Ham Radio 2.0

Hosted by Jason Johnston - KC5HWB

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Episodes

1000

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Join Jason, KC5HWB, as he focuses on 'What is New in Amateur Radio?' during this video podcast series titled Ham Radio 2.0. Talk about new radios, new transmission modes, License classes, Technical talks and trips around the world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 202611 min

E1780: Switching to Linux Mint 22.3 – Here's What I Found

Get a first look at Linux Mint 22.3. See the updated desktop environment and core apps to decide if this OS fits your needs. This walkthrough covers the Linux Mint 22.3 interface and its primary features. If you are considering a switch to a new Linux operating system, this overview highlights how the desktop environment behaves during daily tasks and displays the default application set included with the latest release. This video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - get 20% with code JASON20 here - https://geni.us/830iXi5 Toughbook I use: https://amzn.to/3SuKCzN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

August 10, 20261 hr 25 min

E1779: Is Calling CQ Only Used on HF? Why? Let's Discuss...

Part of my "Hot Topics" show, I am inviting multiple folks onto the channel tonight to talk about this topic that came up during the last episode in this series. Can we call CQ on VHF/UHF? What is your reason for saying yes or no? Join the chat tonight for a good discussion. Find the Hot Topics Show here - https://www.youtube.com/show/VLPLeTNcamnf_T4?sbp=Kgs1RFVBZXhyX3J2OEAB&sttick=0 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

August 7, 20269 min

E1778: Meshcore 1.16.0 - New Flood Traffic Controls for Repeater Operators

Meshcore 1.16.0 has been released and it has some exciting new updates. Let's talk about them! Today's video is sponsored by SpecFive - find some excellent devices for Meshcore here - https://specfive.com?sca_ref=7246271.KyGRZJaXNbi7N5P Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

August 4, 202610 min

E1777: Meshcore Feud Updates - Help Save Meshcore!

MeshCore is facing serious trademark issues that could fracture the community. Learn the timeline of these legal challenges here. This breakdown covers the current situation surrounding the MeshCore project and why the trademark dispute puts the future of the ecosystem at risk. If you follow open source development or are invested in this community, this update clarifies the timeline of events and the attempts made to resolve the legal conflict so far. Blog post: https://blog.meshcore.io/2026/07/04/help-us-save-meshcore Donation links: Crowd Funding Campaign: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-save-meshcore GitHub Sponsors: https://github.com/sponsors/meshcore-dev/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

August 3, 202610 min

E1776: Best Budget Meshtastic Nodes for Off-Grid Operations

Find the best meshtastic devices for 2026. Compare NRF52 hardware, solar power options, and LoRa modules for your off-grid network. Building a reliable off-grid communication network requires the right hardware. This guide breaks down current meshtastic devices that prioritize low-power consumption and field durability. Whether you are setting up a stationary base or a mobile rig, knowing which board fits your power budget is essential for long-term deployment. Find links to all items from this video here: https://www.livefromthehamshack.tv/blog/top-8-hottest-new-meshtastic-nodes-in-2026-full-comparison/ Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% with code JASON20 at this link: https://geni.us/830iXi5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

July 30, 20261 hr 26 min

E1775: Using Graphene OS as a Privacy and Off-Grid Comms Device

Tonight I invite Jason, KM4ACK, onto the channel to talk about how to use Graphene OS, what apps are available, and how it relates to Ham Radio @KM4ACK Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

July 29, 20266 min

E1774: Galveston Meshtastic Node Deployment Update

Galveston Meshtastic Solar Node Update – 4 Months Later! SpecFive relay battery failed. Swapped it for the compact Seeed Studio P1 solar node in Galveston, TX. War driving showed strong Meshtastic activity but almost zero Meshcore nodes. Fixed rust issues and secured everything with painted brackets + zip ties. Monitoring through summer with antenna upgrades planned. How many Meshtastic nodes are you seeing locally? Drop it in the comments! 👇 #Meshtastic #SolarNode #SeeedStudioP1 SpecFive #HamRadio #Galveston #Meshcore Blog Post with links: https://www.livefromthehamshack.tv/blog/galveston-meshtastic-node-deployment-update/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

July 28, 202610 min

E1773: DFW Ham Expo 2026 | New Gear, Old Mall, Amazing Finds

Get a first look at the DFW Ham Expo 2026. See what the crowd and venue look like right before the doors open on Saturday morning. This video captures the scene at the DFW Ham Expo, held inside a repurposed department store at an old mall. If you are curious about the atmosphere of a major amateur radio convention, this gives you an early view of the setup on the weekend before Father's Day. We walk through the space just before the public is allowed inside, offering a glimpse at the scale and location. #hamradio #hamfest #dfwhamexpo Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

July 27, 202611 min

E1772: 7 Best GMRS Handheld Radios for 2026

Finding the best GMRS radios for 2026 starts here. I have narrowed down the top seven handheld radios to help you choose the right gear for your needs. This guide covers the most popular GMRS HT models currently available, making it perfect for anyone starting their journey into personal radio communication. Whether you are looking for reliable handheld radios for off-roading, hiking, or emergency preparedness, this list highlights the most capable hardware on the market. We evaluate these units based on performance, usability, and features to ensure you get the right GMRS equipment for your specific use case. Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax - save 10% off of their products with code HR2CABLES at this link - https://geni.us/hr2cables Find links to all products in this video here - https://www.livefromthehamshack.tv/blog/170-2/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .

July 21, 202612 min

E1771: Is Your Phone Tracking You I'm Installing Graphene OS

Discover GrapheneOS, the privacy-first, security-hardened mobile operating system built for maximum protection. In this video, we break down exactly what GrapheneOS is, how it differs from stock Android and Google Pixel OS, its key features like verified boot, hardened memory allocator, and no Google services by default, plus who should switch to it. Perfect for anyone wanting to de-Google their phone, enhance privacy, or run a truly secure device in 2026. Whether you're a Pixel 9 owner or just exploring custom ROMs, this guide covers installation basics, pros & cons, and real-world use. If you're serious about digital privacy and security, GrapheneOS is one of the best options available today. Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - use code JASON20 to received 20% off of all of their courses here - https://geni.us/830iXi5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support .