Cliff's Notes on Amateur Radio | HAM - GMRS - And More!

This episode was inspired by a QSO with Ron Rowe, W2ELS. If you’d like to hear another episode of this podcast, there’s only one way to make it happen: hunt me down in the park, mention the show, and request a new one! In this session, I share highlights from my recent Parks on the Air adventures and a few lessons learned along the way: Taking First Place at Decker WMA: The thrill of running pileups again and topping the charts in QSOs. Mic Challenges & Solutions: My struggles with one-handed operation and transmit button. Why I replaced my HM-219 mic. Adding a Heil PTT foot switch and Pro Sound 6 IC headset. Adapters for both the ICOM 7300 and FT-891. Ground Radial Mishap: How stepping on a JPC-12 radial led to a quick field repair with a terminal ring and crimpers (and why I’m so glad I bought good wire strippers). ATAS-120 Update: KG8Y Tom offered to help troubleshoot, which inspired me to register KQ4UUR.com. Go Bag Upgrades: ERYY LiFePO4 25AH battery (fits perfectly in the backpack front pocket). 25ft MOOKEERF RG316 coax with PL-259 connectors. 45A fused connector to Anderson PowerPole adapter for clean power management. With all that in place, my Portable Go Bag is finally complete and tested! It now includes: HF radio with mic and power cable JPC-12 antenna 3ft jumper coax and 1:1 choke Feedline coax RigExpert Stick 500 analyzer Handheld HT for 2m & 70cm Band allocation chart iPad for logging (with notebook & pen as backup) Starlink Mini (optional) Tuner and jumper coax (optional) Backup antennas Future addition: Gabil GRA-ULT01 MK3 mini tripod  

In this episode, I sit down with no script, just a heart full of gratitude for this hobby that has become such a meaningful part of my life. It’s been about six weeks since the last episode, and a lot has happened since then. Here’s what I cover: The QSO That Sparked This Episode A parks-on-the-air activation at my favorite spot, Decker Wildlife Management Area, led to a surprise moment: someone on the other end of the mic told me they listen to this podcast and love it. That simple comment was enough to inspire me to hit record today. Call Signs, Vanity Temptations, and Community Feedback I reflect on my call sign, KQ4UUR, and the encouragement I’ve received to keep it, even as I admit the temptation for a shorter call sign if (or when) I get my Extra license. I share why this one has grown on me and the history behind almost changing it. Local Repeaters and the People Who Make Them Special I talk about the 146.790 and 145.370 repeaters in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, the voices I hear there, and the friendships forming through countless conversations. I also share why I avoid certain ham-radio lingo like “rag chew” and “ham” itself, and why “amateur radio operator” resonates more with me. Hamfests, GMRS, and Clearing the Air I share a meaningful conversation with the president of the Southwest Ohio GMRS Association at the Cincinnati Hamfest, clearing up some early misunderstandings from my first days in radio and reflecting on how GMRS actually led me to amateur radio in the first place. Club Leadership Invitations and Boundaries I was recently invited to be on the ballot for Vice President of the Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club. I explain why I declined. Not out of disinterest, but because of how I structure my days, my early mornings, and my commitment to staying in alignment with my personal priorities. Late-Night Activations and Parks on the Air Goals Despite my early bedtime, I found myself doing several activations that stretched well past my preferred bedtime. I talk about the challenge, the fun of chasing QSO counts, and how close I’m getting to taken over a second section of of the leaderboard for my favorite park. Starlink Mini and the Perfect POTA Setup I share how my Starlink Mini, with its new $5/month standby plan, has become essential gear for parks without cell service, making navigation and logging possible even in remote areas. Spurious Emissions and Radio Experiments I discuss a fascinating club presentation on spurious emissions, what I learned about unlocking radios, and why I’m now more cautious before transmitting on non-certified bands. Antennas, Gear, and Favorite Setups From my ATAS struggles to the JPC-12 vertical antenna that keeps impressing me, I give an update on what’s working, what’s not, and what gear I prefer usingly lately. By the end of this episode, you’ll hear a mix of stories, lessons learned, and the small moments that keep me coming back to the mic.

In this episode, I share the reason I've been "radio silent" since December as it relates to this podcast. I launched this podcast on August 24th, publishing 12 podcast episodes within 17 weeks, but then stopped publishing until now, almost 7 months later. I've received many emails from folks asking about the absence of new episodes. So I decided to record this episode to explain the hiatus since December and to share a comprehensive list of my amateur radio adventures over the past seven months. In this episode, I cover: How and why Amateur Radio served as a wonderful "escape" during the final quarter of 2024. Why I needed to refocus on the marketing side of my business. My first Dayton Hamvention experience. My first Field Day experience. My recent high SWR issues with my ATAS antenna. Why I've temporarily stopped participating in weekly net meetings. Why I'm rarely on local repeaters these days. How I maintain connections with NKARC (Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club) members. Why I am no longer operating HF from home. How I may have purchased more radio gear than necessary last year. And much more! If you want to hear from me more frequently and don't want to wait until the next episode of this podcast, check out my main podcast called The Cliff Ravenscraft Show in your favorite podcast directory. You can see a list of all my podcasts that are in “active production” at https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcast  

In this episode of Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, I sit down with Jim Newcomb, the founder of Lido Radio Products, to explore his incredible journey through the world of Amateur Radio and entrepreneurship. From his unexpected start at Icom America to creating one of the most trusted names in mobile radio mounting solutions, Jim shares behind-the-scenes insights, fascinating stories, and valuable lessons learned along the way. We’ll delve into: How Icom America grew into an industry leader and innovated the first solid-state amateur radios. Jim’s early career at Icom and his eventual transition into Amateur Radio as part of his professional growth. The groundbreaking release of the IC-706 and how it shaped mobile radio installations. The problem that inspired Jim to create Lido Radio Products—solving the challenge of installing radios in high-end vehicles without drilling holes. Jim’s passion for antenna design, low-power (QRP) operation, and the magic of radio communication. Whether you're just starting in Amateur Radio, returning to the hobby after years away, or a seasoned operator curious about the intersection of radio technology and entrepreneurial spirit, this episode offers inspiration and insight. Key Topics Covered Jim’s Start at Icom America: How a chance job referral led Jim to a career at Icom. The pivotal role of mentorship and hands-on learning in his journey. Behind the Scenes of Icom’s Success: The development of innovative products like the IC-706. How Icom’s commitment to engineering excellence shaped the industry. The Birth of Lido Radio Products: The customer question that sparked the idea for no-drill radio mounts. Jim’s journey from part-time side hustle to a full-time business. The Magic of Radio: Jim’s fascination with antenna design and QRP operation. Stories about the physics and wonder of radio communication. Episode Highlights "Icom’s IC-706 changed everything." Hear how this revolutionary product cemented Icom’s place as a leader in Amateur Radio. "No one wanted to drill holes in their cars." Discover the story behind Lido Radio’s signature no-drill mounting solutions. "I just love the science of radio." Jim shares his personal passion for low-power operation and the art of antenna design. Check out Lido Radio Products Lido Radio Products Website  

In this episode, I continue sharing my initial amateur radio gear purchases after selling my 1974 Classic Volkswagen Beetle, which provided me with a $9,000 budget for the hobby. Radio Purchases ICOM 7300 - For Home Base Station - Amazon Link Yaesu FT-891 - For Mobile / Portable Use - Amazon Link Yaesu YSK-891 Separation Kit for FT-891 - Amazon Link Lido heavy Duty Cup Holder - Direct Link Antenna Related Purchases Yaesu ATAS 120A - Mobile Auto Tuning Antenna - Amazon Link LDG Z-11 PRO II Antenna Tuner - Home or Portable Use - Amazon Link LDG-Y-ACC Cable - Tuner Cable for Yaesu FT-891 - Amazon Link Diamond K400C Trunk/Hatchback Mount with 6Ft Coax - Amazon Link Rig Expert Stick 500 Antenna Analyzer - Direct Link MyAntennas.com EFHW 40-10 2K - Direct Link Power Related Purchases Wattcycle 12v 100Ah LifePO4 Battery Mini with Bluetooth - Amazon Link Renogy 100 Watt 12V Portable Solar Panel w/ 20A Charge Controller - Amazon Link Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller - Amazon Link LiTime 12V 20A AC Battery Charger - Amazon Link ANKG 150A Watt Power Analyzer w/ PowerPole connections - Amazon Link Want to work me during a Parks On The Air Activation? The HamAlert app is a fantastic tool to ensure you never miss when I’m activating a park. Available on both iOS and Android, HamAlert lets you set a trigger to receive push notifications whenever my call sign, KQ4UUR, is spotted. With a simple setup, you’ll get instant alerts showing the park I’m activating and the frequency where I was most recently spotted. Whether you’re chasing parks or just want to tune in to my activations, HamAlert keeps you in the loop, real-time, so you can easily make contact. Download either the ANDROID APP or the IOS APP  

In this episode, I share my Amateur Radio journey over the past three and a half weeks since my first Parks On The Air activation in episode 9. I share why I've been "radio silent" when it comes to new podcast episodes for this show during this same period of time. I quickly mentioned TCRS Episode 731 and TrainWithCliff.com. I've become quite obsessed with Parks On The Air, operating HF portably, and have even set a goal to activate every park in the POTA database for the state of Kentucky. In just three and a half weeks, I've completed 42 POTA activations across 15 different parks and made a total of 1,762 QSOs. You can Follow My POTA Stats By Clicking Here. In this episode, I walk you through the gear I've purchased for my portable HF operations. Here's a list of equipment mentioned in the episode, with affiliate links included. Power Related Purchases Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery - Lead Acid (not recommended - see Episode 11 for Part 2 of my HF & POTA Gear Haul) O Ring Terminal to Power Pole Cables - Amazon Link LiTime 500A Battery Monitor with Shunt - Amazon Link 1 to 4 PowerPole Splitter Cable - Amazon Link Power Pole Crimper and PowerPole Set - Amazon Link A 78 Watt Dual PD USB-C and and one USB 3.0 - Amazon Link Antenna Related Purchases JPC-12 Vertical Antenna - Amazon Link Arborist Throw Line Kit - Amazon Link LDG Electronics Antenna Tuner Interface Cable for Icom Radio - Amazon Link 3ft Coax Jumper Cables - Amazon Link Ham Sticks - Amazon Link NMO to 3/8” X24 Mount Adapter for Magnet Mount - Amazon Link 75ft RG8X Cable - Amazon Link Nano VNA to check SWR - (not recommended - see Episode 11 for Part 2 of my HF & POTA Gear Haul) - Amazon Link Some SO-239 to SMA Male adapter - Amazon Link Misc Purchases A Fold up Canopy 10ft by 10ft - Amazon Link 4× 10-pound canopy weights - Amazon Link Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! In episode 11, I'll share how selling my 1974 Volkswagen Beetle provided me with a $9,000 budget for radio gear, and I'll walk you through all the exciting purchases I've made with some of those funds.  

I'm deeply grateful for the incredible gift Mark Volstad (AI4BJ) gave me today. Mark reached out midweek, offering to assist with my first official POTA Park Activation using his own gear. This episode captures the excitement of this milestone in my amateur radio journey. This episode is lengthy and includes all 102 QSOs made during my first POTA Park activation. For a deeper understanding of Parks On The Air, I recommend watching this informative video.  

My First Solo Adventures with HF Radio In this episode, I share my first solo adventures with HF radio, with the help of many different people who have made that possible for me. Selling the Volkswagen Beetle In the previous episode, I mentioned that I had a strategy for coming up with a budget for my amateur radio hobby. I knew I would want to make some purchases, so I decided to put my 1974 Volkswagen Beetle up for sale. I’ll update you on how that plan has gone so far. Receiving Generous Help from the Amateur Radio Community I was blown away when Greg Lamb (W0QI) offered to let me borrow his Kenwood TS-590S radio. His partner, Judy (W1ORO), made arrangements for me to pick up the radio. Greg also had an antenna he could lend me, a stealth-designed end-fed half-wave antenna from MyAntennas.com. Participating in a POTA Event for Local High School Students I had the opportunity to participate in a POTA (Park on the Air) event for high school students. I witnessed the setup process, including the use of a unique variation of a pneumatic potato launcher to set up antennas. It was an incredibly educational experience for me. Setting Up the HF Radio and Antenna Thanks to Rod Milligan (KY4ROD), we managed to create a temporary setup for the HF antenna in my backyard. Making First HF Contacts After discovering that neither the internal speaker nor the external speaker jack of the Kenwood TS-590S were functioning, I found I could use the radio with headphones plugged into the 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel. I was thrilled to make my first HF contacts with Ed Brown (KA8YOR) in Ravenna, Ohio, and Mo Jeanson (N2PEP) in Saratoga, New York. I continued to find more contacts on 20 meters, communicating with people as far as 763 miles away. Improving the HF Setup I obtained additional items necessary for indoor radio operation from R&L Electronics. While discussing the possibility of acquiring an antenna tuner, Fred Neal (W0NKY) overheard me and generously offered to lend me one. Rod Milligan (KY4ROD) helped me evaluate the SWR on the antenna setup using an antenna analyzer. Several Evenings Spent Making Great Contacts Over the next three nights, I spent time in my studio from 9 pm to 1 am, making more HF contacts. I discovered the "wing nuts" community (https://wingnuts7230.com) and was excited to connect with them. I also made my first international contacts, which was a thrill. I made my first International QSO with Lauro Zanoli (IK4GRO) from S. CESARIO, Italy - 4,646.3 miles away. I made contact with Sil Moreno (I1WSM) from Cisano sul NEVA, Italy - 4,543.9 miles away. I also made contact with Per Dudek (DK7LJ) from Wolbloeken, Germany - 4268.5 miles away. Despite my less-than-ideal antenna setup, these international contacts were able to hear me clearly, and I was amazed to be communicating with people so far away. Balancing Ham Radio with Business and Personal Life For the past two months, I had been heavily focused on studying for my amateur radio licenses and immersing myself in the hobby. However, I needed to shift my attention back to my business, which led to a nine-day absence from radio communication. Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans I reflect on the valuable experiences and lessons learned during my radio journey so far, acknowledging the support and help from the amateur radio community. I express my continued interest in amateur radio and the long road ahead in this hobby. Call to Action If you are interested in building your own online business, I invite you to email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Building an Online Business Course." Share your dream for building an online business and any actions you've already taken. I may just grant you free access to my "Building an Online Business" course.  

In this episode, I share the story of my recent journey toward earning my General HAM Radio License and how my experience in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program motivated me to fully commit to passing the exam. You'll hear about my study techniques, my unexpected weekend adventure with a seasoned HAM operator, and how it all culminated in acing the exam. Introduction: Recap of last week’s episode where I mentioned I was hesitant but had signed up to take my General HAM Radio exam. I talk about how I was initially unsure if I wanted to pursue the General License because I already had privileges with my Technician license on the 10-meter band. Parks on the Air (POTA) Experience: On Saturday, September 14th, I had an unexpected and life-changing experience. While studying, I heard Tim Lawrence, W4TWL, call out on the radio. He was heading to a park for POTA. For those unfamiliar, POTA is a program where HAM radio operators set up their rigs in state or national parks to make contacts. It’s a fun way to explore radio communication in the great outdoors. My First Hands-On POTA Experience: When I arrived, I saw Tim’s full setup: an extendable mast, dipole antenna, battery, and his Icom 7000 radio. It was simple yet incredibly effective. Tim explained the basics of POTA and allowed me to use his call sign to make contacts while he supervised. I was nervous at first, but I quickly adapted. I made contacts with people in New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and other states, and the experience was exhilarating. This hands-on experience shifted my mindset from “I might pass the General exam” to “I have to pass this exam.” Study Techniques for the General Exam: I immediately ramped up my study efforts. Over the next few days, I dedicated every spare moment to memorizing the answers to the 484 questions in the General exam pool. My method? I used hundreds of colored index cards (green for questions I was confident about, yellow for those I was unsure of, and pink for those I didn’t know at all). I went through every question meticulously until I had them all memorized. Passing the General Exam: By Monday night, I had invested a total of 20+ hours studying, and I went into the exam with full confidence. I’m happy to share that I scored 35 out of 35 on my General exam—just like I did with my Technician exam a month earlier! I now have access to all HF bands, which opens up so many new opportunities for making contacts around the world. What’s Next: Many have asked if I’ll go for my Extra License next, but right now, I’m focused on mastering the concepts from both the Technician and General exams. My goal is to fully understand every question and concept from both exams before moving on to the Extra License. The Search for HF Gear: Now that I have my General License, I need HF gear. I’m currently considering a few different options: The Icom 7100, which is a great all-band radio, and I have an offer to buy one for $800. The Icom 7300, which has an amazing color waterfall display but is HF-only. Creating A Budget For This Hobby I share that I've decided to put my 1974 Classic Volkswagen Beetle up for sale to fund my new radio hobby.. Gratitude for the HAM Community: The generosity and support of the HAM radio community have been amazing. Special shoutouts to Tim Lawrence (W4TWL), Greg Lamb (W0QI), and Rod Milligan (KY4ROD) for their mentorship and guidance. I’ve also joined the Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club and ARRL, and I look forward to building even more connections within this incredible community. Affiliate Mention: If you’re studying for your Technician, General License, and/or Extra license, I highly recommend checking out Ham Radio Prep. Use my affiliate code "KQ4UUR" to get a discount on their course. Want to connect on HF? Feel free to email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com, and I’ll put you on my desired QSO list.  

In this episode, I share how this podcast has had the unexpected benefit of reconnecting others who had previously been active in amateur radio but had lost their passion for it over time. In fact, this episode was inspired by a heartfelt Voxer message I received from my friend Marc Jeffrey (2E0MCJ), who had been inactive in amateur radio for several years, but was inspired to dust off his equipment and get back on the air after listening to the first few episodes of this podcast. I then dive into my own journey, discussing my first international contacts made using digital voice modes like DMR and the Kansas Citywide network. I share the fascinating conversations I had with amateur radio operators from India, the island of Malta, China, and Ireland marveling at the ability to connect with people around the world through this technology. I also recount my experience attending my first hamfest in the Greater Louisville area. I compare the atmosphere to a "niche flea market" for amateur radio enthusiasts, and share my observations about the demographic of attendees, as well as the valuable relationships I built by connecting with members of my local amateur radio club. This led me to discuss my plans to join multiple amateur radio clubs in my area. Another focus of this episode is my preparation for upgrading to the General class license. I share my study process, confidence level, and motivations for getting the General ticket, even though I don't yet have the equipment to fully utilize the HF privileges. I also mention what I learned about the possibility of taking the exam remotely through the WM7X test team. Throughout the episode, I express my excitement about the potential of digital voice modes, my desire to learn more about D-Star, and my plans to potentially host my own international net. I also encourage listeners to consider obtaining their amateur radio licenses or upgrading to the next level. As a reminder, you can use the HamRadioPrep.com course with my coupon code KQ4UUR for a special discount. If you enjoy this podcast, you'll likely find great value in my main podcast, The Cliff Ravenscraft Show. Give it a listen at http://TheCliffRavenscraftShow.com.  

 In this episode of Cliff's Notes on amateur radio, I share the story of my immediate buyer's remorse after receiving my assigned call sign. It all began on August 21, 2024, the day I received my amateur radio license. I was so excited that I could hardly sleep, waking up at 4 AM to check my email. To my surprise, the FCC had already issued my license at 3:24 AM that morning! When I saw my assigned call sign, KQ4UUR, my heart sank. It just didn't resonate with me. Determined to find something more meaningful, I dove into researching how to apply for a vanity call sign. I hoped to secure something that reflected my initials, CJR, or referenced my business brand. After identifying available options, I submitted an application and paid the $35 fee. However, as I began using my call sign on the air, I discovered it wasn't as bad as I'd initially thought. People easily understood and remembered it. One person even remarked that it sounded like "thank you for who you are." I also realized that many amateur radio operators are content with their assigned call signs, and I started to appreciate the unique identity that KQ4UUR had given me. Ultimately, I withdrew my vanity call sign application. I realized that the benefits of changing my call sign didn't outweigh the hassle of updating all my amateur radio service accounts and apps, not to mention the relationships I'd already built using KQ4UUR. This experience taught me that sometimes an assigned call sign can grow on us, and that the most important thing is getting on the air and building connections with others. I'm now happy to continue using KQ4UUR and plan to keep it—at least until I potentially earn my Amateur Extra class license. I must admit, the idea of a coveted 4-digit call sign is quite appealing to me. Feedback Requested I'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Please feel free to leave a written review in your preferred podcast directory or send me an email at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com. 

Are you ready to get your Technician Amateur Radio License? In the United States, the Technician license exam consists of 35 questions drawn from a pool of 423. To pass, you need to score 74% or higher—that's 26 correct answers. In this podcast episode, I'll share the exact method and study course I used to score 100% on my Technician Amateur Radio Exam with less than 10 hours of total study time. Coupon Code (KQ4UUR) for HamRadioPrep.com. Please use coupon code KQ4UUR at checkout to get a 10% discount on your Ham Radio Prep Course. This also supports my amateur radio content creation, as I earn a commission when you use my code.  

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Deacon Bradley (N5JOV), a friend who has had his amateur radio license since 2020. Deacon shares his journey into amateur radio and why he chose the Yaesu FT-60 as his first radio. The conversation then shifts to the world of digital radio options such as Yaesu's Fusion, Icom's D-STAR, and the open DMR protocol.  Deacon also shares his personal experiences in Summits on the Air (SOTA). Additionally, we discussed the importance of amateur radio in emergency communications, with Deacon recounting his experiences during a severe ice storm in Texas. He highlights the role of local radio clubs and their connections to emergency management departments, showcasing the vital role hams can play in times of crisis. Deacon shared his preference for the ED-Fong J-pole antenna. (See link below)  Important Links: The Ed Fong J-Pole Antenna that Deacon mentioned Video Introduction To Digital Voice Modes from AB4WS

In this episode, I share my unique journey of how I finally got serious about getting my amateur radio technician license. I've always been interested in radio, from my childhood experiences with Mr. Microphone and CB radio, to having a two-meter radio as a teenager. But I never took the step to get licensed seriously. That all changed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. With my normal routines disrupted, I started to feel a sense of fear and anxiety about the situation. I heard about how cheap "Baofeng" handheld radios and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios could be used for emergency communications. I purchased a couple of Baofeng radios and got a GMRS license, only to be let down by the experience. The radios ended up tucked away in my tech closet, not seeing the light of day until just over a month ago. I initially believed GMRS had serious limitations for long-distance communication. However, about two months ago, I learned about GMRS repeaters and how to program them. Suddenly, I was bitten by the radio bug. I longed for access to all the amateur radio repeaters within range of my radios. This desire sparked my serious consideration of obtaining an amateur radio technician license. It wasn't until I began connecting with other GMRS users on local repeaters that I felt truly inspired to take the plunge and commit to studying for the exam. In the end, it was the GMRS experience - the ability to talk to people 40+ miles away, but also the limitations I encountered - that motivated me to get my ham license. With my technician ticket, I now have access to a whole new world of radio communication. I'm excited to share more about my radio journey in this and future episodes. I’d love to hear from you. Email me your comments and questions at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com Learn more about me at CliffRavenscraft.com

Hi! My name is Cliff Ravenscraft and in this introductory episode, I share my background and journey that has led me to amateur radio. Some key points: - I've had a lifelong fascination with radio and communication technology, starting from a young age with toys like Mr. Microphone and CB radios. - As a teenager, I briefly explored getting an amateur radio license but didn't follow through at the time. My interests shifted to other forms of communication like BBSs, the early internet, blogging, and eventually podcasting. - At age 51, I finally decided to pursue my amateur radio license and get back into that world of radio communication. - My call sign is KQ4UUR and chances are that you might find me popping up on repeaters all over the world. - In the next episode, I'll share more about what sparked my renewed interest in amateur radio and how I'm approaching getting involved in this hobby. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. I look forward to sharing more of my amateur radio journey with you!