I've had 2 FT-101 ZD stations for over 20 years. I've been CW only since I became a ham in 1956. I have no plans to upgrade. I also still have a HT-37 and SX-101 Mk 3 that I also still use on a regular basis. Not into the tech side of it, working DX and only meeting new hams all over the world. Greatest hobby in the world. Thanks for sharing,
Though 64 years old, I am new to amateur radio, having only got my technician license a month ago here in Indiana. I find your videos very helpful and I wish I could visit your store in person and have some of that free coffee and buying advice. I also appreciate your wit and levity. Thank you from the US. KE9AZU
Hi, thanks for the video. I was off air for 30 years but I stick to my old Icoms. That is Ic 2, 4, 202, 402, 215, 251, 451, 551, 701 and R70. Quite a museum now but I love it. 55/73 from Germany
I restarted this hobby (in the US) very recently after retiring. I started with a Wouxan kg9d, but always had problems programming it (not intuitive to me) & suddenly half of the backlit keyboard decided to not work a few months later, even when it was treated well. The audio was also always distorted. I decided to buy a Yaesu FT-60 2 weeks ago, with RTsystems software. Very happy, up & running in minutes after charging. Sounds great! I also like the dedicated squelch knob.
When I stopped in 1994 I had a ft902dm and sold all and emigrated for 10 years, now 30 years later came back…… WOW, things have changed. Digi modes, SDR, etc. Bought a new FTDX10 from you guys and absolutely blown away with this bit of kit….. love it.
I forgot to say thank you to everyone at ML&S for rekindling/fortifying my interest in amateur radio. This is a great video! Now I guess I need to join in . . .
Tony / ML&S this is a great idea and will be so good for the hobby, it gives an incentive to expired licences amateurs whilst selling used equipment to help people get going again - you’ve actually done a huge social service to the hobby - well done all 73 G6EJD
I was licensed in 1972 and had a huge gap from the late 90's through to covid - my interest was rekindled when I found that some £10 Baofeng' s I had for another hobby could be programmed to access my local 70cm analogue repeaters. But as you comment thing have changed dramatically and there is little or no local activity. Currently I have have discovered digital radio using network software such as Peanut and Echolink. I also use a DVMEGA DV30 dongle and BlueDV software by PA0LIM to explore the world of DMR, D-Star, Fusion etc. I have also found a local Digital repeater that has an analogue gateway I am able to access using a £25 Baofeng UV-5R. I have just watched your excellent video but surprised that the Yaesu 991A was not mentioned as a good cost effective multiband starting point for a returning amateur or at least that is what my research indicates and could be my next purchase ?
I got my first license over 60 years ago, and my extra class over 50 years ago. I have just just gotten back on the air after being inactive for 40 years. It can be done! You are right, a lot has changed. I actually think VHF is a better place to start. It is pretty much the same as 50 years back, and is often more suitable for rag-chewing, which I find more appealing!
Well Tony …. Good job ✅ I’m a returnee as I’ve often explained… started building my “shack” the end of November last year and I’m almost ready. I’ve built a doublet, dusted off my “new” icom 706 with its accompanying ATU… it’s new still in the box used twice on 2mtr then put away (1996) because of my then QTH and life… now, my back garden that’s left measures 6mtrs x 4mtrs but could fit a signature 9 in it… wife doesn’t want to see such in the garden but I can put it out of line of sight, so maybe soon. The doublet is total stealth using a purpose made wire antenna green in colour running around the house guttering down and along the back garden fence and across the bottom fence… the other leg goes around the gutter across my tiny front garden then… naughty,,,😮 across the pavement to a tree on the street around 4.5m or so high,,, out the way so no one gets strangled 🤫 and I HAD TO POINT it out to my neighbour coz he couldn’t see it.😂 All being well I’ll be having my first QSO very soon… THEN if it all works.. I’m going to get a Kenwood 890s … I’ve sold a kidney and a testicle to get it hihi 🥹 😵💫 🫨 jokin…. So, born again ham operator 🫣 … sorry to ramble on, maybe someone would be interested… ? ( rag chew anyone 😁 😵💫 🥰 🫥 ) Don’t want to say my callsign until I know it all works… hihi 🤦♂️🛠️🔧🔩🙏 🏴 Best wishes to everyone.73. 💙
I took (and passed 🙂) both the courses for my Foundation and Intermediate licences at ML&S a few years ago but remain a ‘silent key’ because I simply can’t justify the cost. I had some of the best Uni lecturers back in the day and Steve Venner ranks as high as it goes in teaching ability. Huge respect Mr Venner . . .
You can get a new 5 watt rig from QRP Labs for around 200 USD. Cheaper if you get the kit. Plenty of good 2nd hand gear around too! Very low cost if you can do Morse on low power 😀 - cheers from Jon, GW4LJW.
Tony ,what a great presentation ,well done ,I'm sure this will encourage many back into our Wonderfull hobby ,myself ,I never really left ! love my 7610 and my DX10 also still have my FT 857 which sadly has stopped transmitting ,I'll get it fixed as also a great radio ,thanks again and keep up the good work ,always love coming into the shop and chatting with you guys (living in Bristol it has to be a day trip !!) Ron G4SNU
My first mobile rig was a TS520. Same size as that 101. 50w output using it's internal 12v inverter. Quarter wave Larkspur whip for 20m, that could be reduced in size for 15m and 10m. It was fun at the time, but the kind of equipment we have now would have been like science fiction. I remember switching from crystal control on 2m to the FT207 with synthesizer. I can remember waiting six weeks for non standard channel crystals to arrive. Now you can buy a Yaesu handheld for under £100. So much easier. GM4SVM
Well done Tony! Is an excellent presentation by you! The best I've seen! This will encourage old and new licensed hams back to the hobby! Lots snd lots of information provided by you Tony! Best wishes to you and all the team! 73 de G6PKX G6PKX
Thanks Tony a very enjoyable presentation and great for new comers and returner's to the hobby. It may be worth mentioning that, as I understand, that there is now a path to obtaining an Advanced licence, for those who have good radio and electronics knowledge and do not want to progress through Foundation and Intermediate. Direct to Advanced in one examination (like the old RAE), thus saving time and exam fees, possibly ? 73, Martin GW3XJQ
I am 61 old and not new at all. Last half century I am active. Digital mode? Option maybe. 1 kW No thanks 500 W No thanks 100 W No thanks 50 W maybe Up to 10 W CW , SSB. Its ok new tehnology. But for me FT 101 ZD is more than I need. In my young days I actually build my HF radios. Not buy. CW only but good enough for me. Modern radio have too much options , 90 percent I do not need them. CTCSS isnt HAM radio. Taken from profesionals comunications.
Very imformative, Good advice, Though from this looks like Im going to stick with the 897D and spend my money (When I have some) replacing the antenna I lost in a storm. MM0IHE
Tony, Such a great presenter ❤ with clear logic and analysis, au natural with a pleasant soothing voice for teaching🎉🎉 Thankyou 73S, 9V1KM/KK7QGL Singapore
I've had 2 FT-101 ZD stations for over 20 years. I've been CW only since I became a ham in 1956. I have no plans to upgrade. I also still have a HT-37 and SX-101 Mk 3 that I also still use on a regular basis. Not into the tech side of it, working DX and only meeting new hams all over the world. Greatest hobby in the world. Thanks for sharing,
Though 64 years old, I am new to amateur radio, having only got my technician license a month ago here in Indiana. I find your videos very helpful and I wish I could visit your store in person and have some of that free coffee and buying advice. I also appreciate your wit and levity. Thank you from the US. KE9AZU
Hi, thanks for the video.
I was off air for 30 years but I stick to my old Icoms. That is
Ic 2, 4, 202, 402, 215, 251, 451, 551, 701 and R70. Quite a museum now but I love it.
55/73 from Germany
I restarted this hobby (in the US) very recently after retiring. I started with a Wouxan kg9d, but always had problems programming it (not intuitive to me) & suddenly half of the backlit keyboard decided to not work a few months later, even when it was treated well. The audio was also always distorted. I decided to buy a Yaesu FT-60 2 weeks ago, with RTsystems software. Very happy, up & running in minutes after charging. Sounds great! I also like the dedicated squelch knob.
very good video about the newer Ham radio stuff! Sure glad you made this video!
When I stopped in 1994 I had a ft902dm and sold all and emigrated for 10 years, now 30 years later came back…… WOW, things have changed. Digi modes, SDR, etc.
Bought a new FTDX10 from you guys and absolutely blown away with this bit of kit….. love it.
I forgot to say thank you to everyone at ML&S for rekindling/fortifying my interest in amateur radio. This is a great video! Now I guess I need to join in . . .
Amen 590SG for me
Such a pleasure to operate
Tony / ML&S this is a great idea and will be so good for the hobby, it gives an incentive to expired licences amateurs whilst selling used equipment to help people get going again - you’ve actually done a huge social service to the hobby - well done all 73 G6EJD
I was licensed in 1972 and had a huge gap from the late 90's through to covid - my interest was rekindled when I found that some £10 Baofeng' s I had for another hobby could be programmed to access my local 70cm analogue repeaters. But as you comment thing have changed dramatically and there is little or no local activity. Currently I have have discovered digital radio using network software such as Peanut and Echolink. I also use a DVMEGA DV30 dongle and BlueDV software by PA0LIM to explore the world of DMR, D-Star, Fusion etc. I have also found a local Digital repeater that has an analogue gateway I am able to access using a £25 Baofeng UV-5R. I have just watched your excellent video but surprised that the Yaesu 991A was not mentioned as a good cost effective multiband starting point for a returning amateur or at least that is what my research indicates and could be my next purchase ?
I am sticking with my Kenwood ts440s!!.
I got my first license over 60 years ago, and my extra class over 50 years ago. I have just just gotten back on the air after being inactive for 40 years. It can be done! You are right, a lot has changed. I actually think VHF is a better place to start. It is pretty much the same as 50 years back, and is often more suitable for rag-chewing, which I find more appealing!
Well Tony …. Good job ✅ I’m a returnee as I’ve often explained… started building my “shack” the end of November last year and I’m almost ready. I’ve built a doublet, dusted off my “new” icom 706 with its accompanying ATU… it’s new still in the box used twice on 2mtr then put away (1996) because of my then QTH and life… now, my back garden that’s left measures 6mtrs x 4mtrs but could fit a signature 9 in it… wife doesn’t want to see such in the garden but I can put it out of line of sight, so maybe soon. The doublet is total stealth using a purpose made wire antenna green in colour running around the house guttering down and along the back garden fence and across the bottom fence… the other leg goes around the gutter across my tiny front garden then… naughty,,,😮 across the pavement to a tree on the street around 4.5m or so high,,, out the way so no one gets strangled 🤫 and I HAD TO POINT it out to my neighbour coz he couldn’t see it.😂 All being well I’ll be having my first QSO very soon… THEN if it all works.. I’m going to get a Kenwood 890s … I’ve sold a kidney and a testicle to get it hihi 🥹 😵💫 🫨 jokin…. So, born again ham operator 🫣 … sorry to ramble on, maybe someone would be interested… ?
( rag chew anyone 😁 😵💫 🥰 🫥 )
Don’t want to say my callsign until I know it all works… hihi 🤦♂️🛠️🔧🔩🙏 🏴
Best wishes to everyone.73. 💙
I took (and passed 🙂) both the courses for my Foundation and Intermediate licences at ML&S a few years ago but remain a ‘silent key’ because I simply can’t justify the cost. I had some of the best Uni lecturers back in the day and Steve Venner ranks as high as it goes in teaching ability. Huge respect Mr Venner . . .
You can get a new 5 watt rig from QRP Labs for around 200 USD. Cheaper if you get the kit. Plenty of good 2nd hand gear around too! Very low cost if you can do Morse on low power 😀 - cheers from Jon, GW4LJW.
Tony ,what a great presentation ,well done ,I'm sure this will encourage many back into our Wonderfull hobby ,myself ,I never really left ! love my 7610 and my DX10 also still have my FT 857 which sadly has stopped transmitting ,I'll get it fixed as also a great radio ,thanks again and keep up the good work ,always love coming into the shop and chatting with you guys (living in Bristol it has to be a day trip !!)
Ron G4SNU
Hello Ron, you are always welcome to visit us here in Staines.
My first mobile rig was a TS520. Same size as that 101. 50w output using it's internal 12v inverter. Quarter wave Larkspur whip for 20m, that could be reduced in size for 15m and 10m. It was fun at the time, but the kind of equipment we have now would have been like science fiction. I remember switching from crystal control on 2m to the FT207 with synthesizer. I can remember waiting six weeks for non standard channel crystals to arrive. Now you can buy a Yaesu handheld for under £100. So much easier. GM4SVM
Well done Tony! Is an excellent presentation by you! The best I've seen! This will encourage old and new licensed hams back to the hobby! Lots snd lots of information provided by you Tony! Best wishes to you and all the team! 73 de G6PKX G6PKX
Thank you, from W5AIR.
Thanks Tony a very enjoyable presentation and great for new comers and returner's to the hobby. It may be worth mentioning that, as I understand, that there is now a path to obtaining an Advanced licence, for those who have good radio and electronics knowledge and do not want to progress through Foundation and Intermediate. Direct to Advanced in one examination (like the old RAE), thus saving time and exam fees, possibly ? 73, Martin GW3XJQ
I wish I’d seen this video when I came back a few years back. I had to pretty much learn all about digital on my own, I had no idea it was even there!
Cheers Gents
very articulate. nice video.
Great Video one radio you did not cover which do like a shack in the box is the FT991A
73 Dave G4XIB
Highly useful. Thanks.
Great video. ❤
Very good presentation
This has been useful as a newly qualified amateur too.
a faulty finds..junksale style website would be very popular..hope you will consider it🙂
Excellent advice Tony vy 73 de Mike G3PGA
👍
🙂👍
Yes i have 😁 SQ2PQ
VK5 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I am 61 old and not new at all. Last half century I am active.
Digital mode? Option maybe.
1 kW No thanks
500 W No thanks
100 W No thanks
50 W maybe
Up to 10 W CW , SSB.
Its ok new tehnology.
But for me FT 101 ZD is more than I need.
In my young days I actually build my HF radios. Not buy.
CW only but good enough for me.
Modern radio have too much options , 90 percent I do not need them.
CTCSS isnt HAM radio. Taken from profesionals comunications.
Very imformative, Good advice, Though from this looks like Im going to stick with the 897D and spend my money (When I have some) replacing the antenna I lost in a storm. MM0IHE
Tony, Such a great presenter ❤ with clear logic and analysis, au natural with a pleasant soothing voice for teaching🎉🎉 Thankyou 73S, 9V1KM/KK7QGL Singapore
Good afternoon from Newcastle-upon-Tyne m0omt