1. The Icom IC-7610 HF/50MHz 100W Transceiver is a game-changer for amateur radio enthusiasts, particularly for DXers and Contesters who thrive on the thrill of making connections. With its advanced capabilities, this transceiver ensures that even the faintest signals can be captured, making the difference between logging a successful QSO and waiting for another opportunity. The IC-7610 boasts an impressive high-performance RMDR (Receiver-Mode Dynamic Range) of 100 dB, allowing it to discern weak signals amidst stronger, adjacent transmissions. This remarkable feature is complemented by a high-speed, high-resolution real-time spectrum scope displayed on a vibrant 7-inch color screen, providing users with a comprehensive view of the frequency landscape.
2. At the heart of the IC-7610 is its innovative RF direct sampling system, which revolutionizes the way RF signals are processed. By converting RF signals directly into digital data, the transceiver minimizes the distortion typically associated with traditional superheterodyne receivers. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances the clarity of received signals but also significantly improves the overall listening experience. With a remarkable 110 dB RMDR, the IC-7610 excels in extracting weak signals from the noise, allowing operators to hear the desired communication even in challenging conditions. This level of performance is essential for those who demand precision and reliability in their radio operations.
3. The dual receiver functionality of the IC-7610 further elevates its capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for serious operators. This feature allows users to monitor two separate frequencies simultaneously, which is particularly advantageous when engaging with DX stations that operate in split mode or when searching for multipliers across different bands or modes. Each receiver is equipped with its own DIGI-SEL preselector and Band Pass Filter network, ensuring optimal performance and signal clarity. By feeding two distinct A/D converters into the FPGA, the IC-7610 provides unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, empowering users to navigate the complexities of the amateur radio spectrum with ease and confidence.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Icom IC-7610 HF/50MHz 100W Transceiver
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Amazon and eBay Are The Best Places On The Internet To Find Deals For Ham Radios Plus Equipment
Click My Affiliate Link To Shop At Amazon For Ham Radios Plus Gear
Click My Affiliate Link To Shop At eBay For Ham Radios Plus Gear - New-Used-Vintage-Antique
1. When it comes to sourcing ham radios and related equipment for your ham shack, Amazon and eBay stand out as premier online platforms. Amazon primarily offers a wide selection of new ham radios, catering to those who prefer the latest technology and features. The convenience of shopping on Amazon is enhanced by its user-friendly interface, customer reviews, and reliable shipping options, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to invest in new equipment.
2. On the other hand, eBay presents a unique opportunity for those interested in both new and used ham radios, as well as vintage and antique models. This platform is particularly appealing for collectors and hobbyists seeking rare finds or budget-friendly options. eBay's auction format allows users to bid on items, potentially securing them at lower prices, while its extensive listings provide a diverse range of ham radio gear, from modern transceivers to classic equipment that may no longer be in production.
3. Both platforms serve distinct purposes within the ham radio community, catering to different needs and preferences. While Amazon excels in providing the latest models with the assurance of new condition, eBay thrives on its vast array of options that include pre-owned and collectible items. This combination of offerings ensures that whether you are a newcomer to the hobby or a seasoned operator looking to expand your collection, you can find the right equipment to enhance your ham shack experience.
eBay Affiliate Disclosure:
If anyone purchases any item using one of my eBay Affiliate Links, I earn a commission.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
If anyone purchases any item using one of my Amazon Affiliate Links, I earn a commission.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham 2010 & CB Radio Operator Since The 70s. Electronic Tech 12 Years & Computer Service Tech 24 Years Experience. Affiliate Marketer For Amazon & eBay.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Kenwood TS-890 Ham Radio
Click The For A Brand New Kenwood TS-890 Ham Radio Transceiver At Amazon $4,699.95
Click The Link For A New Kenwood Ham Radio Transceiver at eBay $4,363.38
The
Kenwood
TS-890
Ham
Radio
Transceiver
is
a
highly
regarded
piece
of
equipment
in
the
world
of
amateur
radio.
This
transceiver
is
designed
for
both
experienced
operators
and
newcomers
alike,
offering
a
range
of
features
that
make
it
a
versatile
choice
for
various
communication
needs.
Its
sleek
design
and
user-friendly
interface
make
it
an
attractive
option
for
those
who
want
to
enjoy
the
hobby
of
ham
radio.
One
of
the
standout
features
of
the
TS-890
is
its
exceptional
receiver
performance.
This
transceiver
is
built
to
pick
up
weak
signals
and
minimize
noise,
which
is
crucial
when
trying
to
communicate
over
long
distances
or
in
crowded
radio
environments.
The
ability
to
hear
faint
signals
clearly
can
make
a
significant
difference
in
making
successful
contacts
with
other
operators.
This
feature
is
particularly
useful
during
contests
or
emergency
communications,
where
every
signal
counts.
The
TS-890
also
includes
advanced
digital
signal
processing
(DSP)
capabilities.
This
technology
helps
improve
the
clarity
of
the
received
audio
and
allows
operators
to
filter
out
unwanted
interference.
With
DSP,
users
can
adjust
settings
to
enhance
voice
clarity
or
reduce
background
noise.
This
makes
conversations
more
enjoyable
and
ensures
that
important
messages
are
delivered
clearly,
which
is
essential
in
emergency
situations
or
when
communicating
with
others
across
the
globe.
Another
important
aspect
of
the
Kenwood
TS-890
is
its
wide
range
of
frequency
coverage.
It
can
operate
on
various
amateur
bands,
allowing
users
to
communicate
with
others
both
locally
and
internationally.
This
flexibility
makes
it
a
great
choice
for
operators
who
enjoy
exploring
different
frequencies
or
participating
in
diverse
activities,
such
as
contests
or
casual
conversations.
The transceivers
ability
to
switch
between
bands
easily
adds
to
its
appeal.
The
user
interface
of
the
TS-890
is
designed
with
simplicity
in
mind.
It
features
a
large
color
display
that
provides
clear
information
about
the
current
settings,
making
it
easy
for
operators
to
navigate
through
different
functions.
The
controls
are
intuitive,
allowing
users
to
quickly
adjust
settings
without
getting
overwhelmed.
This
thoughtful
design
makes
it
suitable
for
both
beginners
and
seasoned
operators
who
appreciate
a
straightforward
operating
experience.
Additionally,
the
Kenwood
TS-890
is
equipped
with
various
connectivity
options.
It
can
connect
to
a
computer
for
logging
contacts
or
using
digital
modes,
which
are
increasingly
popular
among
ham
radio
enthusiasts.
This
feature
opens
up
new
possibilities
for
communication
and
allows
operators
to
explore
different
aspects
of
the
hobby.
The
ability
to
integrate
with
other
equipment
enhances
the
overall
experience
and
makes
it
easier
to
share
information
and
connect
with
fellow
operators.
In
conclusion,
the
Kenwood
TS-890
Ham
Radio
Transceiver
is
a
powerful
and
versatile
tool
for
anyone
interested
in
amateur
radio.
Its
excellent
receiver
performance,
advanced
digital
signal
processing,
and
user-friendly
design
make
it
a
top
choice
among
operators.
With
its
wide
frequency
coverage
and
connectivity
options,
it
offers
opportunities
for
exploration
and
communication
that
can
enrich
the
ham
radio
experience.
Whether
you
are
a
beginner
or
an
experienced
operator,
the
TS-890
can
help
you
connect
with
others
and
enjoy
the
exciting
world
of
amateur
radio.
If you prefer a different Ham Radio At Amazon Click This Link
If you prefer to shop at eBay for a New or Used Ham Radio Transceiver, click this link
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
If anyone purchases any item using one of my Amazon Affiliate Links, I earn a commission.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham 2010 & CB Radio Operator Since The 70s. Electronic Tech 12 Years & Computer Service Tech 24 Years Experience. Affiliate Marketer For Amazon & eBay.
eBay Affiliate Disclosure:
If anyone purchases any item using one of my eBay Affiliate Links, I earn a commission.
Thank You ( Admin) General Ham Radio Operator since 2010 & CB Radio Operator Since The 70s. Electronic Tech 12 Years & Computer Service Tech 24 Years Experience. Affiliate Marketer For Amazon & eBay.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Vintage Ham Radios For Sale On eBay
eBay serves as a bustling digital marketplace for enthusiasts seeking to acquire vintage ham radios, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and the thrill of the hunt. Browsing the platform reveals a vast array of classic transceivers, receivers, and amplifiers from iconic brands like Collins, Drake, and Kenwood, often listed in various conditions ranging from fully operational relics to units ideal for restoration projects. Success hinges on meticulous examination of seller descriptions, high-resolution photographs, and crucially, seller feedback, to gauge the radio's true condition and the seller's reliability. Prospective buyers must also factor in the often considerable shipping costs and the delicate nature of transporting heavy, tube-laden equipment, ensuring adequate packing is promised. Ultimately, with careful research and a discerning eye, eBay can be an incredibly rewarding avenue for expanding one's collection or embarking on a fulfilling vintage radio restoration journey.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Buying A Ham Radio Off Of Ebay
Sorry I have not been around in awhile. I have had various things going on in my family. Taking care of my Granddaughter during the week and looking into my wife, myself and two older children looking for a house to move into with my oldest daughter, son in law and granddaughter.
Now about buying a Used Ham Radio off of Ebay. Amazon tend to be New or Refurbished. The main problem is that there are a lot of scammers out there. My main advise is if you can see the Ham Radio in person before handing money over, DO IT ! I run a Facebook Group and I have removed quite a few scammers. Yes they try to pull quite a few cheap tricks and I have gotten to recognize them. My advise is to check out all the current deals on Ebay. Read all the reviews on the seller and check out their ratings. Basically check out the seller as thoroughly as possible.
Here Are A Couple of Links To The Current Deals On Ham Radios For Sale On Ebay and Amazon
Ebay Affiliate Disclosure:
As An Ebay Affiliate, I earn a commission on every qualified purchase that was made using my affiliate link.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham 2010 & CB Radio Operator 70s
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
As An Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on every qualified purchase that was made using my affiliate link.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham 2010 & CB Radio Operator 70s
Monday, February 10, 2025
Ham Radio In 2025
Okay I haven't posted in a little while due to being busy with my Granddaughter who just turned one year old in the end of January. Well it looks like my wife, two adult kids and myself will be looking into moving in with my oldest daughter, husband and my granddaughter. They are looking for at least 5 acres and building a house on it. It will be designed so that they have their side and we have out side. It will be just a big house with the kitchen and dining room in the center. That is where we will all come together.
So I have had to halt on any big ham antenna projects until we move in the next two years. I will be putting up some ham antennas that will be easy to put up and take down. Yes I have lots to experiment with. Since I early retired back in 2020 due to the COVID situation, I have time on my hands when not taking care of my Granddaughter.
I keep busy with some Facebook Groups and Pages that I run. I put some posts on them with ads for Ham Radios, Antennas and More. These are Amazon Affiliate Ads and Ebay Affiliate Ads. I will put a few links to them at the end of this blog.
As I look at Amazon, they do have various items for Ham Radio. You can find deals on Ham Radios, Antennas and More. Ebay has quite a few deals on New and Used Ham Radios and Equipment. You just have to make sure that you thoroughly check out the seller when it comes to Ebay. Unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers out there. believe me I have removed quite a few scammers form my facebook groups. If you can see the item in person, do it before you hand any money over.
Here are a few links to Ham Radios at Amazon and Ebay:
Here are some links to my Facebook Group and Pages:
- HAM RADIOS FOR SALE - NEW & USED | Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/hamradioantennadiynew
- https://www.facebook.com/wor2459
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
As An Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on every qualified purchase that was made.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham
Ebay Affiliate Disclosure:
As An Ebay Affiliate, I earn a commission on every qualified purchase that was made using my Ebay affiliate link.
Thank You (Admin) General Ham
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Ham Radios For Sale New And Used
Yes I am still around and finally retired. I have time on my hands, so I keep busy with Blogs, Facebook Pages and Groups. My Ham Radios For Sale New And Used is one of my biggest facebook groups. Just click my link and check it out. I post my #Amazon affiliate and #Ebay affiliate ads for various ham radios and gear. There are other Hams that post their ham radios and equipment for sale. All I ask is that everyone follow the rules. Yes I do get quite a few scammers that come along. I have removed and banned quite a few of them. They are not as smart as they think they are.
Sunday, December 17, 2023
What Do You Want For Christmas In Your Ham Shacks
It's Christmas time again and it's time to think about what you want. I am looking for some Ham Sticks to make a dipole out of. Maybe I will have four 20 meter Ham Sticks make a 2 element ham stick beam antenna. Yes it's a compromise antenna, but something is better that nothing. Just remember some ham radio gifts may not fit in a stocking.
Okay, so the next thing is where are you shopping for Ham Radios and Ham Radio Items. Yes you can shop at places like DX Engineering or Ham Radio Outlet. You can also shop at #Amazon or #Ebay. Yes I know some hams frown on these places on the internet. Mostly it's due to buying something and it being junk. I have also heard people say it's cheaper to go right to ham radio outlet. I have looked into this and the price on amazon and eBay are slightly higher. It looks like it's due to making a small profit to cover the cost for selling on amazon and eBay.Some have complained that they bought something from Ebay and they got scammed. Well on any of my facebook groups and pages, I strongly advise to check out the sellers ratings and reviews before handing any money over. You may search on some of the Ham Radio websites like QRZ or Eham.net to see if anyone has heard good or bad about the seller. If it is an expensive item, you may want to have insurance on it.
Generally on Amazon, the items are New, they can be refurbished. Make sure to change the setting on the right side to New. You can also choose the best gold stars, average sales or the best sellers choice. Ebay is somewhat the same, but is more Used items. You have to make sure what you select, because some are just for parts.
There is nothing wrong with buying a used ham radio. The thing is mainly protect yourself buy check out the seller. Some ham radios are coming from Japan for example. Make sure to check if the wording and controls are in English. One ham bought one and everything was in Japanese.
If you prefer Ebay, JUST CLICK MY AFFILIATE LINK https://ebay.us/ksqWdG
Well that's all for now, so Merry Christmas From Dan KC2YTI
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Ham Radio And Summer Go Hand In Hand
Summer is almost here and so is the warm weather. It's time to go to your local Hamfests unless you want to travel. It's also time to check out your ham antennas and see if there is any damage due to the winter months. The other part of ham radio and summer is the time to install a new antenna or maybe build your own ham antenna. Get out there and try to create a ham antenna and test it. Maybe post it on youtube and see who likes it.
Yes I have to take down some ham antennas and put up some new ones. I will then see how they work and maybe put a video on this blog or my facebook page. I have some hamsticks that I want to install and see how they perform as a rotatable dipole antenna. I have some 20 meter hamsticks that I want to build as a two element hamstick beam antenna. Hopefully in the next few years we will be able to move to a location where I have more property to erect all my Ham Antennas.
So start planning your Ham Radio ideas for the Summer, have fun and stay safe.
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Ham Radios For Sale - New & Used
It's been awhile since I have written a post. I guess I get kind of busy, since I have early retired. There always seems to be something getting in the way. It's either something around the house, sleep in the recliner, watch football or as of late covid. Yes my wife brought it home from her job. My wife started the night before Halloween. My son, daughter and myself started on Halloween with symptoms.
Fortunately, we are all fully vaccinated and boosted. We all seem to have mild cases. It's like having a nasty head cold, but we are feeling much better. My wife is negative now and back at work. She is a certified nurses aid in a retirement home. Myself and two adult children are still positive. Hopefully we will be negative in a few days.
Okay now for the Ham Radio related stuff. My facebook account was badly hacked by some Chinese Hackers awhile ago. I had to delete my account, facebook groups and pages that I created. They actually took over one of my facebook Ham Groups and made themselves the administrators. I have reported it a few times and posted it to twitter a few times.
So, I created a new facebook account, a couple of Ham Radio Groups and a few facebook Pages. Here is the link to my newest facebook ham radio group HAM RADIOS FOR SALE - NEW & USED | Facebook .
I will be posting my affiliate ads for Ham Radios for sale at #Amazon and #Ebay. Anyone may join the group and post their ham radio items for sale, with my permission. I have upped the security, so no more undesirables can enter. The crooks have now changed the name, but the ham post are still there. Here is a link to it https://www.facebook.com/groups/798195637307446/?mibextid=HsNCOg . It was called Ham Radio Antenna DIY Group and I had over 5000 members. They have now called the group Movie Action 2023. They claim it was sold, these people are nothing but scumbags. If you know of any hams on it, let them know.
Thanks for reading from Dan KC2YTI General Ham
Monday, July 18, 2022
Ham Radio And Facebook
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Sorry I have not been around lately. I have been busy with things. I did not get called to go back to my previous job working as a Computer Hardware Technician. They were not calling me back when the covid pandemic slowed down. They only called me when they were short of help. I had contact with an individual inside the company, so I knew everything that that was said and was going on.
My contact asked me if they had called me and I said no. I was told that management was telling the employees that they spoke to me and I said I was not going back. I had not spoke to them since they let us all go. Well they called me and left a message on the answering machine. They wanted me to come in so they could speak to me. I did not speak to them or go in.
They were only offering me what unemployment pays, which is 60% of my normal wage. They were only paying me about $15 an hour. I had worked there for 17 years and never had a raise or cost of living increase. Other technicians starting out were getting paid $25 per hour or more. I found out that everyone else was making their normal wage, so why me ?
Well they were doing very little to prevent the covid-19. There were a number of other things that were illegal according to the Microsoft License Agreement. I was tired of being lied to and talked down to. You see they bought the previous company I worked for and I was part of the package deal. I worked 26 years as a Computer Hardware Technician and 11 Years before that as an Electronic Technician. I have my AAS Degree In Electrical Engineering- Master Electronics. I explained all this to unemployment and never had a problem.
I decided to stay on unemployment until it ran out and then decided to early retire since I was heading to 63 years old. I could not see going back to work for them at about $7 per hour. That is what I made years ago working for the school district when I was a kid.
Okay now back to the subject at hand. I had a facebook account with a number of pages for Ham Radio and other subjects. I am into affiliate marketing for Amazon and Ebay. I have sold a few things over the years. My facebook page got badly hacked and I had to delete it, so I am starting over. Here are some links to some of my new facebook pages.
1.) High End Ham Radios For DX | Facebook
2.) Ham Radios & CB Radios - New & Used | Facebook
3.) Ham Antennas - Building And Buying New | Facebook
4.) LOW COST HAM RADIO | Facebook
5.) https://www.facebook.com/groups/3326450050972320
Please pass them around if you could. I plan on writing some more posts as I have some spare time now. Thank You Dan KC2YTI
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
What Do You Want For Christmas In Your Ham Shacks ?
Well it's that time of year again, ham radio friends where we think about what we want for Christmas in our ham shacks. Yes many of us would like one of those $2000 dollar ham radios, but our budget limits us from that. So then we have to make a decision on what we want and what fits our budget.
In my situation, my wife works a good full time job and I have early retired. Yes due to the pandemic, my job did not call me back. In fact they only called me when they were short of help, because one technician was going on 3 weeks vacation and the other was going on a week vacation after that. You may be asking yourselves how did I know this.
Well I kept in touch with another employee that they had coming in and helping during the pandemic. Yes the individual was supposed to stay out until the government said it was okay to go back to normal. I asked how they were practicing any protection from the covid 19. I was told they only wore a mask when a customer came in to the store. As far as back in service where I worked, it was business as usual. No one wore a mask and there was no self distancing.
The employee asked me if I had talked to management. I said I had not spoken to them since they let us go. I was told that they were telling people that I told them I was not coming back. Nothing but more lies as this was always happening. I was told that they said they were going to call me. Well they called and I listened to the message on the answering machine.
They told me nothing about what I already knew. They wanted me to come in to talk to them. They also said in the message that they would only pay me what unemployment paid. That would be 60% of my normal wage. Understand that I worked there for over 17 years, never had a raise or a cost of living increase. I was earning about $14 dollars an hour working as a Computer Technician. I asked the employee if they were paying everyone less, the answer was they were paying them the same amount.
They were paying the other technicians $25 an hour or more. So they were going to only pay me about $7 an hour. This was basically a slap in the face to me. I decided to stay on unemployment as long as I could and look for a job as an Electronic Technician. I have my AAS Degree In Electrical Engineering with the Master In Electronics. I had worked as a Electronic Technician 12 Years before working as a Computer Technician. I found that jobs were scarce at the time and the ones being offered were not worth it due to the pandemic and pay.
I decided to stay on unemployment until it ran out. I checked the amount I would have on social security and compered it to the amount if I waited until 65 to 70 to retire. There was very little in the amount, so I decided to retire now. There were other personal reasons why I did not go back to my job. I informed unemployment about all this and the reasons for not going back. I never has an issue with unemployment. My biggest reason was the lack of protection for the covid 19 pandemic.
Okay, so back to the subject at hand about what do you want for Christmas. If your budget is small like mine, then I would look at purchasing low cost items on Amazon or Used Items On Ebay. I myself am getting a Baofeng Handheld Ham Radio. If you want a good ham radio, then I would look at Ebay for a used ham radio or gear. Ham Radio Operators tend to take really good care of their equipment.
I have seen some pretty good deals on Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood Transceivers as well as other brands. My advise is to always check out the sellers rating and reviews, because there are many crooked people out there. Yes there are many scammers that are just after your money. So always make sure to protect yourself.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Ham Radio Antennas For Those Small Yards
This is a dilemma that many of us Ham Radio Operators Face, The Small Backyard. I myself have suffered from this my whole life. When I was younger, living at home, we had very little space. What I did was to look over the area and then use my imagination. Now this was back in the late 70s and cb radio was very popular. I had a few different cb antennas over the years.
I started out with a magnet mount antenna on a metal tv tray. Needless to say, it did not work very well. I bought a used 1/2 wave ground-plane antenna from a friend. I wall mounted it to the side of the house and it did a pretty good job. I wanted to reach further, so I bought a full 5/8 wave ground-plane antenna and mounted it on top of the roof on a tripod. It was basically just like the super perpetrator.
Well I still wanted to make further contacts, so I bought a 40 foot tower and a pdl II beam antenna. I cemented the tower on a hinge system, wall mounted it and had guy wires. Basically it was not going anywhere. The backyard had a small oval pool and very little space, but I did it. I did have a star duster antenna that came crashing to the ground. Later I did but a big stick antenna on the roof and it was good for local talk. I did get some excellent distance with the beam antenna.
Now I was married in 1984 and we moved into an apartment. Now all I had was the mobile antenna on the my truck. We were in a townhouse for awhile, but no place for an antenna. In 1992 we bought a house and I had the 5/8 wave up and it did an okay job. I eventually got my Technician Ham License and then my General Ham License.
I bought a imax 2000 vertical antenna, that can be used on cb radio and some ham bands. I also installed a multi-band dipole antenna, with the apex at about 35 feet. It did a good job until the bands faded out as the seasons change. The problem I have is that the backyard is small, maybe about 25 foot from the back of the house to the fence. The west side of the house has the power lines running through the middle and the other side has the driveway. The front yard has some space and 4 trees.
Unfortunately I sold the 40 foot tower awhile ago, which I never should have. I have some hamstick antennas I am playing with. I also have a mfj cobwebb antenna that I would like to put up. I have a vertical 6btv, but the trees have grown and I am not sure how it will work with the trees. I would have to lay some ground radials down. The weather has gotten cold and I have to think about things.
So if you are looking for some small space ham antenna ideas, here they are. The cobweb antenna is multi-band and works very well. Using Hamsticks is another good choice, especially with the mount by mfj. The comet cha250b is a good choice for a vertical antenna. I would also check out youtube for small space ham antennas.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Have You Ever Done Any Stupid Things As A Ham Radio Or Cb Radio Operator ?
When I think back on all the stupid things I have done when I was younger and into the cb radio back in the late 70s, boy was I dumb. I remember installing a 1\2 wave ground plane antenna on my mothers roof to a mast that was wall mounted. I was holding 2 foot of the antenna, standing on the edge of the roof and installing it on the wall mounted mast. To top it off it was in a snow storm. Try holding that in the cold snowy wind. Yes I managed to do it and the swr was good. I used that antenna until I bought a star-duster cb antenna.
This was my next brilliant move in the land of cb radio. I used some fence rails to put it up about 40 feet in the air. I had the mast was mounted to the garage. I had a boat winch set up with cable, so I could lay it over on the roof. My mistake, was that I used guy wire for the cable. I started to lay it over and then the weight took over. That mast came sailing down and the star-duster antenna crashed into the roof and landed on the driveway. All I could do was look at that poor twisted and bent antenna and say shi@#$%*.
Then cam e my next adventure in cb radio. I bought a 40 foot tower and cemented into the ground with a tilt over system. I also had this wall mounted to the garage and used a number of guy wires as well. This would lay right over and onto the roof. I had a friend tie a rope to it and to his pick up truck. The back yard was right at the schools playground field. The tower laid over perfectly and I installed a PDL II Beam antenna on it. One time as I was on the roof , my friend was lowering the tower and I stood too close to the tower. A bolt or something caught my shirt and ripped it off my back. I did pay my younger brother 5 dollars to climb the tower and adjust it, so it pointed north.
Well I have my own house and I don't do those crazy things as I have gotten older. I am much more careful with my ham radio antennas and gear. I much prefer to do everything from the ground.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Amateur Radio | Ham Radio Operators Are Silent Heroes
Ham Radio Operators Are Silent Heroes
By Pim Lorenz | Submitted On September 13, 2013
Does it seem to you that sometimes, television has no shame? That the medium, which actually had its introduction nearly 100 years ago (the first photos were sent over the air from amateur transmitter to amateur receiver in about 1921) made its professional debut with the election of 1928 when the victor's speech was broadcast.
Early broadcast pioneers, such as Gen. David Sarnoff, who heard he sad plight of the HRMS Titanic as she sank in 1912 because he didn't have a license that allowed him to transmit (he soon remedied that), later founded the National Broadcasting Co.
Lee deForest invented the "valve" (triode tube) the allowed the miniaturization of radio, was an electrical engineer who wanted to see what would happened when he added a plate grid to a standard diode tube and the amplifier circuit was born. He allowed huge stations to put music and drama on the air. Almost immediately networks such as Sarnoff's National Broadcasting Company (NBC) were bringing advertising revenues hand over fist as quatrodes and pentodes were developed.
Maj. Edwin Armstrong, the "Father of FM Radio," figured out how to modulate the main frequency and put huge amounts of information on that frequency, adding lifelike sound. None of them were in it for the money, at first.
They were in it for: The thrill they received to see if they could do something no one else ever had done before
The ability to develop new technologies from the older technologies and then use the newer technology to develop still newer technology (the transistor never would have been developed without deForrest's work and the work of RCA and Motorola and we would never have had the laptops or desktops that we take for granted every day
To assist the federal government with public safety work.
Indeed, by the mid-1920s, people were calling for licensure for ham radio operators who would:
Provide a trained pool of operators in case of war
Provide a trained base of technology to advance technology
Further the radio arts
Watch out for their families
Assist the government in time of need
It's not the most stirring of credos, is it? However, every Ham Radio operator from 1AW (Hiram Percy Maxim who founded the American Radio Relay League) in the early 1920s, to this day is poised to service and support town, city, county, state and federal authorities.
The mission of the Ham Radio operator has, indeed, been expanded since the tragedy of 9/11 when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) named them official first responders. This was only the highest recognition that the Amateur community could receive.
It's not as if Hams were sitting by their radios waiting for new contests and contacts (there are some who do that, but when the time comes and lots of information has to be moved in a short amount of time, a skilled contester can move a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time and they use a microphone to do it.
There are those in the Amateur world who believe that using the keyboard of specialized software is the most efficient way to move traffic and there are those who believe that Morse Code is still the best way to go.
Each has its place in the world of response; however, Amateur Radio now works regularly with the:
Military Auxiliary Radio System, acting as the Army's primary backup high-frequency network, if the Army's system fails. The same is true of the Marines, Navy and Air Force new mission
Hams have working relationships with the National Hurricane Center and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to put "boots on the ground" observation through a trained cadre of Skywarn spotters, at each major weather service office. Indeed, a Ham, Rob Macedo, KD1CY, of Massachusetts, heads a major information retrieval and reporting system and makes sure it interfaces cleanly and works smoothly, reporting directly to the head of the Hurricane Center.
Hams have also had working relationships with the American Red Cross and worked tirelessly when two terrorists tried to weaken our resolve by blowing up a couple of buckets of nails at the Boston Marathon. They did end up ending three young lives and we will never know whether any of them could have found the cure for cancer or diabetes, but the culprit (more like the cowards they were) but only ended up in showing the world that our backs are made of steel when we are attacked as the Boston community joined together to help.
Hams were there during the race and directed runners to buses so they could be picked up and delivered to loved ones.
The list goes on and on and here's the kicker in this piece, Hams use their own their own equipment to do this "work." "Indeed, you want to know something we don't consider this work, at all. We're just helping out, returning to the community the ability we have been granted to enjoy a hobby and need like Ham Radio," said one local Amateur.
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Friday, June 25, 2021
Try Using Hamsticks For A Simple Stealth Rotatable Dipole Ham Antenna
Hamsticks For A Simple Stealth Dipole Ham Antenna
If you are trying to think of a simple stealth type ham antenna, why not try a couple of Hamsticks in a rotatable dipole configuration. Yes this would be a compromise type of antenna and the bandwidth would be small. Some antenna
is better than no antenna at all. I have watched a few videos on
youtube and they seem to do a pretty good job. They would be considered a
mono type antenna, because they would be for a specific band, such as
the 20 meter or 40 meter band.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP EBAY FOR HAMSTICKS
They do come in a 250 watt or 650 watt configuration for power consumption. Most hams run 100 watts, so the 250 watt version would do just fine. Generally on Amazon, you will find the Mfj Brand or the Shark Brand. Just remember that you are going to need two hamsticks for the same band and the mount to connect them. If you shop at DX Engineering, they will cost you about $21.95 Each and the Mount is about $24.95 . Now you can buy them on Amazon, Ebay, Dx Engineering and Ham Radio Outlet, as well as some other Ham Radio Dealers like Gigaparts. Gigaparts does sell them through Amazon.
You can purchase the Hamsticks in a bundle,
with maybe 5 in a pack or more. Another dipole mount that you can use
is by connecting two mirror mounts together. Just remember that one
isolating washer will need to be removed. You can also purchase the rotatable dipole mini package from Mfj. The other choice is the Mfj Octopus mount,
where you can connect 8 hamsticks ( 2 for each band ) to have 4
rotatable dipoles on one mount. The mount is about $145 0n Amazon or
about $120 at Ham Radio Outlet. You can purchase the whole Mfj Octopus Package With Hamsticks For About $405.
My advise is to purchase a 38 foot telescoping fiberglass mast or a metal push up mast. The metal push up mast is going to be heavier to push up than the fiberglass mast. The Heavy Duty Fiberglass Mast should support the Octopus Mount with Antennas. It can be easily raised and lowered with no issues. You could use a MFj Tripod to hold the Mast. My other advise is to purchase a Mfj Antenna Analyzer when adjusting the Antennas for a proper SWR.
If you really want to be adventurous, try using the Hamsticks in a two element or 4 element small beam antenna configuration. Click this link to check out this 3 element Hamstick Beam Antenna - CLICK HERE NOW.Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Buying A Ham Radio On Amazon And Ebay
Many Ham Radio Operators do not like buying a Ham Radio from Amazon or Ebay. There is nothing wrong with buy a Ham Radio or Ham Radio Equipment from either of these places on the internet. Amazon tends to have New Items and they may be from some reputable main dealers. I have found that Amazon may have items from Ham Radio Outlet and Gigaparts. I have noticed that Ham Radio Outlet items on Amazon may be slightly more expensive.
Now Ebay will have New Ham Radios as well as Used Ham Radios. If you are purchasing anything from Ebay, make sure to check out the sellers ratings and reviews before paying any money to the seller. I have heard some horror stories of people paying money and getting nothing or just a boat anchor piece of junk. Unfortunately there are many crooked individuals on the internet. I have found that DX Engineering and Gigaparts are selling new items on Ebay.
So if you are going to buy from Amazon and Ebay; just check out the seller for negative ratings and reviews.










