amateur-radio
87 videos tagged amateur-radio across 4 categories.
All videos
44Net Connect: Portable, Public, Static IP Addresses for Amateur Radio Stations
70-minute technical presentation on using 44Net IP addressing to make amateur radio stations reachable during grid-down scenarios and emergency communications.
The Ultimate Local Comms Setup? NVIS Field Test
Hands-on field test of Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) antenna configuration for local and regional radio communication using the Alpha Antenna Hex and real-world contact data from the Texas QSO Party.
Testing the Link500MP: Digital Modes Anywhere You Go
14-minute hands-on walkthrough of the Link500MP digital radio module: capabilities, setup, and real-world performance for portable amateur radio communication.
On-Air Antenna Shootout: Dipole vs Vertical vs Wire
Live field test comparing three portable HF antennas (dipole, vertical, end-fed wire) with real signal reports from across the country.
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.
POTA Antenna Shootout: 3 Portable Systems Tested Head-to-Head
Field comparison of three portable amateur radio antenna systems (Alpha Dipole, Chameleon vertical, SpoolTenna wire) tested live at Cedar Hill State Park with real-world radiation patterns and practical use cases.
This Free App Replaces Half My Ham Software
Tour of HTCommander, a free open-source app that integrates APRS messaging, Winlink email, packet radio, and satellite tracking for amateur radio operators.
Critical Winlink Updates Every EmComm Operator Needs to Know
Eighty-four minutes on Winlink system enhancements and their application to emergency management operations, presented by a core Winlink Development Team member.
Icom 5200 APRS with Linux Mint and YAAC
Configure APRS tracking on an Icom 5200 radio using Linux Mint and YAAC software for emergency communication.
CW for POTA: A Beginner's Guide to Getting on the Air
Fifty-one minutes on learning Morse code and operating CW (continuous wave) amateur radio in the field, with practical tricks to activate Parks on the Air sites without advanced proficiency.
From Military Communications to a Technician License | Hayato KO6OLN
Ham Radio Prep student testimonial: transitioning from military radio experience to amateur radio licensing, and discovering civilian emergency communications.
Amazon Big Deal Prime Days
Survey of radios, test equipment, power banks, tools, and lights suitable for amateur radio and emergency preparedness.
Overcoming Mic Fright: Getting Started with Amateur Radio
How to push past hesitation and make your first ham radio contact as a new operator, with encouragement from the welcoming amateur radio community.
ICOM ID-5200 Mobile Radio: Features and Setup Walkthrough
Thirteen-minute walkthrough of the ICOM ID-5200 dual-band transceiver—menu layout, specs, what's included, and practical use cases for off-grid communications.
Real-World POTA Antenna Test: Dipole vs Vertical vs End-Fed
Field comparison of three portable antenna systems for amateur radio, testing signal reach and radiation patterns across 30-minute on-air sessions.
Meshwars and the Idaho Meshtastic Network
Interview with Idaho mesh network operators and the Meshwars platform creator on building decentralized, tower-free communications for off-grid resilience.
The #1 Mistake New Ham Radio Operators Make
Advice on choosing your first handheld amateur radio and budgeting for reliable gear as a beginner operator.
What to Do After Getting Your Ham Radio License
Beginner roadmap for newly licensed amateur radio operators: choosing your first radio, making your first contact, and next steps after licensure.
The Prepper Mindset - Why You Should Get Your License
Why obtaining an amateur radio license before an emergency—rather than operating unlicensed when one occurs—represents better long-term preparedness strategy.
Building Out the Meshcore Network in North Texas
Hour-long roundtable discussion with North Texas Meshtastic operators on deploying a local mesh network: equipment, setup, and practical lessons from the field.
2026 Amateur Radio ShakeOut - Preparedness for Everyone
Hour-long nationwide training session on amateur radio emergency communications and household preparedness planning, presented by RATPAC with expert speakers and supporting documentation.
QO-100 Amateur Satellite Radio Transmission: First Contact Demo
First contact demonstration using the QO-100 geostationary satellite for amateur radio transmission, with equipment list and setup details for portable operations.
First Solo CW Contact: Parks On The Air Activation at Galveston Island
19-minute field walkthrough of setting up and operating amateur radio morse (CW) in an outdoor park environment, covering equipment setup, signal work, and making your first contact solo.
What to Do After You Get Your Ham Radio License
Choosing your first radio, overcoming anxiety on air, programming repeaters, and finding local clubs—practical next steps for newly licensed amateur radio operators.
Creating an Amateur Radio Club SOG (Standard Operating Guide)
How to develop and maintain standard operating procedures for an amateur radio emergency communications club, presented by N7XDL to RATPAC's nationwide operator network.
Mobile Ham Radio Install: Power Cable and Powerpole Prep
Step-by-step walkthrough of preparing and installing a custom fused power cable harness for mobile radio deployment, including soldering, heat-shrink connectors, and Anderson Powerpole assembly.
Long-Range Mesh Networking with Meshtastic
Introduction to LoRa mesh networks and Meshtastic devices for long-range emergency communication without internet or cell service.
Watch Duty: Behind the Scenes — Real-Time Disaster Intelligence You Can Trust
Sara Paul from Watch Duty explains how amateur radio operators can access and verify real-time emergency intelligence during grid-down scenarios.
Ham Radio Apps You Should Know About
Walkthrough of practical apps for amateur radio, mesh networking, and off-grid communications—what each does, how to set them up, and when to use them.
The Only M17 Production Radio Available Today
Review of the CS7000 M17 Plus, the sole production M17 radio currently on the market, with context on M17 protocol adoption in amateur radio.
Is GMRS a Viable EmComm Platform?
67-minute technical analysis of GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) capabilities, limitations, and practical deployment for emergency communications during grid-down scenarios.
Icom IC-2730A Upgrade: Installing a Dual-Band Radio for the Tank Radio Satellite Kit
Fourteen-minute walkthrough of upgrading to an Icom IC-2730A dual-band radio, paired with portable power and antenna setup for reliable off-grid communications.
Should You Buy the ICOM IC-7110? Detailed Review and Assessment
Four-hour deep dive into the ICOM IC-7110 HF transceiver: features, capabilities, use cases, and whether it's the right choice for your emergency comms setup.
Nepal Floods: When Communication Fails, Ham Radio Can Save Lives
Case study of how amateur radio operators provided critical communication during Nepal's 2026 floods when normal infrastructure failed, and why disaster preparedness includes radio readiness.
Why Ham Radio Still Matters in the Age of 5G & AI
Why amateur radio remains critical for emergency communications when modern infrastructure fails during disasters, explained by a 40-year veteran of disaster-response radio operations.
One Test Away From a Different Hobby
53-second encouragement to pursue ham radio licensing, with a link to a free exam-prep course.
They Called This Hobby Worthless: A True Story
Historical narrative demonstrating how amateur radio operators expanded global communication networks, making the case for ham radio as a resilience tool.
Build a Link Dipole Ham Radio Antenna
18-minute walkthrough building and tuning a DX Engineering link dipole antenna kit for amateur radio, with soldering and assembly details.
QST: Ask Dave, September 2026 — SWR vs Reflection Coefficient
Eighteen-minute technical explainer on standing-wave ratio and reflection coefficient in amateur radio transmission lines, with worked examples.
Activating Six Parks in One Afternoon: POTA Mobile Setup and Antenna Tools
Portable radio activation demo using mobile HF antenna, battery power, and the Yaesu FT-891 transceiver for field communication across six Wisconsin parks.
Can Software Replace a Net Control Operator?
Learn how Net Central automates amateur radio emergency net management with real-time dashboards, position tracking, and automated reporting.
Making His First Ham Radio Contact at W1AW
A new ham radio operator makes his first QSO from ARRL headquarters, demonstrating the entry point into amateur radio for emergency communications.
Ham Nation #628: Huntsville Hamfest, Young Ham Of The Year, and Repeater AI Assistant
Amateur radio news, community hamfest coverage, and discussion of emerging ham radio technologies including an AI-assisted repeater system.
Elecraft K2 in 2026 - Outdated or Underrated?
Head-to-head comparison of a 1999 portable radio against the modern ICOM IC705 to evaluate whether legacy amateur radio equipment still holds practical value for field deployment.
The Redodo LiFePO4 320Ah Battery: Unboxing, Specs, and Solar Testing
Eight-minute review of a 320Ah LiFePO4 battery system: specifications, unboxing, real-world solar charging test, and practical applications for off-grid radio stations and home backup power.
A Passion for POTA: Parks on the Air Operating for Emergency Preparedness
Amateur radio operator Evan McPartland discusses Parks on the Air (POTA), a program for setting up temporary emergency radio stations in designated parks, and how to get started.
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.
4 Rugged Handhelds Every Ham Should Own
Comparison of four weather-resistant ham radios for emergency communications, field operations, and portable backup use.
Ham Exam Preparation
Overview of amateur radio licensing, station rules, and communication procedures for emergency messaging during natural disasters and grid-down scenarios.
Four Decades of Service: One Mission: Keep Amateur Radio Alive
40-year ham radio operator recounts his journey from 1984 licensing through disaster response work and founding the Academy of Ham Radio to train emergency communicators.
Ham Nation #626: All About The Big E!
One-hour discussion of Sporadic E propagation, amateur radio news, and listener Q&A with Gordon West and other ham radio instructors.
Xiegu G90: From Unboxing to First HF Contact
Seventeen-minute unboxing and setup of the Xiegu G90 HF radio, from power connection through first successful contact.
Field Day Setup Party With W6TRW
Live coverage of amateur radio Field Day setup: portable station assembly, equipment demonstrations, antenna rigging, and emergency communication readiness in a remote location.
Why Amateur Radio Matters When Cell Service Fails
Discussion of ham radio's role in emergency communications when cellular infrastructure goes down, with political backing for amateur radio operators.
Serious Prime Day Deals
Curated Amazon deals on flashlights, radios, mesh networking nodes, power banks, and test equipment for preppers.
Introduction to Digital Modes
ARRL technical editor explains digital modes in amateur radio: what they are, why preppers should learn them, and how to get started.
Ham Nation #625: Prepare For Field Day NOW!
Preparation tips for ARRL Field Day, the largest annual amateur radio emergency preparedness exercise, including gear setup and last-minute logistics.
Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio – New Book from ARRL
Introduction to ARRL's satellite communications guide: basics of ham radio satellites, station building, making contacts, and digital modes for emergency connectivity.
The Hidden MPAD Feature Most Hams Never Use
Learn how to send complete position reports via email using APRS and MPAD, with no internet required—useful for emergency communications and remote operations.
What is 44Net Connect? Why You Want To Access This Free System
Technical overview of 44Net, a free amateur radio network for emergency communication, hosted by John Burwell from the ARDC.
One Box, Every Digital Mode
Unbox and set up the HamSpot 5 multimode digital hotspot, a budget-friendly alternative to premium options that supports DMR, D-STAR, YSF, P25, and NXDN.
USDX USDR v2 QRP HF Transceiver Review
Hands-on evaluation of a compact HF radio transceiver for amateur radio operators and emergency communications practice.
Most Hams Don't Know How Easy APRS Is on a Pi Zero 2W
Step-by-step tutorial to build a low-power APRS station using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, sound card interface, and GPS receiver.
Washington Governor Highlights Amateur Radio Volunteers Ahead of ARRL Field Day
Governor Ferguson endorses amateur radio's role in emergency communications, previewing ARRL Field Day 2026 and advocacy for residential antenna installation rights.
My Off-Grid Comms Server
Building a Raspberry Pi-based offline communications platform for ham radio operators with mapping, logging, and ICS forms.
POTA: A Snapshot of U.S. POTA Sites, Activations, and Activators
58-minute overview of Parks on the Air program participation, site distribution, activation patterns, and operator demographics across the U.S., presented by K4FMH to amateur radio emergency communications practitioners.
Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Volunteers for Emergency Preparedness
Senator Cruz highlights ham radio operators' essential role in disaster communications when cellular networks fail, citing Hurricane Harvey and recent flood responses.
Amateur Radio: CSI (Clean Signal Initiative) Goes Mainstream
52-minute technical presentation on the Clean Signal Initiative and radio signal integrity standards for amateur radio emergency communications, presented by Rob Sherwood NC0B to RATPAC.
The End of CHU: Canada's Official Shortwave Time Signal Goes Silent in 2026
Documentation of Canada's CHU shortwave time signal shutdown (June 2026) and loss of official weather radio broadcasts, with links to alternative sources.
Ham Radio Tech: New Presentation & Cool Technology
46-second overview of emerging ham radio technology and amateur radio gear shared with local clubs.
I Passed the Test! Now What? Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Seven-part guide for newly licensed ham radio operators: choosing your first radio, using repeaters, finding a local club, and connecting with experienced mentors.
Event Support: Ham Radio & Modern Wireless Tech - WaveTalkers LIVE 124
Hour-long walkthrough of amateur radio and wireless technologies for emergency event support, covering FM simplex/repeater, APRS, AREDN mesh, bonded networks, and real-world deployment at a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The Best Radio Frequency for Local Communications
Twenty-one minutes on selecting amateur radio bands for disaster scenarios, with licensing guidance and practical frequency recommendations for preppers.
Halifax Amateur Radio Club Field Day 2023
Short-form documentation of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club's annual Field Day emergency communications exercise at a fire station, highlighting operator coordination and radio network resilience under technical constraints.
Top Prepper HF Ham Radio Antenna
34-minute walkthrough of HF antenna options for amateur radio operators, comparing types and deployment for off-grid communication resilience.
Changing Your Ham Radio Call Sign Using the FCC Vanity Call Sign Process
Step-by-step walkthrough of the FCC vanity call sign application process for amateur radio operators seeking a personalized call sign.
Listening to Voice of Korea on Two Radios
Side-by-side reception comparison using an SDR-Play RSP1a and Icom R-75 receiver on a 31-foot vertical antenna, with practical takeaways on equipment performance.
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications for Public Service
21-minute overview of amateur radio skills and equipment for grid-down emergency communications, drawn from 30 years of ARES volunteer disaster-response experience.
Flex 6300 and Maestro in Action
Five-minute hands-on walkthrough of a Flex 6300 software-defined radio and SmartSDR software after relocating the station and reinstalling the full setup.
Ham Radio Field Day with NFARL
Tour of North Fulton Amateur Radio League's Field Day 2022 setup: antennas, operating modes, live contacts, and a connection to the International Space Station.
ARRL Field Day 2022
Five-minute overview of ARRL Field Day: amateur radio operators setting up temporary emergency communication stations to practice disaster response and community coordination skills.
San Francisco Wireless Emergency Mesh — Overview and Participation
Hour-long primer on the SF Bay Area's emergency mesh radio system: architecture, hardware requirements, and how individuals and clubs can join the network.
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS): Emergency Communications for Crisis Response
Overview of MARS, a Defense Department civilian auxiliary of amateur radio operators providing backup communications when traditional infrastructure fails during military operations and natural disasters.
A New Ham's Trial By Fire: First Emergency Activation During Major Flood in Tennessee
A retired Army veteran's first amateur radio emergency deployment during Tennessee flooding, drawing on military experience to support disaster response communications.
RADAR On the Air Meetup October 2015: Portable QRP Setup
Field demonstration of a Yaesu FT-817 QRP transceiver, modular portable antenna system, and F-Loop Plus antenna operating at 2.5–5 watts in amateur radio exchange.
Logging with 817 Companion: FT-817 CAT Control on Android
Walkthrough of 817 Companion, an Android app for Yaesu FT-817 radio control via Bluetooth or USB, focusing on portable field logging features.
QRP Portable QSO: FT-817 and F-Loop Field Test
Live portable radio contact on 17m using 5 watts, an FT-817ND transceiver, loop antenna, and DIY NiMH battery pack—demonstrating practical off-grid communications.