HamShackTV

2026 has already been a huge year for amateur radio, and tonight we're looking back at everything that's happened so far. We'll discuss the biggest stories, hottest trends, and the gear that's getting everyone talking. 📡 Tonight's Topics: • New Technician Question Pool • Current Solar Conditions • Summer Ham Radio Events • SDR Revolution • Portable Operating • Remote Stations • Digital Modes • Artificial Intelligence in Amateur Radio Then it's time for our Hot Takes! 🔥 Most overrated radio? 🔥 Most underrated accessory? 🔥 Best purchase under $100? 🔥 Biggest disappointment? 🔥 What's getting way too much hype? Finally, we'll open the floor for your live questions and comments. Join the conversation live and tell us: What's been the biggest story in amateur radio during the first half of 2026?

Ever wondered what QSL, QSY, QTH, or QRZ actually mean? Q Codes have been a part of radio communications for over a century and are still used every day by amateur radio operators around the world. While they were originally developed for Morse code, many Q Codes have become part of everyday voice communications as well. In this episode of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX breaks down the most common Q Codes you'll hear on the air, what they mean, when to use them, and which ones you'll encounter most often as a new ham. In this episode: What are Q Codes? Why they were created Q Codes on voice vs. CW The most common Q Codes every ham should know QSL, QSY, QTH, QRZ, QRM, QRN, QRP, QRO, and more Tips for remembering Q Codes Whether you're studying for your license or you've been on the air for years, understanding Q Codes will make you a more confident operator. 👍 If you're enjoying this series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss a new episode. Live. Learn. Transmit. 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Your ham radio won't get very far without the right power source. In Episode 14 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains how to safely power your amateur radio station. Learn the difference between AC and DC power, switching and linear power supplies, LiFePO₄ batteries, Anderson Powerpole connectors, fuses, and how to choose the right power supply for your radio. Whether you're building your first home station or planning a portable setup for POTA or Field Day, this episode will help you make smart power decisions. In this episode: AC vs. DC power Why most radios use 13.8V DC Switching vs. linear power supplies How many amps do you need? LiFePO₄ batteries AGM batteries Anderson Powerpole connectors Fuses and circuit protection Portable power tips Common beginner mistakes 👍 Like, Subscribe, and join the HamShackTV community for more beginner-friendly amateur radio content. Live. Learn. Transmit. 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Your radio and antenna are only as good as the cable connecting them. In Episode 13 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains coaxial cable, feed lines, and the most common connectors used in amateur radio. Learn the differences between RG-58, RG-8X, and LMR-400, when cable length matters, how to protect outdoor connections, and why choosing the right connector can improve the reliability of your station. Whether you're setting up your first handheld, mobile radio, or HF base station, understanding coax is a fundamental part of building an effective ham radio station. In this episode: What coaxial cable does RG-58 vs. RG-8X vs. LMR-400 Does coax length matter? Understanding signal loss PL-259 connectors BNC connectors SMA connectors N connectors Adapters Weatherproofing outdoor coax Common beginner mistakes 👍 If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with another new ham. Live. Learn. Transmit. Thumbnail Guidance Main Text YOUR COAX MATTERS! Secondary Text PL-259 • SMA • BNC • N Visual Layout You holding three different pieces of coax with a surprised expression. Large labeled connector callouts surrounding you: PL-259 SMA BNC N A bright arrow showing Radio → Coax → Antenna. Blue and purple neon glow consistent with the HamShackTV branding. KYour radio and antenna are only as good as the cable connecting them. In Episode 13 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains coaxial cable, feed lines, and the most common connectors used in amateur radio. Learn the differences between RG-58, RG-8X, and LMR-400, when cable length matters, how to protect outdoor connections, and why choosing the right connector can improve the reliability of your station. Whether you're setting up your first handheld, mobile radio, or HF base station, understanding coax is a fundamental part of building an effective ham radio station. In this episode: What coaxial cable does RG-58 vs. RG-8X vs. LMR-400 Does coax length matter? Understanding signal loss PL-259 connectors BNC connectors SMA connectors N connectors Adapters Weatherproofing outdoor coax Common beginner mistakes 👍 If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with another new ham. Live. Learn. Transmit. 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

What's more important—a better radio or a better antenna? If you've spent any time around amateur radio operators, you've probably heard the saying, "The antenna is more important than the radio." But is that really true? In Episode 10 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX breaks down the basics of ham radio antennas in plain English. You'll learn what antennas actually do, why height matters, the difference between vertical and horizontal antennas, omnidirectional versus directional antennas, and the most common antenna types you'll encounter as a new ham. Whether you're operating with a handheld, mobile rig, or your first HF station, understanding antennas is one of the biggest steps toward becoming a better operator. In this episode: What an antenna actually does Why antennas matter more than power Height is might Vertical vs. horizontal antennas Omnidirectional vs. directional antennas Rubber duck antennas Mobile antennas J-Poles Dipoles End-fed antennas Vertical HF antennas Yagis Indoor vs. outdoor antennas Common beginner mistakes If you're enjoying this Ham Radio for Beginners series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. Live. Learn. Transmit. 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.