Ham Radio All Portable Discussion Zone

Hosted by Charlie NJ7V

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137

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the All Portable Discussion Zone. Our show is the audio version of the popular YouTube podcast found on the Red Summit RF channel, where we welcome special guests and engage in roundtable discussions on a wide range of topics including designing, building, modifying, and improving ham radio equipment. Don't forget to check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf

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60 recent

August 16, 2026Episode 281 hr 3 min

50 Years Licensed and Still Building — Gary W0MNA & Martha W0ERI

Gary W0MNA and Martha W0ERI have been licensed for over 50 years each and are still building, activating, and teaching others to do the same. Based in Leavenworth, Kansas, they are regulars at Four Days in May and Ozark Con, where they mentor the Friday evening build session and beta test new kit designs for the Four State QRP Group.In this episode we talk about how they each got into ham radio, their decades of kit building and homebrew projects, their SOTA activations as a team, and the very active club they run in Leavenworth where monthly build sessions, outdoor operating events, and ARES work keep a growing membership engaged year round.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #kitbuilding #ARES #FourDaysinMay #OzarkCon #elmering #hamradioclub

August 9, 2026Episode 2758 min

Homebrew Transceivers Designed for the Trail — Paul VK3HN

Paul VK3HN has been building homebrew radio gear since the late 1970s and activating SOTA summits in the Australian bush since around 2015 — and he'll tell you the two pursuits feed off each other perfectly. His Summit Prowler series of homebrew superhet transceivers were designed specifically for backpacking and activating, with every design decision driven by the constraints of the trail.In this episode Paul walks through his journey from a scratch built 2 meter FM receiver as a teenager to a series of increasingly refined portable CW and SSB transceivers, shares how his 20 year career as a software engineer made the jump to Arduino and Si5351 easier than most, and talks about choosing to stay a builder rather than become a full time YouTuber.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Paul's Blog: https://vk3hn.wordpress.com/Paul's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulTaylorVK3HNPaul's GitHub Site: https://github.com/prt459**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #SOTA #PortableOps #superhet #Si5351 #Arduino #VK3HN #SummitProwler #CW #SSB

July 26, 2026Episode 261 hr 8 min

Homebrew ATU Roundtable: L-Match, T-Match & Antenna Projects

In this Homebrew Workbench Roundtable, Adam K6ARK, Tobias KK7BCO, and I dig into QRP antenna tuners and workbench projects. We cover L-match and T-match concepts, Adam's K6ARK QRP Antenna Matching Unit, and the G0FUW HB-ATU based on the classic Heathkit HFT-9 circuit. Tobias built two scratch versions plus a kit. I just got my parts together.On the antenna side, Tobias is working on a trapped vertical for 15, 17, and 20 meters, I added 60 meter legs to my linked dipole, and Adam built an aftermarket battery bank for the Yaesu FT-3DR and some tiny QRP bandpass filters.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCTobias's Blog: https://kk7bco.com/K6ARK website: https://k6ark.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #antennatuner #ATU #Tmatch #Zmatch #GQRP #linkeddipole #portableops #K6ARK

July 5, 2026Episode 2556 min

Our Field Day Debrief — What Worked, What Didn't

In this roundtable episode, Dan KC7MSU, Brian W7JET, and I debrief on Field Day, touch on the 13 Colonies special event, and I share highlights from a three day SOTA excursion with my wife W7NRS just before Field Day.Superstition Amateur Radio Club: https://superstitionarc.org/Morsle CW Practice: https://morsle.fun/Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf

June 28, 2026Episode 2459 min

He Climbed the Highest Peak on Every Continent — Saurabh N6RUN

Saurabh Bhasin N6RUN has climbed the highest peak on every continent, finished five Ironmans, runs mountain ultras, and is active in SOTA.In this episode we talk about how mountaineering and ham radio collided for Saurabh, his Everest summit on May 14, 2025, and his six month attempt to get a Nepalese amateur radio license that never panned out. If you are into SOTA, endurance sports, or both at the highest level, this one is for you.Saurabh's Instagram: @mtn_runrJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #mountaineering #Everest #SevenSummits #Ironman #ultrarunning #N6RUN #2M #2meters #fm

June 21, 2026Episode 231 hr 11 min

Homebrew Roundtable: Freq Counters, PA Power & AI Agents

In this Homebrew Workbench Roundtable, Tobias KK7BCO and I are joined by Mitch NK3H, filling in for Adam K6ARK, to talk through what is on our benches right now.We cover frequency counter builds and wiring lessons learned, a direct conversion receiver that's now pulling in W1AW, Mitch's SuperHET power amplifier improvements, and a look at using local AI agents for ham radio related tasks. We close out by announcing our next group build, the GQRP Club's Limerick Sudden ATU kit.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #frequencycounter #SuperHET #KiCad #PCBdesign #SOTA #FT8 #directconversion #GQRP

June 14, 2026Episode 221 hr 10 min

Homebrew Radio from 1950s Crystals to Satellite - Stuart M0SGV

Stuart M0SGV started soldering at age 8 in the 1950s, building crystal sets with a copper tip heated over a gas cooker. Nearly 70 years later he is still at the bench, building tube transmitters from 1949 magazine circuits, Hans Summers QMX and QDX rigs, a Michigan Mighty Mite, and a high voltage power supply built from scratch to power all of it.In this episode Stuart walks us through a dozen homebrew projects, shares his philosophy on project selection, and offers hard won advice on soldering and why leaded solder is non-negotiable. We also talk about his connections to the Michigan QRP Club and G QRP Club, and his next big project: a QO-100 geostationary satellite transceiver.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #tuberadio #vacuumtube #vintageradio #QCX #QMX #HansSummers #QO100 #satellite #GQRP #MichiganQRP #FourDaysinMay #soldering #FDIM

June 7, 2026Episode 211 hr 7 min

He Designs Free QRP Rigs Anyone Can Build — Barb WB2CBA Interview

Barb WB2CBA is a civil engineer by trade and an open source QRP designer by passion. Every circuit he's created has gone straight to GitHub with no paywalls and no kits he controls exclusively, and builders around the world have taken notice. In this episode Barb walks us through his major designs from the uSDX collaboration to the Pebble HF, talks about his experience at Four Days in May, and shares what it feels like to see strangers around the world building circuits he designed and released for free.If you're into QRP, digital modes, or homebrew radio, this one is worth your time.GitHub: github.com/WB2CBAPebble HF: pebblehf.comJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #HFtransceiver #opensource #FT8 #digitalmodes #ADX #PebbleHF #Si5351 #QRPp #WSPR #FourDaysinMay #FDIM

May 31, 2026Episode 201 hr 1 min

Chasing His 6th Mountain Goat — Derek W7DLZ on SOTA & QRP

Derek W7DLZ has earned the SOTA Mountain Goat award five times over and he's closing in on a sixth. Since his first activation in September 2021, Derek has operated from hundreds of summits across six associations and twenty-two regions at a pace that's hard to believe, and he shows no signs of slowing down.In this episode we cover his preferred radio, antenna choices, and operating philosophy.If you're into SOTA, QRP field ops, or just want to hear what genuine passion for a hobby sounds like, this one's for you.https://www.qrz.com/db/W7DLZJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU#apdz #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #QRP # CW #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #ManhattanStyle #BITX #SolderSmoke #HFtransceiver #QRPSSB #directconversion #analogradio #morsecode

May 17, 2026Episode 191 hr 16 min

Rick N3FJZ: Scratchbuilt HF Transceivers & Homebrew Radio Philosophy

In this episode, I sit down with Rick N3FJZ — a prolific homebrew builder known in the SolderSmoke community for his meticulous construction, clean schematics, and commitment to all-discrete analog design. We trace his journey from his first scratch build projects to his current tranciever with a custom front panel digital display.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Rick's website: http://www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Show notes Listed on Rick's Website: http://www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Show_Notes/Show_Notes.html#apdz #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #ManhattanStyle #BITX #SolderSmoke #HFtransceiver #QRPSSB #directconversion #analogradio