My First Ham Radio Contact

I finally had my first ham radio contact! In this video, I’ll talk about my experience in getting on the air for the first time. It was a long time coming and I finally was able to get close enough to a repeater as well as get over my “mic fright.” I also cover some future projects, such as a mounting system for my ATAS-25 all band antenna.
If you're new to the channel, welcome! I'm "The Tech Prepper" and I try to produce a daily video on all topics related to preparedness. Thanks for supporting the channel! If you like the content, don't forget to hit the thumbs up icon, leave me a comment, and subscribe to the channel. "Be strong, be safe and be prepared." -- The Tech Prepper
Products:
If you're interested in any items shown in the video, you can help me out by using my affiliate links below. Thanks for the support!
1. Baofeng UV-5R - amzn.to/2KN9BrY
2. BaoFeng BF-F8HP - amzn.to/2Lfd6r2
Other Links:
1. RepeaterBook: apps.apple.com/us/app/repeate...
2. Yaesu FT-60R - www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Episode: #28
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2. Twitter: / thetechprepper1
3. Companion Site: www.thetechprepper.com/

[@manul0123]

Your video reminds me when I made the first contact in the amateur radio. It was exciting and also felt insecure that I encounter unknown culture. Your expression is brilliant that every pause, wording explains your excitement and worry you might break a unknown code.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You captured it exactly. It’s a mix of fear and excitement rolled into one. I think everyone remembers their first contact.

[@AldrichCarrasco]

I passed my technician exam today. Now I'm looking for my first handheld radio.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the hobby. Good luck finding your first HT. 73

[@miriamsmith7135]

I have been aham for 25 years and a good first handheld would be in my opinion is a Yaesu Ft 65 R... Can't beat the price.. Got it for $89.95at Ham Radio Outlet...

[@jeffb5781]

Awesome Gaston. Thank you.

[@matadorlabsjs]

Funny you put this up. I found your channel because I was listing to your very first contact. I happened to be listening to the ARA repeaters while I drove home from lunch. I'm about 10 miles south of you on Carefree Highway. I don't have my license yet but will once I can find a class. On the projects front lets touch base. Also a software engineer and would love to do some things to learn more about the ham side. Oh and welcome to the Valley.

[@TheTechPrepper]

What a small world. It's great to meet you, Jacob, and welcome to the channel! I listened/monitored for awhile before I finally got licensed. I am working on my General. Are you aware of any good amateur radio clubs in the area?

[@harrybolognese1408]

Dude, go for it. Download the ios/android study apps. You go girl!

[@Nsnsa]

Im about getting one. Thanks for sharing👍🏻

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the comment! Good luck with your new radio.

[@zenom9333]

That is the type video that should be recommended more on youtube, great video !

[@TheTechPrepper]

As a new KZbinr, that means a lot. Thank you! I’m really enjoying sharing my ham radio journey with the community. Take care!

[@zenom9333]

@@TheTechPrepper Take care man!

[@jamesr1897]

Just listened to your first contact, and have just got my licence today. 73's from the UK.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations! You're going to love this hobby. There's so much to explore.

[@JohnL1950]

Excellent video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you, John. Comments like these are really appreciated. Enjoy the channel. Feel free to leave any video suggestions. I cover a bit of everything related to ham radio and preparedness.

[@oleboy4332]

Thanks buddy! Gonna make my first contact this weekend. Excited!

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem. It sounds like you just got licensed or about to get licensed. Good luck!

[@oleboy4332]

Yes recently got licensed. Programmed the Baeofang UV82 with Chirp. I’m in Chicagoland area

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@oleboy4332 Congrats! Enjoy the hobby. There is a ton to explore. I hope Chicago treats you well and that there's a ton of ham radio activity.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Keep it up. Enjoy the area, I get out there often.. if you didn't know, ham radio outlet is in Peoria. They always have something good.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Ham Radio Dude. I love HRO... That's where I picked up my Yaesu FT-60R and FT-818ND. I can't wait to go back once we're off lock down.

[@mistergamerguy]

I searched for "Ham Radio First COntact 2020" and found this, I'm a brand new HAM (Post-Exam, Pre-License). Red Tape land for me for now. But I look forward to it! BTW, that's a BIG antenna on the UV5R (which is what I bought pre-exam)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations on getting your license! The antenna makes all the difference. In the case of the Baofeng, the antenna is about the same price as the radio. I have a mix of ham radio content and prepper content, so hopefully you’ll stick around.

[@anthonymaples7264]

Great video, Looking to take my Technician Test soon.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good luck with your Technician exam. There is so much to explore in this hobby. Take a look at APRS when you get licensed. It's my current amateur radio obsession. I have a few videos on this topic. Take care!

[@Scowlingoverlord]

Me tooo

[@desMCD80]

Great commercial 👏👌👍🤣

[@TheTechPrepper]

Never thought of it that way. :-)

[@necro2607]

haha just checked this old vid - fun stuff. The guy who called you after you had done the QSO was NJ7V, that was his full callsign (you probably figured that out yourself after you watched the recording, I guess). I'm cringing at the radio constantly cutting out due to the squelch being too high! hahaha :) I just got my amateur radio cert like 6mo ago but had a Baofeng to listen with stuff for a couple years before. such an awesome hobby indeed. (edit: Oh, this is hilarious, I'm just watching a newer video of yours where N7JV hits you up while you're doing SOTA on The Fortress! nice haha, guess you got in contact after all!)

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's funny. I actually know Charlie NJ7V pretty well. I did not realize that this was him until you mentioned it. I need to go back and watch this. I met him about a year later and we have become good friends and have done a few SOTA activations together. He's also a KZbinr and goes by Red Summit RF. Here's one of our joint activations if you're interested.: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmfYoKqBjNmKmLs

[@Johnyrocket70]

Simplex is more of a real contact to most folks. Unless you're skipping into a 10 meter repeater thousand of miles away. That's always fun. I skipped into a 10m repeater in upstate New York from California

[@macgyver5108]

I remember my first contact, someone asked for a snow report!😅 4 years down the log and now I'm a net host for a technical Q&A net.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's amazing how hard that first contact can be and then how quickly everything becomes second nature. Glad to hear that you're supporting the community with your net. Keep up the good work.

[@macgyver5108]

@@TheTechPrepper mic fright IS bizarre... I'm QUITE comfortable talking live on stage in front of hundreds of people no SWEAT! But there's something about "talking into the ether" to someone you don't know and can't see?! But it does pass. I usually write down notes even in the moment to help with that.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@macgyver5108 Like you, I run a Net every once in while. My first run as Net Control was nerve racking. I believe I covered this "first" on one of my videos. The great thing is that you control the PTT. Only you know the chaos, no one else needs to know. ;-)

[@macgyver5108]

@@TheTechPrepper LOL the best "fun" is trying to sort out the pileups! A "cheat" if you have a dual/multi VFO radio, tune them all to that frequency, including one without a PL tone if you're using a repeater. (USE HEADPHONES! feedback...) = gawd-mode😎

[@macgyver5108]

@@TheTechPrepper a channel I've been paying mind to lately, takes things from preschool ham "extra" levels to "professor" level radio ops. This video just scratches the surface... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eniyqqmEgdBpeMk

[@JohnHuthmaker]

What antenna is that? I have an FT-65R. Would love to get some better distance out of it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s the Diamond SRH320A. It’s a great 2m/440 antenna. I’ve been able to do 70+ miles on simplex when on peaks in my area. Also, check out the Slim Jim J-Pole from N9TAX Labs if you want something you can throw in a tree or a mast. I had really successful summit activation with it today. Video will be out soon. 73

[@bobtheman1]

Hello, Gaston! Can you please explain what you mean by "key to mic?" Also, what is that Morse code sound at 4:43? Thank you.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Sure thing. “Keying the mic” simply means pressing and holding the push-to-talk button, also called PTT. It’s the transmit button. That sound is the acknowledgement from the repeater that’s it received my transmission. Great question.

[@bobtheman1]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks for your help!

[@leetnessgaming9751]

How do you like the 8w vs the 5W

[@mmm-nx8of]

What antenna do you have on the yaesu? Just purchased one that radio and passed my test two days ago and looking to make my first contact once my license show up online!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations! It's the Diamond SRH320A. It's a great antenna. 73

[@gaborm4767]

4:30

[@makavellys]

What antenna is on BF-F8HP?

[@BluelightGaming1]

How could you not have a contact for 2 years being licensed? Did you not try?!

[@kurt53641]

What is the antenna for your yeasu? Any good?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Diamond SRH320A. Love it.

[@siddharth4662]

hi... any chance we can establish a communication on HF ?? Grid MK68vl

[@TheTechPrepper]

Absolutely. Shoot me an email. I'm on QRZ. It will take time to coordinate a QSO given my schedule, but let's do it. 73 de KT1RUN

[@bradjon7231]

Im not excited to the fact that your repeater can be pinpointed by an app on peoples phone. As a prepper my location is something im not happy to share.

[@harrybolognese1408]

Watching that qso was hilarious. What a nerd. Great video. Sub'd and look forward to more ham/offgrid living content. 73 brotha edit: I meant nerd in the nicest way possible. PS: check this out. Sturdy, durable, high quality 2m/440 antenna. It doesnt even need a ground radial. It could work great in your case. Just a thought. www.arrowantennas.com/osj/j-pole.html

[@TheTechPrepper]

As a new KZbinr, I'll have to get used to the comments... I took it as a compliment. Thanks for the j-pole link and the sub.

[@expert244]

Hopefully you didn’t bring any California politics into AZ with you. Being from San Clemente you are Orange Co, so hopefully you vote for freedom in AZ and not against “mean tweets”.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Nope. Proud 2A supporter. We were in AZ for 5 years before that short stint in CA. We only made it there 5 months.. We’re to happy to be back in Arizona.

[@rumsin300]

Welcome to AZ. As long as you respect guns, archery, outdoors and public land and respect our Second Amendment, you would be a good fit here in AZ.

[@SteveHacker]

Very confusing… It’s your “first” ham radio contact, but it’s not, but you say it is, yet it’s not… Huh? What?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Technically, the one shown on this video was the second contact. I made the first contact just before the recording. The camera was not running.