How to get started on Ham Radio 2 Meter FM, Part 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- In this series of Ham Radio videos, I'll show you how to program a 2M HT to get on the air along with some of the basics of 2M FM operating..
In Part 1, I describes the Icom IC-V80 Sport radio and some of the basics of operating distance and repeater fundamentals..
Very good video explaining range:
• How-To Optimize the Ra...
In Part 2, the basic radio settings are explained and shown along with programing a simplex frequency.
In Part 3, the basic repeater information, frequency, offset, and tone are programed into the radio. I then checkout the radio by using a local 2M FM repeater. Then I show you how to program the repeater settings into memory channel and how to recall the memory channel.
Wow! Finally a TH-cam broadcaster with authentic knowledge AND the personality to convey the info in an extremely effective way! I have received instruction on hundreds of topics over decades. I can't remember when I thought to myself "Listen up. You can really learn from this guy" until today! You have a gift Randy. So grateful you decided to share it. Thanks again. Taking my ham exam this Saturday.
Thank you for this video. It is easy for people to get discouraged from pursuing the hobby because of the attitude shown towards the new guys on most internet forums that discuss amateur radio operation. It's good to see someone taking the time to encourage people to take up the hobby. I would have gotten into it years ago but every time I tried to find info online I got shot down by someone and eventually gave up. Had I found your video ten years ago I would have gotten started much sooner.
Thanks, sometimes you just have to give big knob a twist and get away from the less helpful.
Welcome back into the hobby. HTs from an apartment can be a challenge being low and not being able to get an antenna up outside. If you can get any outside antenna setup, it will help. Enjoy the videos.
And 7 years later during the 2020 quarantine I say thanks for this video! Stay healthy
This is my 2nd of your videos and I am convinced that you are a good teacher. I am subscribing to your classroom. Your on-screen pictures of the things you are lecturing about, and the full script version of what you're abbreviation verbally are EXTREMELY helpful. Your short videos are immensely instructive and well edited. The bloopers at the end show your editing efforts and crank up the humor. Bravo!
Hey Randy! I just wanted to tell you that your enthusiasm and and really good heart is conveyed in all your videos. I'm 62 and you bring that fun, excitement and enthusiasm that we had when we were kids, back inside and waiting to see what you're going to cover next. Thanks!
Thanks. Glad that you enjoy my videos. I have lots to watch.
Hi Randy,
N7DRM (Dan) here from Idaho. I've been a ham since 1978, but have only recently tried to work Satellites, 6Meters and PSK all because of your helpful videos! -- Thanks! 73
Oh my gosh...found your video on the Miklor site...for a new guy on the block, and a knucklehead to boot you are exactly what is needed. Concise, clear, and common sense orderly approach.
I am learning! Respects and truly...thank you.
Glad to be of help. Enjoy.
Hi Randy. These videos are wonderful for new HAMs like myself. Thank you very much for taking the time to produce them. Joel KM6ZBL
Revisiting this many years later. Thanks for providing this great info!
Thanks for the videos. I'm a former ham, KB9NSQ who let his license lapse years ago and I'm going to get back into it. I was looking for a review on this particular radio, but found this information was a great refresher. I live on the ground floor of an apartment building, and am thinking whether to start with an HT or mobile. I remember from before HTs are pretty much useless unless one is close to the repeater or up on a hill. But so convenient, and no need to mess with a power supply!
I just passed my technician license exam and studying for my general while I'm waiting on my ticket. Found your video very informative. You have a new subscriber.
rc3291 HI, congratulations on getting your Tech! Hope you get your general soon. Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Hey Randy, thank you much. As a new HAM going in to get the Technician License in about a week, your videos are amazing and full of information and I appreciate that. I've subscribed for more because I can't get enough of this hobby and look forward to being on the air by the end of May...Thanks again.
Just a quick "Thank You" for all your hard work on these videos. My son (KDØWBB) is a brand new ham and was inspired by your videos to create his own. 73 de ADØEO.
I appreciate that someone finally explained what the tones are about. Good information all around. Thanks!
One of the best videos I've seen. I cracked up at the out takes at the end. Great job. Best explanation I've seen and I actually got it this time. Thank you sir.
Thanks, glad that you got it!
Sorry for the empty post, Randy, the message got away from clumsy fingers on the iPad. Just wanted to drop by and thank you for putting this video online. I have been off the air for 40 years. Just retired and getting back to ham radio. Boy have things changed. Looking forward to watching your videos so I can get up to speed.
Lou, welcome back. Yes, things have changed a bit. Enjoy the video. Thanks for the comment.
One of the great things about this hobby is that there are so many different things you can do. You missed Hellschreiber. Get that setup and check for the monthly simple contest at the Feld Hell Club side.
I considering becoming a HAM operator and watched this video to learn more. I found that Randy was very informative and easy to understand.
Thanks for watching
Great vid! I'm in nursing school right now and have only 7 more weeks till I'm out and I can't wait so I can start studying for my amateur radio license! I"m excited about learning about the technology and concepts. Subscribed to your channel. Thank you for the information!
Thanks for the comment. Finish up nursing school for now, then on to ham radio.
I found you via a link on miklor.com. I have been trying to get motivation about learning how to use a ham radio for years but it gets so frustrating that I lose interest for months. After watching just this one video I'm enthused again and look forward to your other videos. You seem like the kind of person I could sit down with at the kitchen table and talk to about radios until the wee hours. I have a UV-82 so I don't know exactly what I'll get out of this little series but I'm going to watch every second of it to find out. Thanks!
Love part 1,2and 3 videos. You make it easy to explain to other people how a repeater works. I now own 4 ht’s with lots of accessories for them. I own a yaesu ft60r, a yaesu ft 65r and two Baofeng uv5r’s. I think every ht should have a standard bnc antenna connector like my first AdI at 600.
this is one of the best basic Ham radio videos...
kudos to you sir . So many questions simply answered. Thanks for taking the time, you are a good teacher/communicator.
David, thanks for the comment and for watching
Nice video. I've used HTs for two years now and am working HF nets, and I found this video very informative.
Thank you :)
K7AGE, thanks very much for the video. The wife and her late husband were avid Ham operatotrs.I have alot to learn and her equiptment is much more extensive than this.She is currently licenesed. Like most things you are far better servered learning from the ground up.So this is where I will start,thanks again for the video.
Excellent video Randy.I´ve just bought a Baofeng UV5R and I´m kind of lost on its usage.You help me a lot with all the data.I´m going to continue watching all your videos,I´m looking forward to get on the air very soon.Thank you very much.
I first got started on 2M FM in the early 70s. It was a blast. Have fun on QRP CW.
Glad you're back! Excellent video. Great editing and formatting; very informative and entertaining. Keep up the superb work!
Thanks Randy! I am back to Ham Radio after a 45 year absence, ans your videos are very Helpful! - Kevin KM6KCP
Randy - thanks for the video help. Am a long time HF ham but know zip about VHF/UHF operation. Your video is very enlightening. I expect to be there soon with your help. You are a great teacher. Am most appreciative.
You know how to explain things in such good simple terms. Thank you for sharing your invaluable knowledge of the RADIO.
I share the comments for George Ireton - below - Randy has a true gift of making great videos - please continue - and I will follow
Thanks Tom. Busy getting a new house built, then move in, get settled, and then new videos.
Randy, Thank you for the excellent presentation. I have watched all three in this series and found them very helpful.
amram101 Thanks for watching
Hey Randy! Nice to see you active on youtube, congrats for the HAM videos, really good stuff. I moved to countryside in Brazil now, so I am planning to get back to HAM world. 73s and take care!
Daniel Diniz Daniel. Yup, still cranking out videos.
WQTZ396: Just got my GMRS license. I know it is limited but I inherited a Yaesu hand held and base station full Ham radios that I can use now. Both are dual band. I like the GMRS as that each family member can use them. Great video.
The most informative video that I've seen on this subject....many thanks !!
Randy, you are VERY helpful.... I am extremely new to Ham radio, havent even made it to the local radio club's meeting, but have been in touch with them via email... your videos have been VERY helpful!!
robert bennett Glad to help
Hi- friend
I just bought icom v80 looks like quality product but after seen your explanation how to use v80 that makes me understond the product more and more much better, thank you friend
Hope you enjoy your new radio
Hi there Randy, thank you for making this video, shared it on FB and the guys are happy to see Santa doing a lecture on 2 meter ham radio = )
Absolutely, I'm glad you think so.
Normally the second I mention the UV-5R people go on about how its a "Chinese toy" and they wouldn't use it if their life depended on it. Though I'm sure those people have never used one either. It's not perfect by far, but its a stable working radio.
Thank you for making these videos. I'm a complete beginner and I'm finding these to be very helpful.
Thanks
Thank you for finally clarifying the process a repeater goes through in very simple terms! :)
Glad that I helped you understand
Thanks Randy 4 your help. Am just starting ham radio and am excited to be learning much more. GlJ
Thanks Randy, I am a new "ticket" and have been reading all I can, your video(s) have helped to bring that info to the surface for me !! 73'
73's there from the Philippines... nice discussion and I hope to hear more!
I've had this radio for a few years now, great radio. With a half wave collapsable, I can get into repeaters 35 to 40 miles. I also have one of those arrow snap together 4 element beams. Doing hilltops or low mountains, it's like 60 to a hundred miles into a repeater or a base station.
Thanks these videos help alot, after passing my technician test I felt like I had no idea what I was doing
Glad to help
Thanks for sharing the basics! I'm a newby looking for all the info I can get and you helped a lot with this video series.
Lots to watch, have fun.
I really appreciate the information. Thanks. I'll be watching all three vids since the content is very applicable to my situation.
Great info, I learned a lot.BTW I haven't heard AA batteries called "pen light" batteries in 35-40 years.
Great job. Finally, found someone to explain things in my language, SIMPLE. Have had my Technician Class for two weeks now. Haven't purchased a transceiver, yet. Looking and listening.. Started out with a Knight-Kit "SpanMaster SW reciever.. (witch I still have) I've got a LOT of bench knowledge to learn. 73's KK4ZMT.
Enjoy your retirement and settle down with a a couple good radios.
Cool vids man. Just getting back into radio after a long hiatus . Joined a local club and am getting a baofeng. A guy in the club has the software and cable and is going to help me set it up. 73 from KE4KKM.
Randy,
Great video as usual. I could have used this when I first started, and glad that you did this video for new hams. I had do a lot of reading to understand what was going on. The good thing about that is when you sweat for information you don't forget!
I got into it so deep, I started playing with commercial radios!
Added bonus!
It seems there is a lot of misinformation on how pl and ctcss work.
I am glad you are doing videos to explain.
Thanks for all your hard work.
73 WA6GXQ
Randy K7AGE. Just wanted to say thanks for posting your videos. I am new to HAM and really look forward to getting on the air.
Thank You. You always do a great job. Watched your solder project on HAM Nation. Thumbs Up!
Very well explained! Can also handle the camera and sound well!
Great info Randy. Wish I had this info 2 years ago.
His video is great, thanks. Looking forward to his videos. Looks like your family will be enjoying ham radio together.
Hi Randy,
You sort of assumed that beginners understand what squelch is/means.
I was looking for a video to usher a newcomer into the ham radio hobby, and you're the best.
Paul NC6PT
Sorry about that. Good point.
Excellent video Randy.I`am currently sitting my Foundation test here in the UK and became very interested in your channel,so i have subscribed! Some great information for newbies here and i look forward to watching more! Thanks for sharing...FEZUFO
I love your videos and have enjoyed watching them. You have inspired me to get my general class license. I have loved the hobby and you helped me get here. thank you.
73's
,KD8SYI
Thanks for the video. It was simple, direct, and insightful.
Brilliant tutorial. thank you sooo much. Finally I understand what is all about.
Great video, Randy...really enjoyed the out takes. Looks like a smaller version of my IC-T2H.
73 - KF7TOV
Thank you. Nice video series... I learn a lot of
Thank you for this, I’ve just unboxed my new Yaesu 2M FM read the manual and I’m ready to PTT. I think that I have a better idea of what is happening Thanks KM6 PNZ
Sacramento
Have fun
Very nice! This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the comment and for watching.
That makes sense, yeah the manuals are just horrendous.I use Chirp to program mine which makes it nice and easy however hand-programming is still no fun on the baofeng radios.
I wasn't trying to knock that IC though, still a nice radio for sure and probably a heck of a lot easier to field program if you needed to.
Great video for us noobs, so much info to absorb, but this really helps, thanks.
Love your sense of humor!
Dear OM, I went QRT on 2 meters when the blasted CBers took over abt 20+ years ago. I've been off the air fer quite awhile, but am getting back on CW only. Just picked up a good Bencher paddle es looking fer a used CW rig, sure wud like an old HW8 cuz I love QRPP-CW, the lower the output, the better. Wid a solar max, bet I cud hit Europe. VY 73 ES GL DE KK5B SK
Great job as always, Randy. Missed you on TH-cam!
Currently studying for my Technician Test. Im using the hamradioschool.com, eham.net and the test question pools to study. Your video was well thought out and very informative!
Great start to learning how to use repeaters! KM6EEO
i really want to get a radio like this,since i am just getting into ham radio,i think it would be a good radio to start out with.
Really nice video!!! There is always something new to learn!!
Thank you for your videos. They are very informative.
Many thanks. Am also new to Ham Radio. Very much enjoy and learn heaps from your videos.
Hope to make contact one day.
Many thanks.
***** Wildhog, thanks
Well done. Nicely explained, I subscribed
Thanks for making this fantastic, informative, tutorial. You make things very clear and easy to understand! I'll be sure to watch this video again and make some notes.
P.S. I have a Baofeng UV5R+ They're cheap, but gee they're hard to program!
I am also new to the UV5R but Chirp works well, if you have ever worked with Excel you will find it simple.
Good instructor. Good information. I learned a lot.
Thanks
You explain things really well!
thanks
Great info. Great voice. Thank you.
Loved the sound effects!
How do you feel about getting a cheap baofeng radio?
Gatling Turtle i thought my baofeng turned on and got a signal
great video Randy
Les 2E0LAI from UK
Randy We new HAMS appreciate you explaining this in a way that we can comprehend and put the information to use. Bill KD8VTM
Randy, I'm curious: are the AA battery packs not available separately? If I were buying a new HT I would look at buying one that came with a rechargeable battery pack, but also buy the AA battery case as well. That way I have a back up for when the battery pack dies.
Great video as always. I was LMAO at the "goat scream" at the end. That's fantastic! I always enjoy your videos my friend. 73 de AJ5C
LOVE your channel
thanks
Helpful information. Great explanations. Subscribed
Thanks for watching
Good info. Am considering this radio but would like to know approx. how long the AA batteries last under normal use?
Thanks Randy, excellent tutorial and content. Looking to get into ham and your a tremendous help! Subbed and liked.
Thanks, hope you get your license soon
thanks randy really good video best explanation on radio range i ever hear !!!
usual answer on radio range is: it depends
hello K7AGE, brand new ham dont even my call sign yet, love your videos just realised we share the same home state, thankyou for the info
Very Informative Video's Randy,
Thank You For Taking The Time To Make These Video's "Thumbs Up" :_)
NSA.Exploit - DigitalSuicide thanks
This was all news to me. Thanks.
Thanks you, you are very knowlageble and extremely helpful. I am subscribing.
Nice video Randy! What other bands use repeaters this way?
Very clear and helpful, thanks.
I have one of those too. I wanted a simple radio to show the basics of getting a radio setup to operate on FM. I feel that these Chinese radios are harder to program than other radios. I had my UV-5R with me on away from home without the manual. I could not figure out how to get a repeater programed in it. Now, this may have been my fault not spending enough time learning the radio. But they program so differently than all my other radios. These radios are not my favorite.