I just passed my Tech Exam 90 minutes ago, can’t wait to buy a HT and some antenna building parts! Super pumped. My General Exam book lands tomorrow, I hope to test for that on 3-2. 🤞

@indridcold8433

Жыл бұрын

Make a copper cactus dual band antenna, or a 2 meter / 440 dual band J-pole. Then, make a separate vertical dipole for 1.25 meters. For 10 meters and 6 meters, make a dual band J-pole. The ugly antenna will also work for your old friend, 11 meter citizen's band. Get two Comet duplexors to operate the 2 meter/ 440 antenna and the 10 meter/ 6 meter antenna from a single coaxial cable. The 1.25 meter antenna will be on a dedicated coaxial cable with a dedicated transceiver. For a straight Morse code key, just pick up a vintage key from ebay. An old straight key is just as good as a new straight key. They just look, well, vintage.

@HamRadioConcepts

Жыл бұрын

Congrats bro!!

@clarenceswope6706

Жыл бұрын

Congrats buddy hopefully I will hear you on the radio

@tedmead465

4 ай бұрын

Welcom to a great hobby 👍

@digitalphoenix72

Ай бұрын

I thought this was recent, I was going to say if you just hot it, go register with echolink so you can start messing around with the system/repeaters

Many moons again when I became a Technician during the no code days, playing around on the bands inspired me to become a Tech plus. As "only a technician,"I had a blast on ten meters. And then I upgraded to General, where I am now...and still having a blast.

You nailed it!! Show us a video series of all the things you talked about. Adopt a tech and show the station “shopping list” of radio/power supply/antenna/ground/connectors, etc., show install & setup of the station, making first CQ, etc. You’re the narrator & Elmer.

From someone who was a foundation class in the U.K. for a very long time, thank you for this. This hobby can be very unwelcoming at times, and there is plenty of shaming if you’re unlucky to be in with the wrong crowd. I’ll never forget hearing someone savage me on air when they thought I couldn’t hear them because I was happy I’d made my first antenna and could open repeaters further away etc. Just really felt like a gut punch.

@indridcold8433

Жыл бұрын

This is the only reason I have not got my amateur radio license. I work on radio equipment all the time. I can build things most amateur radio operators could only wish to make. However, the social aspect of my life is very, very, stunted. I can not even hold a conversation. Thus, I just continue to work on radio equipment, make stations, make antennas, make tuners, lower standing wave ratios on existing antennas, and make power supplies. It is unlikely I will ever get my amateur radio license. The social aspect of the hobby, and service, is a mystery to me. I do not even have friends. That essentially counts me out of the hobby, and service, completely. One can know everything about radio. However, if one can not hold a conversation, there is no reason to get the license.

@jacko101

Жыл бұрын

I'm also in the UK and just use digital modes like FT8, no need to talk to anyone 😉

@indridcold8433

Жыл бұрын

@@jacko101 I have been considering digital modes for awhile. There seems to be a fascination with them, as of late, in many regions. C4FM, RTTY, PSK, even vintage CW, all, seem to be becoming quite popular. There are even some experimental digital modes coming out that I do not understand, yet. As you probably gathered, I have no issues with writing. It is spoken word that poses am issue. The doctors called it Aspburger. I guess it is a well known issue.

@tedmead465

4 ай бұрын

Dont let them get you down many of those gits have their heads so far up their arse they see their own tonsils. Many probably never built an antenna. Keep on learning and have fun with it. 73 Ted kc3tec

I've tried multiple other websites and apps for me to study for my license but couldn't remember anything and kept failing the tech test but after coming across ham radio prep( thank God for the study videos) I passed that Saturday. Ham radio prep is the best place to study for your license. And Eric I love your videos it helps me big time to understand more of the possibilitys of the technician license and many more. ❤️ Thanks Eric and ham radio prep from Lee KO4WDF Waycross Georgia

Glad you said it. I'm so sick of everyone telling me I need to be an extra. I'm having a blast being a General!

@ruhnet

10 ай бұрын

If you do CW, then Extra class is really good and useful-lots of activity in the Extra portions of the bands, but if you’re not really serious about CW then it’s no big deal.

I'm a general class operator. I still only ever use FM on 2m and 70cm. The only reason I bothered to upgrade is that I thought it would be years before I would have another chance to take the exam for free. I don't have the money for HF equipment or the space for antennas, so the upgrade is currently useless. I'm happy sticking with the technician privileges, though. I've never understood the pressure to upgrade. If you're happy where you are, there's nothing wrong with staying there.

I love your enthusiasm! I am the VP of a local Amateur Radio Club and I am going to share this video during a presentation on this topic. Thanks!

This is so inspirational, great video to start me as a technician class, newbie at 68

I remember an old geezer calling me "No Code Riff-Raff" right over a 2m repeater. I am still having a ball on 6m and above with friendly people.

Great video. So many fun things to do on a Tech license. The clarification of what you can and can not do is most appreciated.

As an extra I welcome everyone who has respect for others and the hobby, share bandwidth responsibly, be courteous and always remember that some is listening. K4EDE

Eric, used your code at Ham Radio Prep for my General. Thank you, love your content, keep up the good work...

this was a great video and a wonderful message to get out to the community, thanks!

awesome video!. just listening to you makes me more interested in ham radios. very informative. Going beyond teaching us about what a technical license can do. keep them coming.

Great video. I've a 9700 rite now and a 756 Pro III. Made my 1st 500 contacts DX & Stateside as a TECH on 10 meters with 100 watts and a Ringo AR-10.Thank you to the person who introduced me to HF when I was stuck on 2 meter FM and repeaters. As the saying goes "Just Do It" 73 Dave W9DLP

Great to see you are still videoing! Keep it up!

I am so glad I found your channel.. thank you for taking the time to help me learn

Hey, a fellow KJ4 . . . 🙂 I upgraded from Technician to Advanced back in the late 80's or early '90s, I forget which. Mainly the limiting factor in my case was getting my code speed up to 13 words per minute. Almost passed the 20 word per minute exam but missed by one question. Upgraded to Extra shortly after they dropped the code requirements.

Yup, I'm just a tech. I love 2 meter, enjoy my local club and nets, and am getting into 2m ssb. I'm fortunate to live within 100 miles or so of a fairly large urban area with a fair bit of 2m ssb activity. My main interest in the hobby is voice comms, as related to emergency prep things. I'll study for and get my General, but I'm not in a big hurry right now...

Excellent video with fantastic information. Thank you! I locked your channel in! From SoCal!

Very informative, and the great reminder to Technicians like me on just how much we can do! Thanks for sharing!

This is a great video for the encouragement to get technicians on the radio. Thanks

Hey Eric, thanks for the fantastic content! I've shared this video to a few Facebook groups to give everyone an idea that you're not stuck being "just a Tech". I've been one since 2001, and I love it. Starting tomorrow, I start dabbling in C4FM, and I'm excited to see what that experience is like. Again, thank you for all you do. 73, W9KEC

@HamRadioConcepts

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing buddy

Very encouraging message for new ham operators! Thanks!

I wrote the ARRL once and said: “Your articles are either so dumb they are an insult to my intelligence, or so advanced I didn’t know what they were talking about.” W9CVW.

Thanks Eric. I appreciate the time to the techs.

Thanks, I take the exam day after tomorrow. I've studied and I'm prepared.

Super helpful and exciting. Studying for my technician's license now

Great video. Opened my eyes on what I could do as “just a tech”

Eric I want to thank you for making me realize the possibilities, and I've been a tech for 6 years. I got me a 2m square loop and made my first contact on 2m sideband a few days ago and made contacts on 2m sideband helping activate a park for POTA this weekend.

I have a close friend that's very active in HAM radio and he's sparked my interest. I'm no where near where I need to be in knowledge, but have subscribed to a service and and going through the Technician material now. I'm really looking forward to working the airwaves at whatever level I decide to settle on. A great video that only strengthened my motivation!

I got my tech in 2010 simply to be able to able to legally use video transmitters on my rc helicopters. Finally decided to start investigating the hobby further for emergency comms and found out much the same. Lots stuff to do! I probably won't exhaust my possibilities as a tech any time soon just because I don't have the time. But just the same, I'm studying for general as I approach retirement after 12 years as a tech... Morse code is hard to buckle down to because of time again, but it's a goal...

It's a technician class license. It's the same foundation license in London.

I had more fun as a Technician on 10 meters years ago than I have since.

Eric! Amazingly great video! I just got my Technician license, and hope to get my Icom ID-5100 installed in my Jeep this weekend if my antenna arrives. I really appreciate you and your enthusiasm, it is very encouraging as I am a little lost and overwhelmed in the huge world of amateur radio. I just subscribed and will watch your videos. I am looking forward to learning! 73, Mark KK7GDU

Very Good Video Eric, I have been a tech for 30+ years and enjoying contacts all over the world. and learn how to make Homebrew antennas of any type plus understand propagation, digital set up etc. Hopefully new hams (Technician)will watch this video to give them idea and understanding. 73 eric good job on this video.

Nice video. Good to know the things you talked about. Thanks. I passed my technician test last night.

i'm just a basic license holder in Belgium (for 12 years now) , 25w om HF and 50w VHF and UHF. I worked the wold in SSB and CW !

Wow! This was informative Thank you! I just passed my Tech test and now I'm supper excited about this I still gotta learn how to do this stuff but at least I know its possible. I just subbed to my brother..

had to pass code test for my novice, later upgraded to tech+ but spent the first 3 years on 40m. with a hw-16 instead of 2m. put off getting my first tag many years but finally learned the code and ended up enjoying it.

Thanks for the eye-opening video. I write my Tech license exam in a couple of days and had no idea what I could do besides phone on 2 meters with my UV-5R. Earned my sub!

Passed my tech license exam yesterday and the material at Ham Radio Prep made it easy (not a paid promotion) and I'm looking forward to getting the most of everything available with a tech license.

Passed my Tech tonight waiting on my call sign now. This video has made me even more excited to get started

I passed my tech test today! I hope the FCC doesn't drag their feet too long.

Just received my ticket last now, I'm putting a unit in my car for Skywarn service. Looking forward to doing more with my tech ticket. David,KF0JTC.

Just started studying and can't wait to get my license and get on the air, I've been a 11m operator since the late 80s and its time to step up into big boy radios

I've been licensed for 64 years...not a serious Dxer or contester.. I never work voice.. BEING a general since 1958 has been perfect for me..as an intercept operator during the sixties, US ARMY SECURITY AGENCY, I learned CW AND have never looked back.... cw has been all I have ever needed... you may prefer phone.. fine.. same thing applies...the top class license is in no way totally necessary for enjoyment of the hobby..

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

I want to learn CW really bad. After I get my General I’ll be able to concentrate on that. Is, or was it easier for you to communicate in front of many listeners with CW rather than Phone? I know that sounds dumb but I’m really nervous in front of larger crowds so to speak so I’m just curious.

@grs6262

2 жыл бұрын

@@elconquistador932 im less aware of others using code.. I never have liked talking, even on a telephone.. .as soon as you are able utilize W1AW .. there is NO substitute for on air copy.. and don't neglect sending.. grab a book.or paper and send practicing rhythm and spacing.. others will disagree but I recommend learning to send on a straight key.. when you gain proficiency there go ahead to keyer or bug. I'm old fashioned.. and just plain OLD .. i.prefer bug

LOL over here...."I'm just a technician class." 73, KN4UNO

Excellent video, thank you

Well I was a novice in the late 70's as a kid...became a technician in 2019, now extra...if you wanna be a serious contestor, extra is a must

As a tech, thanks Eric, I appreciate this video.

Just passed my Tech and got my callsign using hamradioprep. You were the one teaching! Took me under 2 weeks from start to receiving my callsign.

Currently a Technician working on my General. Thank you for the content you post Eric... KN6PWH.... 73

At one time I was “just a tech”. Techs can listen on any band any frequency. Even if just listening can be fun just to hear from all over the world. I got my general in 2017 and still a general. Several times I get on just to listen. I’m learning code and I find it easy to just listen to code and try to decipher.

Love the content just got my Tech

There are a few very popular youtube stars that barely acknowledge Technicians. I have been deeply discouraged since getting my Technician license a few weeks ago. You'd think I'd gotten the plague by the sound of things. You're the first to say that we aren't doomed to Morse Code and straight line transmissions. Thank you. I really, really needed that.

@HamRadioConcepts

10 ай бұрын

I'm more upset that you referred to anyone making a KZread video as a "star" HAHAHAHA

Thanks brother just got my technician a month ago awesome work

You released this video at the perfect time. I was a no code tech from 93 to 03. I let it expire but just passed it again 2 days ago. I'm probably going to get a g90 soon so I can get my feet wet in HF.

Great video! Thanks very much.

Thanks not only encouraging but never heard anyone put it this way.

Thanks for making this! I'd been watching my paint dry (gateway drug) and needed the next most interesting thing.

Another great video Eric. 73's DE Eric in VT.

always love your enthusiasm

Got my Tech license last week! Bought a uv5r to keep me occupied until I decide on a better radio

Great video. I have been a Tech. for over 20 years and don’t plan on upgrading. I will say most hams I meet , when told I am still a Tech, the first thing outta there mouth is “ You need to upgrade”. I am tired of hearing that. I don’t want to for all the reasons you gave. Thanks again for that great video that so wonderfully lays it out.

Eric great video very informative. I used to do work where I traveled a lot which is why I got my license. On you comment about 220. I found from repeater book that when I was in the Pikeville KY area there were more 220 repeaters than 2 meter ones. Only one 2m repeater and 4 or 5 220 repeaters in about a 30 mile or so area.

Radio and electronics change so quickly today that it is almost impossible to keep up with all that.

I have held a UK foundation licence for two years now. Our privileges are a little different to Tech as we also have SSB on all the HF bands but we are limited to 10w, basically QRP operators. When I passed I wanted to quicking move up but I'm having so much fun with what I can do as a Foundation licence holder I forget to study! Receiving an SSTV image from the ISS is one of my high points to date and with the solar cycle on the upswing, I can talk around the world with just 10w! Fantastic hobby.

You have excellent taste in music Sir! XX was the best album Mushroomhead ever did IMHO. 🤘 I'm currently studying for me Tech license, thanks for the video.

Great video! What is that cool ass clock that shows the day/night cycle in the background?!

Thank you for the information. 73

Thanks for sharing this or making this....I always wondered...yeah its cool but what would one do...talk to people? but this helps..its a damn game...and its a fun one....the Radio Waves are alive and bursting at the seams!

Great video. I'm not even a tech. but I am a listener of many radios. Still working on antennas for a few of them. I listen to an Elite 750, an ICOM A-120, a Cobra marine, Uniden Bearcat 980, I have a GMRS license and a Wouxan 1000kg, also like my SDS-200 scanner, and TYT9800d. My ICOM 7300 isn't hooked up yet, but soon. Am working on tech license, so maybe give a shout when that happens, again great video, you should be a motivational speaker, 73, Marshall.

Very helpful

For what I’m interested in a tech license is all i would need. I am a general and play a little on HF but my main interest is 6m/2m/222/70cm SSB. That’s the real challenge. You can do so much being “just a tech” It’s a shame more mobile radios don’t have SSB. Let’s encourage young techs to get on 2/70cm SSB.

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

“Young techs”. Lmao, how about 55 year old newbies 👍

@mikedrake5738

2 жыл бұрын

@@elconquistador932 lol 55 y/o newbies and any age!

@tylerdean980

2 жыл бұрын

@@elconquistador932 honestly that’s probably the biggest demographic of new radio operators.

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

@@tylerdean980 Makes sense. Seems the younger generations are more into internet and computer based hobbies and such.

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikesey1 Holy crap, I went and read up on that thing, it really does cover a lot of freqs. Thanks for throwing a monkey wrench into my plans 🤣

I was “just a tech” for 20 years. Had a lot of fun too.

I still highly encourage hams to upgrade so they can learn more about operating standards, electronics, and antenna modelling.

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

After I test on Tuesday, I’m diving into the General Book and cramming for the General Test on 3-2. I hope I get er done, I have surgery the week after, going to be down for a few months so I figure I can dive in hard while I have the time. Im a hands on guy, antenna building interests me big time. 👍

@JJ-el8li

2 жыл бұрын

​@@elconquistador932 I wish you all the best with your surgery and test!

If I were not so antisocial, I would have this amateur radio license. I already make switching power supplies, manual antenna tuners, make antennas, modify radios to operate on other frequencies, make amplifiers, adjust standing wave ratios on already made antennas, climb towers, set up networks for various radio services, and the such. However, I can not even hold a conversation. The technical aspect of the hobby and service is quite interesting and rather easy for me. However, the social aspect of the hobby eludes me. I was born antisocial. It is not my fault. It is the only way I know. I associate much more with machinery and schematics than with people. Since I have an extremely hard time holding a conversation, I just continue to be an unlicensed radio hobbyist. I do not need a license to work on the equipment and set up stations. I only need the license to converse, something I really can not do anyway.

Odd that you should mention working to Cyprus. I got into Amateur radio in 1968 at the club Station ZC4MO, on return to the UK I was inspired to get my own licence as G8EYU, limited to 144 MHz and up. later upgraded to G4JIU which is similar to the USA extra class. After almost 55 years I'm still active. Still have a Hallicrafters SX117 Rx but it's not for sale. 220 MHz is not available in Europe. Ian G4JIU (JO01FM )

Passed my tech and waiting for license so I can get out there 😊

Thank You This video .. Well your Style, Class maybe it's Integrity... IDK... However I recognized the Open Honest Respect for Ham Radio. The Pride I felt at my first club meetings. I met many kind and interesting people. For years I have missed the Connected feeling.. Thx for Reminding Me... Proud American.

Good video, thanks....

Totaly right, im an old Terminal Tech...got my ticket in the early 90s, and had to learn cw, But ive never had a desire to upgrade, im not done having fun as a Tech...thanx for the Video, I shared it with a few new tech"s that are still mic shy...lol...but their getting better...Tech is a blast, and I don't know if ill ever upgrade.. N9iur/73

Back in the day when 20wpm was required some hams told me why bother with the extra, its only a few more bandwidth, he was happy with what they had

That’s my favorite mushroomhead record on your computer!!

Thank you, I feel better as a lowly Tech. now.

Thumbs up from me for 10m too, my fav band. Made a contact in to the US from the UK just this weekend using only 10w USB and it's not even the Spring time E skip season yet. It's going to be great in couple of months time! :)

taking my test soon. Im into APRS, tinyGS, and the cool QRP sdx devices. Hope to talk to people soon. Love listening with my RTL-SDR.

I take my Tech Exam on Tuesday, I cant wait to get on the air! I’ve worked in the A/V world most of my life and always wanted to get into Ham but never got around to it until now. Always been into the outdoors, hunting, camping, prepping and for the past 5 1/2 years, living aboard a 40’ sailboat. Its time!

@dj_saint

2 жыл бұрын

I take mine Thursday. Good luck

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

@@dj_saint like wise! I used Gordo’s Tech practice book, what did you use to study?

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

@@dj_saint Hey good luck tomorrow. 👍

@dj_saint

2 жыл бұрын

@@elconquistador932 I took mine this morning and I PASSED!

@elconquistador932

2 жыл бұрын

@@dj_saint Nice job!! I still have not seen my call sign nor have I purchased a radio yet. But I did mess up and purchase the General Exam Book, lol. I want to try and take that exam on 3-2 next club meeting. Im kinda down for the count until my surgery so what the heck...

I only have a regular drivers license. But I can drive a 4wd in the woods and have a blast, a sports car when I have the need for speed, a moving truck to help someone move, a utility van to make a living and more.

Excellent video…

In at 597 ... tnx, eye opener for sure.

thank you for your passion and your drive it has inspired me to get my license.

@HamRadioConcepts

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.. Remember, use the link in the description with the code, and it will save you 20% on your study with HamRadioPrep.. Im telling you its the easiest way to do it

@luisnew6738

2 жыл бұрын

@@HamRadioConcepts thank you Eric I will have to wait till my social security kicks in. I got laid off and no one wants to hire a 64 year old with a few health issues, so things are kinda tight. I am really interested in doing 40 meter to talk to the whole world. I enjoy using my 11 meters , with an unlocked Anytone 6666, but like you i started with a three channel Radio shack CB hand held. then 21 years in the army where i was an radio operator for a lot of that time. Thank you again for replying to my comment

@bluegrassman3040

2 жыл бұрын

I want to get my license, too. The only thing is, I really don’t have the extra cash to spend on radios, antennas, etc…

@luisnew6738

2 жыл бұрын

@@bluegrassman3040 totally understand, the tech class study program is $28 bucks, i don't have that either since being laid off.

@electrolytics

2 жыл бұрын

@@bluegrassman3040 So look around for local clubs. They'll help you get your Certs and they'll have radios you can use at the Clubhouse. There's nothing stopping you. Go find a club.

Back in the 90s I was on a little h.t. with a 2 m j Pole sitting on a tower I was hearing and talking to both Canada and Mexico I was in Kansas City and about the same era I also talked to the Space Shuttle on to m was receiving on a Bearcat scanner on 440 mind you this was back in 1996 97 and in Kansas City there used to be amateur television that was cool I actually watched it

No Code Tech since '94! Got my test prep book at Radio Shack.

Had my Tech for 9 years. Passed my General this weekend and made my first QSO on 40 Meters last night. Worked the Hamcation station for about 10 minutes Saturday but the 20-meter band was completely dead.

Just Passed my Tech class exam today !

Great video. Thanks. Taking my Tech exam in June. Question: On the bands that allow Techs to work CW, does that mean CW via software for keying the radio...so no manual CW sending? In the Army in the 80's I had 18/18 words/min code proficiency (well, actually they were 5-character code groups), but I don't really want to re-learn MC :)

Thanks for this. It was very helpful and I’m saving it. Just got my Technician a few weeks ago. Joined my local club and ordered the QRZ-1 which was backordered. A couple folks highly recommended the Yaesu VX-6 which was in stock and I have my local repeater programmed. I am hoping my wife will get her tech in the near future which will give us both an HT. So, I want to add at least an SSB Capable base (mobile with pack is fine) (Old SSB guy from 70’s) and since we only have ipad pros I’m looking at a refurbished thinkpad for under 300.00 running windows 10. Any advice? Am I on the right track or will the iPad Pro do more than I’m thinking. Thanks again!