Hi Michael, That's a great video, and I'm sure it will help many new HAMS. I pushed the envelope a bit. In my car, I have a Baofeng portable with a 12 volt adapter, aux. mike, and Diamond magnetic mount antenna that connects with local repeaters. At home, I have another Baofeng connected to a homebrew "Slim-Jim" antenna hung on my basement door that connects to repeaters up to 25 miles away. Total dollars equal a little over $125 for both including the antennas. If you use one radio for both auto and home, it brings the cost down more. I'm writing this to let potential HAMS know that you can start out in the hobby without going broke in the process.
@KB9VBRAntennas
8 жыл бұрын
That sounds like a great setup. I've frequently used portables in the car with an external antenna. But if you want to upgrade your mobile experience, you may want to look at my video where I check out the Leixen/Luiton 10 watt mobile radio. These sell for about $60-$70 on Amazon, which still isn't a budget buster: kzitem.info/news/bejne/y6uhr61_g4Kqqqg
@30CalCoreLokt
6 жыл бұрын
I'd love to see a video on this.
@hunting8279
6 жыл бұрын
Paul Mecca -
@vrea77
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks this helped
@frankgallo3786
4 жыл бұрын
KB9VBR Antennas Mike do you have contact info Please send me a text I have a questions 6105042216
@sutirthhadas
6 жыл бұрын
He stares to my soul
@jazbronoh5873
4 жыл бұрын
I thought so too. Came to look comments coz of it.
@Martian74
5 жыл бұрын
Ok, you won the staring contest, I have no chance against you.
@stolenhal0
7 жыл бұрын
This guy is awesome & very knowledgeable but his lack of blinking creeps me out just a wee bit. Great video tho, thanks a ton!
@lemon2275
5 жыл бұрын
very true
@PeterNgugi
4 жыл бұрын
True
@arupian666
4 жыл бұрын
Dude. I never noticed that before. But now you mentioned it, I can't NOT notice it.
@anthonypalermo8816
4 жыл бұрын
Oh, those creepy nerds.
@wjjackson0311
4 жыл бұрын
He’s reading from a promoter. That’s why
@CarlSagan6
4 жыл бұрын
I love this video so much. This guy is the living definition of a "ham radio guy"
@dnsmithnc
7 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael. This is your ophthalmologist. Blink man blink. Lol. Good info. Just what I was looking for. Thanks
@cda32
7 жыл бұрын
Call the MIB! Something is up
@davidsuggitt
7 жыл бұрын
I think he's written a script and is trying his best to keep up to the teleprompter. Great video. Thanks Michael!
@n2dabloo
6 жыл бұрын
My first radio was a Baofeng 8 watt handheld. The battery life was superb (18 hrs+ listening time). I later added an external Browning dual band antenna and I was hitting repeaters 20 miles away. You can also hear NOAA weather broadcasts, VHF Marine (ship traffic), local police and emergency services (IF they are analog). I now have a Btech tri-band mobile radio that I truly love. Studying for my General now...
@Gatewayvick
4 жыл бұрын
That scary mad scientist look is all well worth it with good information, thanks !
@certinstructorron4050
5 жыл бұрын
I agree! I started with a Baofeng UV5ra. I purchased a mag mount antenna so I could take my radio on trips or different vehicles. Or, set it up at various locations as needed. You can also buy car adapters for power too, extra batteries are good! Later I bought a Yaesu 857d. Followed by a Retivis 380 DMR and a TYT9800. Echolink is fun to have as well. Any licensed ham operator can get the program when you apply for it. Download it on your cellphone, or other devices.
@davidrichter9164
3 жыл бұрын
I love videos like this. No b.s. just straight talk and helpful hints.
@rockdocpalmcoast4189
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael. Short and concise. I am brand new to the HAM radio world and you helped me immensely.
@loganmacgyver2625
6 жыл бұрын
i dont think im gonna get a license (and of course a radio) in my teen years yet i still love watching videos on the topic
@MotorjockMike
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your videos Michael.
@dahveed284
6 жыл бұрын
Good video. You nailed it early with "what are you using HAM radio for". I'm using it for motorcycle to motorcycle communication with a longer range than the typical helmet com systems (bluetooth based) provide. So a handheld, mounted on the bike with a SENA SR10 will bring your handheld conversation into your helmet (provided you already have a SENA comm system installed).
@w6dfmp242
3 жыл бұрын
Great advise, I agree that it is really about what you want to get out of it. I’ve done your 1,3,2, but love SOTA and will probably go QRP HF next instead of the base 2m.
@sklegg
7 жыл бұрын
Why can't I find an inexpensive hobby?
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
Tell me about it. I know what you mean.
@cdamauser1963
6 жыл бұрын
sleeping.cheap!!
@spyrocete11
6 жыл бұрын
I feel that for sure it seems like everything that is interesting costs a lot of money. I always start out with the cheap stuff and it is always garbage so I end up buying the expensive stuff.
@davidsaltsman6228
5 жыл бұрын
Grass counting???
@HairyBushPilot
5 жыл бұрын
Go play disc golf. $15 and that’s it.
@w.rustylane5650
4 жыл бұрын
I just passed the test for my Technician license and received a Yaesu FT-4VR from the local Ham club for passing the test. It's a mono band, 2 meter, HT with a rubber ducky antenna. I have to go out on the deck to hit the local repeater. I just built a 2 meter 1/4 wave ground plane out of an SO-239 chassis mount connector. I had to have something to do until my license gets here and name appears on FCC database. So, in the meantime I am studying for the General license test. I've already passed a couple of practice tests with 100%. If it were not for the local Ham club I would not even have a Ham radio. I am retired and a disabled USMC and Vietnam vet. I don't have a lot of $$ for radios. I did manage to find about 100 feet of coax so I can hook up my HT to the ground plane.
@darylnd
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Michael. You helped solidify my thoughts on the subject. I'm a relative newbie (decades ago, at my college's radio station, I held the now-defunct Commercial license) sitting for the Technician exam at the end of the month. For various reasons, I decided to go higher-end on the HT: my Yaesu FT-3DR should arrive tomorrow. That's normally about 10 Baofeng but I bought the Yaesu open-box, which brought the exchange rate down to 9 Baofeng/Yaesu. Maybe that could become a new FOREX pair...
@DWRUTSGNT
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info, looking forward to getting my license soon
@cephasmartin8593
7 жыл бұрын
Good information. Some people are real fudds about the Baofeng handheld radios. When I was young and farming I built up a great duplex FM business band system with my own repeater, phone patch, an 85 foot break-over pole that topped out at 97 feet with the antenna, two mobile units and three handheld units. All Motorola. When I became disabled and had to give up farming I sold my radio setup for chicken feed at my farm equipment sale. That was partially okay since they finally had small cellphones with good coverage. So now I'm getting into HAM for a hobby, for prepping, and for emergencies - particularly for my wife who spends most of her time driving between grandkids.
@engrknight2210
5 жыл бұрын
man! the way you are reading teleprompter 😂
@lindasmith3978
6 жыл бұрын
thank you ... am studying for my first license exam ...
@jasonbrown467
3 жыл бұрын
since christmas of 2020, just a little less than a month ago, i was given my first radio, which is baofeng f8hp. i didnt know anything about radio, but i immediately started craming knowledge and buying equipment, testers, antennas, books to read, cases to hold everything etc etc and a few more of the same radio. since getting my first i bought another to play around on frs and to learn. i realized that the second was a fake, so i bought another, and then it had problems so then i bought another, and then i found more problems throughout so i bought one more, for a total of 5 baofang radios. only two of them work as they should, one doesnt output any watts, two are hacked to fake the wattage output, they sell the uv5r now as a f8hp and its still got the old 5 watt capability, one radio to way to quiet, you can barely hear it turned all the way up. the screen lies about the battery, they all report full battery even when its almost dead. i bought 5 more of them last week hoping to send back all the bad ones and keep only the good. i have been fighting even trying to learn if these are all just junk. they all came from different places and for the record, baofang tech is where 2 of the 3 them came from that fake the high wattage output, oh and my strongest output has only been about 7.4 watts, not 8, everyone of these are supposed to be 8 watts. also, each one is a little different, slightly different screen, different voice, different case and they all output different watts which drives me insave. some put out 1 watt at low, while others can be 2 or even 3 watts. there are reasons to get a baofeng, 1 they are cheap, well they were, now the f8hp ist $130.00 lol, but you can use channels we really are not supposed to be using. maybe i will make a video talking about all the problems i have been having.
@jayw654
7 жыл бұрын
I'd go straight for a dual band mobile, granted its not portable but it will certainly get a bigger audience to contact and help get on repeaters.
@DC.
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the great video. I’m looking forward to getting into this field over the next few years. I’ll start with a handheld.
@LandNfan
5 жыл бұрын
Ham radio has sure changed since I was in it. I was a brand new Novice in 1972 as WN4BCG. My receiver was a beautiful old Hallicrafters SX-101A and my transmitter was a Heathkit DX-60 I built along with its companion VFO. That was the year FCC lifted the crystals only rule for novices. My antenna was a multi-band vertical. After two years, I tested for General, passed the written and busted the code and wound up with a Technician ticket. I had little interest in VHF, so I sold the gear and let the license lapse. I always felt a bit cheated because they changed the code test just a few years later. When I took it, they sent 5 minutes of coded groups, including stuff like tube numbers, and you had to get 1 minute, 65 consecutive characters, of solid copy. I would get 63, then miss one or two, then 59 and a miss, etc. When they revamped the test, they sent 5 minutes of clear text, then you took a comprehension test and had to score 80% or better. Oh, well! I have plenty of expensive hobbies as it is.
@WH6FQE
6 жыл бұрын
Michael, Great video. I am a new ham, just passed my Tech and General exams this week and am waiting for my callsign now. I have purchased several of the Baofeng UV-5R HT radios as well as a BTECH 50X2 dual-band mobile radio for my van and another for my house. I am starting to look into HF rigs now and can't wait to see your HF buying guide video.
@fourbyfourblazer
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for creating these videos.
@timhendricks2645
7 жыл бұрын
I am also a VE... and I add to Echolink to your selection of choices. It is a free app for either I-phone or Android, and operates from your smartphone to any Echolink node. Even if there is no local repeater with Echolink, it opens up the world to anyone using it... and it might just get you interested enough to get your General class, so you can call all those stations via RF.
@comndo95231
5 жыл бұрын
Michael, my son and I really enjoy your channel. We are very mechanically inclined and would love to see, if you are up to it, maybe more build videos. We realize there is more then 1 way to skin a cat and love to see other peoples ideas.
@RickRose
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks much--Just considering the hobby and poking around.
@mafistowaltz4857
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you Sir!!!! Im Very new so im excited & confused at the same time LoL
@williamcleveland6297
5 жыл бұрын
When I received my license, mobile and mobile-base stations were more affordable than handheld units. Good video with reasonable presumptions and prices. Good video
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
Yes. Over the last 20 years, mobile transceivers pretty much have stayed consistent in price and handhelds have dropped considerably.
@1crazynordlander
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you! This is a very good video on were to start. I do not have my license yet but have two inexpensive Baofeng handhelds. My next step is to setup an external antenna and work on my technician license. I also bought the real cable and a good (hopefully) antenna for it. I subbed as you do a very good job explaining things. After that I will see if the HF world will interest me. I wanted to do this in my teens back in the vacuum tube days but could not afford it. Now technology is becoming more affordable or maybe I finally have a small amount of money to spend.
@1fanger
8 жыл бұрын
My experience was, given that I live in a very remote area, I first got w/ a local ham club. Watch those guys and just listen and gain basic knowledge by osmosis. Special Events are great for this. Next, get your Tech license. I went w/ ham test online. Didn`t need any books, extremely simple study system. I highly recommend it. I bought the Icom IC V80. A whole $100, $39 for speaker mike, $50 for mag mount antenna. Can be gotten for much less. The Icom is fairly simple to program without a cable and worked great for a mobile. My area doesn`t have much 70 CM action, so I stuck w/ 2M till I got my General ticket. Thanks.
@jamesgeorge1709
3 жыл бұрын
The Bofeng handheld transceiver is a great rig just be sure you only transmit on the ham bands. I like them so much that I bought some of them, compared to my Kenwood th78a they are just as good but but a whole lot cheaper. 73 ki0ad
@AppalachianFreedom
8 жыл бұрын
Great advice Sir!
@victorsdunek3281
6 жыл бұрын
Michael I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmass
@angry4193
7 жыл бұрын
Wonderful Eisenstein. You make this for the beginner then you use all technical terms. Brilliant.
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
None of the terms used are more technical than what you'll find in the Technician license exam. But if there are any you don't understand, please let me know and I'll define them.
@angry4193
7 жыл бұрын
What is UHF, VHF SSB and what radio do I need to buy to listen to people all over the world talk to each other? Not talk to them, I'm not there yet. Can I do that with the $100 hand held?
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
UHF and VHF are frequency bands. VHF is Very High Frequency which is considered to be about 30 - 300 Mega Hertz (Mhz). UHF is Ultra High Frequency which is about 300 - 800 Mhz. Most public safety communications can be found in the 138 - 170 Mhz VHF band or 420 - 470 Mhz UHF bands. Those bands you can listed to with a police scanner or $100 hand held radio. Below 30 Mhz is the High Frequency or HF bands. This is also called the shortwave band. These are the frequencies which can travel around the world. Common forms of modulation on the HF bands are AM (Amplitude Modulation) like AM broadcast radio, and SSB or Single Sideband. Single Sideband modulation is similar to AM, but the center carrier and one of the sidebands are removed from the signal. This allows SSB communications to travel further with less energy. Amateur radio, military, and maritime communications on the HF bands typically use SSB. Commercial broadcasts like foreign shortwave stations use AM. So if you want to listen to transmissions from around the world, a $100 handheld radio will not work. Those are designed for more local communications. A good start would be to get a World Band Radio. Inexpensive world band radios will only pick up AM broadcasts, but you can get a model that will receive SSB for about $100 ( amzn.to/2wrbGUT ).
@angry4193
7 жыл бұрын
Do you know how rare what you just wrote is? I've been all over KZitem and it's not there. You were very kind to respond. Make a video for people who want to get into ham...PLEASE!
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
Glad I was able to help. Thanks for the idea, I'll add it to my list.
@hobbiehobbs
8 жыл бұрын
"Chanting" HF HF HF HF. Lol. Looking forward to your next video.
@larryjohnson1966
5 жыл бұрын
Great Video. Thanks.
@BuckRogers2000
7 жыл бұрын
Great work, thanks for your effort!
@roostershooter76
7 жыл бұрын
I gave up on Baofeng because they don't discriminate with WiFi and Cell Towers. The Baofengs would started RX'ing and nothing but static when I would get around a cell tower. When I get around a Wifi source ... it was nothing but high end static. Also, the Yaesu Ft-65R and FT-60R are Made in China and don't discriminate as well. So, In order to get a good HT I was forced to step up to the $200 range for a good, solid HT.
@threeforkcreekoutdoors704
6 жыл бұрын
roostershooter76 thats what chirp is for and pl tones
@duaneshuster6366
4 жыл бұрын
I think everybody has got a baofeng handheld in there collection but when combined in ameature radio practices with a mainstream quality yaesu icom kenwood or alinco you can get some better results . depending on area you live in antenna it's gain and elevation and being away from commercial radio systems that overload china radios . In ham radio we all tend to keep purchasing radios and accessories to better or station operation shop smart first time ask your fellow hams that been into hobby 10+ years what options seem to be a better decision. . Great video information for new hams always helpful .
@vengeanceos_3933
5 жыл бұрын
I know this dude is a great youtuber but for the most part the person look like he saw something he shouldn’t
@firstimeshooter6590
6 жыл бұрын
Dude blink
@RakshithPrakash
6 жыл бұрын
Firstimeshooter lol
@nathanpeak9898
5 жыл бұрын
3:30 he did!!!
@carrotbailey
5 жыл бұрын
😂😂
@mafistowaltz4857
5 жыл бұрын
Hahaha
@robertheintz8017
4 жыл бұрын
1:05 Wouldn't the choices be handheld, fixed mobile, and base station?
@c-mediagroup8311
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent Video KM6IKH 73
@TBGaels32
3 жыл бұрын
Im a newly licensed ham, and I've noticed that a lot of videos on KZitem and been getting a lot of info from your channel. I'm trying to understand why so many other hams on KZitem recommend the HT radios over the mobile radios as their first rig. I kind of feel like the HT radios only put out 5 watts and are only really good for APRS IMHO. I currently run the Icom 5100D with the MARS mod that's capable of the 2m and 440 and can use it for D-Star and Echolink. So I am just starting to get into amateur radio, but I know that I am more interested in getting into D-Star and maybe echolink later on down the line once I get a mobile hotspot like the OpenSpot 3.
@jasonbrown467
3 жыл бұрын
i guess i am excited for ht, because i plan to use two ht's in my vehicle as a repeater with its much more capable antenna and a even more capable antenna for the house repeater system, because i am crazy and it will be a good test, then i can walk around work or at home with the stand alone ht on me, and as long as i can hit my house or car, maybe i can reach out to my prefered stations in the county. i am new to this as well and im studying for my technicians and still waiting on all my gear to show up.
@mafistowaltz4857
5 жыл бұрын
Great video & Very informative
@sudhindrak
7 жыл бұрын
Very helpful video Michael. My first Baofeng is somewhere in the Malaysian skies as I type this.
@davidstech1445
7 жыл бұрын
sudhindra srinivas Please provide more context.
@sudhindrak
7 жыл бұрын
David's Tech Hi David, that was just a casual comment. I had placed my order for a handheld at the time.
@jneale5204
2 жыл бұрын
I can only hit 2 repeaters with my handheld. I have to use my mobile as a base to get into most of the others in the area.
@144720
5 жыл бұрын
DY7-PGV here,Very informative vids. 73
@HenryGonzalez
6 жыл бұрын
This is a very good video, and pretty much lays out how I built up my 2m/70cm collection of radios (all iComs). I started out with the ic-t70a HT and then the ic-2730 mobile in the car. Next I added a proper external antenna at the house with a pigtail for the HT, but just as you stated, it soon became clunky and inconvenient, so I installed a ID-5100 for my home station. My setup was much more expensive than what you suggested, but I do use my HTs for emcomm work so I want something more robust than the Baofeng, and D-Star radios aren't cheap. Thanks again for this video.
@Kopalchuck
4 жыл бұрын
I’m just poking around to see if I would enjoy this. I believe I would only use a home base station. I don’t think I would be to interested in having it in my car.
@jmaterne1
4 жыл бұрын
It has been my observation that newbies buy HTs and then become reliant on the repeaters for communications and then the repeater hawks (kilocycle cops) step in and shut them down fir using the repeaters and then the HT gets tossed into a drawer, never to be used again. Get a good radio that’ll let you operate without a repeater.
@jeremysanders2903
4 жыл бұрын
Hey are those your cans off the 330?
@lisocampos8080
6 жыл бұрын
Your staring at me very fiercely. But good video.
@kg4hlz
2 жыл бұрын
I don't like to recommend the Chinese radios for new Hams. They are generally are more difficult to use and often can operate outside of Ham bands. Of course, I also see the argument of get something cheep until you know what you want.
@rickgoebel6724
6 жыл бұрын
Good video. One point i would like to bring up is where a person lives. If a future ham (myself) would have a 2 meter antenna on his single story roof with a 3 floor apartment building a scant 25 feet away would that cause problems and potential hatred? The mobile rig looks like my first choice skipping the little handheld.
@goslin99
6 жыл бұрын
good video. thanks!
@juansanudo9899
5 жыл бұрын
does uhf license because i have 4 uhf radios and i ask my grandpa dont you need license and he says no and since you are all into radios do you need a license
@eternalpupil7474
4 жыл бұрын
in light of recent events i think it wise to learn to use a radio, but where do i begin? i can never find a straightforward video that directly addresses those of us who know absolutely nothing, please help, thanks for your time
@applejacks971
4 жыл бұрын
What state are you in? Google 'ham radio club' and try to find a local club, contact them, and they can help you with your questions and the process. Also, check out N1QQ channel, he's got some good vid's kzitem.info/news/bejne/05xsyZWesayaf6Q This other one, he seems kinda long winded, but start at the 4:00 mark. he kinda skips around, but might be worth checking out. Hope this helps kzitem.info/news/bejne/sYN3wKJ6q5eArG0 kzitem.info/news/bejne/zHyC3pl3jJNhaKA
@RichardJohnson-mc5nr
3 жыл бұрын
I have no excuse to buy a baofeng other than a choice to be a broke S.O.B. I do love how this fella does not shame for any reason.
@skeets6060
7 жыл бұрын
There has got to be good use equipment out there, I mean people always want something new, so where do I find GOOD used equipment?
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
There is a robust used market for amateur radio. The challenge is finding quality equipment at a good value. Your most reputable sources will be amateur radio dealers and private sales via club members. Next on the list for reputability are hamfests and auctions. Then, finally, you've got online sites like QRZ, eBay, or Craigslist. If you are relatively new to the hobby, ask a fellow ham on their impressions of a piece of gear before you buy it. Check out reviews in the ARRL's QST magazine to familiarize yourself with the item. A little online research will help you establish a baseline value of used equipment and help you make a decision on if what the person is selling is worth it. Good luck.
@hotmojo1
5 жыл бұрын
Talk about the fun part.
@melrazz4845
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@PaulCorriganOnline
6 жыл бұрын
Nice video Michael. Thank you for sharing. Have fun. 73 de Paul, G4JNN.
@dandymcgee
5 жыл бұрын
Your voice is amazing.. but why are you staring into my soul?? *shivers* :D Great video though!
@eltacsyms5607
6 жыл бұрын
Great video, I think this is exactly how most total beginners get started. But just as many people or more inherit a radio or are given a radio. Also, I wish you hadn't spent so much time talking about budgets and less important information; could have cut it down to about 30 seconds. You recommended one specific H/T, what specific mobile would you recommend?
@bonibates9381
4 жыл бұрын
Being curious about ham radio, I was distracted by the eyeballs not blinking..a little unnerving 👀
@TimLitfieldakaTimWhitfield
6 жыл бұрын
I have been into police scanners since I was 9 yrs old. This year my local public safety agencies had elected to go to encrypted channels. Hence this put an end to my hobby. Now my Whistler 1098 and Home patrol I are nothing more than expensive paperweights. You guys know the two scanners I mentioned are not cheap ones. I am looking into getting my Tech license. Starting a new hobby is always a challenge at first. I am want this radio. Having a tech license to start out with can I use this ham radio ? If I can't what do you guys recommend ?I have been in
@KB9VBRAntennas
6 жыл бұрын
I feel your pain, our county dispatch recently switched to full encrypted digital, so my expensive P25 handheld I used as a scanner is much less useful. Unfortunately this is becoming quite common with agencies across the country and I believe will greatly reduce transparency of law enforcement activities. But for your second half of your question, getting your technician license is a great way to stay engaged with radio communications. The Baofeng handhelds, like I mention in the video, will give you access to the 2 meter and 70 cm amateur radio bands, including any repeaters and internet linked systems that may be on those frequencies. You can literally talk around the world with your handheld. Although if you like the clarity of digital radio, I'd recommend a DMR digital radio, especially if a DMR repeater is in your area.
@TimLitfieldakaTimWhitfield
6 жыл бұрын
When I sell my Police scanners I am gonna buy the Icom id 5100A and I don't know the difference between the 5100A and the 5100E There is a approximately a $150 difference in the price tag. Can you explain the difference between the two. That would make my decision a little easier.
@KB9VBRAntennas
6 жыл бұрын
The Icom ID-5100 is a great radio and worth the investment. I believe the difference between the E and A designator is that the E models are destined for the European/Asian markets and the A model is the US/North America market. They are identical radios with the exception that the E will have different frequency limits than the A model. You will want the A model since it conforms to the US frequency allocations.
@TimLitfieldakaTimWhitfield
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the quick response ! I get it now duh ! A = America and E= Europe . I don't know why I didn't see it before asking a dumb question like that. Well If I didn't know, I didn't know. I do know now, thanks to you. I liked and subcribed. Thank you for the informative videos you put out for all us. Hope you have a good day !
@enzopulido2579
6 жыл бұрын
What is battery life of uv5r and bf888s? How many hours can i use it ?
@davebutler6521
4 жыл бұрын
I decided on a hand held. Is there a hierarchy or priority of features I should focus on? Thx
@applejacks971
4 жыл бұрын
I don't know about hierarchy or priority of features but consider these points... My hand held (HT) is the Yeasu FT-60, decent price and decent radio. Things I like about it are the display and buttons light up nice and are easy to see, the display is at the top of the radio (at the top, not on top), PTT button is convenient and seems well constructed. It's also a dual band, so it has 2m/70cm, and 1000 channel memory. Downsides for me are, the battery doesn't last for crap, after a month the charger quit working, the volume button on top is between the channel button and antenna making it hard to reach, the squelch adjuster is on the bottom of the channel knob, small, and a pia, menu's are difficult to decipher and manage, buttons on front are small and the belt clip is almost impossible to get off once its on. I have this and the Yeasu 8800 mobile and hate them both. I wish I woulda went with the Kenwood TH-K20 handheld (2m only) and TM-71v mobile. Bottom line, I hate it. I get all my gear through Ham Radio Outlet.
@theone2436
4 жыл бұрын
So far I have almost 4k into equipment but I dont know how to hook it up or plug it in
@jrhalli2
6 жыл бұрын
If you had a general ticket, an 10-80 meter HF transceiver and had only 1 simple dipole antenna...what band would you choose to operate voice?
@KB9VBRAntennas
6 жыл бұрын
That's a great question. I'd say if I had one simple dipole, I'd want it cut for the 40m band. I think 40m is a great combination of regional communications and DX when the band opens. The antenna isn't outrageously long, so it is easy to set up. Plus a 40m dipole will also work on the 15m band, so I get two bands for one simple antenna.
@jrhalli2
6 жыл бұрын
KB9VBR Antennas thank you for the reply. When i was a kid I messed around a little on 11 meters and remember there ALWAYS seemed to be DX from somewhere. Nobody seems to mention 10 meters much in the ham world. I had listened to 40 meters a couple of times then my Kenwood broke. I'm still a tech so can't do much on HF. Trying to motivate myself to study up and go take general so I can get involved.
@KB9VBRAntennas
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, the reason why no one is talking much about the 10 meter band is because we are at the bottom of the solar cycle, so 10 meter band openings are currently few and far between. 10 meters is a great when the band is open. As we head towards the solar maximum in the next few years, 10 will be bustling with activity.
@randomnessx3597
5 жыл бұрын
With baofengs being illegal for the most part now what handheld should i get
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
Despite what a couple blog posts have said, Baofengs will not become illegal on September 29, 2019. I talk about that in my August Livestream: kzitem.info/news/bejne/y4Ccp46VkKl9f5w. Fast forward to 42:15. Otherwise if you are looking for a comparable inexpensive radio, check out the Yaesu FT-4XR
@davemaximillion5501
8 жыл бұрын
KB9VBR thank you for your reply. That's a good question I'm not sure if they have switched to digital. I will certainly look into it. also thank you for your antenna suggestion. so if I were to get a base station for my home or vehicle that can pick up both analog and digital what unit would you recommend and what all would I need? I am very new to the world of ham radios. I appreciate your time in answering my questions.
@drakewulser8976
5 жыл бұрын
The baofeng in this video would be the uv-5r correct?
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, the radio in is the video is a Baofeng UV-5RA. On a side note, this video was produced in 2016, long before the use of Baofeng handhelds were questionable.
@drakewulser8976
5 жыл бұрын
@@KB9VBRAntennas thank you very much
@furonwarrior
4 жыл бұрын
How do I know that the radio won’t have harmonics and doesn’t frequency drift?
@johnmoyer2849
5 жыл бұрын
Bought a pair of Bueofung now I find out they are illegal.
@mafistowaltz4857
5 жыл бұрын
He does a video ( i just watched it yesterday) saying that they were NOT illegal. Check it out
@Wanttoweld
2 жыл бұрын
Looking to get into ham radio is handheld ok for beginners
@eli72481
7 жыл бұрын
They really oughta make it easier to get a license. Too much of a pain for me to get into.
@CharlesHuse
7 жыл бұрын
All the written tests are prety easy. Buy the book(s) for the license level you wish to start at. The Technician class is the easiest. All of the possible test questions are in the book, along with the correct answers. There is no code requirement for the HF band privileges that are granted with the higher level licenses. Again, these test questions are in the appropriate book, along with the answers. I don't know how much easier they can make it.
@eli72481
7 жыл бұрын
Charles Huse No, I mean actually taking the test.
@Ilovelazers
7 жыл бұрын
As in going to a place and circling letters? It's 35 questions and they aren't hard. I studied the entire question pool in 4 hours or so and passed with 31/35
@eli72481
7 жыл бұрын
Ilovelazers Yes, going to a place.
@Ilovelazers
7 жыл бұрын
It's really not. The tech class is super easy.
@tonyjansson3713
4 жыл бұрын
My Tech license expired in 2004. Do I have to start over from scratch?
@ernestbodvar5431
4 жыл бұрын
can somebody tell me on what bands and frequencies that you can go to with a technician's license can you go to to me to 6440 could somebody please tell me cuz I am studying for my technicians and I like to know what bands I can talk on
@KB9VBRAntennas
4 жыл бұрын
The ARRL has a nice color band chart that will show you the frequency allocations and where you can transmit based on your license class: www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Band%20Chart%20-%2011X17%20Color.pdf
@argentogoldspier5211
8 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, Why on some yagi the folded dipole is at right angles to the boom and other yagi the folded dipole is lying flat on the boom? For instance it can be seen a lot on VHF TV antennae. Is this done for different types of reflector element design? I always thought a folded dipole is a squeezed down quad, so should not the radiated power or receiving be on the face not the side? Thanks for making yourself available to pass on knowledge. Great Videos.
@KB9VBRAntennas
8 жыл бұрын
+Argento Goldspier On a Yagi antenna, the orientation of the driven element affects the polarization of the radiated signal. VHF/UHF antennas designed for FM work should be vertically polarized, that is the elements oriented in a vertical position, because that's that common practice for those types of signals. Television antennas are oriented horizontally because the broadcasters transmit those signals with horizontally polarized antennas. A polarization mismatch can create up to 20db of attenuation in the near field, so matching the polarization between the transmit and receive antennas is important.
@argentogoldspier5211
8 жыл бұрын
+KB9VBR Antennas Thanks for the answer. I was not aware of the 20db of attenuation. I was asking a different question and did not explain myself properly. Both antennae I was talking about was horizontal its just the folded dipole hangs down(one element on the boom and the other element of the folded dipole say 6cm lower in mid air) on one but on the other yagi the folded dipole sits flat (90 degrees to the other yagis folded dipole.The 2 horizontal bars are next to the boom. one touching and one has the insulated connection for the coax). I looked up Google and the one that has the folded dipole level with the boom I think is called a Coplanar. I just wondered whats the fors and against of both choices? Thankyou
@garygraham2974
2 жыл бұрын
Kool what do you think about um5r baufeng radio
@hemantparakh8995
4 жыл бұрын
Kindly suggest a scheme for AM-FM License for HAM Radio
@kd8opi
7 жыл бұрын
Respectfully, and I mean that, I disagree. I think the only radio a new ham should buy is one that allows VHF/UHF operation, is relatively small and as portable as a laptop, and has HF capabilities so that the ham can both listen to how to operate HF and eventually grow into it. It should be capable of running off a small 12 volt battery or even internal batteries. The only radio that fills this bill is the Yaesu 857D. Yup, its $850. But, you get essentially all amateur bands plus a quality wide coverage AM/FM/SW/VHF receiver, full barefoot power (100w) on HF, 50w on VHF, and 20w on UHF. Its small, can be powered off of a 12 v gel cell (no power supply needed), and capable of running mobile or outdoors. Its relatively modern and can be computer controlled/programmed. Frankly, it has capabilities that if you told a ham this is the only radio they could use, they would still be able to enjoy all of the hobby. Do I own one? No. But, I regret not buying it; I bought an ICOM 7000 instead which was a bit more modern but with similar capabilities, and it got me started in the hobby and wining contests for newbies straight-away. But I spent a lot more for it than the 857, it did nothing much better, and died 3 years after I bought it. I think that its too easy/seductive for new Tech hams to buy 2-bander vhf hand-helds and mobiles. My advise is not to do that. The way you waste money in this hobby fast is buying 2nd and 3rd radios. If you have the cash, fine. If not, you're gonna be upset at yourself for dropping $300-400 on a VHF/UHF set up then buying another radio with HF that duplicates it capabilities. Last point - if you can pass the Tech exam, you can pass the General. I took both on the same day, and regretted not doing Extra on the dame day as well. Extra's a stretch, but General is easy for anyone who is tech inclined with a solid high-school education.
@KB9VBRAntennas
7 жыл бұрын
This is a really interesting proposition, thanks for sharing it. I think the 'one radio' idea is certainly valid, instead of a more incremental approach. I think it would work for some, but I feel many users would plateau with that one radio instead of building a balanced system with a combination of handheld, dual-band mobile/base, and HF station. Maybe a more hybrid approach is in order. Start with an all in one rig, like the 857D, and back-fill with a dual band mobile for the car and handheld radio if your interests turn to mobile operation or community service.
@kd8opi
7 жыл бұрын
I can see that way forward too. Some advice I also tend to give is to base your radio on what antenna you can put up. If you cant put up antenna at all, or are stuck with portable antennas; I see a QRP radio and a handheld in your future. If you can put up a decent dipole, vertical, or wire antenna, (suburban lot) you can enjoy the hobby at the entry level price points of all of the major manufacturers and not overspend. I'd recommend the $2k radios and beyond only if you can put up a decent beam or multi-antenna combo. Nothing makes me sadder than a 5k rig on a GRV.
@nickdavies2156
4 жыл бұрын
Get an Elmer and build a damn radio.
@TheCircuitSymphony
6 жыл бұрын
Love your videos but you did bit blink once in this video.
@aannoonniimmss
5 жыл бұрын
Hi, I would like to get in the hoby, but the problem is finances. I could spend about 300-400 bucks. The nearest repeater is like 50 miles away. Any suggestions?
@nickc8819
8 жыл бұрын
Michael, excellent video. I am new to HAM, and have received my ticket recently. I purchased a Yaesu FT2900R mobile rig for my truck since I'm on the road much. Conern/Issue: There are at least 3 repeaters within 25 miles at my location. I programmed all 3. Is that okay. or do they defeat one another? 73
@KB9VBRAntennas
8 жыл бұрын
Many communities will be served by multiple repeaters and its perfectly fine to program all of them into your radio. In fact I would recommend doing so. You shouldn't have to feel confined to just one repeater. You'll find in monitoring the local repeaters that each will have its own 'personality' and user base.
@nickc8819
8 жыл бұрын
KB9VBR Antennas , thank you much. Your videos are really good, and very helpful. Keep up the great work. God speed. 73
@joeshmoe7899
5 жыл бұрын
The Boafeng is a gateway drug. Interested in HF. What do you recommend for a rf noisy (-16db, 300mhz-3ghz) city high rise balcony? I was thinking a mag loop (chameleon f loop, etc), and xeigu g90 (20 watts). Light, small, portable, versatile.
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
I think a mag loop antenna would be a good choice. They do have good noise rejection properties. I don't have any experience with the Xiegu, I do like the DSP on my Yaesu FT-891. The Chameleon P Loop and F loops are great antennas and would probably serve you well.
@jojojeep1
5 жыл бұрын
I have a 2 m handheld, my question if you can help me is I have many many repeaters throughout my area I have no problem Hitting them, people tell me all the time that a hand held ham won’t do me any good if the lights go out, correct me if I am wrong if my local repeater has back up power and is working there should be no reason why my handheld should not work and my correct
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
A handheld radio may serve you well when the power is out. But do you have a method of charging the batteries that doesn't involve household power or enough spares to sustain you 24-36 hours? Most power outages are in that category. Many repeater sites have backup power of some sort be it solar, batteries, or a generator. The important consideration would be how long the backup power will last. If it's battery backup, it may only be hours. A generator could provide longer run times, as long a fuel is available. An array of solar panels might provide a longer and more reliable backup power, but the repeater may have to go into a lower power mode to conserve energy. My opinion on the matter: If you are concerned about communication after the lights go out, then you will need a method of sustained power that will last past the 96 hour mark. After three days, most critical systems really start to fall apart at that point and if you can stay on the air past that point, you will be an asset to your community.
@jojojeep1
5 жыл бұрын
KB9VBR Antennas Yes I have solar panels, and I have a battery bank
@jojojeep1
5 жыл бұрын
I also have the stock 2100 Milla amp battery and two extended 3800 Milla amp batteries so just one charge alone I’m good for a week and with the solar and my battery bank I should be all right on my end
@KB9VBRAntennas
5 жыл бұрын
It sounds like you've taken some thought for long term power needs. The goal of disaster communications is the ability to get out of the affected area, so if the repeaters stay online, you should be fine. Beyond that, you may want to think about ways to increase your range, maybe with an HF transceiver and NVIS antenna. See my video on NVIS for more: kzitem.info/news/bejne/x6yQna5jb6lyrGU
@mistergamerguy
4 жыл бұрын
I'm working on getting my tech license. I want to talk on repeaters, 2m band, I intend on joining the local Amateur Radio Club here. What model is that chinese radio you mentioned 1st?
@dancosminmarza2974
Жыл бұрын
hi Michel my first radio the one that all hams loved in europe and some stil use thesoviet made r123 tank radio 20w 20 to 51.5 mhz not 4 field use only if you have a ofrod truk to cari it and it run on 2 100amps led acid baterys it run on 24 to 28 v big bify 100 percent nuclear pruf
@arongitis
7 жыл бұрын
great breakdown... thank you
@sam392
4 жыл бұрын
Hey Just a few tips to make your video look more appealing. Add b roll, don’t make your whole video one shot, don’t be afraid to change the angle, add music, and smile.
@TheSamplebridge
4 жыл бұрын
Idk how late this is but i have a radioshack pro 196. Could i use this to listen in on Ham frequencies. I plan to get a ham latser but id like to see if i can listen with this
@whatsascrewdriver5572
4 жыл бұрын
According to the internet, there's a radioshack pro 197, but no 196. Not a problem. Every programmable scanner in the world covers the amateur radio 144 to 148 MHz, "2 Meter" band. After all the cryptic talk on the Public Safety frequencies, it's nice to listen to some plain, regular talk on the Ham bands. Try commuting time, and 7PM, and 8 PM, and 9PM for best times to hear Ham activity. You can get a chart that shows all the ham bands here: www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations And it's never too late to get your Ham radio license: www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training Hams are all over the internet. You got questions, googles got answers. Not always youtube videos.
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