@HAM RADIO WITH KB5MIQ BIGBOY
— · 30 videos curated
Ham radio communications skills and equipment for emergency/grid-down household preparedness scenarios.
All 30 videos
User Review of the Baofeng 25th Anniversary Edition UV-5R Dual Band Handheld Transceiver
Ten-minute hands-on review of the Baofeng UV-5R 25th anniversary edition dual-band handheld radio, with links to purchase.
Linked Repeater Etiquette and Operating Tips for New Ham Operators
Twenty-two minutes on repeater protocol, proper operating procedure, and technique for new amateur radio operators using both linked and standalone repeaters.
VHF/UHF Band Openings, Calling Frequencies, and Ham Radio Basics
Introduction to VHF/UHF band openings, standard calling frequencies, and practical radio operation tips for new ham radio operators.
HF Antenna and Voice Operating Tips for New Hams
Twenty-one minutes on HF low-band antenna options and voice operating techniques for amateur radio operators building emergency communications capability.
SDR vs. Analog HF Receivers: Sound Quality, Shack Tour, and Antenna Switch Options
Comparison of software-defined radio and analog HF receiver sound quality, with a shack tour and discussion of antenna switching and NVIS antenna configurations for HF.
Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureau Explained for New Ham Operators
18-minute walkthrough of ARRL QSL bureaus and call-district procedures for ham radio operators establishing contact logs and emergency communication readiness.
User Review of the Comet SBB7 VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna, and Repeater Vandals Strike Freedom Link
Hands-on review of the Comet SBB7 dual-band mobile antenna, plus discussion of local repeater infrastructure vandalism and community support.
Emergency Communication Options for Preppers and New Ham Operators
Overview of ham radio communication equipment and options available to preppers and new operators, with local repeater resources for Melbourne, FL and Atlanta, TX areas.
Atlanta TX Ham Expo 10/10/26, Meshcore Weather Alert Update, Coax Splicing Tips for New Hams
Introduction to coax splicing techniques for ham radio operators, plus local repeater information and announcement of the Freedom Link ham radio expo in Atlanta, Texas.
Tips for New Hams: Proper Microphone Use and Setup
Nineteen minutes on microphone technique for ham radio operators: distance, positioning, menu-based vs. knob radios, and common setup mistakes.
Ham Radio Doesn't Have to Be Expensive: Tips for New Hams and Preppers
Overview of ham radio as an emergency communications tool, with budget-friendly entry points and cost breakdowns for new operators interested in grid-down comms.
Day 2 of the Queen Wilhelmina Hamfest — History and Interview
Day-two coverage of a regional hamfest, including an interview with a ham radio operator on the event's history and community.
Tips for New Ham Operators: Who Owns Repeaters, Who Maintains Them, and Who Pays
Sixteen-minute primer on ham repeater infrastructure: ownership structures, maintenance responsibilities, funding models, and how community repeaters sustain emergency communications networks.
User Review of the Baofeng SW9 Triband HT from Radioddity
Thirteen-minute hands-on review of the Baofeng SW9 triband handheld radio covering 2M, 220, and 70cm bands.
Review of Radioddity UV29 Pro VHF/UHF Handheld Radio and Common Mode Chokes Explained
Hands-on review of the Radioddity UV29 Pro dual-band handheld radio with guest explanation of common mode chokes and antenna impedance matching.
Antennas and Antenna Parts: Tips for New Ham Operators
Eighteen-minute walkthrough of ham radio antennas and components, aimed at operators new to the hobby.
Red River Amateur Testing Team and WMZX Testing: Build Your Ham Shack on a Budget
Introduction to ham radio testing teams and practical tips for assembling a budget-conscious home radio station without overextending financially.
Tips for New Hams: VHF/HF Communications and ARES/RACES Emergency Net Procedures
Twenty-minute walkthrough of amateur radio fundamentals for beginners, covering routine VHF/HF operations and emergency net protocols including ARRL radiogram and ICS 213 form procedures.
Basic Antenna and Radio Troubleshooting Tips for New Ham Operators
Troubleshooting walkthrough for antennas and radios: diagnosis steps and fixes for new ham radio operators preparing for emergency communications.
Tips for New Hams: Take Small Steps, Build Dipoles, and Learn as You Go
Beginner-friendly guidance on starting ham radio: incremental skill-building, antenna construction, and the importance of asking questions as you learn.
Choosing Your First Ham Radio HT (Handheld) | Best HT Radio Advice for New Ham Operators
15-minute guide to selecting your first handheld ham radio: comparing analog vs. digital, battery life, repeater compatibility, programming, and common beginner mistakes.
Setting Up Your Ham Radio Estate for When You Become a Silent Key
Fourteen minutes on planning and documenting your ham radio equipment, frequencies, and contacts so family or successors can maintain your communications capability if you become unavailable.
VHF/UHF FM Antenna Polarization and Online VE Testing
Technical overview of VHF/UHF antenna polarization principles and how to prepare for and take amateur radio licensing exams online.
Power Line RFI and Shack RFI Issues
Eleven minutes on identifying and solving radio frequency interference from power lines and household equipment—critical for reliable ham radio operation in emergency scenarios.
Welcome KJ5QXM Brandon to Ham Radio: My Take on the 2018 ARRL Tech HF Proposal
Ham radio licensing, legal operating privileges, and how new operators build credibility on the air—with analysis of a proposed FCC expansion for Technician Class HF access.
Welcome KJ5RCY Robert to Ham Radio—Repeater Etiquette and Best Practices
Fifteen minutes on amateur radio repeater etiquette: how to welcome new operators, best practices for checking in, and why community courtesy strengthens the hobby for emergency communication.
Best Ham Radio Power Supplies & RG-8X Coax Explained
How to select the right power supply for HF radios, plus coax cable selection and installation tips from 30+ years of operating experience.
Young People Have a Huge Advantage in Ham Radio | Air Force MARS, FT8 & Modern Radios
Why younger operators may have an edge learning amateur radio today, plus practical setup tips for FT8 digital modes and modern menu-driven equipment.
How & Why to Log Ham Radio Contacts | QRZ Logbook vs Logbook of The World Explained
Twenty-minute walkthrough of ham radio contact logging: why operators keep records, QRZ Logbook and ARRL LoTW systems compared, and practical workflow for tracking your QSOs.
Follow-Up to My Tuner Video: Working HF in Rough Conditions
Practical demonstration of HF radio operation and tuning techniques in suboptimal field conditions, building on earlier tuner fundamentals.