Why keeping Up with the Jones's is Bad in Ham Radio

[@TravelinHam]

Being happy with what you have is an enormous key in living a happy life. This does NOT have to be an expensive hobby.

[@3henry214]

Sage advice Scott, especially when it comes to new hams. Resist the urge to rush out and buy gear, when you really don't know yet if you will stick with the hobby. Many people rush out to "gear up" only to find out a few months later that it's not their cup of tea, after spending a small fortune. Don't buy on impulse or after getting all excited by an enthusiastic KZbinr product review. Plan out your purchases and then save to make it happen, to please no one else but you. Early on, I really wanted an ICOM IC-7300, a good radio to start doing HF that you can grow into. But instead of immediately buying one, I forced myself to wait until they go on sale for the holidays. I ended up getting my 7300 for less than $900 with rebates and the sale price. In the meantime, while I was waiting to purchase, I abided my time by learning to play on 2 Meters/70 cm, making antennas and becoming more savvy about the technical aspects behind the license exam questions, that I crammed to only memorize the correct answers in order to pass the license exam. I tested for tech and general in the same exam session and came away with a General ticket, but I understood little. I think all newly licensed ham should do that after passing their test, they should take the time to learn the technical aspects behind the exam questions, in order to be an informed buyer when making purchasing decisions on gear and equipment. Instead of buying gear somewhat blindly and needlessly, that months later finding yourself saying "why in the heck did buy this?", like I did.

[@HR4NT]

That is exactly what happened to me. I bought stuff without really understanding what it was I was buying and went after the features without thought to the future use I may want. I always recommend that others research and read reviews from others BEFORE spending an enormous amount of money on an item that may or may not be right for you. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@yophotoman]

Thanks for the radio advice! Due to domestic issues, my radios live in a 10x10 real "ham shack" in the back yard, with batteries and a 100 watt solar panel. Consequently, they are all low powered portable and mobile types - but they work!. I've built most of my antennas and have invested within my retiree budget. Happy camper. Not envious of others' shacks & budgets.

[@HR4NT]

You nailed my point exactly! You are enjoying the experience of ham radio with what you have available to you! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@pasjeihobby]

3:20 those are words of wisdom. Good antenna is your best amplifier and a best friend of your radio. ANY radio ;)

[@HR4NT]

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

[@mauriceaustin3442]

Awesome video!!!! Thank you. I am an old fat. Licensed 30+ years. Left amateur radio for the most part about 19 years. Just coming back in because I found ft8. Drug out my old ft891(purchased when they first came out. Then hardly used). Found some videos of how to set it up and as of yesterday I am on ft8. Old equipment and DIY cables. I did not cheat on 1 thing. Coax! Coax coax coax first then a GOOD antenna. I did buy M&P coax and built my own EFHW. Works awesome. The radio is coming down the road when I can afford it easier. But I think it is going to be another 891. I just like its size and ease of taking portable. I guess what I am saying is coax coax coax then antenna antenna antenna. You will be amazed how well just those 2 items will help.

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more! The 891 is a fantastic radio. That was one of the first radios I bought and I still love it. Portable and reliable, period. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@rsullivant]

Exactly. I am way happy with my Xiegu G90. Its a hobby. Its fun. Build my own antennas. Experient with new antennas. Wind an unun. Solder up a feedline or unun. play with my CW key. I set up my G90 with a 20m EFHW next to the grill. Drink beer. Tune up the radio. Listen to people. Make a few contacts. Keeps me out of trouble. No plans to buy another radio. Happy. Happy.

[@HR4NT]

THAT is the definition of winning! And you nailed it! Have fun, play radio and be content. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@hermannharms8401]

Thanks Scott, best advice! From day one in 1990, my focus is on antennas first. Knowing some guys that can afford expencive radios but never had an eye on cables etc. 73s from germany DK2BE

[@HR4NT]

Well said! A true ham will make anything work. I like to geek out over specs, but it is not going to make me a better ham. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@judithwinner12]

I have a Baofeng UV-5R,and I'm happy with it as it does what I want right now. I will be getting my parent's old rigs that I helped build when I was around 10. I'm 60 now and can hardly wait to get the old rigs. Vintage is cool. ;)

[@HR4NT]

That is fantastic! Nothing wrong with older radios...some like my Swan, are 300 watt radios!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@bill-2018]

Vintage rigs good, vintage age not so, Hi. Aged 68 here. I had much work to do getting a tatty modified 1944 Wireless 19 Set working. QRP by choice at 2 Watts c.w. only and made xtal on tx, for stability and ease getting spot on frequency, 5.262 MHz my favourite, 7.030 on the wide rx hard going, xtal for 3.560 but rx given up, O/C coil. I have other stuff from the 1960's. Only modern item is an FT817ND. 73, G4GHB.

[@fm71450]

Thank you! This is SO VERY MUCH POUNT! My ignorance as a novice had me focused on the RADIO. While important, it is clear that a good radio with a poor transmission link (coax and antenna) cannot perform well. Now I spend time and money (not much $$$) experimenting with antenna / balun / coax combos and making contacts. Perhaps a little recognized piece of kit is the SWR meter - I check SWR every time I set up. From S.E. Tenn., 73! KQ4IXD

[@HR4NT]

I LOVE building antennas. I could do it all day long! Having a good SWR meter is important. Most of the newer radios have them built in, but never hurts to have an external one dedicated to just SWR. I also think that investing in a quality antenna analyzer is a good idea because you will use it every day and for each new antenna you build. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@radiotec76]

I have all of the same gear I had since I was a novice licensee back in 1976, Drake 2-C, Johnson Viking Adventurer, homebrew novice 80 through 10 meter CW transmitter, Heathkit VF-1 VFO, later on the Drake 2-NT, Regency HR-2A 2 meter transceiver and stuff I have accumulated by building it like the Tuna Tin II, Herring Aid 5, Ramsey Kit DC receivers & transmitters for 40, 30, 20, Kenwood dual band TW-4000a and assorted HF military surplus rigs and I am delighted with all of them. For me repairing and building are the “killer features” so I’m having a blast with ham radio in a way you can’t get from buying new. Am I against new? No, I’m not. Would I buy the shiny new high quality thing? If I need it, sure. Why not. It’s just that I am more excited with what gear I have than what I could have.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for sharing that! I agree, if you have good gear and you are happy with it, so be it! No need to buy more unless something comes out that you absolutely cannot pass up on. I might buy another radio down the road, but for now or until something self destructs....I like what I have. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@ArchangelMLM]

Thank you Scott for making GREAT videos for us new to Ham Radio, your common sense advise helps us to stretch our dollars and put it where it will do us the most good and i really appreciate that.

[@HR4NT]

You are very welcome! I am glad to get feedback from folks that validates what I am doing and that it is actually helping others. I would never waste viewers money and endorse stuff that isn't useful in real-world applications. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@RichardChelson]

The key is not the gear, it is the different people you get to meet.

[@HR4NT]

That is a very good point! Meeting others sparks up the conversations about radio and the gear that is out there. Thanks for sharing!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@davidcampbell206]

My first radio was a used IC-730. It helped me learn the basics of SSB, and Digital. Then the magic smoke leaked out. Biggest takeaway was no matter the radio get the best coax and antenna you can. Don't forget to check with local hams and swap meets

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely! Communication with other fellow hams and asking questions and discussing what we do is the key to success in ham radio. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@chuckmartin6049]

Great advice Scott. I bought the Xiegu G90 three months ago because that is all I could afford. Went to a park this last weekend and made 2 contacts. From Florida to NH and Ontario. I have been saving up for either Yaesu FT891 or FT710 Field. I have a Buddistick Pro for an antenna. I am a technical class. Keep up the great work Scott.

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing. There is nothing wrong with the G90. I have other hams that have that radio and make tons of contacts all day long. Keep doing what you are doing. When the time comes, you will adjust your gear. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@captbart3185]

My first radio was a home brew single tube built on a wooden rack. 3 watts out but I made contacts. I’ve used a 20 foot length of wire hidden in a tree (HOA issues) and I worked the continental US with 90 watts. I’m a CW guy and an old Ten Tech Century 21 works great. I’m blessed with some more expensive gear but you don’t need brand new when slightly older is cheaper and works well. Good advice. What part of Houston? I’m in Clear Lake. 73. WB5JWI

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for sharing that! I am actually in Missouri City just South of Houston. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@matthewriley1563]

Another outstanding episode. Your advice goes well beyond ham radio, real life lessons. I take to heart the buy once, cry once advice. That is good information. I can’t stress this enough, you’re one of the best ham radio channels out there (by far).

[@HR4NT]

Wow, thank you so much! I really appreciate the compliment. I try to think outside the box and give the best advice to allow hams to focus on what is important rather than the minutia stuff that is not the primary focus. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Thomas-ZET]

Great advice, Still like my first radio, an original icom 706, yes I did upgrade last year, one thing I found is not watching the waterfall and spinning the dial as I get more contacts that don’t really show on the waterfall.

[@HR4NT]

Good tip! As much as I love my watefalls, it can be a crutch and cause you to miss a possible QSO. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@sdmay1980]

Good advice cause that's the main reason I would like a new base station for the waterfall. I use the FT 891 and it has to suit me for now.

[@jpb5385]

Great video with great advice. I started with an FT3D and then got a 991A w an X30 antenna and an EMCOM II. A solid radio and great antenna will make a happy HAM.

[@kurtwolter3984]

Same path for me. New to HF and still getting my feet wet with the 991a. 😊

[@HR4NT]

You are 100% correct! Find what works and enjoy the experience. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@HR4NT]

@kurtwolter3984 keep moving forward and enjoy the hobby. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@mindrogue59]

Thank you, I found it on your site. Please keep up the great work 73

[@HR4NT]

Awesome! Glad to help!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@kevinverville8608]

IF you can...DITCH COAX!!! Go open wire, window line, or twin lead, and a decent tuner! DOUBLET or a loop antenna ALL THE WAY!!!

[@HR4NT]

That is definitely one route to take. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Bob814u]

I worked part time on an ambulance to save up for a Kenwood TH-74A. When you save for the radio or work extra to purchase it you will appreciate it more. My thoughts. I had some older hams who had many suggestions on radios and antennas. I bought them. I regretted it. Antennas: Learn to build your own. You will know how to use them and tune them for the band rather than using a tuner that eats your power. My loving wife agreed with this video so much she just stared at me with one eyebrow higher than the other. She told me to buy the best analyzer I could afford for my antenna building. I did. It is on its third set of batteries. MFJ 269D Pro Desktop.

[@HR4NT]

See...you validated my point. Spot on! We all will make certain purchases that we may not like down the road, but it is a learning experience and we make improvements based upon those past experiences. Sounds like you have a good plan in place. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@jeffwinget5928]

Very good points. Thanks for this video.

[@HR4NT]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@HR4NT]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@reggiebradshaw6819]

Absolutely. I'm changing out the rg8x cable i have to lmr-400. I did not know about line loss ext.... when I first installed the antennas.

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely. Use the best coax you can for your radios! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@pale_2111]

I started out with a Baofeng UV-5R. Used it for a while and upgraded to better radios when the funds became available. Eventually, I purchased Icom and Yaesu radios. As far as antennas goes, I use EFHW and a Dipole at home. While portable, I use a LEFS 40-10M with my IC-705. The best advice I could give is use resonate antennas. Having a resonate antenna is more efficient getting your signal out, especially doing QRP.

[@HR4NT]

I couldn't agree more. Once I learned that having a resonant antenna eliminated a tuner from my gear I was lugging around, everything fell into place. Now, I ONL:Y use resonant antennas. It just doesn't make sense to me to do it any other way. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

Most people's first car is not a Benz or BMW same thing with radio, get something nice that you can afford and fits your situation. For me I was going between two places and one is an HOA so I went with the IMPAS 2.0 since I have to pack up and go between two places. I did the same with the 991A figured best of both worlds, then I got 891 and mag mount and a few ham sticks for mobile. Like anything else the more the years pass the more you know what you want or like. IT'S FOR YOU NOT THEM. I am thinking about Kenwood TS890S, that is more radio then I need but it is for me from me (my retirement present). Great video, this point needed to be driven home.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you so much for sharing that. You validated my point. It is YOUR hobby to customize and make it yours so that you can enjoy the experience. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@MattCoversTech]

Thanks man, I needed this. Been feeling kind of discouraged when looking for HF equipment to get on the air. I'm going to ask my local club to see if anyone has an older transceiver I could buy to get on the air.

[@HR4NT]

Glad I could help out! Hopefully you will get a few options from your local club and find a good radio that will work for you. Just take your time and if you have a radio you like, save up for it. I wish you the very best luck in finding your radio and getting on the air ASAP! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

As a Foundation licence holder (Entry level) I absolutely concur with you sentiment. Far too many people have all the gear with no idea and wonder why their set up is not working for them. Back engineering is key, working from the antenna back to the radio with each step being better than the other. I am restricted to 10w TX, however I have manage to work the world on that and most of my contacts on home brew antennas. I do most of my operating portable as I am severely compromised at home, so dipoles are key for me. I build my own fan dipoles, 49.1 end feds and a couple of roll up vhf/uhf for local stuff. I usually run an FT857 all mode with a tracer lithium battery which lasts me all day on my output restriction, but it does not stop me getting out in the fresh air making contacts. Great show and many thanks for sharing....de M6KVK

[@HR4NT]

That is a fantastic story! Thank you for sharing. Figuring out what will work for you is the key and that happens by experimenting and trying out different things until you find your groove. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@bill-2018]

Great stuff. 5 Watts maximum here s.s.b. and c.w., h/b and FT817. 350 mW from a Pixie on 5.262 MHz got me a SWL report from Uttrecht about 220 miles on a low inverted vee bent into my tiny garden. Dipoles made for other freqs. 73, G4GHB.

[@mattxoverbey]

That really hit home when you said If you really want it you’ll find the money to shell it out. My cousin gave me a Lincoln II to get on 10 meters with since I’m a technician. Made my first HF contact on it but quickly found limitations with that rig that I wasn’t a particular fan of. All the while, I’ve had my eye on the Yaesu 891 as a rig I could have to 1) grow with while still a technician going for my general and 2) a better quality built radio and have one that I could have at home as well as take out for portable. I went on for months gushing over it until I checked my finances and I realized I could afford it and then some. So I went for it and have had 0 regrets. In the time sense I do have my eye on another radio to have strictly as an hf base station while I use the 891 as my sole portable pota rig, but until that time (which I don’t know when that even will be but no time soon) I’m still learning and loving what I’m figuring out with my 891. Great video as always Scott and glad to see you doing well!

[@HR4NT]

Thank you so much for sharing that. You nailed my point to the "T". Experiment, learn, make changes. Eventually, like you did, you will find what you like and what works for you. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@kevinverville8608]

Nice to see you again old man!

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much. Glad to be back up and running again. 73!

[@wrbigelow]

Still using my first radio Yeasu 455D and it works great! Learned the hard way on the coax but using much better stuff now. I have 2 inverted V dipoles for 40 and 20 meters that I built. Made many contacts all over the world on a 100 watts. Enjoyed the video 73.

[@HR4NT]

Sounds like you have a system that works for you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@w4mkh]

Well said. I had to have an 891 so I brought one.i found out that I didn’t like the heavy menu driven interface.i was always hunting for items and I couldn’t respond fast enough to changing HF band conditions. Hunting the notch filter while someone was tuning up in the Net frequency or narrowing the bandwidth while someone was splattering all over that POTA station was just too slow and aggravating so I sold it.

[@HR4NT]

I still like the 891, but I agree with you that the menu system is just too much when you are operating. I am sure that with practice and familiarity, I could get faster, but I am always looking to get things done on the spot without having to think about it or search for a setting to get better performance when in the middle of a QSO! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@sdmay1980]

I've been a ham a little over a year and got general last January. I bought a roll of wire and put up a loop antenna. The 2:5.1 Balun Designs and coax was new. I got my FT 891 used. Wolf River Coil came with mfj 17 ft and the bigger tripod used. I did buy a Bioenno 20ah. I get things as I go. I have tyt dual band mobile as base, Jetstream dual band vertical, and a Ft 65 handheld that I got on sale. Yes I can think of a lot that I want but needs is different. I have the basics and will add stuff slowly. I would love to have a fancy base station and use my 891 for portable operations, but right now it's what I have and I'm thankful I was able to get that. I love my 270ft horizontal loop as it was cheaper just buying some wire vs some of the commercial antennas. I talk around the world and have gotten all 7 continents in a small amount of time. Basically a roll of 14 gauge stranded insulated wire along with Balun and coax and just a little over 230$ hanging bout 40 ft up using trees and I had help from a ham putting it up as he had a PVC launcher. It works for me. Antenna is the most important as I'm sure if someone spends 3k on a radio but it can only do so much if you don't have a decent antenna with quality coax.

[@HR4NT]

OUTSTANDING!!!! I love hearing stories like this! You made it work and you are having fun playing radio! THAT is what counts. Sounds like you are well on your way to progressing forward on your terms and enjoying yourself in the process. Keep up the great work! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@sdmay1980]

Thank you and hope to hear you on the bands. 73's,,,, KI5VUH

[@barneyphife6998]

Well said!

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@dan_in_sd]

Still have my XIEGU - G90. Bought some things to go with it, but still use my G90 every day. 😄 I can reach across the country from Southern California with a good EFHW antenna. Recently I made a 15m Inverted Vee dipole which I was heard in Hawaii, although I had a hard time copying the guy. Just 20W and a good antenna is all ya need most of the time.

[@dan_in_sd]

ps. i also have the FT2980. great 80W radio. i have that on a 2m vertical VHF antenna mounted on the side of the garage

[@HR4NT]

LOL...love that radio! I have mine attached to a GP-9. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@kevinwelch2885]

Great episode. You have all the common sense.

[@HR4NT]

I might not have "all" the common sense, but I try to be practical in my thinking in order to help others where I am able. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@DonzLockz]

Good advise. I still only have HT's but seriously looking at the hermes lite 2 as it suits my current needs. ;)

[@HR4NT]

Go for it! You will end up buying more gear as you need it or see a need for a different feature. Just enjoy the ham radio experience. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@ehayes5217]

Yes, agree, sooooo right; have fun with what u have...fun is fun, regardless😃🇺🇸

[@HR4NT]

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

[@g0fvt]

Having been licenced a long time now I treated myself to a flagship HF rig recently, it suits what I want to do. (FTDX101MP). I enjoy it but maybe not as much fun as repairing a lightning damaged FT101ZD sourced from Ebay. I do see a lot of people constantly buying and selling radios, sometimes taking big hits on the trade-ins, my advice would be to try a rig for a while before you buy. As for making contacts, it means more to some people than others. Enjoy your radio, and go your own way with your hobby. 73

[@HR4NT]

Very well said! You have to find and define YOUR path in this hobby. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@pnowikow]

I want a 7300 someday but g90 performed really well. Also a nice mobile radio for the car. The ICOM stuff looks really nice

[@HR4NT]

They are great radios (7300) and I am sure you will get one when the time is right. As for mobile, I looked at Icom, but at the time I really liked the features of the FTM400 which is what I ended up with. Still going strong. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!

[@bryantwalley]

I've had a saying that has worked great for me my entire life. Save up a little longer and get the item that is one step up from what you think you would be happy with. Keeps you from regreting anything later down the road.

[@HR4NT]

That is an excellent philosophy! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

The key is to "save up". Too many people buy toys that they don't need on finance terms that they can't afford.

[@bill-2018]

I agree. The first radio I made was an a.m. valve xtal tx and valve super regen rx on 2m in 1974, other used gear after. In the 80's the only new item was an FT101E, everything else was used equipment. In 2017 I bought a new FT817ND which I got for portable as my h/b one is too big in a rucksack. My h/b radio using Plessey i.c.'s was completed about 32 years ago, 4 Watts ssb and cw, very basic, audio c.w. filter. I have a tatty 1944 Wireless 19 Set much modified, a Pixie, I made a single 61BT valve xtal tx and p.s.u., have a TW TopBander tx made about 1960's, a similar age Pye Bantam, all QRP, 5 Watts or less, and a 1960's rx Racal RA17L. I made my dipoles, inverted vee, 2m collinear and resistive type SWR meter. Assembled and soldered a frequency counter kit using Ferranti i.c.'s in the 80's. G4GHB.

[@HR4NT]

WOW! That is a fantastic story! Thank you do much for sharing. I learn so much from the viewers of this channel and love hearing about things like this to expand my knowledge as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@bill-2018]

@@HR4NT Thanks for replying, I love making stuff, aged 14 I made a one valve H.A.C. radio kit, 2,000 Ω headphones from a neighbour, 90 Volt battery and 3 Volt dropped to 2 Volt by a resistor, with a wire round the kitchen and water pipe for an earth. I heard a bird whistling and wondered why, it was Radio South Africa. That started my radio hobby. About 19 y.o. I made several 3, 4 and 5 mains valve receivers after. 73, G4GHB.

[@markanix70]

As always great video!

[@HR4NT]

Hey I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@lindsayhicks8152]

I started on hf with a used ic 746 pro I picked up with a gifted 20m wire dipole. Since then I got a ft 891 and a endfed antenna for when I'm away from home. Do I want more yes but just can't justify it. I am satisfied for now.

[@HR4NT]

Well said. I am content with what I have simply because it works and I can play radio. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

I'm disabled and on a tight budget. I used the Baofeng uv-5r with a mag mount for the first 2 years and last year I felt like I really moved up by getting a B-Tech 25x2 on sale. I hope to get an Hf radio one day But don't see it happening any time soon. With that being said, I have made great friends while using very little. KO4HPC 73

[@HR4NT]

Hey, thank you for sharing that! Nothing wrong with what you are doing. As long as you are having fun and making contacts and meeting new folks, you are using ham radio the way it was meant to be. I wish you the best of luck and glad you are having a great time! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@KrypticPatriot]

I love getting yelled at on a KZbin channel, may I have another please.! lololol

[@HR4NT]

LOL...I hope it didn't come off that way. I truly wanted to help guide those who may be under the impression that there is this mystical contest that doesn't actually exist. The primary focus should be having fun with the hobby. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@richb.4374]

My station is a mix of new and old gear. I use what works for me in my application, not what others say is better. I don't need a 150k station to have fun with the hobby.

[@HR4NT]

You are spot on. Work with what you have and remember the main focus is to have the experience of making contacts and having fun while learning. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@mindrogue59]

Look forward to yours videos. I've seen enough videos of people taking radios out of boxes. BORING! I am a fairly new ham. Technician. I can't remember which video you showed your band plan which was better then the ARRL version. Is there a downloadable version on your web site? Would love to have a copy handy. Thank You, KF0NGN

[@HR4NT]

I think I have all that info on the website. At the top of this page: hamradiofornontechies.com/ham-frequencies-by-license/ I have a downloadable PDF you can use to have as a reference. Glad to help where ever I can! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@t.m2933]

This is 100% so true. I could not have said it better. Great video. KN6PWH.... 73

[@HR4NT]

I am glad you enjoyed the video and got value from it! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Coffeeology]

PREACH!!!!

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@JEHermit]

Good Ideas. :)

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@w8lvradio]

Well said. I am concerned that Amateur Radio could become a rich man's sport, and go the same way that civilian aviation has. We must also remember that many of our hams are seniors on a fixed income! THAT being said, you might be surprised at the equipment that your local COMMERCIAL radio station has. Making a buck in radio is tougher than you might think! Sure , they might have several million in assets and on paper and in budget. But you can't spend three million and make two million without being a million in the RED!! 😅 And then there's that pesky payroll that MUST be met every two weeks, and the mind numbing and purse emptying FCC ("We're from the Government, and we're here to help you!" 😆😅🤣😭) compliance rules that they MUST follow: Some of the IMO rather arbitrary (and incredibly excessive!) fines that the commission hands out (while talking about "saving" AM radio) could FINANCIALLY BREAK your station! And sometimes? There's a TOWER CREW company that MUST be paid. The upshot? They often have pretty old equipment, but do you know the difference when you are listening to them? Of course not! Nor does the person on the other of YOUR QSO! And as far as equipment, when they DO get newer equipment, the "old" either gets scrapped out, or becomes a backup, or they sell it, just like you might with your own gear! Getting back to amateur radio: Perhaps with amateur radio for newbies, it's hard to get a FOCUS, because amateur radio is indeed a VERY large tent of interests. I'm WORRIED that the new ham takes the test, presses the PTT switch on a Baofeng, gets a repeater beep, and then mostly crickets, and well? That's it, and he's DONE! It's also a LIE that you can't just get started with QRP, Because you CAN. Wire is really cheap, and you don't need a tower. In Hurricane prone areas, wire will stand, or can be replaced in a few minutes, and you are back on the air. A weather dropped tower? Not so much. And if you are 65+, are you really interested in (and ABLE to!) climb a tower for the annual ritual of rotor maintenance to lubricate those moving parts? The GOOD news here is the Chinese are establishing themselves in the market, and this helps keep the price point competitive. Their quality will increase over time. And ICOM MUST be mentioned for the game changing IC-7300 as well, though I don't own one! Buy a used Yaesu FT-450D, and its heat sinks just purr along at five Watts. Crank it up to 100 Watts, and that becomes your poor man's "linear". You'll go a lot further with this approach than you think, not just in amateur radio, but in life. Common Sense and a budget doesn't RULE your life, it makes it BETTER. Just my take. All the Best! 73 DE W8LV BILL

[@HR4NT]

I like what you said here!. You make some very good points. I look at the Tech license as a stepping stone to get you in the door of ham radio. If you get licensed and search your local area for operators and get those crickets...to me, that is a sign that I need to level up to General and that all goes away. QRP is a little more difficult, but as you say, not impossible. Thanks for posting and sharing this! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

I neede to hear this message... 73s de KF4LBG

[@HR4NT]

I am glad to help and glad you found value in this video! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@robertvarner9519]

My Yaesu FT-950 will have to last me until I drop dead.

[@HR4NT]

As long as you can make contacts, you're good! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@glenk0]

The biggest expense in Ham Radio is the property you need for the antenna farm 😂. 73

[@HR4NT]

ROFL...no kidding! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@PendejoRyan]

So you're saying I should buy the KH-1? 😅

[@HR4NT]

If that is in your wheelhouse and you want it...sure, but you can have fun with just about any radio as long as your antenna is good. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@PendejoRyan]

@@HR4NT I was trying to be funny 😁

[@e7yu]

I have seen this at HAM cons.😂

[@HR4NT]

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

[@e7yu]

@@HR4NT Your Welcome

[@kurtwolter3984]

So you’re saying I need a Flex? 😉

[@HR4NT]

LOL...if you can afford it...sure...not sure "need" is the word, but yeah... Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@extreme978]

This is what I hate about some you tuber's. Its not the equipment they have. It's the ones that are in it for the money, instead of the hobby. (not talking about you) K8mrd is the most toxic person to ham radio there is. On the last mail bag Monday, he was encouraging pota's to get 2kh away from a net, and then refuse to move. He constantly wipes his a$$ with 50 years of respect and gentleman's rules. If he had ever been a member of the ARRL, he would know that that is not good radio practice. I despise that guy so much, with his fake laughs, and fake voice when he is reading mean comments. There are others, but too many to list.....

[@BBaldwin]

He is kind of a douche…

[@HR4NT]

I do KZbin videos because of my love of radio since I discovered it. However, it is also a business of sorts once you reach a certain point. It takes a lot of time to research and come up with topics to cover, shoot the video, edit and present it in a way that is easily digestible and worth the viewers attention. I try my best to bring value to my viewers regardless of the monetary rewards. I see too many potential hams out there walking blind with no clear direction and there are not a lot of KZbin channels that cover the topics I and or the way I do. Right now this is my primary business and occasionally I do reviews of gear I think will actually benefit hams and not just because some new shiny object exists. Each KZbinr has a different approach. I do think that the unspoken gentlemen's agreement is paramount to a good radio experience for all. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@nr3rful]

People dont talk anymore anyway. All anyone says is 5...9. For that I dont neee a $1200 radio

[@kurtwolter3984]

Yep. Everyone is 5…9. 😊

[@HR4NT]

When I do POTA, I try to be as accurate as I can base upon the data I am getting from my radio and my ears when making a contact. I know some may be all about the 59, but I think that is a disservice to the ham on the other end that may be able to use a valid RST to make corrections in their gear. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@HR4NT]

LOL...only if you can't read an S meter...Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@MichaelOfRohan]

Then make more videos about equipment I can afford. I dont want your radios, I want decent radios, things I can get for christmas. When you say catch phrases like, "this is a great rig for the price point" And the radio costs $499.99, its battery powered, with zero periphrials Its a little misleading because you know exactly who your vocal subscriber base is. The people that just like radio and dont actually use the hobby, and the people that do this for a living, they come, like the vid, and bounce out, and say something that makes you happy. Thats why you were coerced into playing catchup. Im ultimately on your side, but the folks who dont have a lot, and daddys daddys daddy was a ham i understand their grievence. And also, you have to understand because you make the videos, you see comments posted most recently. Your subscribers see comments whos stats fit the algorithm. Look at your chat, theres an option for Newest and Top and viewers always default to Top

[@thomasmaughan4798]

I scrolled through 14 minutes in about 10 seconds to see if there was anything other than a talking head with big earphones. Really they could be bigger. I do not understand their purpose. What are you listening to?

[@kurtwolter3984]

Geez. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5qmXoCLrrF7qac

[@BBaldwin]

Yet, you clearly took more than ten seconds to type that post. Congrats-hope you accomplished what you set out to do…

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@BBaldwin "Congrats-hope you accomplished what you set out to do

[@HR4NT]

My headphones act as a monitor so that I can hear myself and make sure I am coming through clearly in the mic. Glad you noticed...sorry you missed the point of the video. 73

[@HR4NT]

@BBaldwin Thank you! 73!