]

Yet one more great video and QRP action, thank you and 73,s de M7SZY.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you and thanks for watching. 73

[@neubert500]

Great timely video, love the humor in your vids! Thanks for taking the time to make them!

[@hamradiotube]

It was all spawned from a group text with my friends (who are all A@$holes like me). We were talking about the virus and I was gonna POTA anyway so figured, why not make an emcomm (ish) video about it. Like I said, I am making light of the situation but the message about emergency comms is quite real, and the reason I started getting into amateur radio in the first place. Thanks for watching. 73

[@brodycolegrove8253]

Another great video Mike! I always look forward to your uploads. Keep up the great work!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Brody. This was a really fun one for me. I have another one already filmed that I did on Monday after the tuner video was shot. Still need to edit though. I was just inspired to do this silly video today and wanted to post this first. 73

[@brodycolegrove8253]

@@hamradiotube The best thing about your videos is how much fun you have. That is what makes them truly enjoyable to watch

[@daviddurflinger3104]

Pretty much awesome, KN6GZP out of California, 73s out

[@ZZEROO99]

Awesome video, cant wait to get licensed and start doing pota myself.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey if I can do it, anybody can. Just read the books and take a crap ton of practice tests until you are passing every time. Then go ace the real thing. You can do it!

[@kevinrhodes9329]

I love that video and the antenna you were operating on

[@paulkinas7926]

Good QRP stuff, and loved the B Nektar shirt; mead and QRP rocks, and the mead will help ward of the nasty viruses... (-: 73 Paul NA9M

[@hamradiotube]

It's good stuff. My brother owns B.Nektar so I've usually got some mead lying around. You know, just in case.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

That is a great little setup there!! Like how small that antenna is!! I hope your friend posts a video on how that is made. I can see now I want one of those!! How long was the wire and counterpoise? I wish that radio wasn't so expensive, I would replace the 817 with that maybe!! 73 Juddie WD8WV

[@hamradiotube]

You know I don't really know the specifics but I would guess the radiating element is about 40' and the counterpoise is maybe 13-15'??? I just sent him a screen shot of your comment so maybe that will get him in gear. I warned him this would happen haha.

[@K6ARK]

41 ft radiator and 17 ft counterpoise. Toroid is a FT50-61 trifilar wound with about 9 or 10 turns. It tunes 60-10m and sometimes 80m.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF bud, I am subscribed to his channel and I already went and commented on one of his videos where he is on a summit using a similar antenna and asked when he was going to do a build video! LOL. Thanks for doing the screen shot, I see he has answered. 73 Juddie WD8WV

[@hamradiotube]

@@K6ARK What he said. See I was pretty close though :)

[@hamradiotube]

@@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures Very nice! No pressure now...

[@Aussat]

Very cool as always, You guys have some great contacts over in the US, here in the land of the long white cloud we don't have as many operating so making contacts is hard work but satisfying when you manage it. Well done..... However Mike I'm a little concerned... Either it's cold outside OR you have the virus! :) I will be portable this weekend here in ZL out with the virus watching people as they pass, headphones on so no one asks what I'm doing :) 73 ZL1MY

[@hamradiotube]

Well it is still winter here so yes it is kinda cold. Remember, you're upside down so everything is backwards ;). Start making some videos. Get the people excited about POTA.

[@williampeacock9473]

That little RADIO is kicking BUTT and taking names. Loved the video you was having a blast and I was also . You need to tell your friend to get things together and make a video of how to make the antenna you was using . I want one of those myself. Thanks again for your time and service to our hobby . You do a great job and I appreciate it very much. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM Peacock EM-81UF

[@hamradiotube]

It seems to be doing the job for sure. I would attribute most of it to the antenna. You can have the best radio in the world but if your antenna sucks you aren’t gonna be making contacts. And he is very aware, and I have warned him that people will want that antenna when I do a video on it and sure enough you aren’t the first to ask. Thanks for watching and 73.

[@rfdave3980]

My heart in pounding. so kool.

[@hamradiotube]

That was a really fun activation. Thanks for watching.

[@VE3IPS]

Zello and Peanut are great too for those in self isolation and cant get out to a park due to a court order to stay inside

[@oldwolf1928]

Appreciate your videos Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you like them!

[@barrykery1175]

Neat setup. Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@gabrielnemeth5311]

I love the comments regarding the apocalypse. You'll have a few milliseconds to get to the park, set up, plug in and say CQ...

[@hamradiotube]

Gotta get one last contact in before the bomb drops!!

[@LEXPIX]

Now that's QRP in action!

[@knikk77]

“CQ CQ, Zombies on the air”

[@hamradiotube]

Soon!

[@mw7jlmhamradio114]

Well done Mike! Over the last week I have been rocking parks on the air here in wales and loving it !!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey that's awesome! I'm really glad to hear (and see) that it is taking off over there.

[@mw7jlmhamradio114]

​@@hamradiotube For sure man! We made this video......kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6C4dmeNl8h0n7c

[@doyrayburn2668]

Holy moley!! Im in and on a mission now!! On what kinds of radio equipment are these kinds of results possible?

[@hamradiotube]

This is ham radio. Specifically HF radios. Watch more of my videos and you can see reviews of what types of radios I’m using.

[@joekocinski7986]

Hey Mike, great video as usual! You know, sometime you need to take an NVIS antenna so those of us that are within 100 miles of you can partake in your fun! : )

[@hamradiotube]

You know I could prob do that with that 132' end fed antenna I have. I haven't really put very much thought at all into NVIS but you do bring up a good point and that would actually be something to follow up the theme of this video with. Or just drive the 100 miles haha!

[@joekocinski7986]

@@hamradiotube Truly only 45 minutes away for most of your POTA's, would love to meet you sometime! You're the reason I got my Extra last month!

[@hamradiotube]

Well come on then. So long as you're not a weirdo haha!

[@N4EJM]

Looking to get the FT-891. Will be fun trying that out. Especially between 5-100 watts.

[@greenolive1278]

The Ft-891 is a really nice radio. I bought a xiegu x5105 and kind of regret it, but man do I wish I saved a few more dollars and bought the ft-891 instead.

[@sudberceni257]

Good evening, I would like to open the station in 11m. In Romania we use the CB band for free, on trucks. I can't use xiegu x5105 in 11m. Can you help me with this problem?

[@hamradiotube]

You need a cb radio not a ham radio.

[@TennesseeArborist]

I have a G90 - does the x5105 ever seem to get reports of very bass heavy audio?

[@hamradiotube]

I've not had any bad reports with either radio.

[@k2cjbradio]

You are now a QRPer!

[@hamradiotube]

After much reluctance, it is appearing so isn't it?

[@TXLorenzo]

You should do a performance evaluation on the difference between the 5105 and your G90 at 20 watts

[@hamradiotube]

That wouldn’t be very fair as the x5105 only does 5 watts. But it does it really well!

[@TXLorenzo]

@@hamradiotube I have to say you did pretty well on that day. May the sunspot gods be with you.

[@hamradiotube]

@@TXLorenzo Thanks, and also with you. All it takes is a little RF and a wire.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

When I open one of your videos, I hit the LIKE button. I have NEVER had to change it to dislike. Great job on a QRP setup. 😜

[@hamradiotube]

Well thank you very much for that. I hope I never let you down. No pressure now.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiotube 😁

[@Amnesiacize]

That was so impressive, man. Makes me want to do the same!

[@hamradiotube]

Well you should. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelnichlos2943]

Pretty cool setup

[@hallofieldday]

Hello, can you provide the coaxial cable symbol?

[@hamradiotube]

Its RG 316 from PackTenna. www.packtenna.com/store/p9/20%27_RG-316_Coax_with_1_BNC_and_1_Right_Angle_BNC.html#/

[@BradC44]

I know nothing about ham radio but after watching your video is what you're doing is establishing (logging) connections so that you could punch in those numbers later for a direct connection to that individual? Kind of a phone number?

[@hamradiotube]

No its more just an exchange of our call signs and our signal reports, how well we are hearing each other, like when we are saying five nine, the first number (which can be 1-5) is how strong their received signal is and the 9 is how well we can actually hear them (a 1-9 number). The park number is the number the park is for the Parks on the Air program.

[@timg5tm941]

Greetings from England! Great vid Mike. How long was the wire? 29 or 31 feet or near I’m guessing?

[@K6ARK]

It's a 41 foot radiator with 17 ft counterpoise. I have found those lengths to be very effective gor multi-band tunability.

[@timg5tm941]

K6ARK Portable Radio yes it’s nearly a 1/3 wavelength for 40 so should be good from there up 73

[@forthy62]

Satis longa vitae for qrp :-) Good job! The antenna looks very promising. 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@hamradiotube]

Well I'd say it had a very successful first run.

[@heavyglassglass]

They're called Coughers. Watch out for the Coughers

[@jsieb]

I think you're now a QRP convert! :D

[@hamradiotube]

I don't know if I'd say convert quite yet, but this setup is what I have been striving for for quite a while.

[@off-trailseeking3965]

How many watts would this antenna be good for? I know you were running 5 watts in it....

[@hamradiotube]

prob not much more than 5-10 watts.

[@robreke]

is this going to be a potentially valuable skill / trade if SHTF and the grid goes down? I'm looking for good skills to have if everything goes to pot, but I don't want to become a plumber or electrician. Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

Well lets think about it. If cell phones (or any phone for that matter) don't work, how are you going to communicate? Ham radio allows us to communicate locally, but we can also communicate around the world with nothing more than what I am using in this video. This is not a "potentially" valuable skill, it "IS" a valuable skill that is already being used. Any natural disaster, hams are usually called upon to provide comms to areas where the grid is down.

[@wushock92]

DUDE! You forgot your water. LOL That was fun.

[@hamradiotube]

I know it was in the fricken car all the way on the other side of the hill like prob close to 50-75 yards away! I was not about to go all the way back. Way too far!

[@Chiefarndt]

Can you share the details/photo of the connector with the wrapped unun

[@hamradiotube]

There is a link in the description this video to Adam K6ARK, showing how to make it. You should check it out.

[@Chiefarndt]

@@hamradiotube Thanks - that is awfully nice to receive one of those as a gift! pretty tedious for sure - quarantine project!! Thanks 73

[@patrickmartin8578]

How did you set up your fishing pole with your antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

I just guy it with mason line and a few tent stakes. I have a small hose clamp at the top outermost section that everything connects too. Check out my MFJ 1917 telescopic mast video to see what I'm talking about. Different mast, same method.

[@patrickmartin8578]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF how do you secure the wire to the mast?

[@christishusbandakastan7618]

Sorry for the low level question (I am just now studying for Technician test), but what are the numbers you send and receive? I’m thinking of those like 5-9.

[@hamradiotube]

No worries. It's a signal report. 1-5 based off of how well you can hear them, 1-9 based off of how strong their signal is. So I may be able to completely understand someone and give them a 5 for the first number, but they may have a weak signal and give them a 4 for the second number. If its really hard to make out a station, and their signal is weak, I may give them a 22 or something. A perfect signal and readability would be a 59. It's fairly subjective though.

[@christishusbandakastan7618]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the explanation. One piece of information at a time.

[@hamradiotube]

@@christishusbandakastan7618 None of that matters much until you get on HF. Just keep studying for Tech (and pass of course). I found most of the reading material didn't make much sense until I could put it to practical use after I got licensed.

[@sandraabarca6029]

think I will make one . Mike what was his channel again? ty 73

[@K6ARK]

Hoping to have a video up some time in the coming weeks...

[@hamradiotube]

We are going to hold you to that.

[@W0KNI]

Thanks for this Mike! Your YTC is really fun and informative. I stumbled into AR after finding out my race-quad was probably in the HAM bands. Got my General and off I went. I love to hike and get out and this seems like POTA would be a really good fit. Question: I read through the POTA site and a bit confused how you create a Reference ID for the park your at. We have many State and County hilltop parks but none I'm looking to conquer are listed on the POTA site. 73 de W0KNI

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Stephen, thanks for watching. The park designators are created by the POTA admins. Not all parks are part of the program. Only state and national parks (and not all of them either). Check this link and scroll to your state. Hover over or click on a dot and that will tell you what park and number. pota.us/#/map You can also just got to parksontheair.com hover over Maps of entities and click on pota map. Outside of that, maybe email your local coordinator to see about adding some to the database. Hope this helps. 73

[@longrider42]

I take it that radio runs off of a internal battery? If so, how long does it last? I'm all about mobile ham radio.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm honestly not sure. I can tell you that I have had it on all day and it was still going strong. This activation barely put a dent in it and was probably on for about an hour operating full power (all 5 watts!). It charged up way quicker than I was expecting too. When it's totally drained it takes every bit of 12 hours to fully charge. It was done charging before I finished editing this video so it didn't use much. The one downfall (if you want to call it that) is there is no way to monitor how many AH it has used. The voltage does display on the radio and I found it shuts off around 10.2 volts and charges to about 12.3ish, so anywhere above about 10.5 before you have to start worrying.

[@longrider42]

@@hamradiotube Would it be possible to run that radio off of an external battery? Say a Bioenne battery. You could they use a volt meter between the battery and radio. Just a thought.

[@hamradiotube]

James Hart oh absolutely. I did a whole review on the radio you can check out. It’s a really neat bit of kit.

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Nice RUN. Very compact Thanks mike for shareing

[@haramanggapuja]

Sweet. Now if they don't close the parks around here, I'm gonna have to do that too. ;-) Have a choice between a G90 or a X5105. Wild choice of antennas. Your set up, on the other hand, sounds like I need to work on that antenna myself. Looks easy enough to build. Thanks for the great video. 73 W8IJN

[@hamradiotube]

Man everyone asked me that question and I really don't know. Some days I like the g90, others I like the X5105. After this activation I am leaning more towards the X5105. It has more features like noise reduction, notch filter, and internal battery. It is also about half the weight. Maybe I just made my mind up. They are both great radios. I did full review videos of both. Go watch those and decide which features are best suited to your operating style and go from there. You're on your own on that antenna until Adam K6ARK does a build video though.

[@billcrow5403]

Great video Mike!! Hope to talk to you on the air!

[@hamradiotube]

For sure!!

[@MuzzleMike]

I find this odd but yes . This vid is coming up close to a year old . In a couple of months . I do not remember seeing it . Must have missed it . I just got my first contact using a pixie kit . Last week . I got the same box for my field radio rig . I ended up finding this video looking up videos . I had a Soda Pop 2 set for 40 meter gifted to me . The radio bug bite is itching bad ! I do carry my Chinese fang radio radio . Uhf/vhf is fun

[@hamradiotube]

Crazy that its been almost a year since all this started and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Those pixies are cool. My buddy Adam K6ARK uses them a lot.

[@W3GYV]

Which Logging Software were you using on your iPad you looked like it went well for you!

[@hamradiotube]

HamLog.

[@jaysonscaccia3188]

You video has inspired me to to get a g90. I have a few questions if you don't mind? I'm getting g90 and a sotabeams antenna. I have never ran a portable rig Except ht. I need a battery what would you recommend? And how do I charge an external battery. I had my ticket a while but my first time hf. Sorry for the noob questions. And does the g90 come with power poles or is that something I'll need to get as well. KD2MNE

[@hamradiotube]

Hey that's great to hear. Watch my most recent video as that covers the topic of batteries. You will need to get your own power poles though. I cover everything you would want to know about qrp batteries in that vid. I have a couple other battery videos I've done as well but the most recent video would be your best bet. Have fun on the low bands!

[@jaysonscaccia3188]

@@hamradiotube thanks so much

[@jaysonscaccia3188]

@@hamradiotube one more quick question for antenna what do you think about sotabeam or mfj vertical? Or is there an better option not wanting to spend too much

[@josehenriqueschossland485]

How many meters is the radiator? 73" PU5IKE

[@hamradiotube]

Its approx 12.5 meters.

[@josehenriqueschossland485]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF Thank You 73”

[@josehenriqueschossland485]

Thank You73”

[@horvath_zsolt]

I like qrp, I would like to buy it. Xiegu x5 105 can rx and tx on 11meter?

[@hamradiotube]

It can't TX on 11 meters no. It will RX however.

[@AspiringHomesteader]

Cool, thanks for my first QSO on my new call! 73 K4OJF

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man, glad to work you!

[@AspiringHomesteader]

@@hamradiotube It actually just hit me how odd it is that you were my first contact on this new callsign. I have just got back into Ham Radio after having a stressful few years. I decided I needed something fun to do to relax. I started watching KZbin as part of that and your videos really encouraged me to get out there and play. I've even attempted a POTA activation (my old battery only lasted long enough to call CQ about twice). I also decided to start new with the new callsign as well. So... yeah, odd that you were my first contact. Anyway, Mike keep doing what you're doing. Keep having fun on the airwaves and making videos man. It's really encouraging and enjoyable to watch you. Makes me want to get out there and do the same!

[@hamradiotube]

@@AspiringHomesteader Well thank you very much for your kind words, that means more than I can ever express in words. Glad to hear you are back in the hobby. Its an honor to be your first contact after getting back into the swing of things. I'm glad I could share it with you and the rest of the viewers. Now go get a new dang battery and get out there and play some radio!

[@jnelchef]

QRP and zombie protection, remember, only headshots count!

[@hamradiotube]

Double tap.

[@happypappysaquariums1408]

Wow just watching your video and your first contact was with my friend Brayden. I'm k1cme Byron

[@hamradiotube]

Right on, Byron. I heard him coming in so well I wanted to give him the first slot on the video. Hopefully he has already see this but if not, make sure to show him. 73

[@JerryAGreene]

Hey Mike! I was trying to get you park to park as well from K-4422, but you just weren’t hearing me. I was on my 5105 as well. Oh well...I’ll try again next time! If you see me out there, give me a call ... de KB2IOF 73!

[@hamradiotube]

Oh man that sucks. I though I heard a park to park call me in the pileup when I was editing. The mic pics up more than my ears do I guess.

[@JerryAGreene]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF haha! I was listening for myself as you were going through all the contacts to see if I heard myself. I would have pointed it out to you with a timestamp.

[@hamradiotube]

@@JerryAGreene Theres a whole lot left on the cutting room floor as it were. It's prob in there. Oh well, there will be plenty more chances. It's getting nice(ish) up here so I will be out more often.

[@souta95]

Looks like you had a lot of fun out there! I'm hoping to do a POTA activation with some friends down in Berrien county this summer, though it may end up being next year if I can't get any portable equipment together by then. 73's AD8BU

[@hamradiotube]

You don't necessarily need "portable" equipment. I've taken my 7300 out a few times. Sure its bigger and heavier but that's not that big of a deal. I know guys that pile up all kinds of stuff in a wagon and drag it to the park bench to operate. All you really need is a radio, a power source, some coax, an antenna, and something to log with. Get out there and have some fun. Just stay away from people haha! 73

[@joeg7849]

Looks pretty safe there. I'm in Silicon Valley, it's gonna get crazy.

[@hamradiotube]

You didn't see all the zombies in the woods!

[@DavidFranklinPerry]

Thanks for the park to park yesterday and today! W3DFP

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thank you. Those are always the best contacts!

[@DavidFranklinPerry]

@@hamradiotube yes sir! And I said today and yesterday. I meant to say today and Monday. This week is going too fast! See you on the air... And don't catch the Corona!

[@incaroads001]

This is cool. But what I'd really like to know is how two x5105's sound contacting each other. Have you experienced this? This is probably an idiotic question. If it is please excuse it. I'm new. I don't even have my license yet.

[@hamradiotube]

I imagine they would sound as good as any other radio. I don't really ask what radio someone is using typically but I may have worked another X5105 before I's sure. There are plenty of people that have them.

[@justinmacauley]

What's the antenna ?

[@hamradiotube]

Did you even try watching the video??? Or reading the description???

[@romankalinchuk2750]

Thats, cool. I realized I had made 2 contacts with you on POTA and didn't realize you had a channel. Would be awesome to hear myself if you happen to have a video of it. KK4TCX Here are the times: 2020-03-09 19:07:04 2020-02-22 19:52:27

[@hamradiotube]

I think I made a video that day that I haven't edited yet, so is that is the case, you will be in it. 73

[@victorsdunek3281]

Mike loved your QRP Video How much are one of thoses Radios you used in the park? Let me know Victor WH6FLQ

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Victor. Anywhere between $450 and $600ish. And then the batteries, antennas, masts, etc, etc, etc...

[@dapfury]

What is the app you are using on the iPad?

[@hamradiotube]

Its called HamLog

[@normjacques6853]

Geez, Mike.....that wasn't a pileup, that was a @#$%^& avalanche!! i'm just getting set to get on HF, and a QRP rig isn't going to be my first purchase, but I do want to get into POTA and you sure have my curiosity up. Are these videos typical of what you do on a POTA activation, or do you have just as many 'OK, where are they?' days? 73 W1NLJ

[@hamradiotube]

This is actually very much the norm. And I don't even spot myself other than posting to twitter when I'm about to go out and what freq when I'm there. I wouldn't recommend a qrp radio as a first either. Get a good 100 watt radio. There have been times when I haven't activated a park but they are very few and far between. I usually get out at least once a week on my lunch hour as I work right down the street from Dodge State Park K1495 and activate it in a matter of minutes. I'll usually get anywhere between 20-30 contacts in the half hour I'm there. Just get out and put out some RF and they will come.

[@landscapelighting]

What type of antenna was that?

[@hamradiotube]

It's an end fed random wire with a 9:1 unun. 41' radiator, 17' counterpoise.

[@landscapelighting]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF thanks. Nice antenna, the performance was great!. looks like the radiator was laying on the ground?

[@SteveKN4POP]

What coax is that Mike?

[@Pigeon__Man]

Videos like this make me fear for my first POTA pileup lol

[@hamradiotube]

Nah, don't sweat it. You'll do great. Remember, you are the one in control. Just take it at your own pace and remember to have fun.

[@nivid01]

You are doing a CoVid-19 ZomVie-19 special and you kept touching you mouth with your hand, and 'wiping' you nose with your hand. But good onya mate, I like your outdoor use of the radios; the coronavirus is over-hyped anyway!

[@hamradiotube]

It is impossible to not touch your face. Plus this was before things started getting heavy. Plus, I still touch my face :)

[@K6TJO]

does that radio record your audio? You sound very strong on this video almost like you are in a studio.

[@hamradiotube]

No I’m just using a wireless lav mic. The speaker on the radio is facing right at it.

[@VK2YK]

Great to see some one else using a soft lunch box to hold all your radio gear. Mine has KX3, dipole for 40 to 10m, 10m RG58, 1:1 balun, powered speaker, Lifepo4 4.2A battery & small adaptor kit. All this gear then goes into backpack. If interested have a look at kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXOtp3ibiNSijtE which I give a run through of my radio kit. Cheers Adam

[@ntc490]

Awesome vid. Why didn't you shave your beard for a better seal with your mask? LOL. How far up did you put your antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

No way. I don’t need no stinkin mask. The beard will keep the germs away. The mast is a 10 meter carbon fiber pole but I don’t have the very top section on it as it’s way too thin so 10 meters minus a couple feet. Whatever that works out to be. 36 feet or so I think.

[@DE2TRF]

Top video 73

[@hamradiotube]

Well thank you and 73!

[@andrewfisher1051]

That was pretty awesome. 🙃

[@hamradiotube]

That was one of the more fun videos for me in a while. I had an absolute blast.

[@kc1kug82]

How did i just now come across this? I activated my first park recently after this contact:) 73 de KC1KUG (brayden) hihi

[@hamradiotube]

I know you did, congratulations. Great getting you in the log again. 73.

[@paweorzechowski8968]

Ok, i subscribed because zombies can't win. Also a great channel.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you.

[@USXPOP]

A skinny piece of wire and 5W! You seem to be able to talk to the world on 5W, what can you do on 100W? Good work. W0YVY 73

[@hamradiotube]

I actually use 100W more than QRP. Just got into it a couple months ago and honestly, the results are very similar.

[@edrudolph1]

Yeah the difference between 5 w and 100 w is only a few s-units. Hard to tell the difference between the two with just your ear.

[@hamradiotube]

Ed Rudolph so I’m finding out. I’ve only been doing the qrp stuff for a couple months.

[@andywilliams1826]

Funny, POTA hunters got ya ! Great video Mike. Tks Call them non-POTA walkers ?