All About Ham Radio

[TheKurtChaney]

"its really neat".... nerd

[tsilb]

If not for the LCDs, I would swear this was recorded in the 80s.

[shadow2155]

mmm ham



[DJLunasf]

Why was the audio content cut out just when he tried to explain the process? This is America, censorship should not be allowed!

[emerybryant]

im confused

[radiosification]

is that a canadian accent?

[hitachi088]

i talked one time to a guy on a boat who was being boarded by pirate, he was asking for help (Canada-to-Caribbean or something)

[hatfield63]

Great video, I had a scout leader as a kid that was a HAM, and ever since then i have wanted to get involved. Now 20 years later i am just looking in to it. thanks for all of the information!

[TodayHi1953]

Do HAM radio operators work with the EAS?

[monmonjiro]

Thank you for your nice video. I am a HAM in Japan, just having started off. I am curious to know your antennas, hoping you would post the video some day. You don't need to worry about radio wave interference, do you?

[christopherve7alb]

@monmonjiro I've never had an issue with RF interference which is a small miracle because I have 2m/440/1.2GHz/VHF packet/VHF marine/scanner antennas and an FTA dish all on the same tower. Always good to hear from another HAM!

[CPLBSS88]

@christopherve7alb WOW...

[CBRADIOLOVER]

CB is way beter then HAME, like my videos PROVE. Our antenas dont smell bad, an we can talk across the damn street without a piece of crap repeater! Plus we can lay the hammer down with a big carrier an some SWANG! Not to menshun, CBERS take bathes an get HOT WOMEN chasin us around!

[ross817]

This sounds like a complicated, expensive, and extremely awesome hobby. I wish I had the patience to get into this but I can barely remember the NATO alphabet let alone Q-codes, morse code, frequency bands, and whatever else I have to learn to be a ham radio operator.

[dexterpointexter]

so i can pick up the police.

[christopherve7alb]

@dexterpointexter Yes! Most scanners can receive police broadcasts, unless your police department encrypts their signal (not very often).

[0TheZeroBoy0]

I don''t know that much about ham radio but have seen it been brought up in survivalist topics on facebook etc, I think its great when people take their time out to make videos like this, i don't see why people would click the dislike button? Much respect to the video maker.

[mondays89]

So this is a way to have free wireless internet on demand. :-) Can someone do all of this on the most basic HAM license or do they need a higher license?

[christopherve7alb]

@mondays89 this can all be done with basic qualifications, the advanced certificate just allows you to modify radio gear.

[WorldGenesis]

very nice ^^

[potteril456]

Thanks for posting this video and for sharing this great information.



[chazfensk]

I have a question for you. My neighbor is a ham and is trying to get me to take my ham test. He has flashing lights and a siren on his car. He told me that if I get a ham license I can get flashing lights for my car too. He said I can can direct traffic and pull people over for speeding. Is that true? If so radio sounds like fun!

[christopherve7alb]

@chazfensk Your neighbor is most likely pulling your leg. Being a ham radio operator does not give you the authority to stop traffic or pull people over for speeding, those privileges are reserved for the police.

[MrQuackism]

I want to start this cool hobby! How do i get started?

[Thercflyer96]

@MrQuackism hello, imn also trying ot get into this hobby, in fact my test is tommrow, and its a bit more tough than it might seem, but its worth it, and you can start by going to hamexam.org and thats a good site to get started.

[CBRADIOLOVER]

Hey yall, cb radio is way better. we drop the maul on them hams an dont say cq cq cq all day. Go look at my videyos cause cb is way beter than ole ham radio.

[clipdan]

great info - thanks for sharing.

[TitanicBranson]

Great and informative video thanks for sharing. Also, we’re holding a special tribute for the HAM radio operators of the Titanic at our museums on April 9 & 10. Check out our website for more information and operating frequencies if you’d like to join in.

[stap0510]

It almost looked it it was recorded in VHS?

You're such a geek, but rest assured because I'm exactly like you. :-)

[christopherve7alb]

@infastructureFissure That doesn't mean UHF isn't useful though you should be able to find some local repeater frequencies that you can communicate on

[christopherve7alb]

@infastructureFissure A VHF radio is defiantly better then a UHF only rig as the range of VHF signals is greater and more radio operators have VHF then UHF

[TheRyesick1]

What would be considered an ideal set-up for a beginner, interested in a good HAM for SHTF purposes?

[christopherve7alb]

@TheRyesick1 A great starting point is on the VHF bands. You can get a fairly cheap VHF radio and chat with folks in your community on local repeaters or across the world by using IRLP

[sm7wyg]

Great to see your station, and the "what is approach, to Ham Radio" !

At the moment I run an iMac with a Yeasu FT-897, but like you the antenna situation is somewhat limiting at the moment. Are you using any Mac software !? Like DX Toolbox, MacLogger, Multimode ?

Tnx for a nice Vid !

SM7WYG - Christopher

[christopherve7alb]

@sm7wyg All of my ham radio software runs on my PC, I just find it more convenient as the PC has serial ports built in for using my packet equipment. In terms of software I run Airmail (for packet), Echolink, and DRats (for my DSTAR Radio)

[sm7wyg]

@christopherve7alb Oki, yes, that is probably more convenient, I use a Signalink - USB and a (RS233-USB) converter, but it is not optimal, still it works ;-)

[jckchrstphr]

What's the "why" (for you) behind ham radio? Befriending people seems like the main reason I'd start.

[jckchrstphr]

@jckchrstphr Also "watching the watchers" appeals, keeping the police, military and government in check.

[christopherve7alb]

@jckchrstphr Meeting new people and being able to participate in public service events were the main reasons I got into the hobby.

[ThePauperPrepper]

Very nicely done. I needed some kind of video to explain "What is HAM Radio? I just found it.

Thanks allot

Ron

KB3VEW

[extand84]

how much is a ham radio im wondering and i realy want one

[christopherve7alb]

@extand84 They range in price, you can usually find simple VHF/UHF radios for sale used in the $100 range and HF radios cane range from about $150/200 - 700 or more

[IlyaKhleboyko]

Lol, running vista on a macbook.

[him3zz]

Someone please help me. My family put me in charge of getting two radios - one for mobile use and the other for stationary use(or mobile use too if possible).I need these two radios because when I go to Mexico, I sometimes travel about 30 miles(sometimes farther) by walking and I have no way of communicating (not even via cell phone). What is a good RADIO for me? Give me details please ANYONE.

[Edgarwinter]

Ey ever heard of vagina?

[0hBr0therProductions]

so if your around vancouver and whistler where are you situated?

[christopherve7alb]

@0hBr0therProductions Victoria BC Vancouver channels are just the closest digital stations to me

[CountryBoyW900]

Can you put one of these in your Truck? Use it like a cb radio?

[christopherve7alb]

@CountryBoyW900 Yes, it is quite common to put a mobile VHF radio in one's truck

[BillyNoon]

One of the smaller Yaesu rigs does have the facility to work off an internal battery pack, dont know about AA's though.....not a lot of power there and some of these rigs can eat batteries, unless you a QRP (low power)operator.

[Chriznak]

anyone know of a good ham radio that is powered by aa batteries?

[christopherve7alb]

@Chriznak Most hand-held radios have the option of an additional battery pack which allows you to run it off 6 or so AA's

[gchenley]

Thanks for your interesting video. I always wanted to have a ham license and now that I'm retired have time to study for it. I'm trying for my technician class and if I took the exam today probably would do fine. There is a ham fest here in Puyallup Washington in March and will take the exam then. I'm looking forward to an interesting and fun hobby. Mabe one day even contacting you.

[gchenley]

Thanks for your interesting video. I always wanted to have a ham license and now that I'm retired have time to study for it. I'm trying for my technician class and if I took the exam today probably would do fine. There is a ham fest here in Puyallup Washington in March and will take the exam then. I'm looking forward to an interesting and fun hobby. Maby one day even contacting you.

[revolution94ful]

man i really want to get into something like this, but i know absolutely nothing about it.

[jagan185]

Great!! Ham radio is really cool!!

[fieldghost1]

christopher! i just watched you video. i am very interested in ham radio and becoming an ameture operator. will you help me with the basics? i like your presentation and you wouldnt be giving an instructional video if you didnt know what you were doing. i scored a 14% on a mock test so i need to improve. feel free to contact me at matthewweeks48@yahoo.com. ive got SOME cool gadgets to keep me entertained until i find out what is the next step. i am also on facebook as Matthew Weeks.

[christopherve7alb]

@fieldghost1 check your PM's

[caesiume]

While you're messing around with your dumb toy radios, I'm out hitting all the clubs and getting tons of pussy.

[christopherve7alb]

@caesiume and contributing nothing productive to society

[alexmortland]

@caesiume In 10 years this kid is gonna be making more money than you could ever dream of.

[unclebob100]

Nice station Christopher.

73, Bob Ve6ham

[ron1571]

dude ! get a real antenna for hf , and you will work the world every day. And stop kerchunking vhf repeaters !! All that vhf gear and laptops will be useless when there is no electricity to recharge it , or no internet to use it on. As for the audio quality. I don't know how anyone can understand those muffled dtmf mics on vhf. Get yourself a Heil mic for the hf rig and have some fun TALKING to Australia instead of just listening to it. 73 Ron VE3HAB.

[yellowdart137]

i was most impressed by the lone SODIMM

[denelson83]

I hope I can get as comprehensive a ham radio station that you have, Chris. I only got my ham licence a couple of weeks ago—my call is VE7NDE—and I have started saving up to build my shack.

[christopherve7alb]

@denelson83 Welcome to the Ham Radio fraternity, feel free to contact me through my website if you have any questions.

[jackerd12]

windows on a mac?

[rancheres07]

FAGG ! !

[Tacomeal100]

I guess I'm going to tap into USMC radio comms :O

[lifesaucks6]

Hey I'd like to get into this kind of stuff. How old do you have to be to get a license of this? I'm only 15 so I hope I'm able to get one.

Also how much did all that cost? And can you give me a list of everything that I should start out with as a beginner? I want to pick up cops and cb radio and Marine and such. I'd like that.

[christopherve7alb]

@lifesaucks6 There is not age restriction to take the amateur radio exam so that wouldn't be a problem. If you're wanting to receive things like CB/Marine/public safety then your best bet would be to get a radio scanner. Scanners are basically receivers that have the capability to receive a wide range of frequencies. The other thing you'll want is a 2m or 2m and 70cm ham radio. These can usually be found used for fairly cheap.

[lifesaucks6]

@christopherve7alb Could you like get me a link to the stuff i need please that'd be awesome thanks.

[christopherve7alb]

@lifesaucks6 check your PM YouTube doesn't let me post links in comments.

[AudiophileTubes]

Excellent video! Keep up the great work!

[jacoblivesay]

will an ibook clamshell support a a ham radio

[christopherve7alb]

@jacoblivesay I'm assuming you mean echolink? If its running OSX then yes, look fro a program call Echomac

[zookie85]

DONT KERCHUNK THE REPEATER!!! ; )

[chazfensk]

Break 19! You got a copy on me pigpen come on?

[MrFLICKYOLI]

How hard is it to get licensed? I have an MBA so I am used to studying...

[cbanews]

@MrFLICKYOLI I can't say anything about the US exam but in Canada it's not too difficult. The exam encompasses a lot of radio regulations and some radio and electronics theory.

[KB3SKM]

@MrFLICKYOLI You shouldn't have any problem so long as you have a technical mind...and if you don't think technically you can memorize the answers since the test questions are online.

[MrFLICKYOLI]

@KB3SKM

I have a very technical mind, my original major was computer science. Once I get around to it I probably won't have any trouble. Thanks!

[ChristianHamOperator]

Hey this is great stuff! God Bless K4GSD

[gajopv1]

Noticed a typo or two in the text at the bottom. Also, that little radio/transmitter icon gets in the way, making it hard to read the text.

Lastly, after the intro, all the audio is left channel only. Why?

[dmc081]

can i borrow someones call sign so i can talk

[christopherve7alb]

@dmc081 Regulations don't allow you to "borrow" a callsign. The only way you could legally talk on the Ham radio bands would be to do so at the station of a licensed amateur radio operator, using his callsign, while he supervises you.

[dmc081]

@christopherve7alb so if i tune to a channel and i want to talk what is the correct way to say so i can be supervised on the radio to talk from someone one far away or not to far?

[KJ4UNR]

I agree with you on the 800 MHZ digital trunking system they dont really work that great as they say they are.

73 de

KJ4UNR

[conrad2468]

so, theoretically, you could get internet anywhere theres a radio signal?

[NG9D]

Well done!

[freakinLOKBAK]

hello im new to ham radio i recently switched from CB. i am tuned to 28.420.00 and i keep hearing morse code at very high power levels. its too fast for me to read and it seems to be repeating the same thing about every 60 seconds, and the transmission lasts about 2 seconds. as it fades out it echoes. what is this?

2hs3557

[christopherve7alb]

It could be someone calling CQCQCQ. The lower end of the 10m band, where you are, is used for CW, morse code, transmission so it's not that strange for you to be hearing that

[DonelsonC]

@christopherve7alb if you are having problems copying the CW, get a sound card interface (generally priced below $100 u.s.) and get fldigi.... I use it once in a while and it works great. it also works with rtty, psk and many other digital modes... 73

[crazyboy554]

Lol wow i thought this ham radio and satcom stuff was all bs that fallout 3 invented

[TheHollywoodpics]

"Nerd" carries a universal standard

[Thepharcyde4ever]

I'm just about to enter my first ham radio class next month...I envy you sir.

[MrMKH2010]

I am studying for my Tech license and learning morse code. I have a Alinco Single band 2 meter HT that I purchased a couple of years ago for $79.00. I listen to one of the local clubs that I am going to join here in St. Louis

[dvsdnaa]

Thank you very much. As a future ham, I now know what I'm looking when I see other peoples "Ham Shacks". Thanks again. You provide an excellent tool for people like me

[theONLYsebo]

wow i want one. whats the cheapest you think i could get one for? is it ok that im only 15 (in the USA)? i want like a big box one with headphones and a mic, not like a handheld one. were can i learn about this kind of stuff? is it possible to build your own? thanks :)

[christopherve7alb]

The first thing you need to know is that in order to operate an ham radio you must have a license. There is no age restriction on licenses though so age is not a problem. Take a look on the FFC's website for licensing details. It is still possible to get some of the big 'ol tube radios second hand and there are plans on the internet to build your won but it's pretty complicated.

[christopherve7alb]

As for getting more information check out ve7alb.ca, ve7vic.ca

[captainmcduche]

love your setup chris!

[Brettboat]

Chris, that stuff with the internet over Radio waves is cool as hell man.

[bbmandal]

Christopher,You are like a professor. Very good. Please include a good communication clip. That would make it more enjoyable. I liked the way you used the music also.

I use a military surplus. Lot of Australian stations I worked. All the best. 73's. DE VU3MDL (Nagpur,India)

[AudiophileTubes]

Fantastic video Christopher! Hope to hear you on my fave bands, mainly 15m and up through 6 meters! Keep on spreading the 'gospel' of Amateur Radio my friend!

[danielbaral]

Info offered was limited and a bit distorted. HF description was kind of silly and lacking. Good approach. Good speaker, but I would recommend re-taping and gathering your thoughts ahead of time for better results. Please don't be insulted, but since you are quite a talented speaker who carries himself so well, better results could be obtained with some planning...Take care

[christopherve7alb]

No offence taken, that's the kind of constructive criticism I like to hear.

[NANOFORGE]

@christopherve7alb May I ask, do you use Morse code aswell?.

[christopherve7alb]

@NANOFORGE I have my 8wpm morse license but sadly I have never used it. I use a morse code program on my computer just to make sure I don't forget it though.

[bossman380]

great video!! im working on getting my shack started

73

KB1SBR (connecticut)

[sterwing]

So not all Australians have an accent...

Lol.

Very nice and intelligent information/demonstration.

Windows Vista on a MacBook? HIHI...

Haven't heard much Australia here in the Americas on the ham bands so hope to hear you or something

N0SSC

[christopherve7alb]

Actually I'm from Canada hence the VE7 prefix from the good 'ol wet coast. Yep love my macbook and love windows so I figured why not put the two together :) Now running the beta of windows 7 though, It's miles ahead of Vista.

[JamesJB32]

Hi i was thinking about getting in to HAM Radio for the past 2 years but the thing that keeps me from doing it is all these HAM Radio operators i see have these expensive radios :( Some ive noticed are $500 to $1000+. So is there any cheaper than $500?

Also what is the min Class License would i need to talk around the world and would it need me to know morse code?

[JamesJB32]

One more thing,can i have a Ham Radio Base Station in a Apartment? i mean is it possible?

[christopherve7alb]

Setting up a VHF/UHF system in an apartment is easy. In fact you could make due with a handheld radio and small external antenna. As for HF that is a little more difficult as larger antennas are often required. It is possible to set up a wire antenna but the results may not be so good.

[JamesJB32]

hello again i was wondering could you recommend a decent but cheap radio for someone that will go far his Technician Class License?

Any online store i can go to? Would like to find something under $400 if possible and it be a Base not hand held or mobile if possible. Oh and can be used in a apartment.

[JamesJB32]

Hi so far it kinda seems impossible to find a base station like radio for under $400. Is this a rich mans hobby? it just about seems like it :(

Could you reccomend a place that i could find a radio and antenna combo like deal for under $400?

Sorry don't mean to be a pain lol.

[christopherve7alb]

OK quick question what bands are you interestd in talking on? VHF/UHF radios are great for local communications and you can buy a decent one w/ antenna for about $400. the HF rigs are the pricey ones. Where are you located? I may be able to find you a local dealer if I know what city you live in.

[JamesJB32]

Hmm i dont think my last post worked if it did i apologize.

Im from Allentown,PA im guessing 2 meter cause the license ill be getting is the Technician Class,i sent you a link on what the Technician class can do.

I would love to have the ability to speak with the ISS but i think i need a higher license for that?

[toobroke2fight]

YES

[christopherve7alb]

Hi there glad to hear that you're interested in getting involved in Ham radio. Most HF rigs are fairly expensive (in the $500 range) but you should be able to find some good quality second hand radios for a cheaper price. As for what license you need I can't help you there as I am in Canada and we only have 2 classes of licenses: basic and advanced and both can be used with the HF bands, I'd check the FCC's website to see what license class you'd need.

[toobroke2fight]

YES!! radios are as much as 10grand! I just got my ticket and have a kenwood 130S and it cost me $250! Join a radio club after passing the test (easy) and ask them! many used items are there and some may be given or loaned for a while!!! dont delay! its a great group of people!!! best thing ive done in a while!!!!! KE7ZVJ Joe

[Glider87]

Thanks for your video it explained a few things that were fuzzy for me.

- Ham radio newbie.

[Mirizzisyn]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I am thinking about starting ham radio as a new hobby. I don't have any equipment yet . Any ideas as to what would be a good transceiver and antenna?

[christopherve7alb]

Glad to hear that you're interested in Ham radio. As for getting radio equipment it all depends on what bands you want to talk on. I would recommend starting out on local VHF or UHF bands. Those frequiencies require relativly small antennas and inexpensive equipment. When you're just starting out you probably wany to get some second hand gear as it is cheaper. That way you can get a feal for the hobby before you spend too much money.

[DigitalMind66]

Nice video. Keep spreading the word about Ham Radio !!

73's de Jason, VE2RIF

[dadburnde]

a repeater does send it out but you have to use a .600mhz + or - offset for trans mitting and recieving

also the with key pad using the repeater you must turn on your tone a it does not drop you to the internet but the phone lines

then using a integrated tone burst encoder you dial a phone number

[christopherve7alb]

I was referring to IRLP not a telephone patch which is what I think you are talking about. IRLP or the internet radio linking project, is just that repeaters that are connected to the internet and allow you to communicate with people around the world. IRLP nodes are accessed by using the DTMF keypad just like a phone patch.

[derek12b]

Thank you so much for the video and really making it easy to understand. I would really like to see you make more videos on this subject. There are lots of vids out there about HR but you just broke down for me hours of reading. I appricate it. Nice shack.

[Icycoldcoke]

not any more with net ehcolink

[insanity54]

Why don't you call it a "shack"?

[Roar2death]

now there is Eco-link and you can talk to any1 in the world at anytime

[christopherve7alb]

That's true I forgot to mention that.

[mattfox14]

did you pourposly make this look vhs quality?

[christopherve7alb]

It wasn't done on purpose per say. The only camcorder I have is an old sony which happens to record onto VHS tapes. I just record the camera output onto my computer and edit away.

[theshortwavelistener]

Very impressive setup! Subscribed! Hope to see many more videos!

[2e0bmi]

i love the video will there be more videos

[christopherve7alb]

I plan on making more videos both about ham radio and about other electronic subjects.

[2e0bmi]

good, i like the demo on D-star it is a cool way on getting internet on the pc.

[n2kto]

Thank you for creating a video that I can send to individuals that are wondering what Ham Radio is all about. Have you considered creating a video about programing the IC-91ad. For those of us that have the radio and would be buyers it would be helpful to have a video to refer to. I am sure the Ham community would appreciate it.

Great job on this video and look forward to many more.

N2KTO

[VictoreCelia]

cool...

[LETHLSS]

i use a Bearcat BC780XLT for stormchasing, but never got a license yet. i used to have a Icom SW receiver for DX'ing.. and used to talk the skip on 27.515 and 27.605 with a 148GTL Cobra, w/xtra channels.. sucked when the solar cycle ended though. guess it's coming around again right? solar max arounf 2011 or so? may have to get set up again for it.

sweet setup man!

[LETHLSS]

LSB is where it's at.. miss the old days of 27.535-27.605.. alot of crazies.. but good times. like mentioned, be nice to get setup again, but low on cash.. prolly just listen with this DX radio i currently have, which is a Realistic Flagship model... indoor loop and all, works gr8!

[WA5MUF]

Good job!

[christopherve7alb]

Thanks a lot

73s fom VE7ALB

[WA5MUF]

You are more than welcome!