Viewer Comment Rebuttal and Info for New Ham Operators

In today's video I am addressing a viewer comment pertaining to the technical non-techie format of my channel. I ma going to answer the questions he had in his comment sot me on a video I did last year about tips for ham radio beginners and clarify a few things. There is a ton of stuff to do as a ham operator and it would take tons of videos to cover it all...oh wait...that's why I have a channel...LOL. I hope you enjoy.
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#hamradiofornontechies

[@mindshelfpro]

I didn't know HAM radio existed in my country...I got 2 SDRs, built a co linear antenna to get aircraft stats and follow trunked radio, got a Baofeng for a year...then I discovered a 2m net by accident. I never was a Tech, did both Tech and General exam the same day...then I crammed and did really well on the extra exam. After 8 years I've probably only made 20 HF contacts and several radios/antennas. I just prefer to listen, but I'm still glad I have the license.

[@HR4NT]

That is an awesome story! I hope that you will try making more contacts and having fun with ham radio. I am very impressed with how fast you attained your licenses. Thanks for sharing and for watching. 73!

[@jameski5oeb668]

I love your videos. Keep up the great job! I was adjusting the ALC/compression on the secondary calling freq. the other day, knowing nobody in my town ever comes back to my calls… BAM a person a block away returned my call, WOW! Invited him to join our next club meeting and thanked him for the real world feedback! He was great hope to see him and meet him soon! Thanks again for your hard work!

[@HR4NT]

That is AWESOME! Thank you for sharing. You never know who may be listening on the other end. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@rogerwallace3166]

I am a new technician and I remember when I first started watching KZbin ham radio shows, and it was absolutely foreign to me hf. Vhs, 70 centimeters, I say learn the lingo first, and then it will begin To make sense. I was frustrated as well. But I did it and now I'm KK7KLD

[@HR4NT]

Adapt, learn and overcome! You rocked it! Congrats on joining the ham community! The youtubers mean well, but sometimes it is good to go back to basics to educate new folks. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Bob814u]

When my wife and I went to a class the local ham club taught they kept saying things that made no sense. "Get on the 76 or 96 repeater and we will talk to you.". Are they special repeaters? No, that was the suffix for the frequency, 146.760 and 146.960. I took a new tech out one day for POTA. I cranked up 20 meters and told him to call CQ with his callsign/my callsign. Of course I set him up right on a signal for a Caribbean station. His first HF contact was DX. He was hooked! De KE5ES

[@HR4NT]

We tend to create slang with one another forgetting that it may be confusing to others who are not familiar with it. It just happens. That is an awesome story about bringing the new guy out for POTA! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@NickFrom1228]

I'm kind of torn on this one. I realize it's for "non techies" but let's get real. It's impossible to avoid some tech when doing a technical topic and you do a fantastic job making this simple. If you have an auto mechanic you expect them to use a lingo, do certain things, know certain things. It's a given. To expect that ham radio can be done completely without lingo, without terminology, without certain things. The expectation is that it is presented simply and the viewer has to put in a reasonable amount of effort as well. If nothing else, search the web for definition of terms, rewind videos, look stuff up etc. Not an unreasonable ask.

[@HR4NT]

You are right and I try my best to do exactly that. I hope that my videos are easy to follow and the material is easier to digest. I am usually around to answer questions and help viewers where I can. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@t.m2933]

I still remember the day that I got on the air and called KN6PWH - newbie on a Yaesu FT-70D with a diamond antenna. I had a bunch of hellos and welcome to the hobby. I am taking my General May 03, 2023, because you are right, I want more privileges. I have been fine with Fushion and DMR, but now I really want to do HF. This was a great video. Thank you for sharing and posting this content. KN6PWH.. 73

[@HR4NT]

Hi T.M. !! You are so very welcome! Ham radio will open up to you when you pass that General in May! I wish you the best of luck and maybe we will catch each other on the air some time for a QSO! I appreciate you watching and enjoying the channel! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@survivabill5206]

Glad you had a warm welcome. I was treated like the red-headed middle step-child by the hams where I live.

[@kennethherring2918]

I think you're doing a great job. When it comes to the General exam, breaking down the technical aspects can be a challenge.

[@HR4NT]

Agreed, but it is doable. Figure out how you learn to retain information and once you have that figured out, then you can study and pass no problem. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@TractorsNStuff]

I'm sorry, but I had to give this video a thumbs up. I feel compelled to tell you why: (I'm sorry for the long comments!) I can talk to you, and you listen, and you respond. Not only did you respond with a long comment, but also in a video! Rock on! But more than that, you didn't make me out to sound like a bad guy. I'm really not! Though I can sound like it some times, especially in the comments section of KZbin! I'm simply frustrated. Its been grueling to study for the technician class license on concepts I don't understand and may never use. When I have questions, seldom do I find answers, especially ones I can understand. Like I said before, I'm not technical. The test makes it seem like I will be soldering, splicing, playing with capacitors and resisters, communicating with satellites in orbit, and bouncing signals off the moon. While that does seem fun, I'm not sure I'll be doing any of that. That is beyond my scope of knowledge. I just want to pick up a mic and talk to someone. You actually answered some questions perfectly! The how do I find people one. But that made me ask another question, hopefully you can answer: You mentioned its weird to call CQ on VHF. Why? Why is that weird? You mentioned that I need to figure out why I want to get into ham in the first place. Please let me take a minute to tell you. I loved talking on a handheld CB as a kid, sitting in the back seat of the family station wagon going down the freeway. Truckers were always friendly towards kids on the radio. In the military I used various radios for communications, and I enjoyed it. I like to program my own PRC-119 with crypto, setting the time, etc. I even wore small frs icom radios for inner squad communications. When I got out, there was no need for radio communications. We all had cell phones and facebook. A few years ago my forest caught fire and we were forced to evacuate. The fire went right between my house and my neighbors house. When we returned home, my house was painted a new shade of pink from the fire retardant the air planes dropped. We had a few other fires during that time, but nothing big. Sitting outside the evacuation zone, I saw a hand full of 'civilian' water trucks show up to help where they could. These were large trucks, including one guy in a duce-and-a-half old military truck with a huge water tank and pump on it. Speaking with a few of these people later, I discovered that they lived all across the region connected by GMRS and respond to fires, most of the time faster than the local volunteer fire department. I bought a truck. I put a GMRS radio in it. I keep the tank full and I'm ready to roll on a moments notice during fire season. My truck also has other uses, but that is the main one. So why Ham then? I'd like to reach further and find others that are not on GMRS. GMRS is very local, and it has rekindled my childhood passion for radio communications from the CB days. I desire to communicate with those across the horizon using technology that cannot be shut off or jammed up like cell phones during a disaster. I'm not a prepper or conspiracy theorist, but I am also pragmatic. Thing happen, and I would like to be the one of few that can communicate when others cannot. Thats why I've been studying to get my ham license. I'm not even sure when or where I can take the test!! In all, thank you. Thank you for helping. Thank you for taking the time to listen and understand, and respond intelligently to someone who just doesn't 'get it' yet. Maybe when I'm ready for the General license I'll look back on that video and understand everything, read my comment and laugh at myself for being so naïve. Keep up the good work, and I actually look forward learning from your videos and website. Sub well earned. 😊

[@dacodemonk]

What's your general location? There might be a club nearby you can hook up with others that can help out. There are curmudgeons in the hobby. You have to ignore them.. There are a lot more of us who are very welcoming to people of all knowledge levels and want to get them on the air. I was super lucky and have a great club that got me involved right away and got me on the air. Keep doing what you are doing, especially with GMRS. Radio is radio, whether it's GMRS, CB, Ham.. Ham just has the luxury of more bands (frequencies) to use that can get further out than the others.

[@memery261]

Go to a local hamfest and meet fellow ham operators and find someone who will help you learn. Good luck on you're journey.

[@HR4NT]

Hey I really appreciate the comments. I do not mind if they are long. The more info I have the better I can assist and help out. I am glad you enjoyed the video. We all start somewhere in ham radio. No one comes into it knowing everything, myself included. That being said if you are having a hard time learning the material, maybe it is the way you are learning that is holding you up. We all learn differently. I want to refer you to a recent video about how we learn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5m9cpWwmcyknbs Maybe having all the background info is tripping you up. That's how it was for me. I learn better by being hands on. So when it came to passing the exam I decided to memorize the questions and answers with the idea that after I pass and can actually use my radio, I would learn as I go on my time and my schedule. That may be the answer for you as well. Just pass the test. You have the rest of your life to learn all the other stuff and yes, you may not use all or any of the other info about electronic parts a so on, but that will be determined by the path your hobby takes you. As for calling CQ ono VHF: I was told that was weird, but after talking to fellow hams yesterday after the show I was informed that it is acceptable. You need to have a somewhat lengthy message in order for someone scanning to hear you and respond, so call CQ all you want and forget the naysayers on the matter! I think you should pursue this hobby, get licensed and start enjoying radio. Everything else will come as you move forward. Getting your ticket (license) is paramount right now and that should be your primary focus. If you decide to go down the road to memorizing the questions and answers, I have a series of books on my website by Craig "Buck" K4IA that are excellent. He gives VERY brief, easy to digest explanations in section 1 of the book and then the second half is nothing but question/answer. I hope this helps and keep in touch! As for when and where to take the test check out this link: www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session Thanks again for watching, welcome to the channel and see you on the air!!!! 73!!

[@HR4NT]

Exactly! Stay focused and rock on!

[@HR4NT]

Great suggestion!

[@Andrewbreeze316]

I’m glad this guy asked these questions (and you did the video on it), but getting in at the ground level, I too have thousands of basic and dumb sounding questions

[@HR4NT]

Hi Andrew! There are no dumb questions. If you don't know, you simply don't know. THAT can be resolved! Feel free to shoot me some questions on my contact page on my website and le t me see if I can answer them or make a show out of them for you. We all have to start somewhere and I get it. Believe me, I get it. I was there too and still am in some ways. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

I'm a techie and I still learn stuff from your videos! Dude you absolutely do the KISS thing. Keep rocking.

[@HR4NT]

Thanks! Will do! Glad you enjoy the videos! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

Most local Ham radio clubs have repeaters and if they are like my local club, they post the repeater information on their website. I will listen to the repeater frequency and can make local contacts all the time. Also, just listening you learn the lingo used in making contacts. All I have is a 3 band handy-talkie that works well. Plus local clubs sponsor events, such as weekly ARES exercises that are fun to participate in. Getting involved with other local hams is a major way to further your experience.

[@HR4NT]

You nailed it! Immerse yourself into as much as you can. Meet other hams talk and share ideas. The best way to learn is by doing. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@KC1PSK]

You have a great message here. I am building a DX Commander classic this weekend and I will be watching your videos again as a guide. I still watch what I can to pick up as much information about Ham as possible.KC1PSK. 73.

[@HR4NT]

That's the ticket!! Always be learning. Glad to have you on the channel!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

To the person asking these Qs: Do or do not. You either know that you want to get into ham radio or you don’t want to get into ham radio. Use GOOGLE or your favorite search engine. The info is out there. And to get started, it’s going to cost some money (testing fee for the VEC & FCC application fee). Ham radio is a hobby of 1000s of hobbies. So much in ham radio to do. Figure out what you like and go in that direction. Best of luck & 73!

[@HR4NT]

Very well said! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@stiantjensvold6624]

Happy I found your channel. Studying for my licence this spring and your content REALLY helps. Thanks!

[@HR4NT]

I am glad that my videos are bringing value and helping you! Thanks for watching. 73!!!

[@diegoKD9WUR]

I hope you doing well after the accident. My prayers go to you and your family. You put a lot of info out there that I can understand . I am just starting out and my technician and am studying for the General test. Thank you so much you are greatly appreciated. Get well… KD9WUR 73

[@HR4NT]

Thank you so very much Diego!!!! I really appreciate that. I am healing more and more every day and looking forward to getting back to making more videos. Stay tuned!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73

[@John_Henry83]

I know this is not the proper place to post this. But I heard on K8MRD RADIO STUFF'S live stream that you got in bad accident. You have my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much. I am trying to recover as fast as possible. Thank you for your support. 73!

[@brickerhaus]

All of this is great info.👍👏 Everything is a gateway to more stuff to learn.

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Andrewbreeze316]

If you’re answering every comment, my “simple” question is can you do a video specific for someone who wants to get into HAM specifically for emergencies/ disasters/ SHTF…. As a Houston guy I’m sure you understand. We are here in San Antonio.

[@HR4NT]

I kind of have a couple videos that touch on that. 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4C6eKyZnLOoj7M and 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXbQmGptobV6gJY If the3se do not answer your questions, let me know and I may have to create a new show based upon a broader aspect of the topic. I hope these help! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Andrewbreeze316]

@@HR4NT dude you’re the best! These videos helped a ton!

[@bassangler73]

You have a great channel and website brother!!!

[@HR4NT]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@bassangler73]

@@HR4NT 👍

[@tracymoon4437]

Even though it’s ham radio for non-techies, it seems you need to at least have a general idea of what ham radio is and what you might want to do with it once you get there.

[@HR4NT]

If you use my channel and the website for reference, I think you will be good to go. I have a ton of information on the website that will help to further explain thing s I speak about on my channel. Ham radio is a very technical hobby, but with a little curiosity and research, it is easy to get into and once you are immersed in it, you will find it leads you to learning much more a you go along. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Cheers Scott, always enjoy yr channel !!! Keep well n gd DX

[@HR4NT]

Thanks, will do! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@deerslayer767]

I am studying right now. From the dudes I’ve talked to new hams are “afraid” to talk. You kinda have to get past that.

[@HR4NT]

Hi Mark, yes you absolutely have to get over Mic Fright. I did an entire video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3_TqJeqiaxpaMU Send that link to them and it may help them out. Can't operate a radio is you can speak into the mic. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@survivabill5206]

Took me a while to get over mic fright...and when I did, I was put on blast and made to feel very unwelcome by my local hams.

[@adammackenzie]

Love your channel and content, my dad gave me a Yaesu FRG 7000, is that a good receiver ? Thanks, ham on ..

[@HR4NT]

It seems to be an OK receiver from what I see. It is not without its own issues, but at least it will let you hear others on the bands. Google that radio and check out the reviews on the Eham website. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@unitedhearts1341]

Hello. Talk about a newbie question--- this is a deal breaker for me so just double checking: I assume I would have to get up on a ladder and attach an antenna to my house or to something up high. Right? No way can I do that.

[@HR4NT]

Hi there! First there are no bad questions. To answer your inquiry, no you absolutely do NOT have to climb any ladders to install an antenna. My main antennas for HF are on the ground and work just fine. My VHF/UHF antenna is up about 25 feet just to get further reach and better reception (it is attached to a pole that is 25 feet long and still just attached to the ground), but it would work on the ground as well, just would not reach out as far. I hope this helps clarify your issue. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@unitedhearts1341]

@@HR4NT oh wow. Thank you!

[@edwardreichert7519]

I am in philippines. Hard to find people to get started, wondered if i got license on line for usa can i use it here without going thru 15 steps to get a license with pi call sign

[@HR4NT]

I "think" if you are American and take the USA test, you should be ok, but you may have to get permission to operate in the Philippines. Don't quote me on that as I do not know, but that may be the answer. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@JEHermit]

Nice Rant :)

[@HR4NT]

I try to help where I can. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@HerdingDogRescuer]

The biggest problem with the ham hobby are the expert hams.

[@HR4NT]

I can see that being an issue sometimes. We just have to remind ourselves why we got into ham radio and pursue that so we enjoy what we do and try to ignore those who want to make things difficult to inflate their own ego. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73

[@TheToastDog]

Here's my 2 cents... you're new and trying to learn, don't go straight to learning how to flash a custom firmware onto your X6100. Go search for an older video, on a simple topic that you're unfamiliar with and stick it out until the end. If you're still not getting it, go find another one... Or go do a little reading!! KZbin already spoon feeds you whatever topic you want, but it can't determine what you don't know or what you want without there being some user input (yet).

[@HR4NT]

EXACTLY!!!!! There are so many rabbit holes to fall down in ham radio...pick one or two, learn them and see where it takes you. Research is the key to this hobby. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@n0vty873]

Ham Radio- translation= $$$$$

[@HR4NT]

Yeah no kidding...it can get expensive! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@twohandsandaradio]

Yeah the OM on repeaters don't like the CQ call. KI5NPA is too quick. Just slow it down. "KI5NPA that's kilo, india, five, novemeber papa, lima on frquency and currently monitoring. Much nicer than calling CQ on VHF/UHF. Also... so down using blah blah blah all the time. It sounds condescending and is almost as worthless as saying 'literally'. Just my 2 cents.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for sharing that. I agree with you. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@memery261]

Go to a local hamfest and meet fellow ham operators and find someone who will help you learn. Good luck on you're journey.

[@HR4NT]

Exactly! Expose yourself within the community and meet others and share ideas., THAT is how it works. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!