Bargain Basement Ham Radio
Bargain Basement Ham Radio
Thanks for stopping by my channel! I started this channel in order to keep my ham radio content restricted to one channel only. I have another channel that has a mix of content, from motorcycles to EDC to kayak fishing, photography, etc. I'm fairly new to amateur (ham) radio, but have an extensive background in telecommunications specifically Army SATCOM and LoS Microwave communications. I was first licensed with a GROL in 1994, but did not become interested in Ham Radio until 2016. I obtained my tech license in Dec of 2016 and got my General ticket in March of 2017...I am procrastinating on my Extra license. I'll upload my amateur radio content to this channel. I tend to try and be thrifty, so there might be some DIY projects, budget buys and builds, kits, etc. So, please subscribe and leave some comments! Please check out my other channel as well.
kzread.info/dron/7GrRqwlrNNNQR45vjXL9Ow.html
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there used to be a lot of slow speed straight key people until about year 2010. many of them can receive much faster , but enjoyed relaxing slow speed. I wish more people get into SKCC straight key slow speed, it is fun. much more fun than Digital mode. AG6JU
That key is a Chinese army Surp;us training key. I have a key just like that
at 9:56 you send K4SLC instead of K4SFC
I was still learning, it's been so long since I've been on the air, I doubt that I could send anything!
You'd better measure the SWR closer to the antenna or add cable losses to correct the read value. 73's, OT5Q
Came for the J-38. Stayed for the music!
Lol....it's catchy!
What I saw was 30 had a swr of 3 and so did 40 I thought I saw the radio said the meter was set to swr. Back to the drawing board.73 from ki0ad😅
I’m just looking to exchange a signal report and skcc number. I’m not interested in a long term committed rag chew. ;) Thank you for an encouraging and informative video!
Thank you. Shamefully, I haven't turned on a radio in at least a year! What is that they say about good intentions..lol. Best of luck! 73
I do understand the nervousness of getting on air the first time. But if you contact someone who is willing and patient, a ragchew is a great way to learn and get past the nervousness. N8MXV. SKCC 27847
Did you actually have to hold it still (using left hand) if it weighed about 3 lbs.?????
Apparently the desk surface is slippery and the bottom of the key doesn't have any anti-slip material on it. Did that actually answer your question?????
@@BargainBasementHamRadio It did - you did mention that the bottom of the key base had felt, so as not to mar the table. Silicone baking pads are inexpensive, cut be cut to size, and offer a great grippy surface, top and bottom. 73
Very clear explanation. I like it . Thanks .
So nice of you
When I was a kid growing up in Northern California, there was a TV/Electronics/ham radio store in Palo Alto called Zack's. One Saturday, my dad and I went in there and - lo and behold - there was an entire table set up with J-38s manufactured by Lionel, the train model maker! They were in their original paste board boxes stacked forty long, four deep, and four high! That's correct, 640 of 'em. If I'd been a smart kid, I would have bought 10-20 of 'em! As it was, my dad bought one and the components for a 12AU7 code practice oscillator and helped me make it. About six months later I got my Novice ticket!
That is pretty awesome! Hindsight.....always 20/20.
How does one determine which band and frequency to try????
Based on the band plan, your license and radio/antenna capabilities...?
@@BargainBasementHamRadio General. Which bands are most active for the CW community? Thanks
@@usernamemykel 40m band seems to be the most active.
At 9.56, you said "F", but you transmited an "L", or am I wrong?A big "like" for the video, anyway.
Good catch! I definitely keyed an “L” instead of an “F”!! But it was a good “L”..lol. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Hamfests might have some..
Def a possibility.
Nice job! I really like the old J-38 keys. My favorite of all the straight keys I use. Good enough for the Army Signal Corp, Good enough for me!
Good point! Seeing as though I was in the Signal Corp...I should embrace this key...lol
So, I saw this video a couple of years ago. I joined SKCC on your recommendation. Best thing I did. Anyway, how’s your code going. I’m still pretty ordinary, but I have a lot of fun. Put up a couple of videos myself. So how’s your rag chew? I still struggle, but have a few regulars I chew the fat with around 15-17WPM.
That's great! I appreciate you watching and commenting! Sadly, I've not been working with my radios much at all. I've just got too many hobbies and one of them always takes a back seat. Now that the colder weather is on the way, I'll most likely get back to it. I have make a few contacts, mostly listening for POTA, or SOTA activations, simple exchanges, etc. Rag Chew...lol...that is terrifying! Glad that you are doing well with the CW!! 73 (I'll head over to your channel)
@@BargainBasementHamRadio head over to my channel ??? Oops. Probably not wise, but it does come with a trigger warning:-)
Good advice to label lengths. I’m new to ham radio but even in the short time in it I’ve cut longer cables down and then later had to measure them trying to figure out what I have. I’ll take the advice to just throw a piece of tape on with the length when I cut it the first time so I’ll know the length later. Thanks for the video!
Getting a label maker is another option, I've tried to use it to make labels for all the hundreds of wall adapters for all the electronic devices....so many don't have the brand name on them. I label them for the device. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73!
when i first got my ham license, I didn't have to learn it, but then I upgraded to my gens, and as I studied I learned I had to learn cw which I did, ONLY TO FIND OUT that the FCC eliminated it all across the board, I was so mad too because at one point, I could copy about 25 WPM on a good day as i constantly monitored the shortwave bands on the code only frequencies lol. now, if you were to try to send me a message, the only way I could copy it is with code get for windows or code grabber for iOS. what you got going here sounds like 5 WPM and I can barely even copy that, if you weren't talking, I could maybe copy it though. I thought when you wanted to use a frequency you gave QRZ not QRL. I've heard QRZ given on phone a lot of times though, on VHF on simplex I've heard it but I hear it more so on the HF bands though.
25 wpm was amazing!! I still cannot dedicate enough time to study code copying, but I am getting there. Thanks for the comment! Yeah, QRL is the correct code for checking if the Freq is clear. Here is a long list of the Q Codes- www.giangrandi.org/electronics/radio/qcode.shtml
Nice key but really badly set up. I would say use 1 or maybe 2 sheets of typing paper to set the spacing, then adjust the tension to make it smooth and accurate at the speed you're comfortable with. That of course will also change with practice. If it's clacking you are wasting energy and motion.
Thank you for a very helpful comment! I guess I need to do some work on it!
ajust that key!, too much separate contacts
Thank you! That is exactly how to be an ambassador to people learning.
Amazing,thanks you
7.114 skcc mbrs will slow to anything you want. I heard two guys talking about learning cw on there at 2 wpm one day. I bet they carried on for about 45 min.
Thanks! I really, really need to tune up and get back to CW practice!
best way to learn code. AG6JU
I've been a ham for 35 yrs and I still have a band plan in front of me when I operate. LOL
I believe in reference material! Thanks for the comment!
But thath millitary connector surely work in eu plug
nice. skcc 2409
Pretty key. Great job.
Thanks!
I loved the video. I am learning letters now but I enjoyed hearing your explanation of the QSO process and how it would sound on the radio. 73s. KD8VSP
thanks for commenting! Best of luck and stay with it! I've worked on it, practiced and then strayed from it only to feel like I was starting over again.
Interesting but why the gloves?
I just didn't want to get the residue all over my fingers....?
I made my order yesterday on this antenna yesterday and hopefully it will make to my door til the End of this Week. The IC-703 is a very sweet and fine working lil radio. I traded it for the IC-7200 cuz I want to have some more fire in the Wire. Nice video, keep up good work. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter from the German Frontier
Thanks for checking out the video! Sadly, I haven't turned on a radio in quite some time. The German Frontier! I lived on Karlsruhe from 1985-1988 (Army) and I also lived in Wurzburg, Darmstadt, Kaiserslautern, Giessen and Mannheim as a child when my father was in the service! I loved Germany!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio This world is just so little. Meaning, we could have lived next door to each other without of ever noticed it. And then 20-30 years it all comes to the Table by a chance. Thx for subscribing to my channel, would be an honor to make contact to with you on air. Happy wednesday & 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter, DK5ONV
Cool
Where do you guys get them long poles?
Amazon...here is an example, but just search for XX meter fishing pole...etc. amzn.to/3x6PF9Z
"..I can barely copy code.." But good for you for trying this out! Back in the 80s all you heard were people saying they'd like to upgrade but could not or would not learn Morse code. If they spent half as much time practicing as they did bitching, they would have become 20 WPM Extras! You "new guys" are terrific with your energy and drive and enthusiasm for the traditions of ham radio! Best of luck and persevere, OM! de k6whp dit dit
Haha! Thanks for the positive encouragement! I have made a few CW contacts, but only by answering calls during a contest, or POTA, etc. I am still working on it and I will be proficient one of these days! 73!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio that's the spirit! Keep it up and you will become comfortable with it 20-25 WPM. It'll surprise you!
War Planner’s positivity made me wonder if this is the internet 😎 - awesome! Newcomers like me genuinely appreciate the encouragement. I picked up a Navy Flameproof a few weeks ago and am going to try to pick this up.
First off all is that Minolta meter capable for 2 meter frequency . Second ; watts mean nothing if your not 1.2 range .
FIrst off, yes, that is a dual band meter. Second, I have no idea what you mean...1.2 range..?
Nice! Now i can make a old straight key! 73 de Huy - XV2HY
Best of luck! I just need to get back to practicing CW!! 73! Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio im 9 yrs old btw (and i am ND2L, KD3Z, KM4IPF, UB3PEH's freind) 73!
@@ivan69420. That's awesome! You're in for a lot of fun!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio 73
Thanks for sharing this video. I just finished installing this antenna in my attic of the second floor in my two story home. Seems to have mixed results depending on band conditions. I did end up somewhat serpentining the wire a bit to attempt to get it a little bit longer. I don't know if that hurt or helped. I think I have about 65 - 70 feet of wire per side with both sides being pretty equal. Can you share some comments on how this antenna has been working out for you?
I also had mixed results for the same reasons, I believe. It worked as well as I guess it should, it being a pretty compromised attic antenna. I haven't used it in some. I am trying to get a 40m and 20m dipole up there to ....somewhat work.
Welcome back! 73 de K2CJB
Thanks Chris!
Hey Ron! Glad to see you back on YT. We've missed you. You have some nice gear. I especially like the QRP rigs and tuners. I'll be looking forward to more videos. Stay well my friend...73!
Thanks! Hopefully I'll be getting some portable ops this year!
Caution about that speaker. It will throw some horrid trash into your radios RX. It’s not the led either. Took me weeks to figure that out. Hihi
It's always something...Thanks for that info! I'll play around and see how bad it is. 73
A friend of mine sold me a bunch of jam radio stuff her dad had left her. About 10 pounds of jumpers. Also a Yaesu FT-707 that receives VERY well but doesn't transmit YET.
"Yet"...I love a good project!
Get a rigexpert and do a TDR on your cables to find the length without having to un-coil them
I've got an AA-30, but I think I'll still need to do some calculations, might be easier to lay them out..I'll def look into it, but having the low end analyzer from Rigexpert....dunno
Or simply count the rings, measure the diameter and multiply both with 3,14. Thank me later.
@@malorenz1989 Now I have to count and do math..?!!! lol... Good tip!
That's alot of cable... Didn't you bring that weight to throw the antenna in the tree when we camped? That thumbnail got me I had to look at this video.. Alot of wire for sure
I might have had that weight! It was a different radio and antenna tho.
You definitely need more cables 😉
Thanks! I was hoping someone saw my side of it...loL!
Nice job with the video Ron, I have a foot locker full of cables and wires... no idea what’s in there 👍
Thanks! I have a bunch of totes full of.....stuff too! lol
Hope ur still trying. I’m just on the sk as well. We can try skcc freq soon?
Shamefully, I haven't been doing with ham radio in a long time. I did make a new video and have started back with the CW. I am trying to work on head copying instead of writing everything down...being away for so long has been a setback. I haven't been using the SK, but soon. I did make a contact with a POTA activator yesterday...it wasn't pretty, but I made it through!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio very good. Check out Kurt Zoglmann for headcopy KZread vids
@@JayN4GO Thanks! I head over there now!
Who is this guy? LOL! Yes, the pot calling the kettle black. Glad to see the video. CW is getting easier but the copy is still difficult. The wonder readers do not read anything but perfect CW so that is spotty. Keep the videos coming! 73 de KE5ES, Steve from Texas
haha! Glad to hear that you're still at the CW too...it really is a struggle. One day though....I am optimistic.
I had a MTR-5B and KX1 before I could even copy CW (and I'm still remarkably slow) so don't feel alone in having rigs you don't know how to use proficiently! Spring is still a few months off but, as you mentioned, videos like this help get through the cooped up months. Looking forward to getting back out in the field. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the comment! I was pretty sure that I wasn't alone, but sometimes we need some "group therapy" to stay motivated! A couple of years ago I really had intentions of becoming exclusively CW, but...life, new hobbies, etc. Thanks again! I am still planning on getting better!
Glad you’re back at it 👍
Me too. I've missed it to be honest. I had plans to incorporate some radio playtime in my motorcycle trips. So, thanks for the motivation!
Nice to see an upload bro. You’ll have to show us that new blue radio and you power it up. 👍
Thanks! Hopefully once it warms up!
Nice collection of stuff. Fun video. Hey, I've done 12 or 13 POTA activations so far. I got the hang of it finally, and it's a grin. It didn't start out that way tho. I think you'd enjoy a vid regarding my outing. I'm not gonna paste a link, but it's called 'a POTA Conession (of cowardice!)' lol. Be well :)
Awesome! I'll check it out! Thanks for stopping by!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio You make cool looking vids. I'll be watching. Thanks! And regarding POTA activations, they can be terrifying. lol. 73 OM
Good to see you back on YT.....GAS is something nice to have sometimes!
Thanks Kyle! It can be a good thing for sure! I also need to catch up on watching all the Ham Channels I subscribe to, your included. 73
Hi sir how are you? Great rigs you have there. But I would like to know what model of lavalier microphone are you using for your video? 73! De kk4nww
Thank you! I added it in the description as well. amzn.to/3u1Yn8g