That video was literally the video that started everything for me. Brought up great topics on communication and being prepared. Since that video I’ve gotten my technician and just recently got my general couple days ago. Thanks Josh.
I watched that Fieldcraft ep before I discovered your channel. I’ve since watched dozens of your episodes. I just now put together that it was you on the Fieldcraft radio episode lol
I love the VX6 so much, I can’t recommend Baofengs to anyone who actually wants to use their radio. I made a 98 mile contact last week from 8000’. The Baofeng’s sensitivity and squelch struggles every time I go hiking. Neat to have, but a Japanese radio is night and day difference. Plus the 5 watts your Japanese radio puts out is all where you need it. Baofengs may be just within spec for spurs, but your power meter still counts all power leaving the radio, on frequency or not.
I have a lead on a used 818. I'm hoping he comes through. He has two and does a lot of satellite work. I know he has a few 7300's and whatnot. I'll know by Sunday. Thanks for fueling my ham radio addiction, Josh. 😆🤙🏾
In general we use Baofeng UV 82 for beginners which I am one of them and it has 3 power settings high is 8 watts, charging with usb type c and comes with 2000mah batteries which I bought for $35, six months ago. But as the prices go up(thx to inflation and taxes), it is $43 now. Greetings from Türkiye.
Your video is terrific. I learned a lot. Many thanks. I still have my very first handheld, Yaesu VX-7R, tribander. Works great, has a couple of power options, easy to operate. My vehicle radio is a Yasue FT -857D running thru an ATAS 120 ANTENNA. My anchor is my trusty FT-897 D working thru BB-7R vertical. The weakness it has is that i neglected to acquire the internal batteries and charger. Still trying to work that. It does have the internal power supply. Not optimal, but tunes fine and I’ve reached a lot of distant POTA stations. My ‘go box’ has an FT-891 with tuner and an icom 5100d working thru a large vertical dual bander. The box is powered by shore via power supply, my 110 outlet in my truck, 100W solar, or 40 ah battery routed thru a controller system that automatically detects low power and switches to next best. Now, like a new conductor, i haven’t figured out how to get it all to work at the same time in ‘harmony.’ LOL. Oh, and linking laptops, etc effectively. Lots of learning still.
In the last segment of your video when you are talking about BNC connectors you have an antenna with a long orange wire, what is that? What is the name or brand so I can do some research, perhaps add it to your links section? I would like something similar with a better gain when using a hand held.
i would avoid the high end handhelds for the single reason that they are limited tightly to the bandplan. the chinese radios can can rx/tx on pmr466, gmrs, marine, frnet, jagtradio and a variety of frequencies here in scandinavia. marine being the most important here due to the fact that marine channels are pretty much globally used. in a real SHTF problem, i worry more about getting in comms than hiding out on an obscure band. i dont break the rules, but that doesnt mean i will follow them no matter what happens. living on the baltic coast with warnings of war is a little different than dealing with dead cell towers.
1.25m actually does better propagation wise than 2m or 70cm... it hits a sweet spot in foliage penetration with the longer range of the 2m band... 100 watts 1.25m SSB to a short 10 element yagi netted me a 1,000 mile contact last summer!
I have several HT's, none expensive, Both GMRS and VHF/UHF. And, I have a couple mag mount antennas for my vehicles. They work, that said I will also say they don't work well. For me money is an issue. I just can't go out and spend over a thousand dollars on radio gear to set up an emcom or portable system. I can judicially pick up used equipment that fills my need and budget. Just research and know what to look for and how much to pay for things before buying. Hamfests are a great place and fellow hams will get you into some great gear just to help you out and into the club!
Been trying to find a suitable way to power source charge (battery/solar) using just USB ports for the following: Yaesu FT-70, Baofeng UV-5R, Wouxun KG-UV8H, Wouxun KG-905G. Aftermarket batteries are totally acceptable to me if available to provide these capabilities. These are buildout items for "grab and go" kits.
Great video, is my QRP / low power radio phobia justified, or just the fact I'm such a newbie and subscribe to the I can turn high power down more than I can turn low power up?? 73
So I've got a question Josh, how does the Yaesu VX-6r stack up to the Wouxun KG-Q10H? I'm looking to make an investment in a solid all-weather HT and have narrowed it down to these two. Would really appreciate your opinion.
Josh can I suggest a video? If you go hiking or like me motorcycle camping. ( I do not consider pulling up in a car or suv and pitching a tent really camping ) You are going to be carrying a few things other than you ham equipment that might require power. What comes to mind is a laptop, cellphone, solar powered lanterns, head lamps, flash light e.t.c. If I carry a LIPO battery, a fold up solar panel, and a solar charge controller I would need to know the current draw of each device in order to know what capacity solar panel and battery I should carry. I have never seen a video on how to measure the current draw on these type of devices. I have seen a few on measuring the current draw of a radio.
Can you recommend a good tri-band (2m, 1.25m, 70cm) HT antenna with a BNC on it? I've been looking and haven't found one. I swear these used to be available, but I haven't had much luck. I know that the Signal Stick guy has a prototype for a tri-band antenna, but he says it's not ready for prime time yet.
I've heard some say that satellite phones are more practical and easy in survival scenarios than ham radio, e.g. HF. I'm a Ham so want them to be useful but could you do a comparison between pros and cons of both in a survival situation? To be trying to be impartial satellite seems pretty much the winner based on ease of use and accuracy, only downside I guess would be if you think satellites would be down as well.
It's a good option for layering comms, but sat phones suffer from their being someone else's platform. You're just paying to use it. HF radio is entirely under your control and within your hands.
Have you had a chance to check out the Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band Handheld? Curious what you or anyone else thinks of its usefulness in survival or backpacking use cases.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I understand that? I have my tech license. I’m asking to operate equipment such as the 705 do I need to upgrade a to general license ?
I’ll post in discord too, but can I’m rocking a Yaesu FTM-7250DR in my truck and shack. I also have a FT-70D connected to a Mobilinkd TNC4. The problem is u can’t hit other APRS repeaters from my house with a 5w HT, so can I use the Mobilinkd with my mobile radios?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse sounds good! It would be cool if it could go to TH-cam but I totally understand if they want to keep it for their subscribers to their platform.
The IC-705 is so versatile and I'm an owner of many 100-watt and QRP radios. I recently picked up an iPad and SDR-Control software so I can operate the 705 with no cables!
@@HamRadioCrashCourseNot worried about the compatibility. That’s not the concern. BNC on connectors exposed to the outside on moving vehicles and objects isn’t practical and could come off with a simple tree limb lol. Hence why we don’t use BNC on military vics external.
He can get his VX-6 to do 220? To me it's useless on 220 band with it's tiny 1.5 watts out on that band. I can hit 15 or so 2M and 440 repeaters from inside my house with it (I'm on a hill overlooking most of Utah county, Utah) but on 220 I can't even tickle any of the six or seven 220 repeaters in Utah county!! I can't get no satisfaction, can't even kerchunk one even standing out on my lawn. But do you really think I would just kerchunk a repeater? Now would I do something like that? It's time in Leavenworth of you get caught ya know.
The aftermarket battery for the UV5R is now available with USB-C for charging also.
Fits the GT5R as well…that’s the one I have.
Beat me to it!
That video was literally the video that started everything for me. Brought up great topics on communication and being prepared. Since that video I’ve gotten my technician and just recently got my general couple days ago. Thanks Josh.
That's awesome Bro. 🍻
I watched that Fieldcraft ep before I discovered your channel. I’ve since watched dozens of your episodes. I just now put together that it was you on the Fieldcraft radio episode lol
I love the VX6 so much, I can’t recommend Baofengs to anyone who actually wants to use their radio. I made a 98 mile contact last week from 8000’. The Baofeng’s sensitivity and squelch struggles every time I go hiking. Neat to have, but a Japanese radio is night and day difference. Plus the 5 watts your Japanese radio puts out is all where you need it. Baofengs may be just within spec for spurs, but your power meter still counts all power leaving the radio, on frequency or not.
I have a lead on a used 818. I'm hoping he comes through. He has two and does a lot of satellite work. I know he has a few 7300's and whatnot. I'll know by Sunday. Thanks for fueling my ham radio addiction, Josh. 😆🤙🏾
I'd love to see an updated VX-6. Not sure how much more they could cram into that little baby though, and the size and weight are part of it's charm.
What J-Pole were you using in the Fieldcraft video? I originally thought it was the Ed-Fong but it looks smaller. Is it the Nelson?
It’s the Ed Fong.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Awesome, thanks for the response!
Thanks for doing this. Really appreciate the info.
Glad it was helpful!
FYI Baofeng just released new batteries with USB-C ports for the UV5R in both standard and high capacity.
In general we use Baofeng UV 82 for beginners which I am one of them and it has 3 power settings high is 8 watts, charging with usb type c and comes with 2000mah batteries which I bought for $35, six months ago. But as the prices go up(thx to inflation and taxes), it is $43 now. Greetings from Türkiye.
Your video is terrific. I learned a lot. Many thanks. I still have my very first handheld, Yaesu VX-7R, tribander. Works great, has a couple of power options, easy to operate. My vehicle radio is a Yasue FT -857D running thru an ATAS 120 ANTENNA. My anchor is my trusty FT-897 D working thru BB-7R vertical. The weakness it has is that i neglected to acquire the internal batteries and charger. Still trying to work that. It does have the internal power supply. Not optimal, but tunes fine and I’ve reached a lot of distant POTA stations. My ‘go box’ has an FT-891 with tuner and an icom 5100d working thru a large vertical dual bander. The box is powered by shore via power supply, my 110 outlet in my truck, 100W solar, or 40 ah battery routed thru a controller system that automatically detects low power and switches to next best. Now, like a new conductor, i haven’t figured out how to get it all to work at the same time in ‘harmony.’ LOL. Oh, and linking laptops, etc effectively. Lots of learning still.
Thanks for the awesome video Josh!
“Standard capacity” spoken like a true California prisoner 😊
Haha I noticed that slip too!
I chuckled when he said that. Makes me think he's been going to range more often lately.
We are all prisoners. CA is just high security.
@@ke8mattj I have for sure
Standard capacity is 30 rounds
if you just need a cover for your Icom 705, the bags that come with a large Crown Royal bottle work fantastic.
I found Signal Stuff's mag mount to be vastly inferior to a lip mount on the window of the car.
Definitely not disappointed in the xiegu x6100 with the xiegu 125 amplifier it does everything.
Great clear and concise video!
This is a great video, hits the high points in a concise manner. Thank you for putting this out!
This is a great video! Well done, I think you nailed it!
Thank you very much!
Great video!! Enjoyed thanks for sharing!!
crystal clear. as ever. just keep going bro. awesome.
I ordered 2 signal sticks but only 1 BNC adapter, I regret only getting 1 because they are really good.
Josh, the GP-7 has an "old phone-like" rechargeable battery. (I got one and the Sky Crane radio too).
In the last segment of your video when you are talking about BNC connectors you have an antenna with a long orange wire, what is that? What is the name or brand so I can do some research, perhaps add it to your links section? I would like something similar with a better gain when using a hand held.
i would avoid the high end handhelds for the single reason that they are limited tightly to the bandplan. the chinese radios can can rx/tx on pmr466, gmrs, marine, frnet, jagtradio and a variety of frequencies here in scandinavia. marine being the most important here due to the fact that marine channels are pretty much globally used. in a real SHTF problem, i worry more about getting in comms than hiding out on an obscure band. i dont break the rules, but that doesnt mean i will follow them no matter what happens. living on the baltic coast with warnings of war is a little different than dealing with dead cell towers.
Most radios can take a mars mod, so it’s moot. Although the VX-6R only does 2w on GMRS.
Outstanding Stuff! Thanks So much!
Hey Josh you're very cool dude man I need to join your channel there's a few things you do that I like show me the radios you show that I have😊😊
1.25m actually does better propagation wise than 2m or 70cm... it hits a sweet spot in foliage penetration with the longer range of the 2m band... 100 watts 1.25m SSB to a short 10 element yagi netted me a 1,000 mile contact last summer!
Once again another excellent informative video Josh. Thank you for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
Very informative video. Thank you, sir!!
I have several HT's, none expensive, Both GMRS and VHF/UHF. And, I have a couple mag mount antennas for my vehicles. They work, that said I will also say they don't work well. For me money is an issue. I just can't go out and spend over a thousand dollars on radio gear to set up an emcom or portable system. I can judicially pick up used equipment that fills my need and budget. Just research and know what to look for and how much to pay for things before buying. Hamfests are a great place and fellow hams will get you into some great gear just to help you out and into the club!
you need to show one of these comm plan cards and the information on them. I like that idea.
Thumbs up for the standard capacity magazine, lol
Fantastic video, great information. Long time amateur license holder; just getting back into comms now. 👍🏻
Been trying to find a suitable way to power source charge (battery/solar) using just USB ports for the following: Yaesu FT-70, Baofeng UV-5R, Wouxun KG-UV8H, Wouxun KG-905G. Aftermarket batteries are totally acceptable to me if available to provide these capabilities. These are buildout items for "grab and go" kits.
Fantastic !!
Many thanks!
Hello, I am thinking of purchasing an Icom. Which one do you recommend ID52 or ID50?
I like that signal coin! 👍🏽
Great video, is my QRP / low power radio phobia justified, or just the fact I'm such a newbie and subscribe to the I can turn high power down more than I can turn low power up?? 73
Wow, he knows the difference between a magazine and a clip!
705 FTW!
Just got the extended batt for the Baofeng GT5R and it has the usb c charger. Amazon.
So I've got a question Josh, how does the Yaesu VX-6r stack up to the Wouxun KG-Q10H?
I'm looking to make an investment in a solid all-weather HT and have narrowed it down to these two. Would really appreciate your opinion.
Josh can I suggest a video? If you go hiking or like me motorcycle camping. ( I do not consider pulling up in a car or suv and pitching a tent really camping ) You are going to be carrying a few things other than you ham equipment that might require power. What comes to mind is a laptop, cellphone, solar powered lanterns, head lamps, flash light e.t.c. If I carry a LIPO battery, a fold up solar panel, and a solar charge controller I would need to know the current draw of each device in order to know what capacity solar panel and battery I should carry.
I have never seen a video on how to measure the current draw on these type of devices. I have seen a few on measuring the current draw of a radio.
First allow me to introduce you to the Evolve 3 Maestro. It’s a $75 windows 10 laptop that runs off 12v
@@HamRadioCrashCourseYes I saw that video that you did but that does not really answer the question.
Excellent video Sir! 73
Love the fact that you consider EMP and actually mention it. 😏
Go check out my “tactical trash can” videos.
This was very useful. Thank you
AN/PRC-515...Collins. 20W HF manpack, waterproof.
Signal corp coin!!! Nice!!!
Could you use the IC-705 as a ham shack HF radio? Would there be anything that would make it a lesser option?
Sure. It only puts out a max 10 watts which is limiting for voice comms
the baofeng 5RM has usb-c. It’s pretty dope.
Ciao, grazie per questo video. Potresti mettere il lil (Amazon) per il POWER FILM SOLAR?
Can you recommend a good tri-band (2m, 1.25m, 70cm) HT antenna with a BNC on it? I've been looking and haven't found one. I swear these used to be available, but I haven't had much luck. I know that the Signal Stick guy has a prototype for a tri-band antenna, but he says it's not ready for prime time yet.
Hells yes!
Josh, what is the weight on your kit?
I can't seem to find that Lightsaver Max anywhere now
It would be nice to see an alternative backpackable solar generator option
Gigahertz’s has it
I've heard some say that satellite phones are more practical and easy in survival scenarios than ham radio, e.g. HF. I'm a Ham so want them to be useful but could you do a comparison between pros and cons of both in a survival situation? To be trying to be impartial satellite seems pretty much the winner based on ease of use and accuracy, only downside I guess would be if you think satellites would be down as well.
It's a good option for layering comms, but sat phones suffer from their being someone else's platform. You're just paying to use it. HF radio is entirely under your control and within your hands.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse good point hadn't thought of that
Have you had a chance to check out the Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band Handheld? Curious what you or anyone else thinks of its usefulness in survival or backpacking use cases.
Yeah. I’ve made two videos on it.
Do you need a general license to run icom ic- 705?
Yes. You need a license to transmit with any radio on any amateur radio frequency.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I understand that? I have my tech license. I’m asking to operate equipment such as the 705 do I need to upgrade a to general license ?
The 705 is all band all mode, you can operate on the bands that you have privileges for. Upgrading to general would give you more band access.
VX-6R only does 2w on GMRS
Wait, were you in the Signal Core int the Army? What was your MOS? Love to see it as I was a fellow Sig Corman haha!
Sorry. It was a very nice gift someone gave me. But the other is also interesting.
I am just leaning Will the icon ID 50 work on gmrs channels?
Can you reach repeaters with a GMRS? Is that a possibility?
Where can you buy the Belka-DX?
Cool Video. Just curious, where did you get the Signal Corps coin?
It was a gift.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Nice. Why I asked was I was in the Signal Corps 30 ish years ago. You don’t see those much. Thanks for the video.
Which BNC connector should I buy for UV5R?
Is that bnc adapter a “bnc-m to sma-m” adapter?
What's the case on the nanoVNA?
I’ll post in discord too, but can I’m rocking a Yaesu FTM-7250DR in my truck and shack. I also have a FT-70D connected to a Mobilinkd TNC4. The problem is u can’t hit other APRS repeaters from my house with a 5w HT, so can I use the Mobilinkd with my mobile radios?
I would only change my FT- 817nd only for an IC-705....
Do you know if Mike and his team are going to upload the talk you gave to TH-cam, or are they keeping it over on their platform?
Which talk? I’ve made a bunch of videos for them.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I don’t remember the name of the event, but Evan Hafer gave a talk at the event too I think.
@@Eric10179 Ah ok, the EmCom Convention did this year in Heber. So I recorded on a GoPro, but I'm not sure what we're doing with it yet.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse sounds good! It would be cool if it could go to TH-cam but I totally understand if they want to keep it for their subscribers to their platform.
I use a yaesu ft65 for a ht
Where can I get that PowerFilm Solar panel. I see them on Amazom but they don't say max, am I not looking up the correct part?
www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/lightsavers/lightsaver-max-portable-solar-charger
Wow, that's a lot. Any backup (cheaper) solar panel suggestions/opinions?
@HamRadioCrashCourse thank you! I think I just wasn't searching for it in the right place.
BNC - British Naval Connector.
Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) for the win?
The IC-705 is so versatile and I'm an owner of many 100-watt and QRP radios. I recently picked up an iPad and SDR-Control software so I can operate the 705 with no cables!
Want this guy on my team when SHTF
baofeng uv 17 serie has usb c charging
Which powerfilm is that again?
The Max. The larger one.
does the powerfilm solar light saver max cable fit the kx2?
Yes
For more affordable but very good solar, check Bioenno Power.
Also good. I’ve reviewed their smaller panels for QRP. One set is in my go bag.
I have a suansheng builtin si4732 v2 module
Howdy from AmCon SoOregon
Howdy.
Everything is sold out on you web page how are we supposed to buy from you
They’re not my sites. And the video was popular. Things sell out. Keep and eye on the sites and new product will be available in the future.
Mike glover has been talking to you about standard capacity magazines huh?!😂
lol. I’ve been in Cali a long time. I’m well aware of what I can’t have. 😢
Correction: Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC). Mind blown anyone?
Nice
BNC = British naval connector
High altitude nuke EMP prior to warheads coming in.
Watch my tactical trash can vids.
Blows my mind they use BNC for mag mounts instead of TNC.
Uhhh. Ok. BNC is perfectly fine for 2m and 70cm.
@@HamRadioCrashCourseNot worried about the compatibility. That’s not the concern. BNC on connectors exposed to the outside on moving vehicles and objects isn’t practical and could come off with a simple tree limb lol. Hence why we don’t use BNC on military vics external.
It’s a temporary solution. Not something you leave up there.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse word. I’ll quit my profession. lol.
He can get his VX-6 to do 220? To me it's useless on 220 band with it's tiny 1.5 watts out on that band. I can hit 15 or so 2M and 440 repeaters from inside my house with it (I'm on a hill overlooking most of Utah county, Utah) but on 220 I can't even tickle any of the six or seven 220 repeaters in Utah county!! I can't get no satisfaction, can't even kerchunk one even standing out on my lawn. But do you really think I would just kerchunk a repeater? Now would I do something like that? It's time in Leavenworth of you get caught ya know.
in SHTF your gunna want encrypted comms and encrypted sms
If you can get it, sure.
You sed magazine
In America and basically everywhere on earth, we say Z, not "zed"
I can’t imagine the type of human that thinks making a comment about how I say Z is important.
73s
Yep im a poor ham what we got
I was looking for the discord link but i do not see it. I just see / discord without the full link
Just click the link next to the Discord callout.